Packaging band and associated packaged product

A packaging band includes side edges, a divider fold line, a front panel extending in a first direction away from the divider fold line, and a rear panel extending in a second direction away from the divider fold line. The packaging band includes a front securement tab and a rear securement tab. The front securement tab is formed in the front panel and flexes relative to the front panel about a front panel fold line. The rear securement tab is formed in the rear panel and flexes relative to the rear panel about a rear panel fold line. The front securement tab and the rear securement tab each rotate about a corresponding one of the front panel fold line and the rear panel fold line to open toward a same one of the first direction and the second direction when the packaging band is laid substantially flat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail packaging is a continuously evolving and important part of retail product provision as well as marketing for those products. As green initiatives grow, packaging trends move toward using recyclable materials and/or simpler packaging options. In addition, when manufacturing products, even relatively small cost savings per package obtained by either using less material, simplified packaging assembly, simplified coupling of products to packaging, etc. are substantial when multiplied by the thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even higher quantities of a package run for a particular product offering.

The desire for cost savings and green solutions is counterbalanced against a desire for the packaging to provide an aesthetically pleasing look while additionally providing areas to receive copy describing the product, brand, preferred use, etc. Packaging is often the first and/or most direct line of marketing to potential consumer, which increases the importance of packaged product aesthetics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a packaging band including two opposing side edges, a divider fold line extending between and contacting each of the two opposing side edges, a front panel extending in a first direction away from the divider fold line, and a rear panel extending in a second direction away from the divider fold line. The packaging band further includes at least one front securement tab and at least one rear securement tab. The at least one front securement tab is formed in an interior of the front panel and is configured to flex relative to a remainder of the front panel about a front panel fold line defined in the front panel. The at least one rear securement tab is formed in an interior of the rear panel and is configured to flex relative to a remainder of the rear panel about a rear panel fold line. The at least one front securement tab and the at least one rear securement tab each rotate about a corresponding one of the front panel fold line and the rear panel fold line relative to a respective one of the remainder of the front panel and the remainder of the rear panel to open toward a same one of the first direction and the second direction when the packaging band is laid substantially flat. Other apparatus, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides for a packaging band for maintaining a plurality of substantially planar items as part of a single packaged product offered for retail sale, gifting, etc. In one example, the packaging band encircles the plurality of products and interacts with opposing edges of the plurality of products in a manner independently maintaining each of the plurality of products at least slightly offset from others of the plurality of products. For example, the packaging band includes securement tabs at each of a front and a back of the packaging band that are each configured to interact with and maintain an edge of a single one of the plurality of products. In one embodiment, the product offset allows a user to view portions of all of the plurality of products maintained by the packaging band.

In one example, the packaging band is substantially narrower than the plurality of products such that a substantial portion of each of the plurality of products extends on either side thereof, thereby, allowing a user to view and/or interact with each of the plurality of products generally without dislodging any of the plurality of products from the packaging band. In one example, the plurality of products may not be substantially planar but do include substantially thin and/or planar opposing edges for interacting with the packaging band. The packaging band further may be formed of a readily recyclable material and utilizes a very small amount of material as compared to packages that fully enclose the products making the packaging band desirable from both a cost and environmental standpoint.

More specifically,FIGS. 1-6illustrate a packaged product10including a packaging strip or packaging band12and a plurality of products14, for example, a plurality of products14A,14B, and14C, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each of the plurality of products14is substantially identical in size and shape, in one example, and has relatively thin and/or substantially planar opposing edges such as a top edge16and a bottom edge18. Packaging band12includes first or front panel cutouts20defining first or front securement tabs22and second or rear panel cutouts24defining second or rear securement tabs26. Each of front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26opens toward the other one of front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26.

At least one of top edge16and bottom edge18of each of the plurality of products14is secured by a different one of front securement tabs22and/or a different one of the rear securement tabs26in a manner maintaining each of the plurality of products14in place relative to other ones of the plurality of products14and packaging band12. In one embodiment, front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26are positioned relative to each other such that the plurality of products14are maintained in an offset stack within packaging band14as will be further described below.

FIG. 7illustrates packaging band12in an unfolded or initial state. In one embodiment, packaging band12is cut from a single piece of a suitable and foldable planar material such as paperboard, cardboard, plastic, etc. in an elongated shape, such as a rectangular shape. As a substantially planar member, packaging band12defines an interior surface30, an exterior surface32opposite interior surface30, a first free end edge34, a second free end edge36opposite first free end edge34, and longitudinal side edges38and40. Longitudinal side edges38and40each extend between first free end edge34and second free end edge36and are positioned opposite one another. In one example, first free end edge34and second free end edge36extend substantially parallel to one another and/or substantially perpendicular relative to longitudinal side edges38and40. In an embodiment, longitudinal side edges38and40extend substantially parallel to one another and/or substantially perpendicular relative to first free end edge34and second free end edge36.

A tab fold line42transversely extends across packaging band12near first free end edge34to define a coupling tab44therebetween. In one example, tab fold line42extends substantially parallel to first free end edge34and/or longitudinal side edges38and40taper toward one another as they near first free end edge34. Adhesive46, as indicated with hatching inFIG. 7, is applied to a portion of exterior surface32defined by coupling tab44to facilitate assembly of packaged product10ofFIGS. 1-6. A divider fold line50extends transversely across packaging band12about midway between tab fold line42and second free end edge36to divide packaging band12into a first or front panel52and a second or rear panel54. In one example, front panel52and rear panel54are formed with substantially identical lengths and/or have substantially identical overall sizes and/or shapes.

Each front securement tab22is formed in an interior of front panel52by a different corresponding one of front panel cutouts20. More specifically, in one example, each front panel fold line56is positioned substantially entirely within an interior of front panel52substantially parallel to tab fold line42between a first end58and a second end60of front panel fold line56. Front panel cutouts20each are formed in front panel52and extend from a corresponding first end56toward divider fold line50and back to a corresponding second end58to form front securement tab22between front fold line54and front panel cutouts20. In one example, front panel cutouts20are each curvilinear and C-shaped while in other embodiments front panel cutouts are U-shaped, carrot shaped, serpentine shaped, etc. resulting in front securement tabs22that are one of substantially semi-circular in shape, rectangular in shape, triangular in shape, or otherwise suitably shaped.

In one example, front panel fold lines56and front securement tabs22are longitudinally spaced from one another, for instance a distance D1equal to a distance the one of front panel fold lines56closest to tab fold line42is spaced from the other front panel fold line56as shown inFIG. 7. In one embodiment, two front panel fold lines56, and therefore, two front securement tabs22are formed in front panel52. However, any number of front panel fold lines56, for example, between one and five front panel fold lines56, may be formed in front panel52. In one example, the number of front panel fold lines56equals the number of products14included in packaged product10minus one (e.g., where the number of products is n, the number of front panel fold lines56is n−1). While specific spacing of front securement tabs22depends on desired display details for the plurality of products14, such as the amount of desired reveal of each product14around other ones of products14. In one example, front securement tabs22are positioned within about a half, or in one embodiment, within about a quarter, of front panel52adjacent tab fold line42. In any such shape, front securement tabs22are configured to flex about the corresponding front panel fold line54away from exterior surface32immediately adjacent thereto. While front securement tabs22may sharply fold about a corresponding front panel fold line54, in one example, front securement tabs22flexes slightly inwardly about fold line54.

Each rear securement tab26is formed in an interior of rear panel54by a different corresponding one of rear panel cutouts24. More specifically, in one example, each rear panel fold line70is positioned substantially entirely in an interior of rear panel54and extends substantially parallel to tab fold line42between a first end72and a second end74of rear panel fold line70. Rear panel cutouts24each are formed in rear panel54and extend from a corresponding first end72toward divider fold line50and back to a corresponding second end74. As such, rear securement tab26is formed between rear fold line70and rear panel cutouts24. In this manner, as shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 8, when packaging band12is unfolded, front panel cutouts20and rear panel cutouts24all extend in the same general direction (e.g., upwardly as illustrated) away from a corresponding one of front panel fold lines56and rear panel fold lines70. In one example, rear panel cutouts24are each curvilinear and C-shaped while in other embodiments front panel cutouts are U-shaped, carrot shaped, serpentine shaped, etc. resulting in rear securement tabs26that are one of substantially semi-circular in shape, rectangular in shape, triangular in shape, or otherwise suitably shaped. In any such shape, rear panel cutouts24are configured to flex about the corresponding rear panel fold line72away from exterior surface32immediately adjacent thereto.

In one example, rear panel fold lines72and rear securement tabs26are longitudinally spaced from one another, for instance a distance D2equal to a distance the rear panel fold line70closest to divider fold line50is spaced from divider fold line50as shown inFIG. 7. Distance D1is equal to distance D2, in one example. As illustrated, two rear panel fold lines72, and therefore, two rear securement tabs26are formed in rear panel54. However, any number of rear panel fold lines72, for example between one and five rear panel fold lines72may be formed in rear panel54. In one example, the number of rear panel fold lines72equals the number of front panel fold lines56and/or the number of products14included in packaged product10minus one (e.g., where the number of products is n, the number of rear panel fold lines72is n−1). While specific spacing of rear securement tabs26depends on desired display details for the plurality of products14, in one example, rear securement tabs26are positioned within about a half, or in one embodiment, a quarter, of rear panel54adjacent divider fold line50. In any such shape, rear panel cutouts24are configured to flex about the corresponding rear panel fold line72away from exterior surface32immediately adjacent thereto.

External surface32further includes indicia, as generally indicated by dashed boxes76inFIGS. 1-7on one and/or both of front panel52and rear panel54. Indicia76provide information about product14such as an associated brand, product description, size description, use description, point-of sale processing information (e.g., a bar code), marketing information, etc. for informing potential consumers about products14and/or for potentially persuading potential consumers to buy products14.

Products14may take on any one of a variety of forms. In one example, products14are each substantially planar members such as cutting mats, artwork, folders, placemats, etc. and are each substantially identical in size and shape, or at least in thickness as compared to the other products14. InFIGS. 1-6, three products14A,14B, and14C are illustrated and are each substantially identical in size and shape such that the attributes described herein for each product14or one of products14A,14B, or14C generally equally applies to others of products14A,14B, and14C. In one example, each product14includes a front surface80and an opposing rear surface82, which are each substantially planar. While each product14may take on various shapes, in one embodiment, where each product14is generally square or otherwise rectangular, each product14defines first or top edge16, second or bottom edge18, and opposing side edges84and86each extending between top edge16and bottom edge18opposite one another. Each product14has a height defined between top edge16and bottom edge18that is substantially equal to a distance between either one or all of a front panel fold line56and divider line50, a different front panel fold line56and a corresponding one of rear panel fold lines70, and a different rear panel fold line70and tab fold line42, as will be further explained below.

During assembly, each of products14is secured to packaging band12via interaction with at least one of front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26. More specifically, in one embodiment, packaging band12is placed with exterior surface54down as illustrated for example, inFIG. 8. Bottom edge18of first product14A is slid between a topmost one of front securement tabs22(e.g., the one of front securement tabs22closest to divider fold line50) until bottom edge18rests near and substantially directly adjacent front panel fold line56of the topmost one of front securement tabs22. In this manner, bottom edge18of first product14A is held between a corresponding front securement tab22and a remainder of front panel52. When so positioned, in one example, top edge16of first product14A is positioned immediately adjacent divider fold line50of packaging band12, such that a height of first product14A is substantially equal to a distance between front panel fold line56of the topmost one of front securement tabs22and divider line50.

Additionally referring toFIG. 10, subsequently, bottom edge18of second product14B is slid between one of front securement tabs22adjacent the topmost one of front securement tabs22(e.g., as illustrated, the bottommost one of front securement tabs22) until bottom edge18rests near and substantially directly adjacent front panel fold line56of the corresponding one of front securement tabs22. In this manner, bottom edge18of first product14B is held between a corresponding front securement tab22and a remainder of front panel52. When so positioned, in one example, top edge16of second product14B is positioned below top edge16of first product14A. Bottom edge18of third product14C is positioned adjacent tab fold line42such that third product14C lies over first and second products14A and14B and front panel52of packaging band12. In this position, front surface80of third product14C contacts rear surface82of second product14B, front surface80of second product14B contacts rear surface82of first product14A, and front surface80of first product14A contacts interior surface30of front panel52of packaged band12. In one embodiment, a bottom portion of each of second product14B and third product14C adjacent corresponding bottom edges18also contact interior surface30of front panel52of packaged band12.

Once products14A,14B, and14C are properly positioned, e.g., as described above, coupling tab44is folded about tab fold line42upwardly and/or over third product14C. Rear panel54is folded about divider fold line50over products14A,14B, and14C. In one example, as rear panel54is folded about divider fold line50second product14B and third product14C are successively lifted slightly near top edges16so a corresponding top securement tab22can be slid under the respective second product14B or third product14C as illustrated, for example, with additional reference toFIG. 9. Adhesive46is applied to coupling tab44, if not previously applied thereto, and rear panel54continues to rotate until a portion of interior surface30formed by rear panel54near second free end edge36contacts adhesive46on coupling tab44to secure the two parts of packaging band12together. In one example, rear panel54and first panel52are substantially similar in size and shape and second free end edge36is positioned immediately adjacent tab fold line42creating a clean appearance of the resultant packaged product10.

When ends of packaging band12are secured to one another, products14are each secured within packaging band12via a combination of one of front securement tabs22and either one of second securement tabs26or placement adjacent divider fold line50or one of second securement tabs26and placement adjacent tab fold line42. Although described as having front securement tabs22positioned nearer tab fold line42than divider fold line50and second securement tabs22positioned nearer divider fold line50, in other embodiments, the opposite may be true provided front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26are positioned opposite one another and are open toward one another upon folding and assembly of packaging band12. In one example, front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26are similar in size and shape and/or are all orientated in a substantially identical direction when packaging band12is unfolded (see, e.g.,FIGS. 7 and 8).

By using a relatively thin packaging band12as compared to an overall width of products14, e.g., having a width less than about 50% a width of products14, or a width less than about 25% a width of products14, a substantial portion of products14remain exposed allowing potential consumers to fully examine a thickness, quality, texture, flexibility, etc. of each of products14before purchase. Packaging band12also provides a non-obstructive yet aesthetically pleasing manner of presenting information about products14. While specific embodiments of packaging band12and associated products14are described herein, other embodiments and/or variations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.

FIGS. 11-16illustrate one embodiment of a packaged product110including packaging band112and products14substantially identical to those described above with packaged product10. Packaging band112functions substantially similar to packaging band12, but includes an extended flap200with a hanging aperture202to facilitate hanging packaged product110from a support rod or other supporting fixture if desired.

FIGS. 17 and 18illustrate packaging band112in an unfolded or initial state. In one embodiment, packaging band112is cut from a single piece of a suitable and foldable planar material such as paperboard, cardboard, plastic, etc. in an elongated shape, such as a rectangular shape. As a substantially planar member, packaging band112defines an interior surface130, exterior surface132opposite interior surface130, a first free end edge134, a second free end edge136opposite first free end edge134, and longitudinal side edges138and140. Longitudinal side edges138and140each extend between first free end edge134and second free end edge136opposite one another. In one example, first free end edge134and second free end edge136extend substantially parallel to one another and/or substantially perpendicular relative to longitudinal side edges138and140. In an embodiment, longitudinal side edges138and140extend substantially parallel to one another and/or substantially perpendicularly relative to first free end edge134and second free end edge136.

A tab fold line142transversely extends across packaging band112near first free end edge134to define a coupling tab144therebetween. In one example, tab fold line142extends substantially parallel to first free end edge134and/or longitudinal side edges138and140taper toward one another as they near first free end edge134. Adhesive46, as indicated with hatching inFIG. 17, is applied to a portion of exterior surface132defined by coupling tab144to facilitate assembly of packaged product110ofFIGS. 1-6. A divider fold line150extends transversely across packaging band112about midway between tab fold line142and second free end edge136to divide packaging band112into a first or front panel152and a second or rear panel154.

In one embodiment, extended flap200coplanarly extends from a front panel end204of front panel152defined opposite divider fold line150to second free end edge13. Front panel end204is located a substantially identical distance away from divider fold line150as tab fold line142but in an opposite direction. In one example, front panel152and rear panel154are substantially identical in length. Notably, while front panel end204is shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, in one embodiment, front panel end204is not physically visible other than being a location at which coupling tab144is received and that serves as a boundary between what is described herein as front panel152and extended flap200.

Packaging band112includes front securement tabs22formed within an interior of front panel152and rear securement tabs26formed in rear panel154by rear panel cutouts152substantially identically to but in a different location and/or direction than packaging band12. Front securement tabs22are each formed in front panel152near front panel end204to open or pull away from a remainder of front panel152toward divider fold line150. Rear panel cutouts24are each formed near divider fold line150to open or pull away from a remainder of rear panel154toward tab fold line142. In this manner, as shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 17 and 18, when package band112is unfolded, front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26all open in the same general direction (e.g., downwardly as illustrated) away from a respective one of front panel end204and divider fold line150. In one example, external surface132further includes indicia, as generally indicated by dashed boxes76inFIGS. 11-17, similar to packaging band12on one or both of front panel152and rear panel154.

During assembly, each of products14is secured to packaging band112via at least one of front securement tabs22and rear securement tabs26. More specifically, in one embodiment, packaging band112is placed on a support surface (not shown) such as a table with exterior surface54down as illustrated for example, inFIG. 18. Top edge16of first product14A is slid between a bottommost one of front securement tabs22(e.g., the one of front securement tabs22closest to divider fold line150) and a remainder of front panel152, as illustrated, for example, with additional reference toFIG. 19. When so positioned, in one example, bottom edge18of first product14A is positioned immediately adjacent divider fold line150, such that a height of first product14A is substantially equal to a distance between a top of the bottommost front securement tab22and divider line50.

Subsequently, top edge16of second product14B is slid between one of front securement tabs22adjacent the bottommost one of front securement tabs22(e.g., as illustrated, the topmost one of front securement tabs22) and a remainder of front panel152. When so positioned, in one example, bottom edge18of second product14B is positioned below top edge16of first product14A. Bottom edge18of third product14C is positioned adjacent top panel end204such that third product14C lies over first and second products14A and14B and front panel152of packaged band112. In this position, front surface80of third product14C contacts rear surface82of second product14B, front surface80of second product14B contacts rear surface82of first product14A, and front surface80of first product14A contacts interior surface130of front panel52of packaging band12. In one embodiment, a top portion of each of second product14B and third product14C adjacent corresponding top edges16also contact interior surface130of front panel152of packaged band12.

Once products14A,14B, and14C are properly positioned, e.g., as described above, rear panel154is folded about divider fold line150over products14A,14B, and14C. In one example, as rear panel154is folded about divider fold line150second product14B and third product14C are successively lifted slightly near bottom edges18so that a corresponding one of rear securement tabs26can be slid under the respective second product14B or third product14C as illustrated, for example, with additional reference toFIG. 20. Adhesive46is applied to a portion of exterior surface132of coupling tab144, if not previously applied thereto, and rear panel154continues to rotate toward front panel152. Coupling tab144is carefully folded around top edge16of third product14C. Rear panel152is then further rotated until adhesive46on coupling tab44contacts a portion of interior surface130formed by front panel152adjacent front panel end204to secure the two panels152and154of packaging band112together opposite divider fold line150. In one example, second panel154and first panel152are substantially similar in size and shape and/or second front panel end204is positioned immediately adjacent tab fold line42creating a clean appearance of the resultant packaged product110. The resultant packaging band112holds products14of packaged product110in place in an aesthetically pleasing manner as described for packaging band12and packaged product10(FIGS. 1-8).

Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for the purposes of illustrating examples only and should not be considered to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Various alternatives, modifications, and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the above detailed description.