GB2530773A

GB2530773A - Improvements in or relating to packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2530773A
Application number: GB1417373.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Wright; John Kirkby; Peter Macqueen
Original assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Current assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2014-10-01
Publication date: 2016-04-06
Also published as: GB201417373D0; GB201417209D0

Abstract

A fastener comprising a single sheet of flexible paper or card 1 has an elongate portion 4 with teeth 9 projecting from at least one side of part of its length; and an aperture 7 through part 5 of the fastener at least as narrow as the widest part of the elongate portion measured across the teeth but at least as wide as the narrowest part of the elongate portion. Ideally there are teeth on both sides of the elongate portion extending to one end but leaving part of the elongate portion is free from teeth. The teeth can be angled with opposed faces inclined at different angles so that it is easier to insert them through the aperture than withdraw them. The aperture could be formed in an enlarged head at one end of the fastener. The teeth can be directly adjacent, either with a triangular gap separating them or being separated by only a cut. Ideally the material forming the fastener is 200-900g/m2 paperboard with elasticity of 15% along its length and 10% across its width. The fastener could pass through two holes in packaging material to secure a toy to it.

Description

Improvements in or relating to packaging In is common for certain consumer items such as toys to be attached to the packaging in which they are shipped and presented. For instance, a toy may be presented in a package having a cardboard base and back panel, on which pictures, logos and/or graphics are presented. Some or all of the front and top of the packaging may comprise transparent or translucent material to allow a prospective customer to see the toy within the packaging.

The toy may be attached to one or both of the base and back panel, to ensure that the toy remains in the correct position and orientation with respect to the packaging. This helps to prevent the toy from being damaged in transit, and also ensures that the toy remains in a chosen orientation for presentation. Furthermore, attaching the toy to the packaging in this way makes it more difficult for the toy to be stolen by a thief who opens the packaging and attempts to grab the toy from the interior.

It is known for the toy to be attached to the packaging by a series of fasteners such as ties. Each tie may take the form of a wire (which may be at least partially coated in another material such as a plastic material), which is passed around the part of the toy, and through apertures in the packaging, and tied or twisted to hold the toy in place.

Other known ties include a generally flat plastic strip having a series of teeth on one of its major surfaces. The strip has an aperture at one end through which the other, free end of the strip may be passed. As the free end of the strip is pulled through the aperture, an increasing number of teeth are pulled through the aperture. The teeth are shaped to perform a ratchet function, and have an inclined face which allows each tooth to be deformed as it is pulled through the aperture. The other side of each tooth presents a generally upright surface (i.e. approximately perpendicular to the plane of the aperture) which is difficult or impossible to pull through the aperture in the opposite direction. It will therefore be understood that, to attach the toy to the packaging, a part of the length of the strip is looped around a part of the toy, and also through appropriate apertures in the packaging, and the free end of the strip is then inserted into the aperture. The free end can be pulled easily through the aperture until the strip has tightened around a part of the toy.

The toy is then held in place by the strip, and it is difficult or impossible to pull the strip end of the strip out of the aperture again. It is generally necessary to use scissors or the like to cut the strip in order to release the toy once it has been purchased.

In yet further examples, a toy may be held in its packaging by way of one or more screws. Screw threads may be formed in the toy itself, or in a component such as a plastic block which is placed over a part of the toy. A screw may be passed through an appropriate hole in the packaging and engaged with the screw thread, so that the toy is held firmly in place with respect to the packaging, and the toy must be released from the packaging using a screwdriver or the like once it has been purchased.

It is an object to present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for securing products such as toys to packaging, as well as fulfilling other functions.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a fastener formed from a single sheet of a flexible paper or paperboard material having substantially constant thickness, the fastener comprising: an elongate main body extending between a first end and a second end, and having opposing sides along its length, the main body having an engagement portion comprising a central spine having one or more teeth protruding from at least one side thereof, the spine having a first width and the engagement portion having a second, greater width measured perpendicular to the length thereof, the second width being measured across the spine and at least one tooth; and an aperture formed through the fastener, the aperture having a width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener, which is equal to or greater than the first width, but which is less than the second width.

Advantageously, teeth are provided on both sides of the spine.

Preferably, the teeth form a series of barbs, so that the engagement portion can be pushed through the aperture relatively easily, but may not be withdrawn through the aperture without permanently damaging at least a part of the fastener.

Conveniently, the aperture is formed through an enlarged end which is formed at or near the first end of the fastener.

Advantageously, the engagement portion extends along a part of the main body, and extends to, or substantially to, the second end.

Preferably, the fastener further comprises a central portion, which has no teeth formed thereon, provided between the engagement portion and the aperture.

Conveniently, each tooth has a front edge, facing generally towards the second end of the fastener, and a rear edge, facing generally towards the first end of the fastener.

Advantageously, the front edge of each tooth is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis to the fastener.

Preferably, the rear edge of each tooth is inclined with respect of the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Conveniently, a space is formed between the front edge of one tooth and the rear edge of an adjacent tooth.

Advantageously, the front edge of one tooth is substantially contiguous with the rear edge of an adjacent tooth.

Preferably, the mass per unit area of the paper or paperboard material is between 200g/m2 and 900g/m2.

Conveniently, the material has an elasticity of at least 10% in the direction passing between the first end and the second end.

Advantageously, the material has an elasticity of at least 15% in the direction passing between the first end and the second end.

Preferably, the material has an elasticity of at least 10% in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end.

Conveniently, the material has an elasticity of at least 15% in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end.

Preferably, the material has a higher elasticity in the direction passing between the first end and the second end than in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end.

Advantageously, the material has a higher elasticity in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end than in the direction passing between the first end and the second end.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a combination of a product and packaging for the product, wherein the product is secured to the packaging by one or more fasteners according to any of the above.

Advantageously, each fastener is formed into a loop, with at least a part of the engagement portion thereof being passed through the aperture thereof.

Preferably, the loop formed by the fastener passes around a part of the product, and through two or more apertures in the package.

Conveniently, the product is a toy for a child.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of securing a product to packaging, comprising the steps of: providing a fastener according to any one of the above; passing the fastener around a part of product and through two or more apertures in the packaging; and passing at least a part of the engagement portion of the fastener through the aperture thereof, so that the fastener forms a closed loop.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 show a first fastener embodying the present invention; Figure 3 shows a second fastener embodying the present invention; Figure 4 shows a third fastener embodying the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a fourth fastener embodying the present invention.

Turning firstly to figure 1, a fastener in the form of the first tie 1 embodying the present invention is shown.

In preferred embodiments, the tie 1 is formed from a sheet of material having a uniform, or substantially uniform thickness. The tie 1 may, for instance, be cut or stamped from a sheet of material, although other embodiments of the tie 1 may be formed as a unitary item without having first being part of a larger sheet.

The tie 1 is generally elongate, having a first end 2 and a second end 3. The tie 1 preferably extends in a generally straight manner between the first end 2 and the second end 3.

A middle section 4 of the tie 1 is generally straight and elongate, having substantially parallel sides and a first width 6.

At the first end 2 of tie 1 there is an enlarged end 5, having a width which is greater than the first width 6. In the embodiment shown, the width of the enlarged end 5 is around twice the first width 6.

The enlarged end 5 has an aperture 7 formed therethrough. In preferred embodiments to the aperture 7 is elongate and is generally perpendicular to the direction of the length of the tie 1. The width of the aperture 7 is preferably slightly less than the first width 6, as will be discussed in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the aperture 7 takes the form of an elongate narrow slot, and may be of generally oval shape.

The enlarged end 5 is preferably generally contiguous with the middle portion 4.

The middle portion 4 extends over around half of the overall length of the tie 1.

An engagement portion 8 extends from the middle portion 4 to the second end 3 of the tie 1. The engagement portion 8 includes, on each side of the tie 1, a series of spaced apart, outwardly extending teeth 9.

Figure 2 shows a close up enough view of a region of the engagement portion 8 of the tie 1.

The engagement portion 8 comprises a central spine 10, having a width which is preferably less than the first width 6. The teeth 9 extend outwardly from the spine lOon both sides. The tie 1 has a substantially constant thickness, and the teeth 9 extend outwardly from the spine 10 in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the thickness, and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie 1.

Each tooth 9 has a leading or front edge 11 which faces generally towards the second end 3 of the tie 1. The front edge 11 is inclined so that, as the front edge is followed from the location 12 where it meets the spine 10 to the free end 13 of the tooth 9, the front end 11 extends rearwardly in a direction passing from the second end 3 to the first end 2.

In the embodiment shown, the front edge 11 is curved so that it meets the spine 10 at a first angle (which may be around 45%) to the longitudinal axis of the tie 1, and is inclined at a progressively smaller angle to this axis towards the free end 13 of the tooth 9.

In other embodiments, however, the front edge 11 may be straight or substantially straight.

Each tooth 9 also has a trailing or rear edge 14, which is the edge that faces generally towards the first end 2 of the tie 1. The rear edge 14 of each tooth 9 may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie 1, or may be inclined with respect to this perpendicular so that the free end 13 of the tooth 9 is further towards the first end 2 of the tie 1 than the point 15 at which the rear edge 14 meets the spine 10.

In the example shown in figures 1 and 2, the rear edge 14 is curved, so that the angle of the rear edge 14 with respect to the main axis of the tie 1 decreases further towards the free end 13 of the tooth 9.

Overall, each tooth 9 resembles a shark's fin, with the direction of travel of the shark being towards the second end 3 of the tie. In other embodiments, the teeth may have a different shape, such as a saw-tooth shape.

In the example shown in figures 1 and 2, teeth 9 are provided on both sides of the spine 10 in aligned relation, so that teeth 9 are provided at the same longitudinal position on both sides of the spine 10. However, in other embodiments the teeth on one side may be staggered or misaligned with respect to the teeth on the other.

In the example shown in figures 1 and 2 the teeth 9 are evenly spaced apart from each other, although in other embodiments the spacing may be more irregular.

In the example shown, eleven teeth 9 are provided on either side of the spine 10.

However, it is understood that more or fewer teeth may be provided, particularly where the length of the engagement portion 8 varies. Preferably, at least three teeth 9 are provided on each side of the engagement portion 8.

A rounded front portion 16 is formed at the second end 3.

Preferably, the spine 10 is of a width which is less than the first width 6, but the total distance across two teeth 9 and the spine 10 (i.e. the total distance across the widest part of the engagement portion 8) is greater than the first width 6.

Also, in preferred embodiments the width of the aperture 7 that is formed in the enlarged end 5 is approximately as wide as, or slightly wider than, the spine 10, but is not as wide as the total distance across two teeth 9 on opposing sides of the spine 10.

In use, the tie 1 is folded or bent over so that the front portionl6 is brought towards the aperture 7. The rounded front portion 16 is pushed through the aperture 7, and then some of the engagement portion 8 is pushed through the aperture 7, so that one or more pairs of teeth 9 pass through the aperture 7.

It will be understood that, as the front edges 11 of the teeth 9 pass through the aperture 7, the teeth 9 are pushed or folded gently inwards as the edges of the aperture 7 push against the inclined front edges 11. It will therefore be relatively easy to push the teeth 9 through the aperture 7, even though the total width across two opposing teeth 9 (i.e. including the width of the spine 10 between the teeth 9) is greater than the width of the aperture 7.

When one or more teeth 9 have been pushed through the aperture 7, the tie 1 forms a closed loop. It will be understood that, if a user attempts to pull the engagement portion 8 back out of the aperture 7, this will be strongly resisted. This is because, as the engagement portion 8 is pulled away from the aperture 7, the free ends 13 of the teeth 9 that are adjacent to the aperture 7 will be pulled past the aperture 7 (without passing through the aperture 7), and the edge of the aperture 7 will catch in the trough shapes formed where the rear edges 14 of the teeth 9 meet the spine 10.

This means that the teeth 9 cannot be pulled through the aperture 7 in this direction, at least not without the tie 1 being permanently damaged.

The skilled reader will therefore understand that the teeth 9 form a series of barbs, which are angled to pass through the aperture 7 easily in one direction, but cannot be pulled back through the aperture 7 in the other direction.

In the example shown in figure 1, the aperture 7 has a central section 26 that presents an opening through the enlarged end 5, i.e. the edges of the central section 26 are spaced apart from one another. On either side of the central section are two side sections 27, which take the form of slots having edges which lie close together, or touch one another. In preferred embodiments the central section 26 is approximately the same width as, or slightly wider than, the spine 10. This means that the aperture 7 presents a relatively wide opening (i.e. the central section 26) through which the front portion 16 may be easily pushed, but much narrower openings (i.e. the side sections 27) through which the teeth 9 will pass as the engagement portion 8 is pushed further through the aperture 7. Having these narrower openings makes it less likely for the teeth 9 to be aligned in such a way that they can be pulled back through the aperture 7 to break the loop formed by the tie 1.

In one possible use of the tie 1, a toy may be positioned in packaging similar to that described above, in which a cardboard base and back panel are provided. The toy is rested on the base, and the second end 3 of the tie 1 is passed from the underside of the base through one aperture formed in the base, over a part of the toy, and looped back through another aperture formed in the base. The rounded end 16 is then passed through the aperture 7, and a part of engagement portion 8 is pulled through the aperture 7 so that the tie 1 forms a closed loop and the toy is held relatively tightly in place with respect to the base.

Two or more ties 1 may be used to attach the toy to the base and/or to the back panel, or indeed to another part of the packaging.

While attaching each tie 1 in this manner is relatively easy, once some of the teeth 9 of the engagement portion 8 have passed through the aperture 7, the loop formed by the tie 1 will remain in place, because (as discussed above) the teeth 9 cannot be pulled back out through the aperture 7 to break the loop.

The tie 1 is made from a paper material. More preferably, the tie is made from a paperboard material, comprising a relatively strong and heavy grade of paper. In preferred embodiments the paper or paperboard material used to form the tie has a mass per unit area of around 200g/m2 to 900 gIm2, and more preferably 250 g/m2 to 500g/m2. In preferred embodiments, the mass per unit is exactly or substantially 31 Og/m2.

The thickness of the paper/paperboard material from which the tie 1 is formed is preferably between 0.25mm and 0.50mm thick, and is most preferably approximately 0.35mm (i.e. 350pm) thick.

Faperboard comprises a paper pulp-based board material, formed by pressing together moist fibres derived from wood, grasses or other plant material, and drying the fibres into flexible sheets. The skilled reader will be familiar with various techniques for manufacturing paper and paperboard materials.

Forming the tie 1 from a paper/paperboard material means that, when removing the toy from the packaging, it will be possible to tear the tie 1, thus releasing the toy, without the need to resort to scissors, knives or other cutting implements. This means that the toy can be more readily released from the packaging, without the risk associated with using bladed instruments, particularly for children.

In particular, if the tie 1 is formed into a closed loop as discussed above, and a part of the loop is pulled with respect to the enlarged end 5 at an angle, it will be relatively easy to begin a rip or tear at a point immediately behind the rear edge 14 of one the teeth 9. Once a rip/tear has been started, only a relatively small force will need to be applied to cause the tie to spread all the way across the spine 10, thus breaking the loop entirely and allowing the toy to be released.

It will therefore be understood that, if a constant extensive force is applied between the first end 2 and the second end 3 of the tie 1, relatively large forces, such as 10 to 20N may be withstood by the tie 1. However, if the tie 1 is ripped at an angle across the engagement portion 8, it will be possible to break the tie using a much lower force, for instance of around 1 or 2N.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the tie 1 is formed from a sheet of material known as Fibreform, made by BillerudKorsnäs AB of Solna, Sweden.

Fibreform material is a strong, relatively heavy material which is entirely formed from plant fibres. Methods of making material of this kind are disclosed in W096/31647 and W02005/1 00686. Plant fibres are kneaded and mixed with water in a manner that preserves the lengths of the fibres, and the resulting mixture is then partially dried to form a layer. This layer is passed between two rollers, the lower of which is rubber and is rotated at a first speed, and the upper of which is formed from steel and is rotated at a second, higher speed. The upper roller may have a shaped profile, or a marking structure is interposed between the upper roller and the layer.

The result is a sheet of paper which has good mechanical properties and which is relatively elastic. In some examples the elasticity of the resulting paper in the machine direction (i.e. the direction of advancement along the production line) is around 15% -20%, and the elasticity in the cross direction (i.e. transverse to the direction of advancement) is around 10%-15%.

The elasticity allows the paper material to be flexible, yet also relatively strong as the material is able to deform significantly before tearing.

In preferred embodiments, the elasticity of the material from which the first tie 1 (or any of the other ties disclosed herein) is at least 10% in the longitudinal direction of the tie 1. In other words, a piece of the material having an initial length can be stretched so that its length increases by at least 10% before the material breaks.

This may be tested, for example, by test JIS P 8223, which will be familiar to the skilled reader.

Still more preferably, the elasticity of the material from which the first tie 1 (or any of the other ties disclosed herein) is at least 15% in the longitudinal direction of the tie 1.

In advantageous embodiments, the elasticity of the material from which the first tie 1 (or any of the other ties disclosed herein) is at least 10% in the transverse direction of the tie 1 (i.e. the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

Further, the elasticity of the material from which the first tie 1 (or any of the other ties disclosed herein) is at least 15% in the transverse direction of the tie 1 (i.e. the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

For some applications it is preferred that, where the material from which the tie is formed has an elasticity that is greater in a first direction than in a second, perpendicular direction, the tie is formed so that the first direction is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tie, with the second direction being generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie. This means that the tie has a high elasticity when an extensive force is applied along its length, so the tie will hold a toy or other product firmly in place in normal use. However, when a user wishes to break the tie and tries to tear the tie across its width, a lesser elasticity is encountered.

For other applications, it may be preferred that the tie is formed so that the first direction is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie, with the second direction being generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tie. This means that the tie has a high elasticity in the direction passing across the width of the tie, which will allow the teeth to deform readily to pass through the aperture. The tie will also have a high strength across its width, which will be useful where it is intended that the tie should be hard to tear, or where the tie is relatively small (and hence thinner and weaker than a larger tie) and so must be resistant to accidental tearing.

In a preferred method of making a tie embodying the present invention, a sheet of uniform thickness of Fibreform material (or similar) is provided, and the tie 1 is cut or stamped from the sheet of material. Preferably, a number of ties 1 may be cut or stamped from the same sheet of material. The region of the tie that is cut or stamped may, as discussed above, be aligned with the axis along which the material has greatest (or least) elasticity.

It will be understood that the tie 1 may be used for purposes other than securing toys to packaging. Other products that are presented in packaging may also be held in place using these ties. Examples include stationary items, gifts (particularly Christmas gifts), homewares such as packs of cutlery, and food items such as sweets and teabags. The skilled reader will be aware of other instances of where a product can be advantageously displayed using a tie or fastener of this type.

The tie may be used in any other circumstance where one object needs to be secured to another, for instance securing bundles of items together. It is anticipated that the ties will find most use in situations where they are used indoors or are otherwise sheltered from the elements, although it is also envisaged that the tie may be formed from a waterproof or weatherproof paper/paperboard material, or may have a waterproof and/or weatherproofing coating formed on one or more surfaces of the tie.

It will be understood that, since the middle section 4 has a width (i.e. the first width 6) which is greater than the width of the aperture 7, the middle section 4 cannot easily be pushed through the aperture 7. The presence of the middle section 4 therefore presents a lower limit on the size of the closed loop that can be conveniently formed using the tie.

In alternative embodiments, the middle section may have a width that is equal to or less than the width of the aperture 7. In this case, the middle section may easily pass through the aperture 7, allowing the tie 1 to form a loop of very small size.

However, it will be understood that if the loop is pulled in a way that tends to increase its size, the middle section will slide easily through the aperture 7 until the first of the teeth 9 (i.e. the teeth 9 closest to the first end 2) reach the aperture 7.

Figure 3 shows a second tie 17, which is similar to the first tie 1 shown in figures 1 and 2, but which has teeth 9 formed substantially all of the way along its length, apart from the enlarged end 5. The second tie 17 therefore does not have a significant middle section 4 with generally parallel sides and no teeth.

The second tie 17 also has a front portion 16 which is significantly longer than the front portion 16 of the first tie 1 discussed above. The front portion 16 of the second tie is longer than twice the distance between the crests of two adjacent teeth, as compared to the front portion 16 of the first tie 1, which is of a length which is approximately the same as the distance between the crests of two adjacent teeth. It has been found that a relatively long front portion 16 of this type provides a useful "nose" at the second end 3 of the tie 17, which aids a user in introducing the engagement portion 8 into the aperture.

Figure 4 shows a third tie 18. The third tie 18 is formed from a region of paper/paperboard material (as discussed above) which is formed to be of a generally constant width, aside from an enlarged end 5 at its first end 2 and a rounded end 16 at its second end 3. However, each side of the second tie 18 has a plurality of slanted cuts 19 formed therethrough. Each of the cuts is slanted so that its inner end (i.e. the end of the cut 19 which is closest to the central line of the second tie 18) is closer to the second end 3 than the outer end 21 of the cut 19.

Each cut 19 passes all the way through the depth of the sheet of material. A series of teeth 22 are therefore formed, with each tooth 22 being defined between two adjacent cuts 19.

Cuts 19 are formed along both sides of the second tie 18. In the example shown, each cut 19 extends only around a third of the way across the width of the third tie 18. Therefore, the middle third of the third tie 18 comprises a central spine 23 which is unbroken. The cuts 19 are preferably straight.

It will be understood that the overall effect of the third tie 18 is similar to that of the first and second ties 1, 17 described above. Forming the cuts 19 as discussed effectively forms a central spine 23 with a series of slanted teeth 22 on either side.

When the rounded end 16 is passed through the aperture 7 in the enlarged end 5, each tooth 22 may deform to pass through the aperture 7 relatively easily.

However, the teeth 22 cannot be pulled back through the aperture 7, as the teeth 22 effectively form barbs which cannot be pulled backwards through the aperture 7, for the reasons described above.

In the example shown in figure 4, the cuts 19 are formed substantially along the entire length of the third tie 18. However, it should be understood that, as is the case with the example shown in figure 1, a middle section without teeth may also be provided.

Turning to figure 5, a fourth tie 24 is shown. The fourth tie 24 is similar to the second tie 17 although it has a significantly bigger enlarged end 25 compared to the width of the spine 10 and teeth 9. The aperture 7 is preferably positioned on a part of the enlarged end 25 which is close to the point at which the spine 10 joins the enlarged end 25.

The enlarged end 25 provides a large surface on which instructions, and advertising or brand names may be printed. It is envisaged that this will be particularly useful where the tie is visible to customers before a product is purchased. In preferred embodiments the width of the enlarged end is at least five times the width of the engagement portion 8. In yet more preferred embodiments, the enlarged end is at least eight times the width of the engagement portion 8.

The enlarged end 25 may take any suitable form, and may for instance be triangular, square or any other desired shape.

Ties according to any of the above-embodiments may be formed in diverse shapes and sizes. Small ties may be provided for holding small items in place, whereas much larger ties may be provided where one or more larger items are to be secured.

It is also envisaged that the thickness of the material from which the ties are made will increase with increasing size. A relatively small tie is therefore likely to be formed from a relatively thin material, whereas a larger, heavier-duty tie is likely to be formed from a thicker, stronger material.

A further advantage of ties embodying the present invention is that, being formed from a paper/paperboard material, they will be recyclable, and can therefore be recycled along with other packaging. The ties are therefore easy to use, and are significantly more environmentally friendly than conventional plastic or metal fasteners.

In all of the embodiments discussed above, teeth are provided on both sides of the spine of the tie. However, it is envisaged that in other embodiments teeth may be provided on one side only of the spine. The skilled reader will appreciate how the width of the aperture in the enlarged end may be chosen so that the barbs formed by the single set of teeth can be affectively retained by the aperture.

This specification discusses ties or other fasteners which are formed from a paper or paperboard material. The inventors have found that there is a significant prejudice in the art against the use of paper or paperboard materials in the formation of fasteners of this type. This is at least partly because paper and paperboard materials are not viewed in the art as being sufficiently strong for the purpose, and materials with greater strength such as metal wire or plastic are preferred. Paper/paperboard materials have therefore not been considered thus far for this purpose. The inventors have found, however, that by selecting the correct grade of paper or paperboard material a useful and flexible fastener can be formed, which holds products in place in a robust and reliable manner, but which can allow the product to be released relatively easily and by hand once the product has been purchased. The inventors have found that this is a surprising and advantageous result, particularly for children's toys where it is preferred for bladed implements not to be needed when packaging is opened.

It will be understood that the present invention provides fasteners that are cheap and simple to manufacture, easy to use, and convenient for end consumers, as well as being environmentally friendly.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A fastener formed from a single sheet of a flexible paper or paperboard material having substantially constant thickness, the fastener comprising: an elongate main body extending between a first end and a second end, and having opposing sides along its length, the main body having an engagement portion comprising a central spine having one or more teeth protruding from at least one side thereof, the spine having a first width and the engagement portion having a second, greater width measured perpendicular to the length thereof, the second width being measured across the spine and at least one tooth; and an aperture formed through the fastener, the aperture having a width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener, which is equal to or greater than the first width, but which is less than the second width.
2. A fastener according to claim 1, wherein teeth are provided on both sides of the spine.
3. A fastener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the teeth form a series of barbs, so that the engagement portion can be pushed through the aperture relatively easily, but may not be withdrawn through the aperture without permanently damaging at least a part of the fastener.
4. A fastener according to any proceeding claim, wherein the aperture is formed through an enlarged end which is formed at or near the first end of the fastener.
5. A fastener according to any proceeding claim, wherein the engagement portion extends along a part of the main body, and extends to, or substantially to, the second end.
6. A fastener according to any proceeding claim, further comprising a central portion, which has no teeth formed thereon, provided between the engagement portion and the aperture.
7. A fastener according to any proceeding claim, wherein each tooth has a front edge, facing generally towards the second end of the fastener, and a rear edge, facing generally towards the first end of the fastener.
8. A fastener according to claim 7, wherein the front edge of each tooth is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis to the fastener.
9. A fastener according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rear edge of each tooth is inclined with respect of the longitudinal axis of the fastener.
10. A fastener according to any one of claim 7 to 9, wherein a space is formed between the front edge of one tooth and the rear edge of an adjacent tooth.
11. A fastener according to any one of claim 7 to 9, wherein the front edge of one tooth is substantially contiguous with the rear edge of an adjacent tooth.
12. A fastener according to any proceeding claim, wherein the mass per unit area of the paper or paperboard material is between 200g/m2 and 900g1m2.
13. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the material has an elasticity of at least 10% in the direction passing between the first end and the second end.
14. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the material has an elasticity of at least 15% in the direction passing between the first end and the second end.
15. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the material has an elasticity of at least 10% in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end.
16. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the material has an elasticity of at least 15% in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end.
17. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the material has a higher elasticity in the direction passing between the first end and the second end than in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end.
18. A fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the material has a higher elasticity in the direction perpendicular to the direction passing between the first end and the second end than in the direction passing between the first end and the second end.
19. A combination of a product and packaging for the product, wherein the product is secured to the packaging by one or more fasteners according to any preceding claim.
20. A combination according to claim 19, wherein each fastener is formed into a loop, with at least a part of the engagement portion thereof being passed through the aperture thereof.
21. A combination according to any proceeding claim wherein the loop formed by the fastener passes around a part of the product, and through two or more apertures in the package.
22. A combination according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the product is a toy for a child.
23. A method of securing a product to packaging, comprising the steps of: providing a fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 18; passing the fastener around a part of product and through two or more apertures in the packaging; and passing at least a part of the engagement portion of the fastener through the aperture thereof, so that the fastener forms a closed loop.
24. A fastener substantially as herein and before described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. A combination substantially as herein and before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. A method substantially as herein and before described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
27. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.