Adjustable packaging structure

Abstract

A package structure comprising a base and a lid, each having at least one series of connection ridges defined on respective periphery walls, is provided. The base and lid are formed so that they may be cooperatively engaged to form a package structure for housing a large number of different sized and shaped objects. The lid and base are adjustably lockable with each other at various positions, determined by the size and shape of the object placed within the base and lid and the connection ridge of the base and lid which are engaged with each other. In this manner a one basic packaging product may be used for a large number of retail items at the retail store level and at the manufacturing and packaging level.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a novel packaging product which is adjustable in size for use in retail environments. Most particularly the packaging product of the present invention allows a retailer to store a select few packaging product structures while permitting the retailer to have packaging for a large variety of differently shaped and sized items. Further, the packaging structures of the present invention allow a manufacturer to provide a plurality of products to retailers using one, or just a select few, package product structures such that manufacturers' products may be displayed within the package structures and sold and securely transported in the package structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Presently, retail merchants sell a variety of differently shaped and sized items in their retail environments. For each of the items sold, a retailer must often have, store and provide packaging in which purchasers may take home their purchases. Such packaging as clam shell, blister, bifolds or cartons all take considerable space, when stored in bulk, and each typically fits only one size or shape of product.

[0003] In many retail outlets, retailers have taken to keeping large supplies of different sized and shaped boxes, clam shells, blister packaging, and cartons, some in a deconstructed and folded condition and others in their full constructed condition. When a purchaser buys an object the sales person must then determine the most appropriate size and shape of package and often form the package into a box. Typically, the top and bottom of these boxes are provided separately and each must be formed and joined to create the entire package. Often times, no package is exactly appropriate and the purchaser must settle for one that is too small, and is subsequently overstuffed, or take the next sized package which is typically too large. In any such situation, the proper sized and shaped packaging must be selected and, assembled, all taking time away from the sales position and often times keeping other customers waiting.

[0004] In other retail outlets, no space is possible for the storage of rigid packaging and objects purchased must be packaged in bags. As a result, items sold are packaged in bags and may, en route, be damaged or destroyed.

[0005] Further, manufacturers of products, such as, but not limited to, small electronic devices, toys and other moderately priced items, often sell products in packaging that has been particularly created for one product. Each product in a manufacturer's inventory must, then, be provided with its own packaging. Typically, these packages are rigid plastic packages which are heat, or otherwise, sealed closed and must be broken open to retrieve the item therein. The packaging is typically formed so that the product within is well displayed and its component parts, warranty and instruction sheet are packaged neatly therein. This type of packaging is pleasing to look at, typically provided with means to hang the product on a hook in a retail environment, and is rigid so that the product within is protected from damage. However, each product must have its own specific package designed and sufficient supply of the packaging must be made for each product produced. Each type of package require special tooling to create the package and time, effort and the work of designers to create a specific package for each product. Typically special forming and sealing equipment is needed to encapsulate the product within the packaging. All of this is often very expensive for small manufacturers. Further, as the consumer must generally destroy the packaging to reach the product, returns of product necessitate the retailer's return of undamaged, but returned, product to the manufacturer for repackaging. Also, the destruction of the packaging has lead to the inadvertent damaging or destruction of the product, leading to returns and frustration.

[0006] It would be desirable to have packaging that could be conveniently kept in large quantities and small spaces. It would also be desirable to have packaging that could be easily and quickly adjusted to fit a variety of different sized objects such that only a very few sizes of packaging, or even one size of packaging, need be kept in stock at a retail store. It would also be desirable to have packaging that could be opened and resealed without damage to the packaging.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide packaging for storing and transporting purchases. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging structure that can be quickly and easily adjusted to fit different sized and shaped purchases. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging structure that allows for quick and easy storage of large numbers of packaging structures in a small space. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging structure that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, store and transport. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging structure that allows a manufacturer to package an item in a secure and durable package without having to retool and manufacture a special package for each product manufactured. It is a further object of the present invention to provide packaging that can be opened without damaging the packaging such that the packaging may be reused.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a packaging structure, comprising a base portion, defining an outer periphery wall comprising at least one series of locking connection ridges and a lid portion, shaped for cooperative engagement with the base portion are provided. The lid has an outer periphery wall defining at least one series of locking connection ridges for cooperative engagement with the series of locking connection ridges of the base periphery wall. In this manner when a product is placed in the base the lid may be engaged onto the base and adjusted by engagement of an appropriate one of the base connection ridges with an appropriate one of the lid connection ridges.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment the packaging structure is made of plastic material, such as PVC, HIPS, PET, PETG, HDPE and combinations of these materials and/or other plastic materials. In one embodiment, the base and lid define an oval cross-section. In another embodiment, the base and lid define a rectangular cross-section. It is, however, to be understood that any cross-sectional shape of packaging may be used without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the base portion defines two ridge portions for cooperative engagement with two ridge portions defined on the lid portion. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging structure includes a base wall, extending from the base periphery wall, the base wall includes an opening such that the package may be displayed using a hanger, of the type typically found in retail stores. The base wall may be formed with the packaging structure, and may be formed by a thermoforming technique such as blow molding or injection molding.

[0012] A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of the adjustable packaging structure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the adjustable packaging structure taken along a line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adjustable packaging structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0016] The present invention that is illustrated in the attached drawings is directed to an adjustable packaging structure that is suitable for use with packaging products having various sizes during distribution to retail outlets and display at retail outlets.

[0017] The adjustable packaging structure 10 generally includes a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. At selected locations on an outer surface 24 of the outer periphery wall 22 a series of ridges 26 extend from the outer surface 24. Preferably, there are at least two sets of series of ridges 26 that are oriented in a spaced-apart configuration.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base portion 12 has a base wall 20 and an outer periphery wall 22 extending therefrom. To enhance the ability to use the adjustable packaging structure 10, of the present embodiment of the invention in conventional retail displays, the base wall 20 has an aperture 28 formed therein. The aperture 28 is adapted for attachment of any number of packaging structure 10 (typically filled with product) to a mounting bracket (not shown), such as an elongated bracket of the type typically found in department and hardware stores, for removably mounting the adjustable packaging structure 10 in a retail display. While an elongated base wall 20 and aperture 28 is shown and described, it is to be understood that the device of the present invention is adaptable to any number of display means typically used in retail stores. It is contemplated that other types of display or hanger attachment means will be used with products placed in the packaging of the present invention. Such use is not a departure from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0019] The lid portion 14 has an outer periphery wall 30 that is preferably shaped to conform with the base outer periphery wall 22. It is to be understood, however, that any type of lid, which can fit into or onto bas portion 12 may be used without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Lid portion 14, of the present embodiment, includes a series of ridges 32 that extend from an inner surface 34 of the outer periphery wall 30. Lid ridges 32 are oriented to engage the base ridges 26 so as to provide a means to lock lid portion 14 and base portion 12 securely together. It is to be understood that the positioning and size of the ridges of both base portion 12 and lid portion 14 may be adjusted such that a more secure, or conversely, a less secure seal between the base and lid may be made without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0020] Extending from the outer periphery wall 30 and thereby enclosing an end of the lid portion 14 is a top wall 36. To enhance the amount of product that may be accommodated in the adjustable packaging structure 10, the top wall 36 in a preferred embodiment is outwardly curved, to make a domed lid, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 2. It is to be understood that a flat top wall 36, or any other shape of top wall, may be incorporated by persons having skill in the art, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0021] In the illustrative embodiment, the engagement of the base ridges 26 and the lid ridges 32 allows the lid portion 14 to telescope with respect to the base portion 12 while also retaining the lid portion 14 in a desired position with respect to the base portion 12, as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Such telescoping is desirable when more space inside of packaging structure 10 is desired for storage and display of larger objects.

[0022] The base portion 12 and the lid portion 14 are both preferably formed from a thermoformable material using conventional thermoforming techniques. Examples of suitable materials for use in forming the base portion 12 and the lid portion 14 are PVC, HIPS, PET, PETG, HDPE and combinations thereof as well as other plastic and vinyl materials. The heat, pressure, and vacuum used to shape the material into the desired shape are selected based upon the particular materials used in fabricating the adjustable packaging structure 10. Such techniques as injection molding, as well as other thermal molding techniques, may be used by persons having skill in the art, to create the packaging structure of the present invention.

[0023] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify the invention in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the base portion 12 may be formed to extend over the lid portion 14 so that ridges (not shown) are on an inner surface of the lid outer periphery wall 30 and complementary ridges (not shown) are on an outer surface of the base outer periphery wall 22. Additionally, while the illustrations indicate an oval shape, the adjustable packaging structure 10 can be formed in a variety of shaped depending on the shape of the product that is to be retained in the adjustable packaging structure 10.

[0024] Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A packaging structure, comprising:

a base portion, defining an outer periphery wall, said outer periphery wall comprising at least one series of locking connection ridges;

a lid portion, shaped for cooperative engagement with said base portion, having an outer periphery wall defining at least one series of locking connection ridges for cooperative engagement with said series of locking connection ridges of said base periphery wall, such that when a product is placed in said base said lid may be engaged onto said base and adjusted by engagement of an appropriate one of said base connection ridges with an appropriate one of said lid connection ridges.

2. The packaging structure of

claim 1, wherein said base and lid are comprised of plastic material.

3. The packaging structure of

claim 1, wherein said base and lid define an oval cross-section.

4. The packaging structure of

claim 1, wherein said base and lid define a rectangular cross-section.

5. The packaging structure of

claim 1, wherein said base portion defines two ridge portions for cooperative engagement with two ridge portions defined on said lid portion.

6. The packaging structure of

claim 1, including a base wall, extending from said base periphery wall.

7. The packaging structure of

claim 6, wherein said basewall defines an opening such that display hanging means may pass therethrough.

8. The packaging structure of

claim 6, wherein said basewall is formed with said base portion.

9. The packaging structure of

claim 1, wherein said packaging structure is formed by injection molding.

10. The packaging structure of

claim 1, wherein said packaging structure is formed by a thermoforming technique.

11. A packaging structure, comprising:

a base portion, formed of plastic material in a thermoforming process, defining an outer periphery wall, said outer periphery wall comprising two series of locking connection ridges;

a lid portion, formed of plastic material in a thermoforming process, shaped for cooperative engagement with said base portion, having an outer periphery wall defining two series of locking connection ridges for cooperative engagement with said series of locking connection ridges of said base periphery wall, such that when a product is placed in said base said lid may be engaged onto said base and adjusted by engagement of an appropriate one of said base connection ridges with an appropriate one of said lid connection ridges.

12. The packaging structure of

claim 11, wherein said base and lid define an oval cross-section.

13. The packaging structure of

claim 11, wherein said base and lid define a rectangular cross-section.

14. The packaging structure of

claim 11, including a base wall, extending from said base periphery wall.

15. The packaging structure of

claim 14, wherein said basewall defines an opening such that display hanging means may pass therethrough.