BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment illustrating the packaging device prior to being assembled;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the packaging device as it is being assembled;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the packaging device in a nearly fully assembled configuration, and includes a partial cut-away portion to illustrate an interior section of the packaging device;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrating a product retained by the packaging device along with product accessories housed within the integral storage container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A first preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the packaging 10 device prior to assembly. The packaging device 10 includes a pair of symmetrical side panels 12 that extend away from a base 14. Each of the side panels 12 includes at least one retention tab, and as shown, a pair of retention tabs 32. The side panels 12 further include respective retention extensions 34 that are formed by openings cut in the side panels. Each opening generally defines the product shape, and the retention tabs 32 and retention extensions 34 can be provided in various combinations to frictionally engage the product to be held therein. Thus, while the preferred embodiment illustrates a particular arrangement with respect to the retention tabs and extensions, these can be provided in various other shapes and combinations in order to secure the particular shaped product. The portions of the side panels extending longitudinally outward away from the opening formed in the side panels 12 are defined as closure flaps 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the closure flaps 16 are folded toward one another and secured to one another.
A number of fold lines are provided in order to place the packaging device 10 in its assembled configuration. As shown with respect to the base 14, three fold lines are provided, namely, a centerfold line 18, and a pair of corner fold lines 20. The center fold line 18 is simply provided to allow the packaging device to be folded in half during storage. When it is desired to assemble the packaging device, it is folded along corner fold lines 20, and the closure flaps 16 are drawn toward one another and secured. The base 14 further includes a pair of opposing base flaps 22 which extend laterally away from the longitudinal axis A-A. A cut or notch is formed in the base flaps 22, thereby defining respective base protrusions 28. The base flaps 22 are folded toward one another along adjacent fold lines 21, and overlap the base 14. One of the side panels 12 further includes a pair of opposing side panel flaps 24, these panel flaps also extending transversely away from the longitudinal axis A-A. Each of these side panel flaps 24 include an ear 26 and a folded edge 30.
As noted above, respective product openings are formed in each side panel 12 to match the shape of the product to be packaged. For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, retention extensions 34 are illustrated as arcuate-shaped elements spanning between the lateral sides of the side panels 12.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, assembly of the packaging device 10 is shown. The integral container created when the packaging device is assembled is delimited by the base 14, the pair of side panel flaps 24, and the lower portions 13 of the side panels 12. As specifically shown in FIG. 3, the base flaps 22 are folded back against the base 14, thereby exposing a base slot adjacent the base protrusion 28, and then the ear 26 is inserted in the base slot. The folded edges 30 are folded at approximately 90° with respect to the side panel flaps 24 so that they reside within the open space defined by the integral container. FIG. 3 illustrates the packaging device being nearly fully assembled. The closure flaps 16 may be secured to one another as by an appropriate adhesive or connector, such as one or more staples. Additionally, an adhesive may be applied to the facing surfaces of the lower most retention tabs 32, thereby providing additional support to maintain the container in its closed shape. As also shown, an opening 38 may be formed in the respective closure flaps 16 which allow the packaging device to be displayed on a hanger.
Referring to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the side panels 40 of the packaging device 10 are of a different shape, and includes a different arrangement of protrusions/retention means 42. This particular arrangement of the retention means and the opening defined in the side panels 40 can obviously be used to hold or retain a different shaped and sized product. Like reference numbers used in this embodiment correspond to the same structural features illustrated with respect to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, with the exception that the lower portions 13 of the side panels 12 include an observation window or observation port 44 made of a clear, plastic material. This embodiment of packaging device 10 may be coupled with sealing of the side panel flaps 24 to the base 14 and to the lower portion 13 of the side panels 12 so that the consumer cannot access the accessories stored within the integral storage container, but yet may still view the accessories through the window 44.
FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 with a product 50 mounted therein. Additionally, the integral storage container includes a plurality of accessories 52 that accompany the product 50. The particular product illustrated in this figure is a pet toy sold and manufactured by the assignee of the present invention, the product being commercially known as the KONG® Pet Toy. The accessories 52 for this product could include various pet treats.
Those skilled in the art can envision any number of different types of products that can be used with the packaging device of the present invention, to include various accessories that are normally sold with the particular product.
By the foregoing, a simple, but effective packaging device is provided. The packaging device incorporates a minimum amount of material, yet may secure various shaped products therein. Incorporation of the retention means allows the packaging device to secure many different shaped products, yet does not substantially add complexity or additional required packaging material. The integral storage container allows accessories to be packaged directly with the product, and allows a user to have a desired amount of interaction with the accessories depending on how the storage container is sealed.
This invention has been described with respect to various embodiments; however, it shall be understood that various other modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the claims appended hereto.
Patent Application
20080035518
