GB2578081A

GB2578081A - Packaging box

Info

Publication number: GB2578081A
Application number: GB1800989.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Monehen Justin; Berglas Marvin
Original assignee: Marvins Magic Ltd
Current assignee: Marvins Magic Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-22
Filing date: 2018-01-22
Publication date: 2020-04-22
Also published as: GB201800989D0

Abstract

A packaging box 10 arranged to support an electronic display device comprises a body 12 with a storage receptacle, and a window arranged to be supported in either of a first position flush with the body or a second position extending at an angle away from the body. The window includes a reflective/transmissive screen 16 arranged to reflect an image from the electronic display device to a viewer when the window is in the second position, so as to provide for a Pepper’s Ghost type optical illusion employing just standard elements of a packaging box. Preferably, the storage receptacle is visible through the screen when the window is in the first position. The window and/or the body may have engagement formations such as a tab and slot to support the window in the second position. Props for viewing in combination with the reflected image may be stored in the storage receptacle. A method of using the box to create an illusion is also claimed.

Description

Packaging Box The present invention relates to packaging boxes and, in particular, but not exclusively; to a packaging box for use in an optical illusion that can employ the contents of the box, Various forms of packaging boxes are well known for storage and/or transport purposes in relation to a variety of products including toys, games, playthings and amusement articles and in particular within a retail environment.

Such boxes commonly include one or more receptacle portions, often defined in the form of a tray, for the separate storage of various articles and include an outer surface often serving to provide attractive presentation media in relation to the product and content of the box. In particular, boxes can commonly employ transparent media as part of their structure and packaging for the purposes of protection and/or optical display of surfaces of the packaging or indeed internal portions and content of the packaging.

The present invention seeks to provide for a packaging box having advantages over known packaging boxes and providing for more than just mere storage and/or transport of the box content.

In particular, the present invention seeks to provide for a packaging box that can provide for an optical illusion and that can employ the box and the box contents and in an advantageously simple and efficient manner requiring limited adaption of the box and limited, if any, additional box structure.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging box comprising a body including a storage receptacle, and a window arranged to be supported in either of a first position flush with the body of the box or a second position extending at an angle away from the body of the box, the box further arranged to support an electronic display device and the window including a reflective/transmissive screen arranged to reflect an image from the electronic display device to a viewer' when the window is in the said second position.

The invention proves advantageous in providing for a packaging box that can include a display screen as part of its structure and that can be readily moved between storage and viewing positions when it is required to serve as part of an optical illusion.

The invention can prove particularly advantageous in providing for a box structure as noted above and in which the said screen is moveable between two configurations; one providing for the display/viewing of stored box content, and the other for viewing of the reflected image.

The screen required by the optical illusion can also therefore otherwise form part of the box packaging for storage/transport purposes. An effective optical illusion can therefore be readily provided by way of the box content and the display screen through only requiring little. if any, adaption of a standard box structure.

As one possible feature of the invention, the window can be arranged to be connected to the body by way of a hinge arrangement for movement between the first and second positions. The provision of such a hinge arrangement provides for a simple yet reliable and accurate means for controlling the movements of the screen between the two positions and which can prove particularly important when a consistently accurate location is required for the screen during the optical illusion.

In order to secure the window in the said second position in a simple yet reliable manner, the window can include an engagement formation arranged to engage with the body for support of the window in the said second position.

Yet further, the body can have an engagement formation to engage with the window for support, or indeed further support, of the window in the said second position.

in one example: a male-female coupling arrangement can be provided between the body and the window for support of the window in the said second position. The coupling arrangement can be formed as part of the body structure or, if required: can simply be provided on an appropriate element/structure that is itself located within box body.

Any appropriate form of male coupling part can be provided whether formed integrally with or separate from, the window. One particular example can comprise at least one of a tonaue or a tab which can advantageously extend integrally from a frame of the window.

Likewise, any appropriate form of female coupling part can be provided and which, as examples, can comprise at least one of a groove, recess or slot formed within the box body, or provided within an element itself provided within the box body.

Any appropriate consideration of window can be provided, whether or not formed of the same material as the box, and whether or not formed as a simple frame structure pivotally mounted in relation to the box body.

In one example, the window can comprise two parts or sections with a first part supporting the screen, and a second part arranged for hinged connection to the box body. Such a two-part structure allows for a simple and secure arrangements for achieving movement of the window and screen between the two required positions and for particularly reliable, secure and accurate positioning of the window and screen in this second position.

To further enhance such features, the said first and second parts of the window can be arranged to fold relative to each other. Advantageously, such folding can be achieved in a reliable manner by means of the provision of a predefined fold line about which the first and second parts are arranged to fold.

In particular, the fold line can serve to separate the first and second parts of the window.

With a two-part form of the window, the second part can be provided in any appropriate configuration to provide appropriate support and pivotal/folding movement of the window and screen between the two positions. In one example, the second part of the window can include further frame elements, or support legs, for supporting the window in the said second position, The second part of the window can include an opening arranged in the line of sight of the screen when the window is in the said second position.

It is a particularly advantageous feature of the present invention that the screen can, when the window is in the first position, comprise one or more of a protection means, closure means and viewing panel for the storage receptacle when the window is in the said first position. Such configuration can provide for a particular advantageous structure in which the screen and window perform important functions for both the optical illusion and the storage offered by the box, when in the respective second and first positions. No additional box materials need then be provided to meet both requirements.

The window and screen can be provided in any appropriate material, having regard to the construction of the box or otherwise, and so for example the window can include a cardboard frame, and the screen can be formed of a clear sheet material, such as for example any appropriate plastic material and thermoplastic material including acetate and acrylic materials.

The window can be forme n eg Ily with the box body, or in any manner to be connectediadhered thereto.

While the packaging box may be provided for the transport and/or storage of any required products, a particular embodiment includes a storage receptacle arranged to receive props and/or elements for viewing in combination with the reflected image.

Further, the storage receptacle can be formed as a plurality of storage pockets for a variety of props and/or stage elements for viewing in combination with the reflected image.

As a particular example, the box body can include a vacuum tray for the storage of props and/or elements to be viewed in combination with the reflected image, and the screen of the window can serve to overlie the vacuum tray when the window is in said first position, and can be arranged to be folded into its said second position to allow access to the vacuum tray and the display of the said reflected image.

The said screen can comprise any appropriate material such as a clear plastic material, semi-transparent sheet, Perspex or acetate, having regard in particular to its requirements and desired characteristics when in both of its two positions.

To provide for a particularly reliable and secure supporting arrangement when in the said second position, the window can be arranged to be supported in the form of an A frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of adapting a packaging box for the display of an optical illusion, including moving a window of the packaging box from a first position overlying a body of the box, to a second position extending at an angle from the body, such that a transmissive/reflective screen within the window can reflect an image produced by an electronic display device, supported by the body, in the direction of a viewer.

A method embodying the present invention allows for the ready creation of an optical illusion by means of box packaging which can advantageously serve for storage of props and stage elements form part of the illusion, but in which the illusion can effectively be created from the box packaging in a simple, but reliable and accurate manner.

The method can further comprise moving the window between the said first and second positions about a hinge arrangement; and folding the window about a fold line as it is moved between the said first and second positions.

Further, when moving the window into said second position, the window can advantageously be moved into engagement with an engagement formation of the body when in said second position. As a further feature and providing for secure support of the window in its second position, the method can include moving the window into the form of an A frame.

Of course it should be appreciated that a method of the invention can be provided for adapting a packaging box as outlined above and as described herein.

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging box according to an embodiment of the present invention and in a wholly closed state bounded in part by a packaging sleeve; Fig. 2 is a perspective illustration of the packaging box of Fig. 1 but with the sleeve removed; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the box of Figs. 1 and 2 with the sleeve removed and positioned in a substantially horizontal plane for use; and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a packaging box such as that of Figs. 1 -3, but as adapted for use in accordance with an optical illusion.

Turning first to Fig. 1, there is provided a perspective view of a packaging box 10 according to one of many different possible embodiments of the present invention.

The packaging box 10 is arranged for the storage, and presentation at point of sale, of various items to be used as part of an optical illusion. In this manner, the packaging box can readily comprise one of a series of magic sets arid which, in this example, focuses on an optical illusion to be described later.

The packaging box 10 comprises an elongate rectilinear box body 12 which houses a plastic vacuum tray 14 comprising an appropriate number of compartments for the separated storage of various product items (not shown). Such items can be those to be used as props or supports or otherwise as part of the optical illusion.

The packaging box includes a window comprising a plastic sheet screen 16 bounded by a cardboard frame 18 and through which the content of the packaging box 10 within the compartments of the tray 14 can be seen. It should of course be appreciated that any appropriate transmissive/reflective material can be used for the screen 16 as required and non-limiting examples comprise clear plastic materials, Perspex, acetate and plexiglass materials. Advantageously, and in any embodiment of the invention, a clear transmissive/reflective packaging material can be employed for the screen.

The window 16, 18 also forms a means by which the packaging box can be closed so as to help retain products within the tray 14, and to prevent ready access to the tray 14.

Within the illustrated embodiment, the packaging box also includes an outer sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 can, as required, carry further marketing, advertising promotional and instructional detail relating to the box content.

Fig. 2 is a view of the packaging box 10 of Fig. 1 but with the sleeve 20 having been removed.

With the sleeve 20 removed, it can be seen that the frame 18 of the window includes leg portions 22, 24 which continue along the length of the box body 12 and which serve to bound a further opening 26 as part of the window frame 18 structure. However, unlike the framed screen 16 portion of the window discussed above in relation to Fig. 1, the opening 26 does not include any transmissiveireflective medium such as the screen 16 as previously discussed.

The structure of the window also includes a fold line 28 which serves to separate the window frame 18 from the legs 22, 24 and comprises a line about which the window is arranged to fold as it moves into its 'in-use' position for the optical illusion as described further below.

Further regions 27 within the box body 12 are visible through the opening 26 and which, as to be described later, can comprise means for receiving and supporting an electronic display device such as a mobile phone and/or tablet type device.

The inner portions of the box body 12, such as the tray 14 and regions 27 can also be arranged to provide for a support surface, such as stage, upon which box content items can be placed as part of the optical illusion and as described later.

Fig. 3 illustrates the box of Figs. 1 and 2 with its sleeve removed and in a generally substantially horizontal plane in which the packaging box 10 can be used as part of an optical illusion when viewed in the direction of arrow A. At an edge end 30 of the box 10, the legs 22, 24 extend to a hinge arrangement by which the legs 22, 24 and opening 26 can pivot in the direction of arrow B relative to the box body 12 between a storage position such as that illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and a upstanding in-use position as illustrated in Fig 3 and as described further. The hinge arrangement at the edge end 30 can simply comprise a fold line, or line of weakness at the point of juncture between the legs 22, 24 and the box base 12, or can comprise additional hinge elements if required.

As the window arrangement is moved into its position as show in Fig. 3 through the pivoting of the legs 22, 24 about the hinge arrangement at the edge 30 in the anti-clockwise manner of arrow B, the frame 18 and screen 16 can pivot in a clockwise manner of arrow C, to arrive at the orientation shown in Fig. 3 for use in an optical An example of an in-use position for an optical illusion is illustrated with reference to Fig. 4 which shows a packaging box 10 such as that of Figs 1 -3 and with the similar features shown with the same reference numerals, but with slight design differences for example the shape and configuration of the legs 22, 24. As with Fig. 3, the window 16, 18 is illustrated having been raised by way of the pivoting of the supporting legs 22, 24 about the pivot connection 30 and the folding of the frame 18 relative to the legs 22, 24 about the fold line 28.

Engagement formations (not shown) are provided both as features of the frame 18 and within the box body 12 so as to allow for secure retention of the window in the manner illustrated in Figs 3 and 4.

Any appropriate engagement formations can be provided, in particular comprising male/female configured engagement formations. As a particular example, such formations can comprise a tongue or tab extending from the edge of the window frame 18 distal of the fold line 28, and for engaging in slots or recesses within the body 12 of the box 10 which, for example, can be provided within the tray 14.

As will be appreciated, when supported in this manner, the window takes on the configuration of an A-frame 32 structure upstanding from the primary plane of the elongate box 10. The A frame structure extends above a recess 34 in the tray within which an electronic display device such as a smart phone of tablet device can be mounted with screen facing upwardly for the reflection of an image from the device in the screen 16 of the window 16, 18.

The A frame structure 32 can now function as an important part of the optical illusion and which employs the well-known "Pepper's Ghost" optical illusion.

In Fig. 4, the line of sight indicated by arrow A is now through the opening within the window structure bounded by the legs 22, 24, and then through the transmissive/reflective screen 16 and beyond to stage elements 36 that had previously been stored in the tray 14. If required, a backdrop screen 38 can also be provided, and advantageously also stored in the tray when not in use. A simple engagement formation such as a slot in the tray, or box body, can be provided for the support of the screen 38 in the orientation shown in Fig. 4.

The A-frame structure 32 noted serves to support the screen 16 in an inclined manner as required for the Pepper's Ghost effect. A portion of the box body 12, which can if required comprise a portion of the tray 14 includes the recess 34 within which an electronic display device, such as a mobile phone or tablet device (not shown) can be located, in a pre-defined orientation with its display screen facing a screen 16 of the window as noted above.

Thus, and as will be appreciated in accordance with a Pepper's Ghost illusion, when viewing the box 10 in the direction of arrow A, the viewer will observe a reflection of the image displayed on the display screen of the electronic display device supported within the recess 34, and in combination with any props/features located beyond the screen 18 on the stage elements 36 elements located on upper surfaces of the tray 14. The props/features can comprise any appropriate features such as figures, scenery etc. to be viewed with, ideally in complimentary fashion, the image reflected in screen 16 from the electronic display device. Such props etc can likewise be stored in the tray 14 when not required for use, and in particular when the box is closed.

It should be appreciated that the tray 14 can be provided with any appropriate variety and selection of formations for supporting further screens props or any desired display element to be displayed in association with the, preferably animated, image appearing on the electronic display device.

It will of course be appreciated that, once the optical illusion has been completed, the electronic display device can be readily and easily removed and any props or other box content used as part of the illusion simply returned to the relevant pockets and receptacles within the tray 14.

As for the screen and window arrangement 16, 18 can be simply released from its engagement with the box base 12 and folded down to its orientation as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, for storage of the box 10 and, also as required, retention of the box content within the tray 14 if required, the sleeve 20 can of course also be returned to its position surrounding part of the box 10 as illustrated in Fig. 1.

As will therefore be appreciated, an optical illusion based upon the Pepper's Ghost effect can be achieved by way of a box arrangement allowing ready storage for a variety of props and elements to be used in combination with the reflected display image. The box element comprises an integral element of the box arrangement such as a flap comprising the window 16, 18, 22, 24 can be readily folded into, and out of, its in-use position as required.

Thewindow arrangement can further advantageously serves as one side element of the box 10 for the purposes of content protection, storage and/or viewing as required.

The box therefore can be readily configured between its storage and use configurations in a simple manner, requiring simple folding of one of the box structures and in a manner employing features that are in any case inherent within the box structure for its primary purposes of transport and/or storage.

It should be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment is simply one of a variety of possible embodiments of the present invention and which invention is not restricted to the details of that embodiment.

For example, the window can be formed in addition to being formed integral with the box structure, the window can be formed separately therefrom and either permanently, or temporarily adhered or fixed to the box structure and any appropriate frame arrangement can be provided for supporting the window and screen 16, 18 in its in-use position.

Engagement between the window frame 18 and the box body 12, or content of the box body 12 can be achieved through any appropriate configuration of an engagement formations and the tray can be provided in any appropriate configuration having regard to the amountivariety of box content and the manner in which such content is to be mounted for viewing by a user in combination with the reflected image of the electronic display device.

While the tray can be formed of any appropriate material, with integral with the box or otherwise, a one particular embodiment the tray comprises a vac tray.

Yet further, if required, additional means can be provided for seeking to secure the window in its storage position securely enclosing the tray 14 so as to retain the various products within the respective pockets within the tray 14.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A packaging box comprising a body including a storage receptacle, and a window arranged to be supported in either of a first position flush with the body of the box or a second position extending at an angle away from the body of the box, the box further arranged to support an electronic display device and the window including a reflective/transmissive screen arranged to reflect an image from the electronic display device to a viewer when the window is in the said second position.
2. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 1, wherein content within the storage receptacle is visible through the screen when the window is on the said first position.
3. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the window is part of a display means for the said content when in the said first position.
4. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the window is arranged to be connected to the body by way of a hinge arrangement for movement between the first and second positions.
5. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the window includes an engagement formation to engage with the body for support of the window in the said second position.
6. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the body has an engagement formation to engage with the window for support of the window in the said second position.
7. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims and including a male-female coupling arrangement between the body and the window for support of the window in the said second position.
8. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 7, wherein a male part of the coupling arrangement comprises at least one of a tongue or a tab.
9. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein a female part of the coupling arrangement comprises at least one of a groove, recess or slot.
10. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the window comprises a first part supporting the screen and a second part for hinged connection to the body.
1 A packaging box as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the said first and second parts of the window are arranged to fold relative to each other.
12. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the window includes a fold line about which the first and second parts are arranged to fold.
13. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the fold line separates the first and second parts of the window.
14. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more of Claims 10 to 13, where the second part of the window includes support members for supporting the window in the said first position.
15. A packaging box as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the said members comprise support legs.
16. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second part includes an opening arranged in the line of sight of the screen when the window is in the said second position.
17. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims, wherein the screen comprises a protection mean andior, closure means for the storage receptacle when the window is in the said first position.
18. A packaging box as claimed in any one o ore the preceding claims wherein the window includes a cardboard frame.
19. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims, wherein screen is formed of any one or more of any plastic, or any acetate material.
20. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims and comprising a product container.
21. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims wherein the storage receptacle is arranged to receive content in the form of props and/or elements for viewing in combination with the reflected image.
22, A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims and wherein the storage receptacle is formed as a plurality of storage pockets.
23. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims wherein the body is arranged to support props and/or elements for viewing in combination with the reflected image.
24. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims wherein the window is integral with the body.
25. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more the preceding claims and wherein the body includes a vacuum tray for the storage of props and/or elements to be viewed in combination with the reflected image, and the screen of the window serves to overlie the vacuum tray when the window is in said first position, and is arranged to be folded into its said second position to allow access to the vacuum tray and the display of the said reflected image.
26. A packaging box as claimed in any one or more preceding claim, wherein the window is arranged to be supported in the form of an A frame when in the said second position.
27. A method of adapting a packaging box for the display of a visual illusion, including moving a window of the packaging box from a first position overlying a body of the box, to a second position extending at an angle from the body, such that a transmissive/reflective screen within the window can reflect an image produced by an electronic display device, supported by the body, in the direction of a viewer.
28, A method as claimed in Claim 27 and including moving the window between the said first and second positions about a hinge arrangement.
29. A method as claimed in Claim 27 or 28, wherein, with the window in two parts separated by fold line, the window is folded about the fold line as it is moved between the said first and second positions.
30. A method as claimed in Claim 27, 28 or 29, and including moving the window into engagement with an engagement formation of the body when in said second position.
31. A method as claimed in any one or more of Claims 27 to 30, and including moving the window to be supported in the form of an A frame when in the said second position.
32. A method as claimed in any one or more of Claims 27 to 31, and for adapting a packaging box as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 -26.
33. A method as claimed in any one or more of Claims 27 to 32, wherein the step of moving from the first position to the second position comprises moving the window from a position in which content stored in the box can be viewed through the screen, to a position in which the reflected image can be viewed.
34. A method as claimed in any one or more of Claims 27 to 33, and including the step of returning the said screen to the first position from the said second position for storage and/or protection of box content.