Upright Standing Package

Abstract

A package (100), formed from a shell (102) and a card (104), includes features for maintaining the package (100) in an upright position. The shell (102) and the card (104) are assembled such that a foot (106) extends from a portion of the package (100) relative to an edge (105) of the card (104) such that the foot (106) and the edge (105) cooperate to provide a base for the package (100).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 60 / 705,514, filed Aug. 4, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to packaging and, more specifically, to a package which stands upright. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] One type of package that is in common use today is the clamshell package. Clamshell packages are desirable because, amongst other reasons, they are made of a clear material that makes their contents easy to view, they are made of tough plastic material that provides a high degree of security, and they have the ability to stand upright. The ability to stand upright is a feature that is useful in stocking and displaying items in a store or warehouse. [0004] A clamshell package is typically enabled to stand in one of two ways. First, one or both sections of the clamshell package may be designed to include a base structure near the hinged connection betwe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a package which includes a shell for containing an object, which is secured to a card having an edge. The shell includes a main body for securing and containing the object, a planar flange surrounding the object, and a foot that extends from the flange. The shell is secured to the card such that the foot of the shell extends relative to the edge of the card so as to cooperate to provide a base to support the package in an upright position. Thereby, the object in the shell is viewable and the card can be formed of a relatively inexpensive material to reduce the cost of the package. In addition the card can be formed of a material that is easily printed upon to further reduce the necessary size of the shell.

Problems solved by technology

These materials are useful for security and display purposes but are relatively expensive.

A further disadvantage of the known designs for enabling a package to stand upright is that additional material is incorporated into the package to form the base structure, thereby increasing the cost of the package.

In addition, it is difficult or expensive to print upon plastic materials.

The size of the clamshell package must be increased to accommodate the printed paperboard, which results in further expense.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

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