The present invention is directed to plastic packaging and more particularly, to A-frame plastic packaging for shipping and display of retail articles.
Plastic packages for shipping and display of retail items, especially small or thin items, typically are designed to be displayed on a peg or in a rack, presenting the consumer with a full view of the package and preferably at least some of some of the contents. However, such packages do not provide a means for unsupported upright display. That is, such packages can not be stood on their end without toppling or, if they do not topple, they are so unbalanced that the slightest touch or vibration will topple the package.
Accordingly, there is need for a plastic package that permits the stable upright, unsupported display of the package.
A package that permits the stable upright, unsupported display of the package, and preferably its contents, is disclosed including a front panel and a rear panel. Preferably, the front and rear panels are connected by a hinge, for example by a living hinge, however, the front and rear panels may be unconnected. In operation, the front and rear panels may be separated to expose an interior volume defined by such panels. The interior volume may be sized and shaped to receive any of a number of types of products, such as a pet door. The package is well-suited to contain dimensionally thin articles.
The panels include generally A-frame elements that provide both structural support and aesthetically pleasing characteristics.
When in the closed configuration, the package may be placed on a substantially horizontal surface and remain in the upright position. This is achieved by way of peripheral flanges that extend about the peripheral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel. The peripheral flanges provide engagement edges that stabilize the package on a horizontal surface.
In an alternative embodiment, the size of the peripheral flanges may be altered, such as shortened, such that a bottom portion of the package rests substantially on (or substantially close to) a horizontal surface to provide further support when the contents of the package are heavy.
For the purposes of discussion, there are forms shown in the drawing for the purposes of discussion, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
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The package 100 also preferably includes an aperture 130 that is sized and located such that the package 100 may be hung on a display.
The package 100 is preferably formed from a substantially clear moldable polymer, although translucent and/or opaque polymers may also be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principals and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/532,214, entitled “PLASTIC PACKAGE” filed Dec. 23, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60532214 | Dec 2003 | US |