Display pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a display pack for packaging and displaying a product. The display pack comprises a display card and one or more transparent straps for securing the product to the display card. The transparent straps include one or more lines of weakening to enable easy release of the product from the display card. The transparent straps further include ends that can be secured behind the display card through various means.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/873,835, filed on Dec. 8, 2006, entitled “Display Pack,” by Steffen J. Smith and Samir K. Khare, which application is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging assemblies and, more particularly, to packaging assemblies for consumer products such as toy dolls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumer products are often disposed in transparent packaging, to provide an appealing presence. Typically, the product is disposed within the packaging against a printed display card. Much care goes into the design features of the display card, as well as the relative positioning of the product against the display card. Typically, the products, e.g., dolls, are secured against the display card using wire tie-downs.

Although generally effective, shortfalls exist with current approaches. For example, wire tie-downs make it difficult for the purchaser to free the doll from the packaging. In addition, wire tie-downs tend to be labor intensive to install, thus adding to the product's cost. Moreover, much effort goes into providing products having appealing design features. Wire tie-downs can obscure these design features and diminish the overall visual appeal of the product, while on display. This can adversely influence purchasing decisions.

It should, therefore, be appreciated that there exists a need for a display pack for consumer products, such as toy dolls, that addresses the aforementioned concerns. The present invention fulfills this need and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the invention provides a display pack having transparent straps used for securing a consumer product in place against a display card, while addressing the aforementioned shortcomings. The invention is particularly applicable to children's products, e.g., dolls.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transparent straps extend through slots defined by the display card adjacent the product. The ends of each strap can be secured about the backside of the display card in various fashions. For example, they can be secured to one another. Alternatively, the straps can be secured to the display card or other structure adjacent to the backside of the display card.

More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the straps preferably provide a line of weakening, for example, perforated line, in the region of the strap disposed about the front side of the display card. In use, the purchaser can easily remove the product from the display card. To do so, the purchaser simply pulls on the product so that the straps break along the line of weakening, releasing the product.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a display pack in accordance with the invention, depicting a doll secured to a display card via transparent straps having lines of weakening.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the display pack of FIG. 1, depicting a rear panel of the display card having packaging artwork and covering a front panel of the display card.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a center region of the display pack of FIG. 1, depicting the transparent straps.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a first strap of the display pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a second strap of the display pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the backside of the display card of the display pack of FIG. 1, depicting the transparent straps extending through slots defined in the display card.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view, similar to FIG. 6, of the backside of the display card of a second embodiment in accordance with the invention, depicting the transparent straps extending through slots defined in the display card and secured to the backside of the display card.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view, similar to FIG. 6, of the backside of the display card of a third embodiment in accordance with the invention, depicting the transparent straps extending through slots defined in the display card and secured via supports disposed adjacent to the display card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, there is shown a display pack 10 having transparent straps (12, 14, 16, 18) used for securing products, e.g., a doll 20 and accessory 22, in place against a display card 24. The display pack further includes a housing 26 having a handle 28. The transparent straps include lines of weakening to enable easy release of the product from the display card. Moreover, since the straps are transparent, the ornamental design features of the product are not inhibited. This promotes the visual appeal of the product, which can significantly influence purchasing decisions.

The display card 24 includes a front panel 30 and a rear panel 32 (FIG. 2) coupled via a fold line 34, along a top edge of the display card. Both the front and rear panels provide a substantial area for packaging artwork, thereby promoting the overall aesthetic appeal of the display pack 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the display card is formed of card stock; however, various other materials can be used as desired.

The housing 26 is formed of a transparent material, allowing the products, as well as the packaging artwork on the display card to be prominently displayed. Although not shown, packaging artwork can further be provided about the housing, as desired. For example, an outer sleeve having packaging artwork can be disposed about the housing.

With reference to FIG. 3, the front panel 30 of the display card 24 defines a plurality of slots (36, 38, 40, 42) spaced about the front panel at prescribed locations. The slots are sized to allow the transparent straps (12, 14, 16, 18) to pass therethrough and are positioned to allow for a desired orientation of the products (doll 20 and accessory 22). The rear panel 32 (FIG. 2) of the display card is sized to conform to the front panel, to help shield the manner in which the transparent straps are attached, as they extend through slots of the front panel.

The straps (12, 14, 16, 18) are formed of vinyl, however, various other transparent materials can be used having sufficient properties. As discussed in detail below, the ends of the straps are secured behind the front panel 30 of the display card 24 to secure the product in place. Each strap defines lines of weakening, for example, perforated lines 44, to enable easy removal of the product. To do so, the purchaser simply pulls on the product so that the straps break along the line of weakening, releasing the product.

In the exemplary embodiment, perforated lines are spaced along each strap, generally equidistant from one another. In other embodiments, lines of weakening can be positioned in prescribed locations along the strap. For example, in a strap disposed about the wrist of the doll, a single perforated line aligned with the wrist could be sufficient to enable easy removal. Alternatively, a pair of perforated lines disposed adjacent to the corresponding slots could also facilitate easy removal.

With reference now to FIGS. 4-5, for each strap, the perforated lines 44 extend between the side edges (46, 48) of the strap in an intermediate region (e.g., 50, 52) of the strap. Each perforated line is formed of a plurality of perforations 54 space apart about 1/32 inch. Each perforation is about 1/16 inch in length. In other embodiments, other measurements can be used for the perforated lines.

In the exemplary embodiment, straps 14, 18 are about 3¾ inches in length, having an intermediate region 50 of 1¾ inches, and ends 54 of about 1 inch each. The intermediate regions of straps 14, 18 each include three perforated lines 44, spaced apart about 7/16 inch from each other. The strap 16 is about 7 inches in length, having an intermediate region 52 of about 5 inches, and ends 56 of about 1 inch each. The intermediate region 52 of strap 16 includes nine perforated lines 44 space to part about ½ inch from each other. It should be appreciated that straps having various other measurements can be provided without departing from the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment, each line of weakening is formed by a plurality of perforations aligned with one another, allowing the strap to tear easily at prescribed locations. In other embodiments, the line of weakening can be formed in various other manners, e.g., by a single perforation and a region, or regions, of reduced thickness. In addition, in certain embodiments the lines of weakening need not be linear. Furthermore, the lines of weakening can be positioned perpendicular to the side edges (46, 48) of the strap, but may also be positioned at different angles.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, the ends (54, 56) of the straps (12, 14, 16, 18) can be secured in various fashions behind the front panel 30 of the display card 24. In the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the ends are secured to one another via adhesive tape 58. Here, the adhesive tape further attaches the ends to the backside of the front panel, which is beneficial but not necessary. Adhesive tape is effective in that it can be applied quickly and easily, minimizing time needed for packaging personnel. In addition, the tape can also be quickly applied in an automated process, if desired. Other securing means can be used to attach the ends to one another, e.g., staples, glue, heat-sealing, mechanical interlocks, and so on.

In the second embodiment (FIG. 7), the ends (54, 56) extend away from one another and are attached directly to the front panel 30. Again, adhesive tape is used to attach the end; however, other securing means can be used, as desired.

In the third embodiment (FIG. 8), the straps are be secured to a support 60 disposed adjacent to the backside of the front panel 30 of the display card 24. The support defines a pair of slits 62 that are sized to receive portions of the straps, providing a friction interface that maintains the straps in place. In addition, the support provides additional support to the display card, which can inhibit tearing about the slots.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a display pack having transparent straps used for securing a product, e.g., a doll, in place against a display card within the packaging, while addressing the aforementioned shortcomings. The invention is particularly applicable to children's products. The straps extend through slots defined by the display card about the product. The ends of the strap can be secured about the backside of the display card in various fashions. For example, the straps can be secured to one another. Alternatively, the straps can be secured to the display card or other structure adjacent to the backside of the display card.

More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the straps preferably provide a line of weakening, for example, perforated line, in the region of the strap disposed about the front side of the display card. In use, the purchaser can easily remove the product from the display card. To do so, the purchaser simply pulls on the product so that the straps break along the line of weakening, releasing the product.

The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A display pack for packaging and displaying a product, the display pack comprising:

a display card having a front side and a back side and further having a first aperture and a second aperture; and

a transparent strap having a first end and a second end;

wherein the product is positioned in a prescribed location adjacent to the front side of the display card, with at least a portion of the product located between the first and second apertures;

wherein the transparent strap is positioned over the portion of the product located between the first and second apertures, with the first end of the transparent strap extending through the first aperture of the display card and the second end of the transparent strap extending through the second aperture of the display card;

wherein both ends of the transparent strap are secured to the back side of the display card, with the transparent strap sufficiently taut to secure the product in its prescribed location adjacent to the front side of the display card;

and wherein the transparent strap includes at least one line of weakening, to facilitate tearing of the transparent strap for the release of the product.

2. The display pack of claim 1, further comprising a rear card positioned adjacent to the back side of the display card;

wherein the rear card is sized to conform to the size of the display card.

3. The display pack of claim 2, wherein the display card and the rear card are an integral unit formed by a fold line.

4. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the first and second apertures of the display card are closed openings.

5. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the transparent strap is formed of vinyl.

6. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the line of weakening is transverse.

7. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the line of weakening is formed by a plurality of perforations.

8. The display pack of claim 7, wherein the plurality of perforations are aligned with one another.

9. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the line of weakening is formed by a single perforation.

10. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the line of weakening is formed by a region of reduced thickness of the transparent strap.

11. The display pack of claim 1, wherein the transparent strap includes a plurality of transverse lines of weakening spaced equidistant from each other.

12. The display pack of claim 1, further comprising a transparent covering for the product;

wherein the transparent covering encloses all or substantially all of the product and the display pack.

13. The display pack of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of transparent straps; and

a plurality of first and second apertures defined by the display card.

14. A display pack for packaging and displaying a product, the display pack comprising:

a display card having a front side and a back side and further having a first aperture and a second aperture; and

a transparent strap having a first end and a second end;

wherein the product is positioned in a prescribed location adjacent to the front side of the display card, with at least a portion of the product located between the first and second apertures;

wherein the transparent strap is positioned over the portion of the product located between the first and second apertures, with the first end of the transparent strap extending through the first aperture of the display card and the second end of the transparent strap extending through the second aperture of the display card;

wherein both ends of the transparent strap are secured behind the display card by securing means, with the transparent strap sufficiently taut to secure the product in its prescribed location adjacent to the front side of the display card;

and wherein the transparent strap includes at least one transverse line of weakening, to facilitate tearing of the transparent strap for the release of the product.

15. The display pack of claim 14, wherein the securing means includes affixing the first and second ends of the transparent strap to the backside of the display card by affixing means.

16. The display pack of claim 15, wherein the affixing means is selected from the group consisting of adhesive tape, glue, staples, heat-sealing, and mechanical interlocks.

17. The display pack of claim 14, wherein the securing means includes affixing the first and second ends of the transparent strap together by affixing means.

18. The display pack of claim 17, wherein the affixing means is selected from the group consisting of adhesive tape, glue, staples, heat-sealing, and mechanical interlocks.

19. A display pack for packaging and displaying a product, the display pack comprising:

a display card having a front side and a back side and further having a first aperture and a second aperture;

a transparent strap having a first end and a second end; and

a support affixed adjacent to the back side of the display card by affixing means and having a first aperture and a second aperture;

wherein the product is positioned in a prescribed location adjacent to the front side of the display card, with at least a portion of the product located between the first and second apertures of the display card;

wherein the transparent strap is positioned over the portion of the product located between the first and second apertures of the display card, with the first end of the transparent strap extending through the first aperture of the display card and the second end of the transparent strap extending through the second aperture of the display card;

wherein the first end of the transparent strap further extends through the first aperture of the support and the second end of the transparent strap further extends through the second aperture of the support;

wherein the first and second apertures of the support provide a friction interface that secure both ends of the transparent strap behind the display card with the transparent strap sufficiently taut to secure the product in its prescribed location adjacent to the front side of the display card;

and wherein the transparent strap includes at least one transverse line of weakening, to facilitate tearing of the transparent strap for the release of the product.

20. The display pack of claim 19, wherein the affixing means is selected from the group consisting of adhesive tape, glue, staples, heat-sealing, and mechanical interlocks.