U.S. patent application number 10/551043 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for packaging device.
This patent application is currently assigned to WP IP, LLC.. Invention is credited to Julia M. Volpe.
Application Number | 20070158235 10/551043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33131740 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070158235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Volpe; Julia M. |
July 12, 2007 |
Packaging device
Abstract
A packaging device is provided which in one embodiment can have
a casing member adapted to form a compartment for containing and
surrounding an article therein. The casing member can define an
opening portion for the article to pass therethrough when being
inserted into or removed from the compartment and an access port in
communication with the compartment. The opening portion can be
selectively closed by a closure member to maintain the article
enclosed in the casing member. In one embodiment, the access port
can be sized to prevent the enclosed article from being removed
therefrom during normal use.
Inventors: |
Volpe; Julia M.; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS (6TH AVENUE)
NEW YORK
NY
10036-2714
US
|
Assignee: |
WP IP, LLC.
Carson City
NV
89706
|
Family ID: |
33131740 |
Appl. No.: |
10/551043 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 29, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/09429 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60458001 |
Mar 27, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/769 ;
206/774 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20130101; B65D
25/54 20130101; B65D 2201/00 20130101; A45C 13/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/769 ;
206/774 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/54 20060101
B65D025/54 |
Claims
1. A packaging device comprising: a casing member adapted to form a
compartment for containing and surrounding an article therein, the
casing member defining an opening portion for the article to pass
therethrough when being inserted into or removed from the
compartment; and a closure member for selectively closing the
opening portion to maintain the article enclosed in the casing
member; wherein the casing member further defines an access port
which selectively communicates with the compartment.
2. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein: in a non-trial mode,
the access port is closed so that the article can be completely
covered and enclosed in the casing member when the closure member
closes the opening portion; and in a trial mode, the access port is
opened by the user to reach the article contained in the
compartment.
3. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein the access port is
sized to prevent the enclosed article from being removed therefrom
during normal use.
4. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein the access port self
closes until it is forced open.
5. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein the casing member
surrounding the access port is made of a flexible material.
6. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein the casing member
surrounding the access port is at least partially reinforced.
7. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the casing member is made of transparent material.
8. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein the casing member is
formed by one or more wall members.
9. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein the casing member is
formed by an integral wall member.
10. The packaging device of claim 8, wherein the access port is
formed by overlapping said one or more wall members.
11. A packaging device comprising: a casing member adapted to
selectively enclose and surround an interior chamber for containing
at least one article; and an access mechanism formed in the casing
member selectively operable by a user to move between a first
position which forms an opening communicating with the interior
chamber and a second position which prevents communication with the
interior chamber.
12. The packaging device of claim 11, wherein the access mechanism
is sized and configured to allow a user to access and feel the at
least one article and prevent the user from removing the at least
one article from the packaging device.
13. The packaging device of claim 11, wherein the access mechanism
self closes until it is forced open.
14. A packaging device comprising: a casing member adapted to
enclose and surround an interior chamber for containing at least
one article; and an access mechanism formed in the casing member,
the access mechanism being sized and configured to allow a user to
access and feel the at least one article and prevent the user from
removing the at least one article from the packaging device.
15. The packaging device of claim 14, wherein the access mechanism
self closes until it is forced open.
16. The packaging device of claim 14, wherein the casing member
surrounding the access port is made of a flexible material.
17. The packaging device of claim 14, wherein the casing member
surrounding the access port is at least partially reinforced.
18. The packaging device of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of
the casing member is made of transparent material.
19. The packaging device of claim 14, wherein the casing member is
formed by one or more wall members.
20. The packaging device of claim 19, wherein the access port is
formed by overlapping said one or more wall members.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/458,001 filed Mar. 27, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a packaging
device. In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging
device for protecting its contents during shipping and storage but
further is suitable for display for retail purchases, and more
specifically is adapted for packaging bedding articles, other
fabrics, or like products. More particularly the present invention
relates to a packaging device, which allows a customer to access
the enclosed article at the retail end without removing the same
from the packaging device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional packages, such as bedding packages, are
typically in the form a bag, pouch, box, or carton having an
opening to allow the manufacture or the user to insert or remove
the contents. Once the contents of the packages is inserted, the
opening can be closed, for example, with a closure member, such as
a zipper, or in a more permanent fashion, for example by heat
sealing, so that the articles contained in the packages can be
protected during transportation and storage. The packages are
normally maintained in such a closed state at least until they are
distributed to the retail stores and put on the shelves for sale.
The packages, in addition to protecting the contents, may display
or provide a promotional function for the contents, or both.
[0004] Before potential customers purchase packaged articles, the
customers typically will want to open the packages to inspect and
feel the enclosed articles. If the packages do not provide a
resealable opening, the potential customers may break the packages,
which will prevent the contents from being inserted back into the
packaging for further protection. Alternatively, if the packages
are provided with a resealable opening which is usually
sufficiently large to allow the entire article to pass
therethrough, the customers have a tendency to remove at least a
portion of the article from the packages for close inspection.
Often times, customers fail to return the articles to their initial
packaging state as designed or intended by the manufacturer. Also,
the customers may forget to close the fasteners after inspecting
the packaged articles.
[0005] In such cases, the aesthetic appearance of the packages or
the articles can be significantly undermined, which can in turn
adversely affect the sales of the merchandise. Moreover, if the
packages are left open for a prolonged time, the enclosed articles
can fall out of the bag, or otherwise be soiled or damaged.
Consequently, additional maintenance of the merchandise is
required. Otherwise, the merchandise must be sold at a discounted
price because it can no longer provide the purchasers with the
quality intended by the manufacturer.
[0006] The present invention provides a packaging device that
overcomes the above problems. The present invention is capable of
affording satisfactory protection of the packaged article at the
retail end and providing a mechanism that allows the customer to
access the packaged article without opening the packaging device or
shifting the article enclosed therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A packaging device is provided which in one embodiment can
comprise a casing member adapted to form a compartment for
containing and surrounding an article therein. The casing member
can define an opening portion for the article to pass therethrough
when being inserted into or removed from the compartment and an
access port in communication with the compartment. The opening
portion can be selectively closed by a closure member to maintain
the article enclosed in the casing member. In one embodiment, the
access port can be sized to prevent the enclosed article from being
removed therefrom during normal use.
[0008] In a non-trial mode of the packaging device, the access port
is closed so that the article can be completely covered and
enclosed in the casing member when the closure member closes the
opening portion. In a trial mode of the packaging device, the
access port is opened by the user to reach the article contained in
the compartment.
[0009] The casing member surrounding or forming the access port can
be made of a flexible material. Additionally or alternatively, the
casing member surrounding the access port can be at least partially
reinforced. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the casing
member is made of transparent material.
[0010] An alternative embodiment of the packaging device is
provided which can comprise a casing member adapted to enclose and
surround an interior chamber for containing at least one article
and an access mechanism formed in the casing member. The access
mechanism can be selectively operable by a user to move between a
first position which forms an opening communicating with the
interior chamber and a second position which prevents communication
with the interior chamber. Additionally or alternately, the access
mechanism is sized and configured to allow a user to access and
feel the at least one article and prevent the user from removing
the at least one article from the packaging device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The detailed description of the present invention will be
better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numbers and reference characters represent
like elements, as follows:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a packaging device formed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows the front view of the packaging device as shown
in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows the front view of an alternative packaging
device; and
[0015] FIG. 4 shows the sections forming the front wall member of
the packaging device as shown in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Exemplary packaging devices are shown throughout the
drawings. In the following description of various embodiments of
packaging devices, similar elements or components thereof are
designated with same reference numbers or reference characters and
redundant description is omitted. It should be understood that the
exemplary packaging devices shown in the figures are not to be
considered limiting and various features from the different
embodiments may be considered.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary packaging device 1. The packaging
device 1 can comprise a bag 10 formed by a casing member 20, which
will be described in detail below. While the packaging device 1 is
described as comprising a bag 10, it should be understood that it
can alternatively be referred to as a pouch, box, carton, or by
similar terms. The bag 10 can comprise an opening portion 30, which
is adapted to allow one or more articles 2 to be placed therein or
removed therefrom, as will be described in detail below. The bag 10
can have various shapes and sizes depending on the nature, volume,
quantity, and the like of the packaged article 2.
[0018] For example, the bag 10 can be formed in various shapes to
accommodate and contain the packaged article 2 therein. In one
embodiment, the bag or pouch 10 can have a general
three-dimensional shape. In an exemplary embodiment, such as shown
in FIG. 1, the bag 10 can have a three-dimensional rectangular
shape having front and rear walls 12 and 14 and four side walls 16.
Such a rectangular bag 10 can be used for various articles 2, which
has or can be manipulated into a generally rectangular shape, such
as bedding products, various fabrics, or the like products. In
another exemplary embodiment, a rectangular shaped bag 10 can have
the dimensions of about 12 inch.times.15 inch.times.2 inch.
Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the bag 10 can also be
designed to provide an aesthetic quality to appeal to the
purchasers. For example, the bag 10 can have a cylindrical shape
with circular ends.
[0019] In another embodiment, the bag or pouch 10 can have a
contoured shape, such as similar to that of the packaged article 2.
For example, when the packaged article 2 is a doll or animal toy
figure, the bag 10 can be shaped accordingly to fit the shape of
the toy figure. It will be appreciated that other shapes of the bag
10 are also within the scope of the invention.
[0020] The bag 10 or casing member 20 can be formed in various
manners. In one embodiment, the bag 10 can be formed with a front
wall member 12 and a rear or back wall member 14 with one or more
side walls 16 located between the front and rear walls 12 and 14.
The front, rear, and side walls 12, 14, and 16 can define a
compartment or interior chamber 22 therein for receiving the
article 2. In one exemplary embodiment, the front, rear, and side
walls 12, 14, and 16 can be separately formed and joined together
forming one or more joining edges 18, such as for example by heat
sealing, heat welding, bonding, gluing, or other well know joining
processes. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the edges 18
between the adjoining walls can be reinforced, for example to
provide additional strength to the packaging device 1. In another
exemplary embodiment, one or more side walls 16 can be integrally
formed with each other, and alternatively or additionally with the
front and rear walls 12 and 14. Optionally, the integrally formed
walls can be subject to creasing or folding processes. In one
exemplary embodiment, one or more pieces or sections of material,
such as A, B, and C as shown in FIG. 4, can be provided to form any
one of the front, rear, and side walls 12, 14, and 16. It will be
appreciated that other embodiments of forming the bag 10 are also
within the scope of the invention.
[0021] The casing member 20 can be adapted to form a compartment or
a cavity 22 for containing a packaging article 2 therein. The
casing member 20 can be formed of various materials as appropriate
for packaging the article 2. For example, at least a portion of the
casing member 20 can be made of transparent material so that at
least a portion of the enclosed article 2 can be viewed without
opening the bag 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the casing member
20 can be at least partially, or entirely, made of a flexible
material. In another exemplary embodiment, the casing member 20 can
comprise combinations of relatively stiff and more flexible
materials. In a further exemplary embodiment, the casing member 20
can be at least partially, or entirely, made of a deformable
material. It will be appreciated that other materials capable of
forming the casing member 20 are also within the scope of the
invention.
[0022] In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 1, the opening
portion 30 in the casing member 20 can allow the entire article 2
to pass therethrough when being inserted into or removed from the
bag 10. The opening portion 30 can be formed in various
conventional manners. In one embodiment where the bag 10 has a
three-dimensional shape, the opening portion 30 can be formed on at
least one of the side walls 16, such as along a major dimension
thereof. Preferably, the opening portion 30 extends along
approximately 50% of the side walls 16, such as shown in FIG. 1. In
an exemplary embodiment, the opening portion 30 can extend along
adjacent side walls 16, such as shown in FIG. 1. In another
exemplary embodiment, the opening portion 30 can be formed along at
least one edge 18 of the side walls 16. In an exemplary embodiment,
the opening portion 30 can be formed in three side walls 16,
preferably adjacent to or at the edges 18 of the side walls 16
where they meet with the front or rear walls 12, 14, so that the
entire front and/or rear wall member 12, 14 can flip open to
provide access to the article 2 contained in the bag 10. It will be
appreciated that other embodiments of the opening portion 30 are
also within the scope of the invention.
[0023] In another embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 1, a closure
member 40, preferably a resealable closure member, can be provided
to selectively open and/or close the opening portion 30 to maintain
the article 2 enclosed in the casing member 20. Various
conventional fasteners can be used to serve such a purpose. In an
exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 1, a zipper element 42
can be fixed to the casing member 20 along the portion defining the
opening portion 30 to thereby selectively open and/or close the
opening portion 30. In another exemplary embodiment, a VELCRO
fastener element 42 can extend along at least one edge 18 formed by
a side wall member 16 and the adjoining front wall(s) 12 or rear
wall(s) 14 of the packaging device 1. When the closure member 40 is
open, the enclosed article 2 can be removed from the packaging
device 1. Preferably, the closure member 40 extends along at least
approximately 50% of the side walls 16, such as shown in FIG. 1, or
more preferably approximately 75-85% of the side walls 16. In an
exemplary embodiment, the closure member 40 can extend along three
side walls 16 of a rectangular shaped packaging device 1. It will
be appreciated that other embodiments of the closure member 40 are
also within the scope of the invention.
[0024] The packaging device 1 can comprise an access port 50, such
as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Preferably, the access port 50 can be
configured to allow a user to reach into the compartment 22 and
access and feel the article 2 contained therein, even when the
opening portion 30 is sealed, for example by the closure member 40.
In other words, the access port 50 can provide the customer with
independent access to the enclosed article 2 separately from that
provided by the opening portion 30. Additionally or alternatively,
the access port 50 can be configured to prevent the enclosed
article 2 from being removed therefrom during normal use.
[0025] In one embodiment, the access port 50 is capable of moving
between a trial mode and a non-trial or rest mode. For example, in
a trial mode, the access port 50 can be opened by a potential
purchaser to reach into the compartment 22 and access and feel the
article 2 contained therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the access
port 50 will remain open without further effort on the account of
the potential purchaser, so that the article 2 contained in the
compartment 22 can be accessed and felt by the potential
purchasers. In another exemplary embodiment, the access port 50 can
be formed so that, in a non-trial or rest mode, it remains closed.
The access port 50 can further be formed so that optionally it will
self close unless a potential purchaser forces the access port 50
to open. Preferably, the article 2 can be completely covered by the
casing member 20 not withstanding the existence of the access port
50 unless the closure member 40 is opened by a user.
[0026] The access port 50 can be formed in various manners. In one
embodiment, the access port 50 can be formed by partially
overlapping a plurality of wall sections, such as sections A, B,
and C, of the casing member 20. In an exemplary embodiment, such as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front wall member 12 can comprise two
sections A and B. A portion of the two sections A and B can freely
overlap with each other. When the packaging device 1 is filled with
the article 2, the overlapping portions can be biased against each
other to thus close the access port 50 and cover the enclosed
article 2. When a user wants to access to the enclosed article 2,
the user can easily apply a gentle force separating the two
overlapped portions and reach into the compartment 22. The two wall
sections A and B when separated to open the access port 50 can form
a sleeve like opening that communicates within the compartment or
interior chamber 22. Preferably wall sections A and B are formed of
a flexible material, preferably a material that allows the two
overlapping sections to be easily separated.
[0027] In another embodiment, the access port 50 can be formed as a
slit portion defined in one of the front, rear, and side walls 12,
14, and 16 of the packaging device 1. In an exemplary embodiment,
such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slit portion 50 can be formed
by partially overlapping a plurality of wall sections, such as
sections A, B, and C. The slit portion 50 can be easily separated
by the user to thereby access the enclosed article 2.
[0028] Optionally, at least a portion of the casing member 20
surrounding the access port is at least partially reinforced. In an
exemplary embodiment, a reinforced portion 24 can be formed by a
folded edge 26, such as shown in FIG. 1. In another exemplary
embodiment, the folded edge 26 can have a length in the range of
about 5 inches to about 7 inches, and preferably of about 6
inches.
[0029] The dimension of the access port 50 can vary as desired. In
one embodiment, the access port 50 can be sized to prevent the
enclosed article 2 from being removed therefrom during normal use.
Depending on the size of the entire packaging device 1, the access
port 50 can have such a dimension that a user can extend one or
more fingers or one hand therethrough to access and feel the
enclosed article 2. Accordingly, the enclosed article 2 can be
securely retained in the packaging device 1 and be protected from
undesired shifting inside or removal from the bag 10. In an
exemplary embodiment, the access port 50 can be a small portion of
the entire packaging device 1.
[0030] The access port 50 can be provided at various locations on
the packaging device 1. For example, the access port 50 can be
positioned on the front wall member 12 of the bag 10. Because
packages are normally displayed on the shelves with their front
sides facing toward the customers, such a location can make the
packaged article 2 ready for inspection without further
manipulating the packages. In an exemplary embodiment, such as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the access port 50 can be formed at a
bottom corner of the packaging device 1 and extend diagonally
across the front wall member 12. The edge 26 in FIG. 1 preferably,
and in exemplary fashion, about 4 to 8 inches, more preferably
about 5 to 7 inches and most preferred about 6 inches. In another
exemplary embodiment, the access port 50 can be positioned in the
center portion of the front wall member 12. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the access port 50 can be so positioned on the
packaging device 1 to allow a user to access a particular portion
of the packaged article 2. For example, in a doll packaging, the
access port 50 can be placed to allow the purchaser to feel the
hands of the packaged doll. It will be appreciated that other
embodiments of the access port 50 are also within the scope of the
invention.
[0031] A preferred embodiment comprises a resealable opening
portion 30 formed in one or more side walls 16, and preferably
including at least 50% of the side walls 16 of the rectangular
shaped packaging device 1 while an access port 50 is formed in a
different wall member such as the front wall member 12 and is
formed of two overlapping sections which form the front wall member
12. More preferably the access port 50 is formed in a corner of the
front wall member 12 and is sized to allow the typically sized hand
of a person to be inserted into the access port 50 and into the
compartment 22 of the packaging device 1. Even more preferred, the
access port 50 is located on the front wall member 12 and extends
diagonally from a first side wall member to a second side wall, and
further preferably extends from the first side wall member to the
second side wall member in a location where the opening portion 30
in the side wall(s) is not located.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the packaging device 1 can be
used in connection with various articles 2. For example, the
packaged articles 2 can be any items that a purchaser may desire to
touch, feel, sample, try, or otherwise inspect without opening the
packaging. Exemplary articles 2 can include but are not limited to
fabric products, such as bedding articles, toy products, such as
stuffed animals,
[0033] It will be appreciated that the various features described
herein may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore,
the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments
specifically described herein. While the foregoing description and
drawings represent a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
it will be understood that various additions, modifications, and
substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying
claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art
that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms,
structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements,
materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or
essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications
of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components
and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are
particularly adapted to specific environments and operative
requirements without departing from the principles of the present
invention. The presently disclosed embodiment is therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and
not limited to the foregoing description.
* * * * *