Plastic package

Abstract

A package including a front panel and a rear panel, preferably connected by a hinge, for example by a living hinge, whereby the front and rear panels include substantially A-frame elements adapted to be separated to expose an interior volume defined by such panels. The interior volume may be sized and shaped to receive any of a number of products, such as a pet door. The package includes peripheral flanges that extend about the peripheral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel such that when in the closed configuration, the package remains in a stable upright position when placed on a substantially horizontal surface. The size of the peripheral flanges may be altered, such as shortened, such that a bottom portion of the package rests substantially on (or substantially close to) a horizontal surface to provide further support when the contents of the package are heavy.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 532,214, entitled “PLASTIC PACKAGE” filed Dec. 23, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention is directed to plastic packaging and more particularly, to A-frame plastic packaging for shipping and display of retail articles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Plastic packages for shipping and display of retail items, especially small or thin items, typically are designed to be displayed on a peg or in a rack, presenting the consumer with a full view of the package and preferably at least some of some of the contents. However, such packages do not provide a means for unsupported upright display. That is, such packages can not be stood on their end without toppling or, if they do not topple, they are so unbalanced that the slightest touch or vibration will topple the pack...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] When in the closed configuration, the package may be placed on a substantially horizontal surface and remain in the upright position. This is achieved by way of peripheral flanges that extend about the peripheral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel. The peripheral flanges provide engagement edges that stabilize the package on a horizontal surface.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the size of the peripheral flanges may be altered, such as shortened, such that a bottom portion of the package rests substantially on (or substantially close to) a horizontal surface to provide further support when the contents of the package are heavy.

Problems solved by technology

However, such packages do not provide a means for unsupported upright display.

That is, such packages can not be stood on their end without toppling or, if they do not topple, they are so unbalanced that the slightest touch or vibration will topple the package.

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