Double hinge display package and method of use

A clamshell package for packaging an article comprising:

• a clamshell including first and second parts disposed in adjacent relationship and adapted to cooperatively form a cavity to receive the article, each of said first and second parts port including a lip extending about at least a portion of the part, wherein a portion of the first part lip and a portion of the second part lip are joined along a manufacturing hinge in a folded configuration, wherein the first part lip overlaps the second part lip adjacent the manufacturing hinge to form a flange;
• an operating hinge on the second part adjacent the flange and spaced apart from the manufacturing hinge, the operating hinge dividing the second part into a movable portion and a stationary portion, the operating hinge allowing the movable portion of the second part to pivot with respect to the flange and the stationary part in a direction away from the first part;
• and
• a panel covering the manufacturing hinge and the flange to hold the first part lip and the stationary portion in an overlapping relationship and to maintain the manufacturing hinge in the folded configuration, wherein the operating hinge and the movable portion of the second part are uncovered by the panel to allow the movable portion of the second part to pivot about the operating hinge without interference from the panel.

A method for forming a clamshell package comprising the steps of:

• forming a plastic clamshell including a manufacturing hinge adapted to divide the clamshell into first and second parts, each of the first and second parts including a pocket, the second part including an operating hinge disposed between the second part pocket and the manufacturing hinge, the operating hinge dividing the second part into a movable portion and a stationary portion, the movable portion adjacent the operating hinge opposite the manufacturing hinge;
• folding the clamshell about the manufacturing hinge to bring the first part pocket and the second part pocket into alignment to form a cavity between the first and second parts, wherein the first and second parts overlap between the manufacturing hinge and the operating hinge to form a flange that includes the stationary portion;
• attaching a panel to the clamshell, the panel covering the manufacturing hinge and the flange to retain the stationary portion and the manufacturing hinge in a folded configuration, wherein the operating hinge and the movable portion of the second part are uncovered by the panel;
• and
• pivoting the movable portion of the second part about the operating hinge to open the cavity of the clamshell package.