FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, the present invention relates to packages comprising a primary container and a surrounding outer sleeve. More specifically, the present invention relates to packages wherein the items stored within an interior cavity are accessible through aligned interior panel and exterior panel access apertures.
SUMMARY
The present invention departs from the current packaging industry environments and the known prior art through the creative manner the inventors identified present and future needs, and then developed flexible solutions that address both isolated and overlapping failures in the present art to satisfy those needs. Through the present invention, as taught and illustrated through exemplary embodiments, obstacles including structural integrity, display, privacy, child-resistance, tamper evidence, ease of access, consistent operation through repeated use, and price-point economics are simultaneously solved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of a primary container, according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an outer sleeve, according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of a primary container, according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an outer sleeve, according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of a primary container, according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an outer sleeve, according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of a primary container, according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an outer sleeve, according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of a primary container, according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an outer sleeve, according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is another perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is another perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of a primary container, according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of an outer sleeve, according to the present invention.
FIGS. 18-24 are perspective views of an embodiment of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a primary blank 10 comprising of a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a stop tab 12, a back panel 14, a front panel 16, a glue flap 18, and end flaps 20. The stop tab 12 is defined, in part, by opposite cut lines 22 and is foldably attached to the back panel 14 along a fold line 24. The back panel 14, front panel 16 and glue panel 18 are foldably attached along fold lines 26 and 28, respectively. End flaps 20 are foldably attached to the front panel 14 and back panel 16 along fold lines 30. The front panel 16 includes an interior panel access aperture 32. When erected, this exemplary primary blank 10 forms a primary container 34 that defines an internal cavity 36, as best illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 12-15.
Turning to FIG. 2, there is shown a secondary blank 40 having of a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here, a back panel 42, a front panel 44, and an inner panel 46 are foldably connected along fold lines 48, 50, respectively. The illustrated inner panel 46 includes a stop tab receiving channel cutout 52 and the illustrated front panel includes an exterior panel access aperture 54. When erected, this exemplary secondary blank 40 forms an outer sleeve or exterior container 56, which includes a receiving channel 58 configured to slideably receive the primary container 34 and stop tab 12, as best illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 12-15.
Alternative embodiments of the primary blank 10 and secondary blank 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are contemplated. Some non-limiting, exemplary alternative embodiments include the primary blank 60 and secondary blank 70 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the primary blank 80 and secondary blank 90 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the primary blank 100 and secondary blank 110 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Note that the exterior panel access aperture 54 illustrated in FIG. 8 is defined, at least in part, by a severance line 112. A severance line 112 includes any frangible line that can be torn or otherwise broken or severed and is commonly formed by a segment of perforations, cuts, half-cut, slits, scores, combinations thereof, and the like.
As described below with regard to FIGS. 12-15, some packages include a primary container 34 and outer sleeve 56, such as those similar to the illustrated embodiments in FIGS. 1-6, wherein the interior panel access aperture 32 and exterior panel access aperture 54 are slideably aligned to gain access to items stored within the interior cavity 36. With some alternative packages, such as those comprising a primary and second blank similar to the primary blank 100 and secondary blank 110 illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, the interior panel access aperture 32 and exterior panel access aperture 54 are already aligned because the primary container 34 does not slide with respect to the outer sleeve 56 as the stop tab 12 is already seated in a substantially equally sized receiving channel 58. Rather, in these embodiments, the user at least partially breaks the severance line 112 to create the exterior panel access aperture 54. With the exterior panel access aperture 54 configured to at least partially expose the interior panel access aperture, the user can access items stored in the internal cavity 36.
Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a combined primary and secondary blank 120 comprising of a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, an interior front panel 16, an interior back panel 14, an exterior front panel 44 and an exterior back panel 42. The interior front panel 16, interior back panel 14, exterior front panel 44 and exterior back panel 42 are foldably attached along adjacent fold lines 26, 122, and 48, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the exterior back panel 42 is replaced with a glue panel 18. Similar to the embodiments described above, end flaps 20 are foldably attached to the interior panels 16, 14 adjacent along fold lines 30. Also, the interior front panel 16 includes an interior panel access aperture 32 and the exterior front panel 44 includes an exterior panel access aperture 54 that is defined, at least in part, by a severance line 112. When erected, this exemplary primary blank 120 forms a container that defines an internal cavity 36, as best illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 12-15. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, here the user at least partially breaks the severance line 112 to create the exterior panel access aperture 54. With the exterior panel access aperture 54 configured to at least partially expose the interior panel access aperture 32, the user can access items in the internal cavity 36.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, alternative embodiments offer a recloseable flap 54a. By providing a severance line 122 that, for example, substantially extends across the exterior front panel 44, such as from near the first fold line 122 to near the second fold line 48, the panel section pulled back to form the exterior access aperture 54 can also function as a recloseable flap 54a. In practice, after the user has removed one or more items from the internal cavity 36, the extended tongue section of the flap 54a is pressed into engagement with the narrower section of the access aperture 54 to close the package.
Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown an alternative primary blank 130 that is similar to the primary blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Likewise, the alternative secondary blank 140 is similar to the secondary blank 40 illustrated in FIG. 2, except that here the back panel 42 includes a stop tab keyhole 142. As best described with referenced to FIGS. 13 and 14, in some embodiments of the present invention the stop tab 12 is inserted into the stop tab keyhole 142 to form a child-resistant feature. In additional embodiments, the stop tab 12 is inserted into the stop tab keyhole 142 and then secured to one of the exterior panels 42, 44 to form a second child-resistance feature. In additional embodiments, the stop tab 12 is inserted into the stop tab keyhole 142 and then secured to one of the exterior panel 42, 44 to form a tamper evidence feature.
Before turning fully to FIGS. 12-15, where the function and operation of an exemplary package 150 is taught, we refer briefly and concurrently to FIGS. 5 and 6 to teach how the illustrated blanks 80, 90 are folded and erected to form the primary container 34 and outer sleeve 56. One non-limiting method of erecting the primary blank 80 includes inwardly folding the glue flap 18 along an adjacent fold line 28 and then inwardly folding the interior front panel 16 along an adjacent fold line 26 so that the front panel 16 is in a face-contacting configuration with the interior back panel 14. The face of the glue flap 18 is then attached to the back of the back panel 14, but not so that stop tab 12 is restricted from folding. The interior panels 14, 16 are then pushed apart, pushing inwardly along opposite edges formed by the respective fold lines, 26, 28, to form an inner void or cavity 36, best illustrated in FIG. 15. End flaps 20 at each end of the interior panels 14, 16 are then folded inwardly and attached to form an end wall structure at each end of the primary container. One non-limiting method of erecting the secondary blank 90 includes inwardly folding the inner panel 46 along an adjacent fold line 50 and then inwardly folding the exterior back panel 42 along an adjacent fold line 48 so that the inner panel 46 and back panel 42 are in a face-contacting configuration. The back of the back panel 42 is then attached to the face of the inner panel 46. In connecting the back panel 42 and inner panel 46, the stop tab receiving channel cutout 52 cooperatively forms the receiving channel 58, best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The exterior panels 42, 44 are then pushed apart, pushing inwardly along opposite edges formed by the respective fold lines 48, 50. When fully erected the blanks 80, 90 result in the primary container 34 and outer sleeve 56, best illustrated in FIGS. 12-15.
Turning first to FIG. 12, the exemplary package 150 is created by inserting an erected primary container 34 into an erected outer sleeve 56. For clarity and purposes of teaching, and not as a limitation or restriction, the exemplary package 150 is illustrated with a transparent outer sleeve 56 and opaque primary container 34. In the fully closed position shown in FIG. 12 the exterior access aperture 54 is not aligned with the interior access aperture 32. Accordingly, the items stored in the internal cavity 36 are not easily accessible. For those embodiments where the stop tab 12 is absent or not restrained, the primary container 34 can be slid by pushing on either end wall structure until the respective access apertures 32, 54 are at least partially aligned, thus providing access to the items stored in the internal cavity 36. When the access apertures 32, 54 are fully aligned the package 150 is in the fully open position, as best shown in FIG. 15. For those embodiments that include a stop tab 12 and elongated receiving channel 58, the primary container 34 is stopped from further sliding when the stop tab 12 abuts an end of the receiving channel, as best shown in FIG. 14.
For those exemplary package embodiments formed from a primary blank 100 and secondary blank 110, or combined blank 120 which, when erected, are not slidable with respect to each other or include pre-aligned access apertures 32, 54, the internal cavity 36 is accessed by at least partially breaking the severance line 112 to reveal the exterior aperture 54 and at least partially lifting or otherwise removing that portion of the front panel 44 defined by the severance line 112 to expose the interior aperture 32. With the respective apertures 32, 54 opened or otherwise revealed the contents of the primary container 34 can be accessed.
Consideration is now given to those embodiments that include a child-resistance feature comprising a stop tab 12 and stop tab keyhole 142, as best shown in FIG. 13. In order to at least partially align the access apertures 32, 54 the stop tab 12 is completely pushed through the stop tab keyhole 142 and seated within the receiving channel 58. With the stop tab 12 fully seated within the receiving channel 58 the primary container 34 can be fully extended within the outer sleeve 56, as best shown in FIG. 14. This setting of the stop tab 12 requires a certain level of cognitive development and coordination that is beyond some age groups. Accordingly, even a vigorous attempt by an unintended user to slide the primary container 34 before seating the stop tab 12 should be thwarted if the respective blanks 80, 90 are of sufficiently sturdy materials.
Where a vigorous attempt is not thwarted and one or more components of the package are destroyed-most likely the stop tab 12, the destroyed component(s) serves as tamper evidence. In some embodiments, the stop tab 12 is secured to one or more exterior panels 42, 44. By way of example and not limitation, the stop tab 12 may be folded back and attached to the front panel 44 with adhesives or glues, or sealed with tape. Alternatively, the stop tab 12 may be similarly attached to the back panel 42. An unsecured or unsealed stop tab 12 serves as further tamper evidence.
It is contemplated that some package embodiments will include a child-resistant feature that includes a stop tab 12, such as those packages that store and dispense prescription drugs that could be harmful if ingested by a small child. Where the end-user does not require a child-resistant feature because there are no children in his or her environment, the stop tab 12 can be permanently removed. In practice, such an embodiment then operates as explained above with reference to those embodiments without a stop tab 12.
FIG. 16 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an exemplary primary blank 200. This primary blank 200 includes a foldable flap 210 that attaches to an inner tab 220 located on an alternative exemplary secondary blank 230, best illustrated by FIG. 17. As shown with references to FIGS. 18-24, in the erected package 240 formed from the respective blanks 200, 230 the inner access aperture 32 is automatically revealed as the primary container 34 is slid with respect to the outer sleeve 56 because the inner tab 220 pulls outwardly on the foldable flap 210 to reveal the underlying access aperture 32.
In still additional embodiments, the primary container 34 includes a stop tab 12 and the outer sleeve 56 includes a stop tab keyhole 142 but not a receiving channel 58. In such an embodiment, the primary container 34 can be fully released from the outer sleeve 56 by pushing the stop tab 12 completely through the stop tab keyhole 142 and pushing on either end wall structure to access an inner aperture 32 or fully remove the primary container 34 in order to access the contents.
While the primary blanks 10, 60, 80, 100, the secondary blanks 40, 70, 90, 110, and the combined blanks 120 are illustrated and described as unitary blanks, it will be understood that the respective blanks can be formed of individual, separate panels that are connected or otherwise attached to form an erected primary container and outer sleeve similar to those illustrated and described below. In addition, some panels are referenced with directional or orientation words such as “front”, “back”, “interior” and “exterior” to merely indicate relative positions in an erected configuration; accordingly, these terms are merely used for ease of reference and teaching and not as a limitation or restriction of any kind.
The law does not require and it is economically prohibited to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.
Patent Application
20100237140
