Pliable ground calcium carbonates storage articles and method of making same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a storage article, such as a retail and / or shipping package, having an environmentally friendly pliable composite structure that has a high degree of pliability and flexibility and is highly attractive in look and feel. The pliable composite structure has a base layer and a ground calcium carbonate-containing layer covering the base layer. The base layer and ground calcium carbonate-containing layer are shaped, sized and manufactured such that the pliable composite structure formed therefrom is sufficiently pliable and flexible to form the storage article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 956,690, filed Aug. 18, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Technical Field[0004]The present invention relates generally to storage articles such as retail and / or shipping product packages having a pliable ground calcium carbonate-containing material that is highly attractive, efficient to manufacture, and environmentally friendly.[0005]2. Related Art[0006]Packages and packaging material for product retail and shipping purposes are typically designed to be sufficiently durable to allow reliable use of the materials. Considerations that are taken into account in the development of such packages and materials include their resistance to heat, fire and moisture, as well as resistance to infiltration by rodents and pests, and the abilit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to an environmentally friendly storage article (e.g., a retail and / or shipping package) having a pliable composite structure that has a high degree of pliability and flexibility. The pliable composite structure has a base layer and a ground calcium carbonate-containing layer covering the base layer. The base layer and ground calcium carbonate-containing layer are shaped, sized and manufactured such that the pliable composite structure formed therefrom is sufficiently pliable and flexible to form the storage article. The pliable composite structure can be formed by adhering the calcium carbonate-containing layer to the base layer, and shaping the pliable composite structure into a desired component form. The pliable composite structure can be used in the fabrication of packages that are highly attractive in look and feel, while also having high durability.

Problems solved by technology

However, it can be difficult to create packaging products that are both attractive to consumers and inexpensive to fabricate while also being sufficiently durable to meet the needs of retail and shipping use.

For example, some lower cost packaging options are poorly configured to prevent theft because of minimal investment in protective structures.

While clamshell style packaging is an example of more theft resistant packaging due to the typically higher gauge materials used therein, the packaging is also typically more expensive due to the use of the higher cost materials.

A further problem that exists with prior packaging products is that these products may not incorporate environmentally friendly materials and designs.

However, a problem with such blister card products is that they are typically not as attractive to consumers in terms of look, feel and touch, as other less environmentally sound products, due to the rigidity and tactile unpleasantness of the stiff packaging.

Also, some large club stores require that packages have designs with sufficient external strength to allow for vertical and other stacking of the packages in pallet pack layers, which can be difficult to achieve when incorporating a plastic “blister” portion into the packaging.

The blister packaging also may not provide the best theft deterrence.

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