PACKAGING FOR HAND TOOLS

Abstract

A hand tool and packaging assembly includes a hand tool having a first handle and a second handle pivotally coupled to the first handle. The assembly also includes a packaging for supporting the hand tool. The packaging includes a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool. The enclosure portion defines a first opening and a second opening. The first handle extends out of the enclosure portion through the first opening such that the first handle is held stationary relative to the backing portion. The second handle extends out of the enclosure portion through the second opening such that the second handle is pivotable relative to the first handle while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/529,318, filed Aug. 31, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hand tools and, more particularly, to packaging for hand tools.

BACKGROUND

Many hand tools, such as pliers, clippers, scissors, snips, or the like, include two members that are pivotable relative to each other. When displayed for sale, these hand tools are sometimes positioned in transparent blister packs that contain information regarding the tools and allow a potential purchaser to view the tools.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a hand tool and packaging assembly including a hand tool having a first handle and a second handle pivotally coupled to the first handle. The assembly also includes a packaging for supporting the hand tool. The packaging includes a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool. The enclosure portion defines a first opening and a second opening. The first handle extends out of the enclosure portion through the first opening such that the first handle is held stationary relative to the backing portion. The second handle extends out of the enclosure portion through the second opening such that the second handle is pivotable relative to the first handle while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a hand tool and packaging assembly including a hand tool having a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw. The first and second jaws are movable between an open position and a closed position. The assembly also includes a packaging for supporting the hand tool. The packaging includes a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool. The enclosure portion defines an opening. The second jaw extends out of the enclosure portion through the opening when the first and second jaws are in the open position.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a hand tool and packaging assembly including a hand tool having a first handle, a second handle pivotally coupled to the first handle, a first jaw connected to the first handle, and a second jaw connected to the second handle. The first and second jaws are movable between an open position and a closed position. The assembly also includes a packaging for supporting the hand tool. The packaging includes a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool. The enclosure portion defines an opening that allows movement of the second handle relative to the first handle while the hand tool is supported by the packaging. When the first and second jaws are in one of the open position and the closed position, the hand tool is adjustable between a first condition and a second condition while supported by the packaging.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand tool and packaging assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, the assembly including a pliers supported by a packaging

FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the pliers supported by the packaging while in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the pliers supported by the packaging while in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a hand tool and packaging assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, the assembly including an adjustable pliers supported by a packaging while in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 4 with the pliers supported by the packaging while in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hand tool and packaging assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention, the assembly including an adjustable pliers supported by a packaging.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 6 with the pliers supported by the packaging while in a closed position.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 6 with the pliers supported by the packaging while in an open position.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a hand tool and packaging assembly according to still another embodiment of the invention, the assembly including a cutting tool supported by a packaging while in a closed and locked position.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 9 with the cutting tool supported by the packaging while in an open and unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a hand tool and packaging assembly 6 that includes a packaging 10 and a pliers 14. The packaging 10 supports the pliers 14 to display the pliers 14 at a suitable location, such as in a store. The illustrated pliers 14 includes two handles 18, 22 that are pivotally coupled together. The handles 18, 22 are movable relative to each other to open and close corresponding jaws 24, 26 of the pliers 14. In other embodiments, the packaging 10 may support and partially enclose other types of pliers or hand tools with handles that are pivotable between an open position and a closed position, such as pex cutters, snips, scissors, riveters, wire strippers, and the like.

The illustrated packaging 10 includes a backing portion 30 and an enclosure portion 34. The backing and enclosure portions 30, 34 are formed of clear plastic, or other suitable materials, such that the packaging 10 is transparent. The transparent packaging 10 allows a potential purchaser to see the pliers 14, or other hand tool, supported therein before removing the pliers 14 from the packaging 10. In some embodiments, the packaging 10 may be formed as two halves (e.g., a front half and a rear half) that are welded, glued, stapled, snap-fit, or otherwise sealed together to form the backing portion 30 and the enclosure portion 34. In such embodiments, the entire enclosure portion 34 may be formed on one of the halves, and the backing portion 30 may be completely formed only when the two halves are coupled and secured together. In other embodiments, the backing portion 30 and the enclosure portion 34 may be formed as separate pieces that are welded or glued together.

The backing portion 30 is generally planar and includes a front face 36 and a rear face 37. The backing portion 30 also defines an aperture 38 that extends through the faces 36, 37 for hanging the packaging 10 from a display hook or other suitable support. The backing portion 30 may include product names, brand names, and other identification indicia for the product supported within the packaging 10 (e.g., the pliers 14). In some embodiments, a sheet of cardboard or cardstock may be captured and enclosed within the backing portion 30. This sheet may include all or some of the identification indicia for the product and may increase the stiffness of the backing portion 30.

The enclosure portion 34 extends from the backing portion 30 to receive and at least partially enclose the pliers 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure portion 34 extends outwardly from the front face 36 of the backing portion 30 to capture the pliers 14 between the enclosure portion 34 and the backing portion 30. The enclosure portion 34 supports the pliers 14 within the packaging 10 to inhibit a purchaser from removing the pliers 14 without destroying the packaging 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the enclosure portion 34 covers both of the jaws 24, 26 of the pliers 14 when the jaws 24, 26 are in a closed position. The illustrated enclosure portion 34 is shaped and sized to generally conform to the shape and size of a head portion (e.g., the jaws 24, 26) of the pliers 14. That is, an outer perimeter 40 of the enclosure portion 34 is contoured to match a shape of the jaws 24, 26 when closed. Due to the contoured shape and size of the enclosure portion 34, at least one of the jaws 24, 26 moves out of the enclosure portion 34 in order for the jaws 24, 26 to open. Such a configuration reduces the amount of packaging material required to enclose the pliers 14 and gives the packaging 10 a more appealing, streamlined appearance.

Referring to FIG. 1, the enclosure portion 34 defines three side openings 42, 46, 50 formed in the outer perimeter 40. The side openings 42, 46, 50 allow movement of the pliers 14 between the closed position (FIG. 2) and an open position (FIG. 3) while the pliers 14 is supported by the packaging 10. The first side opening 42 provides clearance for one of the jaws 26 to move relative to the packaging 10 between the open position and the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side opening 42 allows the jaw 26 to pivot out of the enclosure portion 34 when the pliers 14 is actuated to the open position. The second side opening 46 allows the first handle 18 to extend out of the enclosure portion 34, but is shaped and sized to retain or hold the first handle 18 in a generally stationary position relative to the packaging 10. The third side opening 50 allows the second handle 22 to also extend out of the enclosure portion 34. Unlike the second side opening 46, the third side opening 50 is formed through two adjacent sides of the enclosure portion 34 to provide clearance for the second handle 22 to move relative to the packaging 10 between the open position and the closed position. As the second handle 22 pivots through the third side opening 50, the handle 22 moves the jaw 26 into and out of the enclosure portion 34 through the first side opening 42, thereby opening and closing the pliers 14.

The side openings 42, 46, 50 allow a potential purchaser to actuate the pliers 14 before removing the pliers 14 from the packaging 10. The illustrated enclosure portion 34 extends outwardly from the front face 36 of the backing portion 30 such that the pliers 14 is positioned entirely on one side of the backing portion 30 and the backing portion 30 does not limit or interfere with movement of the pliers 14 relative to the packaging 10. The side openings 42, 46, 50 also allow a potential purchaser to easily grasp, feel, and inspect various surfaces of the pliers 14 while actuating the pliers 14. Furthermore, the second and third side openings 46, 50 are positioned such that the handles 18, 22 automatically collapse (i.e., pivot to the closed position) when the packaging 10 is hung from a display hook by the aperture 38.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a hand tool and packaging assembly 106 according to another embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 106 includes a packaging 110 that supports and partially encloses an adjustable pliers 114. The adjustable pliers 114 includes a first jaw 118 connected to a first handle 122 and a second jaw 126 connected to a second handle 130. The second handle 130 includes a pin 134 that extends through an elongated slot 138 in the first handle 122 to pivotally couple the jaws 118, 126 and the handles 122, 130 together. The pin 134 is slidable within the elongated slot 138 to adjust a maximum opening distance of the jaws 118, 126. For example, in a first condition, the pin 134 is positioned at one end of the slot 138 such that the jaws 118, 126 have a small maximum opening distance, and, in a second condition, the pin 134 is positioned at the other end of the slot 138 such that the jaws 118, 126 have a large maximum opening distance.

Similar to the packaging 10 discussed above, the illustrated packaging 110 includes a backing portion 142 and an enclosure portion 146. The enclosure portion 146 extends outwardly from a front face 147 of the backing portion 142 such that the pliers 114 is positioned on one side of the backing portion 142. In addition, the enclosure portion 146 includes an outer perimeter 148 that is contoured to generally match the shape of the jaws 118, 126 when closed, even though, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the second jaw 126 extends out of the enclosure portion 146 beyond the perimeter 148.

The illustrated enclosure portion 146 defines three side openings 150, 154, 158 that allow movement of the pliers 114 between a closed position (FIG. 4) and an open position (FIG. 5) while the pliers 114 is supported by the packaging 110. The first side opening 150 provides clearance for the second jaw 126 to move out of the enclosure portion 146 when the pliers 114 is opened. The second side opening 154 allows the first handle 122 to extend out of the enclosure portion 146, but retains or holds the first handle 122 in a generally stationary position relative to the packaging 110. The third side opening 158 allows the second handle 130 to extend out of the enclosure portion 146 and provides clearance for the second handle 130 to pivot relative to the packaging 110. As the second handle 130 pivots through the third side opening 158, the handle 130 moves the second jaw 126 into and out of the enclosure portion 146 through the first side opening 150, thereby opening and closing the pliers 114.

In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure portion 146 is shaped and sized to also allow a user to adjust the maximum opening distance of the jaws 118, 126 of the pliers 114 while the pliers 114 is supported by the packaging 110. As noted above, the maximum opening distance of the jaws 118, 126 is adjustable by moving the pin 134 within the elongated slot 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure portion 146 provides some clearance such that the pin 134 can move a relatively short distance (e.g., less than about halfway) in the elongated slot 138 to adjust the maximum opening distance of the jaws 118, 126. A potential purchaser can thereby test the adjustability of the pliers 114 before removing the pliers 114 from the packaging 110. In other embodiments, the enclosure portion 146 may provide enough clearance to allow the purchaser to move the pin 134 through the entire length of the elongated slot 138 while the pliers 114 is still supported by the packaging 110 to test the full extent of adjustability of the pliers 114.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a hand tool and packaging assembly 206 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the assembly 106 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the illustrated assembly 206 includes a packaging 210 that supports an adjustable pliers 214. The adjustable pliers 214 includes a first jaw 216 connected to a first handle 218 and a second jaw 222 connected to a second handle 226. The second handle 226 includes a pin 230 (FIG. 6) that extends through an elongated slot 234 in the first handle 218 to pivotally couple the jaws 222 and the handles 218, 226 together. The pin 230 is slidable within the elongated slot 234 to adjust a maximum opening distance of the jaws 222.

Unlike the adjustable pliers 114 discussed above, the illustrated adjustable pliers 214 also includes an actuator mechanism 238 coupled to the pin 230. The actuator mechanism 238 is selectively actuatable (e.g., depressible) by a user to engage and disengage the pin 230 from teeth 242 formed on the first handle 218 adjacent the elongated slot 234. When the pin 230 engages the teeth 242, the position of the pin 230 is fixed relative to the first handle 218. When the pin 230 disengages the teeth 242, the pin 230 is movable within the elongated slot 234 to adjust the maximum opening distance of the jaws 222.

Similar to the packagings 10, 110 discussed above, the illustrated packaging 210 includes a backing portion 246 and an enclosure portion 250. The enclosure portion 250 extends outwardly from a front face 252 of the backing portion 246 such that the pliers 214 is positioned on one side of the backing portion 246.

The illustrated enclosure portion 250 defines a side opening 254 and a mid opening 258. The side opening 254 allows the first handle 218 to extend out of the enclosure portion 250, but retains or holds the first handle 218 in a generally stationary position relative to the packaging 210. The mid opening 258 extends across the enclosure portion 250 to divide or separate the enclosure portion 250 into two discrete enclosure portions 250A, 250B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first enclosure portion 250A generally encloses and supports the first jaw 216, and the second enclosure portion 250B generally encloses and supports a knuckle portion of the first handle 218. The first enclosure portion 250A includes an outer perimeter 260A that is contoured to match the shape of the first jaw 216. The second enclosure portion 250B includes an outer perimeter 260B that is contoured to match the shape of the knuckle portion of the first handle 218.

The mid opening 258 also provides clearance for the second jaw 222 and the second handle 226 to pivot relative to the first jaw 216, the first handle 218, and the packaging 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the mid opening 258 is shaped and sized such that the second jaw 222 and the second handle 226 are entirely exposed outside of the first and second enclosure portions 250A, 250B. The mid opening 258 allows a potential purchaser to access and actuate the actuator mechanism 238 coupled to the pin 230. The purchaser can thereby test the adjustability of the pliers 214 before removing the pliers 214 from the packaging 210. Entirely exposing the second jaw 222 and the second handle 226 allows the second handle 226 to move through its full range of motion relative to the first handle 218 while the pliers 214 is supported by the packaging 210. A cutout 262 is formed in a corner area of the backing portion 246 to facilitate grasping and moving the second handle 226 relative to the packaging 210 without interference from the backing portion 246.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a hand tool and packaging assembly 306 according to another embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 306 includes a packaging 310 that supports and partially encloses a cutting tool 314, such as a pex cutter. The illustrated cutting tool 314 includes a first handle 318, a second handle 322 pivotally coupled to the first handle 318, a knife 324 connected to the first handle 318, and a pipe holder 325 connected to the second handle 322. The handles 318, 322 are movable relative to each other to move the knife 324 and the pipe holder 325 between a closed position (FIG. 9) and an open position (FIG. 10). The cutting tool 314 also includes an actuator 326 to selectively lock the cutting tool 314 in the closed position. When locked, the actuator 326 inhibits the handles 318, 322 from moving relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 326 includes a slide. In other embodiments, the actuator 326 may include other suitable mechanisms, such as a button, a lever, and the like.

Similar to the packagings 10, 110, 210 discussed above, the illustrated packaging 310 includes a backing portion 330 and an enclosure portion 334. The enclosure portion 334 extends outwardly from a front face 336 of the backing portion 330 such that the cutting tool 314 is positioned on one side of the backing portion 330. In addition, the enclosure portion 334 completely encloses a head portion (e.g., the knife 324 and the pipe holder 325) of the cutting tool 314 to inhibit a person from contacting sharp edges of the tool 314. The enclosure portion 334 is shaped and sized, however, to provide clearance for the head portion to move and open within the enclosure portion 334.

In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure portion 334 defines two side openings 338, 342 and a front opening 346. The first side opening 338 allows the first handle 318 to extend out of the enclosure portion 334 and provides clearance for the first handle 318 to pivot relative to the packaging 310. The second side opening 342 allows the second handle 322 to extend out of the enclosure portion 334, but retains or holds the second handle 322 in a generally stationary position relative to the packaging 310. The first handle 318 is thereby pivotable relative to the second handle 322 to actuate (e.g., open and close) the head portion within the enclosure portion 334.

The front opening 346 is formed through a face 350 of the enclosure portion 334 to allow access to the actuator 326 while the cutting tool 314 is still supported by the packaging 310. The actuator 326 extends outward through the front opening 346 and is slidable between a locked position (FIG. 9) and an unlocked position (FIG. 10). The locked and unlocked positions are first and second conditions of the cutting tool 314. A potential purchaser can thereby test the actuator 326 and pivot the handles 318, 322 before removing the cutting tool 314 from the packaging 310.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist with the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A hand tool and packaging assembly comprising:

a hand tool including a first handle and a second handle pivotally coupled to the first handle; and

a packaging for supporting the hand tool, the packaging including a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool, the enclosure portion defining a first opening and a second opening;

wherein the first handle extends out of the enclosure portion through the first opening such that the first handle is held stationary relative to the backing portion, and wherein the second handle extends out of the enclosure portion through the second opening such that the second handle is pivotable relative to the first handle while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

2. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hand tool includes a first jaw connected to the first handle and a second jaw connected to the second handle, and wherein the first and second jaws are movable between an open position and a closed position while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

3. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 2, wherein the enclosure portion also defines a third opening, and wherein at least a portion of the second jaw extends out of the enclosure portion through the third opening when the first and second jaws are in the open position.

4. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 3, wherein the enclosure portion includes a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion, and wherein the third opening separates the first and second enclosure portions such that the first enclosure portion is discrete from the second enclosure portion.

5. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 2, wherein the second handle is movable relative to the first handle to adjust a maximum opening distance of the first and second jaws while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

6. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hand tool includes an actuator to selectively inhibit movement of the second handle relative to the first handle, and wherein the actuator is actuatable while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

7. A hand tool and packaging assembly comprising:

a hand tool including a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw, the first and second jaws being movable between an open position and a closed position; and

a packaging for supporting the hand tool, the packaging including a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool, the enclosure portion defining an opening;

wherein the second jaw extends out of the enclosure portion through the opening when the first and second jaws are in the open position.

8. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second jaws are positioned substantially within the enclosure portion when the first and second jaws are in the closed position.

9. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 8, wherein the enclosure portion has an outer perimeter that is contoured to generally match a shape of the first and second jaws when the first and second jaws are in the closed position.

10. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 7, wherein the backing portion includes a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and wherein the enclosure portion extends outwardly from the first face of the backing portion such that the hand tool is positioned entirely on one side of the backing portion when supported by the packaging.

11. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 7, wherein the hand tool includes a first handle connected to the first jaw and a second handle connected to the second jaw, and wherein the second handle is movable relative to the first handle to adjust a maximum opening distance of the first and second jaws while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

12. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 7, wherein the hand tool includes a first handle connected to the first jaw, a second handle connected to the second jaw, and an actuator to selectively inhibit movement of the second handle relative to the first handle, and wherein the actuator is actuatable while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

13. A hand tool and packaging assembly comprising:

a hand tool including a first handle, a second handle pivotally coupled to the first handle, a first jaw connected to the first handle, and a second jaw connected to the second handle, the first and second jaws being movable between an open position and a closed position; and

a packaging for supporting the hand tool, the packaging including a backing portion and an enclosure portion coupled to the backing portion to enclose a portion of the hand tool, the enclosure portion defining an opening that allows movement of the second handle relative to the first handle while the hand tool is supported by the packaging;

wherein when the first and second jaws are in one of the open position and the closed position, the hand tool is adjustable between a first condition and a second condition while supported by the packaging.

14. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 13, wherein in the first condition, the first and second jaws have a first maximum opening distance, and wherein in the second condition, the first and second jaws have a second maximum opening distance that is different than the first maximum opening distance.

15. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 14, wherein the first handle defines an elongated slot and the second handle includes a pin that extends through the elongated slot, and wherein the pin is slidable within the elongated slot to allow movement of the second handle relative to the first handle for adjustment between the first and second maximum opening distances.

16. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein the hand tool includes an actuator mechanism coupled to the pin and the first handle includes teeth adjacent the elongated slot, wherein the pin engages the teeth to inhibit movement of the pin within the slot, and wherein the actuator mechanism is actuatable while the hand tool is supported by the packaging to disengage the pin from the teeth.

17. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 13, wherein in the first condition, the second handle is inhibited from moving relative to the first handle, and wherein in the second condition, the second handle is movable relative to the first handle.

18. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 17, wherein the hand tool includes an actuator to adjust the hand tool between the first condition and the second condition, and wherein the actuator is actuatable while the hand tool is supported by the packaging.

19. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 18, wherein the opening is a first opening, wherein the enclosure portion defines a second opening, and wherein the actuator is accessible through the second opening.

20. The hand tool and packaging assembly of claim 17, wherein the first jaw includes a knife.