PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10060461-B2
Application Number: US-201313797383-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display apparatus

Abstract:
In some of the embodiments described, a display apparatus can be applied to a package to facilitate hanging of the package. The display apparatus may also seal the package. In some embodiments, the display apparatus has three flat panel-like branches, where an upper branch protrudes upwards and has a hole from which the display apparatus can be hung, a lower branch protrudes downwards and can be affixed to a tuck flap of a package top, and a closure branch can be rotated downwards to be affixed to an exterior face of the side of the package, thereby sealing it. When the upper branch is hung from a support, the lower branch and closure branch support the package by their affixation thereto, thereby facilitating its display.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display apparatus for affixture to a package, the display apparatus comprising:
 an upper branch extending from an axis, for hanging the display apparatus; 
 a lower branch extending from the axis, for affixture to a tuck flap of a package top, wherein the lower branch comprises an adhesive face; and 
 a closure branch extending from the axis, for affixture to an exterior of the package side wall, wherein the closure branch comprises a tear-away region and an adhesive face, 
 wherein the adhesive face of the closure branch faces toward the lower branch and away from the upper branch about the axis; 
 wherein the adhesive face of the lower branch and the adhesive face of the closure branch face the same angular direction about the axis. 
 
     
     
       2. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the closure branch comprises an adhesion region, and
 wherein the tear-away region of the closure branch is disposed between the adhesion region and the axis. 
 
     
     
       3. The display apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the adhesion region of the closure branch comprises the adhesive face of the closure branch. 
     
     
       4. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the display apparatus is formed of plastic. 
     
     
       5. The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the display apparatus is transparent. 
     
     
       6. A display apparatus, the display apparatus comprising:
 a first panel comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion defines an opening therethrough; 
 a second panel comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the second panel lower portion is coupled to the first panel lower portion, and wherein the second panel upper portion comprises a tear-away region bounded by a pair of tear paths extending between edges of the upper portion; 
 a first adhesive disposed on the first panel lower portion, on a side of the first panel facing away from the second panel; and 
 a second adhesive disposed on the second panel upper portion, on a side of the second panel facing away from the first panel, 
 wherein the second panel is disposed entirely on one side of the first panel. 
 
     
     
       7. The display apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the second adhesive is disposed outside the tear-away region. 
     
     
       8. The display apparatus of  claim 6 , comprising:
 a mask disposed over the second adhesive to decrease the adhesion thereof, 
 wherein the second panel comprises an adhesion region disposed above the tear-away region, and 
 wherein the mask is disposed outside the adhesion region. 
 
     
     
       9. The display apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a third adhesive disposed between the first panel lower portion and the second panel lower portion. 
     
     
       10. The display apparatus of  claim 6 , comprising:
 a first release liner covering at least a portion of the first adhesive, and 
 a second release liner covering at least a portion of the second adhesive. 
 
     
     
       11. A display system comprising:
 a display apparatus comprising an upper branch, a lower branch, and a closure branch, wherein the display apparatus is movable between a non-use configuration wherein the closure branch is oriented in the same direction as the upper branch, and a use configuration wherein the closure branch is oriented in the same direction as and parallel to the lower branch; and 
 a package movable between an open and a closed configuration, the package comprising a tuck flap and a side wall, wherein the tuck flap and the side wall are parallel to each other when the package is in the closed configuration, 
 wherein the lower branch is affixed to the tuck flap and disposed between the tuck flap and the side wall when the package is in the closed configuration and the display apparatus is in the use configuration, 
 wherein the closure branch is affixed to the package side wall parallel to the lower branch when the package is in the closed configuration and the display apparatus is in the use configuration, and 
 wherein the package is sealed in the closed configuration by the display apparatus in the use configuration. 
 
     
     
       12. The display system of  claim 11 , wherein the upper and lower branch extend in opposing directions. 
     
     
       13. The display system of  claim 11 , wherein a portion of the package side wall is disposed between the lower branch and the closure branch in the use configuration. 
     
     
       14. The display system of  claim 11 , wherein the display apparatus is not affixed to an upper surface of the package. 
     
     
       15. The display system of  claim 11 , wherein the lower branch is affixed to the tuck flap by a first adhesive, and
 wherein the closure branch is affixed to the package side wall by a second adhesive. 
 
     
     
       16. The display system of  claim 11 , wherein the package is a box.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display apparatus. Specifically, a display apparatus for affixation to an item to hang the item from the display apparatus. 
     Background 
     Retail stores and other establishments often possess items that are desired to be displayed to those who would view the items, for example, shoppers. These items may be displayed for a variety of reasons, such as, for example, being offered for sale, presented for their aesthetic characteristics, presented as memorabilia or collectibles, other reasons, or a combination of such reasons. In some cases, such displayed items are packages (e.g., boxes), or are contained within packages. 
     It may be desired to hang a package for display, and to maintain the package in a closed configuration. It may also be desired to facilitate opening of the package by a user, and to make evident that the package has been opened, after it has been. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     At least some of the embodiments of the present invention satisfy present needs and provide advantages as will be made apparent by the description that follows. In a retail or other environment in which it is desired to display an item, a person may want to place an item in a display case, place the item on a shelf, or hang the item for display to or access by a potential purchaser. In some cases, a person may find it desirable to use an apparatus to assist such display, particularly where the item desired to be hung is not otherwise conducive to hanging, such as a box. According to embodiments described herein, a display apparatus can be applied to a box or other package to facilitate such hanging. The display apparatus may also seal the box or other package. In some embodiments, the display apparatus has three flat panel-like branches, where an upper branch protrudes upwards and has a hole from which the display apparatus can be hung, a lower branch protrudes downwards and can be affixed to a tuck flap of a package top, and a closure branch can be rotated downwards to be affixed to an exterior face of the side of the package, thereby sealing it. When the upper branch is hung from a support, the lower branch and closure branch support the package by their affixation thereto, thereby facilitating its display. 
     To facilitate opening of the package, the closure branch may have a tear-away region that releases the closure branch (or at least the portion of the closure branch beyond the tear-away region) from the balance of the display apparatus, thereby freeing the package top relative to the side of the package, allowing it to be opened. 
     Since the display apparatus is separate from and adhered to the package, it can be selectively applied, thereby allowing a retailer or other person to apply it only when desired. For example, only to those packages to be hung, or where sealing is desired. If the package is to be displayed on a shelf or in a display case, use of display apparatus may not be desired. The independence of display apparatus from the package allows the retailer to apply the display apparatus selectively when desired. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a display apparatus including an axis, an upper branch extending from the axis for hanging the display apparatus, a lower branch extending from the axis for affixture to a tuck flap of a package top, and a closure branch extending from the axis for affixture to an exterior of the package side wall, wherein the closure branch comprises a tear-away region. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a display apparatus including a first panel including an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion defines an opening therethrough, a second panel including an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the second panel lower portion is coupled to the first panel lower portion and wherein the second panel upper portion comprises a tear-away region bounded by a pair of tear paths extending between edges of the upper portion, a first adhesive disposed on the first panel lower portion on a side of the first panel facing away from the second panel, and a second adhesive disposed on the second panel upper portion, on a side of the second panel facing away from the first panel. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a display system including a display apparatus including an upper branch, a lower branch, and a closure branch, wherein the display apparatus is movable between a non-use configuration wherein the closure branch is oriented in the same direction as the upper branch, and a use configuration wherein the closure branch is oriented in the same direction as the lower branch, and a package movable between an open and a closed configuration, the package including a package top and a side wall, wherein the lower branch is configured to be affixed to the package top and wherein the closure branch is configured to be affixed to the package side wall when the package is in the closed configuration and the display apparatus is in the use configuration, wherein the package is sealed in the closed configuration by the display apparatus in the use configuration. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for displaying an item, the method including affixing a display apparatus to a tuck flap of a top of a package, closing the top of the package, and affixing the closure branch to an exterior surface of a side wall of the package, wherein the closure branch comprises a tear-away region and an adhesion region, wherein the tear-away region is disposed between the adhesion region and the balance of the display apparatus, and wherein the closure branch is affixed to the exterior surface of the side wall of the package by affixing the adhesion region to the exterior surface of the side wall of the package. 
     Additional features and embodiments will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments described herein. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of a display apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear perspective view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the display of  FIG. 1  apparatus affixed to a package. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a pre-use configuration. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a pre-use configuration. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an intermediate configuration. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a use configuration. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 9-18  illustrate stages of use of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of a display apparatus. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a rear perspective view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments are possible. Modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant to be limiting. The operation and behavior of the embodiments presented are described with the understanding that modifications and variations may be within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a display apparatus  100  alone, and  FIG. 3  depicts display apparatus  100  affixed to a package  500  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  depicts a front view of display apparatus  100  alone, in a pre-use configuration.  FIGS. 5-7  depict cross-sectional side views of display apparatus  100  transitioning from a pre-use configuration in  FIG. 5  (showing a cross-section taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ) to a use configuration in  FIG. 7  showing display apparatus  100  affixed to portions of package  500 .  FIG. 8  depicts an exploded view of display apparatus  100 . 
     Display apparatus  100  can be used to display an item, such as package  500  or an item contained therein. In some embodiments, package  500  may be a box. The displayed item, however, does not have to be or be contained within a package (e.g., a box), but can be any item to which display apparatus  100  can be affixed. In such embodiments, display apparatus  100  may be affixed directly to the item. 
     In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  includes an opening  212  in an upper portion thereof, and is affixed to package  500  via an adhesive. In this way, package  500  can be hung from display apparatus  400  by, for example, placing display apparatus  400  such that a support (e.g., an elongated member) of a display structure extends through opening  212 , thereby supporting display apparatus  100  and package  500  through opening  212 . 
     In a retail environment, or any other display environment, it may be desired that package  500  be sealed in a closed configuration, and remain in a closed configuration for a time (e.g., until purchased). In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  includes a sealing mechanism (e.g., a closure branch  130 ) that maintains package  500  in such closed configuration. At a later time, a user (e.g., a purchaser) may desire to open package  500 . In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  includes an opening mechanism (e.g., a tear away region  312 ) to facilitate such opening. A missing torn-away region of display apparatus  100  indicates to a viewer that package  500  has been opened since the time that display apparatus  100  was affixed thereto. In this way, display apparatus  100  can act as a “tamper-proof” seal, alerting a potential purchaser (or retail clerk, or other person) that package  500  has been opened, and thus that its contents may have changed since display apparatus  100  was affixed. 
     In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  includes three branches. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , display apparatus  100  may include an upper branch  110  from which display apparatus  100  may be hung (e.g., by opening  212 ), a lower branch  120  for affixture to package  500 , and a closure branch  130  also for affixture to package  500  to close or seal package  500 . Each branch  110 ,  120 ,  130  may extend out from an axis  140 , and at least one branch (e.g., closure branch  130 ) may rotate about axis  140 . Such rotation can facilitate closure and sealing action of closure branch  130 . 
     In some embodiments, each of branches  110 ,  120 ,  130  is a flat panel, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Such flat panels can provide surface area for adhering to package  500 . The flat panels forming branches  110 ,  120 ,  130  can be formed, for example, of plastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), and may be monolithic with each other. In some embodiments, branches  110 ,  120 ,  130  are formed from two or more discrete pieces coupled together (e.g., adhered at an abutting or overlapping area). 
     In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of branches  110 ,  120 ,  130  have adherence properties. In particular, lower branch  120  and closure branch  130  may include an adhesive on one of their faces. For example, lower branch  120  may include adhesive face  222  having a first adhesive  402 , and closure branch  130  may include adhesive face  318  having a second adhesive  404 . These adhesives may be a property of the material forming lower branch  120  or closure branch  130 , or may be additional elements applied to the surface of lower branch  120  or closure branch  130 . In some embodiments, adhesive faces  222  and  318  face the same angular direction  142  about axis  140  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ), to facilitate the use of display apparatus  100  to seal package  500 . 
     In a use configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 ), adhesive face  222  of lower branch  120  may be affixed to a tuck flap  512  of package top  510  of package  500  (e.g., via first adhesive  402 ). Also, adhesive face  318  of closure branch  130  may be affixed to an exterior surface  522  of a package side wall  520  of package  500 . When so affixed, relative movement of lower branch  120  and closure branch  130  may be limited, and may in turn limit relative movement of package top  510  and package side wall  520 , thereby preventing opening of package top  510  of package  500  such that package  500  is maintained in a sealed configuration. When in the use configuration sealing package  500 , opening  212  of upper branch  110  of display apparatus  100  may be positioned over a display hook or other support to hang display apparatus  100  (and package  500 ) therefrom. In this way, package  500  can be displayed (e.g., for purchase in a retail environment) while remaining sealed to protect its contents from tampering. Further, since tuck flap  512  may be inserted within package side wall  520  in the use configuration, it can be hidden from view. In other words, in some embodiments display apparatus  100  is not attached to a top surface of package  500  (e.g., upper surface  514 ), thereby minimizing the visual effect of display apparatus on package  500 . 
     In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  may include a tear-away region  312  to facilitate opening of sealed package  500  (e.g., after purchase by a customer). For example, closure branch  130  may be composed of tear-away region  312  and an adhesion region  316 . In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 , tear-away region  312  is interposed between adhesion region  316  and axis  140 . In some embodiments, adhesive face  318  of closure branch  130  only includes adhesive properties in adhesion region  316 , or includes greater adhesion properties in adhesion region  316  than in tear-away region  312 . In this way, tear-away region  312  can be removed (e.g., by a pulling action) from display apparatus  100  and package  500 , while adhesion region  316  remains affixed to package  500 . After tear-away region  312  is removed, closure branch  130  (or at least the portion of disclosure branch  130  beyond tear-away region  312 ) is detached from the balance of display apparatus  100 , and thus relative motion of lower branch  120  and closure branch  130  is no longer limited by their connection. Similarly, relative motion of package top  510  and package side wall  520  is no longer limited by display apparatus  100 , and package  500  can be opened. Since upper branch  110  and lower branch  120  of display apparatus  100  may remain attached to package top  510 , upper branch  110  can be used to facilitate opening of package  500 . For example, pulling upward on upper branch  110  may cause tuck flap  512  of package top  510  to move away from package side wall  520  due to the attachment of lower branch  120  and tuck flap  512 , thereby opening package  500 . 
     In some embodiments, upper branch  110 , lower branch  120 , and closure branch  130  are formed from a plurality of panels. Such panels may be nominally flat and plastically deformable. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , a first panel  200  may be coupled to a second panel  300 . Together, first panel  200  and second panel  300  may form display apparatus. First panel  200  may include a first panel upper portion  210  and a first panel lower portion  220 . Second panel  300  may include a second panel upper portion  310  and a second panel lower portion  330 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , first panel lower portion  220  and second panel lower portion  330  may be affixed to each other, and may together form lower branch  120  of display apparatus  100 . First panel upper portion  210  may extend up from first panel lower portion  220 , and may form upper branch  110  of display apparatus  100 . Second panel  300  may include a fold line  322  about which second panel upper portion  310  may rotate to form closure branch  130  of display apparatus  100 . Fold line  322  may correspond to axis  140 . 
     First panel  200  and second panel  300  may be formed of rigid plastic (e.g., PET) having sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape when subjected to forces normally applied during handling (e.g., first panel  200  and second panel  300  may have greater rigidity than, for example, cellophane or paper). In embodiments where first panel  200  and second panel  300  are formed of plastic, such plastic may have a higher strength or resistance to tearing than material of package  500 , thereby providing a strong seal and reliable strength for hanging package  500  from display apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, first panel  200  and second panel  300  are transparent (e.g., formed of transparent plastic). In this way, display apparatus  100  does not obscure package  500  and minimizes any distracting visual impact of display apparatus  100  on package  500 . 
     In other words, upper branch  110  may be formed monolithically with a first portion of lower branch  120  and closure branch  130  may be formed monolithically with a second portion of lower branch  120 , while the first and second portions of lower branch  120  are not monolithic, but are otherwise coupled together to form lower branch  120 . 
     In some embodiments, first panel lower portion  220  and second panel lower portion  330  may be affixed together by, for example, an adhesive (e.g., third adhesive  406 ), a welding process, a co-molding process, a staple, a rivet, or tape. 
     Second panel upper portion  310  may form closure branch  130 , and may include tear-away region  312  and adhesion region  316 . Tear-away region  312  may be disposed between adhesion region  316  and fold line  322 . In some embodiments, adhesion region  316  is arranged at the free end of second panel upper portion  310 . 
     Second panel upper portion  310  may be free from direct attachment to first panel  200 , but may be indirectly attached thereto through second panel lower portion  330  (e.g., via third adhesive  406  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Second panel upper portion  310  may form closure branch  130 . Being free from such direct attachment, second panel upper portion  310  can rotate about axis  140  by folding action of second panel  300  at fold line  322 . In this way, display apparatus  100  can transition (1) from a pre-use configuration ( FIG. 5 ) where second panel upper portion  310  extends upward adjacent to and in parallel with first panel upper portion  210 ; (2) through a transition configuration ( FIG. 6 ) where second panel upper portion is folded down and away from first panel upper portion  210  at fold line  322  about axis  140 ; (3) to a use configuration where second panel upper portion  310  extends downward adjacent to and in parallel with first panel lower portion  220 . In the use configuration, package side wall  520  may be interposed between second panel upper portion  310  and second panel lower portion  330 . In the use configuration package  500  may be retained and sealed by attachment of exterior surface  522  of package side wall  520  to adhesion region  316  of adhesive face  318  of second panel upper portion and by attachment of tuck flap  512  of package top  510  to adhesive face  222  of first panel lower portion  220 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Tear-away region  312  of second panel upper portion  310  may be configured to tear away from the balance of display apparatus  100 , to separate second panel upper portion  310  from second panel lower portion  330  as described above. Such separation may leave adhesion region  316  of second panel upper portion  310  affixed to package  500 , but it will be separate from the balance of display apparatus  100  (also still affixed to package  500 ) due to the absence of tear-away region  312 . This can allow package top  510  to be opened freely. In some embodiments, tear-away region  312  extends the entire length of second panel upper portion  310  (e.g., in a direction parallel to axis  140  or fold line  322 ) between edges  320  of second panel upper portion  310 . 
     In some embodiments, to facilitate tearing-away of tear-away region  312 , tear-away region  312  may be bounded and defined by defined tear paths  314  to facilitate and guide tearing away of tear-away region  312 . In some embodiments, tear paths  314  may be weaker than the balance of second panel upper portion  310 , and may be formed by, for example, perforations, scores, or pre-stressed areas of second panel upper portion  310 . Since weakened tear paths  314  are weaker than the balance of second panel upper portion  310 , second panel upper portion  310  will tend to tear along weakened tear paths  314  when sufficient force is applied. 
     In some embodiments, tear paths  314  are not weaker than the balance of second panel upper portion  310 , and are not defined by perforations, scores, or pre-stressed areas. In such embodiments, tear-away region  312  may be reinforced by a nylon layer  317  laminated within the bounds of tear paths  314  (see  FIGS. 19 and 20 ). Nylon layer  317  may be more resistant to tearing than second panel upper portion  310 , and may be disposed on either adhesive face  318  (outside of adhesion region  316  and within tear-away region  312 ) or the side of second panel upper portion  310  opposite adhesive face  318 . Nylon layer  317  may strengthen and reinforce tear-away region  312  relative to the balance of second panel upper portion  310 . In this way, tear-away region  312  tears away along tear paths  314  when sufficient force is applied, due to the change in relative material strength along tear paths  314 . In some embodiments, to initiate tearing along non-weakened tear paths  314 , second panel upper portion  310  may include small slits  319  at corresponding ends of tear paths  314  to direct initial tearing along tear paths  314 . Nylon layer  317  may have straight edges defining tear paths  314  so that tear-away region  312  tears away cleanly leaving a straight edge, to minimize interference with an aesthetic of package  500 . 
     In some embodiments, tear-away region includes a tab  315  to facilitate tearing away of tear-away region  312 . For example, a user may grasp tab  315  and pull it away from package  500 . If sufficient force is applied, second panel upper portion  310  will begin to tear along tear paths  314 . Once tear paths  314  are torn through, tear-away region  312  may be freed from attachment to the balance of display apparatus  100 , which will cause package  500  to become unsealed, and thus openable. 
     Because package  500  becomes unsealed after tear-away region  312  has been torn away, package  500  cannot be re-sealed in the same manner. Thus, display apparatus  100  can make visibly evident that package  500  has previously been un-sealed by the absence of tear-away region  312 . This may be desirable to provide visual indication that contents of package  500  may have been changed or removed since it was sealed, or that package  500  has been otherwise tampered with. 
     To effect display of package  500 , first panel upper portion  210  may include opening  212 , through which a support may be extended, to hang package  500  from such support when package  500  is affixed to display apparatus  100 . First panel upper portion  210  may form upper branch  110 . Opening  212  is optional, and may be omitted where hanging is effected by other means (e.g., a clip holding first panel upper portion  210 ) or when package  500  is not to be hung, but upper branch  110  is desired to allow for easy manipulation by a person. In some embodiments, display apparatus  100  does not include upper branch  110  for first panel upper portion). In such embodiments, display apparatus  100  remains able to perform sealing functions using lower branch  120  and closure branch  130  as described herein. 
     Display apparatus  100  may be affixed to package  500  by, fir example, adhesive. Such adhesive may be separate from other elements of display apparatus  100  (e.g., upper branch  110 , lower branch  120 , closure branch  130 , first panel  200 , second panel  300 ) or may be an inherent property thereof. In some embodiments, first adhesive  402  is disposed on adhesive face  222  of first panel lower portion  220  (e.g., on the side of first panel  200  facing away from second panel  300 ), and is used to affix display apparatus to tuck flap  512  of package top  510 . In some embodiments, second adhesive  404  is disposed in adhesion region  316  of adhesive face  318  of second panel upper portion  310  (e.g., on the side of second panel  300  facing away from first panel  200 ), and is used to affix display apparatus  100  to exterior surface  522  of package side wall  520 . In some embodiments, second adhesive  404  is disposed outside of tear-away region  312  of second panel upper portion  310 . In some embodiments, third adhesive  406  is disposed between first panel lower portion  220  and second panel lower portion  330 , and is used to affix first panel lower portion  220  to second panel lower portion  330 . 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive is covered by a release liner, to protect the adhesive from adhering to anything before intended. For example, as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 8 , first release liner  422  may be disposed over first adhesive  402 , which is disposed on or incorporated in first panel  200 . Second release liner  424  may be disposed over second adhesive  404  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ), which is disposed on or incorporated in second panel  300 . Adhesives described herein may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or glue. In some embodiments, the adhesives may be transparent to minimize interference with the aesthetic of package  500 . Release liners described herein may be formed of for example, plastic or paper, and may be thinner and more flexible than first panel  200  and second panel  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the entire outer face of second panel  300  may be adhesive (e.g., second adhesive  404 ). In such case, in order to limit adhesive properties outside adhesion region  316 , a mask  410  may be applied to second panel  300  (e.g., over a portion of second adhesive  404  outside of adhesion region  316 ) as shown in  FIG. 8 , to deaden the adhesive properties of second panel  300  outside adhesion region  316 . Mask  410  may be non-adhesive on at least one side thereof. In some embodiments second release liner  424  may extend over at least a portion of mask  410  (e.g., over tear-away region  312  and tab  315 , to allow easy peeling away of second release liner  424  at tab  315 ). 
       FIGS. 9-18  depict use of display apparatus  100 . To use display apparatus  100 , a person may, for example, remove first release liner  422  to expose first adhesive  402 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . This may be accomplished by peeling away first release liner  422 . Then a person may affix display apparatus  100  to tuck flap  512  of package top  510  using first adhesive  402 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . This may be accomplished by aligning first adhesive  402  with tuck flap  512  and applying pressure. Then a person may remove second release liner  424  to expose second adhesive  404 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . This may be accomplished by peeling away second release liner  424 . Then a person may close package  500 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . This may be accomplished by tucking tuck flap  512  inside of package side wall  520 . Then a person may affix closure branch  130  to exterior surface  522  of package side wall  520 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . This may be accomplished by folding closure branch  130  over package side wall  520 , and applying pressure. Then, display apparatus  100  is in a use configuration sealing package  500 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     To un-seal package  500 , a person may grasp tab  315  of tear-away region  312  of closure branch  130  and pull tab  315  away from package  500  with sufficient force to cause tear-away region  312  to tear away from the balance of closure branch  130  along tear paths  314 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . Then, a person may pull upward on upper branch  110  to open package  500 , as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the display apparatus described with reference to the figures will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. 
     It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The elements of the embodiments presented above are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be interchanged to meet various needs as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130312
Publication Date: 20180828
Grant Date: 20180828
Priority Date: 20130312
Inventors: KORINEK, MICHAEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D5/4208", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B11/006", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B11/006", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/4208", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51522698