GB2441019A

GB2441019A - A packaging insert for securing items within a larger carton

Info

Publication number: GB2441019A
Application number: GB0708794A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dominic Bryant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-08
Filing date: 2007-05-08
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: GB0708794D0; WO2008135769A1

Abstract

A packaging insert 2 comprises at least one cavity within which an item may be retained. The cavity comprises a plurality of projections extending into the cavity against which an item disposed in the cavity will rest. The plurality of projections comprises a first projection 6 extending a first distance into the cavity and a second projection 10 extending a second distance into the cavity, the first distance being greater than the second distance, whereby a first item having a dimension may be retained by contact with the first projection 6, and a second item having a dimension greater than the dimension of the first item, may be retained by contact with the second projection 10. Preferably the first 6 and second projections 10 are disposed adjacent one another in a stepped arrangement. The insert 2 may further comprise a third projection 14 extending a third distance into the cavity, the third distance being less than the second distance. Preferably the packaging insert 2 is put to packaging mobile phones or other electronic appliances.

Description

UNIVERSAL PACKAGING INSERT

The present invention relates generally to packaging inserts adapted for use with items so as to maintain them within a larger outer carton. The invention is particularly concerned with the packaging of electronic devices, principally cellular telephones and accessories.

The use of portable hand-held electronic devices, in particular cellular telephones and personal digital assistants, has increased rapidly in recent years resulting in sharp increases in sales of such items. Current packaging available for such items is generally not sufficient to protect them from damage during transportation, and is also not suitable to accommodate the immense range of devices, differing substantially in size and shape, firmly within the outer packaging to prevent it from damage whilst it is being transported. Devices such as those described above are currently packaged in larger outer cartons with different sized inserts needed for different devices.

This can prove very costly and complicated given the vast array of different products available.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved packaging insert that will accommodate a large range of items, such as hand-held electronic devices and cellular telephones of varying size and shape within larger external cartons. The insert also needs to be cost effective and simple to manufacture. * * * 0**

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a * packaging insert for securing items within a larger carton, the packaging insert .: comprising at least one cavity within which an item may be retained, the cavity comprising a plurality of projections extending into the cavity against which an *:*::* item disposed in the cavity will rest, the plurality of projections comprising a first projection extending a first distance into the cavity and a second projection extending a second distance into the cavity, the first distance being greater than the second distance, whereby a first item having a dimension may be retained by contact with the first projection and a second item having a dimension, greater than the dimension of the first item, may be retained by contact with the second projection.

The packaging insert of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it allows a single insert to be used with a range of items of differing sizes, while still allowing each item to be securely retained. This reduces the number of different inserts required to package a range of items, in turn reducing the overall cost and wastage of insert materials.

The insert of the present invention comprises first and second projections. The projections are positioned and sized such that a first item having a first dimension of one size is retained by contact with the first projection. A second item having a first dimension of a greater size than that of the first item is retained by the second projection. The term dimension' is a reference to any dimension of the items to be packaged, such as the length, breadth or depth of the item.

For example, the first item may have a length that is less than the second item. In the insert of the present invention, the first item is retained by having the item lengthwise extending in contact with the first projection. A second item having a length that is greater than the length of the first item is retained in the insert lengthwise extending in contact with the second projection. Alternatively, the second item may have a width that is greater * than the length of the first item and the second item is retained by widthwise contact with the second projection. S.

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The first and second projections may be disposed in any suitable * S. : 30 position within the cavity in the insert. The first and second projections of the packaging insert are preferably disposed adjacent to one another. In such a case, both the first and second items will be oriented in the same manner within the insert, for example both oriented lengthwise or widthwise when retained in the insert cavity.

In a particularly preferred arrangement, the first and second projections are arranged adjacent one another in a stepped arrangement.

The second projection is preferably disposed below the first projection.

That is, when the insert is in normal use, such as when being packed or to unpacked, the first projection is below or beneath the second projection.

In one embodiment, the packaging insert preferably comprises a third projection, extending a third distance into the cavity. The third distance is preferably less than the second distance, that is the distance the second projection extends into the cavity. The third projection allows a third item, having a dimension greater than that of the dimension of the second item, to be retained by means of contact with the third projection.

The third projection may be disposed at any suitable position in the insert. In one preferred arrangement, the second projection is disposed adjacent and between the first and third projections. The first, second and third projections are most preferably in a stepped arrangement, especially an arrangement in which the first projection is lowest and the third projection highest, with the insert in normal use. *I..

The insert may comprise further projections that may be arranged as described hereinbefore in relation to the first, second and third projections. I..

* Some or all of the first, second and, if present, third projections are preferably each one of a corresponding pair of opposing projections. The item * S..

to be retained in the insert is thus preferably retained between and in contact with a pair of the opposing projections.

In particular, the first projection is preferably one of a pair of first opposing projections. The second projection is also preferably one of a pair of second opposing projections. The first and second opposing projections are preferably arranged so as to retain the first and second items respectively in the same orientation in the insert. Most preferably, each one of the pair of first opposing projections is disposed adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of second opposing projections. The opposing projections are most preferably in a stepped arrangement, such that the insert comprises opposing sets of stepped projections, each set comprising two projections.

The packaging insert preferably comprises a third projection that is one of a pair of third opposing projections. The first, second and third pairs of opposing projections are preferably arranged to retain the dimension of a first item, a second item or a third item respectively. Each of the pair of second projections is preferably adjacent and between a corresponding first and third projection. The opposing first, second and third projections are preferably in a stepped arrangement, such that the insert comprises opposing sets of stepped projections, each set comprising three projections.

In one preferred embodiment, the first and second projections are arranged such that a second item retained by contact with the second projection is supported by the first projection. The packaging insert of this embodiment preferably further comprises a third projection. The second and * ** third projections are preferably arranged such that a third item retained by contact with the third projection is supported by the second projection. *** *

The insert may be adapted to retain a single item, in contact with the relevant projection according to its size, as hereinbefore described. However, in one embodiment, the packaging insert preferably comprises a further one or more members for supporting a further item, in particular such that the further item overlies, at least in part, an item retained by the first, second or, if present, third projection. By having the items overlie one and another, the most efficient use of the space within the insert may be made.

The packaging insert of the present invention may be prepared or constructed in any suitable manner using any suitable technique known in the art. The packaging insert as hereinbefore described is preferably moulded using techniques known to a person skilled in the art, such as vacuum forming. The insert is preferably manufactured from plastic, most preferably one that is transparent. Suitable plastics materials will be known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the insert may be moulded from cardboard or paper. The cardboard or paper is preferably recycled. Suitable moulding techniques will again be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The packaging insert is preferably of a suitable design so as to allow the insert to be stacked vertically with other inserts of the same design. This is advantageous and will reduce the space required to store the inserts before they are used. For example, the inserts may be formed with the cavity having one or more tapered side walls, such that the major portion of one insert will fit within a similar insert, in known manner. * S * S5*

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is * *, provided a packaging insert comprising a cavity therein for retaining an item, the insert further comprising a first stepped member within the cavity, the first S..

* stepped member having a plurality of steps formed therein, whereby a first item of a first size is supported on a first step of the first stepped member and

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a second item of a second size is supported on a second step of the first stepped member.

The packaging insert preferabLy comprises a second stepped member extending into the cavity in a position opposing the first stepped member, the second stepped member having a plurality of steps formed therein, at some of which correspond to the plurality of steps in the first stepped member.

The first stepped member preferably comprises two steps.

Alternatively, the stepped member may comprise three or more steps, as required.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a three dimensional view showing the inside of the packaging insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a plan view of the packaging insert of Figure 2.

.. 25 Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the packaging insert of the present invention, generally indicated as 2. The * *. packaging insert 2 comprises an outer shell 4, having a generally rectangular *. S S.. I. . . . . . * configuration, with tapered side walls and a floor defining an open cavity. The S..

insert 2 has a first projection 6 extending into the cavity from one side wall. A first opposing projection 8 extends upwards into the cavity from the floor. A second projection 10 extends into the cavity from the one side wall adjacent the first projection 6. A corresponding, opposing second projection 12 extends into the cavity from the floor of the insert adjacent the first opposing projection 8. A third projection 14 extends into the cavity from the one side wall adjacent the second projection 10. A corresponding opposing third projection 16 extends into the cavity from the floor of the insert adjacent the second opposing projection 12.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the projections are of a size that a first space is defined between the opposing first projections 6 and 8, a second 0 space, larger than the first space, is defined between the opposing second projections 10 and 12, and a third space, larger than the second space, is defined between the opposing third projections 14 and 16. In this way, the cavity of the insert 2 can be viewed as having a pair of opposing stepped projections.

The shell 4 of the insert 2 and the projections may be formed of any suitable material, with a plastic material or a recycled paper or cardboard being preferred. The insert 2 may be conveniently formed by any of the techniques described above. The insert shown in Figure i is particularly suited to being moulded from plastic, paper or cardboard.

In use, an item, such as a mobile phone or other similar electronic device may be placed between any pair of opposing projections, depending upon its size, ensuring it is held securely for transportation. It will be noted ... 25 that an item placed between the opposing projections 10 and 12 will be s..

retained by contact with these projections, but will also be supported by the * *. underlying projections 6 and 8. Similarly, an item of larger size fitted between the opposing projections 14 and 16 will be retained by contact with these * projections, but will be supported by the underlying projections 10 and 12. * *.

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Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a three dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the packaging insert generally indicated as 2. The insert is shown in plan view in Figure 3. The packaging insert 2 comprises an outer shell 4. The insert comprises first, second and third projections 6, 10 and 14, as described above and shown in Figure 1. The corresponding opposing first, second and third projections 8, 12 and 16 respectively, are also visible. The projections 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 function to retain an item as described above.

rn The insert further comprises inner wall members 18, 20 and 22, which serve to divide the interior of the insert into additional separate cavities 24, 26 and 28. Items may be placed in these cavities 24, 26 and 28, according to their size. In addition, The inner wall members 18, 20 and 22 comprise stepped or cut-out portions, allowing one or more items to be laid so as to bridge one or more of these members and be supported and retained within the insert. It will be appreciated that larger items may be retained within and supported by the insert so as to overlie an item retained between the projections 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16. Smaller items, such as sim and data cards and the like, can then be placed inside the cavity 24 formed by the inner wall member 22. Further, the chambers 26 and 28 are suitable for holding accessories, such as chargers and the like.

The insert of the present invention has been found to be particularly suitable for the packaging of electrical items, in particular mobile or cellular .. 25 telephones, personal organisers, and the like, together with their accessories.

This is particularly the case, as such items are provided in a range of sizes * ** and shapes by different manufacturers, while having the same or similar :.: requirements in terms of packaging and the range of accessories that S..

* generally accompanying the item when sold. * S. * . S * S. S..

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It is to be understood that the insert of the present invention is not limited to such products and may be used to package a wide range of other items, and their accessories and the scope of the present invention is to be construed accordingly. I. * S * *** S... * S *5SS * .* S. * S.. * * S. * * . S 55 S..

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A packaging insert for securing items within a larger carton, the packaging insert comprising at least one cavity within which an item S may be retained, the cavity comprising a plurality of projections extending into the cavity against which an item disposed in the cavity will rest, the plurality of projections comprising a first projection extending a first distance into the cavity and a second projection extending a second distance into the cavity, the first distance being 0 greater than the second distance, whereby a first item having a dimension may be retained by contact with the first projection and a second item having a dimension, greater than the dimension of the first item, may be retained by contact with the second projection.

2. A packaging insert according to claim 1, wherein the first and second projections are disposed adjacent one another.

3. A packaging insert according to claim 2, wherein the first and second projections are in a stepped arrangement.

4. A packaging insert according to claim 3, wherein the first projection is disposed below the second projection. * * * ***

5. A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the insert comprises a third projection extending a third distance into the cavity, the third distance being less than second distance, wherein a third item * having a first dimension greater than the dimension of the second item *:*::* may be retained by contact with the third projection. S..

6. A packaging insert according to claim 5, wherein the second projection is disposed adjacent and between the first and third projections 7. A packaging insert according to claim 6, wherein the first, second and third projections are in a stepped arrangement 8. A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the first projection is one of a pair of opposing projections, the dimension of the first item being such that the first item may be retained between the pair of opposing projections.

9. A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the second projection is one of a pair of opposing projections, the dimension of the second item being such that the second item may be retained between the pair of opposing projections.

1O.A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third projection, the third projection being one of a pair of opposing projections, the dimension of a third item being such that the third item may be retained between the pair of opposing projections.

11. A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the first projection is one of a pair of first opposing projections, the second projection is one of a pair of second opposing projections, the first and second opposing projections being arranged to retain the dimension of the first and second items respectively.

12.A packaging insert according to claim 11, wherein each of the pair of first opposing projections is disposed adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of second opposing projections. a..

13.A packaging insert according to claim 12, wherein the adjacent first and second opposing projections are in a stepped arrangement.

14.A packaging insert according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the inset further comprises a third projection, the third projection being one of a pair of third opposing projections, the first, second and third pairs of opposing projections being arranged to the dimension of a first item, a second item or a third item respectively.

15.A packaging insert according to claim 14, wherein each of the pair of second projections is adjacent and between a corresponding first and third projection.

16.A packaging insert according to claim 15, wherein the adjacent first, second and third projections are in stepped arrangement.

17.A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second projections are arranged such that a second item retained by contact with the second projection is supported by the first projection.

18.A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third projection, the second and third projections being arranged such that a third item retained by contact with the third projection is supported by the second projection. * * **.*

* 25 19.A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, further :.: comprising one or more members for supporting a further item, such that the further item overlies, at least in part, an item retained by the first, second, or, if present, the third projection.

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20.A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the insert is moulded.

21.A packaging insert according to claim 20, wherein the insert is moulded from plastic.

22.A packaging insert according to claim 21, wherein the insert is transparent.

23.A packaging insert according to claim 20, wherein the insert is moulded from cardboard or paper.

24.A packaging insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the insert may be stacked vertically within other inserts of the same design.

25.A packaging insert comprising a cavity therein for retaining an item, the insert further comprising a first stepped member within the cavity, the first stepped member having a plurality of steps formed therein, whereby a first item of a first size is supported on a first step of the first stepped member and a second item of a second size is supported on a second step of the first stepped member.

26.The packaging insert according to claim 25, wherein the insert comprises a second stepped member extending into the cavity in a position opposing the first stepped member, the second stepped member having a plurality of steps formed therein with at least some of the steps corresponding to the plurality of steps in the first stepped member.

27.The packaging insert according to either of claims 25 or 26, wherein the first stepped member comprises two steps.

28.The packaging insert according to any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first stepped member comprises three steps.

29.A packaging insert substantially as hereinbefore described, having s reference to any of Figures 1, 2 or 3. * S... * S. * S S *1* S

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