U.S. patent application number 11/952851 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for clamshell package and method of forming same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belkin International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ernesto Victor Quinteros, Mitchell Suckle, Ali Vassigh.
Application Number | 20090145090 11/952851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40718199 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vassigh; Ali ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
Clamshell Package and Method of Forming Same
Abstract
A package includes: (a) a base having a first perimeter; (b) a
cover having a second perimeter; (c) a hinge pivotally coupling the
base and the cover and located at a first portion of the first
perimeter and at a first portion of the second perimeter; and (d) a
first non-reusable security element capable of keeping the base and
the cover in a closed position and located at a second portion of
the first perimeter and a second portion of the second
perimeter.
Inventors: |
Vassigh; Ali; (Bellevue,
WA) ; Quinteros; Ernesto Victor; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Suckle; Mitchell; (Long Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRYAN CAVE LLP
TWO NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 2200
PHOENIX
AZ
85004
US
|
Assignee: |
Belkin International, Inc.
Compton
CA
|
Family ID: |
40718199 |
Appl. No.: |
11/952851 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/456 ;
220/4.22; 220/793; 220/795 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02W 30/80 20150501;
B65D 75/22 20130101; Y02W 30/807 20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/456 ;
220/4.22; 220/793; 220/795 |
International
Class: |
B65B 43/08 20060101
B65B043/08; B65D 6/06 20060101 B65D006/06; B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00; B65D 41/16 20060101 B65D041/16 |
Claims
1. A clamshell package comprising: a base having a first perimeter;
a cover having a second perimeter; a hinge pivotally coupling the
base and the cover and located at a first portion of the first
perimeter and at a first portion of the second perimeter, and a
first non-reusable security element configured to keep the base and
the cover in a closed position and located at a second portion of
the first perimeter and at a second portion of the second
perimeter, wherein: the hinge and the first non-reusable security
element are absent from third portions of the first and second
perimeters.
2. The clamshell package of claim 1 wherein: at least a portion of
the first non-reusable security element is removable from the
clamshell package to permit the base and the cover to move from the
closed position to an open positron; and the clamshell package is
reusable after the removal of the at least a portion of the first
non-reusable security element.
3. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the first
non-reusable security element comprises: a first flange coupled to
the base; and a second flange coupled to the cover; and the first
and second flanges are coupled together to form a seal for the
first non-reusable security element.
4. The clamshell package of claim 3, wherein: the first flange
extends outward from the first perimeter; and the second flange
extends outward from the second perimeter.
5. The clamshell package of claim 3, wherein: the base comprises a
first cavity; the first flange is absent over the first cavity; and
the first non-reusable security element is outside of the first
cavity.
6. The clamshell package of claim 5, wherein: the cover comprises a
second cavity; the second flange is absent over the second cavity;
and the first non-reusable security element is outside of the
second cavity.
7. The clamshell package of claim 5, wherein: the cover is devoid
of a cavity; and the second flange is absent over the first
cavity.
8. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the base further
comprises: an overhang portion extending from the second portion of
the first perimeter; and at least a portion of the overhang portion
and at least a portion of the second portion of the second
perimeter are coupled together to form a seal for the first
non-reusable security element.
9. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the cover further
comprises: an overhang portion extending from the second portion of
the second perimeter; and at least a portion of the overhang
portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the first
perimeter are coupled together to form a seal for the first
non-reusable security element.
10. The clamshell package of claim 1, further comprising: a second
non-reusable security element configured to keep the base and the
cover in the closed position, wherein: the first non-reusable
security element comprises: a first seal located at the second
portion of the first perimeter and the second portion of the second
perimeter; the second non-reusable security element comprises: a
second seal located at a fourth portion of the first perimeter and
a fourth portion of the second perimeter; the third portions of the
first and second perimeters separate the hinge and the first
non-reusable security element; fifth portions of the first and
second perimeters separate the first non-reusable security element
and the second non-reusable security element; and sixth portions of
the first and second perimeters separate the second non-reusable
security element and the hinge.
11. The clamshell package of claim 1, further comprising: a second
non-reusable security element configured to keep the base and the
cover in the closed position; and a third non-reusable security
element configured to keep the base and the cover in the closed
position, wherein: the first non-reusable security element
comprises: a first seal located at the second portion of the first
perimeter and the second portion of the second perimeter; the
second non-reusable security element comprises: a second seal
located at a fourth portion of the first perimeter and a fourth
portion of the second perimeter; the third non-reusable security
element comprises: a third seal located at a fifth portion of the
first perimeter and a fifth portion of the second perimeter; the
third portions of the first and second perimeters separate the
hinge and the first non-reusable security element; sixth portions
of the first and second perimeters separate the first non-reusable
security element and the second non-reusable security element;
seventh portions of the first and second perimeters separate the
second non-reusable security element and the third non-reusable
security element; and eighth portions of the first and second
perimeters separate the third non-reusable security element and the
hinge.
12. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the first
non-reusable security element comprises a radio frequency seal.
13. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the first
non-reusable security element comprises an adhesive.
14. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the first
non-reusable security element comprises a heat seal.
15. The clamshell package of claim 1, wherein: the first perimeter
includes a first aperture; the second perimeter includes a second
aperture; and the first aperture is aligned with the second
aperture when the base and the cover are in the closed
position.
16. The clamshell package of claim 1 wherein: a size and a shape of
the first perimeter is substantially the same as a size and a shape
of the second perimeter.
17. The clamshell package of claim 1 wherein: a thickness of the
second portion of the first perimeter is less than a thickness of a
body portion of the base; and a thickness of the second portion of
the second perimeter is less than a thickness of a body portion of
the cover.
18. A package comprising: a product-containing portion defining an
interior space, wherein the product-containing portion comprises:
abase having a first perimeter; and a cover having a second
perimeter and capable of movement between a first position relative
to the base, in which the cover encloses the interior space, and a
second position relative to the base, in which the interior space
is exposed; a first tab extending from the base away from the
interior space; a second tab extending from the cover away from the
interior space; and a non-reusable seal securing together the cover
and the base in the first position and located between at least a
first portion of the first tab and at least a first portion of the
second tab, wherein: first portion of the first perimeter is
separated from a first portion of the second perimeter when the
cover is in the second position; the first portion of the first
perimeter is adjacent to the first portion of the second perimeter
when the cover is the in first position; the non-reusable seal is
absent at a portion of the first portion of the first perimeter;
and the non-reusable seal is absent at a portion of the first
portion of the second perimeter.
19. The package of claim 18 further comprising: one or more third
tabs extending from the base away from the interior space; one or
more fourth tabs extending from the cover away from the interior
space, each of the one or more fourth tabs corresponding to at
least one of the one or more third tabs; and an additional
non-reusable seal between a at least a portion of each of the one
or more third tabs and at least a corresponding portion of the one
or more fourth tabs, wherein: each of the non-reusable seals is
located outside of the interior space; and each of the first tab,
the second tab, the one or more third tabs, and the one or more
fourth tabs are non-contiguous with each other.
20. A package comprising: a first means for defining a periphery of
an interior space comprising: a second means for defining a first
portion of the periphery of the interior space; and a third means
for defining a second portion of the periphery of the interior
space; fourth means for hingedly attaching the second means to the
third means; and a non-reusable means for securing together the
first means and the second means in a closed position and to
enclose the interior space, wherein: the fourth means is located a
first portion of a perimeter of the first means; the non-reusable
means is located at second portion of the perimeter of the first
means; and the fourth and non-reusable means are absent at third
portions of the perimeter of the first means.
21. A method of packaging a product in a package comprising:
providing a base having a first perimeter; providing a cover having
a second perimeter; and securing together the cover and the base by
sealing together a first portion of the first perimeter and a first
portion of the second perimeter, wherein: a second portion of the
first perimeter is located apart from a second portion of the
second perimeter when the cover is in an open position relative to
the base; the second portion of the first perimeter is adjacent to
the second portion of the second perimeter when the cover is in a
closed position relative to the base; the first portion of the
first perimeter is a portion of the second portion of the first
perimeter; and the first portion of the second perimeter is a
portion of the second portion of the second perimeter.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising: inserting the
product between the base and the cover before securing together the
base and the cover.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: removing at least a
portion of the first portion of the first perimeter and at least a
portion of the first portion of the second perimeter from the
package to open the package; and thereafter, removing the product
from the package.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein: removing the at least a portion
of the first portion of the first perimeter and the at least a
portion of the first portion of the second perimeter does not
damage the base, the cover, or the product.
25. The method of claim 21 wherein: securing together the base and
the cover comprises: heat sealing the first portion of the first
perimeter and the first portion of the second perimeter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to packaging, and relates
more particularly to clamshell packages and methods of forming such
packages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A form of packaging commonly used in retail merchandising is
the clamshell package. This type of packaging is used with numerous
and varied types of items including such things as quantities of
electronics, electronic accessories, batteries, cables, cords, food
products, and, many other items.
[0003] Typically, clamshell packages are used when it is desirable
to provide a convenient way of merchandising, which is easily
loaded with product, readily mounted for display, and attractive in
appearance. A second object of the conventional clamshell package
is to provide security for the product. The clamshell package is
substantially bigger than the goods themselves, which makes theft
much more difficult. For example, a ballpoint pen, which if offered
for sale in bulk and contained in a shelf bin, could easily be
pilfered merely by picking up and inserting the pen into the
thief's pocket. On the other hand, if the ballpoint pen is held in
a clamshell package, theft is a more difficult and riskier task,
because the thief must break open the package to remove the
contents or conceal the larger package.
[0004] As a result of stores' and manufactures' concern about
theft, most of the development work related to clamshell packages
is directed toward providing packages that are very difficult to
open and steal. However, these difficult-to-open clamshell packages
cause much consumer annoyance when the consumer tries to open the
packaging. Opening clamshell packages without proper care is also
an injury-prone procedure, and serious hand injuries (including
tendon and nerve damage) regularly occur during the opening of this
type of packaging.
[0005] Therefore, a need exists for packaging that provides an
attractive display with formidable security against theft, but also
allows the consumer easy access to the product inside the
packaging.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention will be better understood from a reading of
the following detailed description of examples of embodiments,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings
in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a first package in an open position,
according to a first embodiment;
[0008] FIG 2 illustrates the first package of FIG. 1 in a closed
position, according to the first embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates the first package of FIG. 1 during the
process of removing a portion of a non-reusable security element,
according to the first embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates the first package of FIG. 1 after a
portion of the non-reusable security element has been removed,
according to the first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a second package in
an open position, according to a second embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a base of a third
package, according to a third embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a cover of the third
package, according to the third embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of cover for a fourth
package, which can be used with the base of FIG. 6, according to a
fourth embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a fifth package,
according to a fifth embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of a sixth package,
according to a sixth embodiment; and
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for a method of packaging a
product in a package, according to an embodiment.
[0018] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the
invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not
necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of
the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other
elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the
present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures
denote the same elements.
[0019] The terms "first" "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the
invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation
in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described
herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," and "have," and any
variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, or
apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily
limited to those elements, but may include other elements not
expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or
apparatus.
[0020] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term
"on," as used herein, is defined as on, at, or otherwise adjacent
to or next to or over.
[0021] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements or signals, electrically and/or mechanically,
either directly or indirectly through intervening circuitry and/or
elements. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically
coupled, either direct or indirectly, but not be electrically
coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically
coupled, directly or indirectly, but not be electrically coupled.
Coupling (whether only mechanical, only electrical, or both) may be
for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only
for an instant. The absence of the word "removably," "removable,"
and the like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean
that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In one embodiment, a clamshell package includes: (a) a base
having a first perimeter; (b) a cover having a second perimeter;
(c) a hinge pivotally coupling the base and the cover and located
at a first portion of the first perimeter and at a first portion of
the second perimeter; and (d) a first non-reusable security element
capable of keeping the base and the cover in a closed position and
located at a second portion of the first perimeter and at a second
portion of the second perimeter.
[0023] In another embodiment, a method of packaging a product in a
package includes: (a) providing a base having a first perimeter;
(b) providing a cover having a second perimeter; and (c) securing
together the cover and the base by sealing together a first portion
of the first perimeter and a first portion of the second
perimeter.
[0024] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a package 100 in
an open position, according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2
illustrates package 100 in a closed position, according to the
first embodiment. It should be understood that package 100 is
merely exemplary and that the present invention may be employed in
many different packages not specifically depicted herein. In the
illustrated embodiment, package 100 is a clamshell package.
However, package 100 can be many different types of packaging
including clamshell packaging.
[0025] As an example, package 100 can include: (a) a base 101 with
a perimeter 115; (b) a cover 102 with a perimeter 116; (c) a hinge
110; and (d) a non-reusable security element 120. In one
embodiment, the size and shape of perimeter 115 is substantially
the same as the size and shape of perimeter 116.
[0026] As used herein, "non-reusable security element" is defined
as a security element that is non-reusable for its intended purpose
of securing the package or preventing the package from being
opened. Use of non-reusable security element 120 allows package 100
to be securely closed to prevent theft while allowing the consumer
easy access to products contained within package 100.
[0027] A product-containing portion 209 (FIG. 2) can define an
interior space of package 100 and be formed by base 101 and cover
102. Package 100 also defines a periphery of the interior space,
and more specifically, base 101 and cover 102 define portions of
the periphery of the interior space.
[0028] Cover 102 and base 101 are configured to move between a
closed position, in which cover 102 and base 101 enclose the
interior space, and an open position, in which the interior space
is exposed. Before closing package 100, products, instruments,
labels, advertisements, and other related items can be inserted
into the product containing portion 209 (FIG. 2). In one
embodiment, hinge 110 pivotally couples together base 101 and cover
102. Hinge 110 is located at a portion 113 of perimeter 115 and at
a portion 114 of perimeter 116. In some embodiments, hinge 110 can
he integrally formed with base 101 and cover 102.
[0029] Non-reusable security element 120 is configured to keep base
101 and cover 102 in a closed position and is located at a portion
107 of perimeter 115 and a portion 108 of perimeter 116. In the
illustrated embodiment, non-reusable security element is located
outside of product-containing portion 209 (FIG. 2). In the same or
different embodiment, each of hinge 110 and non-reusable security
element 120 are absent from at least one portion of perimeters 115
and 116. For example, portions 107 and 108 can be located at
portions of perimeter 115 and 116 opposite portions 113 and 114,
respectively. Furthermore, portions 117 could exist between
portions 107 and 113, and portion 118 between portions 108 and
114.
[0030] In the same or different embodiment, base 101 and cover 102
are only secured in the closed position by non-reusable security
element 120. That is, no security elements or seals, other than
non-reusable security element 120, exist between base 101 and cover
102. In further embodiments, a second non-reusable security element
could serve as the hinge for package 100, or vice versa.
[0031] In one embodiment, non-reusable security element 120
includes a flange 124 coupled to cover 102 and a flange 125 coupled
to base 101. In one example, flanges 124 and 125 can extend outward
from cover 102 and base 101, respectively.
[0032] In one embodiment flanges 124 and 125 are an integral part
of cover 102 and base 101 (i.e., flanges 124 and 125 are not
separate pieces from cover 102 and base 101 and/or are formed from
the same material and at the same time as cover 102 and/or base
101). In some embodiments, the flanges can be referred to as lips,
and in other embodiments, the flanges can be referred to as
overhangs, and in yet other embodiments, the flanges can be
referred to as tabs.
[0033] In one embodiment, non-reusable security element 120
includes a seal 222. Portions of flanges 124 and 125 are coupled
together to form seal 222. Seal 222 can be formed using a variety
of techniques. As an example, seal 222 can be formed by a heat seal
between portions of flanges 124 and 125. A heat seal can be a seal
bonded by heat and pressure to form a closure. In another
embodiment, seal 222 can be formed by radio frequency (RF) bonding.
In a third embodiment, seal 222 can be formed by placing an
adhesive (e.g., glue) between portions of flanges 124 and 125. In
other embodiments, seal 222 can be formed by any other method that
securely couples a portion of flange 124 to a portion of flange
125.
[0034] In the same or different embodiments, one or more labels
(not shown) can be placed in or between flanges 124 and 125 at or
around seal 222. The labels can instruct a user how to open the
package. In various examples, a label with the words "Cut Here" can
be placed between the flanges 124 and 125 at seal 222.
[0035] In one embodiment, at least a portion of non-reusable
security element 120 is removable from package 100 to permit base
101 and cover 102 to move from the closed position to the open
position. For example, after sealing package 100 in the closed
position, one method of opening package 100 includes removing the
portion of non-reusable security element 120 containing seal
222.
[0036] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a method of removing non-reusable
security element 120 from package 100. FIG. 3 illustrates package
100 during the process of removing a portion of non-reusable
security element 120 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4
illustrates package 100 after a portion of non-reusable security
element 120 has been removed according to the first embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 3, seal 222 can be removed using a sharp object 352.
Sharp object 352 disconnects a portion of flanges 124 and 125 from
the rest of package 100. A variety of sharp objects 352 can be used
including scissors, knives, or devices designed especially for
opening a clamshell package. In other embodiments, a portion of
non-reusable security element 120 can be removed by twisting the
portion, of non-reusable security element 120 off.
[0037] After non-reusable security element 120 is removed, package
100 can be opened, and any of products 450 stored within package
100 can be removed, as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, after
removing portions of non-reusable security element 120, package 100
is reusable. In some embodiments, package 100 includes a reusable
closing mechanism to allow base 101 to be secured to cover 102
after removal of all or a portion of non-reusable security element
120.
[0038] The design of package 100 makes opening package 100 by any
method other than removal of a portion of non-reusable security
element 120 difficult. Package 100 can be opened by cutting through
other portions of package 100. However, the person opening package
100 in this manner risks seriously injuring himself or damaging the
product inside package 100 if portions of package 100 other than
non-reusable security element 120 are cut.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 1, base 101 has a cavity 103 in one
embodiment. Flange 125 is absent over or under cavity 103, and
perimeter 115 can be defined or formed by the periphery or edges of
cavity 103. Non-reusable security element 120 can be located
outside of cavity 103. In one example, cavity 103 can have a single
wall and be shaped similar to a hemisphere. In other embodiments,
cavity 103 can be formed by two or more walls and, in some
embodiments, be shaped similar to an oblong tube. In another
example, cavity 103 can be formed by four side walls and a bottom
wall and have a shape similar to a square, rhombus, or rectangular
box. In a further example, cavity 103 can be shaped to mirror a
general or detailed exterior surface or shape of the products to be
placed within package 100. Shaping cavity 103 to mirror the
exterior surface or shape of the products allows the products to be
securely and attractively packed within package 100 with a lessened
need for cushioning or other protective materials. In further
embodiments, base 101 can have multiple cavities.
[0040] In the same or a different embodiment, cover 102 can have a
cavity 104. Flange 124 is absent over or under cavity 104, and
perimeter 116 can be defined or formed by the periphery or edges of
cavity 104. Non-reusable security element 120 can be located
outside of cavity 103. Cavities 103 and 104 can define
product-containing portion 209. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, cavity 104 has a single wall and is shaped similar to a
hemisphere. In other embodiments, cavity 104 can be formed by two
or more walls and, in some embodiments, be shaped similar to an
oblong tube. In yet another example, cavity 104 can be formed by
four side walls and a bottom wall or be shaped to mirror a detailed
or general exterior surface shape of the products. In other
embodiments, cover 102 can have multiple cavities or be devoid of a
cavity.
[0041] In one embodiment, hinge 110, non-reusable security element
120, and flanges 124 and 125 can be part of base 101 and cover 102,
instead of being separate elements from base 101 and cover 102. For
example, base 101, cover 102, non-reusable security element 120,
flanges 124 and 125, and hinge 110 can be formed from a thin sheet
of transparent thermoplastic material using a single sheet
thermoforming process. In other embodiments, injection molding,
transfer molding, or other formation processes can be used to form
package 100. Package 100 can be composed of PET (polyethylene
terephthalate), RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), HIPS
(high-impact polystyrene), high density polyethylene, polyurethane,
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other suitable materials. These
materials can be opaque, translucent, and/or transparent. Package
100 can be formed from a plastic material with a thickness that is
appropriate to use and structure of the package. In some
embodiments, the thickness of flanges 124 and 125 can he less than
the thickness of base 101 and/or cover 102.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a package 500 in an
open position, according to a second embodiment. Package 500 can be
similar to package 100 (FIG. 1). Package 500 can include a base
501, a cover 502, a hinge 110, and a non-reusable security element
520. Base 501 and cover 502 can be substantially similar to base
101 and cover 102 (FIG. 1). However, a cavity 503 of base 501
contains four side walls and bottom wall instead of being
hemispherically shaped. Base 501 also has a tab 541 extending
outward from a perimeter 515 of base 501. Cover 502 includes a tab
540 extending outward from a perimeter 516 of cover 502. Cover 502
is devoid of a cavity and has a flat, substantially one-dimensional
shape.
[0043] In this embodiment, non-reusable security element 520 is
similar to non-reusable security element 120 (FIG. 1). Non-reusable
security element 520 includes a seal (not shown), which couples a
portion of tab 540 to a portion of tab 541. The seal is applied
after products and any inserts or other items have been placed
inside the interior space of package 500.
[0044] In this embodiment, non-reusable security element 520 holds
package 500 in a closed position. No other permanent seals exist
between base 501 and cover 502. Package 500 can be opened without
damaging base 501, cover 502, or any products therewithin by
removing a portion of non-reusable security element 520. In one
embodiment, the portion of non-reusable security element 520
removed includes the seal 522 between tabs 540 and 541.
[0045] Package 500 can be displayed in a retail environment by
suspending package 500 from a frontwardly extending rod or peg. In
one embodiment, to facilitate this mode of support, tabs 540 and
541 can include apertures 544 and 543, respectively. When base 501
and cover 502 are in the closed position, aperture 543 is aligned
with aperture 544. In the illustrated example, apertures 543 and
544 can be triangular holes. Apertures 543 and 544 can also have
other geometric or round shapes. In a further embodiment, apertures
543 and 544 can be referred to as openings.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a base 601 of a
package 600, according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a
top view of a cover 702 of package 600, according to the third
embodiment. Package 600 can be similar to package 100 (FIG. 1)
[0047] As an example, base 601 includes a cavity 603 with a
perimeter 615 and four tabs 640, 650, 652, and 654 extending away
from cavity 603. Cavity 603 is formed by a bottom wall 655 and four
side walls 656, 657. 658, and 659.
[0048] Also, in this example, cover 702 with a perimeter 716 also
includes four tabs 740, 750, 752, and 754 extending away from the
interior space defined by cover 702 and base 601. In this
embodiment, base 601 and cover 702 are not coupled by a hinge, and
therefore, two or more tabs are necessary to secure the package 700
in a closed position. If multiple tabs are not used, package 600
would not be securely closed, and the products stored inside the
package could easily fall out or be stolen from package 600.
[0049] After the products are placed inside cavity 603, the
interior of package 600 can be enclosed by placing cover 702 on top
of the opening in base 601. When package 600 is in a closed
position, tabs 640, 650, 652, and 654 are adjacent to tabs 740,
750, 752, and 754, respectively. Tabs 640 and 650 can be sealed to
tabs 740 and 750, respectively, and tabs 652 and 654 can be sealed
to tabs 752 and 754, respectively, to form four non-reusable
security elements. As in the previous embodiments, package 600 can
be opened by removing at least a portion of at least one of the
four non-reusable security elements. In a further embodiment, one
or more pairs of tabs 640 and 740, 650 and 750, 652 and 752, and
654 and 754 can be used as hinges. In FIGS. 6 and 7, four tabs are
shown on base 601 and cover 702, but any number of tabs could be
used as long as the number of tabs used securely couple base 601 to
cover 702.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a cover 802 with a
perimeter 816, which can be used with base 601 (FIG. 6), according
to a fourth embodiment, to form a package 800. Package 800 can be
similar to package 100 (FIG. 1) Cover 802 includes an insert
portion 860. In one embodiment, insert portion 860 includes four
walls 862, 864, 866, and 868 extending outward and substantially
perpendicular to a top side 870 of cover 802. When cover 802 is
mated with base 601, walls 862, 864, 866, and 868 slide inside side
walls 656, 657, 658, and 659 (FIG. 6), respectively. Walls 862,
864, 866, and 868 provide increased security by making theft of the
product stored Inside package 800 more difficult.
[0051] In a non-illustrated embodiment, dimples or grooves can be
formed on side walls 656, 657, 658, and 659 (FIG. 6). Protrusions
corresponding to the dimples or grooves can be formed on walls 862,
864, 866, and 868. When cover 802 is mated with base 601 (FIG. 6),
the protrusions can snap into the corresponding dimples to lock
cover 802 to base 601. The usage of dimples and grooves can make
package 800 reusable while provide extra security against
theft.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a package 900,
according to a fifth embodiment. Package 900 can be similar to
package 100. (FIG. 1) In this example, package 900 has base 501,
cover 502, rims 905 and 906, tabs 941 and 940, and a non-reusable
security element 920. Rim 905 protrudes from base 501, and tab 941
extends outward from rim 905. Rim 905 and tab 941 are located
exterior to cavity 503. Cover 502 is hingedly attached to base 501
by hinge 110. Rim 906 protrudes from cover 502, and tab 940 extends
outward from rim 906. Rim 906 and tab 940 can be located exterior
to cover 502. In some embodiments, portions of rims 905 and 906 and
tabs 941 and 940 are part of non-reusable security element 920. For
example, non-reusable security element 920 can include a portion of
rims 905 and 906. When package 900 is in a closed position, a seal
is formed between portions of rims 905 and 906 to securely couple
base 501 and cover 502.
[0053] In another example, non-reusable security element 920 can
include portions of tabs 940 and 941. When package 900 is in a
closed position, a seal is formed between portions of tabs 940 and
941 to securely couple base 501 and cover 502. In a further
example, non-reusable security element 920 can include portions of
rims 905 and 906 and portions of tabs 940 and 941. When package 900
is in a closed position, a seal can be formed to securely couple
base 501 and cover 502. The seal securely attaches portions of rims
905 and 906 together as well as portions of tabs 940 and 941.
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of a package 1000,
according to a sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, package 1000
is similar to package 900, except that package 1000 includes a
locking mechanism 1080. A portion 1082 of locking mechanism 1080 is
located between cover 502 and rim 906, and a portion 1081 of
locking mechanism 1080 is located between rim 905 and a side wall
1058 of base 501. In one example, portion 1082 can be an outwardly
curving section, size and shaped to fit snuggly inside portion 1081
when package 1000 is in a closed position.
[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart 1100 for a method of
packaging a product in a package according to an embodiment.
[0056] Flow chart 1100 includes a step 1110 of providing a base
having a first perimeter. As an example, the base and the first
perimeter of step 1110 can he identical or similar to bases 101,
501, and 601, and perimeters 115, 515, and 615 of FIGS. 1, 5, and
6, respectively.
[0057] Next, flow chart 1100 includes a step 1120 of providing a
cover having a second perimeter. As an example, the cover and the
second perimeter of step 1120 can be identical or similar to covers
102, 502, 702, and 802 and perimeters 116, 516, 716, and 816 of
FIGS. 1, 5, 7, and 8, respectively.
[0058] Subsequently, flow chart 1100 in FIG. 11 continues with a
step 1130 of securing together the cover and the base by sealing
together a first portion of the first perimeter and a first portion
of the second perimeter. As an example, a first portion of the
first perimeter sealed to a first portion of the second perimeter
of step 1130 can be identical or similar to non-reusable security
elements 120 and 520, of FIGS. 1 and 5, respectively, and or the
security elements of FIGS. 6-8. In a different embodiment, step
1130 can perform the securing process described with reference to
FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0059] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Various examples of such changes
have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the
disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be
illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall
be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For
example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily
apparent that the system discussed herein may be implemented in a
variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of
certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a
complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the
detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves,
disclose at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, and
may disclose alternative embodiments of the invention.
[0060] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the invention claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
[0061] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *