US2855097A - Hosiery package - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 7, 1958 J. c. BERRY ET AL 2,855,097

` HosIERY PACKAGE Filed June 3, 1957 '3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JOHN C. 55K/ er W/LL/AM J. BERRY BY A wfM Y AGNTs Oct. 7, 1958 Filed June 3, 1957 J. C. BERRY VET AL HosIERY PACKAGE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR AGENTS nited States Patent C) HOSERY PACKAGE John C. Berry and William J Berry, Durham, N. C.

Application June 3, 1957, Serial No. 663,207

8 Claims. (Cl. 206-46) The present invention relates to a package, and more particularly to a new and improved form of hosiery package for use with ladies full fashioned hosiery, and a method for packaging same.

Ladies full fashioned hosiery has been marketed for many years in a wide variety of forms. The basic and most widely used type of packaging is to employ a small box in which usually three pairs of hose are positioned therein in a loose, folded state. This form of package possesses many disadvantages in that the hosiery is of necessity excessively handled by prospective customers, oftentimes causing slight snags which will develop into runs in the hosiery after they have been purchased and worn. Moreover, this type of packaging has prevented the stockings from being properly displayed such that a potential customer can visually observe the lstockings in the state in which they will appear when worn. Also, the customer cannot ascertain the true shade o f the stocking, nor determine the sheerness, without the excessive handling Vfound objectionable.

Another form of marketing which has overcome certain of the disadvantages of the boxes has been to package the hosiery in a cellophane wrapper. In this type of package, each hose is usually provided with a tissue paper insert and the two hose are then folded together and placed in a cellophane wrapper, and the wrapper then sealed. The disadvantage with this type of package has been that the customer has been unable to determine the true shade and color it will possess when Worn. Secondly, this type of package makes it possible to market inferior goods as first quality hosiery. Moreover, with this type of package, the customer cannot determine how the hosiery will appear when on the leg.

Other forms of packaging have consisted of multiple pairs of hosiery being packaged in a box which is then wrapped with cellophane or like transparent material and sealed. This sealed form of package is provided with an opening in the box in an etfort to provide the customer with the color and shade of the hosiery. This has been objectionable in that the hosiery placed one over the other makes it impossible for the customer to determine the sheerness or the true shade and color of the hosiery. Moreover, this type of package likewise makes it possible to market inferior quality goods as first quality hosiery. Further, it is impossible to display this type of package such that the customer will be attracted to it.

Another form of package that has been introduced commercially in recent years is that type in which two .pairs of hosiery are wrapped around a cardboard insert and then placed in a cellophane Wrapper or the like. This type of package does enable the wearer to observe the hosiery better than the previous form of packages since the hosiery is maintained in a iiat, laid-out state. However, this type of package still is objectionable in that the sheerness and color of the hosiery is not possible to determine due to the fact that the hosiery is laid one upon the other and merely folded around the cardboard insert.

It has been found these foregoing and related disadvantages can be eliminated by the provision of a hosiery package in which a single stocking is placed against one face of a cardboard panel such that the heel and ankle portion of the single hose will be laid in a Hat, smooth, tensioned state. The toe portion of the hose is folded against the back face of the panel, with the remaining leg portion being folded over the opposite end of the panel,` and then over at least a second panel complementary to the tirst panel and joined A thereto along one side edge by a fold line. At least one additional hose is placed in a folded state between the two complementary panels. The panels and hosiery positioned thereon will be confined within a sealed cellophane bag. This type of package gives to the wearer a visual presentation of how the stocking will appear in wearing condition prior to purchasing same, as well as enablingjthe customer to determine the true color and sheerness of the hose prior to purchasing same.

It is therefore a principal object of the present invention, in .the elimination of the foregoing andrelated disadvantages, to provide a new and improved form of hosiery package having all of the advantages objectionable with the packages heretofore employed without possessing any of the disadvantages thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel hosiery package and method for making same.

Another object of thel present invention is to provide a hosiery package that will present a pleasing appearance to a customer and will permit her to visualize prior to purchasehow the hose will appear in wearing condition.

Yet another object of the 4present invention is the provision of a hosiery package of simple construction and extremely inexpensive in cost.

A still further o-bject of the present invention is the provisio-n of a stocking package which will make it virtually impossible to market inferior hosiery as first quality goods, since it enables the purchaser to ascertain defects therein prior to purchasing without handling the hosiery.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a hosiery package that permits a retailer to maintain a full complement of hosiery in a neat manner for examination by the customers, and to properly and attractively display same, thereby increasing their sale.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a hosiery package which will enable the purchaser to ascertain the true color and shade of the product.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a hosiery package that will permit a customer to ascertain the true sheerness of the hosiery.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved hosiery package which can be displayed more advantageously than prior packages.

Other and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest from the ensuing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Broadly stated, the hosiery package of the present invention comprises at least a first and second complementary stiff panel members joined to one another along one side edge by a fold line, the heel and ankle portion of a `first hose positioned against the outside face of said rst panel member in a fiat, slightly tensioned, laidout state, the toe portion being folded upwardly along the bottom edge of said first panel member and against the inside face thereof, the remaining portion of said first hosiery being folded downwardly along the top edge of said rst panel member and upwardly along the bottom edge o-f said second panel member, at least one more hose being placed in a loose, foldedstate between said first and second panels, and a transparent wrapper enveloping said panel members and s'aid hosiery.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the present invention then consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and the following description setting forth in detail certain means in the carry'- ing out of the invention, such disclosed means illustrating, however, but one of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

The present invention is illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of panel members for use -in forming a hosiery package in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of a modified form of panel members for use in forming a hosiery package in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a modified form of panel members for use in forming a hosiery package in accordance with the present invention.

Figs. 4-7 represent the steps in forming a stocking package in accordance with the present invention, using the panel members shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a completed hosiery package made in accordance with the present invention.

Figs. 9-11 represent the steps in forming the modified form of the stocking package in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a modified form of the completed hosiery package made in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and with particular reference to Fig. 1, an illustrative embodiment of the insert to be employed in the formation of the hosiery package made in accordance with the present invention, and generally designated by reference numeral 10 is shown. The insert 10 is rectangular in configuration and is made preferably from cardboard, chipboard, or related paper material. The dimensions of the insert 10 must be such that the hosiery may be wrapped over the several panels in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter without unnecessary overhang, or otherwise produce too bulky a package. The insert 10 is of a weight and strength sufficient to support the stockings in a fiat position and yet retain its rigidity and original configuration when the hose are mounted thereon in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter and still possess a certain degree of fiexibility. The insert 10 should resist bending and the like when subjected to handling. It is preferred that the surfaces of the insert 10 be glazed or otherwise finished to provide a smooth surface.

The insert lfb comprises a first panel member 11, a second panel member 12 which is of substantially the same dimensions as the first panel member 11 and is complementary therewith. The first and second panel members 11 and 12 are united to one another by a fold line 13 extending along the side edge of each of the panels. A third panel member 14 of substantially the same dimensions as the second panel member 12 is joined to the second panel member 12 along the side edge thereof opposite the edge united to the first panel member 11 by a fold line 15. The insert 10 is foldable along the fold lines 13 and 15, with the inner faces of the first and second panel members 11 and 12 being folded into engagement with one another with the outside faces of the second and third panel members 12 and 14 being folded into engagement with one another. This type of folding operation may be termed a Z fold. It should be noted that in this particular and preferred form of the embodiment, three panel members are shown. However, it is to be understood that with certain types and forms of hosiery, it is possible to employ only two panel members folded upon one another. This will apply with all forms of inserts hereinafter described.

Reference is now to be had to Fig. 2 wherein a modified form of an insert to be employed in the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 20 is shown. The insert 20 may `be made from any material employed in producing the insert 10 shown in Fig. l. The insert 20 comprises a first panel member 21 which is substantially identical with the first panel member 11 shown in the insert 10 of Fig. l. A second panel member 22 is integrally secured along one side edge to a side edge of the first panel member 21 by a fold line 23. The second panel member 22 is of a height less than that of the first panel member 21 and is centrally disf posed with respect to the side edge of the first panel member 21, leaving a cut-out area -both above and below the side edge of the first panel member 21. A third panel member 24 of a size substantially identical with that of the first panel member 21 is secured along one side edge by a fold line 2S to the side edge of the second panel member 22 opposite the fold line 23. The third panel member 24 is united to the second panel member in the same relationship as the first panel member 21 such that when folded each will be complementary with one another. The insert 20 is foldable in the same manner as the insert 10, to wit, by a Z fold in which the inside faces of the panel members 21 and 22 will be in engagement with one another while the outside faces of the panel members 22 and 24 likewise will be in engagement. Insert 20 will be found to be of particular utility with smaller size full fashioned hosiery in order to insure the proper positioning on the insert in the formation of the hosiery package.

Reference is now to be had to Fig. 3 wherein still another form of an insert made in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 30 is shown. This form of insert is of particular utility with intermediate size full fashionery hosiery. The insert 3l) comprises a first panel member 31 substantially identical with the first panel members 11 and 21 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A second panel member 32 is joined along one side edge to the first panel member 31 by a fold line 33. The second panel member 32 is of a height less than the first panel member 31 and extends from the bottom edge thereof up to a point short of the top edge, to thereby form a cut-out area at only one end or edge thereof. The second panel member 32 thus is of a height intermediate that of the second panel member 12 and the second panel member 32 of inserts 10 and 20, respectively, of Figs. 1 and 2. A third panel member 34 isunited to the side edge of the second panel member 32 opposite the fold line 33 by a fold line 35 in the same relationship as the first panel member 31, and is complementary with the first panel member 31 whenin a folded state.

In producing a stocking package employing any of the inserts 10, 2f), or 3f) hereinbefore described, reference will be had only to the insert 10. However, it is to be clearly understood that the same procedure will be employed for all forms of the insert. It should be further noted that where reference has been had to the fold lines in each of the inserts, it is to be understood that a fold area may be provided resulting in the panel members being spaced from one another when folded so as to permit the placing of several pairs of hose in a single package, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter.

Reference is now to be had to Figs. 4-8 wherein the several steps to be employed in the formation of the hosiery package made in accordance with the presentv invention and utilizing insert 10 for illustrative purposes only is shown. A hose H is placed in a flat, laid-out state in a defined area on a worktable, bench, or the like, by the operator, as shown in Fig. 4. The operator places the outside face of the first panel member 11 of the insert 10 over the angle and heel and part of the foot portion of the hose H with the long axis of the panel member 11 lbeing in general alignment with the long axis of the hosiery H. The long axis of the insert will therefore lie generally transverse to the long axis of the hose `H, as shown in Fig. 4. The lrngth of the first panel member 11 is such that it will cover most of the foot portion, all of the heel portion, and part of the ankle portion o f hose H, since in the completed package it is this area of the hose H that is to be presented to the purchaser in `a flat, laid-out and slightly tensioned state. This part of the hose H is also the portion which will give the consumer the most accurate appearance of the stockingwhen worn, as well as presenting the shade and quality of the hose best. As shown in Fig. 4, in the first stage of operation, the toe portion and the remaining ankle and leg portion still remains flat and in an uncovered state. This operation is shown clearly in Fig. 4.

In the next operation, the toe portion of the hose H is folded inwardly or backward along the end edge of the panel member 11 and over the inside face of the first panel member 11. The remaining angle and leg portion of the hose H is folded forwardly along the end edge of the panel member 11 opposite that over which the toe portion was laid, and over the toe portion, as shown in Fig. 5. It should be noted that it is desirable to have the heel and ankle portion in a slightly tensioned, laidout state. This may be positively insured by providing means for retaining the free end of the toe portion of the hose H in a fixed state against the inside face of the first panel member 1l. This may be accomplished by a small band attached at opposite ends to the inside face of the first panelmember 11 defining a narrowpocket within which the free end of the toe portion may be positioned. Alternatively, the first panel member 11 may be provided with parallel slits defining a narrow slotted band within which the free end of the hosiery may be positioned.

The remaining part of the insert 10 is then folded forward along fold line 13 with the second panel member 12 being folded over the first panel member 11 in complementary relationship and holding the toe portion and a part of the leg portion in place. The remaining part of the leg portion of the hosiery H is then reversely folded back over the short edge of the second panel member 12, as shown in Fig. 6. The third panel member 14 is folded back over the remaining portion of the hose and in complementary alignment with the second panel member 12, and the remaining portion of the hosiery which is, in effect, the welt portion, is folded back over the short edge of the third panel member as shown `in Fig. 7. The Welt portion of the hosiery H may be held in position by a wrapper W which extends around the side edge of the hosiery remote from the end over which the hosiery is folded. To accomplish this a portion of the third panel member 14 connected to the second panel memberlZ may be provided with a slit to enable the label to be held therearound. Alternatively, the edge opposite the edge about which the hosiery is folded may be provided with a foldable tab portion which will be inserted into the Welt portion of the hosiery to hold same in position. There are other means and ways readily available by which the end or welt portion of the hosiery may -be held in position. For example, a foldable tab portion may be provided which will envelop over the Welt portion of the hosiery and hold same in place. With this type, the foldable tab portion can bear advertising or identifying material and the like.

At least one additional hose is placed between two of the folded faces of the insert 11. The insert with the hose H therearound and the additional hose to complete the pair of hose is then placed in a transparent wrapper W, such as, for example, cellophane or the like, to complete the formation of the hosiery package. As has been hereinbefore indicated, it is possible to package more than a single pair of hosiery in a single package. For example, three pairs of hosiery may be packaged in which one hose is positioned in a.manner hereinbefore indicated with the five remaining hose then placed in a folded state be- 6 tween two of the folded faces of the panel members of the insert 11. When this is done, the fold lines 13 and 15 will actually become fold areas in order to provide proper spacing between the folded faces of the insert in order for the additional hose to be placed therebetween in a smooth, fiat state.

As hereinbefore indicated, the faces of the inse'rt 11 should be glazed or otherwise finished to provide a smooth surface against which the hose Will be in engagement. This is necessary in order to prevent snagging of the hose or the like. Moreover, the front face of the first panel member 11 may be provided with decorated material which will function as a border for the heel and ankle portion of the stocking to offset or further enhance the distinctive appearance of this portion of the single hose presented to the customer in this package. Alternatively, advertising or other identifying material may be placed in this border.

As illustrated hereinbefore, the preferred embodiment of the invention employs three panel members of an insert which are Z folded. It should be noted, as hereinbefore indicated, that with certain hosiery it is possible to use a two panel insert. Reference is now to be had to Figs. 9-12 wherein the two panel form of the invention is shown. The two panel member generally designated by reference numeral 4G comprises a first panel member 41 and a second panel member 42 which are substantially of the same dimensions and are complementary with one another. The first and second panel members, as shown, are united with one another by a fold line 43 extending along the side edge of the panel members whereby the panel members can be placed in superimposed relationship with respect to one another. The two panel members 40 is used, in general, to produce a hosiery package in substantially the same manner as with the other forms of the invention hereinbefore described. The toe and heel portion of the first hose H is presented on the front face of the first panel member 41 in the same manner as the other forms of the invention hereinbefore described. The toe portion of the hose H is folded over the back face of the first panel member 41 with the remainder of the hose H likewise being folded over the back face of the first panel member 41. A second hose H" is placed between the panel members 41 and 42 and the remaining lportion of the first hose H' is reversely folded, with the panel members 41 and 42 being placed in superimposed relationship with respect to one another. The hosiery package is completed by placing the panel member 40 and the hosiery H' and H" in the state just described in a transparent wrapper W in the same manner as the other forms of the invention. Full fashioned hosiery is best suited for utilization with the packages made in accordance with the present invention. While seamless hosiery can be packaged with the present invention, such hosiery must be of an extremely high quality since such hosiery will not be presented to best advantage with the present invention.

While there have been described herein what are at 'present considered preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention; It is thereforeto be understood that the exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims, and that all modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be included therein.

We claim:

l. A hosiery package comprising an insert having first, second, and third complementary panel members folded against one another in a Z fold, said complementary panel members being joined respectively to o-ne another along one side edge by a fold line, the heel and ankle portion of a first hose positioned against the outside face of the sioned state, the general long axis of said heel and ankle portion lying in a plane generally'parallel to said fold line,

the toe portion'of Vthe hose being folded back against the inside face of the first panel member, the remaining portion of rthe hose being folded over the inside face of the first panel member of the insert and then back over the outside face of the second panel member of said insert, and then back over the outside face of the third panel member of said insert, at least a second hose placed between two of the folded panel members of the said insert and wraper means enveloping said insert and said hosiery.

2. A hosiery package comprising an insert having first, second, and 'third complementary panel members folded against one another in a Z fold, said complementary panel members being joined respectively to one another along one side edge by a fold line, the heel and ankle portion of a first hose positioned against the outside face of the first panel member of said insert in a fiat, slightly tensioned state, the general long aXis of said heel and ankle portion lying in a plane generally parallel to said fold line, the toe portion of the hose being folded back against the inside face of the first panel member, means to hold said toe portion in position, the remaining portion of the hose being folded over the inside face of the first panel member of the insert and then back over the o-utside face of the second panel member of said insert, and then back over the outside face of the third panel memberof said insert, at least a second hose placed between two of the folded panel members of the said insert and Wrapper means enveloping said insert and said hosiery.

3. A hosiery package comprising an insert having first, second, and third complementary panel members folded against one another in a Z fold, said complementary panel members being joined respectively to one another along one side edge by a fold line, the heel and ankle portion of a first hose positioned against the outside face of the first panel member of said insert in a fiat, slightly tensioncd state, the general long axis of said heel and ankle portion lying in a plane generally parallel to said fold line, the toe portion of the hose being folded back against the inside face of the first panel member, the remaining portion of the hose being folded over the inside face of the `hrst panel member of the insert and then back over the outside face of the second panel member of said insert, and then back over the outside face of the third panel member of said insert, wrapper means to hold the free end of the hose in tight engagement, at least a second hose u placed between two of the folded panel members of the said insert and wrapper means enveloping said insert and said hosiery.

4. A hosiery package comprising an insert having first, second, and third complementary panel members folded against one another in a Z fold, said complementary panel members being joined respectively to one another along one side edge by a fold line, the heel and ankle portion of a first hose positioned against the outside face of the first panel member of said insert in a fiat, slightly tensioned state, the general long axis of said heel and ankle portion lying in a plane generally parallel to said fold line, the toe portion of the hose being folded back against the inside face of the first panel member, the remaining portion Vof the hose being folded over the inside face of the first panel member of the insert and then back over the outside face of the second panel member of said insert, and then back over the outside face of the third panel member of said insert, means to hold the free end of the hose in tight' engagement, at least a second hose placed between two of the folded panel members ofthe said insert and wrapper means enveloping said insert and said hosiery'.

5. A hosiery package in accordance with claim 1, wherein the second panel member is of a height less than that of said first and third panel members.

6. A hose and insert for use in forming a hosiery package comprising an insert having first, second, and third complementary panel members fol-ded against one another in a Z fold, said complementary panel members being joined to one another respectively along one side edge by a fold line, the heel and ankle portion of a single hose positioned against the outside face of the first panel member of said insert in a fiat, slightly tensioned state, the general long axis of said heel and ankle portion lying in a plane generally parallel to said fold line, the toe portion of the hose being folded back over the bottom edge of the first panel member and against the inside face thereof, the remaining portion of the hose being folded over the inside face of the first panel member of the insert and then back over the outside face of the second panel member of said insert, and then reversely back over the outside face of the third panel member of said insert.

7. A hosiery package comprising first, second, and third complementary panel members in superimposed relationship to one another, the heel and ankle portion of a single first hose positioned against the outside face of the first panel member in a at, laid out state, the remaining portion of the hose being folded over the inside face of the first panel member and then back over the outside face of the second panel member, and then back over the outside face of the third panel member, the toe portion of the hose being reversely folded, at least a second hose placed between two of the panel members, and transparent wrapper means enveloping said panel members and said hosiery.

8. A hosiery package comprising first and second complementary panel members in superimposed relationship to one another, the heel and ankle portion of a single first hose positioned against the outside face of the first panel member in a fiat, laid out state, the remaining portion of the hose being folded over the inside face of the first panel member and the remaining portion being reversely folded over the outer face of the second panel member, the toe portion of the hose being reversely folded over the inside face of the first panel member, at least a second hose placed between the panel members, and transparent wrapper means enveloping said panel members and said hosiery.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,872,936 Gosch Aug. 23, 1932 2,622,730 Sharp Dec. 23, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 693,859 Germany July 20, 1940

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