PACKAGING SYSTEM

Abstract

A packaging system is disclosed comprising at least one article, translucent walls allowing the at least one article to be viewable by a consumer, and a header and footer covering top and bottom portions of the translucent walls. The header and footer may include printed or graphic information about the at least one article wherein the header and footer extend the area in which printed information about the at least one article can be provided. Additional labeling can be provided to display information about the at least one article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/840,144, entitled “Packaging System,” filed Aug. 25, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This present application also relates to co-pending U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/265,171, entitled “Packaging System,” filed Aug. 25, 2006, the disclosure of which also is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to packaging systems and more specifically to packaging systems where the article is visible to the consumer and the packaging extends and expands the area in which information about the article being packaged can be provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A limited amount of space is available on articles and containers for articles, such as bottles, for including information about the article and its use. This problem is made more difficult as ever expanding regulations require more, and sometimes specific types, of information. While most bottles have a large barrel for containing the fluid, they typically have narrowed openings or necks. The neck of the bottle typically does not provide much room to advertise or include the trademarks for the product or the entity providing the product nor can much information about the components or use of the product be provided. Also, printing directly to the neck of a bottle is more technically challenging.

In an effort to expand the area in which information about the product can be provided, certain manufacturers have enclosed these types of articles (i.e., bottles or other containers) in packaging systems, such as boxes, where printed material can be included on all sides of the packaging system. However, in order to provide printed material on all sides of the packaging system, typically the packaging system has been opaque in coloring such that the article encased in the packaging system is not easily viewable. This type of packaging system suffers from the disadvantage that while more area is available on the packaging system itself to provide printed information about the article or the entity promoting the article, the article itself is not readily available, if at all, once the article is encased in the packaging system. Also, typical packaging for bottles and the like must be strong and rigid to support the item. This objective has been generally achieved through the use of cardboard, paperboard and other equivalent opaque materials. Consumers generally have a desire to inspect the actual item and when the packaging is opaque, the consumer is more likely to open the packaging which is highly undesirable. Thus, it is a desirable goal to have a packaging system which is strong enough to support the article or item within but wherein the article and the information printed or displayed on the article encased in the packaging system is viewable when packaged. It is also a desirable goal to use the packaging system itself to extend the area in which printed information about the article can be provided.

In the packaging systems of the prior art, it has been difficult to achieve all these desirable goals so that a packaged article, such as a bottle, can be secured within the packaging system, displayed to the consumer and provide additional printed information. For example, a bottle is encased in a box but the bottle is not affixed to the sides of the box making it difficult to ensure that the integrity of the bottle is not altered during transportation of the packaging system encasing the bottle. Thus, it is desirable to find a means to secure an article in a packaging system while not taking away from the goals of having a packaging system that maximizes the area in which printed information about the article may be provided.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a packaging system wherein the walls of the packaging system are preferably translucent in nature allowing the article being encased in the packaging system to be viewable. The packaging system further provides a header or footer included on portions of the translucent walls of the packaging system for providing printed information about the article being encased in the packaging system. This packaging system preferably extends the area in which printed information about the article or the entity promoting the article can be provided.

In another embodiment, the packaging system of the present invention is provided having translucent walls with a footer covering the lower portion of the translucent walls or a header covering the upper portion of the translucent walls. This footer and/or header preferably hides or obscures the end caps contained within the packaging system wherein the end caps are put in place to secure the article being encased in the packaging system.

In a further embodiment, the packaging system of the present invention is provided having translucent walls with a footer covering the lower portion of the translucent walls and a header covering the upper portion of the translucent walls. The top and bottom walls of the packaging system preferably have flaps that can engage the article being encased in the packaging system such that the article is secured in transport.

In another embodiment, a packaging system of the present invention is provided wherein the walls of the packaging system are preferably translucent in nature allowing the article being encased in the packaging system to be viewable. The packaging system further provides a back panel included on a portion of the translucent walls of the packaging system for providing printed information about the article being encased in the packaging system. This packaging system preferably extends the area in which printed information about the article or the entity promoting the article can be provided. The technical advantages of the present invention include a strong or rigid packaging system that can support items such as bottles and the like. Another technical advantage is that the packaging system provides direct viewing or displaying of the article contained within the packaging system. Another technical advantage is that the packaging system provides additional area to provide or display printed or graphic information.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction wig the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a component for a packaging system in accordance with the present invention adapted for receiving an article;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a packaging, system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention is shown, Packaging system 10 is depicted comprised of translucent box 101 constructed of a suitable polymeric or other material well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably translucent box 101 includes header 102 which covers the top portion of translucent box 101. Header 102 can be constructed by either printing directly onto translucent box 101 or by providing a pre-printed adhesive label and affixing it to translucent box 101. Such printing or affixing may be performed on to translucent box 101 while it is still flat and not shaped in the form of a box. Once the printing and labeling has been completed then the flat form of the box is die-cut, folded and then joint glued wherein header 102 covers the top portion of translucent box 101 when done. Alternatively, labeling can be performed after translucent box 101 is fully formed. In another alternative, the flat form is die-cut first, then has the printing or labeling affixed.

In one embodiment, the article to be encased in packaging system 10 is bottle 103 having a wall 111. Bottle 103 preferably has a label or other identifying markings (not shown) affixed directly to the wall 111 that are viewable through the one or more sides 113 of translucent box 101 when bottle 103 is encased in packaging system 10. In an embodiment, bottle 103 includes elongated neck 106 (shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 6). Due to the shape of elongated neck 106, it is difficult to print, label or otherwise include much, if any, information or other identifying markings. In an embodiment, header 102 when applied to translucent box 101 obscures elongated neck 106 and thus provides more room or area to advertise or display other information, such as information about the article included in translucent box 101, than would be available by providing the article without the use of packaging system 10. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a portion of header 102 may be translucent, such as a window or cutout, to provide a view of the neck 106 or cap 115 (both shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 6).

Header 102 preferably includes a variety of information. Information included on header 102 may be a trademark for the entity that is the source of the article contained within packaging system 10. Additionally or alternatively, header 102 may include a description of the contents of the article being packaged and information as to why the article contained in packaging system 10 should be purchased. Pricing information or a description of the entity promoting the article being packaged, such as its history, may be incorporated onto header 102. Any other information, both textual and graphic, desirable to the user of the present invention may also be provided.

While shown in FIG. 1 as a solid portion, it should be appreciated that header 102 may have windows, not shown, or other openings such that contents within the upper portion of translucent box 101 may be viewable through header 102. As an example, bottle 103 may have a special cap 115 (shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 6) that the manufacturer wishes to promote while continuing to use header 102 primarily to promote bottle 103. Accordingly, a window or other viewing portion preferably is provided in header 102 such that only cap 115 (see FIG. 6) is viewable through header 102.

Translucent box 101 may preferably further include, but is not limited to, end caps 104 and 105 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) for receiving an article to be encased in packaging system 10. These end caps preferably are sized and shaped to secure the article in place such that the article does not become disengaged when transported from one location to another. End caps 104 and 105 preferably are composed of a plastic-type material, and end caps 104 and 105 are releasably removable from packaging system 10 if the packaged article does not require end caps 104 and 105. Alternatively, the article may be affixed to flaps (not shown) on the top portion of translucent box 101 in order to keep the article in place.

Returning to FIG. 1, footer 106 also preferably is incorporated as part of packaging system 10. Footer 106 serves a number of purposes. Given its opaque coloring, footer 106 may obscure end cap 105 (shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 6) such that it is not readily viewable by a prospective purchaser or consumer of packaging system 10. Footer 106 also preferably may be used in a manner similar to that of header 102 in that additional information about the article contained in packaging system 10 and/or the entity promoting the article or packaging system 10 may be included in footer 106.

FIG. 3, an embodiment of a component for a packaging system in accordance with the present invention adapted for receiving an article, depicts an embodiment of packaging system 10 wherein no article is contained within translucent box 101 of packaging system 10 and no header or footer are shown. Thus, in this embodiment, end caps 104 and 105 are in view. End cap 104 is preferably shaped or adapted to receive an item such as cap 115 (see FIG. 6) of an article to be encased or contained in packaging system 10. It should be appreciated however that the shape of indention 117 in end cap 104 (see FIG. 6) may be adapted to fit or mate with the top portion of the article being encased. Similarly, end cap 105 is preferably shaped or adapted to receive the bottom portion 119 (FIG. 6) of a bottle, for example, but can preferably be adapted, sized and shaped to receive articles of varying sizes and shapes depending on the article to be encased.

Turning to FIG. 2, a back view of an embodiment of packaging system 10, including an article, in accordance with the present invention is depicted. Portions of the sides or walls 113 of translucent box 101 are shown. However, in this embodiment, back panel 107 formed from a material similar to that used for header 102 or footer 106 is shown. Back panel 107 provides an additional means for displaying information about the article being stored in packaging system 10 while continuing to allow the article to be viewable when the article is contained within packaging system 10. In this embodiment, back panel 107 is elongated in a rectangular shape that obscures a portion of the bottle encased in packaging system 10 allowing the bottle to be in partial view but providing additional area for including information about the bottle and/or contents of the bottle than would be allowed if the information were to be included on the bottle itself. It should be appreciated however that the shape of back panel 107 may be altered based on the information to be included on back panel 107 as well as to be in line with the size and shape of translucent box 101 and/or header 102.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention. This side view preferably demonstrates how the profile of the article 103 being encased is viewable such that if there are labels or other identifiers on the sides of the article being encased, these items are viewable when the article is placed in translucent box 101. Again, header 102 obscures the upper portion of the article being encased but this embodiment allows for additional information about the product or another identifier of the product and/or entity promoting the product to be included on header 102 on all sides of translucent box 101. Similarly, the width of footer 106 may be extended such that additional information similar to that included on header 102 may also preferably be included on the sides of translucent box 101. It also should be appreciated that should a user or manufacturer of packaging system 10 determine that it is preferable to be able to view the article to be encased in packaging system from the front and back panels, a panel similar to back panel 107 may preferably be incorporated on the sides of translucent box 101 to provide different areas for including information relevant to packaging system 10 and/or the article encased in packaging system 10.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a packaging system, including an article, in accordance with the present invention. From this view, it can be seen that header 102 covers the top portion of translucent box 101 such that advertising or other information about the article included in packaging system 10 may also be viewable on the top portion of packaging system 10. Accordingly, designs may extend across the top of translucent box 101 to any or all of the sides forming header 102.

It should be appreciated that while packaging system 10 is depicted as having a rectangular or box shape, other shapes of packaging system 10 may be employed without departing from the objects of the present invention. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, packaging system 10 is preferably modified so as to house more than one article within box 101. Accordingly, more than one set of end caps would preferably be used to receive portions of the articles being encased in that packaging system. Also while in some figures, packaging system 10 is shown as having a header and a footer, and in some cases, a back panel, it should be appreciated that one, all or a combination of these items may be utilized without departing from the objects of the present invention.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

1. A packaging system comprising:

an article;

translucent walls;

a footer covering a lower portion of said translucent walls; and

a header covering an upper portion of said translucent walls,

wherein said article is encased within said translucent walls and is at least partially viewable through said translucent walls.

2. The packaging system of claim 1, said packaging system further comprising:

at least one end cap inside said packaging system for securing said article in said packaging system,

wherein said footer and said header hide said at least one end cap inside said packaging system.

3. The packaging system of claim 1, said header including printed information about said article.

4. The packaging system of claim 1, said header including openings wherein portions of said article are viewable through said header.

5. The packaging system of claim 1, said footer including printed information about said article.

6. The packaging system of claim 1, said packaging system further comprising:

at least one flap formed as part of said translucent walls,

wherein said at least one flap engages said article being encased in said packaging system such that said article is secured in said packaging system.

7. The packaging system of claim 1, said packaging system further comprising:

a back panel on at least one of said walls for providing printed information about said article being encased in said packaging system,

wherein said back panel extends the area in which printed information about said article can be provided while allowing said article to be partially viewable when encased in said packaging system.

8. A packaging system comprising:

walls that are translucent or partially translucent in composition;

an article encased in said packaging system wherein said walls allow for said article to be viewable when encased in said packaging system; and

a back panel on at least one of said walls for providing printed information about said article being encased in said packaging system,

wherein said back panel extends the area in which printed information about said article can be provided while allowing said article to be partially viewable when encased in said packaging system.

9. The packaging system of claim 8, said packaging system further comprising:

a footer covering a lower portion of said walls; and

a header covering an upper portion of said walls,

wherein said header and said footer extend the area in which printed information about said article can be provided.

10. The packaging system of claim 9 wherein said header and said footer are printed directly onto said walls.

11. The packaging system of claim 9 wherein said header and said footer are in the form of a pre-printed adhesive label affixed to said walls.

12. The packaging system of claim 9, said packaging system further comprising:

at least one end cap inside said packaging system for securing said article in said packaging system,

wherein said footer and said header hide said at least one end cap inside said packaging system.

13. The packaging system of claim 8, said packaging system further comprising:

at least one flap formed as part of said walls,

wherein said at least one flap engages said article being encased in said packaging system such that said article is secured in said packaging system.

14. A packaging system comprising:

at least one article encased in said packaging system;

translucent walls allowing said at least one article to be viewable;

a header covering a top portion of said translucent walls including printed information about said at least one article; and

a footer covering a lower portion of said translucent walls including printed information about said at least one article

wherein said header and said footer extend the area in which printed information about said at least one article can be provided.

15. The packaging system of claim 14, said packaging system further comprising

at least one end cap inside said packaging system for securing said at least one article in said packaging system,

wherein said footer and said header hide said at least one end cap inside said packaging system.

16. The packaging system of claim 15 wherein the shape of indention of said at least one end cap is adapted to mate with a top portion of said at least one article to be encased in said packaging system.

17. The packaging system of claim 15 wherein said at least one end cap is releasably removable from said packaging system.

18. The packaging system of claim 14, said packaging system further comprising:

at least one flap formed as part of said translucent walls,

wherein said at least one flap engages said at least one article being encased in said packaging system such that said at least one article is secured in said packaging system.

19. The packaging system of claim 14, said packaging system further comprising:

a back panel on at least one of said walls for providing printed information about said at least one article being encased in said packaging system,

wherein said back panel extends the area in which printed information about said at least one article can be provided while allowing said at least one article to be partially viewable when encased in said packaging system.

20. The packaging system of claim 14, said header including openings wherein portions of said at least one article are viewable through said header.