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Interactive strap pack is wireless

Keeper’s feature-packed I-Pack™ secures the tie-down straps, yet permits consumers to interact with the product on store shelves—all without wires.

Keeper's custom variation on a blister pack allows consumers to interact with the product's key features, yet protects the tie-d
Keeper's custom variation on a blister pack allows consumers to interact with the product's key features, yet protects the tie-d

Keeper Corp.’s new packaging for its tie-down straps is so consumer accessible that the North Windham, CT-based company registered it as the I-Pack™, short for “interactive package.” The I-pack allows consumers to see and feel the pair of straps and even try the ratchet or buckle at the store before purchase.

The package was coordinated by J.R. Reeves Co. (Cheshire, CT). Keeper marketing director Paul Delaney had connected with Reeves Co. at the 2001 National Hardware Show. “Reeves worked with our engineer and the designers and molders and sourced everything, so it was one-stop shopping,” Delaney says.

The package comprises an 80-mil backer “card” injection-molded of gray-pigmented polypropylene by Kinamore (Cheshire, CT). It is molded with hanger holes at the top and twin compartments to hold the strapping. The compartments are partially open on the back to allow limited access to the straps. On the pack front, the straps are protected by a clear blister thermoformed of 24-mil polyvinyl chloride by SouthPack (New Britain, CT). The blister covers the bottom part of the front of the backer to hold the straps. It is secured to the backer by seven pegs matched to corresponding die-cut holes on the blister. SouthPack reports that die-cutting 56 tiny holes at once, done for the 8-up thermoforms, was a bit challenging.

A 21-pt SBS printed card fits into an open frame at the top of the backer and is secured to the backer via two posts on the back and a tab at the top. It is offset-printed in four colors—plus one color on the card back—by Dot Packaging (Batavia, IL).

Debuting in selected stores in December 2002, the I-packs are a more expensive alternative to the rectangular PVC clamshells that Keeper has used for 15 years and will continue to use, according to Delaney. Suggested pricing is from $18 to $24 per pair, depending on the size. The single packaging format was designed to accept 8’, 10,’ or 15’ strap lengths in ratchet or buckle styles. Under development for a year, the I-pack is the second consumer-oriented packaging improvement the company has debuted within the last six months (see packworld/go/c66).

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