NZ755984A - A Ball Packaging System - Google Patents

Abstract

The ball packaging system includes a container for packaging an inflatable ball. The inflatable item is deflated but retained in the container, and is arranged to have a convex surface and a concave surface. The convex surface of the ball may protrude from a front aperture in the container and be visible from the exterior of the packaging. A concave surface of the ball can also accessible from the exterior of the packaging. The concave surface can be sized so that it can be stacked or arranged adjacent to the convex surface of another ball packaged in the same manner. FIGURE 7 to be published with ABSTRACT be visible from the exterior of the packaging. A concave surface of the ball can also accessible from the exterior of the packaging. The concave surface can be sized so that it can be stacked or arranged adjacent to the convex surface of another ball packaged in the same manner. FIGURE 7 to be published with ABSTRACT

Description

A Ball Packaging System Field of the invention The present invention relates to a ball packaging system, in particular for balls that can be used in sport or for games, which are inflatable. The solution provided herein allows inflatable products, such as sports balls, to be transported through the supply chain and displayed in a retail environment in a cost effective manner.

Background of the invention Currently sports balls such as basketball, football, soccer, rugby etc, are transported through the supply chain from the factory to the retail store shelf in a bulk deflated state packaged in an outer case or in a pre-inflated state for premium products. When bulk deflated packed, the balls are inflated by staff at the retail store and displayed in store in an inflated state. This requires considerable store space and labour costs. When pre-inflated, the balls are expensive to distribute and warehouse because of the extra volume of the product and also take up considerable store space. Therefore, smaller sized stores or stores with limited space or space restrictions, find it difficult to range in store, the sports ball to sell.

Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention The present invention provides a method of packaging an inflatable ball, comprising: configuring said inflatable ball to provide a convex surface on one side and a concave surface on another side, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; packaging said inflatable ball in a container or package, whereby the convex surface protrudes past a forward rim of the container or package, and said concave surface is accessible from another side of said container or package, so that a like adjacent packaged inflatable ball can nest therewith.

A portion of the container or package adjacent the concave surface can provide a means to retain the inflatable ball in the container or package.

The portion can include an opening having a size which will retain the inflatable ball within the container or package.

The container or package can include a first surface, and a forward rim which surrounds a first opening being located in the first surface.

P5517AU00 The first opening can have a size and or shape which will cooperate with and or conform at least in part with the convex surface, to retain the inflatable ball and or display a part of the inflatable ball.

The package or container can have a second surface on another side, wherein a second opening is provided in the second surface.

The first opening can have a size which will retain said convex surface.

The convex surface can protrude outwards through said first opening until a rim of said first opening prevents any further outward movement of said convex surface.

The second opening can be provided in a second face which is spaced from said first face, or within a rim located at a side of said container or package spaced from said first face.

The second opening can be provided in a second face and material of said container or package around said second opening provides a means to retain said inflatable ball.

The second opening can have a size which will retain said inflatable ball within said container or package.

The first opening can have a shape which cooperates with the shape of said inflatable ball to display part of said inflatable ball.

The first opening can have a shape which at least partially conforms to a shape of said inflatable ball.

The first and second openings can have any one of the following: same shape; congruent shapes; different shapes; same shapes with different sizes.

The first and second openings can be in alignment with each other.

The first opening and/or said second opening can be formed by a cut-out in a respective face of said container or package.

The first and/or said second opening can be provided at an off-centre location with respect to the periphery of the container or package.

The method can provide the further step of packaging an additional item in said container or package adjacent said inflatable ball.

The convex surface can have a curvature which is substantially the same as a curvature of said inflatable ball in its inflated state.

P5517AU00 The present invention also provides a method of packaging an inflatable ball, comprising: configuring said inflatable ball to provide a convex surface on one side and a concave surface on another side, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; packaging said inflatable ball in a container or package, and locating said inflatable ball wholly within the periphery of said container or package.

The convex surface of this method can be accessible through a forward surface of the container or package. The container or package can have an opening which is located in a forward surface of the container or package. The container or package can also have an open rear side.

The container or package can be such that it has a skeletal frame or a solid frame which surrounds a perimeter of the inflatable ball.

The present invention also provides that any of the above methods can also include the step of providing a blister pack at least partially around said inflatable ball, the blister pack may or may not have an opening to allow contact with the ball.

The present invention also provides a method of packaging an inflatable ball, comprising: configuring said inflatable ball to provide a convex surface on one side and a concave surface on another side, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; packaging said inflatable ball in a container or package, and locating said inflatable ball wholly within the periphery of said container or package said package being a blister pack around said inflatable ball, which may or may not have an opening to allow said ball surface to be touched.

The present invention also provides a container or package of an inflatable ball, which has been packaged using a method as described in paragraphs [005] to [027] above. The ball can be an inflatable sports ball.

The present invention also provides a packaged inflatable ball being packaged by the method described in paragraphs [005] to [27] above, or packaged in the container or package described in paragraph [028].

The present invention further provides a method of stacking at least two respective packaged inflatable balls as described above in paragraph [029], or below in paragraph [032] to , wherein the concave surface of one of said at least two respective packaged inflatable balls receives the convex surface of the other one of said at least two respective packaged inflatable balls.

The packaged inflatable balls can be stacked and or nested in a vertical arrangement and or stacked and or nested in a horizontal arrangement.

P5517AU00 The present invention also provides a packaged inflatable ball which is a combination of an inflatable ball and a container or package, whereby said inflatable ball is retained in said container or package by said inflatable ball being configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of said inflatable ball, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; wherein said container or package has at least one first opening through which a portion of said convex surface protrudes.

The at least one first opening can have a size which will retain said convex surface.

The convex surface can protrude outwards through said at least one first opening until a rim of said first opening prevents any further outward movement of said convex surface.

The at least one second opening can be provided spaced from said at least one first opening, or is within a rim located at a side of the container or package spaced from the first opening.

The second opening can be provided in a second face and material of said container or package around said second opening includes or interacts with means to retain said inflatable ball.

The second opening can have a size which will retain said inflatable ball within said container or package.

The first opening and or the second opening if present, can have a shape which cooperates with the shape of said inflatable ball to display part of said inflatable ball.

The first opening can have a shape which at least partially conforms to a shape of said inflatable ball.

The first and second openings can have any one of the following: same shape; congruent shapes; different shapes; same shapes with different sizes.

The first and second openings can be in alignment with each other.

The first opening and/or said second opening can be formed by a cut-out in a respective face of said container or package.

The first and/or said second opening can be provided at an off-centre location with respect to the periphery of the container or package.

There can also be included an additional item, such as a pump, within said container or package.

P5517AU00 The convex surface can have a curvature which is substantially the same as a curvature of said inflatable ball in its inflated state.

The present invention also provides a packaged inflatable ball which is a combination of an inflatable ball and a container or package, whereby the inflatable ball is retained in the container or package and the inflatable ball being configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of the inflatable ball, when the inflatable ball is in a deflated state.

The container or package can have one of or more than one of the following: an open front side; an open rear side.

The container or package can be a frame which surrounds a perimeter of said inflatable ball, and that frame may be skeletal or solid in construction.

The present invention also provides packaged inflatable balls which are a combination of a plurality of inflatable balls and a container or package, whereby said inflatable balls are retained in said container or package and said inflatable balls are configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of said inflatable balls, when said inflatable balls are in a deflated state and the container or package holds said balls in a presentation condition.

The container or package can be a shelf ready container or package and has one of or more than one of the following: an open top side; an open top side which tapers downwardly in a rear to front direction; is initially closed on all 6 sides, but has a tear away top section to expose the inflatable balls packaged therein.

The container or packaged can be sized and or configured, so that there is sufficient friction generated between said inflatable balls and the walls and base of said package to hold said balls in said vertical presentation condition.

The package can be sized and or configured in one or a combination of two or more than one of the following manners: the inside surface of the container or package has a corrugated surface to engage said balls; said container or package has an internal width which is narrower than the width of the inflatable ball, so that the inflatable ball must be slightly decreased in width to sit in the package or container, and the elastic nature of the ball pushes against the sides of the container of package; the inside surface of the package or container is coated or lined with a material to increase the friction between the ball and the inside surface; the inside surface if the package or P5517AU00 container is made from or has applied to it, a lining of a corrugated material which will assist to provide friction between the ball and the corrugated material.

The present invention also provides a container or package for inflatable balls, said container or package being adapted to receive and retain said inflatable balls when they are configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of said inflatable balls, when said inflatable balls is in a deflated state.

The container or package can be a shelf ready container or package and has one of or more than one of the following: an open top side; an open top side which tapers downwardly in a rear to front direction; is initially closed on all 6 sides, but has a tear away top section to expose the inflatable balls packaged therein.

The container or package when in a shelf ready state, holds said balls in a vertical presentation condition.

The container or packaged can be sized and or configured, so that there is sufficient friction generated between said inflatable balls and the walls and base of said package to hold said balls in a vertical presentation condition.

The package can be sized and or configured in one or a combination of two or more than one of the following manners: the inside surface of the container or package has a corrugated surface to engage said balls; said container or package has an internal width which is narrower than the width of the inflatable ball, so that the inflatable ball must be slightly decreased in width to sit in the package or container, and the elastic nature of the ball pushes against the sides of the container of package; the inside surface of the package or container is coated or lined with a material to increase the friction between the ball and the inside surface; the inside surface if the package or container is made from or has applied to it, a lining of a corrugated material which will assist to provide friction between the ball and the corrugated material, or an engagement formation which assists to keep said ball in a vertical condition.

Brief description of the drawings An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a packaged object in accordance with the current invention; P5517AU00 Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the container (without ball) through line II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of a packaged object including an object which is packaged in a container having a front aperture; Figure 4A is a cross sectional view through a horizontal plane, with a rear line representing the rear periphery of the package removed for illustration’s sake, of a packaged inflatable ball, located adjacent to or nested with a like packaged inflatable ball, according to another embodiment of the invention, where the container includes an open second or rear side; Figure 4B is a top or bottom view showing hidden detail of a packaged object or inflatable ball as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the packaged object shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the packaged object shown in Figure 3; Figure 7 depicts a plurality of the packaged objects shown in Figure 3 placed in alignment for stacking or nesting; Figure 8 depicts an arrangement of the packaged objects shown in Figure 3 showing how the nesting produces a lesser occupied volume compared to that of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a front perspective view of an oval shaped packaged object; Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the oval shaped packaged object shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a ball which is held within a skeletal frame with a forward portion of the ball protruding from the front of the frame; Figure 12 is a front perspective view of a ball which is held within a solid frame with a forward portion of the ball protruding from the front of the frame; Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a stackable package including a ball which is held within a skeletal frame where no portion of the ball protrudes; Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a stackable package including a ball which is held within a solid frame where no portion of the ball protrudes; Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a horizontally stackable package where the container includes an open front side and a closed rear side; P5517AU00 Figure 16 is a schematic cross sectional view of the packaged ball through line III-III of Figure 15; Figure 16A is a schematic rear view of the packaged ball of Figure 15; Figure 17 is a front perspective view of a stackable package where the container includes an open front side and a closed rear side; Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of an inflatable ball which is in a blister pack; Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of an inflatable ball which is in a blister pack like in Figure 18, but with a front opening being provided to allow touching of the ball surface; Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of inflatable balls stacked in shelf ready tray; Figure 21 illustrates a schematic cross section through a generally vertical central plane of Figure 20, with the portion of the inflatable ball closest to the side of the shelf ready tray removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 22 illustrates a schematic cross section through a generally horizontal central plane of Figure 20; Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view of inflatable balls stacked in shelf ready tray which has corrugated inner surfaces; Figure 24 illustrates a schematic cross section through a generally vertical central plane of Figure 23, with the portion of the inflatable ball closest to the side of the shelf ready tray removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 25 illustrates a schematic cross section through a generally horizontal central plane of Figure 20 with the portion of the inflatable ball closest to the base of the shelf ready tray removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 26 illustrates a detail cross section of part of Figure 25, showing the interaction or engagement of the edges of the inflatable ball with the corrugated sides of the shelf ready tray.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments The stackable packaging system described below includes a container or package for packaging an object such as an inflatable ball. The ball or inflatable item is deflated but retained in the container, and is configured or arranged to have a convex surface and a concave surface. The convex surface of the ball protrudes from a front aperture in the container or package and is visible P5517AU00 from the exterior of the packaging. The convex surface protrudes outwards through the front aperture until a rim of the front aperture prevents any further outward movement of the convex surface. A concave surface of the ball is also accessible from a rear or underside of the packaging.

The concave surface is sized so that it can be stacked onto the convex surface of another ball packaged in the same manner Figures 1 to 2 depict a package or container 100 in one embodiment of the packaging system. The container 100 is made from a suitable packaging material such as cardboard, plastic, or can be another material. The container 100 is depicted to have a rectangular shape, but another shape may be used. The container 100 will generally be sized so that it is not so large as to entirely enclose therein the ball or inflatable object. To accommodate the ball or inflatable object, the container 100 includes one or more apertures or openings that are provided in order to allow the object to partially protrude from the container 100. The opening may be provided as a cut-out.

The container 100 has a first face 105 supported by the sidewalls 115 (which include top and bottom walls 115’, of the container 100. A first opening 120 is provided in the first face 105.

On the side which is spaced from and or opposite to the first face 105, there is provided a second aperture 125. The second aperture 125 is provided in a second face 110 which is spaced from and or opposite the first face 105. Alternatively, the container 100 is open on this opposite side. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and 6, the second aperture or opening 120 is provided in a second face 110.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 6, the openings 120, 125 are shown as being round, but they may take another shape, for example square. They may also have different shapes, and/or different sizes, to each other. The openings may have congruent shapes. The first opening 120 and the second opening 125 are preferably aligned with each other. The first face 105 and the first opening 120 may be designated as the front face and the front opening, and the second face 110 and the second opening 125 may be designated as the underside or the rear face, and the rear opening. However this designation can be swapped.

As can be seen from Figures 3 to 6, an inflatable item (for example an inflatable ball) is packaged in the container 100 in a deflated state. As best shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the inflatable ball 10 is configured, flexed or bent so as to present a convex surface 130 and a concave surface 140 which is configured, flexed or bent toward the concave surface 130. Thus, the overall height of the inflatable object, in this deflated state, will be marginally smaller than the height that the object would have in its inflated state. As can further be seen from these figures, a portion of the convex surface 130 will protrude out of the container 100 and therefore be visually exposed. The front opening 120 has a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the convex portion 130, so that P5517AU00 the ball 10 will be retained by the container 100. The exposed portion 135 allows inspection by vision, by touch, or both, by a staff member and or a customer.

Preferably, the inflatable item 10, in this deflated or substantially deflated state, is configured or flexed in such a manner that the convex surface 130 takes on a curvature which it would assume if the ball 10 were in its inflated state. Therefore, when viewed from the top or the front, the ball would appear as if it were inflated.

The exposed portion 135 of the convex surface 130 protrudes externally of the container or package 100 via the front opening 120, past the front face 105. The ball or inflatable object 10, however, is not permitted to completely pass through the front opening 120 and is retained by the container or package 100. In one embodiment (e.g. shown in Figure 6), this is achieved by ensuring the size and shape of the front opening 120, and the rear opening 125, are smaller than the respective end sizes of the inflatable ball 10. Put otherwise, the openings 120, 125 are smaller than the widest perimeter or periphery or outer surface of the inflatable ball. In the case of a spherical or an oval inflatable ball, the exposed convex portion 135 is preferably smaller than the overall surface or periphery of the ball. For instance the widths of the openings 120, 125 can be smaller than the diameter of the ball, in cases where the openings are square or rectangular.

Whereas, the diameters of the openings can be smaller than the diameter of the ball in cases where the openings are round or elliptical. As mentioned previously, the convex portion 130 of the ball will be retained by the rim of the front opening 120, which prevents the ball from completely protruding forwards and outwards. In the rear, because the size of the ball is larger than the rim of the rear opening 125, the ball engages the rear side or face 110 of the container or package 100 and is thereby retained. The backing material, i.e. material of the container or package 100 on the rear side or rear face 110, and the construction of the container or package 100, is designed or provided so as to be strong enough to force the ball forward through the front hole and the front opening 120 can support the weight of the ball 10.

The packaging material, i.e. material of the container or package 100, is further of sufficient strength, preferably so as to provide a compression of the ball 10 between the front and rear faces 105, 110. The compression helps securing the ball 10 in place within the container or package 100.

In a different embodiment, the front and/or rear openings 120, 125 do not need to be restricted to be smaller than the size of the ball 10. However the ball 10 will need to be otherwise retained. For example the ball 10 may be retained by the use of securing means such as internal clamping, adhesive, retaining hooks, flanges, or ties, or the like. Alternatively the ball may be P5517AU00 retained by a friction fit with the material connected to or adjacent the front face 105.

Independently, the material of the container surrounding the rear opening 125, i.e. the rim of the rear opening (i.e. rear rim), may also provide a tight friction fit over the ball so as to retain it. For instance, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the container or package 100 is open on the side which is spaced from and or opposite to the first face 105. Figure 4A shows a view of the cross section of the package 100 and the object 10. This cross section view is taken either from the top or the bottom of the package. For clarity purposes, in order to show that the spaced and or opposite side 110 is an open side, the line which would correspond to the rear perimeter of the sides 115 is not shown in Figure 4A. The container 100 is thus dimensioned to fit tightly around and retain the ball 10, by being about the same size as the ball, or by being slightly smaller than the ball so as to rely on the elastic qualities of the container 100 and create a friction fit.

As further can be seen from Figures 4A, 4B, and 6, the concave surface 140 of the deflated object is located entirely within the bounds defined by the convex surface 130, the sidewalls 115 of the container 100, and the rear face 110 of the container 100. Thus the packaged ball(s) – individually or stacked – can be placed more stably on a shelf either in the store or in the warehouse, or during transport.

As mentioned, the rear opening 125 is provided so that two or more packaged balls can be stacked or nested together, for instance in the manner shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 shows multiple packaged balls being placed in alignment for stacking. As shown, each adjacent pair of packaged balls are aligned, so that the concave surface of one packaged ball aligns with the convex surface of the adjacent packaged ball. Figure 8 depicts the stack. When stacked, the protruding convex portion from a packaged ball is placed or located next to, i.e. received by, the concave surface of the adjacent packaged ball. The individual packaged items or the stack of packaged items can be stably placed on a shelf or stably secured for transport and storage. An advantage of the packaged ball illustrated in the figures is that the packaged ball nests with the adjacent packaged ball. The packaged balls are aligned along the axis 150. The axis 150 may be a horizontal axis or a vertical axis. Therefore, another advantage the packaged ball can be nested horizontally or vertically, as the under (or rear) surface of the packaged ball has no ball surface extruding from the rear or second face, which makes the rear or second face useable as a base.

In the drawings, the front opening 120 is round. However the front opening 120 can have another shape, such as square or rectangular. Optionally, the shape of the front opening 120 will at least partially conform with that of the periphery or perimeter of the exposed portion 135, i.e., at the location where the inflatable object 10 will pass through the front face 105 via the front P5517AU00 opening 120. For example, if an oval ball such as a rugby ball is packaged, the front opening 120 may be oval or elliptical.

The front and rear openings 120, 125 are optionally of the same size and shape, but this is not essential. As discussed above, the sizes of the openings 120, 125 are dictated by the size and or shape of the ball or object being held. The periphery or perimeter of the openings 120, 125, when of a shape approximately congruent with the shape of the sports ball or object to be packaged, can be smaller than the perimeter of the ball or object being packaged, so that the front face 105 can retain the ball or object, without the ball or object falling out of the box or container.

However, if the shape of the openings 120, 125 were not of a shape approximately congruent with the shape of the sports ball or object, e.g. if a star shape or jagged periphery or different shape were used compared to the shape of the ball or object, then the periphery or perimeter of the opening may be larger than the periphery or perimeter of the ball or object.

As described above, in some embodiments, the package or container 100 need not include a second face spaced from or opposite to the first face. In this scenario, the package or container 100 will have internal retaining means, such as internal hooks, ties, or flanges to hold the deflated ball or inflatable item in place.

Optionally, the front opening 120 and the rear opening 125 can be off-centre relative to the front and rear faces 105, 110 of the container 100, respectively. In embodiments without a rear face, the front opening 120 can also be off-centred relative to the container 100. The off-centred placement of the openings allows for the provision of space in the container 100 to include another item, e.g., an air pump or another accessory, which is being packaged with the inflatable item.

The alignment between the front and rear cut-outs 120, 125 enables the stacking between the packaged items, and helps to ensure that the packaged items are in alignment with each other when stacked.

To provide the packaging system for an inflatable object 10 such an inflatable ball, the object is deflated or provided in its deflated or substantially deflated state. The inflatable object is arranged so as to present a convex surface 130 and a concave surface 140 which is flexed toward the convex surface. A container 100 with front and rear apertures 120, 125, respective on its front and rear sides 105, 110, are provided. The front aperture 120 is preferably smaller than largest periphery or perimeter of the convex surface. The rear aperture 125 is also subject to this restriction in size, unless internal retaining means such as internal flanges, hooks, ties, or similar, are provided, to prevent the inflatable item from falling out of the rear aperture. The deflated object is placed in P5517AU00 the container 100 so that the convex surface partially protrudes out of the front opening 120 but is prevented from entirely passing out of the opening 120 by the front face 105. That is, the convex surface 130 is placed as far out of the container 100 as possible, to the extent allowed by the front opening 120. The convex surface 130 is thus visible from the front face 105. The inflatable object is preferably of a stiff enough material, so that the convex surface can retain its convex shape.

Two or more packaged items are stacked together by placing the protruding convex surface of one packaged item through the rear opening of an adjacent container and into the concavity presented by the concave surface of the object packaged in the adjacent container.

Conversely, the stacking is done by placing the concave surface of one packaged item over the protruding convex surface of the adjacent packaged item.

To facilitate stacking and reduce any waste in space, the inflatable item is preferably deflated to the maximum extent possible, i.e. generally completely deflated.

Indicia or information such as graphics, pictures, logos, text, can be printed on the exterior surfaces of the container 100.

The front face 105, being the face or wall of the container 100 adjacent the exposed convex portion 135, can be considered the presentation side. The rear or opposite face 105, where the rear opening for stacking is provided, is the stacking side.

In the drawing figures, spherical and oval balls are shown as examples of the objects packaged using the system and method described. However, the object needs not be a ball. Also, the object being packaged may be of a different size, and may be of a different shape. For instance, the object may be spherical as shown (e.g. a basketball) or have an oval shape (e.g. such as a rugby ball), or have another shape which is curved or irregular.

Figures 9 and 10 show an oval shaped object 20 being packaged in a container 100, in accordance with the method and features described above.

Figures 11 to 14 show further embodiments where the inflatable object is held by packages which do not have front or rear faces.

Figure 11 depicts a ball 10 (or 20) held within a skeletal frame type package or container 200, which is constructed from or which comprises elongated members. The convex portion 130 of the ball 10 protrudes forward of, i.e. extends proud of, a forward rim 205 of the skeletal frame 200. The ball’s concave portion, which is not visible in Figure 11, is accessible via the rear rim 210 of the skeletal frame 200. Two or more packaged balls can be nested together by locating the convex portion of one ball past the rear rim 205 of the adjacent package and against or P5517AU00 within the concave portion of the adjacent ball. Securing means such as clips 220 are provided to secure the ball 10 on the frame 200.

Figure 12 depicts a similar arrangement as that shown in Figure 11, but the frame type package is a solid frame 300 having sides 315 which surround the perimeter of the inflatable ball. Securing means such as adhesive patches or strips can be provided in the inner surfaces of the sides 315 to hold the ball 10 in place. The convex portion 130 of the ball 10 protrudes forward of, i.e. extends proud of, a forward rim 305 of the solid frame 300. The ball’s concave portion, which is not visible in Figure 12, is accessible via the rear rim 310 of the frame 300. Two or more packaged balls can be nested together by locating the convex portion of one ball past the rear rim 305 of the adjacent package and against or within the concave portion of the adjacent ball.

Figure 13 depicts a ball 10 (or 20) which is retained by a skeletal frame 200 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 11. However the convex portion 130 does not protrude past the front rim 205 of the frame. Figure 14 depicts a ball 10 (or 20) which is retained by a solid frame 300 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 12. However the convex portion 130 does not protrude past the front rim 305 of the frame 300. Two or more of the packaged balls shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 are stackable against each other, but not nestable.

Figure 15 depicts another embodiment of a packaged ball. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 4A. Whereas the embodiment of Figure 4A includes a front face and an open rear side, the container 400 in the embodiment of Figure 15 has an open front side 405 and a closed rear face 410 that is it does not include a rear opening. The convex portion 130 protrudes past the front rim 405 of the container 400, allowing the packaged ball to be arranged with an adjacent packaged ball, which saves space by comparison to fully inflated packaged balls. Figure 16 depicts a cross section of the embodiment shown in Figure 15, taken through line III- III, while Figure 16A illustrates the packaged ball in hidden detail or broken line work, showing the closed rear face 410. To make this package 400 a nestable package, then a rear aperture or opening can be provided in the rear face 410.

Figure 17 depicts a further embodiment of a packaged ball. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, but the convex portion 130 does not protrude past the front rim 505 of the container 500. The packaged balls of the type shown in Figure 16 are horizontally stackable (that is axis 150 will be in a horizontal plane), but not nestable, with each other. The rear side 510 of the container 500 may be closed thus providing horizontal stack ability, or wholly or partially open, to provide both stack ability and nest ability.

P5517AU00 As shown in Figure 18 and 19, a blister pack or packaging 180 may be provided or additionally provided around the deflated ball 10. The blister pack 180 may be provided in embodiments where the container is a frame or contains an open front side. As shown, the blister pack 180 includes a front portion 181 which wholly covers the convex portion 130 of the ball 10 in the case of Figure 18. Whereas in the embodiment of Figure 19, the front portion 181 of the blister pack 180 includes an aperture 182, so that the convex portion 130 of the ball 10 is accessible through this aperture 182. The blister pack 180 of both figures is preferably transparent or see- through so that the ball 10, 20 can be visually inspected, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 19, the front of the ball 10 is able to be fully seen and touched or felt by a shopper or other person, via the aperture 182 in the blister pack 180. The blister pack 180 can also be provided as a stand-alone item, where a base 183 is provided so that it can stand on a horizontal shelf, and an upright section 184 also included so that an information card can be captured by the blister package so as to convey product information as is required in some markets.

It will be noted from the Figures that the embodiments can provide the ball in an off centre location relative to the package as in Figures 1 to 10, or as in the case of Figures 11 to 19, in a centre location. The centred or not centred arrangements can be applied to any of the package embodiments.

Illustrated in Figures 20 to 23 is a package 1000 of inflatable balls 10. The combination of a plurality of inflatable balls 10 and the container or package 1000, is such that the inflatable balls 10 are retained in the container or package 1000, and like previous embodiments described above, the inflatable balls 10 are configured so that a convex surface 130 is on one side and a concave surface 140 on another side, when the inflatable balls 10 are in a deflated state.

The container or package 1000 is a shelf ready container or package and in the embodiment of Figures 20 to 23 has an open top side, with fours side walls: left and right tapered long sides 1001; front side 1002 and taller rear side 1003. This provides an open top box which tapers downwardly in a rear to front direction. Preferably the container or package 1000 is constructed so that it is initially closed on all 6 sides, but has a tear away top section to expose the inflatable balls packaged therein. An alternative is to provide the package 1000 in the shape illustrated in Figure 20, and shrink wrap or otherwise wrap the balls 10 into place, and for transport, with this wrap being removed once at the retailing location.

The container or package 1000 holds the balls 10 in a vertical presentation condition. This can be done by a couple of arrangements or mechanisms. The container or package 1000 can be sized and or configured, so that there is sufficient friction generated between the P5517AU00 inflatable balls 10 and the walls 1001 and base 1012 of the package 1000 to hold the balls 10 in the vertical presentation condition, as illustrated in Figures 20 to 23.

The package 1000 can be sized and or configured in one or a combination of two or more than one of the following manners. A first method is that the container or package 1000 has an internal width which is narrower than the width of an at rest inflatable ball 10, so that the inflatable ball 10 must be slightly decreased in width to sit in the package or container 1000, and the elastic nature of the ball 10 pushes against the sides 1001 of the container of package1000.

Alternatively or in combination with the first, a second method is to provide the inside surface (inboard side of the walls 1001 and the base 1012) of the container or package 1000 is provided with, or lined with, a friction increasing surface to engage the balls 10. To increase the friction generated by the inside surface of the package or container 1000 it can be coated or lined with a material to increase the friction between the ball 10 and the inside surfaces, such as by a low binding force adhesive compound such as that used on “post-it” notes by 3M.

An alternative or in combination with the previous two methods, the a package as illustrated in Figures 23 to 26, the inside surface of the package or container 1100 is made from or has applied to it, a lining of a corrugated material 1101 which will assist to provide friction between the ball and the corrugated material 1101. The inboard surfaces of the walls 1001, and the upper surface of the base 1112 are provided so that a series of ridges or crests 1113 and troughs 1114 are able to be engaged by the outer rim of the ball 10, thus the package provides a central lower point of contact ad two oppositely located side points of contact, which will work together to assist the deflated ball, while looking like it is inflated, when not, to be held in an upright presentation position in the packages 1000 and 1100.

As is best seen from Figure 26, the edge rim of the balls 10, will engage either a crest 1113 of the corrugated surface or will sit in a trough 1114, so as to provide friction or a detent, whereby the ball 10 will be held in position until removed by a purchaser.

The package or container 1100 or 1000 can be manufactured from cardboard or paper type of products or from a polymer sheeting, preferably one which is recyclable. The polymer sheeting can be a single or multiple layered product, where a corrugated or friction generating layer is bonded to an outer layer of a more conventional appearance or lesser cost material.

While the embodiments of Figures 1 to 19 are shown as stand alone or stand on shelf product or stack on shelf packages, it will be readily understood that they can also be assembled together with like items and stacked or packed into a shelf ready tray or similar sort of packaging, for ready use and display on a retailer’s shelf.

P5517AU00 The above invention and embodiments opens the market as to where sports balls and other inflatable products can be sold. The invention and embodiments take up less physical space in retail stores when compared to current merchandising methods where the ball is inflated.

Small sized stores or stores with restricted space can therefore range these inflatable products, where they previously did not have the space to make ranging commercially viable.

Labour costs are reduced as the inflating of balls at store by staff is not required.

The deflated ball as described above is able to be displayed in an upright position, improving its shelf presentation and shelf stability, and this will make such a packaged inflatable ball a better commercial prospect for retailers, wholesalers and shoppers.

Retail shelf efficiencies are improved as more deflated balls can fit on shelves compared to inflated balls, maximising the commercial return on space and reducing the risk of out of stocks, resulting in lost sales and poor customer service.

Reduces warehousing and freight costs when compared to pre-inflated balls due to being able to fit more balls into the same cubic metre.

In the specification and claims, the word “package” when used as a noun has the meaning of that in which anything is packaged, or the packing of goods. When used as a verb herein, the word “package” and its variants such as “packaged”, “packaging” etc., means to put into wrappings or a container, or to combine as a single entity. Thus, in the aforementioned sense, the words “package”, “packaged”, “packaging” are interchangeable with “pack”, “packed”, and “packing”.

The expression “inflatable ball” as used in the description and claims, means a ball which is either fully deflated or partially deflated such that a convex surface and a concave surface can exist simultaneously in the ball.

The expression “shelf ready” is used in the description and claims, with respect to the container or package. This expression means and relates to the container or package allowing the efficient and effective movement of products through the supply chain from the factory gate through to retailer shelf replenishment. Shelf ready also connotes that it is relatively easy to: identify, open, replenish, shop for and select from, and dispose of. Varieties of shelf ready include containers or packages include “tray and hood” arrangements, perforated carton arrangements, and “tray and plastic wrap” arrangements. While in the main a shelf ready package or container is made from corrugated cardboard or cardboard, they can be made from polymeric material as well.

P5517AU00 Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

P5517AU00

Claims (42)

Claims 1.

1. A method of packaging an inflatable ball, comprising: configuring said inflatable ball to provide a convex surface on one side and a concave surface on another side, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; packaging said inflatable ball in a container or package, whereby the convex surface protrudes past a forward rim of the container or package, and said concave surface is accessible from another side of said container or package, so that a like adjacent packaged inflatable ball can nest therewith.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of said container or package adjacent said concave surface provides a means to retain said inflatable ball in said container or package.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said portion includes an opening having a size which will retain said inflatable ball within said container or package.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said container or package includes a first surface, and said forward rim surrounds a first opening which is located in said first surface.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first opening has a size and or shape which will cooperate with and or conform at least in part with said convex surface, to retain said inflatable ball and or display a part of said inflatable ball.

6. A method as claimed any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said package or container has a second surface on said another side, wherein a second opening is provided in said second surface.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first opening and said second opening have one of the following: same shape; congruent shapes; different shapes; same shapes with different sizes.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein said first opening and said second opening are provided at an off-centre location with respect to the periphery of the container or package.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, further providing the step of packaging an additional item in said container or package adjacent said inflatable ball.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said convex surface has a curvature which is substantially the same as a curvature of said inflatable ball in its inflated state.

11. A method of packaging an inflatable ball, comprising: P5517AU00 configuring said inflatable ball to provide a convex surface on one side and a concave surface on another side, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; packaging said inflatable ball in a container or package, and locating said inflatable ball wholly within the periphery of said container or package.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said convex surface is accessible through a forward surface of said container or package.

13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said package has an opening which is located in a forward surface of said container or package.

14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said container or package has an open rear side.

15. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 11, wherein said container or package is a skeletal frame or a solid frame which surrounds a perimeter of said inflatable ball.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the step of providing a blister pack at least partially around said inflatable ball.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said blister pack includes a front aperture through which said convex portion of said inflatable ball is accessible.

18. A container or package of an inflatable ball, which has been packaged using a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A packaged inflatable ball being packaged by the method of any one of claims 1 to 17, or packaged in the container or package of claim 18.

20. A method of arranging at least two packaged inflatable balls as claimed in claim 19, wherein the concave surface of one of said packaged inflatable balls receives the convex surface of the another one of said packaged inflatable balls, so as to allow them to be arranged in a vertical arrangement or a horizontal arrangement.

21. A packaged inflatable ball which is a combination of an inflatable ball and a container or package, whereby said inflatable ball is retained in said container or package by said inflatable ball being configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of said inflatable ball, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state; wherein said container or package has at least one first opening through which a portion of said convex surface protrudes.

22. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in claim 21, wherein the at least one first opening has a size and or shape which will retain said convex surface. P5517AU00

23. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 or 22, wherein at least one second opening is provided which is spaced from said at least one first opening, or is within a rim located at a side of said container or package spaced from said first opening.

24. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein said second opening includes or interacts with means to retain said inflatable ball.

25. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein said first opening and or said second opening if present, has or have a shape which cooperates with the shape of said inflatable ball to display part of said inflatable ball.

26. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein said first and second openings are any one of the following: same shape; congruent shapes; different shapes; same shapes with different sizes.

27. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein said first opening and/or said second opening is formed by a cut-out in a respective surface of said container or package.

28. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein said openings are at an off centre location and there is also included an additional item, such as a pump, within said container or package.

29. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein said convex surface has a curvature which is substantially the same as a curvature of said inflatable ball in its inflated state.

30. A packaged inflatable ball which is a combination of an inflatable ball and a container or package, whereby said inflatable ball is retained in said container or package and said inflatable ball being configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of said inflatable ball, when said inflatable ball is in a deflated state.

31. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in claim 30, wherein said container or package has one of or more than one of the following: an open front side; an open rear side.

32. A packaged inflatable ball as claimed in claim 31, wherein said container or package is a frame which surrounds a perimeter of said inflatable ball.

33. Packaged inflatable balls which are a combination of a plurality of inflatable balls and a container or package, whereby said inflatable balls are retained in said container or package and said inflatable balls are configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on P5517AU00 another side of said inflatable balls, when said inflatable balls are in a deflated state, and said container or package holds said balls in a presentation condition.

34. Packaged inflatable balls as claimed in claim 33, wherein said container or package is a shelf ready container or package and has one of or more than one of the following: an open top side; an open top side which tapers downwardly in a rear to front direction; is initially closed on all 6 sides, but has a tear away top section to expose the inflatable balls packaged therein.

35. Packaged inflatable balls as claimed in claim 34, wherein said container or packaged is sized and or configured, so that there is sufficient friction generated between said inflatable balls and the walls and base of said package to hold said balls in said presentation condition.

36. Packaged inflatable balls as claimed in claim 36, wherein said package is sized and or configured in one or a combination of two or more of the following manners: the inside surface of the container or package has a corrugated surface to engage said balls; said container or package has an internal width which is narrower than the width of the inflatable ball, so that the inflatable ball must be slightly decreased in width to sit in the package or container, and the elastic nature of the ball pushes against the sides of the container of package; the inside surface of the package or container is coated or lined with a material to increase the friction between the ball and the inside surface; the inside surface if the package or container is made from or has applied to it, a lining of a corrugated material which will assist to provide friction between the ball and the corrugated material.

37. A container or package for inflatable balls, said container or package being adapted to receive and retain said inflatable balls when they are configured so that a convex surface is on one side and a concave surface on another side of said inflatable balls, when said inflatable balls is in a deflated state.

38. A container or package as claimed in claim 37, wherein said container or package is a shelf ready container or package.

39. A container or package as claimed in claim 38 wherein the package or container has one of or more than one of the following: an open top side; an open top side which tapers downwardly in a rear to front direction; is initially closed on all 6 sides, but has a tear away top section to expose the inflatable balls packaged therein.

40. A container or package as claimed in claim 38 or 9, wherein said container or package when in a shelf ready state, holds said balls in a presentation condition. P5517AU00

41. A container or package as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein said container or packaged is sized and or configured, so that there is sufficient friction generated between said inflatable balls and the walls and base of said package to hold said balls in a presentation condition.

42. A container or package as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein said package is sized and or configured in one or a combination of two or more than one of the following manners: the inside surface of the container or package has a corrugated surface to engage said balls; said container or package has an internal width which is narrower than the width of the inflatable ball, so that the inflatable ball must be slightly decreased in width to sit in the package or container, and the elastic nature of the ball pushes against the sides of the container of package; the inside surface of the package or container is coated or lined with a material to increase the friction between the ball and the inside surface; the inside surface if the package or container is made from or has applied to it, a lining of a corrugated material which will assist to provide friction between the ball and the corrugated material, or an engagement formation which assists to keep said ball in a condition. P5517AU00 115 ’ 115 ’ 115 ’ FIG 2 120 125 115 ’ FIG 3 FIG 4A FIG 4B FIG 6 FIG 5 FIG 7 FIG 8 20 20 100 300 III 140 A