GB2449865A

GB2449865A - Packaging for an object

Info

Publication number: GB2449865A
Application number: GB0710714A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Batchelor
Original assignee: CARDMASTERS Ltd
Current assignee: CARDMASTERS Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-05
Filing date: 2007-06-05
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-05
Also published as: GB2449865B; GB0710714D0

Abstract

Packaging for an object 220 comprises a housing component 110, a restraining component 120, a plinth 210 for retaining the object and an actuator 310. The actuator exerts a force on the plinth without moving it unless the restraining means is inoperative, eg where the restraining component 120 is a lid, unless the lid is open. In a first, restrained configuration as shown, the actuator and at least a part of the plinth are substantially contained within the housing component. When unrestrained, the actuator causes the plinth to move relative to the housing component so that the object rises out thereof. The object may be retained on the plinth by ties or may sit in a recess in the top (Figures 11 and 18) or side (Figures 13-15) of the plinth. The actuator 310 may be formed by multiple folding of a planar sheet and fitting of an elastic band (810, Figure 8) around it.

Description

PACKAGING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates generally to packaging

apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In the field of this invention, it is known for

products to be contained within packaging of some form.

Principally, the purpose of packaging is to contain and protect a product throughout its distribution and sale.

However, the role of packaging has expanded beyond simply containing and protecting a product, and for many products has become an important component in attracting a consumer to a particular product. Furthermore, within some industries, packaging has become an integral part of a company's brand recognition.

By way of example, companies such as Apple, who manufacture and sell electronic products such as computers, portable MP3 players, etc., consider the packaging of a product an important part of the whole consumer experience of that product. Accordingly, it is not just the ability of the packaging to contain and protect the product, or the external look of the packaging, that is important. All aspects of the packaging are of importance, including the way a product is presented within the packaging, the perceived quality of the packaging construction, etc. Traditional packaging tends to comprise a container, for example a simple box or the like, in which a product is located. A problem with such traditional packaging is that it does not provide any differentiation between a product of one company and that of a competitor, or enhance the general experience of a consumer.

In order to overcome this problem, it is known for companies such as Apple to use packaging comprising more enhanced and individualised forms, for example by way of inserts or the like, in which a product is displayed more aesthetically than simply being provided within a box-like container. However, as more companies utilise such enhanced forms of packaging, the individualisation, and therefore the differentiation of the packaging, diminishes. Consequently, the affect of the packaging on the overall experience of a consumer is diminished.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, although packaging is often viewed as an important aspect of the overall experience of a product for a consumer, the cost of the packaging must remain relatively low in comparison to the cost of the product.

Such costs not only comprise the cost of manufacturing the packaging, but also the costs of shipping etc. of the packaging to the manufacturing site of the product to be packaged, and the assembly of the packaging.

Consequently, the ability to provide packaging that enhances the consumer experience of a product is limited by the costs of the materials *and distribution of the packaging itself.

Thus, there exists a need for a packaging apparatus, which addresses at least some of the shortcomings of past and present packaging techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification and serve to further illustrate various embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and to explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIGs. 1 to 4 illustrate packaging apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIGs. 5 to 10 illustrate an example of an actuator of the packaging apparatus of FIGs. 1 to 4.

FIGs. 11 and 12 illustrate part of a packaging apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIGs. 13 to 17 illustrate a packaging apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIGs. 18 and 19 illustrate a packaging apparatus according to a still further alternative embodiment of the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the invention. In addition, the description and drawings do not necessarily require the order illustrated. Apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various embodiments, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment of the invention may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, pursuant to the various embodiments of the invention, there is provided apparatus for packaging an object comprising a housing component, a restraining component, a plinth for retaining the object and an actuator. The housing component is arranged such that, in a first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus, the actuator and at least a part of the plinth are substantially contained within the housing component, and the actuator is arranged to exert a force on the plinth, at least when the packaging apparatus is in the first, restrained configuration. The restraining component is arranged such that, in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus, the restraining component substantially restrains the plinth from movement as a result of the force applied thereto by the actuator. The packaging apparatus is further arranged such that, in a second, unrestrained configuration thereof, the restraining component no longer restrains the plinth such that the plinth is capable of movement relative to the housing component as a result of the force applied thereto by the actuator.

The use of an actuator to exert a force upon a plinth, and thereby causing the plinth to move relative to the housing component, provides a more interactive form of packaging, providing an enhanced user experience in comparison to known packaging techniques.

Furthermore, the packaging apparatus enables a manufacturer of a product to differentiate their product from those of their competitors by virtue of the enhanced user experience provided by the packaging.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the above recognized advantages and other advantages described herein are merely illustrative and are not meant to be a complete rendering of all of the advantages of the various embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, a packaging apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the invention is shown and indicated generally at 100. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize and appreciate that the specifics of this example are merely illustrative of some embodiments and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety of alternative settings. For example, since the teachings described do not depend on a general cube configuration of packaging, they can be applied to any form of packaging although a general cube configuration is shown in this embodiment. As such, other alternative implementations using different forms of packaging, for example generally spherical or alternative polygonal configurations, are contemplated and are within the scope of the various teachings described.

The packaging apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 comprises a housing component 110, which for the illustrated embodiment is in a form of a box design, and a restraining component 120, which for the illustrated embodiment is in a form of a lid. The restraining component is 120 arranged to be located over an opening within the housing component 110, which for the illustrated embodiment is in a form of an open side of the housing component 110. FIG. 1 illustrates the packaging apparatus 100 in a first, restrained configuration, whereby the restraining component 120 is located in a restraining position, as described in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated the packaging apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in a second, unrestrained configuration, whereby the restraining component 120 is no longer located in a restraining position. For the embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2, in the second, unrestrained configuration of the packaging apparatus, the restraining component 120, which is in the form of a lid, is removed from the housing component 110.

Contained within the housing component 120 is a plinth 210 for retaining or locating an object 220 for which the packaging apparatus 100 is intended. The object 220 may be retained by any suitable means. For example, by way of one or more ties (not shown) secured at the ends thereof to the plinth 210, and extending over a part of the object. Alternatively, the plinth 210 may comprise retaining features, examples of which are described below.

The packaging apparatus 100 is arranged such that, in the second, unrestrained configuration thereof, the plinth 210 is capable of movement, relative to the housing component 110, in a direction A'. In particular, in the second unrestrained configuration, the plinth is capable of movement at least generally toward, and for the illustrated embodiment at least partially through the opening. In this manner, for the illustrated embodiment, upon opening the packaging apparatus 100, e.g. removing the restraining component 120, the plinth 210 rises up' such that the object 220 is presented, for example, to a consumer who has purchased or is considering purchasing the product, or during a presentation or demonstration, for example at a point of sale.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the packaging apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in the first, restrained configuration. In the same way as for FIG. 1, the restraining component 120 is located over an open side of the housing component 110.

As can be seen, the plinth 210 is contained within the housing component 110. Also contained within the housing component 110 is an actuator 310, arranged to exert a force on the plinth 210, at least when the packaging apparatus 100 is in the first, restrained configuration.

The force exerted on the plinth 210 by the actuator 310 is such that the plinth 210, if unrestrained, would move relative to the housing component 110, in a direction generally away from the actuator 310.

For the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 310 is located between a base 320 of the housing component 110 and the plinth 210. The actuator 310 is arranged such that, when the packaging apparatus 100 is in the first, restrained configuration, the actuator 310 is in a compressed state. As described below in more detail, the actuator 310 comprises means for storing potential energy, at least when in this compressed state, for example by way of some form of elastic property, whereby the actuator 310 is inclined to resume a non-compressed state. Although one embodiment of the invention is described with respect to the potential energy being stored by means of an elastic property, a skilled artisan will appreciate that the inventive concept may include any suitable mechanical energy storing mechanism.

In the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus 100, the restraining component 120 restrains the plinth 210 from moving as a result of a larger force exerted on the plinth, for example gravity of the restraining component 120, than the upward force exerted by the actuator 310.

In particular, for the illustrated embodiment, the restraining component 120 is adapted to be located over an open side of the housing component 110, generally opposing the base of the housing component 110, in the form of a lid. The actuator 310 is located adjacent the base of the housing component 110, with the plinth 210 located between the actuator 310 and the open side of the housing component 110. In this manner, the force exerted on the plinth 210 by the actuator 310 is such that the plinth 210, if unrestrained, would move generally toward the open side of the housing component 110, in the direction A'.

For the illustrated embodiment, the object 220 is located between the plinth 210 and, in the first, restrained configuration, the restraining component 120.

In this manner, the restraining component 120 restrains the object 220 from moving in the direction A, Which in turn restrains the plinth 210 from moving in the direction A'.

In one embodiment of the invention, the restraining component 120 comprises side walls 125, arranged to engage with side walls 115 of the housing component 110 in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus 100. In this manner, the side walls 115 of the housing component 110 are located generally within, and in contact with, the side walls 125 of the restraining component 120. In this manner, friction between the side walls 125 of the restraining component 120 and the side walls 115 of the housing component 110 provides resistance against movement of the restraining component 120. This resistance, along with any friction between the plinth 210 and the side walls of the housing component 110, further restrains movement of the plinth 210 in the direction A' Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the packaging apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in a second, unrestrained configuration, whereby the restraining component is removed from the housing component 110. In this manner, the plinth 210, or more particularly for the illustrated embodiment the object 220, is no longer restrained from moving in the direction A'. Consequently, the force exerted by the actuator 310 on the plinth 210 causes the plinth 210 to move in the direction A', which in turn enables the actuator 310 to release at least some of the stored potential energy, and adopt a non-compressed state. In this manner, upon opening the packaging apparatus 100, e.g. removing the restraining component 120, the plinth 210 rises up' such that the object 220 is presented, for example, to a consumer who purchased or is interested in purchasing, the product, or during a presentation or demonstration, for example at a point of sale.

The plinth 210 and/or the housing component 110 may be arranged such that friction between the plinth 210 and the side walls of the housing component 110 is such that, whilst not being sufficient to prevent movement of the plinth 210 relative to the housing component 110, the friction substantially retards such movement of the plinth 210. In this manner, when the restraining component 120 is removed from the housing component 110, the force exerted by the actuator 310 on the plinth 210 and the frictional relationship between the plinth 210 and the housing component 110 results in a controlled movement of the plinth 210.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a plan view of the actuator 310, according to an embodiment of the invention, in an un-erected state. For the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 310 comprises a substantially rectangular, planar form divided into sections by fold lines 505, 535, 545, and may be made from any suitable material, for example cardboard, plastic etc. The actuator 310 comprises two end sections 510a, 510b and a plurality of midsections. For the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 310 comprises six midsections 520a to 520f.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the actuator 310 in an erected state. The actuator 310 is folded along the fold lines 505 such that the midsections 520a to 520f form a hexagonal configuration, with the end sections 510a, SlOb folded inside the hexagonal configuration, as illustrated. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the actuator 310 in an erected state.

Referring back to FIG. 5, each of the fold lines 535 adjacent the end sections 510a, SlOb comprises a pair of apertures 530, one located toward each edge of the actuator 310. The fold line 545 located generally centrally of the actuator 310 also comprises a pair of apertures 540, one located toward each edge of the actuator 310. The apertures 530, 540 provide formations for the location of an elastic band or similar element comprising elastic properties.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a further perspective view of the actuator 310 with an elastic component, which for the illustrated embodiment is in a form of an elastic band 810, providing elastic properties to the actuator 310.

For the illustrated embodiment, the elastic band 810, which forms a continuous loop, extends generally along the central fold line 545, on an external surface of the actuator 310. The elastic band 810 passes through the apertures 540 (not shown) in the central fold line 545, and extends generally across the actuator 310 to opposing apertures 530 (not shown), located in the fold lines 535 adjacent the end sections 510a, 510b. The elastic band 810 then passes through apertures 530, and along a fold line 535, on an internal surface of the actuator 310, to complete the loop.

For the illustration of FIG. 8, the elastic band 810 extends between apertures 530, 540 below the end sections 510a, 510b of the actuator 310, as illustrated by broken lines. In this manner, the elastic band 810 passes from beneath the end sections 510a, 510b, up through apertures 530, and along the inner surface of the upper of the two fold lines 535, as illustrated by a solid line. In this manner, with the elastic band 810 under tension, the force applied by the elastic band to the actuator 310 is such that it pulls the external surface of the central fold line 545 towards the apertures 540, as indicated by arrows B'.

The end sections 510a, 51Db, being located within the erected actuator 310, maintain a minimum distance across the actuator, between the central fold line 545 and the two opposing fold lines 535. Referring back to FIG. 5, slits 550 may be provided between each of the apertures 505, 535, 545 and an adjacent edge of the actuator 310 to facilitate assembly of the elastic band 810 and actuator 310.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the actuator 310 in a compressed state, for example when the actuator 310 is compressed by applying a force as illustrated in the direction of arrows C'. As the actuator is compressed, midsections 520e, 520b are urged towards one another. The fold lines 505, 535, 545 between the various sections of the actuator 310 enable the actuator 310 to flatten, as illustrated, and become compressed. As a result of such flattening, the distance increases between the central fold line 545 and the two opposing fold lines 535. This increase in distance also increases the tension in the elastic band 810 (not shown) . FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the actuator 310 in the compressed state.

Whilst the force C' is applied, the actuator 310 remains in the compressed state. However, when the force C' is removed, for example by removing retaining component 120, the tension in the elastic band causes the actuator 310 to return to the uncompressed state, illustrated in FIGs. 6, 7 and 8.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the actuator 310 can be seen in a compressed state. The actuator 310 is maintained in a compressed state by virtue of the restraining component 120 restraining the movement of the plinth 210 relative to the housing component 110. In this manner, the restraining component 120 and the housing component 110, in effect, apply a force to the actuator 310 corresponding to force C' illustrated in FIG. 9. In this manner, the actuator 310 remains compressed, with the elastic band 810 storing potential energy by virtue of the tension therein.

Referring now back to FIG. 4, the restraining component 120 has been removed, and accordingly movement of the plinth 21 is no longer being restrained.

Accordingly, the potential energy being held within the elastic band 810 of the actuator 310 is able to be released in the manner of the elastic band 810 pulling the central fold line 545, between midsections 520c and 520d, and the two opposing fold lines 535 between the end sections 510a, 510b and the adjacent midsections 520a, 520f together. This causes the midsections 520e, 520b of the actuator 310 to move away from one another, effectively pushing the base of the housing component 110 and the plinth 210 apart. This results in the plinth 210 rising up' such that the object 220 is presented, for example, to a consumer who purchased, or is interested in purchasing, the product, or during a presentation or demonstration, for example at a point of sale.

As previously mentioned, the end sections 510a, 510b of the actuator 310, being located within the actuator 310 when erected, maintain a minimum distance between the central fold line 545 and the two opposing fold lines 535. Consequently, when the distance from the central fold line 545 and the two opposing fold lines 535 reaches a minimum distance, the actuator 310 stops pushing' the base of the housing component 110 and the plinth 210 apart.

It is envisaged that the present invention is not limited to the form of the actuator 310 illustrated in FIGs. 3 to 10, and it is within the contemplation of the invention that any alternative suitable mechanism for exerting a force on a plinth may be used. By way of example, it is envisaged that the actuator is not limited to a generally hexagonal cross-sectional configuration, but rather may comprise any suitable alternative polygonal configuration, such as an octagonal cross-sectional configuration.

A further example of an alternative actuator may comprise a generally helical design akin to a typical spring, which when compressed exerts a force opposing its compression.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that the present invention is not limited to the use of a single actuator device, but may instead comprise a plurality of actuator devices, which combined perform the function of the actuator 310 of FIGs. 3 to 10.

Referring now to FIGs. 11 and 12, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view and a perspective view respectively of a plinth 1110 intended to form a part of a packaging apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The plinth 1110 comprises means for retaining an object 1130, for which the packaging apparatus is intended, for example in a form of a recess 1120 in an upper surface thereof. The recess 1120 is arranged such that the object 1130 may be received within the recess 1120, and retained therein by way of, for example, friction between sides of the recess 1120 and sides of the object 1130.

For the embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 11 and 12, a part of the object 1130 extends from the recess 1120. In this manner, a person is able to grip that part of the object 1130 extending from the recess 1130, and thereby remove the object 1130 from the recess 1120.

As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, the use of the term upper' in relation to the surface of the plinth is intended to provide a relative orientation with respect to the packaging apparatus, and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In this case, the direction of up' refers to the direction in which the plinth moves once the restraining component is removed or otherwise discontinues to restrain the plinth.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the retaining means of the plinth 1110 may comprise an aperture, as opposed a recess, within which at least a part of the object 1130 may be received.

Thus, in this manner, it is envisaged that the packaging apparatus may retain other forms of small lightweight objects, such as jewellery, rare coins, etc. Referring now to FIGs. 13 and 14, there are illustrated a cross-sectional view and a perspective view respectively of a plinth 1310 intended to form a part of a packaging apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. The plinth 1310 comprises means for retaining an object 1330, for which the packaging apparatus is intended, in a form of a recess 1320 in a side surface thereof. The recess 1320 is arranged such that the object 1330 may be received within the recess 1320, and retained therein by way of, for example, friction between sides of the recess 1320 and sides of the object 1330.

For the embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 13 and 14, substantially all of the object 1330 is received within the recess 1320. In order to enable a person to remove the object 1330 from the recess 1320, the recess 1320 comprises an expanded section 1340 toward an end thereof, enabling a person to grip an end of the object 1330, and thereby remove the object 1330 from the recess 1320.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a packaging apparatus 1510 according to a further embodiment of the present invention in a first, restrained configuration, and comprising the plinth 1310 of FIGs. 13 and 14. The packaging apparatus 1510 further comprises a housing component 1520, a restraining component 1530 and an actuator 1540.

In the same way as for the packaging apparatus of FIGs. 1 to 4, the housing component 1520 is in a form of a box design comprising an open side, which for the illustrated orientation is an upper side of the housing component 1520. Contained within the housing component 1520 is the plinth 1310 and, located generally below the plinth 1310 in the illustrated orientation, the actuator 1540. In this first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus 1500, the actuator is in a compressed state, such that it exerts a force on the plinth 1310, at least when the packaging apparatus 100 is in the first, retrained configuration. The force exerted on the plinth 1310 by the actuator 1540 is such that the plinth 1310, if unrestrained, would move relative to the housing component 1520, in a direction generally away from the actuator 1540.

For the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the packaging apparatus 1510 further comprises a restraining component 1530 in a form of a sleeve arranged to receive therein the housing component 1520 in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging apparatus 1510 in the first, restrained configuration.

The restraining component 1530 comprises four sides, forming a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and two open opposing ends. In this manner, the housing component 1520 may be inserted into the restraining component 1530 via either of the open ends.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, when the packaging apparatus is in the first, restrained configuration, the sides of the restraining component 1530 act together to restrain movement of the plinth 1310, relative to the housing component 1520, as a result of the force exerted on the plinth 1310 by the actuator 1540.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the packaging apparatus 1510 of FIGs. 15 and 16 in a second, unrestrained configuration, whereby the housing component 1520 has been removed from the restraining component 1530. In this manner, the plinth 1310 is no longer restrained from moving relative to the housing component 1520, as a result of the force exerted on the plinth 1310 by the actuator 1540.

Consequently, the force exerted by the actuator 1540 on the plinth 1310 causes the plinth 1310 to move in a direction D', enabling the actuator 1540 to resume a non-compressed state. In this manner, upon removing the housing component 1520 from the restraining component 1530, the plinth 1310 rises up' such that the recess 1320 in which the object 1330 is located outside of the housing component 1520, and thereby accessible by, for example, a consumer who purchased, or is interested in purchasing, the product, or a salesperson or demonstrator, for example at a point of sale. Referring now to FIG. 18, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view

of a packaging apparatus 1800 in a first, restrained configuration according to a still further alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The packaging apparatus 1800 comprises a housing component 1810 arranged to contain therein at least a part of a plinth 1820. The plinth 1820 is adapted to retain an object 1830 for which the packaging apparatus 1800 is intended, for example by way of a recess in which the object 1830 is received.

Also contained within the housing component 1810 is an actuator 1850, which for the illustrated embodiment is located between the plinth 1820 and a platform 1860. In the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus 1800, the actuator 1850 is in a compressed state, and exerts a force on the plinth 1820 in a direction E away from the platform 1860. The platform 1860 is located substantially adjacent a base of the housing component 1810. Accordingly, the force exerted on the plinth 1820 by the actuator 1850 is such that the plinth 1820, if unrestrained, would move relative to the housing component 1810, in a direction away from the actuator 1850.

The packaging apparatus 1800 further comprises a restraining component 1870, which is illustrated in FIG. 18 in a closed, restraining position, whereby the restraining component 1870 restrains the plinth 1820 from moving in the direction E' under the force exerted thereon by the actuator 1850.

Referring now to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the packaging apparatus 1800 of FIG. 18 in a second, unrestrained configuration. In this second configuration, the restraining component 1870 is pivotally coupled to the housing component 1810, and has been pivoted about a hinge element 1880, as indicated by arrow F', to an open position, whereby the restraining component 1870 no longer restrains the plinth 1850 from moving in the direction E'. Consequently, the force exerted on the plinth 1820 by the actuator 1850 causes the plinth 1820 to move in the direction E', relative to the housing element 1810, and rises up' such that the object 1830 is presented, for example, to a consumer who purchased, or is interested in purchasing, the product, or during a presentation or demonstration, for example at a point of sale.

The invention, as described herein with reference to various embodiments thereof, and in particular the use of an actuator to exert a force upon a plinth, and thereby causing the plinth to move relative to the housing component, provides a more interactive form of packaging, providing an enhanced consumer experience in comparison to known packaging techniques. Furthermore, the packaging apparatus enables a manufacturer of a product to differentiate their product from those of competitors.

As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, packaging apparatus embodying the inventive concept described herein may be made using the same materials, for example cardboard, currently used in known packaging techniques. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes involved, and the distribution and assembly of the packaging apparatus are no more complicated or costly than for known packaging techniques.

Thus, embodiments of the invention aim to provide at least one of the following advantages: (I) An enhanced consumer experience; (ii) Differentiation of a manufacturer's products from those of their competitors; and (iii) Substantially no increase in the cost or complexity of producing, distributing and assembling the packaging compared with known packaging techniques.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprises,' comprising,' has', having,' includes', including,' contains', containing' or any other variation thereof, are intended to dover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by comprises...a', has...a', includes...a', contains...a' does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms a' and an' are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the

technical disclosure. It is submitted with the

understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the

disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be

interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. Apparatus for packaging an object comprising a housing component, a restraining component, a plinth for retaining the object and an actuator; the housing component being arranged such that, in a first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus, the actuator and at least a part of the plinth are substantially contained within the housing component, and the actuator is arranged to exert a force on the plinth, at least when the packaging apparatus is in the first, restrained configuration; the restraining component being arranged such that, in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus, the restraining component substantially restrains the plinth from movement as a result of the force applied thereto by the actuator; and the packaging apparatus is further arranged such that, in a second, unrestrained configuration thereof, the restraining component no longer restrains the plinth such that the plinth is capable of movement relative to the housing component as a result of the force applied thereto by the actuator.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 further characterised by the actuator being located between a base of the housing component and the plinth, and the force exerted on the plinth by the actuator is such that the plinth, if unrestrained, would move relative to the housing component, in a direction generally away from the actuator.
3. The apparatus of Claim 2 further characterised by the actuator being arranged such that, when the packaging apparatus is in the first, restrained configuration, the actuator is in a compressed state, and comprises means for storing potential energy, at least when in the compressed state.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3 further characterised by the actuator being arranged such that, when the packaging apparatus is in the second, unrestrained configuration, the force exerted on the plinth by the actuator causes the plinth to move relative to the housing component, which enables the actuator to release at least some of the stored potential energy, and adopt a non-compressed state.
5. The apparatus of any preceding Claim further characterised by the actuator comprising a generally polygonal cross-sectional configuration.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5 further characterised by the actuator comprising a generally hexagonal cross-sectional configuration.
7. The apparatus of Claim 5 of Claim 6 further characterised by the actuator comprising a substantially rectangular, planar form divided into sections by fold lines; the rectangular form comprising two end sections and a plurality of midsections whereby the actuator is folded along the fold lines such that the midsections form the polygonal cross-sectional configuration, with the end sections folded inside the polygonal configuration.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7 further characterised by the end sections maintaining a minimum distance across the polygonal cross- section of the actuator.
9. The apparatus of Claim 8 further characterised by the actuator comprising an elastic component extending under tension generally across the actuator to provide elastic properties to the actuator.
10. The apparatus of Claim 9 further characterised by the elastic component comprising an elastic band.
11. The apparatus of any preceding Claim further characterised by the housing component being in the form of a box design comprising an opening.
12. The apparatus of Claim 11 further characterised by the packaging apparatus being arranged such that in the second, unrestrained configuration, the plinth is capable of movement at least generally toward the opening as a result of the force applied thereto by the actuator.
13. The apparatus of Claim 12 further characterised by the packaging apparatus being arranged such that in the second, unrestrained configuration, the plinth is capable of movement at least partially through the opening as a result of the force applied thereto by the actuator.
14. The apparatus of any one of Claims 11 to.L3 further characterised by the restraining component being arranged to be located over the opening of the housing component in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus.
15. The apparatus of Claim 14 further characterised by the restraining component being in the form of a lid, comprising side walls arranged to engage with side walls of the housing component in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus such that the side walls of the housing component are located generally within, and in contact with, the side walls of the restraining component, wherein friction between the side walls of the restraining component and the side walls of the housing component provides resistance against movement of the restraining component.
16. The apparatus of Claim 14 further characterised by the restraining component being in the form of a sleeve arranged to receive therein the housing component in the first, restrained configuration of the packaging apparatus.
17. The apparatus of Claim 14 further characterised by the restraining component being pivotally coupled to the housing component.
18. The apparatus of any preceding Claim further characterised by the apparatus being arranged such that, when the restraining component no longer restrains the plinth from movement, the plinth moves relative to the housing component in a direction generally away from the actuator.
19. The apparatus of any preceding Claim further characterised by the plinth comprising means for retaining the object.
20. The apparatus of Claim 19 further characterised by the retaining means being located in an upper surface of the plinth.
21. The apparatus of Claim 19 further characterised by the retaining means being located in a side surface of the plinth.
22. The apparatus of Claim 19 further characterised by the retaining means being in the form of a recess arranged to receive the object therein.
23. The apparatus of Claim 22 further characterised by the recess being arranged to receive the object therein such that a part of the objects extends from the recess.
24. The apparatus of Claim 22 further characterised by the recess being arranged to receive substantially all of the object therein.
25. The apparatus of Claim 22 further characterised by the recess comprising an expanded section toward an end thereof.
26. The apparatus of Claim 19 further characterised by the retaining means comprising an aperture within which at least a part of the object may be received.
27. The apparatus of any preceding Claim further characterised in that the force exerted by the actuator on the plinth and a frictional relationship between the plinth and the housing component results in a controlled movement of the plinth.
28. Apparatus for packaging an object as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.