GB2526293A

GB2526293A - Shirt packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2526293A
Application number: GB1408883.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Louise Hobbs
Original assignee: BRAIFORM HK Ltd
Current assignee: BRAIFORM HK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-19
Filing date: 2014-05-19
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Also published as: GB2526401B8; GB2526401B; GB2526401A; GB2526401A8; GB201408883D0; WO2015177535A1; GB201504001D0

Abstract

Shirt packaging preferably includes a support panel 2 attached via a connecting member 4 to an annular support 5 designed to fit within the shirts neck. Ideally a tab 6 in the support panel has two holes 7 to engage with a button and a stiffening panel 20 can fold over the supporting panel and secure 21, 22 against it to reinforce it. There can be a further annular collar support to extend around the outside of the shirts neck but under the collar and engage 9 a top button. This can be provided on the connecting member between the panel and the annular support, the connecting member being longer than the annular support is wide. There can be clips cut out from the panel to retain both ends of the shirt. Various other tabs and clips extending from the edges of the panel 25 or cut out from its body 8, 16 can retain the shirt, the sleeves, and the cuffs in position. Ideally the packaging is integrally formed from a single sheet of transparent polypropylene or corrugated fibreboard.

Description

Packing Support [0001] This invention relates to a packing support for a shirt.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Effective shirt packaging is important to ensure a shirt can be transported easily and efficiently from the point of manufacture to the shop where it will be displayed and sold. The packaging should allow the shirt to be efficiently stored, whilst also remaining presentable and suitable for display on the shelf in a shop.

[0003] One common approach for packaging shirts uses a support panel which stiffens the shirt, and around which the shirt is folded. In the case of a shirt with a folded collar, the backing panel may have a tab which slots under the collar, helping to locate the shirt against the backing panel. The shirt is folded around this panel such that the collar and a portion of the front of the shirt is displayed. Much of the rest of the shirt is neatly folded away behind the backing panel. According to packaging methods of the prior art, the shirt is held in this position using a number of separate clips and fasteners. It is common to use a separate packaging piece placed within the opening formed by the collar to stiffen the collar. In the case of a folding collar, another supporting packaging piece can be placed under the collar. In some cases, this will be secured around the top button of the shirt.

Such an arrangement utilises multiple packaging parts which are manufactured separately and may be complicated to assemble.

[0004] When a customer unpacks a shirt, they may misplace part of the packaging. If the customer subsequently wishes to return the shirt if it is an incorrect size, or an unwanted gift, then spare parts must be used to re-pack the shirt before it can be re-displayed on the shelf. This adds extra cost and effort for the retailer.

[0005] GB2410015 discloses shirt packaging which reduces the total number of parts by attaching a collar support to the backing panel and providing a slot to secure a sleeve of the shirt. The present invention, at least in its preferred embodiments, seeks to provide an

alternative to shirt packaging of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a packing support for a shirt, the shirt having a collar defining a collar opening. The packing support comprises a support panel; an inner collar support configured for forming, in use, a ring within the collar opening; and a connecting member connecting the support panel to the inner collar support by extending from an end of the support panel to the inner collar support.

[0007] Thus, in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the inner collar support is connected to the support panel. Advantageously, this allows the inner collar support and support panel to be provided as a single component, reducing the need for spare parts when repackaging a shirt.

[0008] The connecting member may be dimensioned to connect the inner collar support to the support panel while the inner collar support is positioned within the collar opening of the shirt. This ensures the inner collar support remains connected to the support panel when the shirt has been packed.

[0009] The length of the connecting member between the support panel and the inner collar support may be at least the width of the inner collar support. This further ensures the inner collar support is capable of being positioned within the collar opening of the shirt by using the connecting member to enable the packing support to pass above the obstacle of the folded collar. The inner collar support may be folded down to be positioned within the collar opening of the shirt. If the collar of the shirt is not folded at the back, as in a wing collar, the connecting member may be at least the height of the collar at the back of the shirt.

[0010] The inner collar support may be configured to form an adjustable loop within the collar opening of the shirt. Thus, the inner collar support may be adjustably sized to fit different sizes of collar.

[0011] The packing support may comprise an under-collar support configured for supporting the folded collar, in use wherein the under-collar support may be connected to the support panel. The under-collar support may be one member configured to wrap around the collar. Preferably, the under-collar support is at least two members, each supporting part of the folded collar, in use.

[0012] The under-collar support may be adapted to be secured to a collar button of the shirt. The under-collar support may be secured by buttoning. The under-collar support may have an opening defined therein for securing a collar button of the shirt. The under-collar support may be secured by locating the collar button connecting threads within one of a series of connected holes defined within the under-collar support. Alternatively, the under-collar support may have a slot defined therein for securing a collar button of the shirt. The under-collar support may be secured by locating the collar button connecting threads within one of a series of slots defined within the under-collar support. Thus, the under-collar support may be adjustably sized to fit different sizes of collar.

[0013] The under-collar support may be connected to the support panel between the inner collar support and the support panel.

[0014] The support panel may have defined therein a bend-out clip configured to hold two sides of the folded shirt to each other against the support panel.

[0015] This in itself is believed to be a novel feature and thus in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packing support for a shirt. The packing support comprises a support panel around which the shirt is folded, in use. The support panel comprises a bend-out clip configured to hold two sides of the folded shirt to each other against the support panel.

[0016] Thus, in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, a bend-out clip holds two sides of the shirt against the support panel whilst the sides of the shirt are folded around the support panel. The bend-out clip may be defined within the support panel.

[0017] The bend-out clip may be defined by at least one cut through the material of the support panel.

[0018] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the shirt has a series of front buttons and is folded when packed with a lower portion of the front of the shirt behind an upper portion of the front of the shirt. The packing support further comprises a button tab configured to secure one of the front buttons of the lower portion of the packed shirt to the packing support, whereby to retain the packed shirt in a folded configuration. The button tab has at least two holes defined therein for selective engagement between said one of the front buttons and one of said holes.

[0019] This in itself is believed to be a novel feature and thus in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packing support for a shirt, the shirt having a series of front buttons and being folded when packed with a lower portion of the front of the shirt behind an upper portion of the front of the shirt. The packing support comprises a support panel around which the shirt is folded, in use, and a button tab configured to secure one of the front buttons of the lower portion of the packed shirt to the packing support, whereby to retain the packed shirt in a folded configuration. The button tab has at least two holes defined therein for selective engagement between said one of the front buttons and one of said holes.

[0020] Thus, in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, the button tab with at least two holes defined therein allows one of the front buttons of the lower portion of the packed shirt to be secured to the packing support. The front button may be secured to any one of said holes. Where the folding is inconsistent, providing at least two holes advantageously ensures that the one of the front buttons of the lower portion of the packed shirt can be secured to the packing support and so folding is less likely to have to be repeated. This saves time and effort for both the manufacturer and retailer. It also reduces undesirable additional creases or fold-lines in the packed shirt.

[0021] The button tab may be defined by at least one cut through the material of the packing support. The button tab may be defined within the connecting member.

Alternatively the button tab may be defined within a region covering part of both the connecting member and the support panel. Preferably, the button tab is defined within the support panel. The button tab may be configured to bend out from the support panel.

[0022] The support panel may further comprise a sleeve tab provided at an edge of the support panel and configured to secure a sleeve of the shirt against the support panel. The sleeve tab may be defined by at least one cut through the material of the packing support.

[0023] The packing support may further comprise a stiffening panel arranged to fold over at least a part of a surface of the support panel to stiffen at least a part of the packing support.

[0024] This in itself is believed to be a novel feature and thus in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a packing support for a shirt. The packing support comprises a support panel around which the shirt is folded, in use, and a stiffening panel arranged to fold over at least a part of a surface of the support panel to stiffen at least a part of the packing support.

[0025] Thus, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the stiffening panel is arranged to fold over at least a part of a surface of the support panel and stiffens the packaging support in this region. Advantageously, this ensures the packed shirt is held together more robustly, and is less likely to dislodge or become partially unpacked in transit. It also ensures that the packed shirt is further stiffened.

[0026] The stiffening panel may fold at the bottom edge of the support panel. Preferably, the stiffening panel may fold at the long edge of the support panel. In this case, the stiffening panel may extend on the same side as the inner collar support or the under-collar support. Advantageously, this reduces the footprint of a packing support according to some embodiments compared to embodiments where the stiffening panel folds along the bottom edge of the support panel.

[0027] The stiffening panel may be arranged to fold over at least a part of a front surface of the support panel. Alternatively, the stiffening panel may be arranged to fold over at least a part of a back surface of the support panel.

[0028] One of the support panel and the stiffening panel may have defined therein at least a slot and the other of the support panel and the stiffening panel may have defined therein at least a corresponding slot-in tab, arranged to secure a surface of the stiffening panel against a surface of the support panel. In this way, the stiffening panel is held securely against the support panel, and the two panels function as one, thicker panel.

Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the support panel and the stiffening panel may comprise adhesive arranged to secure a surface of the stiffening panel to a surface of the support panel.

[0029] In embodiments where the packing support comprises a stiffening panel and a bend-out clip, the stiffening panel may have defined therein a further bend-out clip corresponding to the bend-out clip defined in the support panel, and the further bend-out clip is configured to reinforce the bend-out clip in the support panel when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel.

[0030] In embodiments where the packing support comprises a stiffening panel and a button tab, the stiffening panel may have defined therein a further button tab corresponding to the button tab defined in the support panel, and the further button tab is configured to reinforce the button tab in the support panel when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel.

[0031] In embodiments where the packing support comprises a stiffening panel and a sleeve tab, the stiffening panel may have defined therein a further sleeve tab corresponding to the sleeve tab defined in the support panel, and the further sleeve tab is configured to reinforce the sleeve tab in the support panel when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel.

[0032] In this way, at least one of the further bend-out clip, the further button tab, and the further sleeve tab will, when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel, reinforce the corresponding tab or clip on the support panel, and enable a shirt to be packed tighter.

Where at least one of the pairs of the bend-out clip and further bend-out clip, the button tab and further button tab, and the sleeve tab and further sleeve tab correspond substantially in size, the at least one of the pairs of the bend-out clip and further bend-out clip, the button tab and further button tab, and the sleeve tab and further sleeve tab can additionally locate the stiffening panel against the support panel.

[0033] The packing support may further comprise a hanging tab for connection to a hanger, the hanging tab extending from the support panel. The hanger may be a loop member. Preferably, the hanger is a hook member. The hanging tab may be provided in the footprint of the connecting member.

[0034] In embodiments where the packing support comprises at least one of the hanging tab, the bend-out clip and the button tab, at least one of the hanging tab, the bend-out clip and the button tab may be provided adjacent a cut-out for using a finger to pull out the at least one tab or clip from the packing support. In this way, it is easier for a packager, retailer, or re-packager, to extract the tabs or clips which might otherwise be flush with the component in which they are provided, and therefore difficult to extract.

[0035] In embodiments where the shirt is a long-sleeved shirt having cuffs, the packing support may further comprise a detachable cuff holder arranged to secure at least one of the cuffs of the shirt to the front of the packed shirt.

[0036] The cuff holder may be a cut out from the support panel or the stiffening panel. By providing the cuff holder within the support panel or stiffening panel, no extra material is required to add the cuff holder. The cuff holder may alternatively be provided alongside the support panel or the stiffening panel. By providing the cuff holder alongside the support panel or stiffening panel (and so not as a cut-out), the rigidity of the support panel and stiffening panel can be maintained. The cuff holder may be frangibly connected to the support panel or stiffening panel.

[0037] The packing support may be formed, for example cut, from a sheet material. The sheet material may be substantially transparent. It is desirable for at least one of the inner collar support, the under-collar support, the connecting member, the button tab, and the cuff holder to be substantially transparent in order to provide good visibility of the shirt.

[0038] The sheet material may be polypropylene. The sheet material may be an alternative material which is also durable, transparent and easy to manufacture.

Polypropylene is widely recyclable. The sheet material may alternatively be formed of cardboard or fibreboard, for example corrugated fiberboard. The corrugated fiberboard may comprise a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. The sheet material may be chosen based on a retailer's requirements.

[0039] Product information, retailer information, or any other desired information may be printed on the sheet material. The printed information may be printed onto a printable label and affixed to the sheet material. The printable label may be affixed by gluing.

[0040] The packing support may be formed from at least two connected components.

Preferably, the packing support is a single, integrally formed component.

[0041] The support panel may define, in use, a portion of the front of the packed shirt behind which the remainder of the front of the shirt is folded. The packing support may be configured to position a cuff of the shirt at the front of the packed shirt.

[0042] The invention extends to packing support in combination with a shirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a packing support according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2-11 illustrate the steps required for packing a shirt using a packing support according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates a shirt packed using a packing support according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 illustrates a packing support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 shows a packing support 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packing support 1 is formed from a single piece of flexible material, designed to provide stiffening support to a shirt, both during and after packing.

The packing support 1 comprises a support panel 2 which provides the primary support to the packed shirt. Extending from the upper edge of the support panel 2 is an under-collar support 3. The under-collar support 3 consists of two pieces in this embodiment, where both are arranged, in combination, to form a loop within the fold of the collar of the shirt.

Locating holes 9 are defined within one of the pieces of the under-collar support 3 for fixing to the top button (collar button) of the shirt. Also extending from the upper edge of the support panel 2 is a connecting member 4, which connects the support panel 2 to an inner collar supportS. The connecting membel 4 extends from the upper edge of the support panel 2 a distance at least equal to the height of the collar of the shirt when the collar is folded down over the under-collar support 3. The inner collar support 5 is provided with a tab 11 and locating slots 10 to ensure the inner collar supports can form an adjustable loop of maximum perimeter within the collar opening of the shirt. The inner collar support 5 and under-collar support 3 both contribute to a stiffened, supported collar. The upper part of the connecting member 4 is provided with two fold lines 17, lSso that room remains for the thickness of the fold at the top of the collar when the inner collar support is located within the collar. There is an additional fold line 19 across the boundary between the support panel 2 and the under-collar support 3, also extending between the two parts of the under-collar support 3 along the boundary between the support panel 2 and the connecting member 4. The hanging tab 13 extends from the boundary between the support panel 2 and the fold line 19 as a cut-out in the connecting member 4. A hanger locating hole 14 is defined within the hanging tab 13 to fasten a hanging member, such as a hook. The support panel 2 has a sleeve tab 8 defined by a cut extending from the edge of the support panel 2. The sleeve tab 8 has softly serrated edges to grip the material of one of the sleeves of the shirt without damaging it. A bend-out clip 16 is defined by a cut in the support panel 2. The join between the bend-out clip 16 and the support panel 2 will form a resilient member which will hold two sides of the shirt to each other, and hold both of them to the support panel 2. The support panel 2 also comprises a button tab 6 which folds or bends out from the support panel 2. There are two holes 7 defined in the button tab 6 to allow a button from the line of buttons running down the front of the shirt to be attached to the packing support using either one of the holes 7. A notch 12 is provided in the bottom centre of the support panel 2 and gives a simple indication of the centreline of the support panel 2. The softly serrated edges 15 of the support panel 2 provide a textured edge, offering increased grip against the surface of the shirt without damaging the material.

[0045] Figures 2-11 illustrate the steps required for packing a shirt using the packing support shown in Figure 1. In this particular case, the shirt has a foldable collar with button fastenings up the front of the shirt. However, a number of different shirt styles can be used for different embodiments of the invention.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the shirt packing support 1 is first placed on a flat surface, and the collared shirt 17 is placed flat on top with the buttons and collar visible, and the collar unfolded in the upright position. All of the buttons fastening the front of the shirt together are done up. The part of the shirt where the collar meets the centre of the back of the shirt is positioned at the boundary between the support panel 2 and the under-collar support 3. Alternatively, the relevant boundary can be thought of as the boundary between the support panel 2 and the connecting member 4.

[0047] The part of the under-collar support 3 within which there are defined a series of linked locating holes 9 is now folded up from the support panel 2 and bent around the outside of the unfolded collar as in Figure 3. The top button is then secured to an appropriate locating hole 9 to ensure this part of the under-collar support 3 is held close against the collar. The other part of the under collar support is also folded up from the support panel 2 and bent around the collar. The collar is then folded down with both parts of the under-collar support 3 remaining underneath the fold in the collar. Whilst this example uses locating holes to secure one part of the under-collar support 3, the two parts of the under-collar support 3 may be capable of attaching to one another with a variable overlap to accommodate differently sized collars. Alternatively, the two parts may not be fixed, but will be held in place against the collar when the collar is folded down around them. In a further variation, the under-collar support 3 may be a single part which is long enough to negate the need for a further part of the under-collar support 3, with or without being attached to the top button of the shirt. However, for reasons of efficient material usage when producing multiple packing supports, the configuration as hereinbefore described is presently preferred.

[0048] Once the collar is folded down, as in Figure 4, the connecting member 4 is now folded up to position the boundary between the connecting member 4 and the inner collar support 5 over the fold at the back of the collar. The inner collar support 5 is then folded over along two spaced fold lines to be placed within the collar opening. The tab 11 and slots 10 are used to adjust the size of the loop formed by the inner collar support 5 such that it engages substantially the entire inner surface of the collar opening of the shirt. As with the under-collar support 3, alternative fixing means and positions of the fixing relative to the connecting member 4 are possible. It is also possible that the inner collar support S may not form a complete loop. The inner collar supportS could be a stiffening member which does not form a complete loop within the collar opening.

[0049] The shirt and shirt packing combination are now placed front down on the flat surface as in Figure 6 to enable easy access to the back of the shirt for the next stages in the packing process. The centreline of the back of the shirt runs substantially through the notch 12 in the bottom of the support panel 2. This ensures that the subsequent packing steps result in a neatly packed shirt.

[0050] In Figure 7, one side of the shirt has been folded around an edge 15 of the support panel 2, such that the support panel forms one edge of a lateral footprint of the packed shirt. The sleeve from this same side is passed through and underneath the softly serrated sleeve tab 8, which holds this side of the shirt folded around the edge 15 of the support panel 2. As shown in Figure 8, the sleeve is now folded around the sleeve tab 8. It will be appreciated that for larger shirt sizes (or packing supports with smaller support panels), the sleeve tab may have part of the shoulder of the shirt through it instead of the sleeve. The principle of operation in this case remains the same. The sleeve (and any overhanging parts from this side of the shirt) is then folded to remain within the lateral footprint defined by the two long edges of the support panel 2.

[0051] The remaining side of the shirt is folded around the edge of the support panel 2 such that the shoulder on the remaining side of the shirt crosses over the first side of the shirt. Figure 9 shows the bend-out clip 16 holding both sides of the shirt against each other, and clipping them to the back of the support panel 2. As before, the sleeve (and any overhanging parts from the remaining side of the shirt) is folded to remain within the lateral footprint defined by the two sides of the shirt folded around the two long edges of the support panel 2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the bottom edge of the shirt is next folded up to a point where there is a similar length of shirt below the folded up bottom edge of the shirt as above it. An alternative way to describe this is the bottom third of the length of the shirt is folded up. The shirt is then folded up again as in Figure 11 such that a button fastening the front of the shirt lines up with one of the holes 7 in the button tab 6. The button tab 6 is bent up so that the shirt sits beneath it, and the button is fastened to one of the holes 7.

The two holes ensure that a range of shirt sizes can be easily accounted for, and reduces the need for re-folding if the button does not line up with one hole.

[0053] Subsequently, the shirt can be additionally packaged in a bag. Optionally also or instead, a wrap band can be used to further package the shirt. The wrap-band and bag are suitable for both ensuring the shirt remains tightly and neatly packed, and also to provide a surface onto which a retailer or manufacturer can display additional information or design details.

[0054] In the case that the shirt will be hung up, the hanging tab 13 is provided. The hanging tab is provided as a fold-out tab in the connecting member 4, though it may alternatively be provided in the support panel 2. There is a hole 14 defined within the hanging tab 13, to which a small plastics hook is attached as in Figure 12, making the packed shirt suitable for hanging. Whilst the hole 14 is shown as square, holes may alternatively be circular, rectangular, triangular, or any other desirable shape. Similarly, the hole 14 may be smaller or larger than the particular hole 14 shown in Figure 1. Whilst the presently described embodiment uses a hook formed from plastics, the hook can alternatively be formed from any other suitable material, for example corrugated card, wood, or metal. In some embodiments, alternative hanging methods may be used. The invention is not limited to hanging methods requiring a hanging tab, hole or hook.

[0055] The distance between the fold line 17 at one end of the connecting member, and the fold line 19 at the other ensures that the inner collar support Scan be located within the opening formed by the collar, whilst remaining attached to at least some of the other components of the rest of the packing support 1, such as the support panel 2 and the connecting member 4.

[0056] There may be other components provided with the packing support, which are designed to pop out for use as separate components of the packing. One such component may be a cuff holder to present and secure a cuff at the front of the shirt. This may be similar in design to the component found in GB2410015.

[0057] Figure 13 shows a packing support 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from that of Figure 1 in several ways. A stiffening panel 20 is provided adjacent to the support panel 2. Whilst in this embodiment the stiffening panel 20 mirrors much of the outline of the top part of the support panel 2, and stops just over halfway down the support panel 2, the stiffening panel could equally start lower down the support panel 2, and finish at a different point on the support panel 2.

[0058] The stiffening panel 20 also has the same softly serrated edges 15 as the support panel 2. A tab 21 and slot 22 are provided in the stiffening panel 20 and support panel 2 respectively. Whilst the tab 21 is provided in the stiffening panel, and the slot 22 is provided in the support panel, these could equally be provided in the other order, so the tab 21 and slot 22 are provided in the support panel 2 and stiffening panel 20 respectively.

[0059] The stiffening panel 20 also has a pop-out clip 23 defined within it, and a sleeve tab portion 24. In some embodiments, the sleeve tab portion 24 may be the same size as the sleeve tab 8. In other embodiments, the sleeve tab portion 24 may be smaller than shown.

[0060] In the corner between the stiffening panel 20 and the support panel 2, a cuff holder 25 is provided. Whilst in the present embodiment, the cuff holder 25 is provided as extra sheet material, it can alternatively be provided as a pop-out from a larger component of the packing support 1, such as the support panel 2 or a larger design of the stiffening panel 20.

[0061] The cuff holder 25 has a number of button holes 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 and slots 27 defined within it for securing different styles of cuffs to the front of the packed shirt in different ways. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, only a subset of these holes and slots would be provided in the cuff holder 25 depending on the type of shirt to be packed, and the way it should be presented.

[0062] In this embodiment, a finger hole 32 is provided adjacent to the hanging tab 13 in the connecting member 4. This makes it easier to remove the hanging tab 13 from its flush position when the shirt has already been packed. Whilst the embodiment shown uses a semi-circle cut-out, alternative shapes can easily be envisaged.

[0063] To pack a shirt using the packing support 1 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, the packager folds the stiffening panel 20 over so it lies on top of the support panel 2. It must be folded so that it will not obstruct the rest of the packing process. To achieve this, the support panel 2, when folded, will be exposed to the back of the shirt to be packed.

[0064] When the stiffening panel 20 is folded over, the bend-out clip 23, softly serrated edges 15 and sleeve tab portion 24 line up with the outlines of the corresponding features on the support panel 2. The tab 21 is bent out and fits through the slot 22 to secure the bent-over stiffening panel 20 in place. Providing the bend-out clip 23, 16, and the sleeve tab 8 and sleeve tab portion 24 together also helps secure and locate the stiffening panel against the support panel 2. The thicker bend-out clip and sleeve tab also increase the rigidity of these features of the packing support and allow the shirt to be packed tighter, resulting in a neater presentation, less likely to dislodge in transit.

[0065] For a single-cuffed shirt where one sleeve is to be displayed at the front of the packed shirt, the button holes 30 and 31 are arranged to be fastened to two buttons of a single-cuffed shirt. If only one button is present, then only one of the holes 30, 31 will be required. The two lower front buttons of the packed shirt can be fastened to the holes 28, 29 to keep the cuff secured around the front of the packed shirt.

[0066] For a double-cuffed shirt, the cuffs should be fastened with cufflinks or similar, such that the slots 27 can be used to secure the two cuffs to the cuff holder 25. If only one cuff is required, then only one slot 27 will be used. Additionally, the cuff holder will be fastened to the shirt. This can either be using the two button holes 28, 29 as previously, or instead the single button hole 26. As a general rule, where one cuff is secured to the cuff holder 25, then two securing points will be needed to robustly hold the cuff holder 25 to the packed shirt. Where two cuffs are secured to the cuff holder 25, then the cuffs may be held in place against the packed shirt by securing to only one button.

[0067] The stiffening panel 20 may be provided as a separate piece configured to be secured to the support panel. This is not preferred, as providing the stiffening panel 20 adjacent, and connected to, the support panel 2 may reduce the number of parts for the packing support 1. This, in turn, may reduce the production and packing costs for a shirt.

[0068] Figure 14 shows a packing support 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 13 in a number of ways. The packing support 1 is formed from a corrugated fibreboard material. Corrugated fibreboard is a stiff material, well-suited for use in packing supports for shirts. Corrugated fibreboard is formed from one or two flat linerboards, with a fluted corrugated sheet provided adjacent to one linerboard, or between two linerboards. In the present embodiment, the direction of the grain of the corrugated fibreboard is across the support panel. In this way, the softly serrated edges 15 cross several flutes of the corrugated fibreboard, whereas the fold crease line 17 is substantially along a single flute of the corrugated fibreboard. However, the packing support could alternatively be formed from corrugated fibreboard with other grain directions. In some embodiments, different parts of the packing support can be formed from corrugated fibreboard with differing grain directions.

[0069] The corrugated fibreboard in the present embodiment is E-flute, having dimensions of approximately 295 flutes per metre and a flute thickness of 1.6mm, though other sizes of corrugated fibreboard can be used. In some embodiments, different sections of the packing support may be formed from different specifications of corrugated fibreboard.

[0070] Corrugated fibreboard is typically stiffer than polypropylene, so additional crease lines are required, particularly in areas of the packing support 1 where the direction of bend will be across the grain.

[0071] Crease line 33 is an additional crease line not seen on the embodiments illustrated by Figure 1 and Figure 13. Fold line 33 allows the connecting member 4 to be positioned over the back of the shirt collar whilst the under-collar support 3 is positioned within the collar. Crease lines 34 are provided in multiple locations along the under-collar support 3 to allow the under-collar support 3 to conform approximately to the shape of a collar. Crease lines 35 are provided in multiple locations along the inner collar support 5 to allow the inner collar support 5 to conform approximately to the shape of an inner surface of the collar opening. Crease line 36 is provided to allow the bend-out clip 16 to bend out of the plane of the support panel 2 when a shirt is being packed using the packing support 1. Crease line 37 is provided to allow the button tab 6 to bend out of the plane of the support panel 2 when a shirt is being packed using the packing support 1. Crease line 38 allows the sleeve tab 8 to bend away from the plane of the support panel 2 when a shirt is being packed using the packing support 1.

[0072] Any of these additional crease lines can equally be used where the packing support is formed from materials other than corrugated fibreboard, for example polypropylene.

[0073] The under-collar support 3 is provided with slots 39 defined between some crease lines 34. The slots 39 are adapted to engage with the top button (collar button) of the shirt.

The slots 39 could equally be used where the packing support is formed from materials other than corrugated fibreboard, for example polypropylene.

[0074] Whilst this particular embodiment does not feature a stiffening panel as used in alternative embodiments, this could be provided where additional stiffening is required.

[0075] Although embodiments shown in the figures enclosed herein show a "left-handed" or "right-handed" design, it will be appreciated that a person skilled in the art would understand that a former made to the design of some embodiments can be used either way up, by folding some or all fold lines in the opposite sense to that described. In some embodiments, the former may be constructed such that the fold lines have a preferred direction of folding. In these embodiments, the design can be mirrored such that the "other-handed" shirt packing can be achieved whilst retaining the preferred direction of folding.

Fold lines may be scored lines in the former.

[0076] For the purposes of this document, "left-handed" and "right-handed" are taken to indicate a difference in the shirt packing of some embodiments wherein a left or right sleeve is passed under the sleeve tab, and so a left or right cuff may be displayed at the front of the packed shirt. In a shirt with one breast pocket, the breast of the shirt having the breast pocket may determine the desired cuff to be displayed. "Other-handed" refers to the design being in the opposite sense as previously.

[0077] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0078] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings).

[0079] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A packing support for a shirt, the shirt having a collar defining a collar opening, the packing support comprising: a support panel; an inner collar support configured for forming, in use, a ring within the collar opening; and a connecting member connecting the support panel to the inner collar support by extending from an end of the support panel to the inner collar support.
2. A packing support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member is dimensioned to conned the inner collar support to the support panel while the inner collar support is positioned within the collar opening of the shirt.
3. A packing support as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the connecting member between the support panel and the inner collar support is at least the width of the inner collar support.
4. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an under-collar support configured for supporting the folded collar, in use, wherein the under-collar support is connected to the support panel.
5. A packing support as claimed in claim 4, wherein the under-collar support is adapted to be secured to a collar button of the shirt.
6. A packing support as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the under-collar support is connected to the support panel between the inner collar support and the support panel.
7. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support panel has defined therein a bend-out clip configured to hold two sides of the folded shirt to each other against the support panel.
8. A packing support for a shirt comprising a support panel around which the shirt is folded, in use, wherein the support panel has defined therein a bend-out clip configured to hold two sides of the folded shirt to each other against the support panel.
9. A packing support as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the bend-out clip is defined by at least one cut through the material of the support panel.
10. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shirt has a series of front buttons and is folded when packed with a lower portion of the front of the shirt behind an upper portion of the front of the shirt, the packing support further comprising a button tab configured to secure one of the front buttons of the lower portion of the packed shirt to the packing support, whereby to retain the packed shirt in a folded configuration, wherein the button tab has at least two holes defined therein for selective engagement between said one of the front buttons and one of said holes.
11. A packing support for a shirt, the shirt having a series of front buttons and being folded when packed with a lower portion of the front of the shirt behind an upper portion of the front of the shirt, the packing support comprising: a support panel around which the shirt is folded, in use, a button tab configured to secure one of the front buttons of the lower portion of the packed shirt to the packing support, whereby to retain the packed shirt in a folded configuration, wherein the button tab has at least two holes defined therein for selective engagement between said one of the front buttons and one of said holes.
12. A packing support as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the button tab is defined by at least one cut through the material of the packing support.
13. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support panel further comprises a sleeve tab provided at an edge of the support panel and configured to secure a sleeve of the shirt against the support panel.
14. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a stiffening panel arranged to fold over at least a part of a surface of the support panel to stiffen at least a part of the packing support.
15. A packing support for a shirt comprising a support panel around which the shirt is folded, in use, and a stiffening panel arranged to fold over at least a part of a surface of the support panel to stiffen at least a part of the support panel.
16. A packing support as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein one of the support panel and the stiffening panel has defined therein at least a slot and the other of the support panel and the stiffening panel has defined therein at least a corresponding slot-in tab, arranged to secure a surface of the stiffening panel against a surface of the support panel.
17. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 14 and one of claim 7 orB, wherein the stiffening panel has defined therein a further bend-out clip corresponding to the bend-out clip defined in the support panel, and the further bend-out clip is configured to reinforce the bend-out clip in the support panel when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel.
18. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 14 and one of claim 10 or 11, wherein the stiffening panel has defined therein a further button tab corresponding to the button tab defined in the support panel, and the further button tab is configured to reinforce the button tab in the support panel when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel.
19. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 14 and claim 13, wherein the stiffening panel has defined therein a further sleeve tab corresponding to the sleeve tab defined in the support panel, and the further sleeve tab is configured to reinforce the sleeve tab in the support panel when the stiffening panel is folded over the support panel.
20. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the packing support further comprises a hanging tab for connection to a hanger, the hanging tab extending from the support panel.
21. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the hanging tab, the bend-out clip and the button tab is provided adjacent a cut-out for using a finger to pull out the at least one tab or clip from the packing support.
22. A packing support as claimed in claim any preceding claim, wherein the shirt is a long-sleeved shirt having cuffs, and wherein the packing support further comprises a detachable cuff holder arranged to secure at least one of the cuffs of the shirt to the front of the packed shirt.
23. A packing support as claimed in claim 22, wherein the cuff holder is a cut-out from the support panel or the stiffening panel.
24. A packing support as claimed in claim 22, wherein the cuff holder is provided alongside the support panel or the stiffening panel.
25. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the packing support is formed, for example cut, from a sheet material.
26. A packing support as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sheet material is substantially transparent.
27. A packing support as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein the sheet material is polypropylene.
28. A packing support as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sheet material is corrugated fiberboard.
29. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the packing support is a single, integrally formed component.
30. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support panel defines, in use, a portion of the front of the packed shirt behind which the remainder of the front of the shirt is folded.
31. A packing support as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a shirt.