Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Packaging structure and method.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of
packaging. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a
packaging structure and method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There exist many types of packaging, for example for
packaging gifts. In one such type of packaging, ornamental packaging is used
to hide the gift from view until the package is opened. For example, wrapping
paper is used to wrap gifts that are to be displayed under a Christmas tree,
sometimes for many days before they are unwrapped.
[0003] While relatively inexpensive and convenient, such packaging
typically serves only an ornamental purpose. Other types of packaging having
additional functionality have therefore been developed.
[0004] In one such type of packaging, a gift is locked inside the
packaging through a lock. The lock includes a puzzle that must be solved in
order to release the object.
[0005] While having more uses than purely ornamental packaging,
this type of packaging is also of relatively limited use. Indeed, once the
puzzle
has been solved and the object removed from the packaging, the packaging
becomes relatively useless, except to serve once more to package another
object.
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[0006] Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to
provide a novel packaging structure and method.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an
improved packaging structure and method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first broad aspect, the invention provides a packaging
structure for packaging an object. The packaging structure includes an object
receiving portion for receiving the object at least partially thereinto. A
retaining
assembly is provided for selectively retaining the object within the object
receiving portion. The retaining assembly is operable between a non-retaining
and a retaining configuration wherein the retaining assembly respectively
allows and prevents removal of the object from the object receiving portion. A
lock releasably locks the retaining assembly in the retaining configuration.
The
lock is operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration
for respectively selectively locking the retaining assembly in the retaining
configuration and allowing the retaining assembly to be moved to the non-
retaining configuration. The lock includes a puzzle that allows the lock to be
operated from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration upon the
puzzle being solved. The puzzle includes an object accessory usable for
operatively engaging the object and performing a predetermined accessory
function thereon.
[0009] In a specific example of implementation, the object includes a
bottle packagable within the packaging structure. The puzzle includes an
object accessory in the form of a corkscrew that is usable for opening the
bottle
once the puzzle is solved and the object removed from the retaining assembly.
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[0010] However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the
packaging is any packaging. Also, in alternative embodiments of the invention,
the object accessory is any other suitable object accessory.
[0011] Advantageously, the packaging structure includes an object
accessory that adds functionality to the packaging structure. Indeed, after
the
packaging structure has been opened, the packaging structure is still useful
for
performing another function. In the case wherein the object accessory is a
corkscrew and the object is bottle, the packaging structure ensures that when
the puzzle is solved, a corkscrew is readily available for opening the bottle.
[0012] In addition, the puzzle itself is entertaining so that if the
packaging structure and the object are given as gifts to an intended user, the
intender user in fact receives two gifts.
[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, the packaging
structure is relatively ergonomic, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and
relatively safe to use. Also, the packaging structure, in some embodiments of
the invention, does not require the use of a specialized tool to operate.
[0014] In another broad aspect, the invention provides a package
comprising in combination a bottle and a packaging structure for packaging the
bottle.
[0015] In another broad aspect, the invention provides a method for
packaging an object. The method includes providing the object and providing
an object receiving portion for receiving the object at least partially
thereinto.
The method further includes locking the object within the object receiving
portion through a lock, the lock including a puzzle that allows the lock to be
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selectively unlocked upon the puzzle being solved. The puzzle includes an
object accessory usable for operatively engaging the object and performing a
predetermined accessory function thereon.
[0016] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-
restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be
disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a packaging
structure for packaging an object, the packaging structure including a
retaining
assembly in a retaining configuration and a lock in a locked configuration;
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates, in a perspective view, the packaging
structure of Figure 1 with the retaining assembly in a non-retaining
configuration and the lock in an unlocked configuration;
[0020] Figure 3 illustrates, in a perspective view, an alternative
packaging structure with a retaining assembly in a non-retaining configuration
and a lock in an unlocked configuration;
[0021] Figure 4A illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a first step of a method for locking the lock;
[0022] Figure 4B illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
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Figure 1 at a second step of a method for locking the lock;
[0023] Figure 4C illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a third step of a method for locking the lock;
[0024] Figure 4D illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a fourth step of a method for locking the lock;
[0025] Figure 4E illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a fifth step of a method for locking the lock;
[0026] Figure 4F illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a sixth a step of a method for locking the lock;
[0027] Figure 5A illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a first step of a method for unlocking the lock;
[0028] Figure 5B illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a second step of a method for unlocking the lock;
[0029] Figure 5C illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a third step of a method for unlocking the lock;
[0030] Figure 5D illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a fourth step of a method for unlocking the lock; and
[0031] Figure 5E illustrates, in a front elevation view, the lock of
Figure 1 at a fifth step of a method for unlocking the lock.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a packaging structure 10 for
packaging an object in the form of a bottle 12. The packaging structure 10
includes an object receiving portion 14 for receiving the bottle 12 at least
partially thereinto. The packaging structure 10 further includes a retaining
assembly 16 for selectively retaining the bottle 12 within the object
receiving
portion 14.
[0033] The bottle 12 includes a body 13 and a neck 15 extending
from the body 13. The neck 15 defines a spout 17 allowing to pour a liquid
contained within the bottle 12.
[0034] Figure 1 shows the packaging structure 10 with the retaining
assembly 16 in a retaining configuration. In the retaining configuration, the
retaining assembly 16 prevents removal of the bottle 12 from the object
receiving portion 14. Figure 2 illustrates the retaining assembly 16 in a non-
retaining configuration. In the non-retaining configuration, the retaining
assembly 16 allows removal of the bottle 12 from the object receiving portion
14.
[0035] The packaging structure 10 further includes a lock 18 for
releasably locking the retaining assembly 16. The lock 18 includes a puzzle
that allows the lock 18 to be operated from a locked configuration to an
unlocked configuration upon the puzzle being solved.
[0036] The puzzle includes an object accessory usable for
operatively engaging the object and performing a predetermined accessory
function thereon. For example, in the embodiment of the invention shown in
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Figures 1 and 2, the object accessory takes the form of a corkscrew 20 and the
predetermined action includes opening the bottle 12.
[0037] Figure 1 illustrates the lock 18 in a locked configuration
wherein the lock 18 locks the retaining assembly 16 in the retaining
5configuration. Figure 2 illustrates the lock 18 in an unlocked configuration
wherein the retaining assembly 16 is movable from the retaining configuration
to the non-retaining configuration.
[0038] The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
although the packaging structure 10 is a packaging structure for packaging a
10bottle 12, it is within the scope of the invention to have packaging
structures for
packaging any other suitable object. Also, the reader skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the packaging structure 10 is only an example of a
packaging structure and that alternative embodiments of the invention
including
alternative retaining assemblies, alternative object receiving portions,
15alternative object accessories and alternative locks are within the scope of
the
invention.
[0039] As better seen in Figure 2, the object receiving portion 14 is
configured and sized to receive at least in part the body 13 of the bottle 12
while the retaining assembly 16 is configured and sized to receive at least in
20part the neck 15 of the bottle 12. In the retaining configuration, the
object
receiving portion 14 limits a movement of the bottle 12 to a single direction.
The
retaining assembly 16 limits a movement of the bottle 12 along that direction,
thereby insuring that the bottle 12 is maintained within the packaging
structure
10.
25[0040] The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that it is
also within the scope of the invention to have an alternative retaining
assembly
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that limits a movement of the bottle 12 to a single direction with an
alternative
object receiving portion that limits a movement of the bottle 12 along that
direction, thereby insuring that the bottle 12 is maintained within the
packaging
structure.
5[0041] As seen in Figure 2, the object receiving portion 14 includes a
base plate 32. A longitudinal member 34 extends substantially upwardly and
peripherally from the base plate 32. At least one circumferential member 36 of
generally annular shape extends substantially parallel to the base plate 32
from
the longitudinal member 34. The circumferential member 36 and the base plate
1032 only allow a movement of the bottle 36 along a direction substantially
perpendicular to the circumferential member 36 and oriented away from the
base plate 32.
[0042] In the drawings, two circumferential members 36 are shown.
However, it is within the scope of the invention to have any other suitable
15number of circumferential members. Also, it is within the scope of the
invention
to allow a movement of the bottle 12 along only a single direction in any
suitable alternative manner.
[0043] The base plate 32 defines a rope receiving passageway 35
extending therethrough. The rope receiving passageway 35 slidably receives a
20retaining rope 41 therethrough, as further described hereinbelow.
[0044] The retaining assembly 16 includes a lid 22 connected to the
object receiving portion 14, a retaining assembly first member 24 extending
from the lid 22, and a retaining assembly second member 26. The retaining
assembly second member 26 is configured and sized for engaging the retaining
25assembly first member 24.
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[0045] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the
retaining assembly first member 24 defines a closing aperture 28 for receiving
at least in part the lock 18 therethrough in the locked configuration. In the
locked configuration, as shown in Figure 1, the lock 18 prevents an operation
of
5the retaining assembly 16 from the retaining configuration to the non-
retaining
configuration when the lock 18 is received in the closing aperture 28.
However,
in alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown in the drawings), the
closing aperture 28 is defined in a retaining assembly second member 26.
[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the retaining assembly second member
1026 is substantially planar and defines an engagement aperture 30 extending
therethrough for receiving at least in part the retaining assembly first
member
24. In the retaining configuration, the retaining assembly second member 26 is
provided between the lid 22 and the closing aperture 28, as shown in Figure 1.
Therefore, in this configuration, the lock 18 prevents a relative motion
between
15the retaining assembly first and second members 24 and 26 through an
abutting contact of the retaining assembly second member 26 with the lock 18.
[0047] The lid 22 is connected to the object receiving portion 14
through a first generally elongated substantially flexible element. An example
of
such a first flexible element is a first piece of rope 40. Also, the retaining
20assembly second member 26 is also connected to the object receiving portion
14 through a second generally elongated substantially flexible element. An
example of such a second generally elongated flexible element is a second
piece of rope 42. However, the reader skilled in the art will readily
appreciate
that in alternative embodiments of the invention the first and second
generally
25elongated flexible elements may take any other suitable form.
[0048] In some embodiments of the invention, each of the first and
second pieces rope 40 and 42 extend from the base plate 32. In other
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embodiments of the invention, as shown in the drawings, the first and second
pieces of rope 40 and 42 are part of a single retaining rope 41 that extends
through the base plate 32 within the rope receiving passageway 35. The length
of the retaining rope 41 is such that in the retaining configuration, the
bottle 12
5is prevented from being removed from the object receiving portion 14.
[0049] The lid 22 is any suitable lid. For example, the lid 22 includes
a substantially parallelepiped shaped body 44 into which a recess 46 extends.
The recess 46 is dimensioned to receive at least in part the bottle 12. The
retaining assembly first member 24 is substantially planar and extends from
the
10lid 22.
[0050] The lock 18 includes the corkscrew 20, a lock rope 48 and a
lock end member 50. The lock rope 48 connects the lock end member 50 to
the corkscrew 20.
[0051] The corkscrew 20 includes a corkscrew handle 52 and a
l5substantially helicoidal member 54 for engaging a cork. The helicoidal
member
54 extends substantially perpendicularly from the corkscrew handle 52.
[0052] The corkscrew handle 52 is of generally cylindrical shape and
defines a handle aperture 56 extending therethrough. In some embodiments of
the invention, the handle aperture 56 is substantially cylindrical. However,
it is
20within the scope of the invention to have handle apertures of any other
suitable
shape.
[0053] In some embodiments of the invention, the handle aperture
56 is dimensioned so as to prevent an insertion of the lock end member 50
therethrough. In these embodiments, in the locked configuration, the puzzle is
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created, at least in part, by an appearance that to unlock the lock 18, it
would
be required to insert the lock end member 50 through the closing aperture 28,
which is not possible.
[0054] The corkscrew handle 52 is insertable through the closing
5aperture 28, but the helicoidal member 54 limits the movement of the
corkscrew 20 through the closing aperture 28. It is therefore only possible to
move the corkscrew handle 52 through the closing aperture 28 in a single
direction to unlock the lock. However, the lock rope 48 is then used to
substantially prevent this movement unless the puzzle is solved, as seen in
1OFigure 1.
[0055] In use, the body 13 of the bottle 12 is first inserted into the
object receiving portion 14. Then, the lid 22 is positioned so that the recess
46
engages at least in part the neck 15 of the bottle 12 and the retaining
assembly
second member 26 receives the retaining assembly first member 24 through
15the engagement aperture 30. This creates the retaining configuration. Then,
the corkscrew handle 52 is inserted through the closing aperture 28 until the
helicoidal member 54 is substantially adjacent the retaining assembly first
member 24.
[0056] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 4A through 4F, the lock
2018 is locked. In the following description of Figures 4A to 4F, and in the
subsequent description of Figures 5A to 5E, directional terms such as up,
down, left and right are used. These directional terms suppose that the bottle
12 is upright into the packaging assembly 10 and that the packaging assembly
is positioned so that the corkscrew handle 52 is seen substantially along its
25longitudinal axis with the helicoidal member 54 behind the retaining
assembly
first member 24. However, the reader skilled in the art will readily
appreciate
that this frame of reference is used for reasons of clarity and should
therefore
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not be used to restrict the scope of the invention.
[0057] First, as shown in Figure 4A, the lock rope 48 is passed over
the corkscrew handle 52 so that the lock end member 50 hangs on the right of
the corkscrew handle 52. Then, a portion of the lock rope 48 located over the
5handle aperture 56 is pulled through the handle aperture 56 and forms a first
loop 60 below the corkscrew handle 52. This is shown in Figure 4B.
[0058] Subsequently, the lock end member 50 is inserted through
the first loop 60, as shown in Figure 4C. The lock end member 50 is inserted
from front to back into the first loop 60.
10[0059] The lock rope 48 is then pulled through the handle aperture
56 so that the first loop 60 disappears and a second loop 62 is formed. The
second loop 62 is formed by a region of the lock rope 48 that has been pulled
by the first loop 60 through the handle aperture 56. As shown in Figure 4D,
the
second loop 62 extends substantially upwardly from the handle aperture 56.
15[0060] Afterwards, a portion of the rope 48 that remains at the right
of the corkscrew handle 52 is then moved to the left of the corkscrew handle
52. This is shown in Figure 4E. Then, the loop 62 is passed downwardly in
front of the corkscrew handle 52 and the lock end member 50 is inserted from
back to front through the second loop 62. The configuration achieved is the
20locked configuration, which is shown in Figure 4F.
[0061] To unlock the lock 18, this sequence of events is reversed, as
illustrated in Figures 5A through 5E. Figure 5A illustrates that to unlock the
lock 18, the lock end member 50 is first inserted from front to back through
the
second loop 62. Then, the second loop 62 is passed upwardly in front of the
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corkscrew handle 52 so as to be positioned over the handle aperture 56, as
shown in Figure 5B.
[0062] Subsequently, a portion of the lock rope 48 that was passed
to the left of the corkscrew handle 52 between Figures 4D and 4E is passed
5back to the right of the corkscrew handle 52 to obtain the configuration
illustrated in Figure 5C. The second loop 62 is afterwards passed downwardly
through the handle aperture 56 to form the first loop 60, as seen in Figure
5D,
and the lock end member 50 is passed from back to front through the first loop
60 to obtain the configuration illustrated by Figure 5E. This allows freeing
the
10lock rope 48 from the handle aperture 56 by pulling upwardly onto the
portions
of the lock rope 48 that are then in proximity of the upper portion of the
handle
aperture 56.
[0063] Figure 3 illustrates an alternative a packaging structure 10'
substantially similar to the packaging structure 10 with the exception that
the
15corkscrew 20 is replaced by a wine stopper 20'. The wine stopper 20' is
substantially tapered so that it is only partially insertable through the
closing
aperture 28. Therefore, the predetermined function performed by an object
accessory in the form of the wine stopper 20' is closing the wine bottle
further
to its opening.
20[0064] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified,
without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as
defined
in the appended claims.
