Patent Grant
10457459
The present invention relates generally to the field of packaging, and particularly to a packaging of an article or plurality of articles.
Consumers have become more frequent purchasers of articles or goods via a remote method, for example, by shopping on the Internet. Businesses also provide more services and goods via remote offerings, and in turn, must fulfill transactions related to such offerings of the different services or goods via a remote physical location. With the increased number of transactions occurring without a consumer being present in the same physical location as the article or good, the fulfillment of the order, and the shipment of the article or good, has become an increasingly important part of the transaction.
For some articles or goods, conventional packaging and methods, such as corrugated cardboard boxes and packing peanuts can be sufficient to ship certain articles or goods. Conventional packages can often be inadequate for the shipping of certain articles, for example specialized, custom products. In some cases, packaging is often an after-thought of the shipment process and not integrated into the order fulfillment process. Additionally, conventional packages can often be limited in the number of desirable positions to display certain information, such as product information or shipping information.
The various embodiments of the present description are directed at improving packaging utilized to carry an article or plurality of articles by addressing such concerns and others.
The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent below. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the described subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the described subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by references to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent and any or all drawings.
Described herein are some embodiments of a package used to transport an article or plurality of articles. Some embodiments of the packages described herein can provide greater protection for an article positioned in the package from other contents in the package and exterior forces that may be applied during shipment of the package. Some embodiments of the package described herein can provide a package that facilitates the processing, manufacturing, and shipping of the articles positioned in the package.
In some embodiments, a package comprises a first tray having at least one compartment defined by a plurality of walls, a second tray having a compartment defined by a plurality of walls, and a hinge connecting the first tray and the second tray that enables the first tray and the second tray to pivot relative to each other to a open position and a closed position. The plurality of side walls defining the at least one compartment of the first tray define an opening facing the interior of the package for each of the at least one compartment. The plurality of side walls defining the compartment of the second tray define an opening of the compartment facing the interior of the package. The at least one compartment can be used to position an article or plurality of articles during the shipping process. In some embodiments, the compartment of the second tray can be used to position information related to the contents of the package.
In some embodiments, a package comprises a first tray, a second tray, a hinge, and a display device. The first tray can include at least one compartment defined by a first plurality of wall structures wherein the plurality of wall structures define a first opening. The second tray can have at least one compartment defined by a second plurality of wall structures, wherein the plurality of wall structures define a second opening. The hinge connects the first tray and the second tray and can be configured to enable the first tray and the second tray to pivot relative to each other to an open position and a closed position. When the package is in the closed position, the first opening of the at least one compartment of the first tray is oriented to face the second tray and the second opening of the at least one compartment of the second tray is oriented to face the first tray. When the package is in the closed position, the display device can be positioned between the first tray and the second tray in an interior portion of the package.
In some embodiments, a package comprises a first tray, a second tray, a hinge, and a display device. The first tray comprises a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The first tray can include at least one compartment defined by a first plurality of wall structures wherein the plurality of wall structures define a first opening. The second tray comprises a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The second tray can have at least one compartment defined by a second plurality of wall structures, wherein the plurality of wall structures define a second opening. The hinge connects the first tray and the second tray. The display device can be positioned between the first tray and the second tray in an interior portion of the package. The display device can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the display device can abut the first stop surface of the first tray and third stop surface of the second tray and the second end of the display device can abut the second stop surface of the first tray and fourth stop surface of the second tray.
These illustrative aspects and embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the invention, but to provide examples to aid understanding of the inventive concepts disclosed in this application. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent after review of the entire application.
Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging and particularly packaging for an article or a plurality of articles. Some embodiments of the packages described herein can provide greater protection for the articles positioned in the package from other contents in the package and exterior forces that may be applied during a shipping process. Some embodiments of the package described herein can provide a package that facilitates the processing, manufacturing, and shipping of the articles positioned in the package.
In some embodiments, a package comprises a first tray having at least one compartment defined by a plurality of walls, a second tray having a compartment defined by a plurality of walls, and a hinge connecting the first tray and the second tray that enables the first tray and the second tray to pivot relative to each other to a open position and a closed position. The plurality of side walls defining the at least one compartment of the first tray define an opening facing the interior of the package for each of the at least one compartment. The plurality of side walls defining the compartment of the second tray define an opening of the compartment facing the interior of the package. The at least one compartment can be used to position an article or plurality of articles during the shipping process.
In some embodiments, a package comprises a first tray, a second tray, a hinge, and a display device. The first tray comprises a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The first tray can include at least one compartment defined by a first plurality of wall structures wherein the plurality of wall structures define a first opening. The second tray comprises a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The second tray can have at least one compartment defined by a second plurality of wall structures, wherein the plurality of wall structures define a second opening. The hinge connects the first tray and the second tray. The display device can be positioned between the first tray and the second tray in an interior portion of the package. The display device can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the display device can abut the first stop surface of the first tray and third stop surface of the second tray, and the second end of the display device can abut the second stop surface of the first tray and fourth stop surface of the second tray.
In some embodiments, a package comprises a first tray, a second tray, a hinge, and a display device. The first tray can include at least one compartment defined by a first plurality of wall structures wherein the first plurality of wall structures define a first opening. The second tray can have at least one compartment defined by a second plurality of wall structures, wherein the second plurality of wall structures define a second opening. The hinge connects the first tray and the second tray and can be configured to enable the first tray and the second tray to pivot relative to each other to a open position and a closed position. When the package is in the closed position, the first opening of the at least one compartment of the first tray is oriented to face the second tray and the second opening of the at least one compartment of the second tray is oriented to face the first tray. When the package is in the closed position, the display device can be positioned between the first tray and the second tray in an interior portion of the package. In some embodiments, the first tray comprises a first stop surface and a second stop surface and the second tray comprises a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. In some such embodiments, the display device comprises a first end and a second end such that when the display device is positioned in between the first tray and the second tray, the first end of the display device abuts the first stop surface of the first tray and the third stop surface of the second tray, and the second end of the display device abuts the second stop surface of the first tray and the fourth stop surface of the second tray.
In some embodiments, the first stop surface, the second stop surface, the third stop surface, and the fourth stop surface substantially prevent movement of the display device in a first direction. The first direction can be for example lateral movement. In some embodiments, at least one of the first stop surface, the second stop surface, the third stop surface, and the fourth stop surface comprises an arcuate shape.
In some embodiments, the opening of the at least one compartment of the first tray and the opening of the at least one compartment of the second tray define a cavity. In some embodiments, a first tray of the package includes an arcuate structure. In some embodiments, the arcuate structure extends between a plurality of compartments in the first tray. The arcuate structure can provide a top surface to define an elongated compartment for positioning a display device or article. The display device can comprise a top surface and bottom surface. In some aspects at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface can comprise a complementary shape, for example, an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, the display device can be positioned in the arcuate structure extending between a plurality of compartments in the first tray.
In some embodiments, a side wall structure of the at least one compartment of the first tray comprises a first cross sectional shape and the top surface of the display device comprises a third cross sectional shape that is complementary to the first cross section sectional shape. The side wall structure of the at least one compartment of the first tray substantially prevents movement of the display device in a second direction, for example, in a vertical direction and/or a transverse direction. In some embodiments, a side wall structure of the at least one compartment of the second tray comprises a second cross sectional shape and the bottom surface of the display device comprises a fourth cross sectional shape that is complementary to the second cross section sectional shape. The side wall structure of the at least one compartment of the second tray substantially prevents movement of the display device in a second direction, for example, in a vertical direction and/or a transverse direction.
In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display at least one article. The display device can include at least one structure to position an article. For example, the at least one structure can comprise a recess. In some embodiments, the display device comprises at least one perforated region configured to be removed to form that at least one structure.
In some embodiments, the first tray comprises a plurality of compartments. In some embodiments, the first tray comprises five compartments. In other embodiments, any number of compartments can be included, for example, one, two, three, four, six, or seven or more. In some embodiments, the plurality of compartments are positioned at a defined distance apart. The plurality of compartments can provide separate cavities to position an article.
In some embodiments, the second tray comprises a single compartment. In other embodiments, any number of compartments can be included, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more.
In some embodiments, the at least one compartment comprises dimensions that are greater than the article to be positioned in the compartment. In some such embodiments, the compartment can provide a structure that prevents the article positioned in the compartment from contacting the exterior surfaces of the compartment. For example, when the article is positioned about a display device cannot substantially move laterally, transversely, or vertically, the article remains in a substantially stationary position while present in the package.
In some embodiments, the compartment of the second tray can provide a structure to display information related to the package or article in the package. For example, at least one of shipping address, addressee information, recipient identification, content identification, promotional material, tracking information, product information, article information, date information or other shipping information can be included in the compartment of the second tray. In some embodiments, the second tray is transparent. In some such embodiments, the information included in the compartment of the second tray can be visible to an observer without have to open the package.
In some embodiments, the first tray can include at least one protrusion. The protrusion can provide a structure to facilitate the positioning of the package within a plurality of packages. In some embodiments, the second tray can include at least one recess. The recess can be a complementary shape to the protrusion of the first tray such that the protrusion mates with the recess of the second tray to facilitate stacking and positioning of a plurality of packages.
In some embodiments, the second tray can include at least one protrusion. The protrusion can provide a structure to facilitate the positioning of the package within a plurality of packages. In some embodiments, the first tray can include at least one recess. The recess can be a complementary shape to the protrusion of the second tray such that the protrusion mates with the recess of the first tray to facilitate stacking and positioning of a plurality of packages.
Some embodiments of the package can be made from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the package can be made from polyvinyl chlorides, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polystyrenes, or a complex of materials of the type polypropylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate, or polystyrene/EVOH/polyethylene. In some embodiments, the package comprises polyethylene. In some embodiments, the package comprises polypropylene. In some embodiments, the package comprises polyethylene terephthalate. In some embodiments, the package can be made from at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. In some embodiments, the package can be made by an injection molding operation.
Some embodiments of the package can be made from natural, biodegradable materials, for example pulp or cellulosic materials.
In some embodiments, the package can be made from recycled materials. In some embodiments, the package comprises substantially 100% recyclable material.
In some embodiments, the package is constructed of a transparent material. In other embodiments, the package is constructed of an opaque material. In some embodiments, artwork or visual features can be printed on the package.
Referring to the Figures, the numbers used within each figure are consistent with every other figure. When a specific feature is labeled in one figure with a specific numeral, the same numeral will be used in other figures when denoting that specific feature.
In
The first tray 10 includes a first arcuate structure 13 that extends toward the left side of the first tray 10 and a second arcuate structure 13 that extends toward the right side of the first tray 10. The first arcuate structure 13 can include a first stop surface, and the second arcuate structure 13 can include a second stop surface. As shown in
A back or rear edge of the first tray 10 is coupled to a back or rear edge of the second tray 20 to define a hinge 14. The first tray 10 pivots relative to the second tray 20 around the hinge 14 to rotate between a closed position (for example as shown in
The compartment 21 can provide a surface to facilitate the inclusion of information in or on the package. For example, in embodiments when the package 1 is constructed from a transparent material, product information and shipping information can be included in the compartment 21. The information can be provided in loose paper form in the interior of the package (i.e., not adhered to the package 1) and oriented in a direction such that the information, such as, for example, shipping information or customer identification, is visible when the package 1 is in the closed position. By including the information in a loose form inside the package, the package 1 may be more easily reused for subsequent shipments as no adhesives or other destructive fixture is required to affix the information on the package. The compartment 21 can additionally provide a compartment to include other product material inside the package that is substantially secured by limiting the movement of the information in the compartment. In some embodiments, the information can be adhered or otherwise affixed to and in compartment 21.
In
As described above, the second tray 20 includes a first arcuate structure 22 that extends toward the left side of the second tray 20 and a second arcuate structure 22 that extends from toward the right side of the second tray 20. The first arcuate structure 22 can include a third stop surface, and the second arcuate structure 22 can include a fourth stop surface. The arcuate structures 22 in conjunction with arcuate structures 13 of the first tray 10 (shown in
The second tray 20 includes a tab-like structure 15 to facilitate the opening and closing of the package 1.
The arcuate structure 13 extends between each of the compartments 11 to define an upper boundary of a compartment to hold and/or position a display device 40. At least one of the side walls defining at least one of the compartments 11 can include a first cross sectional shape at the interior end. In some such embodiments, a top surface of the display device 40 can comprise a third cross sectional shape that is complementary to the first cross section sectional shape such that the at least one side wall structure of the at least one compartment of the first tray substantially prevents movement of the display device in transverse and/or vertical direction.
The compartment 21 is defined by a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls include a first side wall 35, a second side wall 36, a front wall 37, a bottom wall 38, and a rear wall (not shown in
The display device 40 is removably secured in the lateral direction by the stop surfaces defined by the arcuate structures 22 of the second tray 20 and arcuate structures 13 of the first tray 10 (when in the package is in the closed position). Any lateral movement of the display device 40 in the second tray is minimized or eliminated as the first end 142 and the second end 141 of the display device 40 (as shown in
In
When the display device 40 is positioned as shown in
Returning to the figures generally, the compartments 11 are also positioned at a defined distance apart from one another to facilitate the shipping and tracking process. For example, a plurality of articles can be included in the package 1, and each of the plurality of articles can include some chip or other tracking device. During the packaging and shipping process, each individual article can tracked or read by different machines to verify the location, information, and position of each article at any stage during the manufacturing or packaging process. Some of the tracking devices and methods require minimum distances for separation to accurately track an article. The position of the plurality of compartments according to embodiments of the package described herein can ensure such minimum separation.
The second tray 70 includes a first arcuate structure 72 that extends toward the left side of the second tray 70 and a second arcuate structure 72 that extends toward the right side of the second tray 70. The first arcuate structure 72 and the second arcuate structure 72 can include at least one stop surface. The arcuate structure 72 extends between each of the compartments 71 to define a lower boundary of a compartment to hold and/or position a display device 40. The arcuate structures 72 in conjunction with arcuate structures 13 of the first tray 13 provide an additional structure to hold and/or position a display device 40.
The first tray 100 includes a plurality of compartments 11 defined by a plurality of walls. The third tray 120 includes a compartment 21 defined by a plurality of walls. The second tray 110 includes a compartment 111 that is defined by a plurality of walls including two side end walls 112 have an arcuate shape. The compartment 111 has a complementary shape as display device 40. Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that different shaped display devices and complementary compartments can be used without departed from the spirit of the invention.
Each of the first tray 100, the second tray 110, and the third tray 120 can pivot relative to one another about the respective hinge 101 and hinge 102. The first tray 100 may pivot to position the first tray 100 on top of the second tray 110, and the third tray 120 may pivot to position the third tray 120 under the second tray 110 to configure the package 105 into a second closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the package 105 can provide a structure to suspend the display device 40 inside the package as described in connection with
The packages according to embodiments described herein can comprise many advantages and improvements over conventional packages. In some embodiments, the package can provide a plurality of compartments that separate a plurality of articles from contacting each other while positioned in the package. In some embodiments, the package can provide a compartment that allows an article to avoid contacting the outer boundaries of a tray and be suspended or float within the package. In some embodiments, the package can provide increased visibility of the article within the package and increased visibility of product information. In some embodiments, the package can provide a plurality of compartments which position the articles in set, defined positions that can facilitate manufacturing processes and tracking processes.
In some embodiments, the package provides concise compartments having sufficient rigidity that keep an article in a single position, but protect the article from exterior and interior forces that may damage the product. In doing so, the package avoids excess total volume when compared to conventional packaging, i.e., embodiments of the package described herein can reduce the amount of dead space in the package, and in turn, may reduce the costs associated with shipping the package.
In some embodiments, the package can include an article that has personal information embedded in a chip or other logic or storage media. For example, credit card information, registration numbers, or other identifying personal information may be included on the article, such as a bracelet. A manufacturing and packaging process using some embodiments of the package described herein may facilitate the adding of this personal information to the article and allow better tracking and verification of the position of the article that includes the sensitive personal information in a more secure fashion.
In some embodiments, because the package substantially secures the article or plurality of articles in a position, the display device can be removed and presented directly to a recipient without having to adjust the position of the article or articles. In conventional packages, the article or plurality of articles may shift during the shipping process and require a person to adjust the articles into a more visually appealing form for presentation to a recipient. In some embodiments described herein, this adjustment is eliminated or minimized by the presence of the plurality of compartments defining separate and discrete positions at a defined distance apart.
The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustrated embodiments, of the assemblies, devices, and methods have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/155,888, filed May 1, 2015, entitled “Package.” The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/155,888 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.
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