WO2003079866A1

WO2003079866A1 - A packet assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2003079866A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/000356
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross Donald Cameron
Original assignee: Ross Donald Cameron
Priority date: 2002-03-27
Filing date: 2003-03-25
Publication date: 2003-10-02
Also published as: AUPS139602A0

Abstract

A packet assembly (1) including: a planar panel having a fold line (19) defining a frame panel (3) hingedly coupled about the fold line (19) to a base panel (2); an adhesive region (12) on the frame panel (3) coated with adhesive and covered by a removable planar release panel (11); an outline of a shape (20) face cut or perforated into the frame panel (3) but not through the release panel (11) defining a viewing opening (4) and a residual frame (21) when the release panel (11) and shape (20) are removed from the frame panel (3); a transparent planar viewing panel (5) having a portion of its periphery secured to the base panel (2) so that the viewing (5) and base (2) panels cooperatively cover a substantially flat item (13) locatable in between the viewing (5) and base (2) panels; and in use the release panel (11) is removed exposing the adhesive region (12) and the shape (20) is removed forming the viewing opening (4) and then the adhesive region (12) side of the frame panel (3) is pressed onto the base panel (2) captively securing the viewing panel (5) in between the frame panel (3) and base panel (2), and captively enveloping the item (13) located in between the viewing panel (5) and the base panel (2) while the item (13) remains viewable through the viewing opening (4) in the frame panel (3) and the viewing panel (5).

Description

A PACKET ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to packet assemblies for substantially flat items including pictures, photographs, drawings, prints, compact discs and digital video discs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention provides a packet assembly including a frame panel hingedly coupled to a base panel and having a viewing opening, a viewing panel securable to the base panel for receiving a substantially flat item in between the viewing and base panels and allowing the item to be viewed through the viewing panel and wherein, the frame panel and the base panel are securable together allowing the item to be viewed through the viewing opening and the viewing panel.

Preferably, the viewing panel is secured to the base panel to form a pocket for receiving the item in between the viewing panel and base panel, and facilitates positioning of the item in a preferred position relative to the base panel.

Preferably, the base panel includes a closed opening through which the item may be removed from in between the viewing panel and base panel when the opening is not in a closed state.

Preferably, the viewing panel is transparent.

Preferably, a magnetized panel is beatable in between the item and the base panel, and preferably the magnetized panel is a substantially flat magnet.

Preferably, the frame panel and the base panel are secured together with glue.

Preferably, the frame panel includes a region treated with pressure sensitive glue that is covered by silicone coated release paper and the paper is removable in order to secure the frame panel to the base panel.

Preferably, the packet assembly includes a utility panel coupled to the frame panel and or the base panel and includes a calendar or displays some other information such as promotional information and or an advertisement or any combination thereof.

Alternatively, the packet assembly preferably includes a utility panel hingedly coupled to the frame panel or the base panel, and hingedly operable to cooperate with the remainder of the packet assembly to allow the packet assembly to stand on a flat surface. ln another aspect the invention provides a packet assembly including: a planar panel having a fold line defining a frame panel hingedly coupled about the fold line to a base panel; an adhesive region on the frame panel coated with adhesive and covered by a removable planar release panel; an outline of a shape face cut or perforated into the frame panel but not through the release panel defining a viewing opening and a residual frame when the release panel and shape are removed from the frame panel; a transparent planar viewing panel having a portion of its periphery secured to the base panel so that the viewing and base panels cooperatively cover a substantially flat item locatable in between the viewing and base panels; and in use the release panel is removed exposing the adhesive region and the shape is removed forming the viewing opening and then the adhesive region side of the frame panel is pressed onto the base panel captively securing the viewing panel in between the frame panel and base panel, and captively enveloping the item located in between the viewing panel and the base panel while the item remains viewable through the viewing opening in the frame panel and the viewing panel.

Preferably the packet assembly includes: a planar cover panel fixed to the frame panel and having an outline of the shape perforated into the cover panel defining a viewing opening and a residual frame when the shape is removed from the cover panel, wherein the cover panel is fixed to the frame panel so the shape, viewing opening and residual frame on the cover panel is in registration with the corresponding shape, viewing opening and residual frame on the frame panel; and in use the item only becomes viewable through the viewing opening in the frame panel and the viewing panel once the viewing opening is formed in the cover panel by removing the shape in the cover panel.

Preferably the base panel includes a perforated portion defining a closed opening through which the item may be removed from in between the viewing panel and base panel when the opening is not in a closed state.

Preferably each fold line is scored into the planar panel.

Preferably the packet assembly includes a planar utility panel coupled to the frame panel and or the base panel wherein the utility panel includes a calendar.

Preferably the packet assembly includes a second fold line on the planar panel defining a utility panel hingedly coupled about the second fold line to the frame panel or the base panel, and hingedly operable to cooperate with the remainder of the packet assembly to allow the packet assembly to stand on a flat surface.

Preferably the planar panel is made of paper or cardboard stock.

Preferably the release panel is silicone coated release paper and the adhesive is pressure sensitive glue. Preferably the periphery of the viewing panel is secured to the base panel to form a pocket for receiving the item in between the viewing panel and base panel, and to facilitate positioning of the item in a preferred position relative to the base panel.

Preferably the packet assembly includes a substantially flat magnet positioned in between the item and the base panel when the item is located in between the viewing and base panel.

DRAWINGS The invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figures 1-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in different states of assembly;

Figure 5 illustrates the preferred embodiment of figures 1-4 in an assembled state as viewed from the front of the packet assembly;

Figure 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment of figure 5 as viewed from the rear of the packet assembly;

Figure 7 illustrates a portion of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a portion of a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates the third preferred embodiment in figure 8 in an assembled but flat state as viewed from the front of the packet assembly;

Figure 10 illustrates the preferred embodiment in figure 9 as viewed from the rear of the packet assembly;

Figure 11 -12 illustrate the preferred embodiment in figure 9 in a state arranged to allow the packet assembly to stand on a flat surface;

Figures 13-14 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention shown in different states of assembly;

Figure 15 illustrates the preferred embodiment in figures 11-12 in an assembled state as viewed from the front of the packet assembly;

Figure 16 illustrates a portion of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 17-19 illustrate a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention shown in different states of assembly or use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the convenience of description the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the packaging of pictures, however it is to be noted that the packet assembly has many other applications. It is also to be noted where possible features common to the various embodiments illustrated in the drawings are referred to in each drawing by a respective common feature number.

Now a first preferred embodiment of a packet assembly in accordance with the invention is generally illustrated in figures 1 to 6 and includes a frame panel 3 hingedly coupled to a base panel 2 and having a viewing opening 4.

The packet assembly 1 further includes viewing panel 5 securable to base panel 2 for receiving picture 13 in between the two panels 5 & 2 and allowing picture 13 to be viewed through viewing panel 5. Frame panel 3 and base panel 2 are securable together allowing picture 13 to be viewed through viewing opening 4 and viewing panel 5, as can be seen in figure 5.

Frame panel 3 and base panel 2 preferably are made of paper or card stock typically in the range of 80 to 250 grams per square metre ('gsm') which hinges about fold line 19 in the paper or card stock, and in applications where the packet assembly is to be transmitted by postal mail to another party the paper or card stock preferably is in the stiffer grade range such as 150 to 250 gsm. Viewing opening 4 is shape 20 preferably a rectangular window die cut into frame panel 3 which will form residual frame 21 or border for picture 13 as shown in figure 5 when the packet assembly 1 is assembled into its final form.

Preferably viewing panel 5 is transparent and is a clear sheet of plastic or film so when picture 13 is located in between base panel 2 and viewing panel 5 as shown in figures 3 & 4 viewing of picture 13 is not obstructed by viewing panel 5, even when frame panel 3 is secured to base panel 2 as shown in figure 5. Advantageously viewing panel 5 can provide a protective membrane to picture 13 when mounted in the packet assembly 1 while allowing picture 13 to be viewed.

Preferably frame panel 3 and base panel 2 are secured together with glue and with the cooperation of viewing panel 5 effectively laminate picture 13 within packet assembly 1. For example frame panel 3 may be provided with pressure sensitive glue region 12 around the periphery of viewing opening 4 that is covered and protected by silicone coated release paper 11. After picture 13 is located on base panel 2 for example in alignment with optional guide line markings 9 on base panel 2, viewing panel 5 is then laid over picture 13 while keeping picture 13 in registration with guide line markings 9. Release paper 11 then is removed from frame panel 3 exposing glue region 12. Frame panel 3 is then folded about fold line 19 by applying suitable pressure to frame panel 3 onto base panel 2 until glue region 12 presses onto viewing panel 5 and base panel 2.

Preferably viewing panel 5 is initially hingedly coupled to base panel 2 for example with glue along edge 6 to facilitate assembly of packet assembly 1 as shown figures 1 to 3. However in a second preferred embodiment as shown in figure 7 viewing panel 5 may be pre glued along edges 6, 7 and 8 to base panel 2 forming a pocket with base panel 2 for receiving picture 13 through opening 17. Advantageously the pocket not only can facilitate the location of picture 13 in between viewing panel 5 and base panel 2 but it can do so in a registered manner relative to base panel 2 and furthermore it can also facilitate the maintenance of that registration during the remainder of the assembly procedure of packet assembly 1.

Now referring to figures 1 - 7 generally, it is preferred base panel 2 includes a closed opening 18 through which picture 13 may be removed from in between viewing panel 5 and base panel 2 when packet assembly 1 is in an assembled state and opening 18 is not in a closed state. For example as can be seen in figure 6 closed opening 18 may be formed by tab portion 10 perforated into base panel 2 which may be torn away (not shown) to create opening 18 when required, and then picture 13 may be removed from packet assembly 1 by passing it through opening 18. In the alternative closed opening 18 may be a tear - tape tab (not shown) laminated to base panel 2 over an opening 18 die- cut into base panel 2 and the tear tape tab may be torn away when required to expose opening 18. Advantageously when packet assembly 1 is in an assembled state picture 13 may be removed or replaced by another picture as required through opening 18.

Optionally packet assembly 1 further includes magnetized panel 14 such as a substantially flat magnet locatable in between picture 13 and base panel 2 as shown in figures 2 and 3. Advantageously the magnet can provide for the magnetic mounting of packet assembly 1 onto a magnet reactive surface such as a refrigerator door. Preferably magnetized panel 14 is positioned in between picture 13 and base panel 2 prior to securing frame panel 3 to base panel 2 however magnetized panel 14 may be glued or otherwise secured to base panel 2 in the first instance prior to locating picture 13 relative to base panel 2. Alternatively magnetized panel 14 may be positioned in between picture 13 and base panel 2 through closed opening 18 when it is not in a closed state.

Now a third preferred embodiment of a packet assembly in accordance with the invention is generally illustrated in figures 8 to 12 and is a variation of the previously described first and second preferred embodiments by having an additional utility panel 70 hingedly coupled to frame panel 3 and hingedly operable to cooperate with the remainder of the packet assembly to allow packet assembly 1 to stand on a flat surface as generally shown in figures 11 and 12. Preferably utility panel 70 is made of the same material as frame panel 3 and base panel 2 such as paper or card stock and hinges about a fold line 72 in the material. Alternatively the additional utility panel 70 may be hingedly coupled to base panel 2 rather than frame panel 3 and can still be hingedly operable to cooperate with the remainder of the packet assembly to allow packet assembly 1 to stand on a flat surface, however, this alternative is not shown in the figures.

Preferably the utility panel 70 may display a note, personal greeting, message or other information such as promotional information and or advertisement or any combination thereof. Of course in this embodiment a magnetized panel 14 if required (not shown in any of figures 8 to 12) may be positioned in between picture 13 and base panel 2 prior to securing frame panel 3 to base panel 2 as in the other previously described embodiments, allowing the packet assembly to be mounted onto a magnet reactive surface such as a refrigerator door.

In another variation a fourth preferred embodiment of a packet assembly 1 in accordance with the invention is generally illustrated in figures 13 to 15 and is also a variation of the previously described first and second preferred embodiments by having an additional utility panel 100 securable to frame panel 3 or base panel 2 or both and where utility panel 100 includes calendar 102 which may be multi- leaf, or may display a note, personal greeting, message or other information such as promotional information and or advertisement or any combination thereof.

Preferably utility panel 100 includes tab portion 101 which is located so it can be sandwiched in between frame panel 3 and base panel 2 before frame panel 3 which is pre treated with pressure sensitive glue, glue region 12, is pressed on to base panel 2, thereby securing utility panel 100 to the remainder of the packet assembly. Of course in this embodiment magnetized panel 14 if required (not shown in any of figures 13 to 14) may be positioned in between picture 13 and base panel 2 prior to securing frame panel 3 to base panel 2 as in the other previously described embodiments, allowing the packet assembly to be mounted onto a magnet reactive surface such as a refrigerator door.

In a further variation a fifth preferred embodiment of a packet assembly in accordance with the invention is illustrated in figure 16 which is a variation of the embodiment illustrated in figure 8 by the inclusion of an additional panel 71 hingedly coupled to utility panel 70. Utility panel 70 is pre treated with pressure sensitive glue (not shown) much the same as frame panel 3, and is protected by the same silicone coated release paper 11. The additional panel 71 is made of the same material as panels 70, 3 and 4 and hinges about a fold line 73 in the material. In this embodiment once the release paper is removed, panel 71 is folded about fold line 73 and pressed against pressure sensitive glue on panel 70, advantageously doubling up the thickness of the packet assembly in the region of utility panel 70.

In another variation a sixth preferred embodiment of a packet assembly in accordance with the invention is generally illustrated in figures 17 to 19. In this embodiment packet assembly 1 includes a planar cover panel 170 of equal shape and size to frame panel 3 being fixed to frame panel 3 and having an outline of a shape 171 being the same shape and size as shape 20 perforated into the cover panel defining viewing opening 172 and residual frame 173 when shape 171 is removed from cover panel 170. Cover panel 170 is fixed to frame panel 3 so shape 171 , viewing opening 172 and residual frame 173 on cover panel 170 are in registration with the corresponding shape 20, viewing opening 4 and residual frame 21 on frame panel 3. Cover panel 170 may be fixed to frame panel 3 by applying pattern glue 174 to residual frame 173 portion of cover panel 170 and then pressing cover panel 170 onto frame panel 3 while the two panels are in the required registration. In use picture 13 only becomes viewable through the viewing opening in frame panel 3 and viewing panel 5 once viewing opening 172 is formed in cover panel 170 by removing shape 171 in cover panel 170. Advantageously picture 13 in packet assembly 1 can be kept confidential as can be seen in figure 18 until shape 171 in cover panel 170 is removed as can be seen in figure 19.

Advantageously packet assembly 1 illustrated in figure 18 can be used as an envelope for picture 13 that can be posted through the postal system and on receipt by the addressee shape 171 in cover panel 170 can be removed to allow picture 13 to be viewed by the addressee as can be seen in figure 19.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that alternative embodiments exist even though they may not have been described herein which remain within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly described herein. For example in another embodiment (not shown) which is a variation to the embodiment shown in figure 17, cover panel 170, frame panel 3, and base panel 2 are all made form the same blank piece of paper or cardboard stock having fold lines to define the respective panels.

Claims

1. A packet assembly including: a planar panel having a fold line defining a frame panel hingedly coupled about the fold line to a base panel; an adhesive region on the frame panel coated with adhesive and covered by a removable planar release panel; an outline of a shape face cut or perforated into the frame panel but not through the release panel defining a viewing opening and a residual frame when the release panel and shape are removed from the frame panel; a transparent planar viewing panel having a portion of its periphery secured to the base panel so that the viewing and base panels cooperatively cover a substantially flat item locatable in between the viewing and base panels; and in use the release panel is removed exposing the adhesive region and the shape is removed forming the viewing opening and then the adhesive region side of the frame panel is pressed onto the base panel captively securing the viewing panel in between the frame panel and base panel, and captively enveloping the item located in between the viewing panel and the base panel while the item remains viewable through the viewing opening in the frame panel and the viewing panel.

2. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 including: a planar cover panel fixed to the frame panel and having an outline of the shape perforated into the cover panel defining a viewing opening and a residual frame when the shape is removed from the cover panel, wherein the cover panel is fixed to the frame panel so the shape, viewing opening and residual frame on the cover panel is in registration with the corresponding shape, viewing opening and residual frame on the frame panel; and in use the item only becomes viewable through the viewing opening in the frame panel and the viewing panel once the viewing opening is formed in the cover panel by removing the shape in the cover panel.

3. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the base panel includes a perforated portion defining a closed opening through which the item may be removed from in between the viewing panel and base panel when the opening is not in a closed state.

4. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each fold line is scored into the planar panel.

5. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 further including a planar utility panel coupled to the frame panel and or the base panel wherein the utility panel includes a calendar.

6. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 further including a second fold line on the planar panel defining a utility panel hingedly coupled about the second fold line to the frame panel or the base panel, and hingedly operable to cooperate with the remainder of the packet assembly to allow the packet assembly to stand on a flat surface.

7. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the planar panel is made of paper or cardboard stock.

8. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the release panel is silicone coated release paper and the adhesive is pressure sensitive glue.

9. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the periphery of the viewing panel is secured to the base panel to form a pocket for receiving the item in between the viewing panel and base panel, and to facilitate positioning of the item in a preferred position relative to the base panel.

10. A packet assembly in accordance with claim 1 further including a substantially flat magnet positioned in between the item and the base panel when the item is located in between the viewing and base panel.