DE202017105706U1 - Packaging for an oral device and container for oral device - Google Patents

Abstract

A product package for an oral device comprising: a packaging member forming an oral device receptacle for receiving the oral device therein and a container receptacle for receiving an oral device receptacle adjacent to the oral device receptacle, the receptacle comprising a bottom surface and wherein the oral device has a land defining a land level which abuts an occlusal surface of a user's dental arch when carried, the packaging element comprising two elements pivoting relative to each other between a closed position in which the vessel for the oral device and the container container of the packaging element with respect to the external environment, and an open position in which the container for the oral device and the container container for the respective access to the oral device or the container are accessible, and wherein Container f r the device and the container receptacle are arranged relative to each other so that the web plane of the oral device transverse to the bottom surface of the equipment container extends.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

This disclosure relates to a package for an oral device and oral device container. It also extends to the packaging comprising an oral device and a container for an oral device.

This disclosure particularly but not exclusively relates to a package for an oral device that is a sleep disorder treatment device. It is therefore appropriate to describe this disclosure below with reference to this exemplary application of the device. However, it must be noted at the same time that this disclosure is suitable for a wider application. For example, the oral device may be used for any purpose or to treat any disorder.

BACKGROUND

Oral devices that are secured in a user's mouth and can be removed as desired are known for a variety of applications, including sleep apnea treatment, orthodontic treatment and to protect the interior of the mouth during athletic activities.

An example of an oral device 10 for the treatment of sleep apnea is in the 1 to 3 shown, which is a plan view, a front view and a side view of the oral device 10 illustrate. The oral device 10 has a front 12 which is disposed toward the front (front) of a user's mouth in use and a back 14 , which in use is located towards the back (back) of the user's mouth. The oral device 10 includes an inner wall 16 in use, located just inside the user's upper and lower dental arches (on the lingual / palatal side of the user's bit), and an outer wall 18 , which in use is located just outside the user's upper and lower dental arches (on the buccal / labial / vestibular side of the user's bit). The outer wall has an outer surface 20 on. The oral device 10 further includes a bridge 21 that lies between the interior and exterior walls 16 . 18 extends to connect them together. The jetty 21 has a top 22 for contact with the user's upper bite, and a bottom (not shown) for contact with the user's lower bite. In use is the device 10 fastened in the user's mouth and can be applied to the top by pressure from the upper and lower dentures 22 and bottom of the dock 21 (although such gripping need not be necessary to the device 10 in the mouth of the user). The oral device 10 provides several through holes 24 towards the front 12 of the oral device 10 ready to allow restricted breathing through the mouth when the device 10 will be carried. The size and / or number of through holes 24 may differ between oral devices according to the needs of the users. For example, a user of an oral device may have larger and / or more openings 24 to one or more devices with smaller and / or fewer openings 24 progress as the user's breathing is trained through the use of the devices.

Oral devices for use in the treatment of sleep apnea are typically used when a user is sleeping (or preparing to sleep). Oral devices for use in the treatment of orthodontic conditions are typically used in a few hours of waking, in addition to wearing when a user is asleep (or preparing to sleep). Oral devices for use in protecting the inside of the mouth during exercise may only be used when performing these activities. In any case, it is desirable to have a convenient and hygienic means of storing the oral devices when not in use.

A means for storing an oral device when not in use is a reusable plastic container suitably sized to receive the oral device and having a lid to allow the container to be sealed for storage and to allow the container to be opened to allow the insertion and removal of the oral device as desired.

An example of a reusable container 40 for an oral device (for example, for the oral device 10 ) is in the 4 to 6 shown, which is a side view, a plan view and a plan view of an oral device 10 in the container 40 illustrate. The container 40 comprises a container main body 42 that a ground wall 44 , first and second curved side walls 46 . 48 , a front wall 50 and a back wall 52 having. The container 40 further comprises a lid part 54 that has a fixed area 56 provides, to or adjacent to the front wall 50 is attached, and a movable area 58 That goes through the fixed area by one. Klappscharnier 60 connected is. To ensure a safe closing, the movable area 58 the lid part on one or more walls of the Container main body 42 by a frictional connection and / or by one or more fastening arrangements (not shown), such as catching formations (not shown). One or more handle or tab portions (not shown) may be attached to the movable portion 58 of the lid part 54 be provided to open the container 40 to facilitate as needed. The lid part 54 represents a substantially planar outer surface when in its closed position and this may be used to present important information regarding the oral device contained therein. 6 illustrates the placement of an oral device (for example, the oral device 10 ) in the container 40 (where the movable area 58 of the lid part 54 is omitted for better visualization).

A reusable container for an oral device may be provided with the oral device when the user is supplied with the oral device. The oral device may be packaged in the reusable container. A disadvantage here is that the oral device may be hard to see. This may be a particular disadvantage when the oral device is sold in a retail environment where a buyer must select a particular oral device from a variety of alternatives since the buyer may need it or may wish to clearly see the oral device to make a reasonable choice.

It should be noted that the oral device 10 and the reusable container 40 as in the 1 to 6 to serve as a general illustration of examples of types of oral devices and reusable containers that are relevant to the present disclosure, rather than disclose specific known oral devices and reusable containers. Accordingly, the specific details presented should be of the oral device 10 and the reusable container 40 are not considered to be prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

The present invention relates to a package for an oral device and a container for an oral device, which can at least partially eliminate at least one of the above disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful commercial choice.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a product package for an oral device, comprising:
a packaging member forming a receptacle for an oral device for receiving the oral device therein, and a container receptacle for receiving an receptacle for the oral device adjacent to the receptacle for the oral device,
the packaging element comprising two elements which pivot relative to one another between a closed position in which the container for the oral device and the container container of the packaging element are closed to the outside environment, and an open position in which the container for the oral device and the container container for the respective access to the oral device or the container are accessible.

In one embodiment, the product package for an oral device includes:
a packaging member forming a receptacle for an oral device for receiving the oral device therein and a receptacle for receiving an oral device receptacle adjacent to the receptacle for the oral device, the receptacle comprising a bottom surface, and wherein the oral device comprises a web defining an abutment level that abuts an occlusal surface of a user's dental arch when worn;
the packaging element comprising two elements which pivot relative to one another between a closed position in which the container for the oral device and the container container of the packaging element are closed to the outside environment, and an open position in which the container for the oral device and the container container are accessible for the respective access to the oral device or the container, and
wherein the container for the device and the container container are arranged relative to each other so that the leg level of the oral device extends transversely to the bottom surface of the device container.

In a further embodiment, the product packaging for an oral device comprises:
a packaging member forming a container for an oral device for receiving the oral device therein and a container container for receiving an container for the oral device adjacent to the container for the oral device,
the packaging element comprising two elements which pivot relative to one another between a closed position in which the container for the oral device and the container container of the packaging element are closed against the external environment, and an open position in which the container for the oral device and the container container are accessible for the respective access to the oral device or the container,
the packaging element forming a support assembly for supporting the packaging element in an upright orientation on a support surface, and
wherein, when the packaging element is in an upright orientation, the oral device is removed from the oral device container in a position as shown in FIG Maintained substantially horizontal orientation and the container is held by the container container in a substantially vertical orientation.

Typically, the container for the device may be configured to snugly receive the device therein in a particular orientation. Likewise, the container container may be configured to snugly receive the container therein in a particular orientation.

As stated above, the container may preferably have a bottom surface for lying on a support surface. The container may further preferably include an opposing planar lid and at least one sidewall extending between the bottom surface and the planar lid. Typically, the container may include a main body portion and two leg portions extending from the main body portion. The planar lid may extend at an acute angle relative to a plane of the bottom surface.

As also noted above, the oral device may preferably include a bridge that defines a ledge that abuts an occlusal surface of a user's dental arch when worn. In general, the oral device has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the dental arch. In some embodiments, the oral device includes a central incisor region and left and right arm regions extending away from the central incisor region. In some embodiments, the oral device may define at least one channel for receiving a user's dental arch therein. In other embodiments, the oral device may include two channels to receive the user's upper and lower dental arches, respectively.

In some embodiments, the container for the device and the container container may be arranged relative to one another such that the abutment level of the oral device extends transversely to the bottom surface of the device container.

In preferred embodiments, the container for the device and the container container may be arranged to each other so that the leg level of the oral device extends orthogonally relative to the device container.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the packaging element forms a support assembly for supporting the packaging element in an upright orientation on a support surface. In such embodiments, when the packaging member is in an upright orientation, the oral device may be held by the oral device container in a substantially horizontal orientation, and the container may be held by the container container in a substantially vertical orientation.

In general, the support assembly may include two feet that are laterally spaced apart to increase stability when the product package rests on a support surface in the upright orientation. Typically, the two feet may form part of the container container of the packaging element.

In preferred embodiments, the two leg portions of the container may each be closely received within the two feet of the packaging element.

In some embodiments, the package further comprises a nose formation in one of the two elements of the packaging element. The nose formation may be disposed adjacent to the oral device container. Preferably, the nose formation may be located above the container of the oral device, which may be located above the container container when the packaging element is in the upright orientation.

In general, the two elements of the packaging element can be formed from a transparent material. Each element may typically be in the form of a wall.

In preferred embodiments, one of the two elements may be formed to form the container for the oral device and the container container, and the other of the two elements may have a substantially planar portion extending over the container for the oral device and the container container.

Typically, the product package may further include at least one attachment means for releasably securing the two elements of the packaging member together when closed. The at least one attachment means may be of any suitable shape.

In some embodiments, the at least one attachment means may comprise two complementary shaped protrusions disposed on respective portions of the two elements, the complementarily shaped protrusions being configured to snap together in an interleaving arrangement to lock the two elements together in the closed configuration connect to.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one attachment means may be in the form of corresponding blisters disposed on the corresponding portions of the two elements. The blisters may be configured to snap together in an interleaving arrangement to interconnect the two elements in the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the product package may further include a hanging arrangement for suspending the product package from a hanger, e.g. B. a hook.

In some embodiments, the product package may further include a pack formation for holding the oral device in the oral device container. Typically, the packing formation may be received in the nasal formation.

In some embodiments, the product package may further include a product information supplement. In preferred embodiments, the other of the two elements may define a shallow recess above the planar area for receiving the product information supplement therein.

Other embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an oral device package and an oral device container are provided, the package comprising:
a front panel; and
a back plate;
wherein the front and back plates are shaped to provide at least one cavity therebetween when in contact, the at least one cavity having a first cavity portion for receiving an oral device and a second cavity portion for receiving a container for the oral device provides.

In one embodiment, the package comprises a blister pack.

In one embodiment, the front panel is substantially transparent.

In one embodiment, the backplate is substantially transparent.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to receive the oral device that is oriented so that the front of the device faces the front of the first cavity.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to receive the container that is oriented such that an upper side of the container faces the front of the second cavity.

In one embodiment, the front panel includes a shaped three-dimensional wall portion defining a front of at least one of the first and second cavity portions.

In one embodiment, the front panel includes a molded forwardly projecting portion that at least partially defines at least one of the first and second cavity portions.

In one embodiment, the front and back plates are connected by a hinge.

In one embodiment, the hinge is adapted to provide relative movement of the plates between an open configuration of the package and a closed configuration of the package.

In one embodiment, a wall portion of the faceplate that at least partially defines the cavity area for receiving an oral device has a shape that conforms to the shape of an exterior surface of the oral device.

In one embodiment, the first cavity portion for receiving the oral device is configured to hold the oral device substantially in a predetermined position relative to the package.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to hold the oral device in an orientation in which a front-to-back direction of the oral device is substantially perpendicular to the overall orientation of the faceplate.

In one embodiment, the first cavity portion for receiving the oral device is configured to hold the oral device in an orientation in which a front to back direction of the oral device is substantially perpendicular to the overall orientation of the faceplate.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to be suspended from a bracket.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that when the package is suspended from a hook or a support for a display, the overall orientation of the front panel is substantially vertical.

In one embodiment, at least one of the front and rear panels is provided with a hanging arrangement for receiving a support, thereby facilitating suspension of the package on the support.

In one embodiment, each of the front and back panels is provided with a hanging arrangement for receiving a bracket, thereby facilitating suspension of the package on the bracket.

In one embodiment, the hanging arrangement comprises a cutout in at least one of the front or rear panels.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that the first cavity portion is above the second cavity portion when the package is suspended from a support that is received by the hanging assembly.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that the first cavity portion is substantially directly above the second cavity portion when the package is suspended from a bracket that is received by the hanging assembly.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that when the package is suspended from a hook or bracket of a display, the front-to-back direction of the oral device is substantially horizontal.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to stand stably on a horizontal surface.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that when the package is on a horizontal surface, the overall orientation of the front panel is substantially vertical.

In one embodiment, the package is capable of being stably supported by a support member from one of the front or back panels.

In one embodiment, the carrier part comprises a wall section which at least partially defines the second cavity section.

In one embodiment, the wall portion that at least partially defines the second cavity portion and that provides the support part includes at least one foot part that projects forward relative to the second cavity portion.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that the first cavity portion is above the second cavity portion when the package is supported by the carrier member.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that the first cavity portion is substantially directly above the second cavity portion when the package is supported by the carrier member.

In one embodiment, the package is configured such that when the package is on a horizontal surface, the front-to-back direction of the oral device is substantially horizontal.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to provide a vertically extending feature directly above the first cavity portion.

In one embodiment, the vertically extending feature is visually distinguishable from the front of the package.

In one embodiment, the vertically extending feature is smaller in horizontal width than the first cavity portion.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to provide a substantially circular feature on each side of the vertically extending feature.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to hold the oral device container in an orientation in which a flat lid surface of the container is substantially parallel to the overall orientation of the face plate.

In one embodiment, the first cavity portion for receiving the oral device is configured to hold the oral device in an orientation in which a front to back direction of the oral device is substantially perpendicular to the overall orientation of the faceplate.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to provide, in use, the first cavity portion above the second cavity portion.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to provide, in use, the first cavity portion directly above the second cavity portion.

In one embodiment, the package is configured to hold the oral device and the container aligned such that a direction of front to back of the oral device is substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall surface of the container.

In one embodiment, the package includes a packaging insert adapted to engage the oral device.

In one embodiment, the package includes a packaging insert adapted to engage the container.

In one embodiment, the package includes a packaging insert adapted to engage both the oral device and the container.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to receive a container having a bottom wall.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to receive the oral device so aligned that the front-to-back direction of the oral device is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall of the container.

In one embodiment, the backplate provides a substantially planar rear portion that at least partially defines a backside of the first cavity portion.

In one embodiment, the package is adapted to receive the oral device so aligned that the front-to-back direction of the oral device is substantially perpendicular to the planar back section.

In one embodiment, the front panel includes a substantially planar edge area adjacent to the shaped three-dimensional wall area.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a flip case blister package for an oral device and an oral device container that provides a first cavity portion for receiving an oral device and a second cavity portion for receiving a container for the oral device.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising an oral device and a container for an oral device, wherein the oral device and the container are packaged in a package according to at least one of the aspects set forth above.

In one embodiment, the oral device is an oral device for the treatment of sleep apnea.

In one embodiment, the oral device is an oral device for treating an orthodontic condition.

In one embodiment, the oral device is an oral device for use as a mouthguard in athletic activities.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising an oral device and a container for an oral device, wherein the oral device and the container are packaged in a package according to at least one of the aspects set forth above.

The disclosure also extends to a method of packaging an oral device and a container for an oral device, comprising the use of packaging according to one or more of the aspects set forth above.

Any of the features described herein may be combined within the scope of the invention in any combination with one or more of the other features described herein.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the disclosure may be gleaned from the following detailed description that provides sufficient guidance to those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. The detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the foregoing summary of the disclosure in any way. The detailed description refers to a number of drawings as follows:

1 Fig. 10 is a plan view of an example of an oral device;

2 is a frontal view of the oral device 1 ;

3 is a side view of the oral device of the 1 and 2 ;

4 is a side view of a reusable container for an oral device;

5 is a top view of the reusable container 4 ;

6 shows schematically the placement of an oral device of the in the 1 to 3 in a reusable container of the type shown 4 and 5 ;

7 FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a package according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a closed configuration; FIG.

8th is a front view of the packaging of the 7 ;

9 is a top view of the packaging of the 7 and 8th :

10 is a bottom view of the packaging of the 7 to 9 ;

11 and 12 show a side profile view and an opposite second side profile view of the packaging of the 7 to 10 ;

13 is a front perspective view of the packaging of 7 to 12 in an open configuration;

14 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of 7 to 13 also in an open configuration;

15 is a front perspective view of the packaging of 7 to 14 in a partially opened configuration;

16A to 16D each show a front view of the packaging accordingly 8th together with a packaging insert, a device and a container for a device next to the packaging;

17 is a front view of the packaging accordingly 16A but schematically showing the device, the container of the device and the packaging insert housed in the packaging;

18 is a side view of the packaging accordingly 11 However, the device, the container of the device and the packaging insert of the 16A to 16D and 17 housed schematically in the packaging; and

19 FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the package according to the present disclosure. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the package according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular with reference to FIGS 7 to 19 described.

In the 7 to 19 the reference number refers 70 generally to an embodiment of a package according to the present disclosure.

The packaging 70 generally includes a front panel 72 and a back plate 74 (best in the 13 to 16A to see). The front panel 72 and the back plate 74 are by a hinge 75 connected, which can be a folding hinge, which is integral with the front panel 72 and the back plate 74 is formed and sometimes referred to as an active hinge. The front panel 72 and the back plate 74 can be moved relative to each other to form a closed configuration of the package 70 as in the 7 to 12 shown an open configuration of the packaging 70 as in the 13 and 14 shown, or other relative orientations of the front panel 72 and the back plate 74 as the partially open configuration, as in 15 shown.

The front panel 72 and the back plate 74 may be formed as a single piece, and in the illustrated embodiment, they are formed as a single piece of transparent plastic material. The front panel 72 and the back plate 74 For example, they may be made of a plastic such as polyester, polystyrene or PVC and may be formed into the desired shape by, for example, thermoforming or injection molding. The front panel 72 and the back plate 74 define together when in a closed configuration, one or more cavities between them 76 to receive an oral device and a container for an oral device. The packaging 70 may be considered as a generic type, sometimes known as a flip-top blister pack or hinged-housing containers, which are known per se. Further details of manufacturing methods and materials that might be used in implementing the package of the present disclosure are well known or readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, no exhaustive discussion is provided here.

The front panel 72 includes a substantially laterally central cavity defining area 80 which has a three-dimensional shape around the one or more cavities 76 at least partially define. The front panel 72 also includes a rear area 100 that has a peripheral edge around the cavity defining area 80 around and the cavity defining area 80 pointing to the front.

The cavity defining area 80 represents a container cavity defining area 82 shaped to be at least partially a container receiving cavity section 83 of the cavity 76 defined to receive and receive a container for an oral device (for example, container 40 for oral device 10 ). The container receiving cavity section 83 is pretty much the same shape and dimensions as the container it is supposed to hold.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container receiving cavity portion is 83 (to pick up the container 40 ) the lowest part of the cavity 76 , In the illustrated embodiment, the container receiving cavity portion is 83 through a first planar wall section 84 the container cavity defining area 82 , which is adjacent to the hinge 75 extends forward, and first and second curved side wall portions 85 . 86 the container cavity defining area 82 which, in essence, with their shape is the shape of the sidewalls (eg sidewalls 46 . 48 ) of the container (eg the container 40 ), which is to be recorded, defined accordingly. The container receiving cavity section 83 is further characterized by a mainly flat front wall portion 87 the container cavity defining area 82 Are defined. As in the 7 and 8th such as 13 to 15 can be seen, comprises the mainly flat front wall section 87 first and second areas 88 . 89 extending from the main plane of the mainly flat front wall section 87 continue to extend forward and imitate the feet of a figurine, as will be described in detail later.

The cavity defining area 80 further provides a device cavity defining area 90 prepared to be at least partially a device receiving cavity portion 91 of the cavity 76 for receiving and receiving an oral device (for example, an oral device 10 ) Are defined. The device receiving cavity section 91 is pretty much the same shape and dimensions of the oral device he's supposed to pick up.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device receiving cavity portion 91 through a lower wall section 92 of the device cavity defining area 90 defined from the uppermost part of the mainly flat front wall section 87 extends forward and through a curved wall section 93 that is from the rear area 100 on a first side of the cavity defining area 80 extends forward over the front of the cavity defining area 80 and back to the rear area 100 on a second, opposite side of the cavity defining area 80 connect to. The curved wall section 93 has a shape and dimensions that largely match their shape and the dimensions of the outer wall (eg outer surface 20 the outer wall 18 ) of the device (eg device 10 ) to be recorded. The device receiving cavity section 91 is further through an upper wall portion 94 of the device cavity defining area 90 defined, extending from the uppermost parts of the curved wall section 93 extends to the rear. It should be noted that the lower wall section 92 , the curved wall section 93 and the upper wall portion 94 of the device cavity defining area 90 thus an important contribution to defining the device receiving cavity portion 91 Afford.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity defining area represents 80 and an additional cavity defining area 95 prepared, which is shaped so that it at least partially an additional cavity portion 96 of the cavity 76 Are defined. In the illustrated embodiment, the additional cavity portion 96 above the device receiving cavity portion 91 arranged. The additional cavity section 96 is at least partially through a wall section 97 of the additional cavity defining area 95 defined, which narrows with a convex shape when it extends backwards and upwards, and another wall section 98 of the additional cavity defining area 95 which is convex and has an upper lobe 98 the front panel 72 forms its top and side panels with the rear area 100 the front panel 72 above the device cavity defining area 90 are connected. The upper projection 98 stands from the rear area 100 the front panel 72 forward, above which defines the device cavity area 90 , and the additional cavity defining area 95 including the upper projection 98 , can be considered as reminiscent of a nose. This may be the case in particular when an oral device is in the device receiving cavity section 91 is housed and through the device receiving cavity portion 91 is visible, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a smiling mouth, as will be described in detail later.

The back area 100 the front panel 72 is generally flat and has first and second margin areas 102 . 103 extending laterally from the outermost lateral portions of the cavity defining area 80 to the side edges 104 . 105 the front panel extend. The back area 100 also extends from an upwardly directed portion of the cavity defining area 80 to a top edge area 106 to define between a further upwardly directed portion of the cavity defining area 80 and an upper edge 107 the front panel 72 extends. The upper edge 107 has first and second shoulder areas 108 . 110 and an upwardly extending tab edge portion 112 on, a tab area 113 of the back area 100 the front panel 72 Are defined. The tab area 113 is with a cutout 114 provided to hang the packaging 70 on a hook, pegboard display or other suitable carrier (not shown).

Adjacent to the tab area is the rear area with first and second buttons 115 . 116 understand the small forward protruding areas of the front panel 72 are what the intervention of the front plate 72 with the back plate 74 can facilitate.

The edges 104 . 105 . 107 . 112 the rear area 100 the front panel 72 can with a vertically drooping edge 118 Be provided with the engagement of the front panel 72 with the back plate 74 to support.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rear area 100 essentially the lateral sides and the upper part of the cavity defining area 80 surrounds.

The back plate 74 corresponds substantially in its peripheral shape of the front panel 72 and is with a peripheral edge 120 provided in the 13 and 14 is shown, and is designed so that it is exactly in the in 14 shown, peripheral edge 118 the front panel fits when the back and front panels are brought into the closed configuration. The back plate 74 is with first and second buttons 122 . 123 provided in the 13 and 14 which are formed and positioned to fit exactly into the first and second buttons 115 . 116 the front panel 72 to fit when the back and front panels are brought into the closed configuration. The packaging 70 can by the engagement of the buttons 115 . 116 . 122 . 123 and / or the peripheral edges 118 . 120 in its closed position, and / or may be secured in its closed position by other suitable and desired means, for example by the use of adhesive tape, adhesive labels, other adhesives, use of heat, radiation and / or other processing to and front panels to be welded or bonded, or by using mechanical fasteners such as staples.

Referring to the 13 and 14 is the back plate 74 generally planar in this embodiment (except for the peripheral edge 120 and the buttons 122 . 123 as described above), however, provides a slightly recessed flat area 125 ready to support the positioning and holding of printed matter, a carrier card or other desired thing with a small thickness, their containment within the packaging 70 could be desirable. A substantially flat edge area 126 extends between the recessed flat area 125 and the peripheral edge 120 ,

The back plate 74 is with a tab area 128 provided in the closed configuration of the packaging 70 with the tab area 113 the front panel 72 flees. The tab area 128 the back plate 74 is with a cutout 127 provided (to hang the packaging 70 to facilitate), in the closed configuration of the packaging 70 with the clipping 114 the front panel 72 flees.

In the closed configuration, the substantially flat edge area touches 126 the backplate the first and second margin areas 102 . 103 and the upper edge area 106 the front panel 72 , The recessed flat area 125 defines the back of the cavity 76 , More specifically, the recessed flat area defines 125 the back of both the container receiving cavity section 83 , of the device receiving cavity section 91 as well as the additional cavity section 96 , The front and side boundaries of the cavities are through the cavity defining area 80 the front panel 72 defined as explained above. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the container receiving cavity portion 83 , The device receiving cavity section 91 and the additional cavity portion 96 contiguous or parts of the single cavity 76 are. However, if desired, any two or more of the cavity sections could be used 83 . 91 by configuring the package to be an appropriate part of the cavity defining area 80 the back plate 74 contacts, thereby providing a boundary between the cavity portions.

The 16A -D show schematically on the left side of the drawing the packaging 70 in a front view and on the right side of the drawing an example of objects in the Packaging should be kept. The articles to be stored in the package in this embodiment are a device container, such as a device container 40 ( 16D ), an oral device, for example, an oral device 10 ( 16C ) and an optional packaging insert 130 ( 16B ).

The 17 and 18 show schematically the device container 40 , the oral device 10 and the packaging insert 130 , packed inside the packaging 70 , in a suitable form for display in retail outlets (however, for clarity, printed matter has been omitted).

The packaging insert 130 may be formed of plastic in the form of an open-shell with a small thickness and some additional stabilization and security for the packaging 70 and provide their content.

It is best in 16B shown that the packaging insert 130 an upper tapered area 132 which is sized so that it is between the other wall section 98 of the additional cavity defining area 95 and the recessed flat area 125 which extends the back of the additional cavity 96 Are defined. The packaging insert 130 has a lower area 134 of substantially uniform width, which is shaped and dimensioned so that it passes through the oral device 10 extends and the inner wall 16 Frictionally attached thereto, thereby stabilizing the position of the oral device 10 inside the packaging 70 supported. The lower area 134 of the packaging insert 130 can be shaped to support the procedure with the oral device. For example, in the in 16B embodiment shown, the lower portion 134 with first and second rearwardly extending notches 135 . 136 provided, which are dimensioned so that they are the lowest parts 16A the inner wall 16 of the oral device 10 take up more than the rest of the inner wall 16 protrude inward. The packaging insert 130 also provides a basis 138 ready, which is suitable to a recessed portion of the front wall 50 of the container 40 to initiate.

As in the 17 and 18 can be seen is the oral device 10 in the packaging 70 so arranged that the front 12 of the oral device 10 in terms of packaging 70 points forward and through the substantially transparent front panel 72 is visible. This can enable a potential buyer, the front 12 of the oral device 10 even from a distance easy to see, and even when the packaging 70 in a non-optimal position for viewing, for example, hanging on a hook or other support of a display that holds the packaging 70 positioned at a height that is not optimal for viewing. This can be important because of features of the front 12 of the oral device 10 important for the information of the purchase decision (which is more detailed in relation to the 19 and 20 is discussed).

Furthermore, the container 40 in the packaging 70 is housed, aligned so that the lid or the flat lid part 54 , in relation to the packaging 70 points forward and through the substantially transparent front panel 72 is visible. This can allow a potential buyer to easily get the lid part 54 and to see all the information displayed on it, even from a distance and even if the packaging 70 is located in a less optimal position for viewing.

The configuration of the packaging 70 Thus, even the packaging itself, including the items it contains, can provide a pictorial request to buyers to assist in informing the buyer about the nature of the items and promoting the sale.

As in 18 represented, the packaging can 70 besides being able to be hung on a display, stably upright on the first flat wall section 84 stand (possibly also on the hinge 75 supported).

In an alternative embodiment of packaging 2270 as shown schematically in the 19 represented, could be a back plate 2274 a deeper recessed area 2275 to define more of the cavity sections (or to define more of the cavity sections by an alternative configuration). A disadvantage of the embodiment of 22 is that a hinge 2275 between the plates would be arranged more centrally, resulting in the stability of the packaging 2270 to stand in an upright position on a support surface could interfere. In contrast, in the previous embodiments, the package can stably on the first flat wall portion 84 stand, as for example in 18 is shown and should be apparent.

A handling advantage of the package for an oral device and a device container described above with reference to the drawings is that it allows to visually depict important parts of the articles contained in order to provide essential information about the product contained in the packaging to the buyers at the point of sale without having to read any information. In particular, it separately shows both the device and the device container so that each can be viewed by the customer.

Another handling advantage of the described embodiments is that the package is presented to the customer attractively and aesthetically pleasing. In particular, the packaging resembles a figure with face, body and short legs seen from the front. Further, the device is positioned relative to the head of the figure in a position that mimics a position attached to the dental arches of a user.

Yet another handling advantage of the described embodiments is that the package can either be hung on a suitable "display" or stand on a shelf without taking up much horizontal space. If the package is on a shelf, the horizontal footprint, if any, is slightly larger than the horizontal dimensions of the oral device.

In the present specification and claims, if included, the word "comprising" and its derivatives, including "includes" and "comprising", includes any of the integers indicated, but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more other integers ,

The reference in this specification to "one embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the presence of the term "in one embodiment" in various places in this description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In accordance with the provision, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodological features. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, as the means described herein include preferred forms of practicing the invention. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the appropriate scope of the appended claims (if any) which may be suitably interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (18)

A product package for an oral device comprising: a packaging member forming a receptacle for an oral device for receiving the oral device therein and a receptacle for receiving an oral device receptacle adjacent to the receptacle for the oral device, the receptacle comprising a bottom surface, and wherein the oral device comprises a web defining an abutment level that abuts an occlusal surface of a user's dental arch when worn; the packaging element comprising two elements which pivot relative to one another between a closed position in which the container for the oral device and the container container of the packaging element are closed to the outside environment, and an open position in which the container for the oral device and the container container are accessible for the respective access to the oral device or the container, and wherein the container for the device and the container container are arranged relative to each other so that the leg level of the oral device extends transversely to the bottom surface of the device container. The product package according to claim 1, wherein the container for the device and the container container are arranged to each other so that the leg level of the oral device extends orthogonal to the device container. The product package of claim 1, wherein the packaging member forms a support assembly for supporting the packaging member in an upright orientation on a support surface. The product package of claim 3, wherein, when the packaging member is in an upright orientation, the oral device is held by the oral device container in a substantially horizontal orientation, and the container is held by the container container in a substantially vertical orientation , The product package of claim 4, wherein the support assembly comprises two feet which are laterally spaced apart for increased stability when the product package rests on a support surface in the upright orientation. The product package of claim 5, wherein the two feet form part of the container container of the packaging element. The product package of claim 6, wherein the container comprises a main body portion and two leg portions extending from the main body portion. The product package of claim 7, wherein the two leg portions of the container are each closely received within the two feet of the packaging member. The product package according to claim 1, wherein one of the two elements of the packaging member is configured to form the container for the oral device and the container container, and the other of the two elements has a substantially planar portion extending over the container for the oral device and the Container container extends. The product package of claim 9, further comprising a product information supplement. The product package of claim 10 wherein the other of the two members defines a shallow recess over the planar area for receiving the product information supplement therein. The product package of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment means for releasably securing the two elements of the packaging member in the closed state. The product package of claim 12, wherein the at least one attachment means comprises two complementary shaped projections disposed on coincident portions of the two elements, the complementary shaped projections being configured to snap together in an interlocking arrangement to secure the two elements in the closed one Arrangement to connect with each other. The product package of claim 1, further comprising a hanging arrangement for suspending the product package from a hanger. The product package of claim 1, further comprising a nose formation in one of the two elements of the packaging member, the nose formation being disposed adjacent to the oral device container. The product package of claim 15, wherein the nose formation is above the container of the oral device located above the container container when the packaging member is in the upright orientation. The product package according to claim 16, further comprising a packing formation for holding the oral device in the container for the oral device. The product package of claim 17, wherein the packing formation is received in the nose formation.

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