Packaging tie-downs

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

PACKAGING TIE-DOWNS

[0002] A variety of devices and techniques have been employed to secure packaged items. For example, packaged items may be secured by molded foam or inflated cushions, but are often secured to a backing sheet with one or more securing devices. Previous examples of such securing devices include the reinforcing band strip of U.S. Patent No. 3,811,565 to Tancredi (1974), and the secure packaging system of U.S. Patent No. 6,575,302 to Robley, Jr. (2003). Holding members for securing items to walls and other hard surfaces have been described in European patent application no. 0115692 by Delahunty (1987).

[0003] Previous securing devices have often included coated flexible wires, or ‘twist-ties’. For example, in the case of packaged toy 10 of Fig. 1, a toy figure 12 is secured to a backing sheet 14 in a display box 16. Figure 12 is secured to backing sheet 14 with

CA 02631258 2012-06-04 multiple twist-ties 18. The ends of the twist-ties protrude from the rear surface of backing sheet 14, as shown in Fig. 2. In order to remove the toy figure from the packaging, the backing sheet must be removed from display box 16, but then each of the twist-ties must be untwisted, and pulled through the backing in order to free the figure. This process can be both frustrating and time-consuming, particularly for small children. Additionally, the twist-ties require time and attention to apply during packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003a] The present invention provides a packaging tie-down, comprising: a substantially planar tie-down body; a slit in the tie-down body configured to receive a retention strap; and to securely engage the retention strap partially elevated with respect to the tie-down body, the tongue defining an open slot on the tie-down body, where the open slot is disposed at substantially a right angle to the slit in the tie-down body, and where the open slot is configured to securely engage the retention strap.

[0003b] The present invention also provides a packaged item, comprising: packaging material; a packaging tie-down having a tie-down body, an aperture in the tie-down body configured to receive a retention strap, and an engaging structure on the tie-down body configured to securely engage the retention strap including a tongue that is at least partially elevated with respect to the tie-down body, the tongue defining an open slot on the tiedown body, where the open slot is disposed at substantially a right angle to the aperture in the tie-down body; the retention strap configured to secure the item to the packaging material, where the retention strap is threaded through an aperture in the packaging material, threaded through the aperture in the tie-down body, folded, and secured by the engaging structure.

[0003c] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of securing a retention strap with a packaging tie-down as described above, comprising: threading the retention strap through the slit in the tie-down body; folding the retention strap; securing the free end of the retention strap with the tongue of the tie-down.

CA 02631258 2011-09-27

[0003d] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of securing an item to packaging material, comprising: threading a retention strap through an aperture in the packaging material; threading the retention strap through an aperture in a tie-down, where the tie-down includes a tie-down body, an aperture in the tie-down body for receiving the retention strap, and an engaging structure on the tie-down body including a tongue defining an open slot to securely engage the retention strap that is configured to securely engage the retention strap where the open slot is disposed at substantially a right angle to the aperture in the tie-down body, the tongue at least partially elevated with respect to the tie-down body; securing the item against the packaging material with the retention strap; tensioning the retention strap; folding the retention strap; and securing the retention strap under the tongue of the tie-down so that the retention strap passes through the open slot of the engaging structure.

[0003e] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing a packaging tie-down, comprising: an engaging structure of a packaging tie-down as described above, unfolding the retention strap, and removing the packaging tie-down from the retention strap..

[0003f] There is also provided a packaging tie-down, comprising: a substantially planar tie-down body; an aperture that is a slit in the tie-down body configured to receive a retention strap; and an engaging structure on the tie-down body including an open slot; where the aperture and the open slot are disposed at approximately 90 degrees; and where the engaging structure is configured to securely engage the retention strap and is at least partially elevated with respect to the tie-down body.

[0004] The tie-downs of the present disclosure may be inexpensively produced, may be quickly and easily applied during packaging, and can be removed easily, even by children.

2a

CA 02631258 2011-03-23

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Fig. 1 is an isometric cutaway view of a packaged toy figure according to the prior art.

[0006] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the rear of the backing sheet of the packaged toy figure of Fig. 1.

[0007] Fig. 3 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary packaging tie-down.

[0008] Fig. 4 depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary packaging tie-down of

Fig. 3 in combination with a backing, with a retention strap inserted through the backing and the tie-down.

[0009] Fig. 5 depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary packaging tie-down of

Fig. 1 flush with the backing, and with a retention strap inserted through the backing and the tie-down.

[0010] Fig. 6 depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary packaging tie-down of

Fig. 5, with the retention strap pressed against the tie-down.

2b

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

<td> [0011]</td><td> Fig. 7 depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary packaging tie-down</td>

of Fig. 6, with the retention strap folded at a right angle.

<td> 10012]</td><td> Fig. 8 depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary packaging tie-down</td>

of Fig. 7, with the retention strap folded and inserted into the engaging structure of the tiedown.

<td> [0013]</td><td> Fig. 9 depicts a front perspective view of two exemplary packaging tie-</td>

downs, as shown in Fig. 3, securing an item against a backing in combination with a retention strap.

<td> [0014]</td><td> Fig. 10 depicts a view of the underside of the exemplary packaging tie-down</td>

ofFig. 3.

<td> [0015]</td><td> Fig. 11 depicts a partial view of the engaging structure of the exemplary tie-</td>

down ofFig. 3.

<td> [0016]</td><td> Fig. 12 is a plan view of an alternative exemplary packaging tie-down of the</td>

present disclosure.

<td> [0017]</td><td> Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary retention plate of the present</td>

disclosure.

<td> [0018]</td><td> Fig. 14 depicts a perspective view of an item secured against a packaging</td>

material by an exemplary retention plate in combination with an exemplary packaging tiedown, according to the present disclosure.

<td> [0019]</td><td> Fig. 15 is a plan view of an alternative exemplary packaging tie-down of the</td>

present disclosure.

<td> [0020]</td><td> Fig. 16 is a plan view of an alternative exemplary packaging tie-down of the</td>

present disclosure.

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

[0021] Fig. 17 is a plan view of an alternative exemplary packaging tie-down of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 18 is a plan view of an alternative exemplary packaging tie-down of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 19 is a plan view of an alternative exemplary packaging tie-down of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 20 depicts an array of exemplary packaging tie-downs, produced according to an exemplary manufacturing technique.

[0025] Fig. 21 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of securing a retention strap with a packaging tie-down of the present disclosure

[0025a] Fig. 22 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of securing an item with a packaging tie-down of the present disclosure.

[0025b] Fig. 23 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of removing a packaging tie-down of the present disclosure from a retention strap.

[0025c] Fig. 24 is an isometric cutaway view of a packaged toy figure secured by exemplary packaging tie-downs and retention straps according to the present disclosure.

[0025d] Fig. 25 is an isometric view of the rear of the backing sheet of the packaged toy figure of Fig. 24.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0026] The present invention provides embodiments of packaging tie-downs configured to secure objects to packaging materials in combination with a retention strap. An exemplary packaging tie-down 20 is shown in Figs. 3-12. Tie-down 20 includes a substantially planar base 22, and an engaging structure 24 that is configured to securely engage a retention strap. Exemplary engaging structure 24 includes an open slot 26 defined by a tongue 28.

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

WO 2007/064364 PCT/US2006/026769

[0027] The exemplary tie-down 20 also includes an aperture in base 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the aperture may be a slit 34. Typically, slit 34 and open slot 26 are disposed at an angle to each other; preferably they are disposed at approximately 90 degrees from each other.

[0028] The packaging tie-downs of the present disclosure are typically configured to be used in conjunction with one or more pieces of packaging material, in order to secure a packaged item. As used herein, packaging material is meant to include any material to which an item is to be secured using a tie-down of the present disclosure. Although not required, the packaging material generally includes a surface or portion of a surface that is substantially planar. The packaging material can be used in packaging an item for storage, shipping, or display. The packaging material can be the surface of a box, a backing sheet, an internal partition, or another sufficiently sturdy piece of material.

[0029] The exemplary tie-down 20 is shown in combination with a portion of planar packaging material 30 in Fig. 4, wherein a retention strap 32 is first passed through an opening 35 in packaging material 30, then threaded through slit 34, as shown.

[0030] Once retention strap 32 is threaded through both the packaging material and through slit 34 of the tie-down, the tie-down may be placed against the packaging material, as shown in Fig. 5. As shown by the arrow in Fig. 5, the retention strap may then be pressed flat against the base of the tie-down. That is, the retention strap 32 is folded down as shown in Fig. 6. In order to further secure the tie-down, the retention strap may then be folded toward tongue 28, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6, to create an approximate right-angle fold in the retention strap, as shown in Fig. 7. The tie-down

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

WO 2007/064364 PCT/US2006/026769 may then be firmly secured by threading and/or slipping retention strap 32 under tongue 28 and into open slot 26, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 7. The resulting arrangement of retention strap and tie-down is shown in Fig. 8.

[0031] By folding the retention strap and inserting it into the engaging structure 24, the retention strap may be securely engaged by the tie-down. The retention strap is optionally tensioned before it is engage by the engaging structure. Tensioning the retention strap includes eliminating slack in the retention strap, and drawing the strap taut to enhance the interaction of the retention strap with the tie-down. The retention strap may be tensioned either by pulling on the free end of the retention strap, by urging the tie-down against the packaging material, or by a combination thereof. The retention strap may be tensioned before it is folded and/or engaged by the engaging structure. Once retention strap 32 is engaged and tensioned, excess retention strap 32 can be removed by trimming, although a sufficient length of retention strap extending from the tie-down may be preserved to facilitate removal of the tie-down. Although the retention strap is shown in Figs. 7 and 8 as having been folded over itself at an approximate right angle, the retention strap may also be folded under itself without compromising the utility and security of the packaging tie-down. Depictions of folded retention straps throughout the specification should be understood to include straps that are both folded over and folded under when securing a tie-down.

[0032] The disclosed tie-down may be used to securely fasten one end of a retention strap that is passed through a piece of packaging material. By securing a retention strap in this manner, a variety of items may be secured within and/or against selected packaging

CA 02631258 2008-05-28 materials. For example, the disclosed tie-down may be used in pairs, one tie-down securing each end of a single selected retention strap, as shown in Fig. 9. By using a pair of tie-downs in this manner, an item 37 may be secured to the packaging material 30. The configuration of the tie-down permits the retention strap to be tensioned as it is secured, as discussed above. By tensioning retention strap 32, item 37 is held more firmly against packaging material 30.

[0033] Item 37 is representative of any of a variety of items or objects that may be secured using the disclosed tie-downs. Modem packaging often includes blister packs or transparent windows, where it is preferred that the packaged item be retained in an appropriate position and/or orientation for display. Alternatively, or in addition, proper packaging may help prevent damage to the item during shipping. The disclosed tie-downs are useful for securing a variety of objects and items, and either the tie-down, the retention strap, or both, may be scaled up or down in size as appropriate for the item or object to be secured. In particular, the disclosed tie-down is of particular utility when used in conjunction with any of a variety of packaged toys, including for example action figures, figurines, dolls, vehicles, and other toys.

[0034] During use, the underside of the tie-down is typically pressed firmly against the selected packaging material. The underside of exemplary tie-down 20 is shown in Fig. 10. Although the tie-down may be held in place sufficiently well by tension applied to the retention strap, additional methods of enhancing retention of the tie-down in place can also be employed. The tie-down can be affixed to the packaging material using an adhesive, by thermal or chemical welding, or by mechanical attachment, among other

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

WO 2007/064364 PCT/US2006/026769 methods. For example, the tie-down may be secured to the packaging material by an adhesive on the underside of the tie-down. Alternatively, or in addition, the entire tiedown may be taped in place, for example, after the retention strap has been tightened. In one aspect of the disclosed tie-down, the underside of the tie-down includes one or more protrusions 38 which may be configured to enhance the attachment of the tie-down to the desired packaging material. Protrusions 38 may have any suitable shape in order to positively interact with the packaging material. For example, the protrusions may be pinor peg-shaped, hemispherical, conical, or frustoconical, so that the protrusions can be embedded partially into a suitably yielding packaging material, such as cardboard. As shown in Fig. 10, protrusions 38 can be conical, and there may be a plurality of protrusions on the underside of the tie-down, for example at least four protrusions, as shown in Fig. 10. Tensioning the retention strap, as discussed above, may establish or enhance an attachment of the tie-down against a piece of packaging material, by urging the protrusions into engagement with the surface of the packaging material.

[0035] Slit 34, through which retention strap 32 is threaded, typically is a narrow slit through base 22 of tie-down 20. Slit 34 is generally configured so that the retention strap may be readily inserted and threaded through the slit. Slit 34 may be rectangular in shape, with square ends, or the ends of the slit may be more or less rounded. The side walls that define the slit may be straight and parallel, or the slit opening may be chamfered (beveled) on one or both sides to improve the ease of threading a retention strap through the slit, or to achieve a desired retention strength on a threaded retention strap. Depictions of slits in the tie-downs of the specification should be understood to include apertures of

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

WO 2007/064364 PCT/US2006/026769 other shapes and sizes, that may include features for facilitating threading, enhancing retention, or both.

[0036] Additionally, or in the alternative, one end of the slit of the tie-down can be extended to the edge of the tie-down, thereby forming an open slot. Such a configuration may include one or more structures to help retain a retention strap, as discussed below with respect to engaging structures. An open configuration may improve the ease of threading a retention strap through the slit.

[0037] As discussed above, the interaction between the retention strap and the engaging structure secures the retention strap to the tie-down. The engaging structure can include one or more features to assist in engaging and retaining the retention strap. Typically, the engaging structure is selected so that the retention strap can be easily engaged by the engaging structure. Also preferably, the engaging structure is selected so that the retention strap can be readily disengaged from the tie-down. Typically, the engaging structure includes an open slot, such as slot 26.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 11, tongue 28 of engaging structure 24 may optionally include a tab 40 projecting into open slot 26 configured to help secure the retention strap beneath tongue 28. The opposing side of open slot 26 from tab 40 may further feature a corresponding indentation 42 to cooperate with tab 40. As shown, tab 40 may be generally semi-conical. Alternatively, tab 40 may be semi-cylindrical, hemispherical, or any other shape that assists in securing retention strap 32 in open slot 26.

[0039] The interaction between retention strap 22 and tongue 28 can be further enhanced by the presence of a groove 44 on the underside of tongue 28, defined by

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

WO 2007/064364

PCT/US2006/026769 groove edges 46 and 48, as shown in Fig. 10. Groove 44 is configured to provide a channel to accommodate retention strap 32 when it is passed under tongue 28, and may provide additional security to help retain retention strap 32 from slipping out of open slot 26, particularly when the underside of the tie-down is pressed firmly against packaging material. In addition, facile insertion of retention strap 32 into open slot 26 may be enhanced by beveling, rounding, or otherwise contouring the end 50 of tongue 28 adjacent to the entrance of open slot 26. Tongue 28 may also be elevated with respect to the surface of tie-down base 22, to further facilitate the insertion and removal of retention strap 32 from open slot 26.

[0040] Alternatively, or in addition, the configuration of the open slot of the engaging structure may be modified to improve the security of the retention strap. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, an alternative exemplary tie-down 60 includes a slit 62 and an engaging structure 64, where the engaging structure includes an open slot 66. Open slot 66 incorporates a serrated edge 68 configured to improve the frictional retention and/or immobilization of an inserted retention strap. In other embodiments, a variety of textures can be employed on this edge, the other inside edges of the open slot of the engaging structure, and/or any other surface making contact with a retention strap, potentially useful textures including without limitation serrations, crenellations, hatching, cross-hatching, and other regular and irregular patterning.

[0041] Typically, the disclosed packaging tie-down is readily removable. By grasping the free end of retention strap 32 and slipping it out of open slot 26, and concomitantly out from under tongue 28, the tie-down is freed, and can then be slipped io

CA 02631258 2008-05-28 off of retention strap 32 and removed. Unpacking a secured item can therefore be performed quickly and easily, and requires no special tools. However where secure fastening of an item is desired but ease of removal is not a priority, for example where an item is intended to be permanently mounted or displayed, the engaging structure can be configured to resist removal of the retention strap. For example, the entrance of the open slot of the engaging structure can optionally incorporate a 'one-way' mechanism, for example by incorporated a detent, an elastic latch, or inwardly projecting barbs, among other mechanisms.

[0042] Retention strap 32 can be configured to have a variety of widths and thicknesses, provided that the strap remains substantially flexible, and the tie-down is configured to receive and retain the selected retention strap. Typically, the retention strap is manufactured from a flexible plastic, which may be opaque or transparent.

[0043] As an alternative to securing each end of a retention strap with a packaging tie-down, the tie-downs of the present disclosure may be used in combination with a retaining plate 70, which incorporates both a substantially planar base 72 and a retention strap 74 that is attached to base 72 as shown in Fig. 14. The retention strap may be attached to the planar base by any suitable attachment method, including adhesives, heatstaking, chemical welding, mechanical attachment, or co-molding. The retaining plate may be used to secure one end of a retention strap, where the retention strap is used to secure an item against selected packaging material.

[0044] For example, as shown in Fig. 14, retaining plate 70 can be used to secure retention strap 74, which in turn secures item 76 against packaging material 78. The end

CA 02631258 2008-05-28 of retention strap 74 can be secured by, for example, tie-down 20, as described above. The use of retaining plate 70, in place of a second tie-down, may eliminate the need of threading one end of the retention strap through one of the tie-downs. The packaging operation can therefore be made faster, more efficient, and more economical.

[0045] As an alternative, or in addition, to using a packaging tie-down of the disclosure, a tie-down having two slits and no engaging structure may be utilized to secure a retention strap. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, alternative tie-down 80 includes two substantially parallel slits 82 and 84 and no engaging structure. By threading retention strap 86 (shown in dashed lines) through slits 82 and 84, tie-down 80 may be useful in securing a retention strap threaded through the tie down, possibly through slits in an underlying packaging material. For example, tie-down 80 may be useful to secure an intermediate point on retention strap 86, so that each end of the strap may be used to secure one or more distinct items when used in combination with one or more additional tie-downs or retaining plates, as previously described.

[0045a] An exemplary tie-down 87, shown in Fig. 16, includes two slits and two engaging structures, related to each other by a 180 degree rotation. Tie-down 87 could be used to provide flexibility in securing a single retention strap in one of two positions, or could be used to secure two retention straps, one on each side of the tie-down. Alternatively, the two sets of slits and engaging structures could be related to each other by a mirror reflection, as demonstrate by tie-down 88, shown in Fig. 17. Tie-down 88 may permit both right- and left-handed operators to fasten the retention strap using a motion and orientation most comfortable for them. Alternatively, tie-down 88 may be used to secure two retention straps.

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

[0045b] Alternatively, the disclosed tie-down can include four slits and four engaging structures. For example the tie-down can include slits and engaging structures oriented in opposing pairs, as shown for exemplary tie-down 89 in Fig. 18. Tie-down 18 also includes two slits that form right angle aperture. In addition to offering enhanced flexibility, tie-down 89 may offer both right- and left-handed operation. Alternatively, an exemplary tie-down 90 in Fig. 19 can include four slits and engaging structures oriented in a pin-wheel configuration. Alternatively, the disclosed tie down can include three slits and engaging structure, and may exhibit a trigonal or other geometry. Any geometry and conformation that permits the tie-down to effectively retain one or more retention straps is a suitable geometry and conformation for the purposes of this disclosure.

[0046] Although the above discussion referred to an exemplary packaging tiedown that is roughly square in outline, and including a single slit, single open slot, and single tongue, a variety of alternative and exemplary packaging tie-downs that utilize the same operating principle can be envisioned.

[0047] The disclosed tie-down need not be approximately square, but could be triangular, rectangular, circular, oval, or any other shape permitting a retention strap to be secured. Alternatively, or in addition, the disclosed tie-down is not limited to a single slit and engaging structure.

12A

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

WO 2007/064364 PCT/US2006/026769

[0048] For example, the disclosed tie-down can include two slits and two engaging structures, related to each other by a 180 degree rotation. Such a tie-down could be used to provide flexibility in securing a single retention strap in one of two positions, or could be used to secure two retention straps, one on each side of the tie-down. Alternatively, the two sets of slits and engaging structures could be related to each other by a mirror reflection. The resulting tie-down could permit both right- and left-handed operators to fasten the retention strap using a motion and orientation most comfortable for them, or to secure two retention straps.

[0049] Alternatively, the disclosed tie-down can include four slits and four engaging structures, either oriented in opposing pairs, offering right- and left-handed operation, or oriented in a pin-wheel configuration. Additionally, or in the alternatively the disclosed tie down can include three slits and engaging structure, and may exhibit a trigonal geometry.

[0050] The packaging tie-down disclosed herein may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, or the like. A suitable material may be selected to provide a desirable combination of weight, strength, durability, cost, manufacturability, appearance, safety, and the like. Suitable plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, or the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, or the like. Typically, the packaging tie-down itself is fabricated from ABS, copolymers of polypropylene13

CA 02631258 2008-05-28 copolymer (PP-co), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), or phosphorylcholine (PC) polymers.

Preferably, the tie-down is fabricated from ABS.

[0051] Although the retention strap is typically pliant and resilient, if the material of the retention strap is too soft or metamorphous, performance of the tie-down may be compromised. Typically, the retention strap is fabricated from polypropylene-copolymer (PP-co), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC) or mylar, among others. Preferably the retention strap is fabricated from PVC.

[0052] Any suitable molding or manufacturing process may be used to prepare the disclosed packaging tie-downs. In particular, the disclosed packaging tie-downs may be manufactured by a molding process, for example injection molding. As shown in Fig. 20, a molded array of tie-downs 90 may include multiple individual tie-downs 92. Multiple tiedowns may be molded into a magazine loadable clip form that is configured to dispense single or multiple tie-downs. Alternatively, the tie-downs may be fabricated in an extended linear chain that is configured to be rolled onto a reel, and dispensed from the reel as needed. Typically, the tie-downs are manufactured in a form that is readily usable by hand, or that is compatible with assembly equipment that aids in packaging operations.

[0053] The size of the disclosed packaging tie-downs typically depends on the scale of the item to be secured, and the size of the packaging materials employed. For smaller items, such as toys, the packaging tie-downs may be about 10-20 mm in width, about 10-about 20 mm in length, and about 1-3 mm in thickness, with a retention strap that is about 5-7 mm in width. For securing larger and/or heavier items, the packaging tiedowns may be larger, perhaps on the order of several centimeters, or larger. Typically, the

CA 02631258 2008-05-28 packaging tie-downs disclosed herein are about 14.5 mm wide, about 15 mm long, the tiedown body is about 1.5 mm thick, and the retention strap is about 6 mm wide.

[0054] The packaging tie-downs of the disclosure lend themselves to a method 100 of securing a retention strap with a packaging tie-down, as shown in Fig. 21. The method may include threading a retention strap through the aperture in the tie-down body at 102, folding the retention strap at 104, and securing the free end of the retention strap with the engaging structure of the tie-down at 106. Method 100 optionally includes one or more of threading a retention strap through an aperture in the packaging material at 108, tensioning the retention strap at 112, and trimming the free end of the retention strap at 114. Generally, securing the free end of the retention strap with the engaging structure includes inserting the free end of the retention strap under the tongue of the tie-down so that the retention strap passes through the open slot.

[0055] The packaging tie-downs described herein may be used in conjunction with automated or semi-automated methods. For example, multiple tie-downs may be manufactured in a clip that is configured to be loaded into, and dispensed by, automatid or semi-automated assembly equipment. The assembly equipment could separate an individual tie-down from a clip and thread the first end of a retention strap through the aperture of a first packaging tie-down. An operator could then thread the second end of the retention strap through the slot of a second packaging tie-down. Alternatively, the assembly equipment could thread the second end of the retention strap through the slot of a second packaging tie-down. Typically, an operator would tension the retention strap, and fold and secure the retention strap under the tongue of the tie-down.

CA 02631258 2008-05-28

[0056] The above method of assembly could optionally incorporate the use of a retention plate, in place of the combination of the first tie-down and retention strap. In this aspect, an operator or the assembly equipment could thread the retention strap of a retention plate through the packaging material, thread the second end of the retention strap through the packaging material and through the slot of a packaging tie-down. Securing the free end of the retention strap in the tie-down could then secure an object against the packaging material.

[0057] The method of securing a retention strap may be used, in turn, to secure an item to packaging material, as shown by method 120 of Fig. 22. The method may include threading the retention strap through an aperture in a packaging material at 122, threading the retention strap through the aperture in the tie-down body at 124, securing an item against the packaging material with the retention strap at 126, tensioning the retention strap at 128, folding the retention strap at 130, and securing the free end of the retention strap with the engaging structure of the tie-down at 132.

[0058] The tie-down is typically readily removed, thereby lending itself to a method

140 of removing a packaging tie-down, as shown in Fig. 23. The method may include removing the retention strap from the engaging structure of the packaging tie-down at 142, unfolding the retention strap at 144, and removing the packaging tie-down from the retention strap at 146.

[0059] The presently disclosed tie-downs are useful for securing a variety of objects and items, including oddly-shaped, or cumbersome objects. In particular, the disclosed tiedowns are particularly well-suited to the packaging of toys, such as packaged toy 150 of

CA 02631258 2012-06-04

Figs. 24 and 25. In the case of packaged toy 150, a plurality of packaging tie-downs 152 secure the ends of retention straps 154 that in turn secure a toy 156 against a backing sheet 158. Where the retention strap is transparent, the toy may be firmly secured against the backing sheet without the straps presenting a visual distraction. This is particularly true where the toy is displayed under a transparent blister or beneath a transparent window 160, as shown in Fig. 24. In addition, the disclosed tie-downs are readily and easily removed, permitting even small children to unpack packaged toys themselves, allowing more immediate gratification, for example, during birthday parties or other holidays. The disclosed tie-downs may be used in conjunction with any of a variety of toys, including action figures, figurines, dolls, and other characters.

[0060] Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing operational principles and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.