Thermoformed selectively accessed multi-chambered packaging

Details Thermoformed selectively accessed multi-chambered packaging Thermoformed selectively accessed multi-chambered packaging

1999-06-25

2001-06-19

Sewell, Paul T. (Department: 3728)

Special receptacle or package

For a vehicle

C206S467000, C220S524000, C220S557000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06247590

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to storage and display of multiple categories of items in low cost packaging, and more specifically to low cost packaging made of thermoformed plastics having selectively and independently opening and closing doors to access multiple categories of items in separate chambers within the packaging.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Plastic packaging is ubiquitous. All types of plastics forming techniques are used to create plastic packaging including blow-mold, rotational mold and thermoforming. Each of these techniques has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, more expensive injection and blow molding techniques have been used to create sturdy storage box style packaging while less expensive thermoforming has been used traditionally with single use blister style packaging for smaller, less expensive goods. However, a class of less expensive goods exists where innovative packaging could provide a significant competitive advantage. This class can generally be described as including groups of similar or complementary, inexpensive and small items sold as a single unit. These items include hardware, (e.g., screws, nails, wall-banging kits and nuts and bolts kits), craft items (e.g., beads, wire, pipe cleaners and sequins), automotive items (e.g., wiper blade and required hardware) and self-assembly items (e.g., toys and furniture).
For example, many items, such as flat packaged furniture, require customer assembly using small hardware items including screws, bolts, washers, nails, and wood pegs. These items are normally sealed in the same small plastic bag. The first challenge for the consumer is to identify the different parts. Next, the consumer must separate and organize these parts and insure each necessary piece is present. Finally, the consumer can assemble the item, while constantly being mindful not to disrupt the piles of organized hardware during assembly. Inexpensive, easy to produce multi-chamber packaging having selectively accessed chambers is desirable to consumers when purchasing sets of inexpensive goods sold as a single unit. A multi-chamber design eliminates sorting while selective accessibility to each chamber prevents jarring of the container from mixing the goods. Although these results are desirable, known methods of creating multi-chambered and selectively accessible packaging from more expensive plastic fabricating methods are not sufficiently cost effective for the packaging of inexpensive goods.
Consumers desire packaging for this class of goods that allows separation of the goods by type and that allows selective and independent access to each type of good. Consumers also desire packaging that can effectively store such goods as many times these goods are sold in bulk and intended for use over time or the goods include extra items that need to be stored after initial use, or the items can be misplaced during use if not organized. Such packaging could potentially sway a consumer between two competing brands, or raise the price threshold that a consumer is willing to pay.
Packaging intended to address many of these features has been produced using more expensive plastic forming methods. These expensive packaging solutions are as impractical for this class of inexpensive items. Some thermoforming solutions have been proposed, but each lacks feature(s) important to consumers. For instance, a single lid can be thermoformed to cover more than one chamber of a multi-chamber package. This solution provides packaging made using the less expensive thermoforming technique that can be used for storage after purchase. However, the lack of selective and independent access to each chamber is not provided. If a package is disrupted while a cover is open, all pieces of the package are at risk of falling out of their respective chambers, or of accidentally mixing with the items of other chambers making this solution unsatisfactory.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide inexpensive, easy to produce packaging, such as through thermoforming plastic having multiple chambers that can be selectively accessed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is packaging having a plurality of chambers with each chamber selectively and independently covered by at least one flap. The packaging includes a base made of thermoformed plastic having a bottom, walls extending upward from the bottom and an opening. The packaging also includes a cover made of thermoformed plastic configured to cover at least a portion of the opening. The cover includes a plurality of flaps each covering a portion of the opening. One edge of each flap is defined by a hinge in the cover. At least one portion of the cover is connected to the base. The base and cover when connected define a plurality of chambers. Each flap is configured to provide access to a chamber independently of the other flaps, making each chamber selectively and independently accessible.
An object of the invention is to provide multi-chamber packaging made of thermoformed plastic where each chamber can be selectively and independently opened.
A further object of the invention is to provide multi-chamber packaging made of thermoplastic in a variety of shapes and sizes where each chamber can be selectively and independently opened.


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