U.S. patent application number 15/387898 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-28 for packaging.
The applicant listed for this patent is ARRIS Enterprises LLC. Invention is credited to Jennifer D. Hays, Wei-Ta Tsai, Liang Hua Wu.
Application Number | 20180178965 15/387898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62625484 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180178965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsai; Wei-Ta ; et
al. |
June 28, 2018 |
Packaging
Abstract
The invention relates to packaging for at least one item, said
packaging including a base and a lid and a display assembly, said
display assembly provided to move the item located thereon between
a first position when the packaging is closed and a second position
when the packaging is open and in said second position the item is
provided in a position for display.
Inventors: |
Tsai; Wei-Ta; (Changhua,
TW) ; Hays; Jennifer D.; (Ashland, NE) ; Wu;
Liang Hua; (Taipei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ARRIS Enterprises LLC |
Suwanee |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62625484 |
Appl. No.: |
15/387898 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/5213 20130101;
B65D 5/5035 20130101; B65D 5/6664 20130101; B65D 5/68 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/05 20060101
B65D081/05; B65D 77/04 20060101 B65D077/04; B65D 77/20 20060101
B65D077/20; B65D 85/30 20060101 B65D085/30 |
Claims
1. Packaging, said packaging including a base and a lid, said base
and lid provided in a closed position to define a cavity within
which at least one item is located with a display assembly and a
portion of said packaging is movable by a person to move the
packaging to an open position in which access can be gained to the
at least one item and wherein the said at least one item is located
in a first position in the packaging when the packaging is in a
closed position and in a second position in the packaging when the
packaging is in the open position.
2. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein the movement from the
first position to the second position is to move the said at least
one item in a direction away from a bottom wall of the
packaging.
3. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein the display assembly
includes a portion which is movable to move the item between the
first and second positions.
4. Packaging according to claim 3 wherein the said portion is
biased towards moving the said at least one item to the second
position.
5. Packaging according to claim 4 wherein the biased movement of
the portion is possible upon movement of the lid of the packaging
from the closed position towards the open position.
6. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein to move the item and
hence portion of the display assembly to the first position, a
physical force is applied via the lid as it is moved to bring the
packaging to a closed position.
7. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein retaining means are
provided to selectively retain the lid in the closed position with
respect to the base.
8. Packaging according to claim 3 wherein the movement of the said
portion of the display assembly is caused by the movement of the
lid with respect to the base between open and closed positions.
9. Packaging according to claim 3 wherein the said portion which
acts to move the item between the first and second positions is
located in a holder which, in turn, is located in a container and
which, in turn, is located within the base of the packaging.
10. Packaging according to claim 9 wherein the item is located on a
cap which is acted upon by the said portion so as to move the
item.
11. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein the packaging includes
an area for the location of one or more further items.
12. Packaging according to claim 9 wherein the holder is provided
to contact with and guide the movement of the item as it is moved
under the influence of the portion between first and second
positions.
13. Packaging according to claim 12 wherein guide means are
provided on the holder and/or container to ensure that the movement
of the item under the influence of the portion is substantially
along a single axis.
14. Packaging according to claim 3 wherein the portion is formed of
or includes a resilient compressible material and/or a spring.
15. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein the movement of the item
between first and second positions is such that in the second
position a greater part of the item is viewable from an opening
into the cavity of the packaging than when the item is in the first
position.
16. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein the movement of the said
item between said first and second positions is repeatable.
17. A display assembly for an item of packaging, said display
assembly including a holder, and a biased portion and wherein said
biased portion is provided to act on an item so as to move the item
between a first position and a second, display, position with
respect to the holder.
18. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein the movement of the
item between first and second positions is guided by interaction
between the said item and the holder via guide means which allow
the guided movement of part of the item with respect to the holder
as it moves between first and second positions.
19. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein the movement of the
item between said first and second positions is substantially along
one, single axis.
20. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein when the item is
moved to the second, display position, at least a portion of the
item is located externally of the holder.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention to which this application relates is to an
improvement in packaging for one or more items and in particular,
although not necessarily exclusively, to improvements to packaging
in the form of a box with an interior cavity in which the said one
or more items are placed, typically to allow the items to be stored
and transported to a retail outlet and/or to an end customer at
which stage the one or more items are removed from the packaging
for connection, if required, and subsequent use.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The packaging of items, such as electrical or electronic
devices, is well known and the packaging is conventionally provided
to be functional in terms of protecting the items therein from
damage during the transport of the package and so allow the items
held therein to be available for use in an undamaged and pristine
condition when the same are removed from the packaging for use.
[0003] Conventionally, when electrical devices are the one or more
items, the packaging will include a base portion and a lid portion,
with the lid portion being separable from the base or
alternatively, connected to the base so as to be pivotally movable
with respect to the base between open and closed positions. In
either case, the base and lid define a cavity within the same and
in which the one or more items are located.
[0004] Typically, with electrical or electronic devices, and with
one example being a broadcast data receiver or "set top box", a
number of items are provided in the packaging and these may
comprise a main electrical or electronic device and one or more
components which are provided to be selectively usable with the
main device such as, for example, cables, plugs, storage media,
instruction manuals and the like. It is therefore known to provide,
within the cavity, further location means which allow the main
electrical device to be retained and located in a specific part of
the cavity and for the other components to either be individually
located within the cavity or alternatively, located together in a
particular and different part of the cavity from the main
electrical device. It is important for the protection of the main
electrical device and the components, that the same are retained in
those positions by additional packaging location means during the
transit of the packaging.
[0005] While it is found that this type of packaging is effective
in maintaining the items in the required locations and hence
protecting the same from damage, it is conventionally the case that
the location means tend to be unsightly when the customer opens the
box by moving the lid from the base, and indeed the location means
can mask or hide the main electrical device from view from the
customer so that the customer is not immediately aware of the
particular form or appearance of the items which are located in the
cavity when they first gain access to the same. This therefore
means that the initial impact of the new product that they have
purchased can be disappointing until all of the location means
packaging within the cavity is removed. Furthermore, if one or more
of the items which are located within the cavity is incorrect or
damaged it can be difficult for the customer to place the same back
into the cavity and locate the same using all of the location means
in order to allow the item to be safely and securely returned in
the packaging to the sender.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] Specific embodiments of the invention are described with
reference to the accompanying drawings; wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the items which are
required to be packaged in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0008] FIGS. 2a and b illustrate the packaging in open and closed
conditions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIGS. 3a to c illustrate the movement of a first embodiment
of container in accordance with the invention between open and
closed conditions.
[0010] FIGS. 4a to d illustrate diagrams of the packaging in
accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 3a to c.
[0011] FIGS. 5a to f illustrate sectional views of the packaging of
FIGS. 3a to c as the same moves between open and closed
conditions;
[0012] FIGS. 6a to c illustrate packaging in accordance with the
second embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIGS. 7a to d illustrate exploded diagrams of the components
of the packaging in accordance with FIGS. 6a to c;
[0014] FIGS. 8a to f illustrate sectional views of the packaging of
FIGS. 6a to c as it is moved between open and closed positions;
[0015] FIGS. 9a to d illustrate views of the holder component of
the packaging; and
[0016] FIGS. 10a to d illustrate views of the container component
of the packaging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention provides packaging for one or more
items which allows the items to be located as required within a
cavity in the packaging, whilst also allowing the packaging to
adapt and/or be adapted between a condition for transit and a
condition for display of at least one of the items located in the
cavity of the packaging.
[0018] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided
packaging, said packaging including a base and a lid, said base and
lid provided in a closed position to define a cavity within which
at least one item is located with a display assembly and a portion
of said packaging is movable by a person to move the packaging to
an open position in which access can be gained to the at least one
item and wherein the said at least one item is located in a first
position in the packaging when the packaging is in a closed
position and in a second position in the packaging when the
packaging is in the open position.
[0019] In one embodiment, the movement from the first position to
the second position is to move the said at least one item in a
direction away from a bottom wall of the packaging.
[0020] In one embodiment, the display assembly includes a portion
which is movable so as to move the item between the first and
second positions.
[0021] In one embodiment, the said portion is biased towards moving
the said at least one item to the second position.
[0022] In one embodiment, the biased movement of the portion is
possible upon movement of the lid portion of the packaging from the
closed position towards the open position.
[0023] In one embodiment, to move the item and hence portion of the
display assembly to the first position, a physical force is applied
via the lid as it is moved to bring the packaging to a closed
position.
[0024] In one embodiment, retaining means are provided to
selectively retain the lid in the closed position with respect to
the base.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the movement of the said
portion of the display assembly is caused by the movement of the
lid with respect to the base between open and closed positions.
[0026] In one embodiment, the said portion which acts to move the
item between the first and second positions is located in a holder
which, in turn, is located in a container and which, in turn, is
located within the base.
[0027] In one embodiment, the item is directly located on the
portion or, alternatively, is located on a cap which is acted upon
by the said portion so as to move the item.
[0028] In one embodiment, the packaging includes an area for the
location of one or more further items. In one embodiment said area
is defined between the underside of the container and internal
surfaces of the side wall of the container and the bottom wall of
the box.
[0029] In one embodiment, the holder is provided to contact with
and guide the movement of the item as it is moved under the
influence of the portion between first and second positions.
[0030] In one embodiment, guide means are provided between the
holder and the item so as to ensure that the movement of the item
under the influence of the portion is substantially along a single
axis.
[0031] In one embodiment, the said portion is formed by any, or any
combination, of a PU/EPE/EVA material, a spring, or any other
material which is capable of being biased towards one of the first
or second positions.
[0032] In one embodiment, the holder and container are provided
with guide means so as to locate the same together and thereby
allow further guidance to the movement of the item under the
influence of the biased portion and typically restrict movement of
the holder with respect to the container so that the same are
effectively located as the item is moved under the influence of the
biased portion.
[0033] Typically, the movement of the item between first and second
positions is guided by interaction between the said item and the
holder.
[0034] In one embodiment, the interaction is as a result of the
provision of guide means which allow the guiding movement of part
of the item with respect to the holder as it moves between first
and second positions.
[0035] In one embodiment, the parts of the packaging, apart from
the biased portion are formed of card or cardboard material which
is creased and folded as required to form the components which are
then respectively located to form the item of packaging.
[0036] In one embodiment, the movement of the item between first
and second positions is such that in the second position a greater
part of the item is viewable from the opening into the cavity of
the packaging than when the item is in the first position.
Typically, this allows the person viewing the cavity to have a
greater awareness of the appearance of the item when the same is in
the second position and thereby be able to identify the item more
clearly as the movement of the portion has the effect of presenting
the item towards the person.
[0037] In one embodiment the movement of the said portion between
first and second positions is repeatable.
[0038] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a
display assembly for an item of packaging, said display assembly
including a holder, and a biased portion and wherein said biased
portion is provided to act on an item so as to move the item
between a first position and a second, display, position with
respect to the holder.
[0039] Typically, the movement of the item between first and second
positions is guided by interaction between the said item and the
holder.
[0040] In one embodiment, the interaction is as a result of the
provision of guide means which allow the guided movement of part of
the item with respect to the holder as it moves between first and
second positions.
[0041] Typically, the movement of the item between said first and
second positions is substantially along one, single axis.
[0042] In one embodiment, when the item is moved to the second
display position, at least a portion of the item is located
externally of the holder.
[0043] Referring firstly to FIG. 1, there is illustrated
schematically the items of a product, in this case in the form of a
set-top box system for receiving and processing broadcast video
and/or audio data. The product includes a main device 2 in the form
of a housing which includes processing circuitry and memory, and
further items in the form of, for example, power and/or data
connection cables 4, instruction manual 6, storage media 8 and
remote control device 11, all of which can be selectively used in
combination in order to allow the product to function. These items
are initially provided in combination, in packaging, in the form of
a box, in which the same are transported from the manufacturer to a
retail outlet and/or to an end user customer. It is therefore
important that these items are held within the cavity of the
packaging in a form which allows the same to be prevented from
being damaged and also which allows the same to be attractive when
accessed by the end customer, who has paid money to purchase and/or
use the same.
[0044] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a
packaging box 10 which is shown schematically in FIGS. 2a and b
which illustrate a first embodiment of the packaging in a closed
position shown in FIG. 2a and an open position as shown in FIG. 2b.
The box includes a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14 and to move
the packaging between the open and closed positions, the lid
portion 14 is pivotally moved as indicated by arrow 16 to move the
same about axis 18 such that the lid 14 covers over the top surface
20 of the base 12 when in the closed position and, when removed
from the same, exposes a display assembly 22 within the cavity
which can receive at least the main device 2 therein as will be
described subsequently. Typically the base and lid are formed, in
this embodiment, from a common blank of cardboard which is provided
with suitable fold and crease lines to allow the side walls, end
walls and top and bottom walls to be formed of the required size
and shape.
[0045] The display assembly 22 can also be formed of cardboard
material or, alternatively, other suitable materials could be used
such as plastics and the like which are formed of the required
shape.
[0046] Furthermore, in a second embodiment, the lid 14 can be
formed separately from the base 12 and can be moved to and from
open and closed conditions with respect to the base by movement of
the same along axis 26.
[0047] Turning now to FIGS. 3a to c, there is illustrated a first
embodiment of the packaging. In FIG. 3c, the packaging box 10 is
shown in a closed condition similar to that of FIG. 2a. The
packaging will be retained in the closed condition typically
throughout the transport of the same and in one embodiment,
retaining means are providing to retain the lid in a closed
position with respect to the box and the retaining means can be a
mechanical arrangement between the lid and the base or can be other
forms of temporary retention, such as adhesive tape located between
the lid and the base.
[0048] FIG. 3a illustrates the box in an open condition in which
the lid 14 has been pivotally moved away from the base 12 and also
illustrates the display assembly 22 in position in the cavity 24
within the base 12.
[0049] FIG. 3b illustrates the packaging in an open condition and
shows the item 2 in the form of a set-top box 30 in location in the
display assembly 22 within the base 12 and this is the view of the
item 30 which would be presented to the customer when they move the
lid 14 and hence the packaging box 10 to the open condition.
[0050] FIGS. 4a to d illustrate the components of the packaging box
10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention and
show how there is provided the base 12 and lid 14. The display
assembly 22 comprises a container 32 which is located in, and
retained by, the inner surfaces of the side walls 34 of the base. A
holder 36 is then located within the container 32 and the side
walls 38 of the holder locate with the side walls 40 of the
container. The holder 36, receives therein a portion 52 which
locates with the walls 38 of the holder and receives a cap 44
thereon. The cap 44 acts as the surface on which the item 30 is
located. The portion 52 is movable between a first, storage,
position and a second, display, position and, in this embodiment,
is biased towards the second, display position. It will be noted
that in FIGS. 4b-d the components are respectively located and
moved into position along axis 26 as indicated by arrow 46 such
that, as illustrated in FIG. 4d, the components 32, 36, 52 and 44
are assembled to form the display assembly 22 and then this is
moved as indicated by arrow 46 in FIG. 4c into the base 12. The
main device item 30 is moved onto the cap as indicated by arrow 46
in FIG. 4b.
[0051] It should also be appreciated that there is provided a space
50 between the bottom face 48 of the base 12 and the underside of
the holder 32 and this space or area can be used to receive and
locate other items such as items 4, 6, 8, and 11 therein.
[0052] FIGS. 6a-8f illustrate a second embodiment of the packaging
and the same reference numerals are used for the same components as
shown with respect to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6c, the
packaging box 10 is shown in a closed condition.
[0053] FIG. 6a illustrates the box in an open condition in which
the lid 14 has been separated from the base 12 and also illustrates
the display assembly 22 in position in the cavity 24 within the
base 12.
[0054] FIG. 6b illustrates the packaging in an open condition and
shows the item 2 in the form of a set-top box 30 in location on the
display assembly 22 within the base 12 and this is the view of the
item 30 which would be presented to the customer when they remove
the lid 14 and hence the packaging box 10 to the open
condition.
[0055] FIGS. 7a to d illustrate the components of the packaging box
10 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention and
show how there is provided the base 12 and lid 14 which is
separable from the base. The display assembly 22 comprises a
container 32 which is located in, and retained by, the inner
surfaces of the side walls 34 of the base. A holder 36 is then
located within the container 32 and the side walls 38 of the holder
locate with the side walls 40 of the container. The holder 36,
receives therein a portion 52 which locates with the walls 38 of
the holder and receives a cap 44 thereon. The cap 44 acts as the
surface on which the item 30 is located. The portion 52 is movable
between a first, storage, position and a second, display, position
and, in this embodiment, is biased towards the second, display
position. It will be noted that in FIGS. 7b-d the components are
respectively located and moved into position along axis 26 as
indicated by arrow 46 such that, as illustrated in FIG. 7d, the
components 32, 36, 52 and 44 are assembled to form the display
assembly 22 and then this is moved as indicated by arrow 46 in FIG.
7c into the base 12. The main device item 30 is moved onto the cap
44 as indicated by arrow 46 in FIG. 7a.
[0056] It should also be appreciated that there is provided a space
50 between the bottom face 48 of the base 12 and the underside of
the holder 32 and this space or area can be used to receive and
locate other items such as items 4, 6, 8, and 11 therein.
[0057] FIG. 5a-e and 8a-3e illustrate the manner in which the
packaging box moves between the first and second positions in
respective embodiments.
[0058] In FIGS. 5a-b and 8a-b the packing box 10 is shown in the
closed position with the lid 14 overlying the base 12 and the
portion 52 is compressed within the holder 36 so that the main
device 30 is located within the cavity. FIGS. 5c-d and 8c-d
illustrate the packaging box in a position which is intermediate
the open and closed position. The lid 14 has been partially moved
away from the base and as it does so, the biasing force of the
portion 52 is such as to cause the depth of the same to increase
and, as it does so, it causes the cap 44 and item 30 to move away
from the base 12. The FIGS. 5e-f and 8e-f illustrate the packaging
box 10 in a fully open position and with the increase in depth of
the portion 52 so at least the top portion of the main device 30 is
positioned on the cap portion so that it extends beyond the holder
36 and in this embodiment beyond the opening into the base 12 so as
to be "presented" and be on display to the user.
[0059] The holder 36 and container are shown in more detail in
FIGS. 9a-d and FIGS. 10a-d respectively. In FIGS. 9a-d it is again
shown how the portion 52 is biased to move from the condition when
the box is closed as shown in in FIG. 9d, to an expanded position
as shown in FIGS. 9b-c and as the only way for movement of the
portion 52 is away from the holder so the same rises and will move
the item 30 out of the holder. The cap 44 is provided so as to lie
on top of the portion and the side walls or skirt of the cap are
guided by the side walls of the holder so as to aid the guided
movement of the portion and item along the axis 46. In order to
further aid the guided movement a recess 60 is formed in the side
wall of the holder. This recess is provided 60 matches with a
recess 56 provided on the side wall 40 of the container 32 as shown
in FIG. 10a. The matching recesses are provided to receive therein
a protrusion 54 in the form in this embodiment of a socket provided
as part of the item 30 and so the socket is received in the
recesses 56,60 and so act as guide means to guide the sliding
movement of the item with respect to the holder and container as it
is moved under the influence of the expansion of the portion
52.
[0060] FIGS. 10a-c illustrate the top side of the container and the
FIG. 10d illustrates the underside of the container in cross
section. The parts of the side walls 40 of the container which
depend below the bottom wall 58 of the container act to space the
bottom wall 58 from the bottom wall of the base 12 of the box 10
and so define the area 50 in which the other components are
located. This also acts to maintain the spacing between the bottom
wall 58 of the container and the top of the base 12 so that the
action of the expansion of the portion 52 will always move the item
30 thereon to the second position. The base wall 58 of the
container can also be provided with formations 64 to aid with the
engagement of the holder 36 therewith and/or other components
therewith.
* * * * *