Consumer product package

Abstract

A consumer product package. In one embodiment the consumer product package includes a first surface defining a first window and a first hinged flap associated with the first window. The first hinged flap is movable between a first position wherein the first window is exposed and a second position wherein the first window is obscured by the first hinged flap. In one embodiment a first attachment mechanism is associated with the first hinged flap and the first attachment mechanism maintains the first hinged flap in the second position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of packaging and more specifically to packaging for consumer products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Consumer product packaging today serves a multitude of functions. It not only protects the enclosed product, but also serves as an advertising medium to attract the interest of the prospective buyer and serve as a source of consumer information and instructions. By placing the consumer information on the packaging itself, the consumer can, prior to purchase, learn what is required to successfully utilize the enclosed product. One issue that arises is that the amount of packaging area available to convey information to a prospective purchaser may be insufficient given the amount of information required.

[0003] The present invention provides a way of increasing the amount of information delivered, while providing interesting packaging that will catch the potential buyer's attention while allowing the enclosed product to be viewed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to consumer product packaging. In one embodiment the consumer product packaging includes a first surface defining a first window and a first hinged flap associated with the first window. The first hinged flap is movable between a first position wherein the first window is exposed and a second position wherein the first window is obscured by said first hinged flap. In one embodiment a first attachment mechanism is associated with the first hinged flap and the first attachment mechanism maintains the first hinged flap in the second position.

[0005] In another embodiment the consumer product packaging further includes a second surface defining a second window. In yet another embodiment the first window and said second window of the consumer product packaging are positioned to permit views of different sides of a product contained within the consumer product package. In still yet another embodiment the first window and the second window are positioned to show opposite sides of said product. In still yet another embodiment the consumer product packaging includes a second hinged flap associated with the first window. The second hinged flap is movable between a first position wherein the first hinged flap is exposed and a second position wherein the first hinged flap is obscured by the second hinged flap.

[0006] In another embodiment the consumer product packaging includes a second attachment mechanism associated with the second hinged flap. The second attachment mechanism maintains the second hinged flap in the second position.

[0007] The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the description, drawings, and claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Reference to the figures herein is intended to provide a better understanding of the methods and apparatus of the invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specifically depicted embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Like reference characters in the respective figures typically indicate corresponding parts.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with its flaps closed;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with its flaps open;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with its flaps closed;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with one of its flaps open;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention consumer product packaging of the with both of its flaps open;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a back view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with both of its flaps closed;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with both its flaps closed;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with both of its flaps closed;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention with both of its flaps closed; and

[0018] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention unfolded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant to limit the present invention. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0020] It should be understood that the order of the steps of the methods of the invention is immaterial so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps may be conducted simultaneously or in a different order than recited herein unless otherwise specified. It should also be understood that the terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0021] In brief overview and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, these figures depict an embodiment of the consumer product packaging of the invention 10, shown with its front flaps 14, 14' (generally 14) closed. The flaps 14, 14' are shown each with a fold in the cardboard acting as a hinge. Other attachment mechanisms are possible which act as a hinge connecting two solid objects while allowing relative motion between them. For example although the embodiment shown depicts a single piece construction of cardboard which is folded in the shape of the packaging, the packaging may be made of separate piece of cardboard connected by flexible material.

[0022] The package 10 has a first end flap 16 and a second end flap 20 (not shown); a first side panel 24 and a second side panel 28 (not shown); and a front panel 32 and a back panel 36 (not shown). In the embodiment shown the front panel 32 includes a window 40. In other embodiments, the back panel 36 of the package 10 also includes a window 44. In other embodiments other windows may be included in the various panels. In this way various aspects of the enclosed consumer product (not shown) can be viewed. In various embodiments, the windows can be completely open or covered with a clear or colored transparent sheet, or combinations thereof. When one or both of the front flaps 14, 14' are closed, the front panel 32 and window 40 is obscured. When both front flaps 14, 14' are closed one of the front flaps 14' obscures the other front flap 14. In other embodiments flaps 14 can be included with any panel with or without incorporated windows.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the product package 10 is shown with the flaps 14, 14' closed. FIG. 4 is a front view of the product package 10 with the first front flap 14 closed and the second front flap open 14'. The first front flap 14 includes an attachment mechanism 48, which engages an attachment mechanism 52 on the second front flap 14' when both front flaps 14, 14' are closed, holding them in the closed position. In various embodiments the attachment mechanisms 48 and 52 can be combinations of a magnet on one front flap and metal on the other front flap, magnets on both front flaps, Velcro.RTM. on both front flaps 14, 14' or other attachments means known to one skilled in the art.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the packaging 10 with both flaps 14', 14' open, exposing the window 40 in front panel 32. FIG. 6 is a back view of the packaging 10 showing the back panel 36 with window 44. FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the packaging 10 showing a side panel 24. Side panel 28 would have a similar view to FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows one end of the packaging 10 having end flap 16 in the closed position. FIG. 9 depicts the other end 20 of the embodiment of the packaging showing the interlock tabs as will be discussed below.

[0025] FIG. 10 is an opened view of the embodiment of the packaging of the invention 10. The packaging material is constructed out of packaging cardboard which is thin enough to be folded into shape. Once the shape depicted in FIG. 10 is cut from the cardboard, the packaging can be constructed by folding the cardboard along the various lines 60-88. Next the first front flap 14 is constructed by applying adhesive to the back side of the panels 90 and 92 and folding them together along fold 68 such that the adhesive holds the two panels together as a single flap 14. Similarly the second front flap 14' is constructed by applying adhesive to the back side of the panels 94 and 96 and folding them together along fold 88 such that the adhesive holds the two panels 94, 96 together as a single flap 14'.

[0026] Next the remaining folds 60, 66, 70, 100, 102 and 86 are folded such that side panel 28 is adjacent panel tab 98. Panel tab 98 is then folded along fold 60 and glued into the inner surface of side panel 28 along fold 86. This forms the main body of the packaging 10. Then tabs 104, 106, 108 and end panel 16 are folded along folds 74, 84, 78 and 76, respectively, so as to engage one another along tab 110, thereby closing off one end 16 of the packaging 10.

[0027] Finally end tab 112 is folded along fold 64; side tab 114 is folded along fold 72; end tab 116 is folded along fold 80; and side tab 118 is folded along fold 82, thereby allowing end tab 116 to engage end tab 112, thereby closing off and forming the other end 20 of the packaging 10. At any time either end 16, 20 of the packaging 10 may be opened to permit insertion of the object to be packaged. Not that if either window 40 or 44 are covered by a transparent plastic, the covering is glued over the window prior to folding the packaging for ease of construction. Finally attachment devices 48, and 52 (not shown) are affixed to panel 90 of flap 14 and panel 96 of flap 14'. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, attachment devices 48 and 52 are placed on opposite surfaces of the opened packaging. Additionally, it is possible to have holes punched in panels 90 and 96, and have the attachment devices affixed to the opposite surface of the corresponding panel 90, 94 respectively, such that the attachment devices appear accessible through the holes in panels 90 and 96.

[0028] Flaps 14, 14' can serve to conceal the enclosed product or simply provide additional space for consumer information such as instructions. It is also possible, by selecting various shapes for the panels to create a package that is not rectilinear. As the packaging described herein provides a detailed description of a consumer product while affording concealment of the product, the packaging is suited to contain and advertise products of an adult nature, such as for example, sexual aids, alcoholic beverages, or other products not designed for use by minors.

[0029] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A consumer product package comprising: a first surface defining a first window; a first hinged flap associated with the first window, said first hinged flap movable between a first position wherein said first window is exposed and a second position wherein said first window is obscured by said first hinged flap; and a first attachment mechanism associated with said first hinged flap, said first attachment mechanism maintaining said first hinged flap in said second position.

2. The consumer product package of claim 1 further comprising a second surface defining a second window.

3. The consumer product package of claim 2 wherein said first window and said second window are positioned to permit views of different sides of a product contained within said consumer product package.

4. The consumer product package of claim 3 wherein said first window and said second window are positioned to show opposite sides of said product.

5. The consumer product package of claim 1 further comprising a second hinged flap associated with said first window, said second hinged flap movable between a first position wherein said first hinged flap is exposed and a second position wherein said first hinged flap is obscured by said second hinged flap.

6. The consumer product package of claim 5 further comprising a second attachment mechanism associated with said second hinged flap, said second attachment mechanism maintaining said second hinged flap in said second position.

7. The consumer product package of claim 1 wherein the first hinged flap is adapted to advertise and selectively display a sexual aid.

8. The consumer product package of claim 1 wherein the first hinged flap is adapted to advertise and selectively display an alcoholic beverage.

9. A consumer product package comprising: a first window; a first flap associated with the first window, said first hinged flap movable between a first position wherein said first window is exposed and a second position wherein said first window is obscured by said first flap.

10. The consumer product package of claim 9 further comprising a second flap associated with said first window, said second flap movable between a first position wherein said first flap is exposed and a second position wherein said first flap is obscured by said second flap.

11. The consumer product package of claim 9 further comprising a first attachment mechanism associated with said first flap, said first attachment mechanism maintaining said first flap in said second position.