POINT OF SALE PACKAGING

Abstract

A packaging for a product having a length is shown and described. The packaging may include a body having front and rear portions, the front portion having at least one pocket configured to hold the product, and a webbing formed in the front portion of the body. The packaging may also include a post positioned in the pocket, where the post is configured such that at least a portion of the length of the product circumscribes the post, and an engaging member attached to the body, the engaging member configured to engage a portion of the product to maintain the product in a predetermined position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to point of sale packaging and, more particularly, to point of sale packaging for tie down products.

BACKGROUND

Many products are sold in boxes, clam shells or other packaging structures. These structures generally prevent customers from contacting the products held therein. While this is a positive trait for certain product, it is often desirable if customers can contact certain product held in a package to determine if it is suitable for such customer's use, to get a feel for the product, or the like. These types of packaging, therefore, are not suitable for such situations.

Accordingly, open style packaging was introduced. This open style packaging allows customers to touch and feel the product held within the packaging. Current designs of open style packaging, however, have limitations. The current designs make it difficult to effectively retain the products while having an efficient shape that displays the product held therein appropriately. Moreover, many open style packaging makes it difficult to access the product held therein sufficiently to feel how it operates. Further still, many of the open style packaging are void of any space to include important information regarding the products, such as branding. Also, these open style packaging can be difficult to position in a point of sale display or the like.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved open style packaging that allows customers to access such products to ascertain the feel of the product. Further, there is a need for open style packaging that is aesthetically pleasing while having sufficient space to include indicia, instructions, or other information thereon. Further still, there is a need for open style packaging that maintains the product, including, without limitation, tie downs and tie downs with ratchets, in a predetermined position that is visible at a point of sale display for customers.

SUMMARY

A packaging for a product having a length is shown and described. The packaging may include a body having front and rear portions, the front portion having at least one pocket configured to hold the product, and webbing formed in the front portion of the body. The packaging may also include a post positioned in the pocket, where the post is configured such that at least a portion of the length of the product circumscribes the post, and an engaging member attached to the body, the engaging member configured to engage a portion of the product to maintain the product in a predetermined position.

A packaging for a tie down product having a strap with a length and a hook may include a body having front and rear portions, a webbing formed in the body and visible from the front portion of the body, and a cylinder extending from the body, the cylinder configured to maintain the strap in a predetermined position relative to the body. The packaging may also include at least one engaging member positioned in the body, the engaging member configured to maintain the hook of the product in a predetermined position.

A system may include at least one tie down member. The tie down member may include a strap having a length and a hook selectively engageable with the strap. The system may also include a packaging configured to maintain the at least one tie down member in a predetermined position. The packaging may include a body having front and rear portions, webbing formed in the body and visible from the front portion of the body, and a cylinder extending from the body, the strap circumscribing the cylinder maintaining the strap in a predetermined position relative to the body. The packaging may also include at least one engaging member positioned in the body, the hook engaged with the engaging member maintaining the hook in a predetermined position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of embodiments of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 2 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 4 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of point of sale packaging with straps in phantom.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of embodiments of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 8A is a partially exploded view of the point of sale packaging with tie down member with ratchet attached.

FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the point of sale packaging with backing attached.

FIG. 9 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 11 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of point of sale packaging with straps and a hook in phantom.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of embodiments of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 16 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 18 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of point of sale packaging with straps and a hook in phantom.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of embodiments of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 23 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 25 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of point of sale packaging with a strap in phantom.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 28 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of embodiments of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 30 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 31 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 32 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of point of sale packaging with the backing removed.

FIG. 34 is a front exploded view of the point of sale packaging with a tie down member with ratchets.

FIG. 35 is a rear exploded view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets.

FIG. 36 is a rear view of embodiments of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of embodiments of the point of sale packaging.

FIG. 39 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 40 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 41 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 42 is a front view of point of sale packaging with the tie down member and hooks attached.

FIG. 43 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with hooks attached and the backing removed.

FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member and hooks.

FIG. 45 is a rear perspective view of embodiments of the point of sale packaging.

FIG. 46 is a top view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 48 is a front view of the point of sale packaging.

FIG. 49 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with the backing removed.

FIG. 50 is a front view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets attached.

FIG. 51 is an exploded view of the point of sale packaging with the backing removed.

FIG. 52 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with the tie down member and hooks attached.

FIG. 53 is a front perspective view of point of embodiments of the sale packaging.

FIG. 54 is a front view of point of sale packaging.

FIG. 55 is a rear view of point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 56 is a top view of the point of sale packaging.

FIG. 57 is a rear perspective view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets and hooks attached.

FIG. 58 is a front view of the point of sale packaging with the tie down member with ratchets and hooks attached.

FIG. 59 is a rear perspective view of the point of sale packaging with the tie member with ratchets and hooks attached.

FIG. 60 is a front view of embodiments of the point of sale packaging.

FIG. 61 is a rear view of the point of sale packaging with a backing removed.

FIG. 62 is a front view of embodiments of the point of sale packaging.

FIG. 63 is a rear view of the point of sale packing with a backing removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

A packaging 20 for a product, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a tie down member with ratchet 24 is shown and described, e.g., in FIGS. 1-7 and 29-37. The packaging 20 may be a point of sale packaging that may allow a customer direct access to the tie down member with ratchet 24 held therein, i.e., it is an open style packaging. The packaging 20 may be of any appropriate configuration and may hold and display for sale any appropriate number of tie down members with ratchet 24, including, without limitation one, two, three or four tie down member with ratchets 24. By way of a non-limiting example, the packaging 20 may be configured to hold four such tie down member with ratchets 24. The packaging 20 may be of a configuration such that it may be engaged with a point of sale display (not shown), such as by way of a non-limiting example, on a shelf, on a peg or pegs, or a pallet, an end-cap, or the like. The configuration of the packaging 20 may be such that the tie down member with ratchet 24 held therein is easily viewable and provides an opportunity to a customer to touch, feel and operate the tie down apparatus with ratchet 24. Further still, the packaging 20 may provide an efficient and effective storage of the tie down member with ratchet 24 such that the packaging 20 is of a limited size and more such packaging 20 may be displayed on a point of sale display.

The packaging 20 may include a body 28. The body 28 may be formed from any appropriate material, including without limitation molded plastic, rubber, or the like. In some embodiments, the body 28 may be monolithically formed such as through a molding process, or may be formed in components that may be attached such as through sonic welding, fastening, adhering or the like. The body 28 may be of any appropriate configuration and is not limited to that shown and described herein. The body 28 may include front and rear portions 32, 36—see in particular FIGS. 2 and 30, and 3 and 31, respectively.

The body 28 may further include webbing 40 formed therein. The webbing 40 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the webbing 40 may include a plurality of honeycomb shaped apertures formed in and through the front and rear portions 32, 36. This may result in the webbing 40 being visible from the front and rear portions 32, 36. The webbing 40 may be positioned in any appropriate location on the body 28, such as by way of a non-limiting example, generally centrally located, on side portions, or the like. The webbing 40 may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the body 28. Accordingly, any configuration of webbing 40 may be used without departing from the present teachings. Further, the webbing 40 may be monolithically formed with the body 28 or may be formed through a subsequent operation.

The body 28 may include at least one pocket 44 attached with the front portion 32. It should be understood, however, that any number of pockets 44 may be utilized without departing from the present teachings, including, without limitation one, two, three, four, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the body 28 may include a pair of pockets 44a, 44b. The pocket 44 may be of any appropriate configuration. The pocket 44 may be monolithically formed with the body 28 or may be attached through a subsequent operation, such as welding, adhering or fastening. In some embodiments, the pockets 44a and 44b may be of similar or the same configuration or the pockets 44a and 44b may be of different configurations.

The pocket 44 may include a bottom portion 48. The bottom portion 48 may be of a configuration to allow the packaging 20 to be placed on a point of sale display and have it remain in an upright position. By way of a non-limiting example, the bottom portion 48 may include a generally planar portion 52, i.e., at least a portion of the bottom portion 48 may include a generally planar portion 52. The generally planar portion 52 may provide a sufficiently flat surface for the packaging 20 to remain in an upright position when placed on a point of sale display, e.g., a shelf. Further, the bottom portion 48 may include feet 54, such as by way of a non-limiting example two feet 54. The feet 54 may further provide stability if and when the packaging 20 is placed on a point of sale display. The feet 54 may be of any appropriate configuration and may be monolithically formed with the body 28 or may be attached such as through a subsequent operation.

The front portion 32 of the body 28 or the pockets 44 or both may include some form of indicia (not shown), including, without limitation branding, sub-branding, product information, images, product instructions, legally required information or any other information desired. The indicia may take any appropriate form or configuration. Further, the indicia may be attached to the body 28 such as via adhesives or may be integrally formed directly with the body 28. The indicia may further include additional aesthetic features or components. The indicia may contribute to the look and feel of the packaging 20.

At least one of the pockets 44 may include a recessed portion 55. The recessed portion 55 may provide a location to include some form of indicia and may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the packing 20. Any appropriate configuration of recessed portion 55 may be used without departing from the present teachings. The recessed portion 55 may be monolithically formed with the pocket 44 or may be formed such as through a subsequent operation. The recessed portion 55 may provide a location to include specific indicia, such as branding, sub-branding or the like.

In some embodiments, the body 28 may include at least one aperture 56. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5-7, 29-31, and 33-37, the body 28 may include a pair of apertures 56. The apertures 56 may be positioned on a top portion 60 of the body 28. The apertures 56 may be of a configuration to have inserted therethrough point of sale pegs (not shown). In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5-7, 29-31, and 33-37, two such pegs may engage the apertures 56 and the packaging 20 may be held in a predetermined selling position on a point of sale display utilizing such pegs. It should be understood that any number of apertures 56 may be used and any configure of aperture 56 may be used without departing from the present teachings.

The body 28 may include at least one strap holding member 64. The strap holding member 64 may be attached to the front portion 32 of the body 28. In some embodiments, the strap holding member 64 may be positioned in the pocket 44. Further, any number of strap holding members 64 may be used—such as by way of a non-limiting example, one, two, or three, etc. By way of a non-limiting example, and as shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 31, 33 and 35, two such strap engaging members 64 may be utilized. The strap holding member 64 may be attached with the body 28 in any appropriate manner. By way of non-limiting examples, the strap holding member 64 may be monolithically formed with the body 28, adhered, welded, or fastened.

The strap holding member 64 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the strap holding member 64 may be of a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the strap holding member 64 may allow a strap to be concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 64 such that the strap circumscribes the strap holding member 64 as described in more detail below.

The packaging 20 may include a backing (not shown in this embodiment, but an example of which is shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 34-36). The backing may be of any appropriate configuration. The backing may in some embodiments be formed from cardboard, but is not limited to this configuration. The backing may be formed from any appropriate material, including, without limitation plastic, paper, or the like. The backing may be attached to the rear portion 36 of the body 28 in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the backing may be attached such as through fasteners (not shown). The rear portion 36 may include apertures or bosses 78 to which the fasteners may be attached. The bosses 78 may be monolithically formed with the body 28 or may be formed through a subsequent operation. The backing may include indicia (not shown) of any configuration. The indicia may include branding, product instructions, or other legally required packaging information.

The appropriate configuration of the packaging 20 may be determined by the configuration of the tie down member with ratchet 24 to be held therein, how a customer may access the tie down member with ratchet 24, and the size of the tie down apparatus with ratchet 24. Further, the appropriate configuration of the packaging 20 may be determined by the number of tie down member with ratchet 24 to be held within the packaging 20, such as by way of a non-limiting example, two or four.

The tie down member with ratchet 24 operatively positioned within the packaging 20 may include a strap 84 of a predetermined length, such as shown in FIGS. 5-7, 34-35, and 37. The strap 84 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the strap 84 may be a nylon strap having a generally resilient body. The strap 84 may be generally concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 64. As noted above, the strap holding member 64 may be of a configuration such that the strap 84 circumscribes the strap holding member 64 and may be continuously wrapped around such. This may result in the strap 84 being wrapped around the strap holding member 64 generally as a circle. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 34, 35 and 37, the strap holding member 64 may be of a configuration such that two straps 84 may be selectively engaged with the two strap holding member 64. In those embodiments of the packaging that include two strap holding members 64 a total of four straps 84 may be included. The packaging 20 may include a corresponding number of strap holders 86 as strap holding members 64. As shown in FIG. 7, the strap holders 86 may selectively and operatively engage with strap holding members 64 to maintain the straps 84 in an operative position within the packaging 20.

The packaging 20, and more specifically, the pocket 44 and the front portion 32 may be configured such that when the strap 84 is or straps 84 are wrapped around the strap holding member 64 a portion of the strap 84 is or straps 84 are visible from the front portion 32. It should be understood, however, that any portion of the strap 84 may be visible or no portion of the strap 84 may be visible from the front portion 32 of the body 28. Further, the shape and size of the strap holding member 64 may vary depending upon the number of straps 84 engaged therewith, the size of the strap 84 engaged therewith or a combination of such.

The tie down member with ratchet 24 may further include a ratchet portion 96. The ratchet 96 may be of any configuration, the present teachings are not limited to a specific configuration of ratchet. When the tie down member with ratchet 24 is operatively positioned within the packaging 20, the ratchet 96 may be selectively engaged with the body 28 in any appropriate location. By way of a non-limiting example, a fastening member, such as a twin tie, cable tie, or other fastener, may selectively attach the ratchet 96 with the front portion 32 of the body 28. As shown, the body 28 may include apertures 98 through which portions of the ratchet portion 96 may extend. Fasteners may be used to fastening the ratchet portion with the body 28.

In some embodiments, tie down member with ratchet 24 may further include a hook 88 attached in any appropriate manner to an end portion of the strap 84. The hook 88 may be of any appropriate configuration.

FIGS. 29-37 illustrate embodiments having similar features to the features of FIGS. 1-7. The packaging 20 illustrated by FIGS. 29-37 may also include various pattern of webbing 40 in which the body 28 of the packaging includes a plurality of hex holes 42 configured to receive fasteners 50 such as a push pin type fastener to support the ratchets 98 on the body 28 of the packaging 20. The area of the body 28 surrounding each of the hex holes 42 may include a generally solid, continuous or monolithic pattern to add structural integrity to the body 28. These patterns may vary in shape and this disclosure is not limiting.

Further, a plurality of nubs, protrusions, or indicia 46 may be positioned along the front portion 32 of the body 28 in various locations within the webbing 40. The plurality of nubs 46 identify positions where a wire tie (not shown) may be routed through the webbing 40 to assist an installer position the tie down member with ratchets 24 and ratchets 98 within the packaging 20. These nubs 46 may assist to speed up the installation process.

As illustrated by FIGS. 31, 33, and 35, the strap holding members 64 may include notches 66 to provide flexibility to the strap holding members 64 having larger outer diameters. Any number of notches 66 is contemplated and this disclosure is not limited. In one embodiment, the notches 66 may be configured to receive spacer members 70 as illustrated by FIGS. 34 and 35. The spacer members 70 may be positioned between the strap 84 along the strap holding member 64 and a backing 72 received along the rear portion 36 of the packaging 20. The spacer members 70 may be generally planar and may be made from various materials including cardboard or plastic but this disclosure is not limited as to materials or geometrical configuration. The backing 72 may be attached to the packaging 20 with a plurality of fasteners 74 received within the associate bosses 78 and abuts against the spacer members 70.

Additionally, the packaging 20 may include a hook holding member 68 configured to support at least one hook 88 thereon. When the tie down member with ratchet 24 is operatively positioned within in the packaging 20, the hook 88 may selectively engage the hook holding member 68 in an operative position. In such embodiments, the hook 88 may be engaged with the hook holding member 68 to maintain the hook 88 in its operative position. Further, the packaging 20 may include four tie down members with ratchets 24. In such embodiments, at least eight such hooks 88 may be positioned within the packaging as shown in FIGS. 7 and 35—four hooks 88 may be selectively engaged with the rear portion 36 along upward ledges 90, two hooks 88 positioned in the pockets 44a and 44b and two hooks selectively engaged with the hook holding member 68. The upward ledges 90 may extend from the rear portion 36 of the packaging and support the plurality of hooks 88 thereon.

It should be understood that while the tie down member with ratchet 24 is shown and described with the packaging 20, any appropriate product may be attached with the packaging without departing from the present teachings.

Additional embodiments of the packaging according the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these other embodiments may include elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these other embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features, components, elements and functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired packaging without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A packaging 120 for a product, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a tie down member with ratchet 124 is shown and described, e.g., in FIGS. 8-14 and 38-44. The packaging 120 may be a point of sale packaging that may allow a customer direct access to the tie down member with ratchet 124 held therein, i.e., it is an open style packaging. The packaging 120 may be of any appropriate configuration and may hold and display for sale any appropriate number of tie down member with ratchets 124, including, without limitation two or four tie down member with ratchets 124. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-14 and 38-44 may be configured to hold four tie down member with ratchets 124.

The packaging 120 may include a body 128. The body 128 may be formed from any appropriate material, including without limitation molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body 128 may be monolithically formed such as through a molding process, or may be formed in components that may be attached such as through sonic welding, fastening, adhering or the like. The body 128 may be of any appropriate configuration and is not limited to that shown and described herein. The body 128 may include front and rear portions 132, 136.

The body 128 may further include webbing 140 of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the webbing 140 may include a plurality of honeycomb shaped apertures formed in and through the front and rear portions 132, 136. This may result in the webbing 140 being visible from the front and rear portions 132, 136. The webbing 140 may be positioned in any appropriate location on the body 128, such as shown in FIGS. 8-10, 12-14, 38-40 and 42-44. The webbing 140 may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the body 128. Accordingly, any configuration of webbing 140 may be used without departing from the present teachings. Further, the webbing 140 may be monolithically formed with the body 128 or may be formed through a subsequent operation.

The body 128 may include at least one pocket 144 attached with the front portion 132. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 38, the body 128 may include a pair of pockets 144a, 144b. The pocket 144 may be of any appropriate configuration. The pocket 144 may include a bottom portion 148. The bottom portion 148 may be of a configuration to allow the packaging 120 to be placed on a point of sale display and have it remain in an upright position. Further, the bottom portion 148 may include feet 154, such as by way of a non-limiting example two such feet 154. The feet 154 may further provide stability if and when the packaging 120 may be placed on a point of sale display.

In some embodiments, the front portion 132 of the body 128 or the pockets 144 or both may include indicia (not shown). Further, at least one of the pockets 144 may include a recessed portion 155. The recessed portion 155 may provide a location to include some form of indicia and may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the packing 120. Any appropriate configuration of recessed portion 155 may be used without departing from the present teachings.

In some embodiments, the body 128 may include at least one aperture 156. As shown in FIGS. 8-10, 12-14, 38-40 and 42-44, the body 128 may include a pair of apertures 156. The apertures 156 may be positioned on a top portion 160 of the body 128. The apertures 156 may be of a configuration to have inserted therethrough point of sale pegs (not shown). In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-10, 12-14, 38-40 and 42-44, two such pegs may engage the apertures 156 and the packaging 120 may be held in a predetermined selling position on a point of sale display utilizing such pegs. It should be understood that any number of apertures 156 may be used and any configure of aperture 156 may be used without departing from the present teachings.

The body 128 may include at least one strap holding member 164. The strap holding member 164 may be attached to the front portion 132 of the body 128. In some embodiments, the strap holding member 164 may be positioned in the pocket 144. Further, any number of strap holding members 164 may be used. By way of a non-limiting example, and as shown in FIGS. 10, 14, 40 and 44, two such strap engaging members 164 may be utilized. The strap holding member 164 may be attached with the body 128 in any appropriate manner. By way of non-limiting examples, the strap holding member 164 may be monolithically formed with the body 128, adhered, welded, or fastened.

The strap holding member 164 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 38, and 40, the strap holding member 164 may be of a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the strap holding member 164 may allow a strap to be concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 164 such that the strap circumscribes the strap holding member 164 as described in more detail below. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 40, the strap holding members 164 may include a plurality of notches 166 to provide flexibility to the strap holding members 164 having larger outer diameters. Any number of notches 166 is contemplated and this disclosure is not limited. In one embodiment, the notches 166 may be configured to receive spacer members 173 as illustrated by FIGS. 43 and 44. The spacer members 173 may be positioned between the strap 184 along the strap holding member 164 and a backing 172 received along the rear portion 136 of the packaging 120. The spacer members 173 may be generally planar and made from various materials including cardboard or plastic but this disclosure is not limited as to materials or geometrical configuration.

The body 128 may further include at least one hook holding member 168. The hook holding member 168 may be formed in any appropriate position within the body 128. The hook holding member 168 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the hook holding member 168 may include an aperture 169 formed in the body 128 and a generally oval member or tab 170 extending from the body 128 adjacent the aperture 169. The hook holding member 168 may be monolithically formed with the body 128 or may be formed through a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, the body 128 may include one such hook holding member 168. The present teachings, however, are not limited to this amount—any appropriate number of such hook holding members 168 may be utilized.

The packaging 120 may include a backing 172—an example of which is shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 44. The backing 172 may be of any appropriate configuration. The backing 172 may in some embodiments be formed from cardboard, but is not limited to this configuration. The backing 172 may be formed from any appropriate material, including, without limitation plastic, paper, or the like. The backing 172 may be attached to the rear portion 136 of the body 128 in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the backing 172 may be attached such as through fasteners 176. The rear portion 136 may include apertures or bosses 178 to which the fasteners 176 may be attached. The bosses 178 may be monolithically formed with the body 128 or may be formed through a subsequent operation. The backing 172 may include indicia (not shown) of any configuration. The indicia may include branding, product instructions, or other legally required packaging information.

The tie down member with ratchet 124 may include a strap 184 of a predetermined length, such as shown in FIGS. 12-14, and 42-44. The strap 184 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the strap 184 may be a nylon strap having a generally resilient body. The strap 184 may be generally concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 164. As noted above, the strap holding member 164 may be of a configuration such that the strap 184 circumscribes the strap holding member 164 and may be continuously wrapped around such. This may result in the strap 184 being wrapped around the strap holding member 164 generally as a circle. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, 42, and 44, two straps 184 may be selectively engaged with the two strap holding member 164 such that a total of four straps 184 may be included in the packaging 120. The packaging 120 may include a corresponding number of strap holders 186 as strap holding members 164. As shown in FIGS. 12, and 14, the strap holders 186 may selectively and operatively engage with strap holding members 164 to maintain the straps 184 in an operative position within the packaging 120. As shown in FIGS. 42, and 44, the spacer members 173 may selectively and operatively engage within the notches 166 of strap holding members 164 to maintain the straps 184 in an operative position within the packaging 120.

The packaging 120, and more specifically, the pocket 144 and the front portion 132 may be configured such that when the strap 184 is wrapped around the strap holding member 164 a portion of the strap 184 is visible from the front portion 132. It should be understood, however, that any portion of the strap 184 may be visible or no portion of the strap 184 may be visible from the front portion 132 of the body 128. Further, the shape and size of the strap holding member 164 may vary depending upon the number of straps 184 engaged therewith, the size of the strap 184 engaged therewith or a combination of such.

In some embodiments, tie down member with ratchet 124 may further include a hook 188 attached in any appropriate manner to an end portion of the strap 184. The hook 188 may be of any appropriate configuration. When the tie down member with ratchet 124 is operatively positioned within in the packaging 120, the hook 188 may selectively engage the hook holding member 168 in an operative position. In such embodiments, the hook 188 may be hooked with the hook holding member 168 to maintain the hook in its operative position. Further, the packaging 120 may include four tie down member with ratchets 124. In such embodiments, six such hooks 188 may be positioned within the packaging as shown in FIGS. 14 and 43—two hooks 188 selectively engaged with the rear portion 136, two hooks 188 positioned in the pockets 144a and 144b and two hooks selectively engaged with the hook holding member 168.

The tie down member with ratchet 124 may further include a ratchet portion 196. The ratchet portion 196 may be of any configuration, the present teachings are not limited to a specific configuration of ratchet. When the tie down member with ratchet 124 is operatively positioned within the packaging 120, the ratchet portion 196 may be selectively engaged with the body 128 in any appropriate location. By way of a non-limiting example, a fastening member, such as a twin tie, cable tie, or other fastener, may selectively attach the ratchet portion 196 with the body 128.

Further, the front portion 132 may include a pair of tabs 197 that may be attached with the body 128, such as being fastened, adhered, welded or formed therewith as a monolithic unit. The ratchet portions 196 may be positioned adjacent such tabs 197 and a fastening item may be used to selectively secure the ratchet portions 196 with either of the tabs 197. Further, the body 128 may include apertures 198 through which portions of the ratchet portion 196 may extend to create a clean and aesthetically positive looking packaging 120.

A packaging 220 for a product, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a tie down apparatus 224 is shown and described, e.g., in FIGS. 15-21, and 45-52. The packaging 220 may include a body 228. The body 228 may include front and rear portions 232, 236—see in particular FIGS. 16 and 48, and 17 and 49, respectively. The body 228 may further include webbing 240 formed therein. The webbing 240 may be of any appropriate configuration, including, without limitation, a plurality of honeycomb shaped apertures formed in and through the front and rear portions 232, 236. The webbing 240 may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the body 228. Accordingly, any configuration of webbing 240 may be used without departing from the present teachings.

The body 228 may include at least one pocket 244 attached with the front portion 232, including, without limitation a single pocket 244 as shown. The pocket 244 may include a bottom portion 248. The bottom portion 248 may be of a configuration to allow the packaging 220 to be placed on a point of sale display and have it remain in an upright position. The bottom portion 248 may include feet 254, such as by way of a non-limiting example two such feet 254. The feet 254 may further provide stability if and when the packaging 220 may be placed on a point of sale display.

In some embodiments, the pocket 244 may include a recessed portion 255. The recessed portion 255 may provide a location to include some form of indicia and may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the packing 220.

The body 228 may include at least one aperture 256. As shown in FIGS. 15-17 and 19-21, the body 228 may include one aperture 256. The aperture 256 may be positioned on a top portion 260 of the body 228. The aperture 256 may be of a configuration such that a point of sale peg may engage the aperture 256 and the packaging 220 may be held in a predetermined selling position on a point of sale display.

The body 228 may include at least one strap holding member 264. The strap holding member 264 may be attached to the front portion 232 of the body 228. In some embodiments, the strap holding member 264 may be positioned in the pocket 244. Further, any number of strap holding members 264 may be used—such as by way of a non-limiting example, and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 51, one such strap engaging member 264 may be utilized. The strap holding member 264 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 17, 21, 49, and 51, the strap holding member 264 may be of a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the strap holding member 264 may allow a strap to be concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 264 such that the strap circumscribes the strap holding member 264 as described in more detail below.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 49 and 51, the strap holding member 264 may include a plurality of notches 266 to provide flexibility to the strap holding member 264 having a larger outer diameter. Any number of notches 266 is contemplated and this disclosure is not limited. In one embodiment, the notches 266 may be configured to receive spacer members 273 as illustrated by FIGS. 51 and 52. The spacer members 273 may be positioned between a strap 284 along the strap holding member 264 and a backing 272 received along the rear portion 236 of the packaging 220 and attached with fasteners 276. The fasteners 276 may be received by bosses 278 positioned along the rear portion 236 of the packaging 220. The spacer members 273 may be generally planar and made from various materials including cardboard or plastic but this disclosure is not limited as to materials or geometrical configuration.

The tie down member with ratchet 224 may include a strap 284 of a predetermined length, such as shown in FIGS. 19-21, and 50-52. The strap 284 may be of any appropriate configuration. As noted above, the strap holding member 264 may be of a configuration such that the strap 284 circumscribes the strap holding member 264 and may be continuously wrapped around such. This may result in the strap 284 being wrapped around the strap holding member 264 generally as a circle.

The packaging 220, and more specifically, the pocket 244 and the front portion 232 may be configured such that when the strap 284 is wrapped around the strap holding member 264 a portion of the strap 284 is visible from the front portion 232. Further, the shape and size of the strap holding member 264 may vary depending upon the number of straps 284 engaged therewith, the size of the strap 284 engaged therewith or a combination of such. The packaging 220 may include strap holder 286 selectively and operatively engaged with strap holding member 264 to maintain the straps 284 in an operative position within the packaging 220.

In some embodiments, the tie down member with ratchet 224 may further include a hook 288 attached in any appropriate manner to the strap 284. The hook 288 may be of any appropriate configuration. When the tie down member with ratchet 224 is operatively positioned within in the packaging 220, the hook 288 may be positioned within the pocket 244 and may be positioned in proximity to or adjacent with the strap 284. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 51, two hooks 288 may be selectively engaged with the rear portion 236 of the body 228 and two hooks 288 may be positioned within the pocket 244.

The tie down member with ratchet 224 may further include a ratchet portion 296. The ratchet portion 296 may be selectively secured to the front portion 232 of the body 228. In such embodiments, the front portion 232 may include a tab 297 extending therefrom. The ratchet portion 296 may be selectively engaged with the tab 297 such as with fasteners. Further still, the front portion 232 may include apertures 298 that extend through the body 228. The apertures 298 may provide space for the ratchet portion 296 to extend through to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish when the tie down member with ratchet 224 is attached with the packaging 220.

The body 228 may further include at least one hook holding member 268 as shown by the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 45-52. The hook holding member 268 may be formed in any appropriate position within the body 228. The hook holding member 268 may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the hook holding member 268 may include an aperture 269 formed in the body 228 and a generally oval member or tab 270 extending from the body 228 adjacent the aperture 269. The hook holding member 268 may be monolithically formed with the body 228 or may be formed through a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, the body 228 may include one such hook holding member 268. The present teachings, however, are not limited to this amount—any appropriate number of such hook holding members 268 may be utilized. A packaging 320 for a product, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a tie down apparatus with ratchet 324 is shown and described, e.g., in FIGS. 22-28, and 53-59. The packaging 320 may be a point of sale packaging that may allow a customer direct access to the product 324 held therein, i.e., it is an open style packaging. The packaging 320 may be of any appropriate configuration and may hold and display for sale any appropriate number of product 324, including, without limitation, one or two tie down members with ratchets 324.

The packaging 320 may include a body 328. The body 328 may be of any appropriate configuration and is not limited to that shown and described herein. The body 328 may include front and rear portions 332, 336—see in particular FIGS. 23 and 55, and 24 and 56, respectively. The body 328 may further include webbing 340 formed therein. By way of a non-limiting example, the webbing 340 may include a plurality of honeycomb shaped apertures formed in and through the front and rear portions 332, 336. This may result in the webbing 340 being visible from the front and rear portions 332, 336. The webbing 340 may be positioned in any appropriate location on the body 328. The webbing 340 may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the body 328.

The body 328 may include at least one pocket 344 attached with the front portion 332. As shown in FIG. 26, the body 328 may include one pocket 344. By way of a non-limiting example, pocket 344 may include a bottom portion 348 with feet 354, such as by way of a non-limiting example two such feet 354. The feet 354 may provide stability if and when the packaging 320 is placed on a point of sale display.

The body 328 may include at least one aperture 356. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, 26-28, 53-55, and 57-59, the body 328 may include a single aperture 356. The aperture 356 may be positioned on a top portion 360 of the body 328. The aperture 356 may be of a configuration to have inserted therethrough a point of sale peg (not shown).

The body 328 may include at least one strap holding member 364. The strap holding member 364 may be attached to the front portion 332 of the body 328. In some embodiments, the strap holding member 364 may be positioned in the pocket 344. Further, any number of strap holding members 364 may be used. By way of a non-limiting example, and as shown in FIGS. 24 and 28, one such strap engaging member 364 may be utilized. The strap holding member 364 may be of a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the strap holding member 364 may allow a strap to be concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 364 such that the strap circumscribes the strap holding member 364 as described in more detail below.

The body 328 may further include at least one hook holding member 368. The hook holding member 368 may be formed in any appropriate position within the body 328. The hook holding member 368 may be of any appropriate configuration. The hook holding member 368 may be monolithically formed with the body 328 or may be formed through a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, the body 328 may include one such hook holding member 368 in a front portion 332 as illustrated by FIGS. 22 and 23. The present teachings, however, are not limited to this amount—any appropriate number of such hook holding members 368 may be utilized. Alternatively, that packaging may include an additional hook holding member 368A having an aperture 369 formed in the body 328 and a generally oval member or tab 370 extending from the body 328 adjacent the aperture 369 as illustrated by FIGS. 53-55. The additional hook holding member 368A may be monolithically formed with the body 328 or may be formed through a subsequent operation, such as welding, adhering, fastening or the like. By way of a non-limiting example, the body 328 may include one such additional hook holding member 368A. The present teachings, however, are not limited to this amount—any appropriate number of such additional hook holding members 368A may be utilized.

The tie down member with ratchet 324 may include a strap 384 of a predetermined length, such as shown in FIGS. 27-28, and 57-59. The strap 384 may be generally concentrically wrapped around the strap holding member 364. As noted above, the strap holding member 364 may be of a configuration such that the strap 384 circumscribes the strap holding member 364 and may be continuously wrapped around such. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, two straps 384 may be selectively engaged with the strap holding member 364. The packaging 320, and more specifically, the pocket 344 and the front portion 332 may be configured such that when the strap 384 is wrapped around the strap holding member 364 a portion of the strap 384 is visible from the front portion 332. The packaging 320 may include strap holder 386 selectively and operatively engaged with strap holding member 364 to maintain the straps 384 in an operative position within the packaging 320.

In some embodiments, tie down member with ratchet 324 may further include a hook 388 attached in any appropriate manner to the strap 384. The hook 388 may be of any appropriate configuration. When the tie down member with ratchet 324 is operatively positioned within in the packaging 320, the hook 388 may selectively engage the hook holding member 368 and the additional hook holding member 368A in an operative position. In such embodiments, the hook 388 may be hooked with the hook holding member 368, 368A to maintain the hook in its operative position. Further, packaging 320 may include two tie down member with ratchets 324. In such embodiments, a total of four such hooks 388 may be attached with the packaging 320 as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.

The tie down member with ratchet 324 may further include a ratchet portion 396. The ratchet portion 396 may be of any configuration, the present teachings are not limited to a specific configuration of ratchet. When the tie down member with ratchet 324 is operatively positioned within the packaging 320, the ratchet portion 396 may be selectively engaged with the body 328 in any appropriate location. By way of a non-limiting example, a fastening member, such as a twin tie, cable tie, or other fastener, may selectively attach the ratchet portion 396 with the body 328.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 53, 55 and 57, the strap holding member 364 may include a plurality of notches 366 to provide flexibility to the strap holding member 364 having a larger outer diameter. Any number of notches 366 is contemplated and this disclosure is not limited. In one embodiment, the notches 366 may be configured to receive spacer members 373 as illustrated by FIG. 57. The spacer members 373 may be positioned between the strap 384 along the strap holding member 364 and a backing (not shown) received along the rear portion 336 of the packaging 320 and attached with fasteners. The fasteners may be received by bosses 378 positioned along the rear portion 336 of the packaging 320. The spacer members 373 may be generally planar and can be made from various materials including cardboard or plastic but this disclosure is not limited as to materials or geometrical configuration.

Further, the front portion 332 may include a tab 397 that may be attached with the body 328, such as being fastened, adhered, welded or formed therewith as a monolithic unit. The ratchet portion 396 may be positioned adjacent such tab 397 and a fastening item may be used to selectively secure the ratchet portion 396 with the tab 397. Further, the body 328 may include apertures 398 through which portions of the ratchet portion 398 may extend to create a clean and aesthetically positive looking packaging 320.

FIGS. 60 and 61, and 62 and 63 illustrate additional packaging embodiments 420 and 520, respectively. The packaging 420, 520 may include similar features as other previously described embodiments herein having various widths and configured to support various configurations of tie down members with ratchets.

In some embodiments, the packaging 420 may include an aperture 498 having an enlarged shape relative to previous embodiments. The aperture 498 may generally extend along a width of a body 428 of the packaging 420. The aperture 498 may have an elongated oval shape with a generally rectangular portion that extends downward near a center of the aperture 498. However, this disclosure is not limited as to the size and shape of the aperture 498.

The packaging 420 illustrated by FIGS. 60-61 may also include various pattern(s) of webbing 440 in which the body 428 of the packaging includes a plurality of hex holes 442 configured to receive fasteners such as a push pin type fastener to support a ratchet on the body of the packaging 420. The area of the body 428 surrounding each of the hex holes 442 may include a generally solid, continuous or monolithic pattern to add structural integrity to the body 428. These patterns may vary in shape and this disclosure is not limiting.

A strap holding member 464 may include notches 466 to provide flexibility to the strap holding members 464 having a larger outer diameter than previous embodiments. Any number of notches 466 is contemplated and this disclosure is not limited. In one embodiment, the notches 466 may be configured to receive spacer members similar to previous embodiments described above.

In some embodiments, the packaging 520 may include an aperture 598 having an enlarged shape relative to previous embodiments. The aperture 598 may generally extend along a width of a body 528 of the packaging 520. The aperture 598 may have a generally rectangular shape with rounded edges and a generally rectangular portion that extends downward therefrom near a center of the aperture 598. However, this disclosure is not limited as to the size and shape of the aperture 598.

The packaging 520 illustrated by FIGS. 62-63 may also include various pattern of webbing 540 in which the body 528 of the packaging includes a plurality of hex holes 542 configured to receive fasteners such as a push pin type fastener to support a ratchet on the body of the packaging 520. The area of the body 528 surrounding each of the hex holes 542 may include a generally solid, continuous or monolithic pattern to add structural integrity to the body 528. These patterns may vary in shape and this disclosure is not limiting.

A strap holding member 564 may include notches 566 to provide flexibility to the strap holding members 564 having a larger outer diameter than previous embodiments. Any number of notches 566 is contemplated and this disclosure is not limited. In one embodiment, the notches 566 may be configured to receive spacer members similar to previous embodiments described above.

Additionally, the packaging 520 may include hook holding members 568 configured to support at least one hook thereon. When the tie down member with ratchet is operatively positioned within in the packaging 520, the hook 588 may selectively engage the hook holding members 568 in an operative position. In such embodiments, the hook may be hooked with the hook holding member 568 to maintain the hook in its operative position.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. A packaging for a product having a length, the packaging comprising: a body having front and rear portions, the front portion having at least one pocket configured to hold the product;a webbing formed in the front portion of the body;a post positioned in the pocket, wherein the post is configured such that at least a portion of the length of the product circumscribes the post; andan engaging member attached to the body, the engaging member configured to engage a portion of the product to maintain the product in a predetermined position.

2. The packaging of claim 1, further comprising a backing attached to the rear portion of the body.

3. The packaging of claim 1, further comprising a second post positioned in the pocket, the second post configured to have at least a portion of a length of a second product circumscribing the post.

4. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the engaging member includes an aperture positioned in the body.

5. The packaging of claim 4, wherein the engaging member further includes a tab extending from the body adjacent the aperture, whereby the tab is configured to engage a hook.

6. A packaging for a tie down product having a strap with a length and a hook, the packaging comprising: a body having front and rear portions;a webbing formed in the body and visible from the front portion of the body;a cylinder extending from the body, the cylinder configured to maintain the strap in a predetermined position relative to the body; andat least one engaging member positioned in the body, the engaging member configured to maintain the hook of the product in a predetermined position.

7. The packaging of claim 6, further comprising a pocket positioned on the front portion of the body.

8. The packaging of claim 7, wherein the pocket is configured to maintain the strap in the predetermined position whereby the strap is visible from the front portion of the body.

9. The packaging of claim 8, wherein the pocket includes a bottom portion, the bottom portion configured to maintain the body in an upright position.

10. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the engaging member includes a tab extending from the body, the tab configured to maintain the hook in the predetermined position and an aperture adjacent the tab whereby the aperture is configured such that a portion of the hook extends therethrough.

11. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the webbing is visible from both of the front and rear portions of the body.

12. A system comprising: at least one tie down member, the tie down member comprising: a strap having a length; anda hook selectively engageable with the strap;a packaging configured to maintain the at least one tie down member in a predetermined position, the packaging comprising: a body having front and rear portions;a webbing formed in the body and visible from the front portion of the body;a cylinder extending from the body, the strap circumscribing the cylinder maintaining the strap in a predetermined position relative to the body; andat least one engaging member positioned in the body, the hook engaged with the engaging member maintaining the hook in a predetermined position.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the strap of the at least one tie down member is visible from the front portion of the body.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the webbing is formed in a majority portion of the front portion of the body.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the tie down member further comprises a ratchet selectively attached with the front portion of the body.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second tab extending from the front portion, wherein the ratchet is selectively attached with the second tab maintaining the ratchet in a predetermined position.

17. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a second tie down member, the second tie down member comprising: a second strap; anda second hook selectively engageable with the second strap;wherein the packaging further comprises a second cylinder extending from the body, the second strap circumscribing the second cylinder maintaining the second strap in a predetermined position relative to the body.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising third and fourth tie down members, wherein the third and fourth straps include third and fourth straps, respectively and third and fourth hooks selectively engageable with the third and fourth straps, respectively.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the third strap circumscribes the first cylinder maintaining the third strap in a predetermined position relative to the body and the fourth strap circumscribes the second cylinder maintaining the fourth strap in a predetermined position relative to the body.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein second hook is engaged with the engaging member maintaining the second hook in a predetermined position.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the third and fourth hooks are selectively attached to the rear portion of the body.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the packaging further comprises a pocket formed in the front portion of the body whereby the third and fourth hooks are selectively positioned in the pocket.