Packaging assembly and method

Abstract

A package adapted to contain a hard copy consumable, the package comprising a protection element, the element being connected to the package and having a surface adapted to be removably connected to a portion of the consumable, such that the element is arranged to be removed from the portion of the consumable by the action of removing the consumable from the package.

1 . A package adapted to contain a hard copy consumable, the package comprising a protection element, the element being connected to the package and having a surface adapted to be removably connected to a portion of the consumable, such that the element is arranged to be removed from the portion of the consumable by the action of removing the consumable from the package.  
   
   
       2 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the element is arranged to protect one or more features associated with the consumable whilst it is connected to the consumable.  
   
   
       3 . A package according to  claim 2 , wherein the protection element is adapted to be removably bonded to one or more surfaces of the consumable.  
   
   
       4 . A package according to  claim 2 , wherein the protection element is adapted to be removably retained against or adjacent to a surface of the consumable by a mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       5 . A package according to  claim 4 , wherein the mechanical fastener is a clip or a frangible coupling.  
   
   
       6 . A package according to  claim 3 , wherein the connector is an integral part of the package.  
   
   
       7 . A package according to  claim 3 , wherein the connector is not an integral part of the package.  
   
   
       8 . A package according to  claim 7 , wherein the connector is bonded to the package.  
   
   
       9 . A package according to  claim 7 , wherein the connector is connected to the package by a mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       10 . A package according to  claim 3 , wherein the consumable is a printhead or cartridge for use in an inkjet printer.  
   
   
       11 . A package according to  claim 10 , wherein the connector is adapted to substantially cover or protect a nozzle plate associated with the printhead or cartridge.  
   
   
       12 . A package according to  claim 11 , wherein the connector is a tape.  
   
   
       13 . A package according to  claim 12 , wherein the tape made from a plastic material or rubber material such as a PVC or PET based material.  
   
   
       14 . A hard copy consumable kit comprising a hard copy consumable a housing arranged to store the consumable, and a protective tape bonded at one end to the housing and at another end to a surface of the consumable, the tape being arranged to be removed from the a surface of the consumable by the action of removing the consumable from the package.  
   
   
       15 . A method of packaging a hard copy consumable, comprising the steps of: 
 locating the consumable adjacent packaging material;    connecting the consumable to the packaging material with a connector, the connecting step having a sub-step of removably connecting a first portion of the connector to a portion of the consumable, such that the connector is arranged to be removed from the portion of the consumable by the action of removing the consumable from the packaging.    
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the step of connecting the connector to the surface of the consumable has the effect of protecting part of the consumable.  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the step of connecting the first portion of the connector to the surface of the consumable.  
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 15 , further comprising the step of bonding or otherwise fixing a second portion of the connector to the package.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the connecting step is carried out before the locating step.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 15 , Wherein the consumable is a printhead or cartridge and the sub-step of removably connecting a first portion of the connector to a portion of the consumable is arranged to substantially cover or protect a nozzle plate associated with the printhead or cartridge.  
   
   
       21 . A method of making a package adapted to package a hard copy consumable, comprising the steps of: 
 creating a connector, the connector being connected to, or forming part of the package and being adapted to be removably connected to a portion of the consumable, such that when the connector is connected to the consumable, it protects at least a portion of the consumable, and when the consumable is removed from the packaging, the connector is adapted to be removed from the portion of the consumable.    
   
   
       22 . A package adapted to contain for a retail item, the package comprising a protection element, the element being connected to the package and having a surface adapted to be removably connected to a portion of the item, such that the element is arranged to be removed from the portion of the item by the action of removing the item from the package.