MOLDED FIBER CLAMSHELL

Abstract

An enclosure includes a first section, a second section, a first tab, and a second tab. The first section includes a first body with a first cavity. The second section is movably connected to the first section. The second section includes a second body with a second cavity. A first tab is connected to the first body. The first tab includes a first cutout. The second tab is connected to the second body. The second tab includes a second cutout. The second section is movable relative to the first section between an open position where the first cavity and the second cavity are exposed and a closed position where first cavity is aligned with the second cavity to form an enclosed volume. The first tab and the second tab can be oriented to expose the first cutout and the second cutout.

Claims

1. An enclosure for holding an item, the enclosure comprising: a first section including a first body with a first cavity; a second section movably connected to the first section, the second section including a second body with a second cavity; a first tab connected to the first body, the first tab including a first cutout; and a second tab connected to the second body, the second tab including a second cutout; wherein the second section is movable relative to the first section between an open position where the first cavity and the second cavity are exposed and a closed position where first cavity is aligned with the second cavity to form an enclosed volume; and wherein the first tab and the second tab are configured to be oriented to expose the first cutout and the second cutout.

2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first body and the second body are integrally formed.

3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the first body and the second body are constructed from a molded fiber.

4. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout have a semi-circular shape.

5. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first tab is connected to an upper end of the first body and the second tab is connected to an upper end of the second body, the enclosure further comprising: a third tab connected to a lower end of the first body, the third tab including a third cutout; and a fourth tab connected to the lower end of the second body, the fourth tab including a fourth cutout.

6. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first tab is movable relative to the first body between a first position parallel to the first body and a second position perpendicular to the first body; and the second tab is movable relative to the second body a third position parallel to the second body and a fourth position perpendicular to the second body.

7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein: first tab is coplanar with the second tab when the first tab is in the second position and the second tab is in the fourth position; and the first cutout and the second cutout are disposed opposite one another when the first tab is in the second position and the second tab is in the fourth position.

8. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein: the first tab is biased to a first initial position having a greater than 90 degree angle relative to the first body by a first joint; and the second tab is biased to a second initial position having a greater than 90 degree angle relative to the second body by a second joint.

9. A method for using an enclosure, the method comprising: opening a body of the enclosure to expose a first cavity half and a second cavity half, wherein the first cavity half and the second cavity half are configured to receive an item; closing the body of the enclosure to form a bounded volume defined by the first cavity half and the second cavity half, wherein the bounded volume is configured to retain the item; moving a first tab from a position parallel to the body to a position perpendicular to the body, the first tab including a first cutout; moving a second tab from a position parallel to the body to a position perpendicular to the body, the second tab including a second cutout.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the body is formed from molded fiber.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout are semi-circular in shape.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: moving a third tab from a position parallel to the body to a position perpendicular to the body, the third tab including a third cutout; and moving a fourth tab from a position parallel to the body to a position perpendicular to the body, the fourth tab including a fourth cutout.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting the body into an outer box when the first tab and the second tab are perpendicular to the body.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout are oriented proximate to an opening of the outer box and are configured to be grasped.

15. An enclosure for holding an item, the enclosure comprising: a body having a cavity configured to house an item; a first tab having a first edge connected to an upper edge of the body and a second edge opposite to the first edge, the first tab being movably connected to the upper edge the body, the second edge including a first cutout; and a second tab having a third edge connected to the upper edge of the body and a fourth edge opposite to the third edge, the second tab being movably connected to the upper edge the body, the fourth edge including a second cutout; wherein the first tab is movable between a first position parallel to a surface of the body and a second position perpendicular to the surface of the body; and wherein the second tab is movable between a third position parallel to the surface of the body and a fourth position perpendicular to the surface of the body.

16. The enclosure of claim 15, wherein the second edge and the fourth edge are configured to be 180 degrees apart when the first tab is in the second position and the second tab is in the fourth position.

17. The enclosure of claim 15, wherein the body ais constructed from a molded fiber.

18. The enclosure of claim 15, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout have a semi-circular shape.

19. The enclosure of claim 15, wherein the body includes a first section and a second section movable relative to the first section between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the cavity includes a bounded volume in the closed position.

20. The enclosure of claim 19, wherein the first tab is connected to the first section and the second tab is connected to the second section, and wherein the first section and the second section are integrally formed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various aspects and advantageous features of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill when described in the detailed description of preferred examples and reference to the accompany drawing wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an enclosure in a closed position.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in a partially opened position with tabs of the enclosure in a bent position.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in the partially opened position with the tabs of the enclosure in a straight position.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in the partially opened position with the tabs of the enclosure in the straight position.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in the partially opened position with the tabs of the enclosure in the straight position.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate an enclosure 100 that can be used to house a product (e.g., during shipping, in storage, etc.). The enclosure 100 may be constructed from a fibrous material. For example, the enclosure 100 may be constructed from paper pulp, molded fibers, bamboo, sugarcane, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the enclosure 100 may be constructed from any similar fibrous material. In certain configurations, the enclosure 100 is formed with fibers through a molding processes. When constructing the enclosure 100, an adhesive may not be required (although may still be used).

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the enclosure 100 may include a first section 105 and a second section 110. The first section 105 and the second section 110 may be connected via a joint 115 (e.g., a hinge) and may be movable relative to one another.

[0021] In some forms, the first section 105 and the second section 110 may be mirror images of one another. For example, the enclosure 100 may be symmetrical about the joint 115. In other examples, the first section 105 and the second section 110 may be different shapes. As described in more detail below, the shape of the first and second sections 105, 110 may differ based on an item intended to be housed by the enclosure 100.

[0022] The use of the first section 105, second section 110, and joint 115 can allow a product package to be formed to totally retain a product. This provides an advantage of utilizing a single tool or die to form the entire product package. In certain implementations, the enclosure 100 can be used as an insert for a product package that can support both the package and the enclosed product.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first section 105 includes a first body 120 with a first cavity 125 formed through the first body 120. The illustrated first body 120 is a substantially planar body 120 having a substantially rectangular shape. However, other examples of the first body 120 may include a different thickness and/or a different shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, etc.).

[0024] In some forms, an opening in the first body 120 forms an entrance to the first cavity 125. The opening may be formed on an inner surface 130 of the first body 120 and the cavity 125 may extend as a projection 135 past an outer surface 140 of the first body 120 (see e.g., FIG. 5). The portion of the cavity 125 formed within the projection 135 may have a bounded volume (e.g., with no additional openings). However, other examples may include one or more openings through the projection 135.

[0025] The cavity 125 may be shaped to contain an object. In some forms, the cavity 125 may be formed to complement a specific shape (e.g., the shape of a specific item to be contained). For example, the illustrated first cavity 125 may include an elongated shape with a narrower section proximate to an upper edge and a wider section proximate to a lower edge (e.g., as viewed in FIG. 2). However, the cavity 125 may be any shape to accommodate a variety of different items. In certain implementations, the items include cosmetics, skin care, fragrance, or other liquid items.

[0026] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, some forms of the first section 105 may include a first upper tab 145 and a first lower tab 150. The first upper tab 145 may be connected to the upper edge of the first body 120 via a first upper joint 155 (e.g., a hinge) and the first lower tab 150 may be connected to the lower edge of the first body 120 via a first lower joint 160 (e.g., a hinge).

[0027] In some forms, the first upper tab 145 and/or the first lower tab 150 may be movably connected to the first body 120. For example, the first upper tab 145 may pivot relative to the first body 120 via the first upper joint 155 and/or the first lower tab 160 may pivot relative to the first body 120 via the first lower joint 160. In the illustrated example, the first upper tab 145 and the first lower tab 150 may be movable relative to the first body 120 independently of each other.

[0028] In certain configurations, the upper joint 155 and the lower joint 160 can provide a biasing force to the respective tabs 145, 150 biasing them to greater than 90 degrees relative to the first body 120.

[0029] The first upper tab 145 and/or the first lower tab 150 may have a substantially rectangular shape and may extend along the width of the first body 120. In some forms, the first upper tab 145 and/or the first lower tab 150 may include a cutout 165. The illustrated cutout 165 may be formed in a free edge of the respective tab 145, 150 (e.g., opposite to the respective joint 155, 160). The cutout 165 may have a curved shape. For example, the cutout 165 may have a substantially semi-circular shape, although it may have another shape (e.g., elliptical, triangular, rectangular, etc.) in other examples.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the second section 110 includes a second body 170 with a second cavity 175 formed through the second body 170. The illustrated second body 170 is a substantially planar body 170 having a substantially rectangular shape. However, other examples of the second body 170 may include a different thickness and/or a different shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, etc.).

[0031] In some forms, an opening in the second body 170 forms an entrance to the second cavity 175. The opening may be formed on an inner surface 180 of the second body 170 and the cavity 175 may extend as a projection 185 past an outer surface 190 of the second body 170 (see e.g., FIG. 5). The portion of the cavity 175 formed within the projection 185 may have a bounded volume (e.g., with no additional openings). However, other examples may include one or more openings through the projection 185.

[0032] The second cavity 175 may be shaped to contain an object. In some forms, the second cavity 175 may be formed to complement a specific shape (e.g., the shape of a specific item to be contained). For example, the illustrated second cavity 175 may include an elongated shape with a narrower section proximate to an upper edge and a wider section proximate to a lower edge (e.g., as viewed in FIG. 2). However, the second cavity 175 may be any shape to accommodate a variety of different items.

[0033] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, some forms of the second section 110 may include a second upper tab 195 and a second lower tab 200. The second upper tab 195 may be connected to the upper edge of the second body 170 via a second upper joint 205 (e.g., a hinge) and the second lower tab 210 may be connected to the lower edge of the second body 170 via a second lower joint 210 (e.g., a hinge).

[0034] In some forms, the second upper tab 195 and/or the second lower tab 200 may be movably connected to the second body 170. For example, the second upper tab 195 may pivot relative to the second body 170 via the second upper joint 205 and/or the second lower tab 200 may pivot relative to the second body 170 via the second lower joint 210. In the illustrated example, the second upper tab 195 and the second lower tab 200 may be movable relative to the second body 170 independently of each other.

[0035] In certain configurations, the upper joint 205 and the lower joint 210 can provide a biasing force to the respective tabs 195, 200 biasing them to greater than 90 degrees relative to the second body 170.

[0036] The second upper tab 195 and/or the second lower tab 200 may have a substantially rectangular shape and may extend along the width of the second body 170. In some forms, the second upper tab 195 and/or the second lower tab 200 may include a cutout 215. The illustrated cutout 215 may be formed in a free edge of the respective tab 195, 200 (e.g., opposite to the respective joint 205, 210). The cutout 215 may have a curved shape. For example, the cutout 215 may have a substantially semi-circular shape, although it may have another shape (e.g., elliptical, triangular, rectangular, etc.) in other examples.

[0037] In certain configurations the tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 are configured to engage a surrounding package or container. The tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 can be sized to engage an interior of the package or container, with sufficient tolerance to fit inside of the package or container for a smooth or easy installation.

[0038] Further, the tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 and the associated joint lines can be configured so that they enter a container with the tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 initially at a greater than 90 degree angle relative to the respective bodies 120, 170 and then fold to substantially 90 degrees or less after at least partial insertion of the enclosure. For example, the lower tabs 150, 200 can be at greater than 90 degrees and slid into a package such as a box. Upon engaging a bottom of the box the lower tabs 150, 200 can bend to be substantially 90 degrees and parallel to the bottom of the box. In this position, the lower tabs 150, 200 may be arranged in a coplanar configuration. After full insertion, the upper tabs 145, 195 can be bent to substantially 90 degrees to fit inside of the box, which can then be closed. The upper tabs 150, 200 may be similarly arranged in a coplanar configuration. In certain configurations, the use of the biasing joints 155, 160, 205, 210 helps to facilitate proper insertion and proper positioning of the tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 during and after insertion to a package.

[0039] The tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 can position the cavities 125, 175 so that they are substantially centered in the package or container and can provide protection and support to the enclosed product as well as support to the package or container to help prevent defects or damage during shipping.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the first section 105 and the second section 110 of the enclosure 100 may move to a fully open position. For example, the inner surface 130 of the first body 120 may be substantially parallel to the inner surface 180 of the second body 170. The enclosure 100 may be substantially symmetrical about the joint 115. This means that the first cavity 125 and the second cavity 175 may have substantially mirrored shapes.

[0041] In certain forms, the first section 105 may include a first side flap 220 and the second section 110 may include a second side flap 225. The first side flap 220 may extend along an edge of the first body 120 between the first upper and lower tabs 145, 150. Like the first upper and lower tabs 145, 150, the first side flap 220 may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the first body 120. The first side flap 220 may also be movable independently of the first upper and lower tabs 145, 150. The second side flap 225 is similar to the first side flap and extends along a side edge of the second body 170 between the second upper and lower tabs 195, 200. The second side flap 225 is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the second body 170 independently of the second upper and lower tabs 195, 200.

[0042] In use, the enclosure 100 may be used to retain and/or protect an item. For example, an item may be placed into either the first cavity 125 or the second cavity 175 when the enclosure 100 is in the open position (see e.g., FIGS. 2 to 6). After the item is situated in one cavity 125, 175, the first and second sections 105, 110 may be moved together (e.g., pivoted toward one another) into a closed position (see e.g., FIG. 1). In certain configurations, the first cavity 125 and the second cavity 175 combine to receive an item such as a bottle of perfume, cologne, or other liquid container including a body and a removable cap.

[0043] In some forms, the mirrored shaped of the first and second cavities 125, 175 may allow the enclosure 100 to fully close around the item. This may replicate a clamshell configuration when the item is fully enclosed in the closed position of the enclosure 100.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 100 may be retained in the closed position. In some forms, the enclosure 100 may be retained in this position without the use of glue or another adhesive (although other examples may use an adhesive). For example, the enclosure 100 may be secured in the closed position by a press fit or friction fit created by engagement between the first and second bodies 120, 170. A fastener (e.g., a mechanical fastener, a tie, a magnet, hook and loop material, etc.) may also be used to secure the enclosure 100 in the closed position. These securing mechanisms may permit the enclosure 100 to be repeatedly opened and closed without damaging the enclosure 100 itself or an item contained within the cavities 125, 175.

[0045] In some forms, the first upper and lower tabs 145, 150 and/or the second upper and lower tabs 195, 200 may be bent relative to the respective body 120, 170. As shown in FIG. 1, each tab may be positioned approximately perpendicularly relative to the respective body 120, 170. This may assist in minimizing the length of the enclosure 100 to assist with packing and/or shipping. Each tab may also have a width that is substantially similar to a height of the projections 135, 185. When pivoted as shown in FIG. 1, the width of each tab is oriented in the height direction of the projections 135, 185. The tabs therefore may extend toward an outermost surface of the projections 135, 185 and may assist in providing additional protection during packing and/or shipping.

[0046] In examples with side flaps 220, 225, the side flaps 220, 225 may also be pivoted relative to the respective body 120, 170. For example, the side flaps 220, 225 may be pivoted to a substantially perpendicular position relative to the respective body 120, 170. The width of the side flaps 220, 225 may be substantially similar to the width of the tabs 145, 150, 195, 200. When pivoted as shown in FIG. 1, the width of each tab is oriented in the height direction of the projections 135, 185. The tabs therefore may extend toward an outermost surface of the projections 135, 185 and may assist in providing additional protection during packing and/or shipping.

[0047] In some forms, the cutouts 165, 215 may assist a user to remove the enclosure 100 from a package (e.g., a box). For example, the tabs 145, 150, 195, 200 may be pivoted as described above and the enclosure 100 may be placed into a box. When the box is opened by a consumer, the upper tabs 145, 195 or the lower tabs 150, 200 may be exposed. The user may grasp the upper tabs 145, 195 or the lower tabs 150, 200 to remove the enclosure 100 from its box. Specifically, the user may grasp proximate to the exposed cutouts 165, 215 (e.g., by placing one or more fingers into the cutouts 165, 215). The cutouts 165, 215 may provide a grip for the user to pull the enclosure 100 out from a box. This may be particularly helpful when the enclosure 100 is inserted into a container that was a width as the combined width of the upper tabs 145, 195 or lower tabs 150, 200. The cutouts 165, 215 provide a location for a user to grasp the enclosure 100 without further damaging the box to access the edges of the tabs. The user may then open the enclosure 100 may moving the first and second bodies 120, 170 relative to one another. This may open the clamshell configuration to expose the cavities 125, 175, as well as anything housed within the cavities 125, 175.

[0048] One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the exact dimensions and materials are not critical to the disclosure and all suitable variations should be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure if deemed suitable for carrying out the objects of the disclosure.

[0049] One of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that it is well within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan to modify one or more of the constituent parts for carrying out the various examples of the disclosure. Once armed with the present specification, routine experimentation is all that is needed to determine adjustments and modifications that will carry out the present disclosure.

[0050] The above examples are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the adaptation of the features described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred examples can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.