WO2008062166A1

WO2008062166A1 - Packaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2008062166A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/004412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Li Paul Gar Po Cheug
Original assignee: University Of Teesside
Priority date: 2006-11-21
Filing date: 2007-11-20
Publication date: 2008-05-29
Also published as: GB0623189D0; GB2454433A; EP2089293A1; GB0904117D0

Abstract

A packaging device (1) is disclosed. The device has a body (2) with a first end (3) and a second end (5). The device also has a first closure member (7) defining a first aperture (8) and that is rotatably mounted to the first end (3). The device (1) further has a first flexible tubular member (11) mounted to the first closure member (7) and to the second end of the body (2) so as to receive an object via the first aperture (8). There is also a second flexible member (17) mounted to the first closure member (7) and to the first end (3) of the body (2). Rotation of the first closure member (7) relative to the body (2) causes twisting of the second flexible member (17) and results in opening and closing of the first aperture (8).

Description

-i-

Packaging Device

The present invention relates to a packaging device, and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a packaging device for protecting fragile objects during transit.

When fragile objects such as glass ornaments are transported, for example by means of the postal service, it is known to use polystyrene packaging to retain the object in position inside a container such as a cardboard box, in order to protect the object from damage during transport.

This known use of materials such as polystyrene suffers from a number of disadvantages. Firstly, it is bulky and therefore difficult to dispose of, and its production can be harmful to the environment. Also, the use of polystyrene and similar materials only prevents mechanical shocks from reaching an object being transported to a limited extent.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or at least alleviate the above disadvantages of the prior art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging device comprising: - (i) a body having a first end and a second end;

(ii) a first closure member defining a first aperture and rotatably mounted to said first end;

(iii) a first flexible tubular member mounted to said first closure member and to said second end of said body so as to receive an object via said first aperture; and

(iv) a second flexible member mounted to said first closure member and to said first end of said body, wherein rotation of said first closure member relative to said body in use causes twisting of said second flexible member to cause opening and closing of said first aperture. ^• By causing opening and closing of the first aperture by means of twisting of a second flexible member mounted to the first closure member and to the first end of the body, this provides the advantage of enabling a fragile object to be supported in a first flexible member which protects it from mechanical shocks, while enabling the position at which the first aperture is closed to be arranged near the first end of the body.

The packaging device may further comprise: -

(i) a second closure member defining a second aperture and rotatably mounted to said second end of said body; and

(ii) a third flexible member mounted to said second closure member and to said second end of said body, wherein rotation of said second closure member relative to said body in use causes opening and closing of said second aperture.

Said body may be tubular.

The. body may be collapsible.

This provides the advantage of enabling the device to be stored compactly in a retail outlet.

The body may comprise a first part adapted to be collapsible substantially in a first plane and a second part adapted to be collapsible substantially in a second plane, wherein said first part is adapted to be mounted to said second part in use such that said first and second planes are not parallel to each other.

This provides the advantage of providing rigidity to the body in an uncollapsed condition of the body.

Preferably, said first, second and third flexible members are elastic tubular members. This provides the advantage that objects of varying shapes and sizes may be inserted into the packaging device and retained in the first flexible member.

Preferably, said first, second and third flexible members are made from a single length of elastic tubular material.

This provides the advantage that the single length of elastic tubular material is easy to manufacture and is easily connectable to the first and second ends of the body, the first closure member, and the second closure member, respectively.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure 1 shows a side view in section of a first embodiment of a packaging device embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a packaging device embodying the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view in section of the packaging device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a front view showing hidden detail of a third embodiment of a packaging device embodying the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a view from one side of the packaging device of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 shows a plan view of the packaging device of Figures 4 and 5. - A -

Referring to Figure 1, a packaging device 1 comprises a body in the form of a hollow tube 2. The hollow tube 2 in the embodiment shown has an open first end 3 and an open second end 5. A first closure member 7 in the form of a circular cap is mounted on the first end 3 of the hollow tube 2 such that it is rotatable on the first end 3 about a first axis A. The first closure member 7 defines a first aperture 8, providing a user with access to the interior of the hollow tube 2.

A second closure member 9 in the form of a second circular cap is mounted on the second end 5 of the hollow tube 2 such that it is rotatable on the second end 5 about the axis A. The second closure member 9 defines a second aperture 10, providing a user with access to the interior of the hollow tube 2 in a similar fashion to the first aperture 8.

A first flexible member in the form of a first elastic tubular member 11 is attached at one end 13 to the first closure member 7 and is attached at the other end 15 to the second closure member 9. In particular, the periphery of the end 13 of the first elastic tubular member 11 is attached to the first closure member 7 around the periphery of the first aperture 8. Moreover, the periphery of the end 15 of the first elastic tubular member 11 is attached to the second closure member 9 around the periphery of the second aperture 10.

A second flexible member in the form of a second elastic tubular member 17 is attached at one end 19 to the first closure member 7 and is attached at the other end 21 to the first end 3 of the hollow tube 2. In particular, the periphery of the end 19 of the second elastic tubular member 17 is attached around the periphery of the first aperture 8 in the first closure member 7, and the periphery of the end 21 of the second elastic tubular member 17 •is attached around the periphery of the first end 3 of the hollow tube 2. A third flexible member in the form of a third elastic tubular member 23 is attached at one end 27 to the second closure member

9 and is attached at the other end 25 to the second end 5 of the hollow tube 2. In particular, the periphery of the end 27 of the third elastic tubular member 23 is attached around the periphery of the second aperture 10 in the closure member 9. Moreover, the periphery of the end 25 of the third elastic tubular member 23 is attached around the periphery of the open second end 5 of the hollow tube 2.

The presence of the first aperture 8 and the second aperture 10, and the elastic nature of the first elastic tubular member 11, allow for an object to be inserted into the hollow tube 2 and held within the elastic tubular member 11 between the first 3 and second 5 ends of the hollow tube 2. Once an object has been inserted into the hollow tube 2 via either the first aperture 8 or the second aperture 10, the packaging device 1 is sealed at its first end 3 by means of rotating the first closure member 7 about axis A. This results in the second 17 elastic tubular member twisting and therefore closing the first elastic tubular member 11 where it is located. In this way, the first aperture 8 is closed.

In order to seal the packaging device 1 at its second end 5, the second closure member 9 is rotated about axis A. This results in the third elastic tubular member 23 twisting and therefore closing the first elastic tubular member 11 where it is located. In this way, the second aperture 10 is closed.

In view of the fact that the second 17 and third 23 elastic tubular members close the first elastic tubular member 11 in the vicinity of the first 3 and second 5 ends respectively, the packaging device 2 is securely sealed at both ends. Moreover, the first elastic tubular member 11 is pulled taut between the first 3 and second 5 ends of the hollow tube 2, with the object that is retained in the first elastic tubular member 11 being suspended between the first 3 and second 5 ends of the hollow tube 2 and prevented from moving around inside the hollow tube 2.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a second embodiment of a packaging device is represented generally by reference numeral 101. The packaging device 101 differs from the packaging device 1 of Figure 1 in that it comprises a body 102 having a square cross- sectional area, as opposed to a tubular body. The body 102 in the embodiment shown has an open first end 103 and an open second end 105.

A first closure member 107 in the form of a square-shaped cap is shaped and sized such that it is able to be mounted on the first end 103 of the body 102. In order to rotate the first closure member 107, a user lifts the first closure member 107 away from the first end 103 and then rotates it. The first closure member

107 defines a first aperture 108, providing a user with access to the interior of the body 102.

A second closure member 109 in the form of a further square- shaped cap is shaped and sized such that it is able to be mounted on the second end 105 of the body 102. In order to rotate the second closure member 109, a user lifts the second closure member 109 away from the second end 105 and then rotates it. The second closure member 109 defines a second aperture 110, providing a user with access to the interior of the body 102 in a similar fashion to the first aperture 108.

A first flexible member in the form of a first elastic tubular member 111 is attached to the closure members 107 and 109 in a similar fashion to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with the periphery of the first end 113 of the first elastic tubular member 111 being attached to the first closure member 107 around the periphery of the first aperture 108. Moreover, the periphery of the second end 115 of the first elastic tubular member 111 is attached to the second closure member 109 around the periphery of the second aperture 110.

A second flexible member in the form of a second elastic tubular member 117 is attached to the first closure member 107 and the first end 103 of the body 102 in a similar fashion to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. A third flexible member in the form of a third elastic tubular member 123 is attached to the second closure member 109 and the second end 105 of the body 102 in a similar fashion to that if the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

The presence of the first aperture 108 and the second aperture 110, and the elastic nature of the first elastic tubular member 111, allow for an object to be inserted into the body 102 and held within the elastic tubular member 111 between the first 103 and second 105 ends of the body 102. Once an object has been inserted into the body 102, the packaging device 101 is sealed at its first end 103 by means of lifting the first closure member 107 away from the first end 103 and rotating it about axis A. This results in the second elastic tubular member 117 twisting and therefore closing the first elastic tubular member 111 where it is located. In this way, the first aperture 108 is closed.

In order to seal the packaging device 101 at its second end 105, the second closure member 109 is lifted away from the second end 105 of the body 102 and rotated about axis A. This results in the third elastic tubular member 123 twisting and therefore closing the first elastic tubular member 111 where it is located. In this way, the second aperture 110 is closed.

In view of the fact that the second 117 and third 123 elastic tubular members close the first elastic tubular member 111 in the vicinity of the first 103 and second 105 ends respectively, the packaging device 101 is securely sealed at both ends. Moreover, the first elastic tubular member 111 is pulled taut between the first 103 and second 105 ends of the hollow tube 102, with the object that is retained in the first elastic tubular member 111 being suspended between the first 103 and second 105 ends of the hollow tube 102 and prevented from moving around inside the hollow tube 102.

The device 101 provides the additional advantage of the body 102 being collapsible, which enables the device 101 to be flattened and stored compactly, which is especially advantageous when the device 101 is being sold in retail premises, for example. In order to flatten the device 101, a user simply squeezes the body 102 at the corners 140 and 142. Despite being collapsible, the feature of the body 102 having a square cross-sectional area, which fits inside the square-shaped first 107 and second 109 closure members respectively, ensures that the body 102 is rigid when in its uncollapsed condition.

Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, a third embodiment of a packaging device is represented generally by reference numeral 201. The packaging device 201 differs from the packaging device 1 of Figure 1 in that it comprises a body 202 having a square cross-sectional area, having a first end 203 and a second end 205. The body 202 has an open front face 204 and an open rear 206 face so that a user can see straight through the device 202. The first end 203 defines a circular aperture 230 and the second end 205 is closed.

A first closure member 207 in the form of a first circular cap is shaped and sized such that it is able to be mounted on the body 202 over the circular aperture 230. The first closure member 207 defines a first aperture 208, providing a user with access to the interior of the body 202. A first flexible member in the form of a first elastic tubular member 211, has a first end 213 attached to a first end 219 of a second elastic tubular member 217 around the first aperture 208, and a second end 215 attached to the closed second end 205 of the body 202. A second end 221 of the second elastic tubular member 217 is attached to the body 202 around the periphery of the circular aperture 230. In this way, the first 211 and second 217 elastic tubular members are integral with each other, forming a one-piece tubular element.

The presence of the apertures 208 and 230, and the elastic nature of the first elastic tubular member 211, allow for an object to be inserted into the body 202 and held within the elastic tubular member 211 between the first 203 and second 205 ends of the body 202. Once an object has been inserted into the body 202, it is retained in the first elastic tubular member 211 by means of the first elastic tubular element 211 converging towards the closed second end 205 of the body 202. The device 202 is then sealed at its first end 203 by means of rotating the first closure member 202 about axis A in a similar fashion to that of Figure 1. The object is thereby retained in the first elastic tubular member 211 and is suspended between the first 203 and second 205 ends of the body 202 and substantially prevented from moving around inside the body 202.

The device 201 provides the additional advantage of the body 202 being collapsible, which enables the device 201 to be flattened and stored compactly, which is especially advantageous when the device 201 is being sold in retail premises, for example. In order to flatten the device 201, a user simply squeezes the body 202 at the corners 240 and 242.

In the case of any of the embodiments described above, once the object to be transported has been inserted into the body and the ends sealed, the body may be inserted into a conventional box for further protection and transportation. In providing this arrangement, the present invention, several embodiments of which are described above, allows for at least one of the first and second ends to be sealed off by rotating at least one of the first closure member and the second closure member. In this way, an object to be transported is suspended between the first and second ends of the body and protected from mechanical shocks without being jostled around inside the body as the packaging device is transported from one place to another.

In the event that the packaging device reaches its destination, a user may remove the object from the packaging device by rotating either the first closure member or the second closure member in the opposite direction, to open the aperture in the closure member and thereby provide access to the object inside the body.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

For example, it is to be appreciated that although in the first and second embodiments, the first, second and third elastic tubular members are separate from each other, they may alternatively be made from a single length of elastic tubular material. It is to be further appreciated that although in the first and second embodiments described above, the device is double-ended in that an object may be inserted through either the first aperture or the second aperture, the device may alternatively be single-ended in that it only includes one closure member, with the second end of the body being permanently closed.

Claims

1. A packaging device comprising: -

(i) a body having a first end and a second end; (ii) a first closure member defining a first aperture and rotatably mounted to said first end;

(iii) a first flexible tubular member mounted to said first closure member and to said second end of said body so as to receive an object via said first aperture; and (iv) a second flexible member mounted to said first closure member and to said first end of said body, wherein rotation of said first closure member relative to said body in use causes twisting of said second flexible member to cause opening and closing of said first aperture.

2. A device as defined by claim 1, further comprising: -

(i) a second closure member defining a second aperture and rotatably mounted to said second end of said body; and (ii) a third flexible member mounted to said second closure member and to said second end of said body, wherein rotation of said second closure member relative to said body in use causes opening and closing of said second aperture.

3. A device as defined by any one of claims 1 or 2 , wherein said body is tubular.

4. A device as defined by any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body is collapsible.

5. A device as defined by any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body comprises a first part adapted to be collapsible substantially in a first plane and a second part adapted to be collapsible substantially in a second plane, wherein said first part is adapted to be mounted to said second part in use such that said first and second planes are not parallel to each other.

6. A device as defined by any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first, second and third flexible members are elastic tubular members .

7. A device as defined by any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first, second and third flexible members are made from a single length of elastic tubular material.

8. A packaging device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .