GB2404644A

GB2404644A - Packaging of personal accessories, particularly spectacles

Info

Publication number: GB2404644A
Application number: GB0417368A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey Clive Morris; Georges Abou-Jaoude; Andrew John Lenney
Original assignee: HAK DIRECT Ltd
Current assignee: HAK DIRECT Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-04
Filing date: 2004-08-04
Publication date: 2005-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-04
Also published as: GB0417368D0; WO2005014438A3; GB2404644B; WO2005014438A2

Abstract

A packaging for protecting a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles 105, within a retail environment, is described. The packaging comprises a protective portion 3 encasing at least a substantial part of the accessory to protect the same from handling damage within the retail environment, the protective portion being translucent at least in part to enable viewing of a significant part of the accessory within the packaging; wherein the packaging is arranged to retain the accessory in a user-wearable configuration and to enable the packaging to be worn by an individual such that at least an approximation can be obtained of the accessory's appearance when worn. The protective portion 3 is hingedly connected to a portion 5 housing a carrying case 107 for the accessory 105. Alternatively, the packaging itself may be reconfigurable to serve as a carrying case, Figures 46 to 64.

Description

2404644

Improvements Relating To Packaging Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns improvements relating to packaging for personal 5 accessories and more particularly, though not exclusively, to a novel packaging for glasses (i.e. sunglasses and spectacles). The present invention also concerns improved display racks for storing multiple pairs of glasses packaged using the novel packaging.

10 Background of the invention

Glasses are typically presented for retail purposes in free-standing display units, some of which revolve (an example of a known lockable rack is provided in Figure 68). Alternatively, fixed wall-mounted racking systems are used, enabling items to be 15 displayed along the length of a wall. Both systems offer high security, lockable solutions, where the glasses are secured to the display unit and can only be removed with a key. In addition, or alternatively, it is common for a security device (e.g. electronic tag) to be attached to a pair of glasses; such a device will activate an alarm in the event of a theft. The systems described above enable the purchaser to try items 20 on, in-store. However, these systems have several associated problems as set out below.

Typically, items become soiled or damaged due to repeated handling by prospective purchasers, which not only leads to loss of sales from items which are no longer fit to 25 be sold, but also can result in substantial amounts of retailer time in cleaning the glasses at the end of each day. In particular it is the sensitive part of the item such as the lenses of a pair of spectacles which are often damaged or soiled by repeated handling. Also, a purchaser is normally reliant on the availability of a member of staff to unlock a display unit, thus enabling a pair of glasses to be tried on. This can limit 30 in-store ranges, which is disadvantageous to both retailers and purchasers, particularly in busy retail environments (e.g. supermarkets) due to the physical limitations it places on retail staff and their ability to service multiple clients simultaneously. Reliance on third parties can also create a 'barriers to sales'.

1

It is to be appreciated that not only are stands/racking systems mandatory in most retail environments but they can be expensive. For a retailer with a large space to fill or hundreds of sites, for example, the set-up costs can be prohibitively expensive. The 5 racking also often has a cabinet provided for holding the storage cases and refill glasses which reduces the amount of space available for displaying the range of glasses available. On display, glasses can usually only be seen from the front elevation (e.g. arms are not fully visible), unless unlocked and/or removed from the stand.

10

It is accepted practice for the storage/carrying cases for glasses not to be displayed to the potential buyer as they only take up more space which could be better used for displaying glasses. As a consequence, there are missed sales as quite often the storage case can have an appealing design of its own which could have assisted in the 15 potential purchaser making their decision.

Theft is common, particularly where non-lockable stands are utilised. The discreet size, shape and lightweight nature of virtually any pair of glasses facilitates theft by anyone including staff. This has prompted the use of security tags on glasses which 20 need to be removed at purchase. In the same way, a security tag can be removed from an item of clothing illegally, a security tag can be removed from a pair of glasses with little difficulty (and in doing so, the glasses can be damaged easily).

The use of security tags has another disadvantage in that they are either attached to the 25 bridge or an arm of the pair of glasses. This makes trying on the glasses not only difficult and uncomfortable but also gives a severely distorted view of how the glasses would look when worn properly without the tag. Quite often this is enough to prevent a sale of a pair of glasses.

30 An alternative solution exists where glasses (and carrying case) are sandwiched between two pieces of transparent, pre-moulded plastics material - which are heat sealed to form a rigid, protective package that cannot be opened and is secure (see Figure 69). In turn, this type of packaging can be hung on wall-mounted pegs or alternatively, each pack can be stacked, one on top of the other. Whilst the glasses are

2

protected, and the storage case can be visible, there are severe limitations to this approach which are described below.

A major disadvantage of this solution is that it does not allow the prospective 5 purchaser to try the glasses on before a purchase. There is no way in which the prospective purchaser can even get a sense of what it would be like to wear the glasses let alone an actual feel for what the glasses would be like to wear. In addition, there is a viewing restriction of the glasses in that the glasses can only be seen from the front elevation with the arms folded. Quite often the arms and side logo of a pair 10 of glasses are an integral part of the design and therefore can affect a buyer's decision to buy.

After purchasing the packaged glasses, the purchaser must use scissors or similar implements to remove the glasses from their packaging - i.e. to try them on. This 15 destroys the packaging. Should the purchaser then decide to return or exchange the glasses, the retailer must accept them with damaged packaging or no packaging at all. In turn, the retailer must bear the burden of the administration, logistics and cost of repackaging. Furthermore, this cutting open of the packaging can also disadvantageous^ accidentally damage the glasses or glasses case.

20

Whether wall-hung on pegs or stacked one on top of the other, the prospective purchaser is limited to seeing only the contents of the package, at the front or on top. As such, the retailer utilises an inefficient quantity of floor or wall space to display even a limited range of glasses. Alternatively, different models can be placed on the 25 same peg or stacked in a single pile (s). However, purchasers are then required to rummage through all the packs to find their desired style - which is impractical and potentially chaotic.

The perceived value of branded glasses is high. Yet the lack of design associated with 30 this type of packaging is often associated with cheap 'pile it high' non-branded goods.

3

Summary of the Invention

It is desired to overcome or substantially reduce at least some of the problems described above and to provide an improved packaging for a personal accessory.

5

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in the appreciation that the packaging for personal accessories, such as glasses (spectacles) needs to be able to retain the accessory (glasses) in a wearable (arms opened out) configuration whilst at the same time protecting the accessories (glasses) from being soiled or damaged by 10 prospective purchaser handling and allowing viewing of the accessory (glasses) within the packaging. Therefore, the packaging provided has at least one portion which is transparent to enable the accessory to be viewed by a prospective customer. It has a portion covering at least a substantial part of the accessory in a wearable configuration thereby protecting it whilst also allowing it to be tried on. The 15 packaging is designed to enable the accessory (glasses) and packaging to be placed on the user's body (head) to approximate how the accessory (glasses) would appear when worn. By packaging the accessory (glasses) in this way, the packaging need not be removed (by the sales assistant) for the user to try on the glasses for determining the accessory's appearance when worn.

20

More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging for protecting a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, within a retail environment, the packaging comprising: a protective portion encasing at least a substantial part of the accessory to protect the same from handling damage within the 25 retail environment, the protective portion being translucent at least in part to enable viewing of a significant part of the accessory within the packaging; wherein the packaging is arranged to retain the accessory in a user-wearable configuration and to enable the packaging to be worn by an individual such that at least an approximation can be obtained of the accessory's appearance when worn.

30

The packaging may completely encase, for example, a pair of glasses and their carrying case in a 100% sealed 'single' plastics material protective transparent pack wherein the front of the top part of the packaging is designed for maximum transparency and to minimise reflection. The top part may be designed so the glasses

4

can be stored with the arms unfolded and the lateral edges of the package allow easy handling of the packaging without any need to touch the central parts which house the glasses/box (i.e. to avoid fingerprints etc.). This prevents glasses from becoming soiled or damaged due to regular handling and allows prospective purchasers to 'try 5 before they buy' - without actually touching the glasses (and without reliance on any third party such as sales assistants).

By providing full visual access to all enclosed items it is possible for prospective purchasers to quality check contents, and the translucency of the plastics material 10 utilised in the packaging enables the user to decide on the suitability of style prior to purchase, and view the contents, including, for example, carry case, serial numbers, model numbers, origin, logos etc. Literature e.g. certificate of authenticity, instructions etc. can also be sealed inside the packaging. Put another way, at least a significant part of the packaging is transparent which enables the glasses and its 15 storage case to be inspected without visual interference. Translucency of plastics material enables the user to decide on the suitability of style prior to purchase, and view the contents (including carry case, serial numbers, model numbers, origin, logos etc.).

20 Preferably, the packaging is made of substantially rigid material. This enables the glasses to be viewed with the arms fully extended (not folded) and from every orientation.

The packaging may be made of a flexible material which permits wearing of the 25 packaging by slightly different sized individuals. In relation to glasses, for example, the top part of the packaging enables the glasses inside to be placed over the eyes in a wearable position with the arms fully extended, and the degree of flexibility which can be provided by the packaging which encases the arms of the glasses means that the arms can flex to accommodate different sized wearers' heads.

30

Advantageously, the packaging is formed of a plurality of moulded sections sealed together. The whole package including the top and bottom part is an assembly of only two shells thereby minimising construction complexity and manufacturing cost. This

5

makes the packaging cheap and simple to manufacture using existing production methods, tools and materials.

Preferably, at least one of the moulded sections comprises a substantially flat section 5 and at least one of the other moulded sections comprises a section contoured to the shape of the accessory.

Conveniently, the protective portion may be arranged to package and protect a pair of spectacles and comprises a main part for protecting lenses of the pair of spectacles 10 and two elongate parts for protecting arms of the pair of spectacles.

In the example of the packaging being used for glasses, the top part of the packaging (i.e. the glasses part) uses a specially designed hinge to provide a minimum rotational freedom of 90° such that the packaging can be reconfigured between a storage display 15 configuration (top and bottom parts in the same plane) and a wearing configuration (top and bottom parts not in the same plane). The hinge is advantageously integrated into the packaging and made from the same material such that cost of manufacture becomes very cheap and the packaging can be made from a single plastics material facilitating easier recycling for example. The top lateral edges of the package allow 20 the user to rotate the top part and bring the glasses to the face in one, easy, natural movement. The pivotal element also enables the glasses (encased within the top part of the packaging) to be inspected independently of the bottom part, without visual interference. As well as allowing a prospective purchaser to "try on" the glasses prior to purchase, the dual-position design also allows for efficient storage of the 25 packaging, as will be described later.

Alternatively, the protective portion can be arranged to package and protect lenses and a main lenses retaining part of a pair of spectacles and comprises two apertures enabling arms of the pair of spectacles to be outside of the packaging.

30

Advantageously, the protective portion is arranged to approximate the shape of the personal accessory in its wearable condition which it is arranged to store - in the

6

example of the packaging being used for glasses, the top part approximates the shape of a pair of glasses and allows the glasses to be worn as close to the face as possible.

Preferably, the packaging is reconfigurable and further comprises reconfiguration 5 means for reconfiguring the packaging between a wearing position where the packaging can be worn by the individual and a storage position where the packaging can be stored for display.

Conveniently, the packaging comprises a plastics material and the reconfiguration 10 means comprises one or more integral plastics material hinges.

Advantageously, the packaging is arranged to be worn on or about the face of the individual and the packaging further comprises a surround portion which is arranged to frame the individual's face when the packaging is in the wearing position. In the 15 case of glasses, the bottom part of the packaging includes an opening designed to fit around a face of a prospective customer. The design of the packaging is intuitive to use and the open 'face area' ensures the packaging does not detract from the face of the prospective purchaser.

20 The packaging may comprise a completely translucent material such that substantially no part of the packaged accessory is obscured from the individual's view.

Preferably, the packaging further comprises a retaining portion for retaining a storage container for the accessory. In the case of glasses, this feature prevents glasses and 25 their respective cases from becoming mis-sorted or damaged during transit, distribution or storage. Furthermore, the bottom part includes the carrying case and is preferably also designed to be totally transparent. By retaining a storage container for the accessory within the packaging the size of the overall product is also increased which deters thieves.

30

The retaining portion is advantageously provided in a spaced apart location from the protective portion such that the storage container does not interfere with the wearing of the packaging and the appearance of the accessory when the packaging is worn.

7

Alternatively, the retaining portion is provided adjacent the protective portion, and thus requires less floor/wall space to sell.

The retaining portion may also comprise a substantially translucent material such that 5 the storage case can be viewed by the individual without opening the packaging.

Conveniently, the protective portion comprises a cut-out portion in a position where the accessory contacts the individual's body when worn. This provides a more realistic feel for how the actual personal accessory feels when worn.

10

Advantageously, the packaging further comprises a security portion, for retaining a security device within the packaging. In the case of glasses, the lateral edges of the package are designed to enclose a magnetic security tag on one side, while a recessed area on the other side is designed for externally fitted security tags. By housing 15 security tags within/on the packaging, rather than on the accessory themselves, the tags do not alter the visual aspect of, for example, the glasses, and damage caused to the accessory via the unauthorised removal of the tags is prevented.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combination 20 of a storage display and a plurality of above-described accessory packagings, wherein the storage display is arranged to house partially each of the plurality of the packagings with each protective portion of a packaging housing an accessory being substantially visible outside the storage display.

25 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packaging a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, the method comprising: providing a first substantially flat base portion of a packaging; positioning the accessory on the base portion in a user-wearable configuration; covering the accessory with a second portion of the packaging, the second portion being contoured to the 30 shape of the accessory in the user-wearable configuration and being translucent at least in part to enable viewing of a significant part of the accessory within the packaging; and sealing the first and second portions of the packaging together; wherein the resultant packaging is arranged such that the combination of the first and second portions provide a user-wearable packaging which can be worn by an

8

individual such that at least an approximation can be obtained of the accessory's appearance when worn.

A further aspect of the present invention resides in the appreciation that the packaging 5 for personal accessories, such as glasses (spectacles) whilst providing protection from soiling or damage by prospective purchasers handling and allowing viewing of the accessory (glasses) for at least the most sensitive part of the personal accessory, can actually be used to provide the carrying/storage case for the glasses. This means that the storage case need not be stored within the packaging but is rather made up from 10 part of the packaging itself. This dual functionality of the packaging means that the size of the overall packaging can be substantially reduced thereby maximising the number of items which can be displayed in a retail outlet for example.

More specifically, according to this further aspect of the present invention, there is 15 provided a packaging for protecting a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, the packaging comprising: a chamber encasing a significant part of the accessory to protect that part from damage, the chamber being at least partially translucent to enable viewing of the significant part of the accessory within the packaging; the packaging being arranged to be reconfigurable from a retail storage configuration, in 20 which the accessory is substantially prevented from being removed from the chamber, to a personal storage configuration, in which the accessory is readily removable from and returnable to the chamber, the personal storage configuration thereby providing a temporary storage for the accessory after purchase.

25 The packaging provided is preferably totally transparent though is at least sufficiently transparent to enable the accessory to be viewed by a prospective customer unobtrusively. Therefore, different designs and labelling can be provided on the storage/carrying case part of the packaging which can be attractive to the prospective purchaser. The packaging has to at least protect the most sensitive portion of the 30 accessory, typically, the portion with the most value or susceptibility to damage, for example the lens portions in a pair of glasses.

Also, a portion of the packaging is preferably designed to co-operate with a storage display such that the packaged accessory can readily be displayed. The packaging is

9

preferably arranged to enable the potential purchaser to try the accessory on without taking off the packaging. The packaging may enable the accessory (glasses) and packaging to be placed on the user's body (head) to approximate how the accessory (glasses) would appear when worn. However, more preferably the packaging is 5 arranged to enable the potential buyer to try on the glasses to get an impression of how the glasses would feel to wear. By packaging the accessory (glasses) in this way, the packaging need not be removed (by the sales assistant) for the user to try on the glasses for determining the accessory's appearance and possibly its feel when worn.

10 Preferably, the chamber comprises a movable portion which is arranged, when the packaging is in the personal storage configuration, to be movable between an opened position in which the chamber is open and the accessory is accessible and a closed position where the chamber is closed and the accessory is securely retained. Conveniently, the moveable portion may comprise a wall of the chamber. Also, the 15 movable portion can advantageously be slideable between the open and closed positions. Conveniently, the chamber may comprise a toughened plastics material.

The packaging may further comprise a security portion arranged in use to co-operate with the movable portion to retain the packaging in the retail storage configuration 20 prior to purchase, and to be disengageable from the moveable portion to enable reconfiguration of the packaging to the personal storage configuration.

Conveniently, the security portion may comprise a fastening means for retaining the security portion in co-operation with the movable portion. Also, the security portion 25 can preferably be arranged to be readily removable from the packaging by use of a simple clamping action when the packaging is to be reconfigured to the personal storage configuration. The fastening means can also be arranged to be removable by use of the simple clamping action.

30 Advantageously, the packaging can be arranged, in the retail storage configuration, to encase the accessory completely. This gives the accessory the best possible protection from the retail environment. Alternatively, the packaging is arranged, in the retail storage configuration, to encase the accessory partially to enable at least a portion of the accessory, such as arms of a pair of spectacles, to be readily accessible by an

10

individual. This reduces the cost and complexity of the packaging whilst still providing a high degree of protection.

It is also possible for the packaging to be reconfigurable in unison with the 5 reconfigurable nature of the accessory, for example the packaging can be flexible such that the glasses can be stored in a folded closed condition as well as an unfolded open condition. In both cases, the glasses are at all times within the packaging and movement between different configurations does not damage the packaging in any way.

10

The packaging is preferably arranged to be worn by an individual prior to purchase of the accessory, allowing an approximation of the accessory's appearance when worn to be obtained. Clearly this enables a better buying experience such that prospective purchasers may be more likely to purchase the accessory.

15

The chamber may comprise an opening enabling access to a contact portion of the significant part of the accessory, such that the contact portion can be fitted against the individual's body when the packaging is worn. A prospective purchaser can therefore get a feel of what it is like to wear such an accessory.

20

The packaging may comprise one or more fitted portions arranged to closely fit the accessory being packaged in use. This feature does require more versions of the packaging to be provided to cover the different shapes and sizes of accessories available, but also advantageously provides the least obtrusive packaging possible as 25 well as possibly the best fitting.

Conveniently, the one or more fitted portions can be located in the packaging where a good fit against the individual's body is required to assess the approximate appearance of the accessory, such as at a nose bridge of a pair of spectacles.

30

Preferably, the packaging comprises a completely translucent material such that substantially no part of the packaged accessory is obscured from view.

11

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination of a first packaging and a second packaging, each of the packagings comprising an above described packaging, the first packaging further comprising a first outer connection portion and the second packaging comprising a second outer connection 5 portion, the first outer connection portion being arranged to co-operate with the second outer connection portion to interlock the first and second packagings when positioned together.

Conveniently, the packaging further comprises a housing for retaining a security 10 device within the packaging. The above described packaging may be provided in combination with a security device, the packaging being arranged to enable the security device to be deactivated in use.

The packaging may further comprise co-operating means for enabling the packaging 15 to co-operate with a simple storage display for storage therein. These co-operating means may comprise a pair of spaced-apart lateral running formations provided at edges of the packaging.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination 20 of a storage display and a plurality of above described accessory packagings, wherein the storage display comprises a plurality of recesses for storing the plurality of accessory packagings, each recess comprising a pair of elongate side supports extending into the recess for co-operating with and supporting the pair of lateral running formations of each packaging.

25

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packaging a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, the method comprising: providing a base portion of a packaging; encasing a significant part of the accessory in an at least partially translucent chamber of the packaging, thereby 30 protecting the significant part from damage and enabling it to be viewed within the packaging; securing the base portion and the chamber together with securing means to arrange the packaging into a retail storage configuration, wherein the securing means substantially prevents the accessory from being removed from the chamber; and releasing the securing means to reconfigure the packaging to a personal storage

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configuration, in which the accessory is readily removable from and returnable to the chamber, the personal storage configuration thereby providing a temporary storage for the accessory after purchase.

5 According to another aspect, the present invention resides in the appreciation that the packaging for personal accessories, such as glasses (spectacles) whilst allowing viewing of the accessory (glasses) and providing protection from soiling or damage by prospective purchasers' handling for at least the most sensitive part of the personal accessory, can actually be arranged to retain a storage case in a viewable position 10 adjacent the main viewable part of the accessory, without impeding wearing of the accessory by a prospective purchaser. In this way, when the accessory is displayed on a rack, the storage case is also prominently visible to a prospective purchaser. Also when the prospective purchaser selects the packaged accessory and tries it on, the storage case advantageously does not impede the ability to actually wear the packaged 15 accessory.

The size of the overall packaging retaining both the accessory and the storage case is also minimised thereby maximising the number of items which can be displayed in a retail outlet for example need also removing the need for a storage cabinet.

20

However, more preferably the packaging is arranged to enable the potential buyer to try on the glasses to get an impression of how the accessory would feel to wear. In the case of a pair of glasses, this would mean that the arms and preferably the bridge portion (pads) of the glasses which come into contact with the wearer's head would 25 not be packaged. By packaging the accessory (glasses) in this way, the packaging need not be removed (by the sales assistant) for the user to try on the glasses for determining the accessory's appearance and possibly its feel when worn (clearly the weight of the glasses, the packaging and the storage case will be greater than just the glasses alone).

30

Exemplary versions of the packaging (embodiments of the present invention) are briefly described hereinafter to illustrate the present invention. One version of the packaging allows the customer to not only try on and view the glasses whilst they are encased in the packaging, it also allows the customer to feel and view the arms of the

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glasses on their ears without any limitation since the arms remain free. This packaging allows the full protection of the sensitive part of the glasses leaving the arms out which reduces the size of the whole package to be carried by the customer.

5 Brief description of the drawings

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, it will be now be described with reference to the following Figures, in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a prospective customer viewing glasses packaged in a first 10 embodiment of packaging according to the present invention in "position 2";

FIGURE 2 shows a prospective purchaser trying on the packaging of Figure 1;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the packaging in "position 15 1";

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view of the packaging of Figure 3;

FIGURE 5 is a shaded version of Figure 3 showing glasses and retaining case encased 20 in the packaging;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the packaging in "position 2";

25 FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view of the packaging of Figure 6;

FIGURE 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the packaging of the first embodiment in manufacture;

30 FIGURE 9 are views of plastics material mouldings used to make the packaging of Figure 3;

FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of the mouldings of Figure 9;

14

FIGURES 11 to 14 show various stages in the manufacture of the packaging and encasement of glasses and carrying case using the mouldings of Figure 9;

FIGURE 15 is a side elevation view of a combination of racking and packaging 5 according to the first embodiment;

FIGURE 16 is a front elevation view of Figure 15;

FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of an alternative combination of racking and 10 packaging according to the first embodiment;

FIGURE 18 is a top plan view of the combination of Figure 17;

FIGURE 19 is a top plan view of a further alternative combination of racking and 15 packaging according to the first embodiment;

FIGURE 20 is a side elevation view of the combination of Figure 19;

FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of the combination of Figure 19;

20

FIGURE 22 is a side elevation view of a stack of packaging in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of the stack of Figure 22;

25

FIGURES 24 and 25 show a method of manufacture of packaging according to a second embodiment o the present invention;

FIGURE 26 is a front elevation view of the second embodiment of the present 30 invention encasing a pair of glasses and a carrying case therefor;

FIGURE 27 is a top plan view of the packaging of Figure 26;

FIGURE 28 is a side elevation view of the packaging of Figure 26;

15

FIGURE 29 is a side elevation view of the packaging of the second embodiment without the accessory;

5 FIGURE 30 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of Figure 29;

FIGURE 31 is an enlargement showing an integrated latch detail of Figure 30;

FIGURE 32 is a front perspective view of the packaging of Figure 29;

10

FIGURE 33 is a perspective view of a packaging according to a third embodiment of the present invention shown in a first unfolded condition and retaining a pair of glasses and a carrying case therefor;

15 FIGURE 34 is a perspective view of the packaging of Figure 33 in a second folded condition;

FIGURE 35 is a side elevation view of the packaging of Figure 34;

20 FIGURE 36 is a front elevation view of the packaging of Figure 34;

FIGURE 37 is a perspective view of a packaging which is a variation of the third embodiment;

25 FIGURE 38 is a side elevation view of the packaging of Figure 37;

FIGURE 39 is a top plan view of a packaging according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in a first unfolded condition encasing a pair of glasses encased therein;

30

FIGURE 40 is a top plan view of the packaging of Figure 39 in a second semi-folded condition;

16

FIGURE 41 is a top plan view of the packaging of Figure 39 in a third fully-folded condition;

FIGURE 42 is a perspective view of a packaging according to a fifth embodiment 5 of the present invention retaining a pair of glasses and a storage case;

FIGURE 43 is a front elevation view of the packaging of Figure 42;

FIGURE 44 is a top plan view of the packaging of Figure 42;

10

FIGURE 45 is a side elevation view of the packaging of Figure 42;

FIGURE 46 is a perspective view of a packaging according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in a first retail storage condition encasing a pair of glasses;

15

FIGURE 47 is a further perspective view of the sixth embodiment in a second personal storage condition;

FIGURE 48 is a perspective view showing the packaging of Figure 47 in a third 20 personal accessible condition;

FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of a handling platform for use with the packaging of Figure 46;

25 FIGURES 50 to 55 illustrate a process utilising the handling platform to assemble the packaging of Figure 46;

FIGURE 56 shows a removal fixture for use with the packaging of Figure 46;

30 FIGURES 57 to 59 show a process utilising the clamping fixture for disassembling the packaging of Figure 46;

FIGURE 60 is a top plan view of a combination of rack and plurality of packagings of Figure 47;

17

FIGURE 61 is a side elevation view of the combination of Figure 60;

FIGURE 62 is a further perspective view of packaging according to the sixth 5 embodiment of the invention showing a cut out portion;

FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of a packaging according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

10 FIGURE 64 is a top plan view illustrating a combination of racking and a plurality of packagings of Figure 63;

FIGURE 65 is a perspective view of a packaging according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention in a first open condition;

15

FIGURE 66 is a perspective view of packaging of the eighth embodiment in a second closed condition;

FIGURE 67 is a front elevation view of the packaging of Figure 66 in the second 20 closed condition;

FIGURE 68 shows a prior-art lockable rack; and

FIGURE 69 shows a prior art glasses packaging.

25

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention.

The following describes a first non-limiting example of a packaging embodying the present invention. The packaging shown is for use in storing a pair of glasses 30 (spectacles) so that they can be readily displayed for purchase and tried on by prospective purchasers prior to purchase without opening the packaging. The way in which the packaging is stored in different types of simplified racks is also described.

18

Referring to Figure 3, a first embodiment of a packaging 1 according to a first aspect of the invention is shown.

The packaging comprises an upper part 3 and a lower part 5 which together define a 5 rectangular frame 7. The lower part 5 has two parallel spaced struts 9,11 which are integrally formed at their respective lower ends 13,15 with a first linking panel 17. A compartment 19 is formed on one side of the linking panel 17. The upper end 21,23 of each strut is linked via a hinged portion 25,27 to respective sides to the upper part 3, which comprises a second linking panel 29. This second panel 29 incorporates a

10 hollow chamber 31. As may be seen from the Figures, the chamber 31 follows the generalised form of a pair of spectacles in an open or wearable condition. The chamber has two generally-rectangular shaped portions 33,35 separated by a linking portion 37 of reduced width, and two arms 39,41 each extending approximately perpendicular to the rectangular portions 33,35 from respective ends 43,45 thereof.

15

As has been indicated, the upper part 3 of the packaging case (i.e. the glasses containment part) is attached to the struts 9,11 of the bottom part 5 in two places -immediately left and right of the enclosed glasses - by two hinged portions 25,27 in the form of strips of plastics material - a wavy portion of the packaging acts as a hinge

20 - which are integrally formed with a respective strut 9,11 at one end and with a respective side of the upper panel 29 at the other end thereof. By integrally forming the hinged portions 25,27 with the rest of the packaging 1 and utilising the same material therefor, manufacturing costs may be significantly reduced and the manufacturing process simplified.

25

The packaging frame has an aperture 47 in its middle defined between the upper 3 and lower 5 parts of the packaging 1 and the struts 9,11 of the packaging. This aperture 47 is termed the "face region" for reasons which will become apparent later.

30 As may be seen more readily from Figure 8, the packaging is in fact comprised of two pieces 101,103 of pre-moulded and translucent plastics material. The two plastics material mouldings 101,103 are placed one 101 on top of the other 103 and sealed together, either by heat sealing or high frequency welding, according to the material used (e.g. high-frequency welding for GPET or PVC plastics mouldings) to form a

19

100% sealed package 1 containing a pair of glasses 105 and a glasses carrying case 107. The bottom moulding 103 is mostly three-dimensional (contoured); the top moulding 101 is generally flat.

5 The bottom moulding 103 has flat surfaces 109, each of which are surrounded by a respective upstanding perimeter wall 111 which runs around each flat surface 109 and is separated therefrom by a small indented trench 113 . The top moulding 101 also has flat surfaces 115 which correspond to the flat surfaces 109 of the bottom moulding 103. The flat surfaces 115 of the top moulding 101 are each surrounded by an 10 upstanding perimeter ridge 117, the width W1 of which corresponds to the width W2 of the trenches 113. The method of manufacture of the packaging will now be described.

A thermoformed method of manufacturing the packaging 1 is used, as it is very 15 efficient.

The top 101 and bottom 103 mouldings (shown in Figures 8 to 10) are thermoformed using two moulds. The top moulding 101 is then inverted (see Figure 11) and an open pair of glasses 105 and a carrying case 107 are placed upon the top moulding 101 as 20 shown in Figure 12. The flat surfaces 115 of the top moulding 101 are absolutely flat for the purpose of simplicity during the sealing process.

Then the bottom moulding 103 is inverted and is fitted over the top moulding 101 such that the flat surfaces 109 of the bottom moulding 103 overlay the corresponding 25 flat surfaces 115 of the top moulding 101 to enclose the glasses 105 and the case 107 and any literature, coloured template etc. therebetween, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

The perimeter ridge 117 of the top 101 moulding and the upstanding perimeter walls 30 111 of the bottom moulding 103, as well as the hinged portions 25,27 of each moulding are then heat sealed or high frequency welded, according to the material used (e.g. high-frequency welding for GPET or PVC plastics mouldings) to create a complete enclosure for the glasses 105 and the carrying case 107 which guaranties a hermetic seal.

20

Once completely encased within the packaging 1 (Figure 5), the glasses 105 are 5 displayed in an open (wearable) position with the arms fully extended. They are positioned on their top edge 119 with the open arms 121,123 pointing towards the lower part 5 of the packaging 1 (i.e. the compartment 19 housing the carrying case 107) and with the lenses 125,127 pointing towards the upper part 3, with the bridge 130 of the glasses (i.e. the portion which sits over a wearer's nose) pointing 10 upwards/skywards.

The glasses 105 are fully encased in a plastics material and are housed centrally, from left to right, within the hollow chamber 31 of the upper part 3 of the packaging 1. The lenses 125,127 of the glasses are contained within the rectangular portions 33,35 of 15 the hollow chamber 31 and run substantially parallel to the upper horizontal edge 129 of the upper part 3 of the packaging. The open arms 121,123 of the glasses 105 point downwards - into the open 'face area' 47 of the packaging frame. The carrying case 107 is housed centrally, from left to right, in the sealed rectangular compartment 19 of the lower part 3 of the packaging 1. The portions 129,131 of the second linking panel 20 29 on either side of the hollow chamber 31 and/or the struts 9,11 host electronic security tags (not shown), which may be enclosed within the upper panel portions 129,131 and/or struts 9,11 or mounted thereon. The advantage of enclosing the security tag is that its removal becomes much more difficult.

25 As shown in Figure 3, the hollow chamber 31 and second linking panel 29 are in the same (horizontal) plane as the struts 9,11 and the first linking panel 17. This describes the packaging 1 and contents in 'position 1'.

It is called 'position 1' because, as explained above, the upper part 3 of the packaging 30 1 (i.e. the glasses part) is attached to the lower part struts 9,11 in two places, by two specially designed plastics material hinged portions 25,27. The hinged portions 25,27 allow the upper part 3 to be moved independently of the bottom part 5 - with an approximate rotational freedom over 90°. As such, the upper part 3 can be

21

moved/tilted towards the user (in a single movement, similar to the action of closing a hinged box) into a position that is at an approximate right angle to the bottom part 5. This is called 'position 2' or the 'wearable position'.

5 The bottom part 5 of the packaging 1 incorporates the 'face area' 47 and contains the carrying case 107. The face area 47 is designed to prevent distraction from the user's face by mimicking a rectangular frame (similar to a mirror frame). This has been found psychologically to be far less obtrusive to the user than a frame which fits the user's face more accurately.

10

The packaging 1 provided is preferably totally transparent though is at least sufficiently transparent to enable the accessory 105 and the storage case 107 to be viewed by a prospective customer unobtrusively. In particular, the packaging 1 may be transparent or tinted in the surfaces or areas that do not enclose the glasses 105 or

15 the carrying case 107. Different designs and labelling can also be provided on the packaging 1 which can enhance the attractiveness of the accessory and storage case to the prospective purchaser. The packaging has to at least protect the most sensitive portion of the accessory, typically the portion with the most value or susceptibility to damage, for example the lens portions 125,127 in a pair of glasses, as well retain and

20 protect the storage case. The packaging can be manufactured in different materials in so far as the transparency/ translucency is guaranteed. In particular, coloured transparent plastics materials could be used for the whole or a part of the packaging in combination with colourless and/or other coloured transparent plastics materials.

25 With the packaging 1 laid flat on its back surface and looking from above in plan view (see Figure 9) the approximate outer dimensions of the packaging are 350 mm x 220 mm. The upper part 3 contains the glasses 105 and the lower part 5 contains the carrying case 107.

30 The packaging 1 is arranged to enable the potential purchaser to try the accessory on without taking off the packaging. The packaging enables the accessory (glasses) and packaging to be placed on the user's body (head) to approximate how the accessory (glasses) would appear when worn. As described above, the packaging is movable between position 1 where the main plane which the opened glasses occupy (upper part

22

3) and the main plane of the carrying case holding portion of the packaging (lower part 5) are substantially the same (see Figures 3 to 5), and position 2, where the planes of the upper part 3 and the lower part 5 are substantially transverse to one another (see Figures 6 and 7). When the glasses 105 are in 'position 2', the consumer C can view 5 the glasses and place the glasses, although fully encased in plastics material, on the face as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The translucency of the plastics material, the shape and flexibility of the packaging 1, and the open 'face area' 47 - enable the glasses 105 to be worn in a wearable position 10 - and for the consumers face to be clearly seen wearing the glasses.

Furthermore, a portion of the packaging 1 is designed to co-operate with a storage display such that the packaged accessory can readily be displayed. The packaging (packs) can be stored in three ways. They can be stacked on a freestanding basis as 15 shown in Figures 22 and 23 (top moulding upwards, glasses in 'position 1'), one pack on top of the other. This unique design prevents any lateral movement i.e. by locking the packs together as shown in Figures 22 and 23. This is achieved by locating the underside edge 49 (see Figure 3) of the compartment 19 of one item of packaging 1 in the correspondingly-shaped rectangular indent 51 of the item of packaging 1 20 immediately beneath and similarly locating the underside edge 53 of the hollow chamber 31 of the packaging 1 in the correspondingly-shaped flat indent 55 formed in the top edge of the hollow chamber 31 of the packaging immediately beneath.

Alternatively, the packs can be wall mounted on pegs/hooks - where the bridge of the 25 glasses/packaging 37 is used to hang the packaging in 'position 2'. The final method of storage uses a specially designed rack (similar to a CD rack). Three different versions of the new rack 201,203,205 are shown in Figures 15 to 21.

The racks 201,203,205 enable the glasses 105 to be stored in 'position 1' (top 30 moulding 101 upwards), and as the packaged glasses 105 protrude from the front face 207,209,211 of the racks, the racks allow a 360 degree vision of the glasses even if they are totally sealed. Storage space which would otherwise remain unused is employed to include the carrying case 107 as shown in Figures 16 to 21.

23

Here, the lateral edges L of the struts and the portions of the second linking panel 29 on either side of the hollow chamber, which are approximately 360 mm deep, are used as runners (i.e. similar to those used in a chest of drawers). They are utilised, firstly, to correctly position the packaging in relation to the rack 201,203,205 and secondly, to 5 slide the packaging freely in/out of the rack. Cleverly, the packaging can only be recessed to a distance of 200 mm into the display rack meaning that the glasses protrude from the front face of the rack. As discussed above, this enables the glasses to be viewed (inc. model numbers, logos etc.) in a wearable position and with the arms fully extended - from every orientation and without any visual obstruction as can 10 be seen in Figure 17.

The new racks are of various types: a wall display 201 as shown in Figures 15 and 16, a free standing small rotating display 203 as shown in Figures 17 and 18 (this rack could be made shorter or taller e.g. to allow more than the usual 108 pairs of glasses 15 stored e.g. 128 pairs) and a tabletop unit 205 as shown in Figures 19 to 21, which can be very easily derived from the main display system.

The major interesting aspects of the display are that it uses simple off the shelf sliding racks and allow mirrors 213 and advertisements 215 to be displayed without loss of 20 space and without the usual locked cabinets for the carrying cases.

Whether stacked, hung or placed in a rack, the customer can remove the packaging 1 from a display and fully inspect/quality check the contents, while never actually handling the items inside. This prevents the contents from becoming soiled or 25 damaged due to repeated handling, and keeps them 'box fresh'. However, it also eliminates the need for in-store assistance - the packaging itself acts a theft deterrent.

Referring now to Figures 24 to 32, a second presently preferred embodiment is described. The following description will be directed primarily to the differences 30 between the first and second embodiments.

In the first described embodiment above, the arms 121,123 of the glasses were held in the packaging 1 fixed in the open condition. It may however prove desirable to allow reconfigurable elements of a packaged accessory to be free to be reconfigured, for

24

example, to allow the arms to be free to move whilst at least the most sensitive part of the glasses are encased and protected in the packaging.

In the second embodiment, and unlike some later described embodiments, the 5 packaging does not need to be reconfigurable in unison with the reconfigurable nature of the accessory. Rather the packaging is not provided on those portions of the accessory which need to move. Therefore, in this embodiment, the packaging remains unchanged for storing a pair of glasses in a folded or closed condition as well as an unfolded or open condition. In both cases, the most sensitive portion of the glasses 10 (frame and lenses) is at all times within the packaging and movement between different configurations does not damage that most sensitive portion of the glasses in any way. Another benefit is that the size of the packaging can be reduced in that in a storage configuration, the bottom part storing the glasses case does not have to negotiate the arms of the glasses being retained in a wearable configuration such that 15 the bottom part can be made smaller (by making the struts shorter). Of course, if this advantage is realised then the pair of glasses may not be able to be stored with its arms in a fully unfolded condition.

More specifically, the second embodiment of the invention, which is directed to 20 glasses, has several key features which are described below.

As mentioned above, and as shown in Figures 26 to 28, the packaging 251 encases at least a significant (sensitive) portion of a pair of glasses 105 (lenses 125,127 and frame) and its carrying case 107 in a sealed 'single' plastics protective transparent 25 pack 251. Unlike the first embodiment, the accessory's arms 121,123 are free to move.

As in the first embodiment, the upper part 3 of the packaging (retaining the glasses part) is hinged to the lower part 5 to provide a minimum rotational freedom of 90° 30 such that the packaging 251 can be reconfigured between a storage display configuration (where the arms 125,127 of the pair of glasses 105 open in the same plane as the lower part) and a wearing configuration (where the arms 125,127 of the pair of glasses 105 open in a plane different to that retaining the lower part 5). The

25

hinged portions 25,27 are advantageously integrated into the packaging 251 and are made from the same material such that cost of manufacture becomes very cheap and the packaging can be made from a single plastics material facilitating easier recycling for example.

5

As best seen in Figures 30 and 31, the upper 3 and lower 5 parts of the packaging 251 each have complementary snap-fit formations 253,255 to enable the upper 3 and lower 5 parts to be releaseably locked together to retain the packaging 251 in the storage display configuration such that the packaging 251 takes up the least amount of 10 space and can be readily stacked.

The upper part 3 of the packaging 251 enables the glasses 105 inside to be placed over the eyes in a wearable position with the arms 121,123 fully extended. Also, the front 257 of the upper part 3 of the packaging 251 is designed for maximum transparency 15 and to minimise reflection.

The upper part 3 of the packaging 251 is also designed so that the glasses 105 can be stored with the arms 121,123 unfolded or folded and has universal arm support formations 259,261 enabling different sized arms of different pairs of glasses to be 20 accommodated in the packaging. The universal arm supports 259,261 comprise different shapes, sizes and locations of apertures through which the arms pass to the outside of the package. These apertures are selected depending on the structure and geometry of each basic shape (flat-fronted, semi-curved and fully-curved) of the glasses being stored within the packaging 251.

25

The packaging 251 has the same or universal basic flat front panel 263 for all types of glasses with a wide curved window for maximum visibility of the glasses from wide angles. The packaging also has one of three different formats of back panel 265 to suit three basic shapes of glasses (flat-fronted, semi-curved and fully-curved).

30

The upper part 3 of the packaging allows a pair of glasses to be worn as close to the face as possible by being contoured to fit a prospective buyer's face.

26

The lower part 5 of the packaging includes the carrying case and is also designed to be totally transparent. The lower part also includes an opening 47 designed to fit around a face similar to the first embodiment.

5 The lateral edges L of the package allow easy handling of the packaging 251 without any need to touch the central parts which house the glasses/case (i.e. to avoid fingerprints etc.).

The packaging is designed so it can be stacked, on a free-standing basis, one on top of 10 the other.

The whole package including top and bottom part is an assembly of only two shells thereby minimising construction complexity and manufacturing cost.

15 More particularly, the following describes a non-limiting example of a packaging according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 26 to 32, the packaging 251 shown is for use in storing a pair of glasses 105 (spectacles) so that they can be readily displayed for purchase and tried on by prospective purchasers prior to purchase without opening the packaging 251.

20

This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above and as such like parts will not be re-described here.

The back panel 265 / bottom piece of plastics material is contoured to fit a wearer's 25 face, and has two ridges 267,269 formed on either side of the nose bridge region 271. The hollow chamber 31 of the second linking portion 29 of this embodiment does not have hollow arms extending therefrom- rather, universal arm supports 259,261 comprising apertures are provided in the ridges 267,269 of the back panel 265 of plastics material through which the arms of glasses encased in the packaging protrude. 30 It is envisaged that a number of varieties of back panels 265/ bottom pieces of plastics moulding material could be provided having apertures of varying size to accommodate arms of differing widths and different positions i.e. separation to accommodate different width glasses.

27

The present embodiment differs from the first-described embodiment in at least one further aspect - a contoured protrusion 253,254 is formed on each strut 9,11 proximate it's respective linking hinge 25,27, and a correspondingly-shaped recess 255,256 is formed in the second linking portion opposite each protrusion. It is to be appreciated 5 that when the second linking portion 29 is folded up from "position 1" i.e. the "storage position" to put the packaging 251 into "position 2" the contoured face 273,275 of each protrusion 253,254 will engage with it's respective recess 255,256. Owing to the resilient properties of the packaging material this will cause the protrusions 253,254 to lock into the recesses 255,256 thus locking the packaging 251 10 into position 2 i.e. the display configuration.

Described another way, a pair of complementary latching formations 253,254,255,256 (snap-fitting) are provided in the back panel 265 as best seen in Figure 31. The latching formations 253,254,255,256 are provided on the upper 3 and lower 5 parts of 15 the packaging 251 and as can be seen in Figure 30 they are disengaged when the packaging is in Position 2. However, when the packaging is reconfigured into Position 1, (see dotted line in Figure 29) the complementary latching formations 253,254,255,256 engage each another and releaseably retain the lower part 5 in position. By gently applying a force to the upper 3 and lower 5 parts, the pair of 20 latching formations 253,254,255,256 can be made to disengage thereby allowing the lower part 5 to be moved back to Position 2.

As in the first embodiment, the present packaging 251 embodiment is comprised of two pieces 101,103 of pre-moulded and translucent plastics material, which are heat 25 sealed or high-frequency welded (depending on the materials used) together to form a sealed package containing a pair of glasses and a glasses carrying case in the same manner as described above in relation to the first embodiment. Again, there are two main surface areas, front and back. The back part is mostly three dimensional (contoured) and the front part is flat.

30

With the packaging laid flat on its front surface and looking from above in plan view, the approximate outer dimensions of the packaging are 280 mm x 230 mm. In this embodiment, the top part of the packaging contains a significant (sensitive) portion of

28

the pair of glasses (i.e. the lenses and frame), leaving the arms exposed, and a bottom part contains the carrying case.

The packaging is movable between Position 1, where the main plane which the 5 opened glasses occupy (upper part 3) and the main plane of the carrying case holding portion of the packaging (lower part 5) are substantially the same (as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 29; Figure 29 also shows the direction of movement of lower part 5 to the dotted line to attain Position 1), and Position 2, where the planes of the upper part 3 and the lower part 5 are substantially transverse to one another (as illustrated in 10 solid lines in Figure 29).

As seen in Figures 26 to 28, the glasses 105 can be displayed in an open (wearable) position with the arms fully extended but also preferably folded. The glasses are positioned on their bottom edge with the arms being folded or pointing at right angles 15 to the bottom part of the packaging (i.e. the carrying case) and with the bridge of the glasses (i.e. the portion that sits over the nose in use) pointing towards the bottom part. The main portion (sensitive portion) of the glasses are fully encased in a plastics chamber and are housed centrally, from left to right, within the top part of the packaging. The lenses run substantially parallel to the upper horizontal edge of the top 20 part of the packaging, and the arms are free to be moved from a folded or unfolded positions without effecting the open 'face area'. This describes the pair of glasses in 'Position 2'.

The carrying case 107 is housed centrally, from left to right, in a rectangular sealed 25 compartment 19 formed in the lower part 5 of the packaging. The hollow chamber 31 of the upper part 3 hosts a security tag (not shown). The advantage of enclosing the security tag is that its removal becomes much more difficult.

The packaging 251 can be manufactured in different materials as far as the 30 transparency/ translucency of at least the portion housing the main substantive part of the accessory is guaranteed. In this embodiment, the entire packaging is transparent.

A thermoformed method of manufacturing the packaging is described below, as it is the most efficient one.

29

The upper 3 and lower 5 parts of the back panel 265 of the packaging are thermoformed using a single mould. The apertures are cut or punched out from the universal arm support formations 259,261 once the back panel 265 of the packaging 5 has been formed. A further mould is made of a substantially flat front part 263. Then the glasses and the carrying case are placed on top of the front part 263, which is absolutely flat for the purpose of simplicity during the sealing process. The arms 121,123 of the glasses are then pushed through the apertures formed in the universal arm formations and the back panel 265 is fitted on top to enclose the glasses and the 10 case, and any literature, security tag, coloured template etc. The borders around the outside edge of the packaging and the borders around the interior edges defining the face area 47 are then sealed together, either by heat-sealing or high-frequency welding (depending on the materials used) to perform a sealed packaging.

15 An alternative principle of manufacture is illustrated in Figures 24 and 25 which in fact shows a slightly different version of the packaging, although the differences are not important for the explanation of the manufacturing principle. According to this method, top and bottom panels 151,153 clip together or "snap-fit", obviating the need/cost of high-frequency welding by third-party contractors on specialised 20 equipment.

The packaging (packs) can be stored in three different ways. They can be stacked on a free-standing basis when configured in Position 1, one pack on top of the other. They can also be slotted into simple rectangular apertures in a tower display stand when 25 configured in Position 1. This second manner of storage has the advantage of displaying a maximum area of the glasses to perspective purchasers whilst at the same time minimising the amount of purchaser facing storage space required. A completely alternative manner of storage is to have the packs wall mounted on pegs/hooks -where the bridge of the glasses/packaging is used to hang the packaging in 'Position 30 2'.

Whether stacked or hung, the customer can remove the packaging 251 from a display, fully inspect/quality check the contents and, very importantly, even try the article on to see how it would look, while never actually handling the most sensitive portions of

30

the items inside. This prevents the contents of the packaging from becoming soiled or damaged due to repeated handling, and keeps them 'box fresh'. However, it also eliminates the need for in-store assistance - the packaging itself acts a theft deterrent.

5 When the glasses are in 'Position 2', the consumer can place the glasses, although encased in plastics chamber, on the face as is apparent from Figures 26 to 28.

The translucency of the plastics material, the shape of the packaging, and the open 'face area' 47 enable the glasses to worn in a wearable position and for the consumers 10 face to be clearly seen wearing the glasses. Also the fact that a portion of the accessory is not encased in the packaging (the arms) actually helps the prospective purchasers to better judge what the accessory feels like to wear. This further enhances the unobtrusiveness of the packaging for the prospective buyer of the article in a retail environment.

15

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 33 to 38. This embodiment is similar to the second-described vacuum-formed embodiment shown in Figures 24 to 32, in that the top section (holding the glasses, with the arms exposed) is hingedly connected to the struts, and is thus free to be 20 folded backwards over the "empty" face-panel, as in position 2 described above.

In the third embodiment of the packaging 301, the struts 9,11 are also hingedly mounted to the first linking panel 17, meaning that the packaging may be folded such that the second linking panel 29 is positioned opposite the first 17. Furthermore, a 25 cover panel 303 is hingedly mounted to the bottom edge B of the second linking panel so that it may be rotated to clip over the upper edge U of the second linking panel 29 in such as way as to form a rectangular "box", as shown in Figure 34. A sunken cavity 304 is formed in the rear face of the carry-case compartment 19 designed to accommodate and protect the exposed, folded arms of the glasses as they protrude 30 from the rear of the top section when the structure is folded/closed.

In an alternative 305 to the third embodiment, illustrated in Figures 37 and 38, a locking feature K is provided to hold the structure in its folded rectangular position,

31

whereby corresponding protrusions and recesses are provided in the region of both hinged portions i.e. in the region of either end of each strut 9,11.

The ability to create a "box-like" structure is highly advantageous in that storage of 5 pre-packaged accessories becomes easy and highly space efficient. This in turn can lead to cost savings in storage and transportation of pre-packaged accessories from the manufacturer to the retailer.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 39 to 41. The 10 fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in respect of materials used and transparency of the packaging. However, in the fourth embodiment the packaging is very much closer fitting to the pair of glasses than in the first embodiment and more importantly, the packaging is designed to enable the arms of the glasses to be folded without damaging the packaging in any way as can be seen in Figures 40 and 41 .

15

This has a significant benefit in that the glasses can now be retained in the packaging in either the wearable condition (arms opened out as in the first embodiment) or in a compact condition (arms folded) to save space. Therefore, the retailer can choose how he wishes to display the glasses and packaging depending on the available size of the 20 retail establishment, the value of the glasses being packaged for display, etc. If the glasses are stored in a foldable condition, the prospective purchaser would be able to open out the arms of the packaging to enable the glasses and packaging to be tried on.

Specifically, a rectangular frame is not provided as it was in the first embodiment. 25 Instead, and as seen in Figure 39, a packaging 351 similar to the glasses - carrying hollow chamber 31 of the first embodiment is provided in isolation. This packaging 351 follows the contours of the enclosed glasses 105 rather more closely than in the first described embodiment. Whilst the walls 353 of the packaging are reasonably flexible, they provide a measure of protection against shocks and blows for the 30 enclosed packaging, prevention from soiling by prospective purchasers trying out the accessory as well minimising the size of the packaging 351.

The packaging 351 comprises a central region 355 to enclose the lenses 125,127 of the glasses and their surrounding frames, and has a region of reduced width 357 in the

32

nose-bridge area. Two hollow arms sleeves 359,361 extend from respective ends 363,365 of the central region 355 and encase the arms 121,123 of the glasses. As may be seen from Figure 40, a slit 367,369 is provided in the outer wall 353 of each sleeve 359,361 in the region of the hinge of the glasses. It is to be appreciated that this 5 enables the arms of the glasses to be moved freely between opened and closed positions even when the glasses are enclosed within the packaging.

The portions of the packaging which house the arms of the glasses (i.e. the sleeves 359,361) are hingedly connected with the central region protecting the lenses of the 10 glasses. The hinges can be mechanical hinges or (as shown in the Figures) or can be flexible portions of the packaging together with a corresponding cut portion for allowing movement. Those skilled in the art will be well aware of other alternative hinge solutions which can be applied just as readily.

15 This fourth embodiment in one aspect is less advantageous than the first, second and third embodiments in that the storage case is not housed within the packaging. However, there is room within the packaging to store a security tag.

This apparent disadvantage (i.e. the case not being housed within the packaging) is 20 compensated for by the reduction in size of the packaging (lowering costs) and improved flexibility of how the glasses and packaging are displayed. In addition, the ability to fold the arms of the packaging without opening the packaging enables the potential purchaser to see how the glasses appear in the folded condition prior to purchasing the glasses, for example by hanging the packaged glasses in a folded 25 condition from the breast pocket of their shirt or jacket.

Whilst the hinges in the present embodiment do not allow the packaging to be hermetically sealed, it is possible to use bellows-like plastics portions of the packaging at the hinges to enable movement and hermitic sealing to be achieved 30 together.

It is also to be appreciated that the fourth embodiment can be combined with the two-part construction of the first and second embodiments to achieve a new packaging not shown. In this case, the glasses case would be retained within the packaging as well as

33

enabling the glasses and packaging to be stored in a folded condition if required thereby minimising display space (the packaged glasses could be stacked on wall hangers for example).

5 A fifth embodiment of the present invention which is directed to packaging glasses (spectacles) is now described with reference to Figures 42 to 45. This fifth embodiment has several features which are set out below.

The packaging 401 encases at least the most sensitive part of a pair of glasses 105 in a 10 plastics material protective transparent pack. The whole packaging is designed for maximum transparency and to minimise reflection.

The packaging 401 has a storage case compartment 405 adjacent the main viewable part of the accessory, for retaining the storage case 107 of the glasses. The position of 15 the storage case compartment 405 ensures that the wearing of the accessory by a prospective purchaser is not impeded by the stored storage case, whilst at the same time allowing the purchaser to view the storage case prior to trying the glasses on. The glasses 105 inside the packaging 401 are placed over the eyes of a prospective purchaser in a wearable position with the arms 121,123 fully extended. In an 20 alternative version (not shown), where the arms 121,123 of the glasses are maintained in a fully extended position within the protective packaging, there can be a degree of flexibility provided by the packaging which encases the arms of the glasses such that the arms can flex to accommodate different sized wearers' heads.

25 The packaging is designed so the glasses can be stored with the arms in a folded or unfolded condition, but in the above mentioned alternative version (arms of the glasses totally protected), only in an unfolded configuration or if hinges are provided then in both the folded and unfolded conditions.

30 In the fifth described embodiment, the glasses actually fit on the face so the prospective purchaser gets to touch and feel the arms of the glasses as they would be worn, whereas in the alternative version embodiment the glasses are worn as close to the face as possible so as to approximate how they would look.

34

The packaging 401 is designed to enclose a magnetic security tag (not shown) on one side of the accessory. The provision of a security tag within the packaging further assists in preventing fraud by making the removal of the security tag by an unscrupulous person more difficult.

5

The whole packaging including carrying case and security tag is an assembly of simple plastics material parts thereby minimising construction complexity and manufacturing cost.

10 It is to be appreciated that these key features of this embodiment allow for efficient storage of both the case and the glasses, and for the user to try-on the glasses, prior to purchase. Furthermore, a simple and usual magnetic tag or seal that is removed at the cashier's desk is used to prevent opening and theft of the glasses. This minimises cost. Also advantageously, the packaging of the package can be done in house without any 15 expensive unusual equipment.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention is now described in detail with reference to Figures 42 to 45. This embodiment is directed to improving the first and fourth embodiments described above and also other related solutions set out below.

20

Some of the problems described in the introduction have been addressed by the first embodiment in which a new form of packaging 1 is provided which when used for spectacles provides room for the storage case to be packaged alongside the glasses for the purchaser to view prior to purchase. However, this inevitably increases the size of 25 the packaging and whilst this improves the security of the packaging, in one aspect it disadvantageous^ results in more storage space being used for the same number of displayed pairs of glasses. Furthermore, as the glasses are often completely encased, placing the packaging containing the glasses around the user's head prevents the user from getting a feel of what the glasses would be like to wear. Similarly, the fourth 30 embodiment is also has a disadvantage in that the storage case is not provided.

In the sixth and seventh embodiments described in later pages, a solution to the problem of providing storage space for the glasses storage case has been solved by enabling the packaging to have a dual use, namely to be reconfigurable into the

35

storage case itself. This dual purpose packaging minimises the amount of space required for the storage case and maximises the number of pairs of glasses that can be displayed per unit volume. However, such packaging places limitations on the type of materials which can be used for the storage case in that it needs to be made out of 5 translucent material which in use may scratch easily, and the shape of the storage case which clearly needs to meet the dual packaging/case functionality. The restrictions on the shape and manufacturing materials which can be used for the storage case can be considered to detract from the aesthetic appeal of the combination of the glasses themselves and the storage case.

10

Accordingly, the fifth embodiment addresses these concerns and provides a packaging for use in storing a pair of glasses (spectacles) so that they can be readily displayed for purchase and tried on by prospective purchasers prior to purchase without opening the packaging. The fifth embodiment allows the purchaser to feel the arms of the 15 glasses against his head as he would feel it when worn in normal use but also to provide a portion for retaining the storage case in a readily visible but non intrusive manner.

As can readily be seen in Figure 45, the packaging has two main transparent portions 20 403,405 linked by a back plane 407, the first 403 protecting the main viewing portion of the glasses 105 accessory (the lenses and the frame around them) and a second portion 405 for protecting the storage case 107. The second portion 405 is provided adjacent and above the first portion 405 when viewed in the correct wearing orientation. The position of the second portion 405 does not interfere in any way when 25 the potential purchaser tries on the glasses 105 prior to purchase.

The first portion 403 follows the approximate shape of the lenses and surrounding frame of a pair of glasses 105 and has apertures 409,411 formed in a rear face 413 thereof to enable the arms 121,123 of a pair of glasses to protrude through the rear 30 face 413. The second portion 405 of the packaging 401 is a rectangular shaped compartment which is mounted on a back plane 407. The back plane 407 is joined to the first portion 403 as is clearly seen in Figure 45 to form the novel packaging. The packaging is disposable and so is designed to be broken (in a controlled manner) at

36

the sales desk on purchase. This provides a tamper-evident packaging which is simple to manufacture and relative cheap due its simplicity of construction.

The positioning of the case relative to the glasses within the packaging 401 enables 5 the packaging to be stored in an efficient way on a racking system. In this case, the packaging displays both the front of the glasses and the storage box in a prominent way to the prospective purchaser. The packaging and glasses are held in the stand with the arms of the glasses (in a folded out condition) being retained in the recesses of the stand itself. A large number of glasses can therefore be displayed in this 10 apparently 'stacked' manner. Alternatively, the stand can be designed with recesses or projections for holding the packaging by its backplane, namely a lower edge of the backplane could rest on a pair of stand protrusions.

The first portion 403 is similar in many respects to the central region 355 of the fourth 15 embodiment described above in that it encapsulates the main part of the glasses for protection but is shaped at least at the bridge portion 129 of the glasses (see Figure 43) to enable the purchaser to actually try on the packaging to give an approximation as to the appearance of the glasses. Furthermore, the first portion 413 includes space for a security tag to be provided in a similar manner to that described in the fourth 20 embodiment. However, one major difference is that in the fifth embodiment there is no protection provided for the arms 121,123 of the glasses, such that the arms are foldable without requiring the breaking of or manipulation of any part of the packaging. This allows a better feel for the glasses on the wearer's head. In addition, the ability to fold the arms of the glasses enables the glasses, storage case and 25 packaging to be stored in a folded condition if required thereby minimising display space (the packaged glasses could be stacked on wall hangers for example).

The packaging 401 is manufactured in a similar manner to that described in the first embodiment and therefore it is considered that the skilled addressee will require no 30 further information than this other than the accompanying Figures which provide a guide.

Whilst not explicitly shown in the accompanying Figures illustrating this embodiment, the packaging 401 can also be arranged to have a special cut-out at the

37

bridge region of the spectacles 129 which allows the resting of the glasses bridge 129 or bridge pads on the wearer's nose thereby giving an even more realistic feel for how the glasses would feel when worn.

5 It is to be appreciated that the fifth embodiment can be combined with the construction of the fourth embodiment to achieve a new packaging not shown. In this case, the arms 121,123 of the glasses would be retained within portions of the packaging which would be hingedly connected to the first portion 403. This would provide further protection for the glasses as well as ensuring that the glasses, storage 10 case and packaging can still be stored in a folded condition if required thereby minimising display space. Furthermore, features from the first embodiment can also be incorporated into the fifth embodiment, for example the packaging can be either transparent or tinted in the surfaces or areas that do not enclose the glasses or the carrying case and the packaging can be manufactured in different materials as far as 15 the transparency/ translucency is guaranteed. In this case, the advantage of more protection comes at the price of less realistic impression for how the accessory would actually feel when worn by the purchaser and a slightly more complex packaging.

A sixth and a seventh embodiment of the present invention are now described with 20 reference to Figures 46 to 64. These embodiments are different from the previously described first to fifth embodiments in that the packaging is reconfigurable to act as a wearable packaging and also a carrying case for the accessory.

These two versions of the packaging (the sixth and seventh embodiments) are briefly 25 described hereinafter to illustrate this aspect of the present invention. Version one of the packaging allows the customer to feel and view the glasses on his nose and ears without any limitation since a special cut-out allows the insertion of the nose and the arms remain free. Version two allows the viewing of the glasses on the face with the glasses fully enclosed including the arms thereby providing fully encased protection 30 for the glasses. In both versions, the customer leaves with a sliding carrying case that can be put in the pocket or purse or just hung from a pocket or shirt since the arms are left exposed from the packaging (see for example Figure 47). This package allows the full protection of the sensitive part of the glasses leaving the arms out which reduces the size of the whole package to be carried by the customer.

38

More specifically, the sixth and seventh embodiments which are directed to glasses have the following key features.

5 The packaging encases at least the most sensitive part of a pair of glasses in a plastics material protective transparent pack. The whole packaging is designed for maximum transparency and to minimise reflection. The packaging includes a protection part which prevents the user from opening the carrying case whilst the glasses are on display. Removal of the protection part then frees up a sliding portion of the carrying 10 case so that the case can be opened by the user for removal/placement of the glasses from the case. The packaging thus becomes the carrying case once released from its protection part when paid for at the cashier.

The glasses inside the packaging can be placed over the eyes of a prospective 15 purchaser in a wearable position with the arms fully extended. In version two, there can be a degree of flexibility provided by the packaging which encases the arms of the glasses such that the arms can flex to accommodate different sized wearers' heads.

The packaging is designed so the glasses can be stored with the arms folded or 20 unfolded in version one, and only unfolded in version two. In version one, the glasses are actually fitted on the face so the user gets to touch and feel the glasses as they would be worn, and in version two the glasses are worn as close to the face as possible. In version one, an opening allows the customer to fit the actual glasses on his face without any limitation. In version two, an opening for the nose and flexible 25 arm covers are designed to fit around a customer's face.

The front part becomes a carrying case and the security unit (including the arms protections in the example of version 2) are left in the store for further use (they can even be recycled) when the protection part has been removed.

30

The lateral edges of the packaging allow easy handling of the packaging without any need to touch the central parts which house the glasses (i.e. to avoid fingerprints etc. from spoiling the appearance of the glasses). This lateral edge of the protection part

39

allows the user to slide the packaging in/out of a simple display rack and are designed to enclose a magnetic security tag on one side.

The packaging is designed so it can be stacked, on a free-standing basis, one on top of 5 the other - while not allowing any lateral movement (i.e. by locking together).

The whole packaging including carrying case and security part are an assembly of simple plastics material parts thereby minimising construction complexity and manufacturing cost.

10

The sixth and seventh embodiments are now described in more detail. The packaging shown is for use in storing a pair of glasses (spectacles) so that they can be readily displayed for purchase and tried on by prospective purchasers prior to purchase without opening the packaging. The sixth embodiment (version one) allows the 15 purchaser to feel the glasses on his face and head as he would feel it when worn in normal use. The way in which the packaging is stored in different types of simplified racks is also described.

Referring now to Figures 46 to 62, version one 451 of the packaging is shown. The 20 packaging 451 is comprised of five separate parts of injected and translucent plastics material which are assembled to enclose the glasses in-house without any special equipment. Two parts form a main curved cavity 453 which stores the lenses of the glasses. One of these two parts 455 is a slidable cover of the cavity and the other 457 forms the main part of the cavity itself (see Figure 48). A further part forms a 25 handling platform 459 which spans across the top edge of the front of the glasses 105 and extends beyond to provide handling protrusions 461 as well as the storage parts of the packaging 451 which enable the packaging 451 to be stored on the rack. The other two sealing parts 463,464 form the counter parts of the handling protrusions 461 which with the aid of fasteners 503,505,507,509 lock all five parts together as can be 30 clearly seen in Figures 50 to 55. A cut-out portion 465 is formed in the region of the bridge of the glasses and the arms of the glasses are not encased in the packaging.

The right hand side sealing part 464 and the handling protrusion 505 of the platform 459 host the security tag 467 as can clearly be seen in Figure 46. The advantage of

40

enclosing the security tag 467 between the handling platform 459 and the sealing portion 464 is that its removal becomes much more difficult without braking the packaging 451.

5 The provision of the handling platform 459 and the sealing parts 463,464 provide a barrier to prevent the slidable cover 455 of the main curved cavity 453 from opening. However, when released from the handling platform 459 and sealing parts 463,464 the slideable cover 455 is able to move freely to enable the glasses 105 to be removed/placed within the cavity 453 which becomes the carrying case (as can be

10 seen clearly in Figure 48).

The process of locating the sealing parts 463,464 and the handling platform 459 uses a sealing plate 501 shown in Figure 49. The process is illustrated in Figures 50 to 55.

15 Firstly studs 503,505 are placed in the recesses 507,509 formed in the sealing plate 501 and the handling platform is inverted and placed such that the heads of the studs 503,505 are located between the sealing plate 463,464 and the handling platform 459. The glasses case (portions defining the cavity 453), containing the glasses, is then inverted and placed over the handling platform 459 in the position shown in Figure

20 52. The sealing plates463,464 are then placed over the handling platform 459 with parts thereof extending into the case as shown in Figure 53. The sealing process is then completed by placing caps 511,513 over the ends of the studs 503,505 so as to retain the sealing parts 463,464 within the case, thus securing the glasses 105 within the case.

25

The process of removing the sealing parts 463,464 and the handling platform 459 uses a removal fixture 551 shown in Figure 56. The process is illustrated in Figures 57 to 59.

30 The case is located over the removal fixture 551 such that one of the stud caps 507 is located within the circular recess 553 formed in the top of the handling platform 459. The case is the twisted away from the handling platform 459, and as the stud cap 511 is held securely in the correspondingly-shaped recess 553 formed in the top of the removal fixture 551 the stud cap 511 pops out from its sealing position, thus removing

41

its respective sealing part also. The process may be repeated for the second stud cap 509 to complete the process, although it is possible to slide the case off from the handling platform 259 after removing one sealing part, as shown in Figure 59.

5 The packaging is completely transparent. However, it may be tinted or obscure in certain areas so long as it does not prevent the user from determining what the glasses will look like when worn. This enables different designs to be applied to the packaging for attracting the prospective purchaser. It is to be appreciated that the packaging can be manufactured in different materials as far as the transparency/ 10 translucency is guaranteed.

An injection method of manufacturing the packaging is used, as it is one of the most efficient ones. The five parts of the packaging are designed to be pre-moulded with simple linear straight movement that allows simplicity of manufacturing and therefore 15 lower cost. Then the plates are glued or otherwise bonded together

The seventh embodiment (shown in detail in Figure 63) is identical to the sixth embodiment in many aspects and so only the differences are described here. The major difference is that the arms 121,123 of the glasses are now encased within the 20 packaging 601 such that they are fully protected. Two further moulded parts 603,605 are required for this and they are detachably connected to the ends of the main curved cavity 453. These portions maintain the glasses in a wearable condition at all times until purchased. This means that racking has to be slightly deeper, but the viewer can get a better three-dimensional idea of what the glasses look like in a wearable 25 condition without having to touch the packaging.

The other difference is that there is no nose cavity provided such that the glasses do not actually touch the users nose. However, a nose recess 455 is provided so that the packaging is not uncomfortable to try on. Whilst this may mean that the user does not 30 get to feel what the glasses are like to wear as in the sixth embodiment, it does mean that the glasses when sold are absolutely new and cannot have been soiled in any way.

When the packaging and glasses are tried on, the arms 603,605 of the packaging 601 are designed to flex to accommodate slightly different size heads. When glasses are

42

purchased, then not only are the handling platform and the sealing parts removed, so are the arm portions 603,605 of the packaging. Thus the user is left with the same packaging acting as a carrying case with version two as he is with version one.

5 The packaging (packs) of both the sixth and the seventh embodiments described above can be stored in three ways. Firstly, they can be stacked on a free-standing basis one pack on top of the other. The unique design prevents any lateral movement i.e. by locking the packs together using the lateral handling outer parts. Secondly, they can be stored in a simple, linear and very flat wall rack. The final method of storage uses a 10 specially designed rack (similar to a CD rack) as shown in Figures 60 and 61 for version one and Figure 64 for version two.

The racks 651,653 enable the glasses to be stored flat surface upwards, allowing a 360 degree view of the glasses even if they are totally sealed. Here, the lateral edges of the 15 packaging (of the protruding portions and the sealing parts), which are approximately 80 mm deep, are used as runners (i.e. similar to those used in a chest of drawers). They are utilised, firstly, to correctly position the packaging in relation to the rack 651,653 and secondly, to slide the packaging freely in/out of the rack 651,653.

20 An interesting aspect of the display is that it uses simple off the shelf sliding racks and allows mirrors and advertisements to be displayed without loss of space and without the usual locked cabinets for the carrying cases.

Whether stacked, or placed in a rack, the customer can remove the packaging from a 25 display and fully inspect/quality check the contents, while never actually handling the sensitive parts of the items inside. This prevents these sensitive parts of the contents from becoming soiled or damaged due to repeated handling, and keeps them 'box fresh'. However, it also eliminates the need for in-store assistance - the packaging itself acts a theft deterrent.

30

The consumer can place the glasses, partially or fully encased in plastics material (version one 451 or version two 601), on their face.

43

The translucency of the plastics material and the shape and flexibility of the packaging enable the glasses to worn in a wearable position - and for the consumer's face to be clearly seen wearing the glasses in versions one and two. The special design in version one 451 allows the total feeling of the comfort as if the glasses were totally 5 out of protection, whereas the version two packaging 601 provides the glasses with total protection of the item at the slight expense of comfort.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 65 to 67, intended for use with, but not limited to, off-the-shelf reading 10 glasses.

The present eighth embodiment has several specific features and advantages which are described below.

15 The packaging is used as both a display package and a carry case. The front face and lenses are fully encapsulated, whereas the side-arms can either be inside the pack/case or outside.

When used with off-the shelf reading glasses, the magnification of the ready readers 20 can be achieved even when the glasses are enclosed within the pack/ case. When opened, the top arm that closes and locks the pack/case can be used as a "face a main" or as a "lorgnette" -an elongate glasses handle.

Depending on the requirements of the retail outlet the pack/case can be locked with a 25 magnetic security lock (removable by the cashier at the check-out desk) or displayed unlocked and openable.

The carry-case and glasses can be connected to a cord to hang around the neck or clip to hook into a pocket.

30

The front and back panels are typically clear and the top and bottom panels are preferably clear or tinted and can carry text or a label. To enhance the design of the item, one of the faces may be tinted to make the pack/case wearable in the sun.

44

The carry case can be displayed as is on a stand or included in a cardboard and blister pack or displayed stand alone on a shelf.

The general design can vary to suit the model type from a dimensional or 5 design/visual point of view. The size and dimension of the pack allows the design of a pack suitable for vending machines.

When used for ready readers (pre-prescribed reading glasses) a coloured tag on the pack/case will make reference to the lens strength which will also be shown on the 10 adj acent point of sale material.

A rigid case 701 is provided having a front wall 703 and an opposed rear wall 705 joined along three of their edges by a linking strip 707. A region of reduced width 709 is formed approximately mid-way along each of the opposed walls 703,705. A closure 15 strip 711 is pivotally mounted to one end of the case. The free end 712 of the closure strip 711 is provided with a borehole 713 therethrough, which aligns with corresponding boreholes 715,717 formed in the opposed walls 703,705 when the closure strip 711 is moved to lie along the top of the opposed walls, as shown in Figures 66 and 67. Vertical notches 719,721 are formed in the rear wall 705 20 proximate to the upstanding edges thereof.

In use, the closure strip 711 is moved open to enable a pair of glasses 105 to be placed inside the packaging 701 with the arms 121,123 thereof protruding through the notches 719,721 formed in the rear wall 705. The closure strip 711 is then moved to 25 lie along the top edges of the opposed walls 703,705 to close the packaging 701, and optionally a locking device (not shown) e.g. a self-locking cable tie (of the type which must be cut off to remove it) may be fed through the aligned bores formed in the opposed walls and the closure element to seal the packaging. It is to be appreciated that as the hinges of the glasses protrude through the notches 719,721, the arms 30 thereof may be opened or closed when the glasses are encased in the packaging.

The sensitive portions of the glasses are encased within the packaging and so the glasses may be handled and tried on by customers whilst the glasses are encased to

45

simultaneously provide an idea of the "look" of the glasses on the wearer with protection for the sensitive parts of the glasses.

This embodiment provides the added advantage that, once a customer has purchased 5 the glasses and any locking device has been removed, the purchaser may take the case along with the glasses and employ it is a light-weight carry case which will continue to protect the most sensitive parts of the glasses. Furthermore, as the arms of the glasses are free when encased, they may be carried by a user simply by inserting one of the free arms into a pocket, buttonhole or similar thus suspending the encased 10 glasses therefrom.

Having described some ways in which the present invention could be implemented, its implementation can be varied to protect and display other forms of personal accessories such as jewellery and watches. The benefits of the invention are 15 equally applicable to these items.

Having described several aspects of each of several different embodiments of the present invention it is to be appreciated that features form one embodiment can readily where appropriate be used in another embodiment. The skilled addressee is 20 very able to make modifications of this kind to arrive at new hybrid embodiments of the present invention. The above described embodiments are examples only and can be varied in accordance with the knowledge of the skilled addressee without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

25

30

46

Claims

1. A packaging for protecting a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, within a retail environment, the packaging comprising:

5 a protective portion encasing at least a substantial part of the accessory to protect the same from handling damage within the retail environment, the protective portion being translucent at least in part to enable viewing of a significant part of the accessory within the packaging;

wherein the packaging is arranged to retain the accessory in a user-wearable 10 configuration and to enable the packaging to be worn by an individual such that at least an approximation can be obtained of the accessory's appearance when worn.

2. A packaging according to Claim 1, wherein the packaging is made of substantially rigid material.

15

3. A packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging is made of a flexible material which permits wearing of the packaging by slightly different sized individuals.

20

4. A packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging is formed of a plurality of moulded sections sealed together.

5. A packaging according to Claim 4, wherein at least one of the moulded sections comprises a substantially flat section and at least one of the other moulded

25 sections comprises a section contoured to the shape of the accessory.

6. A packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the protective portion is arranged to package and protect a pair of spectacles and comprises a main part for protecting lenses of the pair of spectacles and two elongate parts for protecting arms

30 of the pair of spectacles.

7. A packaging according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the protective portion is arranged to package and protect a main lenses retaining part of a pair of spectacles

47

and comprises two apertures enabling arms of the pair of spectacles to be outside of the packaging.

8. A packaging according to any preceding claim wherein the protective portion 5 is arranged to approximate the shape of the personal accessory in its wearable condition which it is arranged to store.

9. A packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging is reconfigurable and further comprises reconfiguration means for reconfiguring the

10 packaging between a wearing position where the packaging can be worn by the individual and a storage position where the packaging can be stored for display.

10. A packaging according to Claim 9, wherein the packaging comprises a plastics material and the reconfiguration means comprises one or more integral plastics

15 hinges.

11. A packaging according to Claims 9 or 10, wherein the packaging is arranged to be worn on or about the face of the individual and the packaging further comprises a surround portion which is arranged to frame the individual's face when the

20 packaging is in the wearing position.

12. A packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging comprises a completely translucent material such that substantially no part of the packaged accessory is obscured from the individual's view.

25

13. A packaging according to any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining portion for retaining a storage container for the accessory.

14. A packaging according to Claim 13, wherein the retaining portion is provided 30 in a spaced apart location from the protective portion such that the storage container does not interfere with the wearing of the packaging and the appearance of the accessory when the packaging is worn.

48

15. A packaging according to Claim 13, wherein the retaining portion is provided adjacent the protective portion.

16. A packaging according to any of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the retaining 5 portion comprises a substantially translucent material such that the storage case can be viewed by the individual without opening the packaging.

17. A packaging according to any preceding claims wherein the protective portion comprises a cut-out portion in a position where the accessory contacts the individual's

10 body when worn.

18. A packaging according to any preceding claim, further comprising a security portion, for retaining a security device within the packaging.

15

19. A combination of a packaging according to Claim 18 and a security device, the packaging being arranged to enable the security device to be deactivated in use.

20. A packaging according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, further comprising cooperating means for enabling the packaging to co-operate with a simple storage

20 display for storage therein.

21. A packaging according to Claim 20, wherein the co-operating means comprises a pair of spaced-apart lateral running formations provided at the edges of the packaging.

25

22. A combination of a storage display and a plurality of accessory packagings, each of the plurality of packagings comprising a packaging of Claim 21, wherein the storage display comprises a plurality of recesses for storing the plurality of accessory packagings, each recess comprising a pair of elongate side supports extending into the

30 recess for co-operating with and supporting the pair of lateral running formations of each packaging.

23. A combination of a storage display and a plurality of accessory packagings, each of the plurality of packagings comprising a packaging of Claim 20 or 21,

49

wherein the storage display is arranged to house partially each of the plurality of the packagings with each protective portion of a packaging housing an accessory being substantially visible outside the storage display.

5

24. A combination of a first packaging and a second packaging, each of the packagings comprising a packaging according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, 20 and 21, wherein the first packaging further comprises a first outer connection portion and the second packaging comprises a second outer connection portion, the first outer connection portion being arranged to co-operate with the second outer connection 10 portion to interlock the first and second packagings when positioned together.

25. A method of packaging a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, the method comprising:

providing a first substantially flat base portion of a packaging; 15 positioning the accessory on the base portion in a user-wearable configuration;

covering the accessory with a second portion of the packaging, the second portion being contoured to the shape of the accessory in the user-wearable configuration and being translucent at least in part to enable viewing of a significant part of the accessory within the packaging; and 20 sealing the first and second portions of the packaging together; wherein the resultant packaging is arranged such that the combination of the first and second portions provide a user-wearable packaging which can be worn by an individual such that at least an approximation can be obtained of the accessory's appearance when worn.

25

26. A packaging for protecting a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, the packaging comprising:

a chamber encasing a significant part of the accessory to protect that part from damage, the chamber being at least partially translucent to enable viewing of the 30 significant part of the accessory within the packaging;

the packaging being arranged to be reconfigurable from a retail storage configuration, in which the accessory is substantially prevented from being removed from the chamber, to a personal storage configuration, in which the accessory is

50

readily removable from and returnable to the chamber, the personal storage configuration thereby providing a temporary storage for the accessory after purchase.

27. A packaging according to Claim 26, wherein the chamber comprises a 5 movable portion which is arranged, when the packaging is in the personal storage configuration, to be movable between an opened position in which the chamber is open and the accessory is accessible and a closed position where the chamber is closed and the accessory is securely retained.

10

28. A packaging according to Claim 27, wherein the moveable portion comprises a wall of the chamber.

29. A packaging according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the movable portion is slideable between the open and closed positions.

15

30. A packaging according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the movable portion is hingedly moveable between the open and closed positions.

31. A packaging according to any of Claims 27 to 30, wherein the movable 20 portion comprises a locking feature for accommodating a locking means for locking the moveable portion in the closed position.

32. A packaging according to Claim 31, wherein the locking means comprises a magnetic lock.

25

33. A packaging according to Claim 31 or 32, wherein the locking feature is arranged to accommodate a cord to enable the packaging to be worn by use of the cord.

30

34. A packaging according to Claim 33, wherein the locking feature comprises a hole running through a part of the movable portion and a non-movable part of the chamber.

51

35. A packaging according to any of Claims 27 to 34, wherein the movable portion when moved into the open position, is arranged to act as a handle for the user to support the packaging.

5

36. A packaging according to any of Claims 27 to 35, further comprising a security portion arranged in use to co-operate with the movable portion to retain the packaging in the retail storage configuration prior to purchase, and to be disengageable from the moveable portion to enable reconfiguration of the packaging to the personal storage configuration.

10

37. A packaging according to Claim 36, wherein the security portion comprises a fastening means for retaining the security portion in co-operation with the movable portion.

15

38. A packaging according to Claim 36 or 37, wherein the security portion is arranged to be readily removable from the packaging by use of a simple clamping action when the packaging is to be reconfigured to the personal storage configuration.

39. A packaging according to Claim 38 as dependent on Claim 37, wherein the 20 fastening means is arranged to be removable by use of the simple clamping action.

40. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 39, wherein the chamber comprises a toughened plastics material.

25

41. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 40, wherein the packaging comprises a plastics material including a plurality of weakened portions to enable sections of the packaging to be broken off such that the packaging can be reconfigured from the retail storage configuration to the personal storage configuration.

30

42. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 41, wherein the packaging is arranged, in the retail storage configuration, to encase the accessory completely.

52

43. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 42, wherein the packaging is arranged, in the retail storage configuration, to encase the accessory partially to enable at least a portion of the accessory, such as arms of a pair of spectacles, to be readily accessible by an individual.

5

44. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 43, wherein the packaging is arranged to be worn by an individual prior to purchase of the accessory, allowing an approximation of the accessory's appearance when worn to be obtained.

10

45. A packaging according to Claim 44, wherein the chamber comprises an opening enabling access to a contact portion of the significant part of the accessory, such that the contact portion can be fitted against the individual's body when the packaging is worn.

15

46. A packaging according to Claims 44 or 45, wherein the packaging comprises one or more fitted portions arranged to closely fit the accessory being packaged in use.

47. A packaging according to Claim 46, wherein the one or more fitted portions 20 are located in the packaging where a good fit against the individual's body is required to assess the approximate appearance of the accessory, such as at a nose bridge of a pair of spectacles.

48. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 47, wherein the packaging 25 comprises a completely translucent material such that substantially no part of the packaged accessory is obscured from view.

49. A combination of a first packaging and a second packaging, each of the packagings comprising a packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 48, wherein the

30 first packaging further comprises a first outer connection portion and the second packaging comprises a second outer connection portion, the first outer connection portion being arranged to co-operate with the second outer connection portion to interlock the first and second packagings when positioned together.

53

50. A packaging according to any of Claims 26 to 48, wherein the packaging further comprises a housing for retaining a security device within the packaging.

51. A combination of a packaging according to Claim 50 and a security device, 5 wherein the packaging is arranged to enable the security device to be deactivated in use.

52. A packaging according to any one of Claims 26 to 48 or 50, wherein the packaging further comprises co-operating means for enabling the packaging to co-

10 operate with a simple storage display for storage therein.

53. A packaging according to Claim 52, wherein the co-operating means comprises a pair of spaced-apart lateral running formations provided at edges of the packaging.

15

54. A packaging according to Claim 52 as dependent on Claim 30, wherein the movable portion comprises the co-operating means.

55. A combination of a storage display and a plurality of accessory packagings, 20 each of the plurality of packagings comprising a packaging according to Claim 53,

wherein the storage display comprises a plurality of recesses for storing the plurality of accessory packagings, each recess comprising a pair of elongate side supports extending into the recess for co-operating with and supporting the pair of lateral running formations of each packaging.

25

56. A method of packaging a personal accessory, such as a pair of spectacles, the method comprising:

providing a base portion of a packaging;

encasing a significant part of the accessory in an at least partially translucent 30 chamber of the packaging, thereby protecting the significant part from damage and enabling it to be viewed within the packaging;

securing the base portion and the chamber together with securing means to arrange the packaging into a retail storage configuration, wherein the securing means substantially prevents the accessory from being removed from the chamber; and

54

releasing the securing means to reconfigure the packaging to a personal storage configuration, in which the accessory is readily removable from and returnable to the chamber, the personal storage configuration thereby providing a temporary storage for the accessory after purchase.

5

57. A packaging according to any of Claims 1 to 21, comprising a plurality of foldable sections, the packaging being reconfigurable between a storage position in which the packaging is folded and a display position where the packaging is unfolded.

10

58. A packaging according to Claim 57, further comprising retaining means for retain the sections in the storage position when moved from the display position.

59. A packaging according to Claim 58, wherein the retaining means comprise at least one latch.

15

60. A packaging according to Claim 59, wherein the at least one latch comprises integral interlocking formations within the packaging.

61. A packaging according to any of Claims 58 to 60, wherein the retaining means 20 includes a retaining clip.

62. A packaging according to any of Claims 57 to 61, wherein packaging comprises at least three foldable sections which are arranged to enable the packaging to form a box-like structure when folded into the storage position.

25

63. A packaging, combination or method substantially as described herein with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

30

55