Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE
IMPROVED PACKAGE STRUCTURE FOR SPARK PLUGS
~ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
l. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates in general to containers
for goods and in particular to an improved package
structure for spark plugs.
The packaging industry is continually developing new
structures for containing and displaying various goods.
Such package structures must meet several basic
requirements. First, they must be strong enough that the
goods are contained reliably therein during normal
handling. Second, they must be relatively inexpensive so
as not to increase the overall price of the goods by an
undesirable amount. Third, they should preferably be
formed in a shape in which the goods can be contained
efficiently and which allows for convenient stacking, both
for shipment and display. Fourth, they should be
aesthetically pleasing to promote the sale of the enclosed
goods. Finally, they should facilitate the graphic display
of the goods. All of the above requirements must furthex
take into account the size, shape, and weight of the
enclosed goods.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
Spark plugs have long posed unique problems to the
packaging industry, mainly because of their irregular shape
and relatively high density. As a result, spark plugs are
typically shipped and displayed in one o~ two well known
types of package structures. One type of package structure
involves the use of an individual cardboard carton for each
spark plug. A plurality of such individual spark plug
cartons are typically packed within a single larger
cardboard carton which then constitutes a package
containing the number of spark plugs to be sold as an
individual unit. Such cardboard carton packages are
relatively inexpensive to manufacture and are easy to pack
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for shipping, but suffer in several other respects. First,
~he cardboard cartons are inefficient containers because
the spark~plug in each occupies only a small fraction of
the carton and, as a consequence, is free to move therein
and is subject to damage, change of the pre-set gap, or
both. Further, the large volume of the carton, compared to
that of the spark plug, wastes shipping and display space.
Second, although such cardboard cartons are relatively
inexpensive to fabricate, there is undesirable duplication
0 because several of the cartons for the individual spark
plugs are themselves contained in a larger carton for
shipping and display. Lastly, such cardboard cartons are
opaque and, therefore, must be opened for the spark plugs
inside to be visible.
The other type of commonly used packaging for spark
plugs is usually referred to as a blister card. The
blister card consists of a relatively stiff piece of
cardboard with one to eight spark plugs, usually four, six
or eight, supported relative thereto by a "blister". The
ZO blister is clear plastic thermoform~d to a desired shape,
and heat sealed to the cardboard with the spark plug or
spark plugs inside. If the card contains two or more spark
plugs, the cardboaxd is usually folded over on itself to
form two parallel cardboard layers, and there are apertures
through at least one of the cardboard layers; a spark plug
is received in each of the apertures, and the spark plugs
are suppor~ed relative to the cardboard by a relatively
thick transparent plastic material which is thermoformed to
hold each plug and heat sealed to the cardboard. The
blister card is a desirable package because the spark plugs
can be seen without opening the container. However,
blister cards cannot be stacked for shipping or display,
and cannot stand on display shelves. Also, the cardboard of
blister cards must be large enough ~or the required hea~
sealing, and must extend between the apertures of packages
for two or more spark plugs. As a consequence, it must be
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considerably larger than the length and diameter of -the plug or
plugs it contains. An improved package structure for shipping and
displaying spark plugs which does not suffer from the drawbacks
mentioned above would, therefore, be desirable.
The present invention provides a package structure
comprising: a lid of a flexible material which is relatively
resistant to elongation and compression, the lid having a central,
substantially planar lid panel, a lid channel, and a lid wall
connecting the lid channel to the lid panel, the wall extending
downwardly from the lid panel to the lid channel each of the lid
channel, and the wall extending completely about the periphery of
the lid panel; a base of a flexible material which is relatively
resistant to elongation and compression, the base having a
generally flat base panel, a base channel, and a base wall
connecting the base channel to the base panel, each of the base
wall and the base channel extending completely about the periphery
of the base panel, the lid and the base being movable relative to
one another between an open position and a closed position, one
of the channels being releasably received within the other when
the lid and the base are in a closed position, and a base insert
positioned adjacent the base panel and extending into close
proximity with opposed portions of the base wall, the base insert
being operable to strengthen the base against flexing.
The lid may additionally include a flat, outwardly-
extending lid flange and a second lid wall connecting the lid
flange and the lid channel, the second lid wall extending down-
wardly from the lid flange to the lid channel. Further the base
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may additionally include a flat, ou-twardly-extending base flange
and a second base wall, the second base wall extending downwardly
from the base flange to the base channel.
According to a preferred feature the package structure
may additionally include a hinge which so connects the lid and
the base that the two are rotatable relative to one another abou-t
the hinge as an axis between the open position and the closed
position. The structure may include a pair of raised portions,
one connected to each of two opposed sides of the base panel, and
a wall connecting each of the raised por-tions to a portion of the
base wall, each of the raised portions having a recess for
releasably engaging a portion of an article contained within the
package structure.
The following is a description by way of example of
certain embodiments of the present invention reference being had
to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. l is a perspective view, partially broken away,
of an improved package structure in accordance with the present
invention, the lid being shown in a closed position.
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the package structure of
Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is an end view in elevation of the package
structure, seen as indicated by the line 3-3 of Fig~ 2.
Fig. 4 is a side view in elevation of the package
structure, seen as indicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.
Fig. S is a bottom plan view of the package structure
of Fig. 1.
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Fig. 6 is a top plan view, partially broken away, oE
the package structure oE Fig. 1, the lid being shown in an
open position.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a reinforcing inser-t
which is disposed within the package structure of Fig. 1.
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Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section taken along the
line 8-8 of Fig. 2.
Fig.~9 is a vertical sectional view taken along the
line 9-9 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view similar to Fig.
9, but showing another emb~dimen$ of a package structure
according to the invention.
Fig. 11 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of
the Fig. 10 embodiment of a package structure, the lid
being shown in an open position.
Fig. 12 is a view in vertical section taken along the
line 12-12 of Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view similar to Fig.
12, but showing the lid in a closed position.
Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view taken along the
line 14-14 of Fig.15 showing still another embodiment of a
package structure according to the invention, the lid being
shown in a closed position.
Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the package structure of
Fig. 14, the lid being shown in an open position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, an improved package
structure according to the present invention is indicated
generally at 10 in Figs 1-9. Although the package
~5 structure 10 shown in the drawings is described as a
container for spark plugs, it will be appreciated that the
package of the present invention can be utilized to contain
other types of goods. The package structure 10 is
generally right rectangular parallelepipedal in shape. As
will become apparent below, the package structure 10 can be
integrally formed from a single piece of material.
Preferably, the material is a lightweight, transparent
synthetic resinous material, such as industrial grade clear
polyvinylchloride; its thickness usually ranges from 0.018
inch to 0.024 inch. Other materials can be utilized, and
the various portions of the package structure can be formed
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as separate pieces. In any event, the material utilized
should be flexible, yet relatively resistant to elongation
and compr~ession, in order to achieve several of the
advantages of the present invention described below.
The package structure 10 includes a lid 11 connected
along a rear end to a hinge 12 which, in turn, is connected
to a rear end of a base 13. The lid 11 is generally flat
and rectangular, having an outwardly-extending flange 15
around its periphery. The lid flange 15 is flat, extending
outwardly a greater distance along a front end 15a to
accommodate an opening 16. As will become apparent below,
the opening 16 can receive an arm (not illustrated) of a
display device so that the package 10 hangs from the arm.
As best shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a downwardly-extending wall
17 is integral with the inner edge of the lid flange 15; a
generally C-shaped lid channel 18 is integral with the
lower edge of the wall 17; and an upper portion of the lid
channel 18 curves slightly outwardly from the wall 17
beneath the lid flange 15 before turning inwardly toward a
lower portion of the lid channel 18. The lower portion of
the lid channel 18 is generally flat and extends inwardly
in a direction which is generally parallel to the lid
flange 15. The inner edge of the lower portion of the lid
channel 18 is integral with an upwardly-extending,
inwardly-angled wall 20 which, in turn, is integral with a
central planar lid panel 21. The lid panel 21 constitutes
most of the surface area of the lid 11. The
downwardly-extending wall 17, the lid channel 18, and the
inwardly-angled wall 20 extend completely about the
periphery of the lid panel 21, connecting the outer ends
and sides thereof to the corresponding inner ends and sides
of the lid flange 15. As best shown in Figs. 1, 8, and 9,
the lid panel 21 is recessed slightly below the lid flange
15, typically about an eighth of an inch.
As mentioned above, the portion of the lid flange 15
which extends along the rear end of the lid 11 opposite the
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front end 15a is connected to the hinge 12, to which the
base 13 is connected. The base 13 has an
outwardly~extending base flange 22 about its periphery.
The base flange 22 is flat and extends outwardly about the
base 13, having an enlarged front end 22a with an opening
23 therethrough. The base flange opening 23 is sized and
positioned to be co-extensive with the lid flange opening
16 when the lid 11 is in the closed position, as shown in
Figs. 2 and 5. The portion of the base flange 22 which
0 extends along the rear end of the base 13 opposite the
enlarged front end 22a is also connected to the hinge 1~.
As shown in Figs. 4 and 8, the lid flange 15, the base
flange 22 and the hinge 12 are all integral with one-other,
consitituting a single piece of material folded over upon
itself.
As best shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the base flange 22, a
base wall 25, a generally C-shaped base channel 26, a lower
wall 27 and a planar, central base panel 28 are all
integral with one another. The wall 25 extends downwardly
from the inner edge of the base flange 22, while the upper
portion of the channel 26 curves slightly outwardly from
the wall 25 beneath the base flange 22 befoxe turning
inwardly to the lower wall 27. The lower wall 27 extends
downwardly from the base flange 2~ to the base panel 28,
which is generally flat and extends parallel to the lid
panel 21. The downwardly-extending wall 25, the base
channel 26, and the downwardly-extending lower wall 27
extend completely about the periphery of the base panel 2~,
connecting the outer ends and sides thereof to the
corresponding inner ends and sides of the base flange 22.
As shown most clearly in Figs. 1, 8, and 9, the
corresponding elements of the lid 11 and of ~he base 13 are
adjacent one another when the lid 11 is in a closed
position relative to the base 13. The corresponding
elements which are adjacent when the lid 11 is in the
closed position are: the lid flange 15 and the base flange
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~2, the lid wall 17 and the base wall 25, and the lid
channel 18 and the base channel 26, the outer surface of
the curved portion of the lid channel 18 being received
within the inner surface of the curved portion of the base
channel 26 to secure the entire periphery of the lid 11 in
the closed position, thereby providing a firm, yet
releasable seal between the lid 11 and the base 13. As
will become apparent below, the lid 11 is secured in the
closed position until certain forces are applied at
specific locations to move it to the open position.
Consequently, the chances that the packaye structure 10
will be opened accidentally are minimal even if the
articles contained therein are relatively heavy or if the
package structure 10 is roughly handled~
Additionally, because the lid channel 18 and the base
channel 26 are releasably engaged, as described above,
about the entire periphery thereof, the strength of the
package structure 10 as a whole is greatly increased. This
is because the curved shapes of the lid channel 18 and of
the base channel 26 substantially increase the rigidity of
the ends and sides of the lid 11 and of the base 13,
respectively, which extend linearly between adjacent
corners thereof. The curved lid channel 18 and the curved
base channel 26 function as reinforcing ribs which resist
flexing because of the relative resistance to elongation
and compression o~ the material utilized to form the
package structure 10. Consequently, the magnitude of the
force required to flex any linearly-extending edge of the
lid 11 or of the base 13 between adjacent corners thereof
is greatly increased. The corners o~ the lid 11 and of the
base 13 are also strengthened by the curved lid channel 18
and the curved base channel ~6, respectively, but to a
lesser extent than the linearly-extending edges. As a
result, when the package structure 10 is in the open
position, two of the corners of either the lid 11 or the
base 13 ~7hich are disposed in opposed diagonal relationship
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can be flexed inwardly toward one another, while the other
two corners thereof can be simultaneously flexed outwardly
away fro~ one another. The resultant shape of either the
lid 11 or the base 13 is generally U-shaped in cross
section when viewed diagonally thereacross between opposed
corners. Such undesirable flexing can occur because of the
lightweight and flexible nature of the material utilized to
form the package structure 10.
0 In the closed position, however, the lid 11 and the
base 13 cooperate with each other to prevent such inward
and outward movement of the opposed corners thereof and
consequent flexing of the package structure 10, because the
material utilized to form the lid 11 and the base 13 is
resistant to elongation and compression thereof. If an
attempt is made to move either of the opposed pairs of
corners of either the lid 11 or the base 13 outwardly away
from one another, the portion of the lid panel 21 extending
diagonally therebetween will be subjected to forces tending
to extend it in that direction. Similarly, if an attempt
is made to move either of the opposed pairs of corners of
either the lid 11 or the base 13 inwardly toward one
another, the portion of the lid panel 21 extending
diagonally therebetween will be subjected to forces tending
to compress it in that direction. In either event, the
material utilized to form the lid panel 21 resists such
forces. When the package structure 10 is closed,
therefore, undesirable flexing thereof in any direction is
effectively reduced, and the overall strength of the
package structure 10 is greatly increased despite the use
of a lightweight and flexible material.
To move the lid 11 from the closed position to the
open position shown in Fig. 6, a force must be applied to
remove the lid channel 18 from the base channel 26.
Preferably, such force is applied by grasping the adjacent
portions of the enlarged front ends 15a and 22a of the lid
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flange 15 and of the base flange 22, respectively, with the
fingers of opposite hands and pulling the lid 11 upwardly
away fro~ the base 13. When a force of sufficient
magnitude has been so applied, the lid wall 17 and the lid
channel 18 extending along the enlarged front end 15a will
flex inwardly so that the lid channel 18 can be withdrawn
from the base channel 26. The magnitude of the force
required to accomplish this withdrawal is dependent, among
other things, upon the length of the lid channel 18 which
extends linearly from the point at which the force is
applied. This length represents the lenyth of the lid
channel 18 which must be flexed inwardly out of engagement
with the base channel 26, the greater such length, the
greater the force required. As mentioned above, the curved
shape of the lid channel 18 and of the base channel 26
increases the rigidity of the linearly-extending ends and
sides of the lid 11 and of the base 13 between adjacent
corners thereof. Thus, not only will the ends and sides of
the lid 11 and of the base 13 resist such flexing movement,
for the reasons discussed above, but the entire linear
length of each end and side thereof will tend to move as a
unit. As a result, any force which tends to flex the lid
channel 18 out of engagement with the base channel 26, must
cause such flexing along the entire length of the lid
channel 18 extending linearly from the point at which the
force is applied. Thus, a relatively large force must be
applied near the center of the enlarged front end 15a
because the entire length of the lid channel 18 extending
along such enlarged front end 15a must be flexed inwardly
out of engagement with the base channel 26. However, only
a relatively small force is required if applied at either
of the corners of the enlarged ends 15a and 22a, since the
lid channel 18 extends only a short distance linearly
therefrom. Also, a relatively small force is required
because the corner of the lid 11 is being moved out of
coGperation with the base 13. Thus, the previously
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described reinforcing aspects of the lid panel 21 do not
occur after one of the corners of the lid is removed from
engageme~t with the corresponding corner of the base 13.
As a result, there is only a relatively short portion of
the lid channel 18, approximately the length of such
corner, to be flexed out of engagement with the base
channel 26.
Once an initial portion of the lid channel 18 is
removed from the base channel 26, the balance of the lid
channel 18 is easily removed therefrom with a minimal
amount of force. This is because the increased rigidity of
the periphery of the lid 11 causes the portion of the lid
channel 18 which has been removed to act as a wedge to flex
the lower wall 27 and the base channel 26 outwardly and the
lid wall 17 and the lid channel 18 inwardly during removal.
Thus, the remaining portion of the lid channel 18 which
extends along the enlarged front end 15a (if any) and the
portions of the lid channel 18 which extend along the sides
of the lid ll and along the rear end adjacent the hinge 12
are quickly and easily removed from the base channel 26, so
that the lid 11 can be moved to the open position shown in
Fig. 6.
To move the lid 11 from the open position to the
closed position, the above-described process is reversed.
The lid 11 can be pivoted quickly and easily to a position
wherein the portions of the lid channel 18 which extend
along the sides of the lid 11 and along the rear end
adjacent the hinge 12 are moved into the corresponding
portions of the base channel 26; the same above described
~ 30 wedge-like action of the lid channel 18 occurs during
- closing. In order to move the final portion of the lid
channel 18, which extends along the enlarged front end 15a,
into the corresponding portion of the base channel 26, a
force can be applied to the corresponding corner of the
enlarged ends 15a and 22a, urging them together. When
forces of sufficient magnitude have been so applied, the
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remaining portion of the lid channel 18 which extends along
the enlarged end 15a will pop into the corresponding
portion o~ the base channel 26. The above-described
opening and closing processes can b~ repeated as necessary
to open and close the package structure 10.
The base panel 28 includes integral raised portions 30
for supporting and retaining spark plugs within the package
structure 10. The raised portions 30 extend upwardly from
the base panel 28 toward the lid panel 21; they are
parallel to one another and to the opposed sides of the
package structure 10, extending from the rear end of the
lower wall 27 adjacent the hinge 12 to the front end of the
lower wall 27 adjacent the enlarged front end 22a. Each of
the raised portions 30 has a plurality of recesses 31 of
relatively small size, and a plurality of recesses 32 of a
relatively large size. Each of the recesses 31 is sized to
receive a terminal 33 of a spark plug 35 (shown in dotted
lines~ and is tapered to accommodate a portion of an
insulator 36 of slightly enlarged diameter. Similarly, each
of the recesses 32 is sized to receive a threaded portion
37 of the spark plug 35. The recesses 31 and 32 have
opposed lip portiGns 31a and 32a, respectively, as best
shown in Fig. 8, which extend inwardly toward one another
to engAge the terminal 33 and the threaded portion 36 of a
spark plug 35 received in two aligned recesses 31 and 32.
As a result, both ends of the spark plug 35 are releasably
retained within the recesses 31 and 32.
A relatively slight force is required to flex the lip
portions 31a and 32a outwardly to remove a spark plug 35
engaged in the recesses 31 and 32, the force required,
however, being great enough that spark plugs 35 remain in
the recesses 31 and 32 during normal handling and jostling
of the package structure 10. The spark plugs 35 cannot be
removed from the recesses 31 and 32 when the lid 11 is in
the closed position. As best shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the
lid panel 21 abuts the spark plugs 35 when the lid 11 is in
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the closed position, preventing movement of the spark plugs
35 in the recesses 31 and 32. Alternatively, the spark
plugs 35 ~can be spaced a small distance from the lid panel
21, preventing the spark plugs 35 from moving upwardly
enough for removal from the recesses 31 and 32. In either
case, so long as the lid 11 remains in the closed position,
the retained ~park plugs 35 are prevented from contacting
each other, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the
insulator 36 or change of the gap settings. As shown in
10 Figs. 2 and 5, the recesses 31 and 32 can be formed so as
to position adjacent ones of the spark plugs 35 so that
they are slightly offset from one another. This enables the
spark plugs 35 to be positioned closer together, thereby
reducing the amount of wasted space in the package
structure 10.
Between the two raised portions 30, the base panel 28
has a central region 40 which is planar and extends from
the front lower wall 27 adjacent the enlarged front end 22a
to the rear lower wall 27 adjacent the hinge 12. The
central portion 40 has a predetermined width which is the
distance by which the raised portions 30 are separated from
one another. The package structure 10 also includes an
insert, indicated generally at 41 in Fig. 7, which
comprises a top portion 42, opposed end portions 43, and a
25 bottom portion 45. Each of the portions 42, 43, and 45 is
planar; the entire insert 41 can be formed from a single
piece of appropriately shaped sheet material by folding to
define the individual portions 42, 43, and 45. The bottom
portion 45 of the insert 41 is sized to extend completely
30 over the central region 40 of the base panel 28 (Figs. 8
and 9~ extending from one to the other of the raised
portions 30 and from the front lower wall 27 adjacent the
enlarged front end 22a to the rear lower wall 27 adjacent
the hinge 12. The end portions 43 of the insert 41 have
the same width as the bottom portion 45 and a height which
is equal to the height of the rear lower wall 27 adjacent
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the hinge 12; these relative dimensions, however, are not
critical, and can be varied as desired, so long as the
insert strengthens the package as explained herein. The
top portion 42 of the insert 41 is coextensive with the
central panel 21 of the lid 11, extending adjacent the
inwardly-angled wall 20 and into the corners thereof as
shown in Figs. 1, 6, 8, and 9. The raised portions 30
position the spark pluqs 35 so that they abut the top
portion 42 of the insert 41 and urge it upwardly against
the bottom surface of the lid panel 21 when the lid 11 is
closed, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Thus, when the lid 11
is closed, the top portion 42 of the insert 41 is adjacent
the bottom surface of the lid panel 21.
The insert 41 is a relatively rigid cardboard, such as
twelve point solid bleached sulfate paperboard. Other
materials can be utilized, but the paperboard has all of
the requisites of accepting printing as desired for graphic
presentation and of being relatively rigid so that it
strengthens the package structure and prevents flexing
thereof when the lid 11 is in the closed position. The
strengthening occurs because the top portion 42 of the
insert 41 extends into the corners of the lid panel 21,
adjacent the inwardly-extending wall 20. When a force is
applied which would tend to flex the opposed diagonal
corners of the lid 11 or of the base 13, as described
above, the inward movement of the opposed corners is
resisted by the top portion 42. The bottom portion 45 of
the insert 41 functions in a similar manner because it
abuts the corners of the planar central region 40 as
described above. It will be appreciated that this same
reinforcing function can be achieved even if the top
portion 45 and the bottom portion 42 of the insert 41 are
separate pieces, and the end portions 43 are omitted or not
attached.
Alternatively, the dimensions of the package 10 can be
changed so that the lower wall 27 extends above spark plugs
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35 engaged in the recesses 31 and 32; the bottom portion 45
of the insert 41 can then be positioned as described above,
while the~ top portion 42 thereof extends above the spark
plugs 35 into abutment with the lower wall 27 of the base
13. For the insert 41 to provide additional reinforcement,
the corners o~ at least one of the top and bottom portions
42 and 45 must extend into abutment with the corresponding
corners of the package structure 10.
As best shown in Figs. 3 and 9, the lower wall 27 of
the package structure 10 tapers inwardly from the top to
the bottom, the angle of taper being approximately seven
degrees. On one side of the package structure (the bottom
side of Fig. 3 and the left side of Fig. 9), there are
reinforcing embossments 50 integral with the wall 27. The
embossments 50 increase the strength of the lower wall 27.
On the opposite side of the package structure (the top side
of Fig. 3 and the right side of Fig. 9), there are feet 51
which extend downwardly from the base channel 26 generally
perpendicularly to the plane of the lid panel 21. The feet
51, the outermost edges of the lid flange 15 and the base
flange 22 constitute a base on which the package structure
10 can stand. The size and number of the feet 51, and the
sizes of the lid and base flanges 15 and 22 are such that
the package structure 10 is relatively stable when standing
as described. It will be appreciated that feet 51 can be
provided on both sides of the package structure 10, if
desired.
The package structure 10 of the present invention has
many advantages over prior art package structures. First,
because of the unique self-reinforcing aspects of the lid
11 and of the base 13 described above, much lighter
material can be used to produce stronger packaging suitable
for relatively heavy articles, such as spark plugs 35.
Second, the package structure 10 can be manufactured simply
and inexpensively, for example, from a single sheet of a
synthetic resinous material. The package structure 10 can
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be produced using conventional, in line, intermlttentvacuum thermo forming techniques. Further, the package
structure 10 has signifigant advantages in shipping and
display, its tapered sides making it possible for the base
5 panel 28 of a first package structure 10 to be received
within the lid wall 17 of a second package structure 10.
Consequently, the package structures 10 have excellent
stacking characteristics, shifting and tipping being
effectively prevented. The structure 10 can also hang from
an arm which is received in the aligned openings 16 and 23
in the lid flange 15 and the base flange 22. Alternatively,
the structure 10 can stand on the base which includes the
feet 51 for display. Lastly, the package structure 10
efficiently retains the spark plugs 35 therein, even when
opened, disposed in alternating fashion, offset from one
another, thereby achieving a denser packaging pattern ~han
was previously possible.
A preferred package structure according to the instant
invention is indicated generally at 52 in Fig. 10. ~s is
indicated by the use of the same reference numerals, most
of the elements of the package structure 52 are the same as
the corresponding elements of the package structure 10 of
Figs. 1 through 9, the lid 11 and the base 13 being
replaced by a lid 53 (Fig. 10) and a base 54 which differ
as explained below. The lid 53 is generally flat and
rectangular, having an outwardly extending flange 55 around
its periphery. The flange 55 is generally flat except for
an outer terminal portion 56 which extends downwardly from
the flange 55 and outwardly, away from the package
structure 52. The base 54 has the planar base panel 28, the
lower wall 27 which extends upwardly therefrom to the
C-shaped base channel 26, and a terminal portion 57 which
extends upwardly adjacent the outside of the wall 17,
outwardly adjacent the bottom of the flange 55, downwardly
adjacent and then outwardly under the outer terminal
portion 56. The terminal portion 57 in this structure is
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locked against movement either to the r.ight or to the left
in Fig. 10 so tha~ bowing of the walls 27 is resisted.
This lock~ng arrangement is continued around the entire
periphery of the package structure 52. The package
structure 52 benefits from the strengthening features which
are discussed above with reference to the package structure
10 of Figs. 1-9.
~ nother preferred package structure is indicated
generally at 58 in Figs. 11 through 13. The package
structure 58 comprises the lid 11, the base 13, and a hinge
59 which connects the two. The hinge 59, when the lid is in
the open position as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, has a
central arcuate portion 60 which is fiexed into a circular
cross section when the lid is closed, as shown in Fig. 13.
The arcuate portion 60 of the hinge 59 is capable of
repeated flexing without cracking as the lid of the package
structure 58 is opened and closed.
Still another preferred package structure according to
the invention is indicated generally at 61 in Figs. 14 and
15. The package structure 61 comprises the lid 11, the
hinge 59 and a base 62 which, as is indicated by the use of
many of the same reference numerals, is the same in most
respects as the base 13 of Figs. 1 through 9 and 11 through
13. As best seen in Fig. 15, there is a reentrant portion
63 between side walls 64 which extend inwardly from the
lower wall 27 on each side of the base 62. A back wall 65
(see Fig. 14) extends generally upwardly from a bottom wall
66 between and integral with the side walls 6~ at the rear
of each of the reentrant portions 63. The back wall 65 has
a reverse bend as indicated at 67, then extends outwardly
as indicated at 68, makes a return bend as indicated at 69,
then extends upwardly as indicated at 70 to another bend
indicated at 71 and extends outwardly as indicated at 72.
When the lid 11 of the package structure 61 is closed, as
shown in Fig. 14, the lid flange 18 thereof is received
in~eriorly o~ the return bend 69 and the wall 20 thereof
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18
abuts the reverse bend 67. As a consequence, the upper end
of the wall 65 is locked against movement either to the
left or ~o the right; this is particularly advantageous
when a substantial number of the package structures 61 are
to be stacked, one on the other, as bowing of the walls 27
on the sides of the package structures is prevented.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent
statutes, the principle and mo~e of operation of the
present invention have been explained and illustrated in
preferred embodiments. However, it is to be understood
that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described with referPnce to the attached
drawings without departing from its spirit and scope. For
example, there can be relatively fragile raised embossments
on the surfaces of the raised portions 30 which are
adjacent the recesses 31 and 37. When spark plugs up to a
given diameter are inserted, they are supported by these
raised embossments; when spark plugs of larger diameter are
inserted, however, a slightly greater force is required
because it is necessary to crush the embossments, but the
larger diameter plugs are accomodated. Further, higher
raised portions 30 can be used with spaced, parallel walls
providing access to the recesses 31 and 32 shown in the
drawings; specifically, the raised portions 30 can be
sufficiently high that they support the top portion 42 of
the insert 41 and, in turn, the lid panel 21 to provide
greater compressive strength for the package structures 10
(Figs. 1-9), 52 (Fig. 10), 58 (Figs. 11-13) and 61 (Figs.
14 and 15~. Other changes and modifications will be
apparent to those skilled in the packaging art.
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