COMPACT SLIDING PACKAGING

FIELD

The present invention relates to a box which may be used in the packaging of any item which may be placed in a flat tray, in particular the packaging of vaporizers, vaporizer liquid (e-liquid), stop smoking aids, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, inhalers, tobacco and other smoking materials, or any other item and particularly items which should not be easily accessed by children.

BACKGROUND

E-liquid is often packaged in small glass or plastic bottles with a dropper or pipette for refilling an electronic vaporizer. The glass or plastic bottles can often be easily opened by children, which poses a serious threat to their health. Some efforts have been made to create child-proof packaging for, for example, tablets, however these are, in general, made from plastic packaging and make use of a mechanical attachment most commonly in the form of a safety cap on a plastic or glass bottle. This is not an environmentally friendly solution and additionally safety caps are often challenging to open for adults with limited hand mobility or strength, particularly the elderly, physically impaired or injured adults.

In said bottled packaging arrangements or other types of prior art packaging, the vaporizer is separate from the e-liquid, and the user must carry around a vaporizer and an e-liquid container to allow re-filling of the vaporizer on the go, which is inconvenient as they are separate items which are not held together. This increases the risk of losing the e-liquid container when it is separate from the vaporizer. The packaging is often not compact enough to be easily carried around in a user's pocket, particularly when the vaporizer and e-liquid are separately packaged items. The example of a vaporizer and e-liquid is given here, however the problem exists with respect to many consumer goods which are not packaged efficiently or in an environmentally friendly manner.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a packaging box which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, which is compact, easy to open for an adult user and secure against children, and which provides an environmentally friendly packaging box.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a packaging box which provides two separate product spaces which is compact, easy to open, and which provides an environmentally friendly packaging box.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a secure box for storing a product. The box comprises a generally tubular sleeve defining a through passage, a planar divider extending across said passage, a belt member extending around said divider, a tab member extending into said passage, and a tray member extending into said passage. The tab member is attached to the belt member and comprises a first gripping portion, and the tray member is attached to the belt member and comprises a first push area and a first space for storing a product. The sleeve comprises a first main panel, a second main panel and two side panels each connecting the first and second main panels. The box is configured to move from a closed position, through a first partially open position to a first open position, wherein in the closed position the first space is fully covered by the first main panel, the first gripping portion is fully enclosed by the first main panel and the tray member and the first push area is accessible such that it can be pushed by a user, in the first partially open position the first gripping portion extends beyond the first main panel, and in the first open position the first space extends at least partially beyond the first main panel such that a product stored there within can be removed. This box provides a security feature in that the first gripping portion cannot be gripped when the box is in the closed position. The hiding away of the first gripping portion within the sleeve ensures that a child does not grip and pull the first gripping portion to open the box and reveal a dangerous item. Furthermore, to reveal the first gripping portion, the user must push a push area of the tray member. Again, this does not open the box completely, but simply places the box into a first partially open position, wherefrom the user may grip the first gripping portion and pull it to fully open the box and reveal a first item stored there within. The security feature provided is simple for an adult user to follow and open the box, and does not require strength or for the user to overcome any resistance of any materials in the security feature. The security feature is challenging for a child user to determine how to open the box, and thus a child user is prevented from opening the box and accessing the dangerous item stored there within.

Preferably, the tab member is attached to the belt member at a first intermediate point by a first adhesive, the tray member is attached to the belt member at a second intermediate point by a second adhesive, and in the closed position the first and second intermediate points are located at substantially the midpoint of the planar divider. This feature provides several advantages. Firstly, the first and second intermediate points being located at the midpoint of the planar divider allows the tray member to carry items within it in both sides of the intermediate point, and present these items at either side of the box. If the intermediate point was located at one side of the planar divider, or the other, then the tray member would not be divided up as it is presently, and it would not be able to travel out of the sleeve on both sides. Furthermore, the positioning of the intermediate points at the midpoint of the planar divider allows the adhesives positioned at the intermediate points to provide an arresting function at both sides of the planar divider. This arresting function ensures that the tray member does not travel further than it is meant to, i.e. to reveal the other contents stored there within.

Alternatively, the tab member is attached to the belt member at a first intermediate point by a first adhesive, the tray member is attached to the belt member at a second intermediate point by a second adhesive and in the closed position the first and second intermediate points are offset equally from the midpoint of the planar divider and are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the planar divider. This provides the advantage of providing an arrangement whereby two items of significantly different size or shape can be used with the secure box, as this allows the amount of the tray member which protrudes from the box on either side to be selected, rather than it simply being around half of the length of the tray member. Furthermore, if only one item is used in the secure box, and it is a relatively small item in comparison to the size of the box, only a short protrusion of the tray member outside of the sleeve is required. Full protrusion of the tray member out of the sleeve member when it is not necessary may weaken the box, so the arresting function ensures that the tray member is stopped once it reaches its desired point.

Additionally, in the first open position the first and second intermediate points may be located at opposite ends of the planar divider, such that the movement of the tray member and the tab member outwardly from within the sleeve is arrested. This provides the advantage that the tab member and tray member do not become detached from the box once the box has reached the first open position, as it is not required to be opened any further in this direction.

Preferably, the sleeve and the planar divider are formed from a single sheet of material, which is folded and glued. This allows the sleeve and planar divider to be easily manufactured and assembled. Additionally, because there are no additional securing features, the sleeve and planar divider can be made of recyclable materials, and can both be easily recycled without the need to firstly remove non-recyclable securing features. Additionally, the tray member may also be formed from a single sheet of material, which is folded and glued, providing the same advantages as previously mentioned with respect to the sleeve and planar divider.

Preferably, the sleeve, planar divider, tab member and tray member are made from cardboard. This provides the advantage that the box is lightweight, cheap to manufacture and recyclable. Even if the box is not recycled, cardboard is biodegradable and so it is an environmentally friendly material from which most of the box can be made.

Preferably, the belt member is made of a biodegradable plastic or paper material. This provides an environmentally friendly solution. When the belt member is made of biodegradable plastic or paper material and the other components of the box are recyclable or biodegradable, such as the sleeve, planar divider and tab member being made from cardboard, a box which is completely recyclable is provided. This has great environmental benefits, particularly when compared with prior art security packaging which often features plastic resistance members which are not recyclable, or which have to be removed from the packaging before the remainder of the packaging can be recycled. This causes an inconvenience to the user, and often results in the entire packaging not being recycled.

Preferably, the tab member further comprises a second gripping portion located at an end of the tab member opposite to the first gripping portion, and the tray member further comprises a second space for storing a product and a second push area located at an end of the tab member opposite the first push area. The box is further configured to move from the closed position, through a second partially open position to a second open position. In the closed position the second gripping portion is fully enclosed by the first main panel and the tray member and the second push area is accessible such that it can be pushed by a user. In the second partially open position the second gripping portion extends beyond the first main panel, and in the second open position the second space extends at least partially beyond the first main panel such that a product stored there within can be removed. This provides the advantage of the box being able to store two products, one in either side of the box. The two products may be the same products, or the products may be different. If the products are different products, this allows the user to be able to carry two different items, for example a vaporizer and e-liquid cartridges, together in one box, which reduces the risk of the user losing one of the items, the e-liquid for example. Furthermore, the secure packaging box described is made even more secure by the present feature, as items which need to be assembled to be used, such as a vaporizer and e-liquid, are kept separate, and a child would need to determine how to open both sides of the box individually to access both of these items. This greatly reduces the risk that a child will be able to access the two items which when assembled become very dangerous.

Preferably, in the second open position the first and second intermediate points are located at opposite ends of the planar divider, such that the movement of the tray member and the tab member outwardly from within the sleeve is arrested. This provides the advantage that the tab member and tray member do not become detached from the box once the box has reached the second open position, as the box is not required to be opened any further in this direction.

Preferably, one or more of the first gripping portion, the second gripping portion, the first push area and the second push area comprises printed text or pictorial instructions. This allows instructions explaining how to open the box to be printed on appropriate areas of the box so that an adult user can instantly understand the steps required to open the box. This allows the correct level of instruction to be presented to the user, as a box of which the opening mechanism is completely self-explanatory may be too simple to open and so could possibly be opened by a child, whereas with the present box a suitable level of instruction can be provided such that an adult user will be able to follow the instructions to open the box, but not a child.

Preferably, the sleeve further comprises a first cut-out portion at a first edge of the second main panel configured to allow the first push area to be pushed by a user. The gap between the first main panel and second main panel might be small relative to a user's finger, and so the user may struggle to insert part of their finger into the gap to sufficiently push the first push area so that the tab member moves enough that the first gripping portion becomes grippable. The provision of a cut-out portion has the advantage of allowing the user to easily push the first push area with a finger or thumb, as the finger or thumb can travel the required distance in the cut-out region, without needing to be inserted into the narrow gap. The provision of a cut-out region also guides the user as to the required amount the first push area has to be pushed to reveal a sufficient amount (i.e. the gripping portion) of the tab member to allow it to be pulled. It also makes it more difficult for a user to push the first push area further than is intended, which could move the box from the first partially open position to the first open position, whereas the cut-out serves to allow easy moving of the box from the closed position to the first partially open position, but not beyond this point until the user pulls on the first gripping portion.

Preferably, the sleeve further comprises a second cut-out portion at a second edge of the second main panel opposite the first edge of the second main panel, wherein the second cut-out portion is configured to allow the second push area to be pushed by a user. This allows the user to easily push the second push area in the same way as the first cut-out portion allows the user to easily push the first push area. The second cut-out portion provides the same advantages as mentioned with respect to the first cut-out portion.

Preferably, the tab member comprises a second tray member, wherein the second tray member comprises at least one additional space for storing a product. In the closed position the additional space is fully enclosed by the first main panel, and in the first or second open position the additional space extends at least partially beyond the first main panel such that a product stored there within can be removed. This arrangement provides an additional space where a product can be stored. A product stored in a second tray member as described can only be accessed after the user has pushed either the first or second push areas, allowing the storage of additional items which must be kept away from children. Furthermore, the use of a second tray member as a tab member improves the efficiency of space within the box, allowing additional items to be stored therein.

Preferably, the sleeve may comprise an aperture in one of the first main panel, second main panel or one of the side panels, and the tray member may comprise a resiliently deformable portion and a latch located at the resiliently deformable portion and configured to resiliently move when pressed by a user. This provides the advantage that when the box is in the closed position, the latch and aperture are registered such that the latch protrudes at least partially into the aperture to arrest the movement of the tray member relative to the sleeve. This provides a very effective child safety feature whereby the box cannot be opened unless the child figures out how to open it and is actually able to perform the simultaneous pressing of both the latch and the first push area.

Preferably, the resiliently deformable portion is formed of at least one slot or slit in the tray member. This is provides resiliency in an easy to manufacture way, particularly when the tray member is made from cardboard.

Preferably, the latch is sized and arranged to be pressed by a finger of an adult user. More preferably, the latch has a minimum length of 5 mm and a minimum width of 5 mm. This provides a dimension suitable for locating and pressing by an adult finger.

Preferably, the panel of the sleeve in which the aperture is located comprises a thickened wall portion at least partially surrounding the aperture. This provides a strong surface for the latch to slide along.

Preferably, the thickened wall portion is a latchkeeper and comprises one or more of: a laminate or laminated material; a hardwood; and a compostable wood. Laminates provide a slidable surface for the latch to slide along, whilst hardwood and compostable wood provide environmentally friendly solutions as these can be recycled and composted, respectively.

Optionally, in the first partially open position or first open position the latch is arranged to contact an inner surface of the sleeve. The latch can therefore slide along the inside of the sleeve whilst being biased against the inside and is therefore ready to protrude into the aperture when the latch aligns with the aperture.

Preferably, in the first partially open position or first open position the latch is arranged to contact the latchkeeper. This allows the latchkeeper to protect the sleeve by taking the biased force of the latch against it, ensuring that the latch will protrude into the aperture when the latch becomes aligned with the aperture.

Preferably, in the first partially open position and first open position the tray member is free to move within the sleeve. This allows the tray member to slide when the user pushes it or pulls the pull area, as the latch is not locking it and stopping it from sliding.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a box for storing a product, the box comprising a generally tubular sleeve defining a through passage, a planar divider extending across said passage, a belt member extending around said divider, a tab member extending into said passage, and a tray member extending into said passage. The tab member and the tray member are each attached to the belt member and the tray member comprises a first space for storing a first product and a second space for storing a second product. The sleeve comprises a first main panel, a second main panel and two side panels each connecting the first and second main panels. The box is configured to move from a first open position, through a closed position to a second open position. In the closed position the first and second spaces are fully covered by the first main panel. In the first open position the first space extends partially beyond the first main panel such that a product stored there within can be removed, and the second space is fully covered such that a product stored there within cannot be removed. In the second open position the second space extends partially beyond the first main panel such that a product stored there within can be removed, and the first space is fully covered such that a product stored there within cannot be removed. This provides an arrangement whereby two products or items can be efficiently stored in one box, whilst only providing access to one of the products or items at any one time, providing a security feature.

Preferably, the tray member further comprises a first push area located externally on the tray member and a second push area located externally on the tray member and opposite the first push area. This provides a means of opening the box by pushing either of the first or second push areas. The opposing first and second push areas allows an arrangement whereby pushing in a first direction will open the box one way, and pushing in a second direction opposite to the first direction will open the box another way, to reveal a different product to the product revealed when the box is pushed in the first direction. The opening of the box by pushing a particular push area to reveal a particular item increases the security of the box against children, as it may be challenging for a child to figure out how to open the box.

Preferably, the tab member is attached to the belt member at a first joining region of the tab member, the first joining region being located at a first intermediate location between first and second opposed edges of the tab member. The tray member may be attached to the belt member at a second joining region of the tray member, the second joining region being located at a second intermediate location between first and second opposed edges of the tray member. Movement of the tab member into or out of the sleeve causes movement of the tray member in the opposite direction. This provides an arrangement whereby the user can push or pull the tab member to control the movement of the tray member into or out of the sleeve. This allows the tab member to be designed for easy gripping by a finger or thumb of a user, whilst allowing the tray member to be designed for storing the products there within. This also allows the tray member to store two products there within, with the joining region being located between them, such that movement of the tray member out of one side of the box reveals a first product, and movement of the tray member out of the other side of the box reveals a second product.

Preferably, when in the closed position the first intermediate location is substantially halfway between the first and second opposed edges of the tab member, and the second intermediate location is substantially halfway between the first and second opposed edges of the tray member. This provides an arrangement whereby the tray member can move such that around half of its volume can be exposed from one side of the box, and half of its volume can be exposed from the other side of the box.

Optionally, the first and second spaces are the same single space within the tray member. This allows for a simple design of the tray member without the need for complicated or small spaces in the tray member to house different items, which could increase the cost or complexity of manufacture.

Alternatively, the first and second spaces are separate spaces each located wholly on opposite sides of the second joining region. This provides the advantage of allowing the items to be stored in each of the first and second spaces to be kept completely separate from each other, and adds additional security as there is no chance that the first item could be pulled through into the second space if they are separate and distinct spaces within the tray member. Furthermore, it guarantees that when the box is in one of the open positions the user cannot see the other item, thus if a child were to open the box into the first open position for example, the child would not see the items in the second space, and would therefore not be motivated to put the box into the second open position to access these items. This increases the security feature of the box.

Preferably, the first space is located on both sides of the second joining region, and comprises a covered portion located on the same side of the second joining region as the second space, and an uncovered portion located on the opposite side of the second joining region from the second space. This provides the advantage of allowing for an efficient layout of the tray member, wherein the covered portion ensures that the item stored in the first space is not accessible when the item stored in the second space is accessible. This ensures that the security feature of the box is maintained whilst providing a box which is space efficient by allowing the first and second spaces to overlap along the length of the box.

Preferably, the first space is not visible or accessible when the box is in the second open position. This ensures that the security feature of the box is maintained. Furthermore, the user is presented with a box which is space efficient without the user being able to see the internal layout of the box which results in the efficiency, i.e. the layout of the tray member. Furthermore, if a child were to open the box to access one of the spaces, for example the first space, the child would not be able to see the contents of the other space, i.e. the second space. This ensures that the child is not prompted to figure out how to open the box to access the second item stored within the box. This is particularly useful, as previously mentioned, when the box contains two items which are particularly dangerous when used together, such as a vaporizer and e-liquid. This therefore provides a box that does not allow visibility or access to the e-liquid even if the child manages to open the box to access the vaporizer, for example.

Preferably, the tray member comprises an aperture which is sized and arranged to allow a finger of a user to push a product upwards from within the first space. This provides easier access to the item stored within the first space, which otherwise may be difficult to remove particularly due to the overlapping arrangement previously mentioned. An aperture which allows a finger to push the item upwards overcomes this problem as the item is then raised at one end from within the tray, and the item can then easily be pulled to be removed.

The tab member may comprise a gripping portion at each of one or both opposed edges of the tab member, the or each gripping portion not being covered by the first and second main panels in the closed position, such that the gripping portion of the tab member can be gripped to pull the tab member out from the sleeve. This allows the box to be opened by the user by simply pulling the tab member. If a gripping portion is provided at both opposed edges of the tab member, a user can pull the appropriate gripping portion to cause the tab member to move and the appropriate space within the tray to be revealed at the other end of the sleeve.

The tray member may be shorter than the tab member, so that the tray member does not interfere with the gripping portion of the tab member.

The first and second main panels may include recess portions which expose the or each gripping portion in the closed position. For example, the recess portion may be a semi-circular or arcuate cur-out portion, which allows the user to grip the gripping portion with a finger and thumb.

The or each gripping portion may extend beyond the first and second main panels in the closed position. In this case it is not necessary for the first and second main panels to have recesses, nor for the tray member to be shorter than the tab member. The user simply grips the extending gripping portion at either end to pull or push the tab in the appropriate direction. This allows the box to be opened in either direction, revealing either of the two products stored there within, simply pulling the tab member.

Preferably, the box is configured such that pulling or pushing of the tab member in the first direction causes the tray member to be moved in the second direction, and pulling or pushing of the tab member in the second direction causes the tray member to be moved in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1a shows a side sectional view of a box in accordance with the present invention, and shown in a closed position;

FIG. 1b shows a side sectional view of the box of FIG. 1a in a first partially open position;

FIG. 1c shows a side sectional view of the box of FIG. 1a in a first open position;

FIG. 1d shows a side sectional view of the box of FIG. 1a in a second partially open position;

FIG. 1e shows a side sectional view of the box of FIG. 1a in a second open position;

FIG. 1f shows a partial plan of a variant of the box of FIG. 1a in the closed position;

FIG. 1g shows a partial plan of another variant of the box of FIG. 1a in the closed position;

FIG. 2a shows a plan view of the box of FIG. 1a in the closed position;

FIG. 2b shows a plan view of the box of FIG. 1a in the first partially open position;

FIG. 2c shows a plan view of the box of FIG. 1a in the first open position;

FIG. 2d shows a plan view of the box of FIG. 1a in the second partially open position;

FIG. 2e shows a plan view of the box of FIG. 1a in the second open position;

FIG. 3 show an exploded perspective view of some of the internal components of the box of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1a in the closed position;

FIG. 4b shows a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1a in the first partially open position;

FIG. 4c shows a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1a in the first open position;

FIG. 4d shows a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1a in the second partially open position;

FIG. 4e shows a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1a in the second open position;

FIG. 5a shows a first blank which can be folded to make a sleeve and a planar divider;

FIG. 5b shows a second blank which can be folded to make a tray; FIG. 5c shows a third blank which can form a tab member;

FIG. 6a shows another embodiment of a box in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the box comprising an additional security feature;

FIG. 6b shows the box of FIG. 6a in a closed position, and being opened by a user;

FIG. 6c shows the box of FIG. 6a in a first partially open position;

FIG. 6d shows the box of FIG. 6a in a first open position;

FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show the box of FIG. 6a in the closed, first partially open position and open position, respectively;

FIGS. 8a and 8b shows the tray member of the box of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 9 shows a blank for folding to make the inner tray of the tray member of the box of FIG. 6a; and

FIG. 10 shows a blank for folding to make the outer tray of the tray member of the box of FIG. 6a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a sectional side view of a packaging box 100, herein after referred to as simply a box 100, in a closed position. The box 100 has a generally tubular outer sleeve 101 defining a through passage and a tab member 102. The sleeve 101 comprises a first main panel 101a (upper panel), a second main panel 101b, and side panels 101c, 101d (shown in FIGS. 4a-4d).

When the box 100 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the tab member 102 is enclosed with the sleeve 101, in that most of the tab member 102 is not visible except for a first end portion 103 and a second end portion 104, which are visible as they are located at the open ends of the tubular outer sleeve 101 when the box 100 is in the closed position.

The tab member 102 has a first gripping portion 105 and a second gripping portion 106, wherein each of the first and second gripping portions 105, 106 are large enough to be gripped by a thumb and a finger, however neither of the first gripping portion 105 or second gripping portion 106 can be gripped when the box 100 is in the closed position. To access the contents of the box 100, the user must grip one of the first or second gripping portions 105, 106, as will be described, and thus when in the closed position the user does not have direct access to said gripping portions 105, 106, which provides a safety feature protecting the contents of the box from easy access for, for example, children.

The box 100 further comprises a belt member 107 which comprises a strip of sheet material joined to form a continuous loop which extends around at least a portion of a planar divider 108. The planar divider 108 extends across a through passage created by the sleeve 101. In the closed position, a first side of the belt member 107 (i.e. the upper side in the described embodiment) is attached to the tab member 102 by a first adhesive 109 at an intermediate point of the tab member 102. A second side (i.e. the lower side in the described embodiment) of the belt member 107 is attached to a tray member 110 by a second adhesive 111 at an intermediate point of the tray member 110.

The box 100 is for carrying and securing items there within. The tray member 110 can carry items within it, which can be accessed by the user by moving the box 100 from the closed position shown in FIG. 1a to a first open position or second open position where the items within the tray member 110 can be accessed.

The tray member 110 of the present embodiment can carry different items in opposite sides of the tray member 110, such that the user can access one type of item by opening the box 100 in one direction (placing the box 100 into the first open position), and access the other type of item by opening the box 100 in the other direction (placing the box 100 into the second open position).

The tray member 110 has a first push area 112 located at the same side of the box 100 as the first gripping portion 105, and a second push area 113 located at the same side of the box 100 as the second gripping portion 106. The first and second push areas 112, 113 are visible and accessible to be pushed by a finger when the box 100 is in the closed position. The first and second push areas 112, 113 may further comprise a visual indication of how to open the box 100 to access the each of the two items stored there within. The visual indication may be in the form of written text such as ‘Push for A’ on the first push area 112 and ‘Push for B’ on the second push area 113, where A and B are the items stored within the box 100. The instructions may also be in the form of a drawing, picture or pictorial representation of instructions which a child would not understand. Alternatively, the box 100 may comprise no written or pictorial instructions, in which case an adult is assumed to be able to figure out how to open the box 100 to access the contents, whereas a child would not be able to.

Regardless of the presence of instructions, if the user wishes to access the contents of the box 100, the user can apply finger pressure to the first push area 112 which will move the tray member 110 in direction a. The belt member 107 will move as the tray member 110 is pushed by the user, and the belt member 107 will simultaneously move the first gripping portion 105 such that it protrudes from within the sleeve 101, as shown in FIG. 1b which shows the box 100 in a first partially open position.

The first and second gripping portions 105, 106 may comprise similar instructions to those printed on the first and second push areas 112, 113, indicating to the adult user that the first and second gripping portions 105, 106 must be pulled to access the contents of the box 100. For example, the first gripping portion 105 and second gripping portion 106 may comprise printed text such as ‘Pull for A’ and ‘Pull for B’, respectively.

Still referring to FIG. 1b, the first gripping portion 105 can now be gripped and pulled by the user, for example by a finger and thumb of the user. When the user pulls the first gripping portion 105 such that the tab member 102 is removed further from within the sleeve 101 (i.e. when the tab member 102 is pulled in direction 13), the belt member 107 will cause the tray member 110 to move in direction a. The travel of the tab member 102 and the tray member 110 are arrested by the first adhesive 109 and second adhesive 111 reaching the ends of the planar divider 108 and being unable to travel around the planar divider 108, as shown in FIG. 1c where the box 100 is shown in the first open position, where the contents A of the box 100 are accessible.

Where the user wants to access the contents B in the opposite side of the tray member 110, the user can slide the tray member 110 back inside the box 100 to place the box 100 back into the closed position. The user can then apply finger pressure to the second push area 113 which will move the tray member 110 in direction 13. The belt member 107 will move as the tray member 110 is pushed by the user, and the belt member 107 will simultaneously move the tab member 102 such that the second gripping portion 106 protrudes from within the sleeve 101, as shown in FIG. 1d which shows the box 100 in a second partially open position.

The second gripping portion 106 can now be gripped and pulled by the user, for example by a finger and thumb of the user. When the user pulls the second gripping portion 106 such that the tab member 102 is removed further from within the sleeve 101 (i.e. when the tab member 102 is pulled in direction a), the belt member 107 will cause the tray member 110 to move in direction—The travel of the tab member 102 and the tray member 110 are again arrested by the first adhesive 109 and second adhesive 111 reaching the ends of the planar divider 108 and being unable to travel around the planar divider 108, as shown in FIG. 1e, where the box 100 is shown in the second open position, where the contents B of the box 100 are accessible.

The described arrangement provides a secure packaging which would be difficult for a child to determine how to open the packaging. Furthermore, the ability to store items (A and B) in opposite sides of the box 100, and allow access to both sides of the box 100 means that space is not wasted within the tray member 110, allowing a slim profile of the box 100 to be obtained.

Referring to FIGS. 1e and 1f, there are shown two variants of the box 100, for use in cases where it is not necessary to make the box childproof to the same degree, for example when storing confectionery, playthings or toys or the like. The box still provides the ability to store items (A and B) in opposite sides of the box 100, and allow access to both sides of the box 100, so that space is not wasted within the tray member 110, allowing a slim profile of the box 100 to be obtained.

FIG. 1e is a partial view on the end of a first variant of the box 100, in which the tab member 102 includes a gripping portion 102a, which is visible beneath the first main panel 101a of the sleeve 101 in the closed position. The gripping portion 102a can be provided at only one edge of the tab member 102, or two gripping portions 102a can be provided, one at each opposed edge of the tab member 102. The first and second main panels each include recess portions 101e, which in this case are arcuate cut-outs, which expose the gripping portion 102a in the closed position. The tray member 110 is shorter than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1a to 1d, so that it does not extend as far as the gripping portion 102a, and does not interfere with a user gripping the gripping portion 102a with finger and thumb to push or pull the tab member 102. However the tray member 110 may itself extend to the edge of the sleeve 101 and include a cut-out portion itself (not illustrated), or may extend partially across the gripping portion 102a. In use a user can pull the gripping member 102a at either end of the box 100 to reveal the contents A or B of the tray member 110 which is extended at the opposite end of the box 100.

FIG. 1f is a partial view on the end of a second variant of the box 100, in which the tab member 102 includes a gripping portion 102b which extends beyond the edge of the sleeve 101 in the closed position. The gripping portion 102b may be any suitable shape, and is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 1f. The gripping portion 102b must extend sufficiently in the closed position to be gripped by a user. The gripping portion 102b can be provided at only one edge of the tab member 102, or two gripping portions 102b can be provided, one at each opposed edge of the tab member 102. In use a user can pull the gripping portion 102b at either end of the box 100 to reveal the contents A or B of the tray member 110 which is extended at the opposite end of the box 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, and 2b-FIG. 3, which show the box 100 in plan view and further details of the tray member 110 and features thereof which achieve a slim profile, respectively. In FIG. 2a the box 100 is shown in plan view in the closed position, with the tab member 102 and tray member 110 not protruding from within the sleeve 101. In this position, any contents of the tray member 110 are not accessible as they are fully covered within the box 100. The first and second gripping portions 105, 106 of the tab member 102 cannot be gripped by a user as they are enclosed within the sleeve 101 and the first and second push areas 112, 113 are accessible such that they can be pushed by a user.

FIG. 2b shows the box 100 in the first partially open position with the first gripping portion 105 protruding from within the sleeve 101. The tray member 110 also protrudes from within the sleeve 101, however the tray member 110 and contents A are arranged such that the contents A cannot be removed from within the tray member 110 in this first partially open position.

As shown in FIG. 2b, the tray member 110 is configured to have first and second channels 114, 115 wherein items A can be stored, and a third channel 116 wherein item B can be stored. In the described embodiment, the third channel 116 is covered in the first partially open position and first open position such that the item stored there within cannot be accessed and removed, however the described configuration makes use of the space available between the first and second channels 114, 115. This provides a slim and narrow design which utilizes the available space within the tray member 110.

FIG. 2c shows the box 100 in the first open position, where the items A can now be removed from within the tray member 110. FIGS. 2d and 2e show the box 100 in the second partially open position and the second open position, respectively. In the second partially open position, item B cannot be removed from within the tray member 110, however it can be removed from within the tray member 110 when the box 100 is in the second open position shown in FIG. 2e.

The tray member 110 may be divided at the intermediate point at which the second adhesive 111 attaches the tray member 110 to the belt member 107. In this regard, items A are located on one side of this intermediate point, and item B is located on the other side of this intermediate point. This allows the tray member 110 to reach its arrested point at either side of the box 100 whilst only displaying and making accessible one of the items A or B to the user at either side. As previously described however, the items (specifically item Bin the described embodiment) may overlap the intermediate point and protrude into the other side of the tray member 110. The covering of either protruding item stops both items being accessible at once, whilst allowing a slim, narrow and efficient packaging.

The described configuration has the advantage that it provides security against children accessing either of items A or B individually, and is even more secure against children accessing both of items A and B, as a child would have to figure out how to open one side of the box 100, and then how to open the other side of the box 100. This is particularly useful where a product is stored in the box 100 which must be assembled for use as a dangerous product. As an example only, items A might be e-liquid cartridges for a vaporizer and item B might be a vaporizer. In this example, it would be desirable to keep each of items A and B secure individually, and secure from being assembled by a child. Thus if the child were to open the box 100 to reveal, for example the vaporizer, the child would face the further challenge of accessing the e-liquid cartridges, for which the further described process of opening the box 100 in the opposite direction would need to be performed.

The space saving overlapping arrangement described is further shown in the exploded perspective view of the internal components of the box 100 shown in FIG. 3. Items A fit within the first and second channels 114, 115 which do not extend across the full length of the tray member 110, whereas item B fits within the third channel 116 which extends across the full length of the tray member 110. It will be understood by the Skilled Person that the channels 114, 115, 116 may extend across some or all of the length of the tray member 110 depending on the dimensions of the items A and B which are to be stored within the channels 114, 115, 116. Furthermore, there may be different products stored in the first and second channels 114, 115, or indeed there may be only two channels or more than the three channels, 114, 115, 116 described with reference to the current embodiment.

In the described embodiment shown in FIG. 3, items A can be directly removed from the tray member 110 when the box 100 is in the first open position. When the box 100 is in the second open position, item B cannot be directly removed (i.e. lifted directly upwards). It is preferable that when an overlapping of item B across the intermediate point where the second adhesive 111 is applied is used to provide a more efficiently designed tray member 110, the tray member 110 also comprises an aperture on its underside. The aperture is sized and arranged to allow a finger of a user to push item B upwards so that it can be easily removed from within the tray member 110.

Although described in the present embodiment as separate channels within the tray member 110, the spaces where items A and B are positioned may be one space arranged to hold item A at one side and item B at the other side, or alternatively there may be catches or ridges to hold each item in its desired side within the single space in the tray member 110. In this case, the joining region may overlay the single space such that the items A and B can be placed into the tray member 110 under the joining region.

Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the first adhesive 109 attaches the tab member 102 to the belt member 107 at an intermediate point which is close to the midpoint of the tab member 102, and the second adhesive 111 attaches the tray member 110 to the belt member 107 at an intermediate point which is close to the midpoint of the tray member 110. Alternative positioning of the intermediate points may be used if the tray member 110 is used to store two different items which are different in size, or if the spaces within the tray member 110 are arranged in different configurations, i.e. one running parallel with the longitudinal length of the box 100 and one transverse to the longitudinal length of the box 100. For example, the tray member 110 may be divided such that it only needs to protrude 115th of its length from within the sleeve 101 in a first direction to reveal and allow the first item to be removed, whereas on the other side it may need to protrude 415th of its length to reveal and allow a much larger item to be removed. In this case the intermediate points where the first and second adhesives 109, 111 are located to attach the tab member 102 to the belt member 107, and the tray member 110 to the belt member 107, can be offset, such that the travel of the tray member 110 and the tab member 102 are arrested at 115th and 415th of the tray member 110 length, when moved to the first open position and second open position.

The offset of the intermediate points in such an arrangement is asymmetric about the planar divider 108. Thus, if, in the closed position, the intermediate point where the first adhesive 109 attaches the tab member 102 to the belt member 107 is located 1cm from the midpoint of the box 100 in direction a, the intermediate point of the second adhesive 111 is located 1cm from the midpoint in direction 13. This provides an arrangement whereby the first and second adhesives 109, 111 will reach their respective ends of the planar divider 108 at the same time, and will both perform the required arresting function.

The entire box 100 may be comprised of 100% recyclable materials. For example, in the present embodiment, the sleeve 101, tab member 102, planar divider 108 and tray member 110 are made of cardboard, while the belt member 107 is made of paper or biodegradable plastic. These materials are recyclable, and allow the entire box 100 to be recycled.

Advertising material, images, printed text or printed graphics may be printed on the tab member 102 which is then visible when the box 100 is in the first or second open positions. This has the advantage that in provides a space where advertising material is only visible to adults who can open the box 100, and further provides a space where advertising material is visible to the user when in use, but not to the general public when the product is stocked in a shop, which may comply with some regulations on the advertising of certain products for which the box 100 may be used, for example for nicotine products in some countries.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a-4e, which show perspective views of the box 100 in the previously mentioned positions, viewed from a position on the left side of the drawings in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 4a, the first main panel 101a, second main panel 101b and one of the side panels 101c can be seen. The additional feature of a cut-out 117 on the second main panel 101b of the sleeve 101 can be seen. The cut-out 117 serves to allow a finger or thumb of a user to push the first push area 112 of the tray member 110 in a manner which does not require the finger or thumb to be inserted into the narrow opening formed between the first main panel 101a and second main panel 101b of the sleeve 101. The cut-out 117 is a substantially large enough recess on a first edge of the second main panel 101b of the sleeve 101 such that when the user pushes the first push area of the tray member 110, the tray member 110 will be able to travel far enough that the corresponding gripping portion, the first gripping portion 105 of the tab member 102, will protrude enough from within the sleeve 101 that it can be gripped and pulled by the user to completely open the box 100. The cut-out 117 must not be so large that the user can push the tray member 110 far enough that the box 100 can be placed in the first open position by only pushing the tray member 110. Thus, the cut-out 117 must be suitably sized for the size, shape and position of the channel within the tray member 110 which holds the product to be accessed.

This first partially open position is shown in perspective view in FIG. 4b. The cut-out 117 is shown in the first edge of the second main panel 101b of the sleeve 101, however it will be understood that the cut-out 117 would perform its function equally well in either of the side panels, or indeed in the first main panel 101a if the layering of the tab member 102, belt member 107, planar divider 108 and tray member 110 were reversed such that the tray member 110 is positioned closest to the first main panel 101a, with the tab member 102 positioned closest to the second main panel 101b.

Referring now to FIG. 4c which shows the box 100 in the first open position, where it can be seen that items A are accessible such that they can be removed from the tray member 110. FIGS. 4d and 4e show the box 100 in the second partially open position and second open position, respectively. It can be seen in FIG. 4d that item B is visible in the second partially open position, however it cannot be removed without further opening the box 100, i.e. moving the box 100 to the second open position. Again, the user can grip the second gripping portion 106 and pull it to move the tray member 110 outwardly from within the sleeve 101. In the second open position shown in FIG. 4e, item B can be accessed and removed from the tray member 110.

FIG. 5a shows a first blank 200 for folding to make the sleeve 101 and the planar divider 108. The first blank 200 is made of one continuous piece of cardboard, which can be folded along fold lines 210 to form a box 100 which comprises a first main panel 220 (upper panel of the box 100), a second main panel 230 (lower panel of the box 100) and two side panels 240, 250 (side walls of the box 100) each connecting the first main panel and second main panel 220, 230. When folded the first blank 200 also forms the planar divider 108 which becomes positioned between the side panels 240, 250 parallel to and spaced apart from the first main panel 220 and second main panel 230. The first blank 200 can be glued after it has been folded, thus ensuring the first blank 200 forms and maintains the shape of the box 100. FIG. 5a also shows the belt member 107 wrapped around a portion of the planar divider 108. The belt member 107 may be positioned and glued or otherwise secured to form a continuous loop around the planar divider 108 before the first blank 200 is folded.

FIG. 5b shows a second blank 300 which is also made of cardboard and can be folded along fold lines 310 to make the tray member 110. The second blank 300 may comprise printable areas 320, 330 on the underside thereof on the first and second push areas 112, 113, respectively. This allows the instructions such as ‘Push for A’ and ‘Push for B’ to be printed on the second blank 300 before it is folded into a tray. The internal layout of the tray member 110 may vary depending on the number of items to be stored therein, and the size of each item. The internal channels within the tray, i.e. first 114, second 115 and third channels 116 may be formed by folding a sheet of cardboard and gluing it inside the tray member 110. Alternatively, the first, second and third channels 114, 115, 116 may be formed within the tray member 110 when the tray member 110 itself is folded from the second blank 300. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the second blank 300 may be adapted to include additional tabs which can be folded inwardly to lay inside the tray member 110 and form channels therein. The size, shape and number of these tabs and corresponding channels will again be dependent on the products to be stored within the box 100.

In the case where the first and second spaces are a single space within the tray member 110, the joining region may also be formed by folding an additional tab or tabs inwardly from the blank 300. The size and location of the additional tab to form the joining region when folded depends on the particular arrangement of the tray member 110.

As previously described, the tray member 110 may comprise a space which overlaps the intermediate point which attaches the tray member 110 to the belt member 107. In such a case, the second blank 300 for forming the tray member 110 also comprises an aperture (not shown) arranged such that when the second blank 300 is assembled as a tray member 110, the item which is to be stored within the overlapping space can be pushed, by a user inserting a finger through the aperture, to aid the removal of the item, since it may be difficult to remove the item from the tray member 110 due to the covered portion beyond the intermediate point.

FIG. 5c shows a third blank 400 which forms the tab member 102. Similarly to the printable areas 320, 330 of the second blank 300, printable areas 410, 420 are present on the third blank 400, corresponding to the gripping portions 105, 106 of the tab member 102. Again, these printable areas 410, 420 allow the instructions, such as ‘Pull for A’ and ‘Pull for B’ to be printed on mass on a sheet material before the third blank 400 is cut therefrom to make a tab member 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 10, which show another embodiment of a box in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate like parts to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The box 1000 comprises an additional security feature in the form of a latch 1018 positioned on the tray member 1110 within the box 1000. The latch 1018 shown in this embodiment is a rectangular push button which protrudes through a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture 1019 in the side panel 1101c. It will be appreciated that the latch 1018 may be any suitable size and shape, for example it may be circular. The latch 1018 may be at least 5 mm by 5 mm to allow it to be pushed by an adult finger. The latch 1018 is positioned on a resiliently deformable portion of the tray member 1110, to allow the latch 1018 to move inwardly and return to the position shown in FIG. 6a. In the closed position shown in FIG. 6a, the latch 1018 protrudes into the aperture 1019 sufficiently such that the latch 1018 cannot move longitudinally past the aperture 1019, i.e. the movement of the latch 1018 is arrested by the edge of the aperture 1019. As will be described with reference to later figures, the latch 1018 must be pushed inwardly to move the latch 1018 out of the aperture 1019 and to allow the latch 1018 to move longitudinally, and thus allow the tray member 1110 to move relative to the sleeve 1101 as previously described with reference to the first embodiment and FIGS. 1-4.

Operation of the additional security feature is now shown in FIGS. 6b-6d. Referring firstly to FIG. 6b, to allow the tray member 1110 to slide relative to the sleeve 1101, the latch 1018 is pressed by a finger or thumb inwardly to move the latch 1018 out of the aperture 1019. At the same time, the user must press the first push area 1112 with another finger. This simultaneous pushing of the first push area 1112 and latch 1018 moves the tray member 1110 such that the latch 1018 becomes caught on the inside of the sleeve 1101, however the latch 1018 is able to slide along the inside of the sleeve 1101 as the user continues to push the first push area 1112. The requirement of simultaneous pushing of the latch 1018 and first push area 1112 provides a challenging arrangement which would not be easily resolved by a child.

Referring now to FIG. 6c, it can be seen that the latch 1018 has been pushed out of the aperture 1019 and is caught behind the sleeve 1101, in that it is biased towards the sleeve 1101 by the resilient portion of the tray member 1110, however it is free to slide along the inside of the sleeve 1101 as previous discussed. In the position shown in FIG. 6c, the first pull area 1105 has become visible and grippable by the user, and the user can now pull this first pull area 1105 to cause the tray member 1110 to protrude fully from inside the sleeve 1101 such that the product stored within the tray member 1110 can be removed from within. As the first pull area 1105 is pulled by the user, the latch 1018 continues to slide along the inside of the sleeve 1101. It will be appreciated that the resilient biasing of the latch 1018 provides a great advantage in that the user can return the box to the closed and locked position by pushing the tray member 1110 back inside the sleeve 1101, resulting in the latch 1018 protruding into the aperture 1019 as the latch 1018 is moved to align with the aperture 1019. When the latch 1018 is again positioned within the aperture 1019, the box 1000 is locked closed as the user needs to perform the above mentioned steps to open the box 1000 again.

The movement of the latch 1018 can be seen in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c which show an alternative view as the box 1000 is opened. The latch 1018 can be seen in FIG. 7a, which shows the box in the closed position. The latch 1018 protrudes into the aperture 1019 before it is pushed inwardly and then slid along the inside of the sleeve 1101. In the first partially open position shown in FIG. 7b, the latch 1018 is partially visible, however in the first open position shown in FIG. 7c the latch is not visible. The latch 1018 shown in FIGS. 7a-7c is a plain latch 1018 which does not comprise any information assisting the user, however the latch may optionally contain information which assists the user in either understanding how to open the box 1000 and/or determining when the box is in the closed position, the first partially open position or the first open position. The information helping the user to open the box may be text or symbols indicating that the latch 1018 has to be pressed to allow the box 1000 to open, for example. The information assisting the user in determining when the box 1000 is closed, i.e. therefore when it is locked and requiring the latch 1018 to be pushed to be opened, may be a symbol or a color, or there may be a coordination of colors for example the latch 1018 may be colored red and the rest of tray member around the latch 1018 is colored green, thus indicating that the box is locked when only red is visible, is partially open when red and green are visible, and is open when only green is visible.

Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b which show an inner tray 1110a and an outer tray 1110b, respectively, which together form the tray member 1110. As can be seen in FIG. 8a, the inner tray 1110a sits within the outer tray 1110b, and the inner and outer trays 1110a, 1110b are arranged such that a slot 1020 formed on the inner tray member 1110a provides the tray member 1110 with the resiliency required to move the latch 1018 inwardly out of the aperture 1019 when the user presses the latch 1018, and back into the aperture 1019 without intervention by the user. In this embodiment, sufficient resiliency is provided by a slot 1020 which is around five times longer than the corresponding latch 1018. Furthermore, in this described embodiment a slot 1020 is provided however resiliency may similarly be provided by hatching the material, providing small apertures in the material or weakening it in some other way. In the described embodiment, a recess 1021 is provided in the inner tray member 1110a to accommodate a product, and furthermore there is a finger hole 1022 to assisting the user in pushing the product out of the recess 1021. Although the tray member 1110 shown has only one recess 1021, it will be appreciated that the tray member 1110 may equally be designed in accordance with the tray member 110 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth blank 2000 for folding to make the inner tray 1110a. The fourth blank 2000 is made of one continuous piece of cardboard, which can be folded along fold lines 2210 to form the inner tray 1110a. FIG. 10 shows a fifth blank 3000 for folding to make the outer tray. The fifth blank 3000 is made of one continuous piece of cardboard, which can be folded along fold lines 3210 to form the outer tray 1110b.

The outer sleeve 1101 may further comprise a latchkeeper in the form of a local thickening of the wall around the aperture. The latchkeeper is positioned on the internal surface of the outer sleeve 1101. In an embodiment featuring a latchkeeper, the latch 1018 will resiliently contact and slide along the latchkeeper when the box 1000 is being opened. The latchkeeper will ensure the integrity of the outer sleeve 1101 by providing a sufficiently rigid and hard wearing surface that the latch 1018 can repeatedly slide along without damaging the latch 1018 or the outer sleeve 1101. In this regard, the latchkeeper may be positioned across substantially the whole of outer sleeve 1101 where the latch 1018 will travel. Furthermore, the latch 1018 and/or latchkeeper may comprise a low friction material. The low friction material allows the latch 1018 and latchkeeper to slide easily, without requiring substantial force or effort from the user despite the latch 1018 being biased towards the latchkeeper during sliding.

In this regard the latch 1018 and/or latchkeeper may comprise a laminated material, a gloss coating, a sufficiently smoothed contact surface, or any other means of providing a low friction, easily slidable surface.

Similarly to the box 100 of the first embodiment, the box 1000 may comprise mostly cardboard and the entire box 1000 may be comprised of 100% recyclable materials. For example, in the present embodiment, the sleeve 1101, tab member, planar divider and tray member 1110 are made of cardboard, while the belt member is made of paper or biodegradable plastic. The latch 1018 and latchkeeper may be made of a laminated material, and may be removable from the rest of the box 1000 to allow separated recycling. However, the latch 1018 and latchkeeper may be made of recyclable materials such as hardwood or compostable wood, thus allowing the entire box 1000 to be recycled. Alternatively to the described embodiment, the latch 1018 may be positioned on any of the panels of the sleeve 1101, i.e. it could be positioned on the first main panel, the second main panel or on either of the side panels.

The invention is not limited to the particular shapes and sizes of boxes 100, 1000 and blanks 200, 300, 400, 2000, 3000 described herein. Any suitable size of any of the parts and the box 100, 1000 can be used for the present invention.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

COMPACT SLIDING PACKAGING

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Date Published

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (1)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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