Footwear packaging

Abstract

A footwear package comprises a flexible bag ( 2 ) or like container of which at least a front is light-transmitting. Closure means ( 23 ) is provided for closing the container. Locating means ( 21 ) is provided for locating items of footwear in the container.

1 . A footwear package comprising a flexible bag or bag-like container of which at least a front is light-transmitting, closure means for closing the container, and means for locating items of footwear in a head-to-toe configuration within the container.  
   
   
       2 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the closure means includes one or more formations by which the bag is arranged to be suspended from a display rack.  
   
   
       3 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the footwear locating means is constituted by a piece of card.  
   
   
       4 . A footwear package according to  claim 3 , wherein the piece of card is foldable.  
   
   
       5 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the locating means is constituted as a dividing member adapted to run generally diagonally or laterally of the bag or like container to separate the individual items of footwear contained thereby.  
   
   
       6 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the bag or like container is formed as an integral piece.  
   
   
       7 . A footwear package according to  claim 6 , wherein the bag or like container is formed: 
 i) by forming a tube of a synthetic polymeric material; or    ii) from a front transparent cover sheet and an opaque rear sheet.    
   
   
       8 - 28 . (canceled)  
   
   
       29 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the container is suitably provided with a hook or an opening by which it may be suspended from an appropriately shaped display rack.  
   
   
       30 . A footwear package according to  claim 29 , wherein the hook or opening is: 
 iii) formed in the closure means; or    iv) formed in a tab which is secured to the closure means.    
   
   
       31 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the closure means: 
 i) is of card and is printed with various kinds of information; or    ii) bears a separate adhesive label carrying various kinds of information.    
   
   
       32 . A footwear package according to  claim 31 , wherein the information is in the form of or includes a barcode containing information for stock control and pricing purposes.  
   
   
       33 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the closure means is: 
 i) a sheet of card folded to embrace the mouth of the container and stapled in place; or    ii) formed by two polymeric components which are adapted to snap fit together and which are shaped to form a handle.    
   
   
       34 . A footwear package according to  claim 33 , wherein one of the components is secured by fusion or adhesive bonding to each lip of the mouth of the container.  
   
   
       35 . A footwear package according to  claim 1 , wherein the closure means comprises a foldable member comprising a pair of flaps defining at least one channel for receiving lips of a mouth of the bag or like container, an adjunct strip foldably connected to a first such flap so that the other flap may be folded inside the adjunct strip with such other flap and the folded lips of the bag trapped between the first flap and the adjunct strip, said first flap and said adjunct strip being provided with co-operating integral formations for securing the closure in closed condition.  
   
   
       36 . A footwear package according to  claim 35 , wherein the adjunct strip has extension wings at each end which are foldable around the ends of the first flap and attachable thereto to hold the closure in closed condition.  
   
   
       37 . A footwear package according to  claim 36 , wherein the extension wings are attachable to the first flap by means of co-operating tabs and slots.  
   
   
       38 . A footwear package according to  claim 37 , wherein the tabs are provided on the extension wings or on the first flap, the co-operating slots, being provided on the other such member.  
   
   
       39 . A footwear package according to  claim 38 , wherein when the tabs are provided; 
 i) on the extension wings, the tabs point away from the end of the wings; or    ii) on the first flap, they point towards the centre line of the container.    
   
   
       40 . A footwear package according to claims  35 , wherein hook or loop means is provided attached to or integral with the first flap for suspending the container from a display rack.  
   
   
       41 . A footwear package according to  claim 40 , wherein the hook or loop is arranged to project across the adjunct strip until the closure is folded for use.  
   
   
       42 . A footwear package according to claim.  35 , wherein the closure is of M-section in that the first and second flaps are interconnected by a V section adapted to penetrate the mouth of the bag or like container so that lips of the mouth are sandwiched to either side of the V-section between the V-section and one or other of the flaps.