Package assembly

[0001] This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/451,188, which was filed on Feb. 28, 2003.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a package for enclosing an article and more particularly the invention provides a package having a pocket for receiving a first article and a quantity of adhesive for connecting the pocket containing the first article to a second article.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Radio frequency identification systems include relatively small tags that can be physically associated with an article. The tag is a small silicone chip that includes a transistor and an integrated circuit. Data corresponding to the article can be stored in the tag's integrated circuit. Radio frequency identification systems also include readers that can communicate with the tags and retrieve the data stored in the tag's integrated circuit. In one example of radio frequency identification technology, tags and readers can be used to assist the purchasers of fine art. For example, a tag can be programmed to include data relating to a particular piece of art such as the artist, the date of creation, the price, and the history of ownership. The tag can be physically connected to the piece of art in an art gallery. A prospective buyer can review the available pieces of art in the gallery and use a hand-held reader to retrieve information about any one particular piece of art.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,569 discloses a package for holding a radio frequency identification device. The package includes a front panel and a rear panel forming a pocket for receiving the radio frequency identification device. Adhesive is applied to the outwardly facing surface of the rear panel and a removable liner covers the adhesive until the package is connected to another article such as a product, a box, or some other article.

[0007] An apparatus for positioning a first article such as a radio frequency identification device with respect to a second article. The apparatus comprises a blank having first and second panels defining respective first and second peripheries (20, 22) and sharing a common folding edge (24) for folding the first and second panels (16, 18) over one another. A first quantity of adhesive (26) is disposed on one of the first and second panels (16, 18) and aligned with one of the first and second peripheries (20, 22) for connecting the first and second panels (16, 18) and forming a substantially closed pocket (28) between the first and second panels (16, 18) after folding for encapsulating the first article. A first plurality of perforations (30) extend through one of the first and second panels (16, 18) along a path (48) to define an access portion (32) for opening the substantially closed pocket (28). A pull tab (34) extends from the access portion (32) for tearing of the access portion (32) from the one of the first and second panels (16, 18) and opening the substantially closed pocket (28) for exposing the first article. The apparatus (10) is characterized by a second quantity of adhesive (36) disposed on one of the first and second panels (16, 18) and being disintermediate relative to the first and second panels (16, 18) when the first and second panels (16, 18) are folded over one another such that the second quantity of adhesive (36) can be substantially exposed for connecting the blank (14) to the second article.

[0008] The subject invention therefore provides a useful package assembly for attaching a first article to a second article. The package assembly permits the first article to be easily removed when desired. Also, after the first article is removed, the package assembly can be left on the second article.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1–4, the present invention provides an apparatus 10 or packaging assembly 10 for positioning a first article, such as a radio frequency identification device 12, with respect to a second article (not shown). The first article can be an electronic device, a document, or a memory storage device. The second article can be any article of manufacture, including packaging such as a pallet or a box, consumer goods such as electronic equipment or clothing, or relatively expensive goods such as automobiles or pieces of fine art. Generally, the first and second articles are related in that the first article embodies information corresponding to the second article.

[0020] The apparatus 10 is an exemplary embodiment of the invention and includes a blank 14 having first and second panels 16, 18 defining respective first and second peripheries 20, 22. The first and second peripheries 20, 22 share a common folding edge 24. The first and second panel 16, 18 can be folded over one another along a folding edge 24. The folding edge 24 as illustrated in the drawing figures is merely for descriptive purposes and does not represent a cut of the blank 14.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second panels 16, 18 of the blank 14 are each covered by a layer of adhesive 38. A release liner 58 covers the layer of adhesive 38. The layer of adhesive 38 and the release liner 58 will be described in greater detail below. Preferably, the first and second panels 16, 18 are formed of a card stock. Hence, the preferred embodiment includes a continuous sheet of card stock, adhesive, and release liner. It should be appreciated that the first and second panels 16, 18 can be formed from pulp boards treated with resin, known as pasteboard, web sheet or card stock.

[0022] The layer of adhesive 38 includes a first quantity of adhesive 26 disposed on one of the first and second panels 16, 18. The first quantity of adhesive 26 is aligned with one of the first and second peripheries 20, 22. When the first and second panel 16, 18 are folded over one another, the first quantity of adhesive 26 connects the first and second panel 16, 18 with respect to one another, forming a substantially closed pocket 28 between the first and second panel 16, 18.

[0023] The layer of adhesive 38 also includes a second quantity of adhesive 36 disposed on one of the first and second panels 16, 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the second quantity of adhesive 36 is disposed on the first panel 16. The second quantity of adhesive 36 is disintermediate relative to the first and second panel 16, 18 where the first and second panel 16, 18 are folded over one another. In other words, the second quantity of adhesive 36 is disposed on an outwardly facing surface of the apparatus 10 when the first and second panels 16, 18 are folded over one another and connected with the first quantity of adhesive 26, best shown in FIG. 4. The second quantity of adhesive 36 connects the pocket 28 to the second article. FIG. 1A shows the first quantity of adhesive 26 distinguished from the second quantity of adhesive 36 by a boundary 74. The boundary 74 corresponds to the periphery 22 of the second panel 16.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3–6, the preferred embodiment includes the first and second quantities of adhesive 26, 36 being disposed on the first panel 16. In addition, the first quantity of adhesive 26 is also disposed on the second panel 18. Hence, the layer of adhesive 38 covers both inwardly facing surfaces 40, 42 of the panels 16, 18. However, the invention could be practiced wherein only the first panel 16 is covered with adhesive. Further, the first and second quantities of adhesive 26, 36 could be disposed on opposite panels 16, 18. The type of adhesive selected for one or both of the first and second quantities 26, 36 can be one of, or a combination of, pressure sensitive adhesive, liquid, paste, powder, and dry film. The adhesive is preferably the pressure sensitive adhesive covered by the release liner 58 Alternatively, the adhesive can be moisture activated such as the adhesive covering the flap of an envelope.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1–3, the first panel 16 is wider than the second panel 18. The portion of the first panel 16 that extends past the periphery 22 of the second panel 18 supports the second quantity of adhesive 36. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, both the panels 16, 18 could be the same size and the second quantity of adhesive 36 could be disposed on one of the outwardly facing surfaces 44, 46 of the panel 16, 18, respectively. In both the illustrated embodiment and the proposed embodiment, the access portion 32 is exposed when the apparatus 10 is connected to the second article.

[0026] The apparatus 10 also includes a first plurality of perforations 30 extending through one of the first and second panels 16, 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the perforations 30 extend through the first panel 16. In manufacturing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10, the die stroke that forms the first plurality of perforations 30 can also form perforations in the release liner 58, as discussed more fully below. The perforations 30 extend along a path 48 to define an access portion 32. The access portion 32 can be torn from the first panel 16 to open the substantially closed pocket 28. A pull tab 34 extends from the access portion 32 to enhance the tearing of the access portion 32 and opening of the pocket 28.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, the path 48 is defined by the first plurality of perforations 30 and includes a first edge 50 coaxial with respect to the folding edge 24. The path 48 also includes a second edge 52 extending from the folding edge 24. The path 48 also includes a third edge 54 extending from the folding edge 24 and spaced from second edge 52. The first plurality of perforations 30 define three sides of the access portion 32. A fourth side of the access portion 32 is defined by a second folding edge 56 that extends between respective ends of the second and third edges 52, 54 of the path 30 and also extends between the first panel 16 and the access portion 32. The second folding edge 56 as illustrated in the drawing figures does not represent a cut of the blank 14. Generally, the path 30 is configured, and the access portion 32 is sized, to allow the removal of the radio frequency identification device 12 when the access portion 32 is torn from the first panel 16. In alternative embodiments of the invention cited in the claims, the path 30 and the access portion 32 could be spaced from the folding edge 24, or the path 30 and the access portion 32 could be defined by the second panel 18, or the second folding line 56 could be replaced with additional perforations to allow for the complete removal of the access portion 32 with respect to the first panel 16.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pull tab 34 extends from the access portion 32 at the folding edge 24 and defines a breach or split in the folding edge 24. The pull tab 34 is stamped or die cut with respect to the second panel 18. As a result, the pull tab 34 can maintain a substantially aligned orientation with respect to the access portion 32 when the first and second panel 16, 18 are folded over one another. In other words, when the first and second panels 16, 18 are folded over one another, the pull tab 34 will appear cantilevered from the access portion 32, best shown in FIG. 4.

[0029] The release liner 58 includes a first liner portion 60 covering the first and second quantities of adhesive 26, 36. The layer of adhesive 38 further also includes a third quantity of adhesive 62 and the release liner 58 includes a second liner portion 64 covering the third quantity of adhesive 62. The third quantity of adhesive 62 is surrounded by the first quantity of adhesive 26. The first and second liner portions 60, 64 are removably associated with one another. For example, a second plurality 66 of perforations can be disposed between the first and second liner portion 60, 64. The second plurality 66 of perforations can be aligned with at least a portion of the first plurality of perforation 30. The first, second and third quantities of adhesive 26, 36, 62 are preferably the same type of adhesive, but can be different. FIG. 1A shows the third quantity of adhesive 62 distinguished from the first quantity of adhesive 26 by a boundary 72.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1–8, in operation, the apparatus 10 can position the radio frequency identification device 12 with respect to the second article. In an illustrative method according to the invention for securing the radio frequency identification device 12, the radio frequency identification device 12 is positioned on the second liner portion 64 above the first panel 16. Next, the first liner portion 60 of the release liner 58 can be removed with respect to the blank 14, exposing the first and second quantities of adhesive 26, 36. The second liner portion 64 is maintained in place, covering the third quantity of adhesive 62. The first and second panels 16, 18 are then folded over one another along the folding edge 24. As best seen in FIG. 4, after the panels 16, 18 are folded over one another, the radio frequency identification device 12 is encapsulated. Also, the second quantity of adhesive 36 is exposed such that the apparatus 10 can be connected to the second article. The first quantity of adhesive 26 substantially fixedly connect the first and second panels 16, 18 with respect to one another. The second liner portion 64 forms an inner surface of the pocket 28, insulating the radio frequency identification device 12 from the third quantity of adhesive 62.

[0031] When it is desired to remove the radio frequency identification device 12 from the article, the pull tab 34 can be grasped and pulled outwardly away from the second article and the access portion 32 can be torn from the first panel 16 along the edges 50, 52, 54 for opening the closed pocket 28 and exposing the radio frequency identification device 12. FIG. 7 shows the access portion 32 torn from the first panel 16 and the radio frequency identification device 12 has been removed. The access portion 32 is folded over the second folding edge 56 and a portion 68 of the second liner portion 64 becomes disassociated with respect to the access portion 32 and the radio frequency identification device 12 is removed. Next, a second portion 70 of the second liner portion 64 is removed from the second panel 18. In a last step, best seen in FIG. 8, the access portion 32 is pressed against the second panel 18 and substantially fixedly connected to the panel 18 by the third quantity of adhesive 62. As a result, after the radio frequency identification device 12 is removed from the apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 can assume a substantially flat and shallow configuration.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, an outwardly facing surface of the apparatus 10 can include indicia such as a logo or trademark. The indicia can be printed material or it can be an embossed portion of one of the panels 16, 18. The indicia can be disposed on the access portion 32 or an outwardly facing surface surrounding the access portion 32. Further, the apparatus 10 could pass through a variable printer, such as a thermotransfer printer, for printing variable information on the apparatus 10. The variable information could be any suitable numerical sequence, bar code, or other such information.

[0033] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.