BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a packaging and display arrangement for an article, and more particular, to a packaging and display arrangement for a glass window, such as multi-pane insulating glass window units, in which a portion of the packaging is convertible to a viewing stand to enable one to evaluate the window prior to installation.
Background of the Invention
Glass window sample products, such as dual-pane insulating glass units, multi-pane insulating glass units, monolithic windows, and other types of window units, are often shipped to builders and/or architects for the purposes of evaluation. These products typically include various coating stacks to control certain characteristics of the window, such as reflectance, transmission, color, and the like. The sample products are best viewed at a 90-degree angle, positioned approximately 8-12″ from a dark and light, such as a black and white surface to assess both transmitted and reflected color of the coated sample. However, the sample products are not suitable to stand vertically on their own and an appropriate backdrop for evaluation is not always available.
There is a need in the art for a cost-effective solution, using standard packaging materials that effectively protect a sample product during storage and shipping thereof, but which can be used to create a stand for holding the sample product in an upright position and can be used as a backdrop for the sample product so that the sample product can be effectively and efficiently evaluated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One way to achieve this goal is through the use of packing materials or packing pads currently included within a box that are used to cushion the sample article during shipment thereof A portion of the packing materials or packing pads perform the dual purpose of cushioning the sample article during storage and shipment and for holding the sample article during evaluation thereof. In particular, at least one of the packing pads is capable of being manipulated to form a viewing stand and at least one of the packing pads is designed to form a backdrop for evaluating the transmitted and reflected color of the sample.
The sample viewing stand and viewing system of the present invention was devised to use existing sample box packaging, customized in an innovative way to create both a stand for the glass unit, as well as a viewing apparatus, making product evaluation easier and more efficient. The stand and system are cost-effective enough that they can be readily included with every sample order.
In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a combination package and display device for an article, such as a dual-pane insulated glass unit or other types of glass articles. The combination package and display device comprises a package configured to enclose the article and one or more planar packing pads located within the package to provide protection for the article. The one or more planar packing pads comprise a first pad that is capable of being transitioned from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape configured to hold and display the article in an upright position. The first pad is configured to be separated along a vertically disposed centerline to form two pieces. Each of the two pieces are configured to be transitioned to the three-dimensional shape to form a pair of display stands for holding and displaying the article. According to one embodiment, the vertically disposed centerline includes a plurality of perforations to facilitate the separation of the first pad into the two pieces. Each of the two pieces includes one or more score lines to facilitate folding thereof to transition from the planar two-dimensional shape to the three-dimensional shape. According to one embodiment, each of the two pieces can include three horizontally disposed score lines to enable the folding of each piece into the three-dimensional shape. According to one design, this three-dimensional shape can be a triangle.
A horizontally disposed aperture can be provided in each of the two pieces. This horizontally disposed aperture can be configured to receive a top portion of each respective piece to hold the piece in the three-dimensional shape. According to one embodiment, the top portion of each of the two pieces can comprise a trapezoidal shape to facilitate insertion and the horizontally disposed aperture comprises a C-shaped member configured for receiving the top portion to form the display stand. It can be appreciated that the top portion of each of the two pieces can comprise other shapes, such as a shape having a reduced width or a modified edge portion and the horizontally disposed aperture can comprise other shapes which would facilitate insertion and holding of the top portion of the pieces in the aperture.
A longitudinally disposed aperture can be provided in each of the two pieces. After folding of the pieces to transition them into the three-dimensional shape, the longitudinally disposed aperture forms a holding aperture configured to hold the article in the upright position. The two pieces can be designed to be substantially identical and after folding, the two stands, which can be substantially identical, can be positioned in an aligned position with respect to each other with a space therebetween such that the apertures are aligned. This arrangement will enable the placement of the article in the apertures such that the article is held in an upright position.
According to one embodiment, the one or more planar packing pads can comprise a second pad. The second pad can have a face having a dark surface portion, such as a black surface portion, and a light surface portion, such as a white surface portion, positioned adjacent to the dark surface portion. The second pad is configured for placement behind the article during the display thereof with the face viewable through the article. This second pad will assist with the evaluation of the transmitted and reflected glass color of the article.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method for converting a shipping package to an article display device comprises providing a package for holding an article, providing a plurality of planar packing pads for insertion into the package for cushioning and to prevent damage to the article during the shipment thereof, wherein one of the plurality of planar packing pads comprises a first pad, providing the first pad with a line of demarcation along a vertically disposed centerline which enables separation of the first pad into a pair of pieces, providing each of the pair of pieces with a longitudinally disposed aperture extending parallel to a vertical edge of the first pad, a horizontally disposed aperture extending perpendicular to the longitudinally disposed aperture, and a plurality of score lines, removing the first pad from the package, separating the first pad into the two pieces, folding each of the two pieces along the plurality of score lines to transition each of the two pieces from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape, and tucking a top portion of each of the two pieces into their respective horizontally disposed aperture to secure the two pieces in the three-dimensional shape, forming a pair of displays, wherein the longitudinally disposed aperture forms a holding aperture for holding and displaying the article.
According to one embodiment, the plurality of score lines comprises three horizontally disposed score lines and the method comprises the folding of each of the two pieces along the three score lines to form a triangular member. The method further includes placing the pair of stands in an opposing relationship with respect to each other and positioning the article in the holding apertures of the display stands to display the article in an upright position. According to one embodiment, when placing the stands in an opposing relationship, the apertures are generally aligned, and a space is formed between the display stands depending upon the width of the article to be displayed such that the stands are located at opposite ends of the article.
According to one embodiment, the article can comprise a dual-pane insulated glass, however, other types of glass articles can be used, and one of the plurality of planar pads can comprise a second pad. The method further comprises providing a face of the second pad with a dark surface portion, such as a black surface portion, and a light surface portion, such as a white surface portion, located adjacent to the dark surface portion, removing the second pad from the package and positioning the face of the second pad behind the dual-pane insulated glass unit during the display thereof to assist with the evaluation of the transmitted and reflected glass color of the insulated glass unit.
In accordance with another embodiment, a system for packaging and displaying an article comprises a package configured for containing the article, a plurality of planar packing pads configured for insertion into the package for cushioning and to prevent damage to the article during shipment thereof, a first pad configured for insertion into the package, the first pad comprising two pieces separable from one another, wherein each of the pieces is capable of being transitioned from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape configured to hold and display the article in an upright position. According to one embodiment, the article can be a dual-pane insulated glass unit. It can be appreciated that the other types of articles can be shipped and displayed by the present invention.
According to one embodiment, each of the two pieces include a longitudinally disposed aperture extending parallel to a vertical edge of the first pad, a horizontally disposed aperture extending perpendicular to the longitudinally disposed aperture, and a plurality of score lines, wherein the two pieces are configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines to form a pair of display stands having a holding aperture, the holding aperture being configured for holding and displaying the article. The longitudinally disposed aperture can extend partially down a length of each of the two pieces and the horizontally disposed aperture is separate from the longitudinally disposed aperture and is configured to receive a top portion of the respective piece therein to hold each of the two pieces in the three-dimensional shape. According to one embodiment, the three-dimensional shape can be a triangle. The top portion of each of the two pieces can comprise a trapezoidal shape and the horizontally disposed aperture can comprise a C-shaped member configured for receiving the top portion to form a pair of display stands. It can be appreciated that the top portion of each of the two pieces and/or the horizontally disposed apertures can have other shapes or designs, which facilitate the insertion and the holding of the top portions in the apertures so that the pieces hold their three-dimensional shape.
According to one embodiment, the system can further comprise a second pad configured for insertion into the package, the second pad having a face with a dark surface portion and a light surface portion positioned adjacent to the dark surface portion, wherein the face is configured for placement behind the article, such as the dual-pane insulating glass unit, during the display thereof to assist with the evaluation of the transmitted and reflected glass color.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout. Unless indicated to the contrary, the drawing figures are not to scale.
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a combination package and display device for an article, such as a glass article, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a packing pad for insertion within the combination package and display device of FIG. 1, which can be transitioned from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape for holding and displaying the article contained within the package of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the packing pad/display pad of FIG. 2 being separated into two members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 4A-4F show the sequential steps for manipulation of one of the two members of FIG. 3 to form the three-dimensional display stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a pair of the display stands of FIG. 4 holding the article in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the article including a dark/light packing pad positioned behind the article for assessment of the article, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Spatial or directional terms used herein, such as “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. It is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.
The discussion of the invention herein may describe certain features as being “particularly” or “preferably” within certain limitations (e.g., “preferably”, “more preferably”, or “even more preferably”, within certain limitations). It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations but encompasses the entire scope of the disclosure.
The invention comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of, the following aspects of the invention, in any combination. Various aspects of the invention are illustrated in separate drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that this is simply for ease of illustration and discussion. In the practice of the invention, one or more aspects of the invention shown in one drawing figure can be combined with one or more aspects of the invention shown in one or more of the other drawing figures.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows an open-top view of a combination package and display device, generally indicated as 10, for an article 12, for sending sample articles to a customer. These sample articles can be shipped to builders, architects, or other buyers for the purpose of evaluating the product prior to ordering a full shipment. The sample article 12 can be dual-pane insulating glass units, multi-pane insulating glass units, monolithic windows, and other types of window units that are commonly shipped out for evaluation.
The combination package and display device 10 comprises a package 14, having a front wall 16, a back wall (not shown), a pair of side walls 18, and a top having closing flaps 20, that are capable of being opened to remove the article 12, and a bottom (not shown). The package 14 is configured to enclose the article 12 therein. To provide cushioning to the article 12 and to prevent the damage thereof during shipping, one or more planar packing pads 22 are provided within the package 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the one or more planar packing pads 22 comprises a first pad, generally indicated as 30, that is capable of being transitioned from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape configured to hold and display the article 12 in an upright position. The first pad 30 has a front face 31 and a back face 32 and is configured to be separated along a vertically disposed centerline 33 to form two pieces 34a, 34b. It can be appreciated that instead of a single first pad 30 that can be separated into two pieces 34a, 34b, two separate pieces 34a, 34b can be provided in the package 14, thus eliminating the step of separating the first pad 30 into the two pieces 34a, 34b. Each of the two pieces 34a, 34b is configured to be transitioned to the three-dimensional shape to form a pair of display stands 36a, 36b, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for holding and displaying the article 12. According to one embodiment, the vertically disposed centerline 33 includes a plurality of perforations to facilitate separation of the first pad 30 into the two pieces 34a, 34b. Each of the two pieces 34a, 34b includes one or more score lines 38 to facilitate folding thereof to transition each piece 34a, 34b from the planar two-dimensional shape to the three-dimensional shape. According to one embodiment, each of the two pieces 34a, 34b can include three horizontally disposed score lines, i.e., a first score line 38a, a second score line 38b, and a third score line 38c, to enable the folding of each piece 34a, 34b into the three-dimensional shape. According to one design, this three-dimensional shape can be a triangle.
With continued reference to FIGS. 2-3 and with further reference to FIGS. 4A-4F, a horizontally disposed aperture 42 can be provided in each of the two pieces 34a, 34b. This horizontally disposed aperture 42 can be configured to receive a top portion 46 of each respective piece 34a, 34b to hold the piece in the three-dimensional shape. According to one embodiment, the top portion 46 of each of the two pieces 34a, 34b can have a trapezoidal shape extending from a top edge 35 to a first score line 38a. This trapezoidal shape facilitates insertion into the horizontally disposed aperture 42. The horizontally disposed aperture 42 can comprise a C-shaped member having legs 44 which form flap 45 configured for receiving the top portion 46 to form the display stand 36a, 36b. It can be appreciated that the top portion 46 of each of the two pieces can comprise other shapes, such as wherein the top portion 46 has a reduced width with respect to the remaining width of the two members 34a, 34b or wherein the top portion 46 has modified edge or top corner portions. It can also be appreciated that the horizontally disposed aperture 42 can comprise other shapes which facilitate the insertion and holding of the top portion 46 of the pieces 34a, 34b in the aperture 42.
A longitudinally disposed aperture 52 can be provided in each of the two pieces 34a, 34b. The first score line 38a can extend above and form a boundary of a top portion of the longitudinally disposed aperture 52. The second score line 38b can intersect partway through the longitudinally disposed aperture 52. The third score line 38c can be positioned essentially halfway along the length of the two pieces 34a, 34b. Folding of the pieces 34a, 34b along the score lines 38a, 38b, 38c, according to the steps shown in FIGS. 4B-4F, results in forming the display stands 36a, 36b, with the aperture 52 forming a holding aperture 54 configured to hold the article 12 in the upright position. The two pieces 34a, 34b can be substantially identical and after folding, the display stands 36a, 36b are substantially identical. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the two display stands 36a, 36b can be positioned in an aligned position with respect to each other with a space therebetween such that the holding apertures 54 are aligned. This arrangement will enable the placement of the article 12 in the holding apertures 54 such that the article 12 is held in the upright position.
With reference to FIG. 6, the one or more planar packing pads 22 can comprise a second pad, generally indicated as 60. The second pad 60 can have a face 62 having a dark surface portion 64, such as a black surface portion, and a light surface portion 66, such as a white surface portion, positioned adjacent to or spaced from the dark surface portion 64. The second pad 60 and face 62 are configured for placement behind the article 12 during the display thereof to assist with the evaluation of the transmitted and reflected glass color.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4A-4F, a method for converting a shipping package to an article display device comprises providing a package 14 for holding an article 12, providing a plurality of planar packing pads 22 for insertion into the package 14 for cushioning and to prevent damage to the article 12 during the shipment thereof. One of the plurality of planar packing pads 18 comprises a first pad 30, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The method further comprises providing the first pad 30 with a line of demarcation along a vertically disposed centerline 33 which enables separation of the first pad 30 into a pair of pieces 34a, 34b. It can be appreciated that instead of providing a first pad 30 that can be separated into the pair of pieces 34a, 34b, the separate pieces 34a, 34b can be placed in the package 14. The method further comprises providing each of the pair of pieces 34a, 34b with a longitudinally disposed aperture 52 extending parallel to a vertical edge 53 of the first pad 30, a horizontally disposed aperture 42 extending perpendicular to the longitudinally disposed aperture 52, and a plurality of score lines 38. The method further comprises removing the first pad 30 from the package 14, separating the first pad 30 into the two pieces 34a, 34b, as shown in FIG. 3, folding each of the two pieces 34a, 34b along the plurality of score lines 38, according to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 4B-4E, to transition each of the two pieces 34a, 34b from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape, and tucking a top portion 46 of each of the two pieces 34a, 34b into their respective horizontally disposed aperture 42 to secure the two pieces in the three-dimensional shape, forming a pair of display stands 36a, 36b, as shown in FIG. 4F, wherein the longitudinally disposed aperture 52 forms a holding aperture 54 that is configured for holding and displaying the article 12.
The plurality of score lines 38 can include three horizontally disposed score lines 38a, 38b, 38c, and the folding of each of the two pieces 34a, 34b along the three score lines 38a, 38b, 38c results in the display stands 36a, 36b having a triangular shape. With reference to FIG. 5, the method further includes placing the pair of stands 36a, 36b in an opposing relationship with respect to each other and positioning the article 12 in the holding apertures 54 of the display stands 36a, 36b to display the article 12 in an upright position. According to one embodiment, when placing the stands 36a, 36b in an opposing relationship, the apertures 54 are generally aligned and a space can be formed between the display stands 36a, 36b depending upon the width of the article 12 to be displayed such that the stands are located at opposite ends of the article 12.
According to one embodiment, the article 12 can comprise a dual-pane insulated glass; however, other types of glass articles can be used. With reference to FIG. 6, one of the plurality of planar pads 18 can comprise a second pad 60. The method further comprises providing a face 62 of the second pad 60 with a dark surface portion 64, such as a black surface portion, and a light surface portion 66, such as a white surface portion, located adjacent to or spaced from the dark surface portion 64. The second pad 60 can be removed from the package 12 and the face 62 of the second pad 60 can be positioned behind the dual-pane insulated glass unit during the display thereof such that one can view the face 62 of the second page 60 through the article 12. This colored second pad 60 assists with the evaluation of the transmitted and reflected glass color through the insulated glass unit.
An overall system 10 for packaging and displaying an article 12 can be provided. As discussed above, this overall system provides a cost-effective shipping and display system that enables the shipment of samples to potential customers for review of the article. This system comprises a package 14 configured for containing the article, such as a dual-pane insulating glass unit, a plurality of planar packing pads 22 configured for insertion into the package for cushioning and to prevent damage to the article during the shipment thereof. One of the planar packing pads 22 includes a first pad 30 configured for the insertion into the package. This first pad 30 comprises two pieces 34a, 34b, as discussed above and shown in FIG. 2, that are separable from one another, wherein each of the pieces is capable of being folded along a plurality of score lines 38 to transition the two pieces 34a, 34b from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape for form a pair of triangularly shaped holding stands 36a, 36b configured to hold and display the article 12 in an upright position for evaluation thereof. As stated above, the article 12 can be a dual-pane insulated glass unit, however, other known types of articles can be shipped and displayed by the present invention.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, each of the two pieces 34a, 34b includes a longitudinally disposed aperture 52 extending parallel to a vertical edge 53 of the first pad 30 and a horizontally disposed aperture 42 extending perpendicular to the longitudinally disposed aperture 52. With reference FIGS. 4A-4F, each of the two pieces is configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines 38 to form the pair of display stands 36a, 36b having a holding aperture 54 that is configured for holding and displaying the article 12. The longitudinally disposed aperture 52 can extend partially down a length of each of the two pieces 34a, 34b, and the horizontally disposed aperture 42 is separate from the longitudinally disposed aperture 52 and is configured to receive a top portion 46 of its respective piece therein to hold each of the two pieces 34a, 34b in the three-dimensional shape. The top portion 46 of each of the two pieces 34a, 34b can comprise a trapezoidal shape, and the horizontally disposed aperture 42 can comprise a C-shaped member having legs 44 creating a flap 45 configured for receiving the top portion 46 of the pieces 34a, 34b to form the pair of display stands 36a, 36b. It can be appreciated that the top portion 46 of each of the two pieces 34a, 34b and/or the horizontally disposed aperture 42 can have other shapes or designs, which facilitate the insertion and the holding of the top portion 46 in the aperture 42 so that the pieces 34a, 34b hold their three-dimensional shape.
With continuing reference to FIG. 2, the dimensions of the first pad 30 and the apertures 42, 52 are relative to the size of the article 12 and can be modified depending upon the size/measurements of the article 12. Generally, the overall width W of the pad 30 is equal to the width W1+W2 of the pieces 34a, 34b and the overall length L of the pad 30 is equal to the length L1+L2+L3+L4 of the individual sections created by score lines 38a, 38b, 38c. The longitudinally extending aperture 52 has a length AL that extends from the top score line 38a past the second score line 38b. This aperture length AL is greater than a width AW of the longitudinally extending aperture 52, forming a rectangular shape. According to one embodiment, the C-shaped member 42 can have a width CW which is slightly greater than the length CL of the pair of legs 44. Alternatively, the width CW and the length CL can be substantially the same or the width CW can be slightly less than the length CL. The C-shaped member 42 is fully contained in the section between the third score line 38C and the bottom edge 39 of the first pad 30.
With reference to FIG. 6, the system can further comprise a second pad 60 inserted into the package 14. This second pad 60 has a face 62 having a dark surface portion 64 and a light surface portion 66 positioned adjacent to or spaced from the dark surface portion 64. The second pad 60 is configured for placement behind the article 12 during the display thereof such that the face 62 can be seen through the article 12 to assist with the evaluation of transmitted and reflected glass color. Portions of the package 14 can be located behind the second pad 60 to support the second pad 60 during viewing of the article 12. It can be appreciated that separate dark and light pads can be included in the package, as opposed to a single pad having a dark and light portion. It can also be appreciated that the dark and light pads can have other colored portions located therebetween.
The following numbered clauses are illustrative of various aspects of the disclosure:
- Clause 1: A combination package and display device for an article comprising a package configured to enclose the article; and one or more planar packing pads located within the package for providing protection for the article, the one or more planar packing pads comprising a first pad that is capable of being transitioned from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape configured to hold and display the article in an upright position.
- Clause 2. The combination of clause 1, wherein the first pad is configured to be separated along a vertically disposed centerline to form two pieces, wherein each of the two pieces is configured to be transitioned to the three-dimensional shape to form a pair of display stands.
- Clause 3. The combination of clause 2, wherein the vertically disposed centerline includes a plurality of perforations to facilitate separation of the first pad into the two pieces.
- Clause 4. The combination of clause 2 or 3, wherein each of the two pieces include one or more score lines to facilitate folding thereof to transition from the planar two-dimensional shape to the three-dimensional shape.
- Clause 5. The combination of clause 4, wherein each of the two pieces include three horizontally disposed score lines to enable the folding of each piece into the three-dimensional shape.
- Clause 6. The combination of clause 4 or 5, comprising a horizontally disposed aperture configured to receive a top portion of each respective piece to hold the piece in the three-dimensional shape.
- Clause 7. The combination of clause 6, wherein the top portion of each of the two pieces comprises a trapezoidal shape and the horizontally disposed aperture comprises a C-shaped member to facilitate insertion of and holding of the top portion in the horizontally disposed aperture, and wherein the three-dimensional shape is a triangle.
- Clause 8. The combination of any of the clauses 4-7, wherein each of the two pieces includes a longitudinally disposed aperture, and wherein after the folding to the transition to the three-dimensional shape, the aperture forms a holding aperture configured to hold the article in the upright position.
- Clause 9. The combination of any of the clauses 4-8, wherein the two pieces are substantially identical and after the folding to form the display stands, the display stands are configured to be positioned in an opposed position with respect to each other to hold the article in the upright position.
- Clause 10. The combination of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more planar packing pads comprises a second pad, the second pad having a face having a dark surface portion and a light surface portion, and wherein the second pad and face is configured for placement behind the article during the display thereof to assist with evaluation of transmitted and reflected glass color.
- Clause 11. The combination of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the article that the package is configured to enclose comprises a dual-pane insulated glass unit.
- Clause 12. A method for converting a shipping package to an article display device comprising: providing a package for holding an article; providing a plurality of planar packing pads for insertion into the package for cushioning and preventing damage to the article during shipment thereof, wherein one of the plurality of planar packing pads comprises a first pad; providing the first pad with a line of demarcation along a vertically disposed centerline which enables separation of the first pad into two pieces; providing each of the two pieces with a longitudinally disposed aperture extending parallel to a vertical edge of the first pad, a horizontally disposed aperture extending perpendicular to the longitudinally disposed aperture, and a plurality of score lines; removing the first pad from the package; separating the first pad into the two pieces; folding each of the two pieces along the plurality of score lines to transition each of the two pieces from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape; and tucking a top portion of each of the two pieces into their respective horizontally disposed aperture to secure the two pieces in the three-dimensional shape, forming a pair of stands, wherein the longitudinally disposed aperture forms a holding aperture for holding and displaying the article.
- Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein the plurality of score lines comprises three horizontally disposed score lines and the method comprises the folding of each of the two pieces along the three score lines to form two triangular members.
- Clause 14. The method of clause 12 or 13, comprising placing the pair of stands in an opposing relationship with respect to each other and positioning the article in the holding apertures of the stands to display the article in an upright position.
- Clause 15. The method of clause 12, 13 or 14, wherein the article comprises a dual-pane insulated glass unit and one of the plurality of planar pads comprises a second pad, and wherein the method comprises providing a face of the second pad with a dark surface portion and a light surface portion, removing the second pad from the package and positioning the face of the second pad behind the dual-pane insulated glass unit during the display thereof to assist with evaluation of transmitted and reflected glass color.
- Clause 16. A system for packaging and displaying an article comprising: a package configured for holding and enclosing an article; a plurality of planar packing pads configured for insertion into the package for cushioning and preventing damage to the article during shipment thereof; a first pad configured for insertion into the package, the first pad comprising two pieces separable from one another, wherein each of the pieces is capable of being transitioned from a planar two-dimensional shape to a three-dimensional shape configured to hold and display the article in an upright position.
- Clause 17. The system of clause 16, wherein each of the two pieces include a longitudinally disposed aperture extending parallel to a vertical edge of the first pad, a horizontally disposed aperture extending perpendicular to the longitudinally disposed aperture, and a plurality of score lines, wherein the two pieces are configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines to form a pair of display stands having a holding aperture, the holding aperture being configured for the holding and displaying the article.
- Clause 18. The system of clause 17, wherein the longitudinally disposed aperture extends partially down a length of each of the two pieces and the horizontally disposed aperture is separate from the longitudinally disposed aperture and is configured to receive a top portion of the respective piece therein to hold each of the two pieces in the three-dimensional shape.
- Clause 19. The combination of clause 18, wherein the top portion of each of the two pieces comprises a trapezoidal shape and the horizontally disposed aperture comprises a C-shaped member to facilitate insertion of and holding of the top portion in the horizontally disposed aperture, and wherein the three-dimensional shape is a triangle.
- Clause 20. The system according to any of the clauses 16-19, wherein the article comprises a dual-pane insulating glass unit and the system further comprises a second pad configured for the insertion into the package, the second pad having a face with a dark surface portion and a light surface portion, and wherein the face is configured for placement behind the dual-pane insulating glass unit during display thereof to assist with evaluation of transmitted and reflected glass color.
Example
The following dimensions are provided for one example of a first pad or display pad 30 that can be included in the packaging and shipment of an article 12 having the measurements of 12×12×1 inches. It can be appreciated that the dimensions of the display pad 30 are relative to the size of the article 12 and can be modified depending upon the size/measurements of the article 12. It can also be appreciated that each of these measurements are approximate to the disclosed values and can include minor variations. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a first pad 30 having an overall length L of 14 inches and an overall width W of 14 inches. The first pad 30 can be divided into two separate but equal-sized members 34a, 34b, each having a width, W1, W2 of 7 inches. Three horizontally disposed scores lines 38a, 38b, 38c can be provided along the length of each of the members 34a, 34b, wherein the length L1 from a top edge 35 of the first pad 30 to a first score line 38a is 2 inches, the length L2 from the first score line 38a to the second score line 38b is 2 inches, a length L3 from the second score line 38b to the third score line 38c is 3 inches and a length L4 from the third score line to a bottom edge 39 of the first pad 30. A longitudinally disposed aperture 52 extends parallel to a side edge 53 of each of the members 34a, 34b and has a length Al of 3.23 inches and a width AW of 1 inch. The C-shaped member 42 can have a width CW of 3 inches and include a pair of legs 44 having a length CL of 2.375 inches.
It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limited to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Patent Application
20250153888
