U.S. patent application number 12/259939 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for product container.
This patent application is currently assigned to SENCORP INC.. Invention is credited to Brian J. Urban.
Application Number | 20100101976 12/259939 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42116458 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100101976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Urban; Brian J. |
April 29, 2010 |
PRODUCT CONTAINER
Abstract
The present invention relates to various embodiments of a
product container for holding and displaying consumer products. In
one aspect of the present invention, the present product container
comprises a product containing compartment and a base member that
encloses the product containing compartment. The product container
forms a tent-like shaped enclosure and is formed when a first
container portion and a second container portion come into
positional alignment in a closed or assembled configuration. The
first and second container portions are affixed on the inner
surface of the base member. The base member is then folded along
fold lines and upper ends of the base member are then bonded or
otherwise securely attached to each other such that the upper ends
of the respective first and second container portions are mated
with each other to form the product containing compartment.
Inventors: |
Urban; Brian J.; (East
Sandwich, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUSCH BLACKWELL SANDERS LLP
190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Assignee: |
SENCORP INC.
Hyannis
MA
|
Family ID: |
42116458 |
Appl. No.: |
12/259939 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/736 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/0077
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/736 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/42 20060101
B65D005/42 |
Claims
1. A product container for holding and displaying a product within
an internal compartment, the product container comprising: a base
member having a substantially planar surface portion; a first
container portion having a first end portion, a second end portion
and at least one side wall defining a product containing portion,
the first end portion being attached to the planar surface portion
of said base member and the second end portion defining a first
opening for receiving at least a portion of a product therewithin;
and a second container portion having a first end portion, a second
end portion and at least one side wall defining a product
containing portion, the first end portion being attached to the
planar surface portion of said base member in spaced apart
relationship to said first container portion and the second end
portion defining a second opening for receiving at least a portion
of a product therewithin; said base member having a pair of
generally parallel fold lines positioned and located between the
first and second container portions and defining a panel
therebetween forming a substantially flat bottom portion of the
product container, said base member being foldable along said fold
lines such that the second end portions of said first and second
container portions defining said first and second openings are
moved into abutting relationship with each other to form a product
containing compartment, the product containing compartment
substantially enclosing a product when a product is placed within
one of said first and second container portion openings prior to
folding said base member.
2. The product container of claim 1 wherein the second container
portion is a substantial mirror image of the first container
portion.
3. The product container of claim 1 wherein the first and second
container portions are provided with means for securing the product
containing compartment.
4. The product container of claim 1 wherein said base member
includes at least one cut-out portion positioned and located
adjacent at least one of said first and second container portions
for viewing a product contained in said product containing
compartment.
5. The product container of claim 1 wherein said base member
further includes at least one cut-out portion forming a handle when
said product containing compartment is formed.
6. The product container of claim 1 wherein the second end portion
defining the first and second openings of said first and second
container portions slope at an acute angle relative to the planar
surface of the base member.
7. The product container of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of
the at least one side wall defining the first and second container
portions is angularly oriented with respect to the base member
prior to folding.
8. The product container of claim 7 wherein said at least one side
wall defining the first and second container portions is
substantially perpendicular to said base member prior to
folding.
9. The product container of claim 1 wherein the first container
portion includes at least one flange portion for attaching the
first container portion to said base member.
10. The product container of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
first and second container portions is formed of a material
different from the material forming said base member.
11. The product container of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
first and second container portions is formed of a transparent
material and said base member is formed of a non-transparent
material.
12. The product container of claim 1 wherein a portion of the at
least one side wall defining the first container portion is
positioned adjacent one of said pair of fold lines and wherein a
portion of the at least one side wall defining the second container
portion is positioned adjacent the other of said pair of fold
lines.
13. The product container of claim 1 wherein said first and second
container portions include a floor member adjacent the respective
first end portions.
14. The product container of claim 1 wherein the base member forms
a tent-like shape when folded about said fold lines and when the
second end portions of said first and second container portions are
moved into abutting relationship with each other.
15. The product container of claim 13 wherein the floor of at least
one of said first and second container portions includes a cut-out
portion positioned and located for viewing a product contained in
said product containing compartment.
16. The product container of claim 4 wherein at least one of said
first and second container portions includes a cut-out portion
positioned and located so as to be in registration with the at
least one cut-out portion positioned and located on said base
member.
17. A product container for holding and displaying a product within
an internal compartment, the product container comprising: a base
member having a substantially planar surface portion and a pair of
spaced apart fold lines, said pair of fold lines defining a panel
therebetween; a first container portion having a first end portion,
a second end portion and at least one side wall defining a product
containing portion, the first end portion being attached to the
planar surface of said base member adjacent one of said pair of
fold lines member and the second end portion including a first
opening defined by a free edge of the at least one side wall, said
first opening being adapted to receive at least a portion of a
product therewithin; a second container portion having a first end
portion, a second end portion and at least one side wall defining a
product containing portion, the first end portion being attached to
the planar surface of said base member adjacent the other of said
pair of fold lines and the second end portion including a second
opening defined by a free edge of the at least one side wall, said
second opening being adapted to receive at least a portion of a
product therewithin; the free edges of the at least one side wall
defining the first and second openings forming an acute angle
relative to the planar surface of said base member when said first
and second container portions are attached to said base member
prior to folding, said base member being foldable along said fold
lines such that said first and second container portions are mated
with each other to form a product containing compartment, the
product containing compartment substantially enclosing a product
when placed within one of said first and second container portions
prior to folding said base member, said base member forming a
tent-like shape when folded about said fold lines, the panel
defined between said fold lines forming a substantially flat bottom
portion of the product container.
18. The product container of claim 17 wherein the second container
portion is a substantial mirror image of the first container
portion.
19. The product container of claim 17 wherein the second end
portions of said first and second container portions include means
for mating said first and second container portions in abutting
relationship with each other.
20. The product container of claim 19 wherein said means includes
at least one elongated projection associated with at least a
portion of the side wall associated with each of said first and
second container portions.
21. The product container of claim 17 wherein the second end
portions of said first and second container portions each include a
flange member associated with at least a portion of two sides of
the at least one side wall associated with said first and second
container portions and a ledge portion associated with at least a
portion of one side of the at least one side wall associated with
said first and second container portions.
22. The product container of claim 17 wherein said base member
includes at least one cut-out portion positioned and located
adjacent at least one of said first and second container portions
for viewing the contents of said product containing
compartment.
23. The product container of claim 17 wherein said base member
further includes at least one cut-out portion forming a handle when
said base member is folded about said fold lines.
24. The product container of claim 17 wherein the first and second
container portions include at least one flange portion whereby the
first and second container portions are attached to said base
member.
25. The product container of claim 17 wherein at least one of the
first and second container portions is formed of a transparent
material and said base member is formed of a non-transparent
material.
26. The product container of claim 17 wherein at least one of said
first and second container portions includes a cut-out portion.
27. A product container for holding and displaying a product
comprising: a base member having a substantially planar surface
portion including a pair of spaced apart fold lines, a pair of
spaced apart first cut-out portions, and a pair of spaced apart
second cut-out portions, said pair of fold lines defining a panel
therebetween; a first container portion having a first end portion,
a second end portion and a plurality of side walls defining a
product containing portion, said first end portion being positioned
over one of said first cut-out portions and being attached to the
planar surface of said base member adjacent one of said pair of
fold lines and said second end portion defining a first opening for
receiving at least a portion of a product positioned therewithin,
said second end portion being angularly oriented and forming an
acute angle relative to the planar surface of said base member when
said first container portion is attached to said base member; and a
second container portion having a first end portion, a second end
portion and a plurality of side walls defining a product containing
portion, said first end portion being positioned over the other of
said first cut-out portions and being attached to the planar
surface of said base member adjacent the other of said pair of fold
lines and the second end portion defining a second opening for
receiving at least a portion of a product positioned therewithin,
said second end portion being angularly oriented and forming an
acute angle relative to the planar surface of said base member when
said second container portion is attached to said base member; said
base member being foldable along said pair of fold lines such that
said first and second container portions mate with each other to
form a product containing compartment, said base member forming a
tent-like shape when folded about said fold lines such that the
pair of second cut-out portions are mated with each other to form a
handle for said product container, and wherein said panel extending
between said pair of spaced apart fold lines forms a substantially
flat bottom portion of the product container.
28. The product container of claim 27 wherein at least some of said
plurality of side walls associated with said first and second
container portions are angularly oriented with respect to said base
member when said first and second container portions are attached
thereto.
29. The product container of claim 28 wherein said plurality of
side walls associated with said first and second container portions
are substantially perpendicular to said base member when said first
and second container portions are attached thereto.
30. The product container of claim 27 wherein the first and second
container portions each include a flange member for attaching said
container portions to the base member.
31. The product container of claim 27 wherein said first and second
container portions are formed of a transparent material, and
wherein said base member is formed of a non-transparent
material.
32. The product container of claim 27 wherein said first and second
container portions are formed of an environmentally friendly
transparent material, and wherein said base member is formed of an
environmentally friendly non-transparent material.
33. The product container of claim 27 wherein said base member is
made from card stock.
34. The product container of claim 27 wherein at least one of said
first and second container portions includes a cut-out portion
positioned and located so as to lie in registration with at least
one of said pair of first cut-out portions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a product container used to
hold and display consumer products for sale and, more particularly,
to a product container which, when assembled, includes two
container portions which mate together to form a tent-like package.
The present package container is typically employed in a self-serve
retail environment where consumers can select individual packages
from a store shelf.
[0002] Package structures used to display articles for sale come in
a wide array of shapes and designs. The ideal package is
inexpensive to manufacture and has several features that are
important to both the consumer and the merchant. For example, a
consumer needs to easily and reliably verify the package's contents
before making the purchase. A feature that is important to store
owners is increased theft deterrence and improved product
protection. Finally, the package needs to provide adequate space on
its exterior surface for advertising, logo placement, instructions
regarding the product and so forth.
[0003] The presentation of a product to the consumer is also
important in that it should convey certain information about the
product and it should help the consumer make a choice to purchase
the product. Some of the more popular package structures are the
traditional plastic clamshell and the blister-to-board packages.
These package structures are commonly referred to as "blister
packs" and "clamshell packs" and both structures are pre-formed
plastic structures used for housing consumer products. The "blister
pack" has been known for some time, and it is quite customary to
find a consumer product enclosed within a formed blister made of
transparent, stiff, flexible material and secured to a board
material by heat and/or adhesive. The two primary components of a
blister pack are a thermally formed cup shaped container or recess
made of a transparent plastic material that surrounds the product
to be displayed and sold and a printed paperboard card member to
which the container portion is attached. Blister packaging is an
inexpensive option for creating packages that are durable,
transparent, and tamper proof. The clear plastic blister is used in
conjunction with a paperboard card material to keep the product in
partial view for the customer to examine. Blister packages
typically must be suspended from a hook or pegboard display and
typically will not sit upright on a shelf.
[0004] On the other hand, a "clamshell pack" is a pre-formed
plastic package that has one or more hinges. A single hinged
clamshell likewise usually includes a hanger tab that allows the
packaged product to hang on a store peg or hook associated with a
particular display. A multi hinged clamshell package offers
additional features that can include a flat base for free standing
of the package and the enclosed product on a store shelf.
Stand-alone packages offer particular advantages in that they can
be easily placed on a shelf, counter or other merchandising area
where the product is more visible and more clearly presented to the
public and more accessible for selection by a consumer.
[0005] Various types of stand-alone clamshell packages have been
disclosed in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,516 which was
issued on Jul. 14, 1992 to Theros discloses a product container for
holding and displaying a tape measure having working components,
the package including first and second substantially mirror image
panels each having an upper end, a lower end, a pair of sides each
having respective outwardly projecting recesses associated
therewith, and a base portion being generally trapezoidal in
cross-section, the lower ends of the panels being integrally hinged
to the base portion. When the panels are placed in contacting
relationship, an enclosed compartment for the tape measure is
formed by the recesses. The package is manufactured from a single
sheet of plastic in a single thermoforming step, including the
provision of having integrally formed access apertures enabling
purchasers to manipulate the tape measure prior to purchase.
[0006] U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070187274 published Aug. 16,
2007 to Dalea et al discloses a trifold clamshell package
comprising a first clamshell side, a second clamshell side and a
base portion. The trifold clamshell package is constructed from a
single piece of transparent polyvinyl chloride. The base portion is
attached to the first clamshell side and the second clamshell side
by two hinges. The base portion further includes two apertures
through which the caps of the product bottles extend once the
products are placed into the clamshell package. The first clamshell
side and the second clamshell side are folded together at each
hinge relative to the base portion. The first clamshell side and
second clamshell side are affixed together via a number of locking
tabs which are friction-fit locking tabs. A male aspect of each
locking tab is molded into the first clamshell side and a female
aspect of each locking tab is molded into the second clamshell
side. The first clamshell side and second clamshell side each
comprise a recessed area. Each recessed area is molded to the shape
of the products to be held and displayed by the clamshell package.
The package container is made of a single material and is typically
formed as a one-piece member.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,273 issued Mar. 22, 1988 to DeMarco
discloses a container for storing, transporting and displaying a
caramel apple, or the like. The container is a single molded piece
of plastic with a pair of pivotal sections and a base section
pivotally mounting the pair of pivotal sections. Each pivotal
section is formed with an outwardly projecting half-shell, which
half-shells cooperate when the two sections are in their closed
abutting position to form a substantially frustro-conically shaped
hollow enclosure in which is stored the caramel apple. The base
section is provided with an upstanding hollow support on the upper
surface of which rests the caramel apple. The outwardly projecting
half-shells form a substantially tent-like package when the
half-shells are in their closed abutting position. The structure is
manufactured from a single sheet of plastic
[0008] In an effort to overcome a variety of shortcomings in
conventional blister packages and clamshell packages, such as the
use of a lot of plastic material, hard to open packages, and small
graphic areas, the present invention provides a stand-alone
"stand-up" shelf stocking package that substantially reduces the
amount of plastic used in clamshell packages, improves openability,
and provides a larger surface for product advertising, logo
placement, instructions regarding the product and so forth.
[0009] Specific advantages and features of the invention will be
apparent from the accompanying drawings and description of an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to various embodiments of a
product container for holding and displaying consumer products. The
present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and
limitations of the prior art product containers discussed above,
and teaches the construction and operation of several embodiments
of a tent-like product container for holding and displaying
consumer products. In one aspect of the present invention, the
present product container includes a product containing compartment
and a base member that encloses the product containing compartment.
The base member includes a substantially planar surface and the
product containing compartment includes a plurality of container
portions which mate together and enclose the product in its
assembled or closed configuration.
[0011] The present invention also relates to a new environmentally
friendly package container as an alternative to traditional plastic
clamshell and/or blister-to-board packages. The base member can be
made from environmentally friendly materials and includes fold
lines, optional visibility cut-out windows, an optional handle, and
an optional handle die-cut for fold-over. The base member is
sketched for placement of an adhesive on its interior portion and
graphics can be incorporated on a substantial portion of the
opposite exterior side of the base member. The container portions
include a seal flange for attaching to the base member. The
container portions each likewise include an inclined or angularly
sloped upper surface and may include a mechanical lock or alignment
feature associated with at least a portion of the upper edge
surface thereof. Two container portions are positioned in spaced
apart relationship on the planar surface of the base member and
attached thereto using an adhesive or other attaching means. An
article or product is loaded into one of the two container
portions. The product container is then folded along the fold lines
such that the top edge surfaces of the two spaced apart container
portions mate with each other to form a tent-like package. Once
mated, the two container portions form one single closed product
containing compartment. The top of the product container is then
sealed with adhesive or other suitable means. Alternatively, if the
upper edge portion of each of the container portions contains a
mechanical lock feature, the respective container portions will
snap fit together when the base member is folded.
[0012] The present product container forms a tent shaped enclosure
for an article when assembled and is formed when a first container
portion and a second container portion come into positional
alignment with each other in a closed or assembled configuration.
The base member surrounding the product containing compartment in
an assembled or closed configuration includes a front panel, a back
panel, a base portion and a top portion. The front and back panels
extending from the base portion are configured to be folded along
fold lines. The first and second container portions are then
affixed or placed on the inner surface of the front and back
panels, respectively. The front and back panels are then folded
along the fold lines and the upper ends of the base member are then
bonded or otherwise securely attached to each other using any
suitable means such that the upper ends of the respective first and
second container portions are mated or coupled with each other to
form a product containing compartment.
[0013] The base member may include at least one opening which
permits viewing of an article contained by the product containing
compartment therethrough when the product containing compartment is
made of a substantially transparent material. The assembled product
container is provided with a die-cut handle defined by cut-out
portions disposed on the upper end portions of the base member.
[0014] The present product container provides for a substantial
reduction in use of plastic material vis-a-vis clamshell packages;
increased theft protection/deterrence vis-a-vis blister-to-board
packages; improved openability; the use of environmentally friendly
materials; stand up presentation on a shelf; a large surface area
for product graphics; and nestability, product visibility, and
robustness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference may be made to the accompanying drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled package
structure constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention, shown with an article inside.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the assembled package
of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the base member in its
unfolded stage of assembly, without showing the product container
portions.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present first and second product container portions.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the base member in its
unfolded position with the first and second product container
portions of FIG. 3 positioned thereon for assembly.
[0021] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the base member in its
unfolded position with another embodiment of the first and second
product container portions positioned thereon for assembly.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a product
container portion constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the product container
portion of FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an end view of an assembled package structure
using the product container portions of FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view showing the mating of two
product container portions of FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0026] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale and that the embodiments disclosed herein are
sometimes illustrated by fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present
invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may
have been omitted. It should be understood that the invention is
not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein. Like numbers utilized throughout the various figures
designate like or similar parts or structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIGS. 1-5A illustrate one embodiment 10 of a product
container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention. The product container 10 includes a product
containing compartment 14 for enclosing an article or product
positioned therewithin. In one embodiment, the product container 10
includes a base member 16 which surrounds the product containing
compartment 14, the product containing compartment 14 including a
pair of container portions 18 and 20 which enclose the article when
in its assembled or closed configuration.
[0028] The upright closed product container 10 depicted in FIGS. 1
and 2 is a tent shaped enclosure formed when a first container
portion 18 and a second container portion 20 are moved into mating
engagement with each other in a closed or assembled configuration.
The base member 16 (FIG. 3) which surrounds the product containing
compartment 14 in its assembled or closed configuration includes a
front panel 22, a back panel 24, a base portion 26, top portions
28, and a pair of connecting panels 50 extending between the front
and rear panels 22 and 24 and the top panels 28. In one embodiment,
the base member 16 is manufactured from a single sheet of cardboard
or other board material and is folded to form the product container
10 by surrounding the product containing compartment 14. In its
upright closed configuration as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
each of the front and back panels 22, 24 slopes downwardly and
outwardly. The assembled base member 16 is generally trapezoidal or
pentagonal in cross-section, with the lower ends 30 of the panels
22, 24 being integrally folded along the pair of fold lines 31. The
relatively broad shape of the base portion 26 enables the product
container 10 to be self-supporting for a stand-up presentation on a
typical shelf display. The assembled product container 10 is
provided with a die-cut handle defined by cut-out portions 32
disposed on the top portions 28 of the base member 16. Orientation
terms, as used herein, are for orientation of the product container
10 as oriented in FIG. 1.
[0029] As best shown in FIGS. 3-5A, the first container portion 18
and the second container portion 20 are formed as separate
components which are individually attached to the base member 16 as
shown in FIG. 5A. Each container portion 18 and 20 forms a
polygonal-shaped enclosure in an assembled and stacked position so
as to define a substantially symmetric portion of the tent-shaped
product containing compartment 14. The front panel 22 and/or the
back panel 24 of the base member 16 may each include a cut-out
portion 34 (FIG. 3) to provide a window which permits viewing of
the article contained within the product containing compartment 14
when the product containing compartment 14 is made of a
substantially transparent material. When containing an article, the
separate container portions 18 and 20 may be held in their closed,
vertically-upright position by a locking or other mechanism, such
as a cooperatively engageable snap fit or alignment mechanism
provided by interengaging portions of the respective container
portions 18 and 20. In addition, each of the respective container
portions 18 and 20 includes a flange portion 47 and 49 respectively
which is fixedly attached to a substantially flat surface
associated with the base member 16 as illustrated in FIG. 5A.
[0030] With reference now to FIG. 3, a flat depiction of the base
member 16 is illustrated. The front and back panels 22 and 24
extending from the base portion 26 are configured to be folded
along a pair of spaced apart fold lines 31. The first and second
container portions 18 and 20 are then affixed or placed on the
inner surface of the front and back panels 22 and 24 respectively,
as shown in FIG. 5A, such that one side edge portion of the
respective flange portions 47 and 49 lies adjacent and parallel to
a corresponding fold line 31. In one embodiment, the distance
between the first container portion 18 and the second container
portion 20 is approximately equal to the combined height (A+B) of
the first and second container portions 18 and 20 and the combined
width of the seal flanges 47 and 49 as shown in FIG. 5A. In one
embodiment, the two container portions 18 and 20 are symmetrical in
shape about a vertical contacting surface 39 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the
container portions 18 and 20.
[0031] Container portion 20 illustrated in FIG. 5A is a mirror
image of container portion 18 illustrated in FIG. 3 and each
includes an upper end portion 36 and 38, a lower end portion 40 and
42, and at least one side wall 44 and 46 extending therebetween
forming the first and second container portions 18 and 20. The free
edges of the side walls 44 and 46 define the respective upper end
portions 36 and 38 and also define the respective openings
associated therewith for receiving at least a portion of a product
when placed therein. The upper end portions 36 and 38 of each
container portion 18 and 20 are also angularly oriented relative to
the planar surface of the base member 16 and each upper end portion
slopes and forms an acute angle with the base member 16 as
illustrated in FIG. 5A. The lower end portions 40 and 42 of each
container portion 18 and 20 are attached to the inner surface of
the base member 16 such that the upper end portions thereof face
upwardly as likewise illustrated in FIG. 5A. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 3 and 5A, the side walls 44 and 46 form rectangularly shaped
first and second container portions 18 and 20 and the front and
rear side walls 44a, 44b, 46a and 46b are angularly oriented
relative to a flat horizontal surface and relative to the base
member 16 and they form an acute angle "a" with the base member
when the container portions are positioned thereon as illustrated
in FIG. 5A. Each of the first and second container portions 18 and
20 may also be provided with at least one flange portion 47 and 49
respectively extending from the lower end portions 40 and 42
respectively thereof, which flange portions facilitate attachment
of the first and second container portions 18 and 20 the base
member 16. The respective first and second container portions 18
and 20 may also be provided with a floor member 45 extending across
the respective lower end portions 40 and 42 thereof.
[0032] Once the container portions are positioned and attached to
the base member 16 as explained, the front and back panels 22 and
24 are then folded along the fold lines 31 to form the inclined or
angularly sloped surfaces of the tent-like package as illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2. Once folded, the top portions 28 of the base
member 16 are then bonded or otherwise securely attached to each
other using any suitable means such that the upper end portions 36
and 38 of the respective first and second container portions 18 and
20 are mated or coupled with each other to form the product
containing compartment 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner
surface of the base portion 26 structurally forms the bottom
interior panel of the package and the front and back panels 22 and
24 are folded along the fold lines 31 to move the first and second
container portions 18 and 20 into abutting relationship with each
other as best shown in FIGS. 2. A locking or alignment mechanism,
not shown in this embodiment, can be provided for releasably
joining the two container portions 18 and 20. The locking or
alignment mechanism may contain a resilient member integrally
formed on the first container portion 18 (not shown) for engaging a
corresponding member on the second container portion 20. Other
locking or mating means can likewise be used to releasably secure
the two container portions 18 and 20 including using an adhesive
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0033] Each container portion 18 and 20 is manufactured of a single
sheet of preferably transparent, rigid plastic material, such as
polyproprionate, polybutyrate, PVC or an equivalent, semi-rigid
sheet film material. In one embodiment, each container portion 18
and 20 is manufactured of an environmentally friendly thermoplastic
material. The sheet is thermoformed or molded to the desired shape.
The base member 16, on the other hand, can be made of an
environmentally friendly board stock material such as a card-stock
material, a fluted board, or a plastic sheet. However, it is also
within the scope of the present invention to construct the entire
product container 10, including the container portions 18 and 20
and the base member 16, with a single material, such as
environmentally friendly pulp stock. In those embodiments where the
container portions 18 and 20 are made of a non-transparent material
and it is not necessary to view the product positioned within the
container portions 18 and 20, the window cut-outs 34 can be
eliminated.
[0034] Turning now to the above-identified components in greater
detail, the base member 16 is substantially planar and may be
provided with a pair of first cut-out portions 32 which mate
together to form a handle of the product container 10. The planar
configuration is designed to facilitate the mating and/or
attachment of the first and second container portions 18 and 20 to
the front and back panels 22 and 24 and to facilitate closing of
the product container 10. This attachment may be accomplished by
any conventional means including using an adhesive. When in its
closed configuration, the respective top portions 28 of the base
member 16 mate with each other and can likewise be attached to each
other by any suitable means including using an adhesive. It is
recognized that a wide variety of different types of attachment
mechanisms can be utilized to seal the opposing top portions 28 of
the base member 16 in mating engagement with each other.
[0035] When the first and second container portions 18 and 20 mate
with each other and both opposite ends of the base member are
attached together at the top portions 28 by folding the base member
16 along the fold lines 31 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5A, the sides
of the product container 10 shown in FIG. 2 assume a tent-like
shaped structure resulting in a container which can rest upon and
can be easily displayed on a shelf. The container 10 illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is defined by laterally projecting side edges 30
which lie along the respective fold lines 31, but those skilled in
the art will appreciate that alternate configurations can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the shape of the
container portions 18 and 20 yields a flat, horizontal bottom
surface 51 for the product container compartment 14 when the
container portions 18 and 20 are mated together. Also, once the
product container 10 is assembled, the window cut-outs 34 allow the
contents of the first and second container portions 18 and 20 to be
viewed when the product containing compartment 14 is made of a
transparent material.
[0036] Connection panels 50 which extend from the front and back
panels 22 and 24 to the top portions 28 define an opening 52
between the top surface of the product containing compartment 14
and the inner surface of the connection panels 50 as best shown in
FIG. 2. When the container 10 is assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, the connection panels 50 form the top portion of the tent-shaped
container as the panels 50 are angularly oriented relative to
panels 22 and 24 and the top portions 28 in their assembled
configuration.
[0037] Base member 16 can be fabricated from a sheet of material by
conventional die cutting methods known in the art and, if desired,
product descriptions and graphics can be printed on the outer
surface of any of the panels that form the base member 16 as
previously explained. The first and second container portions 18
and 20 are then affixed to the inner surface of the base member 16
as previously explained. To complete the assembly process, a
merchandise product is inserted into one of the first or second
container portions 18 or 20 and the overall package or container 10
is then closed and sealed as previously explained. The product
container 10 permits partial visibility of the product through the
window cut-outs 34 and may be displayed on a shelf in a stand-up
mode due to the self-supporting design achieved by the
substantially flat bottom portion of the container 10 formed by
panel 26 which lies between the pair of fold lines 31.
[0038] It is also recognized and anticipated that the container
portions 18 and 20 can be fabricated without the floor portion 45.
In this embodiment, the side walls 44 and 46 will have
corresponding openings at each opposite upper and lower end
portions thereof and when the respective container portions 18 and
20 are attached to the front and rear panels 22 and 24 of the base
member 16, the front and rear panels 22 and 24 will form the floor
portion for each respective container portion 18 and 20. This
configuration saves material during the fabrication of the
container portions 18 and 20 and such structure will work equally
as well as the container portions 18 and 20 illustrated in FIGS. 4
and 5A where a floor portion 45 is utilized. Also, in this
particular embodiment, if the window cut-outs 34 are to be
utilized, a transparent material such as a film material can be
further attached to either side of the front and back panels 22 and
24 overlaying the window cut-outs 34 so as to prevent direct access
or touching of the product or contents within the product
containing compartment 14.
[0039] FIG. 5B discloses another embodiment of the first and second
container portions 18a and 20a. Container portions 18a and 20a are
substantially similar to container portions 18 and 20 illustrated
in FIG. 5A and each includes an upper end portion 36a and 38a, a
lower end portion 40a and 42a, and at least one side wall 44' and
46' extending therebetween forming the first and second container
portions 18a and 20a. The structure of the container portions 18a
and 20a in FIG. 5B differs from the structure of the container
portions 18 and 20 in FIG. 5A in that all of the side wall portions
44' and 46' extend substantially perpendicular to the base member
16 when the container portions 18a and 20a are positioned and
attached thereto. In all other respects, the container portions 18a
and 20a are substantially similar in structure and function in a
similar manner as compared to container portions 18 and 20. In this
regard, the upper end portions 36a and 38a of each container
portion 18a and 20a are also angularly oriented relative to the
planar surface of the base member 16 and each upper end portion
slopes and forms an acute angle with the base member 16 as
illustrated in FIG. 5B. The lower end portions 40a and 42a of each
container portion 18a and 20a are then similarly attached to the
inner surface of the base member 16 through the use of the flange
portions 47a and 49a as previously explained with respect to
container portions 18 and 20. The respective container portions 18a
and 20a are likewise positioned on base member 16 in a similar
fashion as compared to container portions 18 and 20 with one edge
portion of the respective flange portions 47a and 49a extending
parallel to one of the pair of respective fold lines 31a as
illustrated in FIG. 5B.
[0040] Based upon the structure of the container portions 18a and
20a illustrated in FIG. 5B, the resulting tent-like assembly will
be substantially similar to the container 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 except that the shape of the resulting product containing
compartment 14 will yield a bottom surface which forms a V-shaped
bottom surface in the assembled product containing compartment as
will be more fully discussed hereinafter with respect to FIG.
8.
[0041] It should also be noted that the base member 16 (FIG. 3) may
also include optional fold lines 54 between the respective front
and back panels 22 and 24 and the respective connecting panels 50
as best illustrated in FIG. 3. These optional fold lines 54 result
in the angularly oriented connecting panels 50 illustrated in FIG.
2. The fold lines 54 are optional and the material forming the base
member 16 can be merely bent and folded without fold lines 54 to
achieve the tent-like shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0042] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate still another embodiment 18b of a
container portion constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention. The container portion 18b again includes an
upper end portion 56, a lower end portion 58, and at least one side
wall 60 extending therebetween forming the container portion 18b.
The free edges of the side wall 60 define the upper end portion 56
and also define the respective opening associated therewith for
receiving at least a portion of a product or article when placed
therein. The upper end portion 56 of the container portion 18b is
also angularly oriented relative to the planar surface of the base
member 16 when attached thereto as previously explained with
respect to container portions 18, 20, 18a and 20a as illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, the upper end portion 56 of container
portion 18b includes a flange member or elongated projection 62
which extends along at least a portion of two respective sides of
the container portion 18b as best illustrated in FIG. 6. The flange
member 62 is designed to function as an alignment mechanism when a
pair of container portions 18b are positioned on the base member 16
in a mirror image arrangement as previously illustrated in FIGS. 5A
and 5B and the corresponding container portions are moved into
abutting relationship as previously explained.
[0043] Also, the upper end portion of one side wall 64 of container
portion 18b is wider in overall width as compared to the upper end
portion of the opposing side wall 66 as best illustrated in FIG. 6.
In this regard, the side wall 64 includes a ledge portion 68 which
extends outwardly from the flange or elongated projection member 62
and is positioned and located so as to mate with the upper end
portion 70 associated with side wall 66 when two corresponding
container portions 18b are positioned one on top of the other in a
mirror arrangement. This alignment or connection mechanism is best
illustrated in FIG. 9. As with container portions 18, 20, 18a and
20a, the lower end portions 58 of the container portion 18b
likewise includes a flange portion 72 for attaching the container
portion 18b to the base member 16 as previously explained. As with
container portions 18a and 20a, the upstanding side wall 60
associated with container portion 18b likewise extends
substantially perpendicular to the base member 16 when the
container portion 18b is positioned and attached thereto similar to
the container portion arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5B.
[0044] Assembly of a container package utilizing container portion
18b is substantially identical to the attachment and folding of the
base member 16 and container portions 18a and 20a illustrated in
FIG. 5B. A pair of container portions 18b oriented in a mirror
image arrangement are positioned and attached to base member 16
similar to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5B. The two
container portions 18b are positioned on the front and rear panels
22 and 24 as previously explained with respect to the construction
illustrated in 5A and 5B and the base member 16 is thereafter
folded as previously explained with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B to
achieve the tent-like container package 74 illustrated in FIG. 8.
Once the container portions 18b are positioned and attached to the
base member, the front and back panels 22 and 24 are then folded
along the fold lines 31 to form the tent-like package as
illustrated in FIG. 8. Once folded, the top portions 28 of the base
member 16 are bonded or otherwise securely attached to each other
using any suitable means as previously explained. It should be
noted that in this particular embodiment, the optional fold lines
54 are not utilized and the upper portion of the tent-like package
container 74 is merely flexed and bent so as to achieve attachment
of the upper portions 28 as illustrated. Also, importantly, as
previously explained with respect to container portions 18a and
20a, since the side walls 60 of the container portion 18b are
oriented substantially perpendicular to the base member 16 when
attached thereto, the bottom portion of the product containing
compartment 14b as illustrated in FIG. 8 forms a V-shaped bottom
surface 76 due to the flange portion 72. Although a small space 78
exists on each side of the tent-like package 74 at the bottom
thereof below the compartment 14b formed by the mating of two
container portions 18b, a portion of the product containing
compartment 14b extending along its entire longitudinal length
actually abuts and mates with the bottom panel 26 of the base
member 16 thereby providing additional support to the product
containing compartment 14b as compared to the structure illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2. Depending upon the weight of the product or
article positioned within the compartment 14b, this structure may
be preferred, although the space existing below the product
containing compartment 14 illustrated in FIG. 2 is minimal and is
suitable for many applications.
[0045] It is also recognized and anticipated that if any of the
container portions 18, 20, 18a, 20a and 18b are made from pulp
stock or any other non-transparent material and it is desirable to
allow consumers to view the product positioned within the product
containing compartment 14, a window can be cut or otherwise formed
in the floor of the non-transparent container portion, such as the
window cut-out portion 80 associated with container portion 18b
illustrated in FIG. 6, so as to register and align with one of the
window cut-out portions 34 associated with the base member as
previously explained. In this embodiment, a thin transparent film
can be positioned over window cut-out portions 34 and/or 80, on
either side thereof, to again prevent direct access or contact with
the product or contents within the product containing compartment
14. The window cut-out portion 80 can be similarly formed in floor
45 of container portions 18 and/or 20, in the floor portion of
container portions 18a and/or 20a, and one or both of the container
portions associated with a particular base member 16 may include
the window cut-out portion 80.
[0046] It is also recognized and anticipate that if window cut-out
portion 80 is used in association with any non-transparent
container portion, the base member 16, or at least base panels 22
and/or 24, can be made of a transparent material so that the base
cut-out portions 34 can be eliminated. In this embodiment, viewing
of the product or contents of product containing compartment 14 can
be accomplished by looking through at least transparent base panel
22 and/or 24 and through window cut-out portion 80 to the interior
of product compartment 14.
[0047] This new product container affords similar product features
associated with traditional clamshell and/or blister-to-board
packages including theft deterrence, product visibility and
robustness. In addition, the new product container provides
substantial reduction in plastic as compared to clamshell packages;
increased theft deterrents as compared to blister-to-board
packages; improved product protection; use of environmentally
friendly plastics, board stock and pulp stock; it provides for
stand-up shelf stocking; and it provides a large surface for
product graphics.
[0048] Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments
of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description,
certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the
particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is
therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications,
or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art.
Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and
applications of the present constructions will, however, become
apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the
specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes,
modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do
not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to
be covered by the invention and the scope of the present disclosure
is not intended to be limited solely to the embodiments shown
herein. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements
of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure
that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill
in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are
intended to be encompassed by this disclosure.
* * * * *