U.S. patent application number 12/839228 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for packaging article and device.
Invention is credited to Bryan Lee Hynecek, Randy Chihyeuan Lu, Ryan Mongan, Jarret Weis, Dan Xiong.
Application Number | 20120012489 12/839228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45466077 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120012489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mongan; Ryan ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
Packaging Article and Device
Abstract
In one example, we describe a new structure and shape for the
packaging objects, for storage, display, and transportation. For
example, it can be helpful for the consumers to
test/examine/try-before-buy the object(s). It has an
opening/closing mechanism, for the object to be secure inside that
packaging, without destroying the merchandise or packaging (by the
consumer at the store), so that it can be redisplayed on the shelf
(at the store), again. Many examples and variations are given
here.
Inventors: |
Mongan; Ryan; (Orange,
CA) ; Xiong; Dan; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Hynecek;
Bryan Lee; (Redwood City, CA) ; Lu; Randy
Chihyeuan; (Fremont, CA) ; Weis; Jarret; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Family ID: |
45466077 |
Appl. No.: |
12/839228 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
220/260; 220/751 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4283 20130101;
B65D 5/4208 20130101; B65D 5/4204 20130101; B65D 2313/02 20130101;
B65D 5/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 ;
220/260; 220/751 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/00 20060101
B65D090/00 |
Claims
1. A packaging object for holding one or more items, for displaying
in a store, or for sales, marketing, or commercialization purposes,
said packaging object comprises: a bottom portion; a top portion;
and a hang hole; wherein said top portion is in a shape of a gable
structure; and wherein said top portion comprises an
opening-and-closing mechanism or device, for a user to open or
close said packaging object, to access said one or more items.
2. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein cross
section of said bottom portion is circular.
3. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein cross
section of said bottom portion is rectangular.
4. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein cross
section of said bottom portion is a polygon.
5. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein cross
section of said bottom portion is a triangle.
6. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottom
portion is in a shape of a cuboid, complex polyhedron, or
squround.
7. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottom
portion is in a shape of a cylinder.
8. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottom
portion comprises a transparent or translucent window.
9. The packaging object as recited in claim 8, wherein said
transparent or translucent window is made of glass, plastic, or a
clear material, with respect to one or more frequencies, or range
of frequencies, in the visible electromagnetic radiation range.
10. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottom
portion comprises a sliding or removable window.
11. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottom
portion comprises a screen, net, or filtered window.
12. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
opening-and-closing mechanism or device comprises one or more the
following: a snap button and a snap button hold.
13. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
opening-and-closing mechanism or device comprises one or more the
following: a zipper, Velcro, any hook/loop/eye combination,
snap-on, tie, string, elastic band, chain, cable, lock, password
unit, biometric unit, cover, cap, lid, belt, band, shoe lace, glue,
or temporary glue.
14. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object further comprises a see-through cover.
15. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object further comprises an internal packaging layer,
plastic, or fabric.
16. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object further comprises a pull-tab that allows for said
packaging to be opened one time.
17. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object further comprises a snap button rivet.
18. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object further comprises one or more windows or air
openings.
19. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object further comprises multiple openings, covers, caps,
or lids.
20. The packaging object as recited in claim 1, wherein said
packaging object is made of one or more of the following: plastic,
cardboard, paper, laminated paper, elastic material, fabric,
polyester, artificial material, man-made material, petrochemical
material, organic material, non-organic material, natural material,
metal, alloy, mixtures, powder, compounds, layered material,
cotton, biodegradable material, recyclable material, wooden, woven,
rug, carpet, straw, or bamboo.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] There are many packaging devices, objects, mechanisms,
methods, and schemes available in the market now, for shelves and
displays, for marketing, transportation, security, and sales
purposes. However, for some items, it may be useful to let the
consumers examine the item or object outside of the packaging,
before purchasing. If the consumer does not like it (or if it does
not fit them or their purpose), this would prevent them from making
an uninformed purchase that they would later regret.
[0002] Currently, regretted purchases add a lot of waste in the
chain of consumption. This is because many retailers allow
consumers to return product for a refund. These returned products
often have missing or damaged packaging or have a destroyed,
damaged or soiled product. In all these cases, this renders the
product useless for redisplay for retail purchase. Preventing
purchases like this eliminates this waste which would benefit
manufacturers and retailers with lower costs and the end consumer
with lower prices. Here, we have introduced a packaging article
and/or device (with all its examples and variations) which
overcomes that problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one embodiment, we describe a new structure and shape for
the packaging objects, for storage, display, and transportation.
For example, it can be helpful for the consumers to test, examine,
or otherwise try the object(s) before purchasing. It has an
opening/closing mechanism, for the object to be secure inside that
packaging. Many examples and variations are given here. This allows
someone to open the package in the store without damaging the
packaging. If they (potential purchaser/consumer/customer/user)
decide not to purchase, they can put the product back in the
package and re-close the top. The box is unmolested, and is still
worthy of being on the shelf.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 shows the 3-D view of the assembled gable top (or
classical milk carton) style structure of one of the embodiments of
this invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows the flat 2-D template of the gable top style
structure of one of the embodiments of this invention.
[0006] FIGS. 3-30 and 31 show various packaging of the prior art,
with different mechanisms, styles, and features.
[0007] FIGS. 32-37 show the flat 2-D template of the
unassembled/flattened milk-carton style structure of one of the
embodiments of this invention, in various versions and with various
features.
[0008] FIG. 38 shows specification, cut-line, and fold-line for the
structure of one of the embodiments of this invention.
[0009] FIGS. 39-41 show our different embodiments, with handle,
transparent view window, locking mechanism, and with iconic
milk-carton gable top form factor.
[0010] FIGS. 42-43 show our different embodiments, with PET
exterior (at different views).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] In one embodiment, this is the packaging for handheld
product accessories. For example, they are for cases for phones,
MP3 players, GPS devices, etc. It can also be used for other
objects and materials (even liquid), such as powder, chocolate, or
playing cards. The package is a box in the shapes shown in the
figures, and it can be made of any material, or combination of
materials, such as plastic, cardboard, paper, laminated paper,
elastic material, fabric, polyester, artificial material, man-made
material, petrochemical material, organic material, non-organic
material, natural material, metal, alloy, mixtures, powder, liquid,
fluid, semi-liquid material, compounds, layered material, cotton,
biodegradable material, recyclable material, wooden, woven, rug,
carpet, straw, bamboo, or similar materials. For example, it can be
a paperboard box with plastic windows, or without any window.
[0012] For example, it can have one or more openings (e.g. bottom,
top, and/or side), fully or partially open or closed, for example,
for antenna, electrical connector, straw, credit cards,
change/cash, car keys, hand access, or other purposes. It can have
a zipper, Velcro, any hook/loop/eye combination, snap, tie, string,
elastic band, chain, cable, lock, password unit, biometric unit,
cover, cap, lid, belt, band, shoe lace, glue, temporary glue, or
any other fastening devices or attachment mechanisms or
methods/combinations.
[0013] For example, it can be all-plastic box. For example, it can
have some internal packaging, as well, e.g. layer, plastic, or
fabric, that support the product and for presentation to the
consumer, e.g. for freshness, liquid holding, or shock absorbent,
for protection and longevity.
[0014] For example, in one embodiment, the area of interest is the
top of the package. We have a gable-top style, in this embodiment,
similar to a milk carton (e.g. see FIGS. 1, 39-41, 42-43). This
shape is unique in our market, and it has some added functionality.
For example, there are two metal snaps on either side of the hole
for the hook. This allows someone to open the package in the store
without damaging the packaging. Quite often, the users like to try
the object, e.g. case/cover on/for their phone, before purchasing.
If they decide not to purchase, they can put the product back in
the package and re-snap the top. The box is unmolested, and is
still worthy of being on the shelf. Because of the shape, they can
be stacked staggered vertically or horizontally, in the display or
for shipping/packaging, to save space/cost or better/more secure
display/shipping.
[0015] In one embodiment, one uses a metal snap, much like the ones
in children's clothing. Or, one can use small tabs of hook and loop
fastener e.g. Velcro (e.g. see FIGS. 1, 39-41, 42-43). The gable
portion may or may not have the end portion. With no-ending at the
gable, it allows the package to open further, so that it is even
easier to get the product out (e.g. see FIGS. 39-41).
[0016] This package has a distinctive look on the shelf (e.g. see
FIGS. 1, 39-41, 42-43), for marketing, but it also offers some
unique benefits, for practical purposes/utility, as mentioned here.
We have improved the structure in subsequent versions, with
feedback from customers, stores, clients, and marketing/sales
data/statistical info/trends, to get to this point.
[0017] As can be seen from FIGS. 3-30 and 31, as prior art, none of
the prior art shows such features, as our features taught/shown
here.
[0018] In another embodiment, it looks very similar to the example
above, when assembled, but the functionality is different: Instead
of opening the top of the gable top, the inner blister pack is
pushed out through the bottom of the outer gable top package (e.g.
see FIGS. 1, 39-41, 42-43). The inner blister can then be opened,
to view the product. The advantage that this has over the above
version is that the outer package is not put at risk (see FIGS.
39-41). Sometimes, when the above example gable top package is
opened, the outer package is torn. This makes the package
unsellable later. The current design does not stress the outer
packaging, as much as the above version/example/ embodiment
(because the bottom is already open). Thus, there is less
likelihood to have damaged packaging, therefore, reducing the total
sales cost or returned merchandise (see FIGS. 39-41).
[0019] Note that for some merchandise, if a consumer can try or
inspect the object closely, there is a less chance of return of
merchandise or unhappy customer/consumer, later on.
[0020] Another embodiment uses one or more of the following: [0021]
The internal plastic blister extends through the top of the gable
top to make the hang tag. [0022] In the gable portion, instead of
snaps, there is a pull-strip. This is for the stores that do not
want the package opened, as easily as the snaps provide. Some
stores like the snaps, and some others do not. If it is opened, it
can be re-closed and put back on the shelf, but some customers will
be dissuaded from opening the package. So, different versions of
our invention fit different merchandises, objects, stores,
consumers, or class of customers. (Some embodiments shown in the
figures are the use of zipper and the "PULL" tab on the
blister.)
[0023] In one embodiment, a milk carton core packaging style with a
zipper is used. In one embodiment, a snap rivet packaging is
used.
[0024] In one embodiment, the top gable folds inside itself, at an
angle, and has a fold over that is sealed. The sealed flap has a
built-in tear away zipper, for the end user to easily open the
package. The PET blister extends out of a slit on the top of the
carton, to create the hang hole. PET blister has a "PULL" tab that
is immediately visible, once carton is opened (for easy customer
removal of the blister). The bottom is secured with a "snaplock" or
"1-2-3" bottom.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the 3-D view of the assembled milk-carton style
structure of one of the embodiments of this invention. FIG. 1 shows
cutout for holder (108), metal snap button side A (110), metal snap
button side B (111), front panel (114), folded gable ends (120),
front panel window cutout (122), product being displayed inside of
packaging (shown as transparent for clarity) (123 and 125), and
rear panel window cutout (124).
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the flat 2-D template of the milk-carton style
structure of one of the embodiments of this invention. FIG. 2 shows
cutout for holder (208), metal snap button side A (210), metal snap
button side B (211), cut out for letting metal snap work through
(212), front panel (214), folded-over panel (216), adhesive tab
(218), folded gable ends (220), rear panel window cutout (222), and
front panel window cutout (224).
[0027] FIGS. 3-30 and 31 show various packaging of the prior art,
with different mechanisms, styles, and features.
[0028] FIGS. 32-37 and 38 show the flat 2-D template of the
unassembled/6flattened milk-carton style structure of one of the
embodiments of this invention, in various versions and with various
features. FIG. 38 shows specification, cut-line, and fold-line for
the structure of one of the embodiments of this invention. FIG. 38
shows metal snap buttons (D=7.3 mm): The snap button rivet located
on the front panel and work through the folded-over panels cutout,
with adhesive connecting panels together, and glue tabs (two at 12
mm).
[0029] FIGS. 39-41 show our different embodiments, with handle,
transparent view window, locking mechanism, rivet snap buttons on
milk carton style packaging (for ease of consumer interaction and
examine/try-before-buy), with separate PET blister (allowing the 2
pieces being separated and recycled), with iconic milk-carton gable
form factor.
[0030] FIGS. 42-43 show our different embodiments, with PET
exterior (front view), with PET blister, hang tag as part of
blister, with press button (snap/button as a part of blister), with
PET package, back view, and hole in PET (with blister snap).
[0031] In one embodiment, there is hole on top of the structure,
for display purposes (for example), to hang the object and package
on the wall or rack/shelf, for example, in a store. The hole ("hang
hole") can also act as a handle for a user to carry/lift the
package around.
[0032] One possible shape of the package is "squround". These are
used in ice cream carton that are more square than round, but have
both elements. Another shape is "cuboid" (a six face convex
polyhedron) or complex polyhedron.
[0033] The snaps can be metal snaps, but they can be from plastic
or paper material (or other materials). The paper ones would be
recyclable, with the paper box. The terms "snap button" and "metal
snap button hold" refers to the snap to a side A and a side B,
mentioned/shown in FIG. 2. Snaps are most often designed with a
male side and a female side. However, they can also have both male
and female elements on each half. These snaps can be identical on
both side and are hermaphroditic.
[0034] In one embodiment, we have a packaging object for holding
one or more items, for displaying in a store, or for sales,
marketing, or commercialization purposes, which comprises a bottom
portion and a top portion, in a shape of milk-carton with a gable
structure on top, and comprising an opening-and-closing mechanism
or device, for a user to open or close said packaging object, to
access those items.
[0035] In one embodiment, we have cross section of the bottom
portion as circular, rectangular, elliptical, arc, polygon, or
triangular, or in a shape of cube or cylinder. In one embodiment,
we have transparent or translucent window (made of glass, plastic,
or a clear material, with respect to one or more frequencies, or
range of frequencies, in the visible electromagnetic radiation
range). In one embodiment, we have sliding or removable window. In
one embodiment, we have screen, net, or filtered window. In one
embodiment, we have multiple openings, covers, caps, or lids.
[0036] Any variations of the above teaching are also intended to be
covered by this patent application.
* * * * *