EP2152591A1

EP2152591A1 - Display package assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2152591A1
Application number: EP08770840A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Catherine Becker; John A. Gelardi
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corp
Current assignee: Atlas AGI Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2007-06-12
Filing date: 2008-06-12
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Also published as: BRPI0812959A2; CN101678913A; RU2010100813A; WO2008154631A1; US20100193579A1; MX2009013302A; CA2690605A1

Abstract

A primary blank (10) comprises a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a tray rear panel (12), a tray center panel (14), a back panel (16), a tray top (18), and a glue flap (20). These panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are foldably attached along fold lines (24, 26, 28, 30), respectively. The tray center panel (14) further includes end wall flap (40), foldably attached along fold lines (42), and tray end wall flaps (44). The end wall flaps (44) further includes securing apertures (52) for receiving and holding and item (A), as described. A secondary blank (100) has a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here an inner panel (102), a side panel (104), a front panel (106), another side panel (108), and an inner panel (110) are foldably connected along fold lines (112, 114, 116, 118), respectively. The inner panel (102) includes a stop tab receiving channel cutout (120) and the back panel (110) includes a stop tab keyhole (122). When erected this secondary blank (100) forms an outer sleeve or (140), configured to slideably receive the primary container (80) and stop tab (70).

Description

DISPLAY PACKAGE ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, the present invention relates to packages comprising an inner support structure and a surrounding outer sleeve. More specifically, the present invention relates to packages wherein the items stored within an interior cavity are accessible by removing an outer sleeve or a portion thereof, such as a front panel or end cap.

BACKGROUND The present invention departs from the current packaging industry environments and the known prior art through the creative manner in which 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 is a perspective view of an exemplary primary container, according to the present invention.

FIGs. 4a-4c are perspective views of an exemplary package and a method of use, according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary package, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary alternative blank, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the partially erected blank of FIG. 6, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a partially erected container, according to the present invention.

FIGs. 9a - 9b are perspective views of an exemplary container and a method of use, according to the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary blanks 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. 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, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the various figures, there is shown a primary blank 10 comprising a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a tray rear panel 12, a tray center panel 14, a back panel 16, a tray top panel 18, and a glue flap 20. These panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are foldably attached along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30, respectively.

The illustrated tray center panel 14 further includes end wall flaps 40, foldably attached along fold lines 42, and tray end wall flaps 44. The tray end wall flaps 44 are defined by fold lines 46 and cut lines 48, the cut lines further defining a removed section 50. The illustrated end wall flaps 44 further include securing apertures 52 for receiving and holding an item (A), as described below. Alternative embodiments present alternative means for securing that hold an item. End flaps 54 are foldably attached to the back panel 16 along fold lines 56. The illustrated tray top panel 18 includes tray side wall flaps 60, foldably attached along fold lines 62. The side wall flaps 60 are further defined by cut lines 64, which also define another removed section 66. The illustrated glue flap 20 also includes a stop tab 70, foldably attached along a fold line 72 and defined, in part, by opposite cut lines 74. When erected, this exemplary primary blank 10 forms a primary container 80 that defines an internal cavity 82, as best illustrated and described with references to FIGs 3 - 5.

Turning to FIG. 2, there is shown a secondary blank 100 having of a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here an inner panel 102, a side panel 104, a front panel 106, another side panel 108, and an inner panel 110 are foldably connected along fold lines 112, 114, 116, 118, respectively. The illustrated inner panel 102 includes a stop tab receiving channel cutout 120 and the illustrated back panel 110 includes a stop tab keyhole 122. When erected this exemplary secondary blank 100 forms an outer sleeve or exterior container 140, which includes a receiving channel 130, configured to slideably receive the primary container 80 and stop tab 70, as best illustrated and described with reference to FIGs. 4a-4c and 5.

Before turning fully to FIGs. 4a-4c and 5, where the function and operation of an exemplary package 150 is taught, we refer concurrently to FIGs 1-3 to teach how the illustrated blanks 10, 100 are folded and erected to form the primary container 80 and outer sleeve 140. One non-limiting method of erecting the illustrated primary blank 10 includes folding the tray rear panel 12 upwardly and inwardly along its adjacent fold line 24 toward the tray back panel 16. While folding the tray rear panel 12 the tray center panel 14 will follow, rotating about a second adjacent fold line 26. Before or after placing the back of the tray rear panel 12 over the face of the back panel 16 to form a tray base, the tray end wall flaps 44 are folded downwardly along adjacent fold lines 46 into positions that are substantially perpendicular, with respect to the rear panel 12, and opposite each other. Further, the end wall flaps 40 are pressed inwardly along adjacent fold lines 42 to form end walls that are curved and substantially perpendicular with respect to the rear panel 12. Thereafter, each end flap 54 is folded completely inwardly along its adjacent fold line 56 to lock the ends of the tray rear panel 12. In this configuration, an internal cavity 82, in this case a tray for receiving and holding an item (A), is partially erected. Completing this method of erecting, the glue flap 20 is folded upwardly and inwardly along its adjacent fold line 30 toward and around the erected tray center panel 14, and then the face of the glue flap 20 is attached to the exposed back of the back panel 16. While folding the glue panel 20 the tray top panel 18 will follow, rotating about a second adjacent fold line 28. Before or after attaching the glue flap 20 to the back panel 16, the tray side wall flaps 60 are folded downwardly along adjacent fold lines 62 into positions that are opposite each other and substantially perpendicular, with respect to the rear panel 12. FIG. 3 illustrates an erected and standing primary container 80.

In alternative embodiments the tray rear panel 12 is attached to the tray center panel 16, thus eliminating the end flaps 54. Further, alternative internal cavity 82 configurations are contemplated as provided by tray center panels 14 and/or tray top panels 18 of alternative designs. In addition, alternative embodiments vary the width and size of certain panels, reposition certain panels or tabs, reconfigure certain panels or tabs, and eliminate certain panels and tabs. For example, alternative embodiments can reduce or eliminate the tray rear panel 12, reduce or eliminate the glue flap 20, reduce or eliminate the tray side wall flaps 60, reduce or locate the stop tab 70 to the back panel 16, and reconfigure the tray end wall or side wall flaps 44, 60. Referring now to FIGs. 2, 4 and 5, one non- limiting method of erecting the secondary blank 100 includes inwardly folding the inner panel 102 along an adjacent fold line 112 and then inwardly folding the exterior back panel 110 along an adjacent fold line 118 so that the inner panel 102 and back panel 110 are in a face-contacting configuration. The back of the back panel 110 is then attached to the face of the inner panel 102. In connecting the back panel 110 and inner panel 102, the stop tab receiving channel cutout 120 cooperatively forms a receiving channel 130, and the sidewall panels 104, 108 are substantially perpendicular, with reference to the back panel 110. When fully erected the blanks 10, 100 result in the primary container 80 and outer sleeve 140 that comprise a package 150, best illustrated in FIG. 5. With regard to FIGs. 4 and 5, the exemplary package 150 is created by inserting an erected primary container 80 into an erected outer sleeve 140. For clarity and purposes of teaching, and not as a limitation or restriction, the exemplary package 150 is illustrated with a transparent outer sleeve 140 and opaque primary container 80. In the fully closed position shown in FIG. 4a the item(s) stored in the internal cavity 82 may be visible but are not easily accessible. For those embodiments where the stop tab 12 is absent or not restrained, the primary container 80 can be slid by pushing on either end wall structure until it is slid out from the outer sleeve 140 enough to access the items stored in the internal cavity 82. For those embodiments that include a stop tab 70 and elongated receiving channel 130, the primary container 80 is stopped from further sliding when the stop tab 70 abuts an end of the receiving channel 130, as best shown in FIG. 4c.

Consideration is now given to those embodiments that include a child-resistance feature comprising a stop tab 70 and stop tab keyhole 122, as best shown in FIGs. 4a - 4c and 5. As shown in FIG. 4a, the exemplary package 150 is locked because the stop tab 70 extends outwardly beyond the plane of the stop tab keyhole 122. To unlock the package 150 the stop tab 70 is completely pushed through the stop tab keyhole 122 and seated within the receiving channel 130. With the stop tab 70 fully seated within the receiving channel 130 the primary container 80 can be partially or fully extended within the outer sleeve 140, as best shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. This setting of the stop tab 70 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 80 before seating the stop tab 70 should be thwarted if the respective blanks 10, 100 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 70, the destroyed component(s) serves as tamper evidence. In some embodiments the stop tab 70 is secured to one or more outer sleeve panels 106, 108, 110. By way of example and not limitation, the stop tab 70 may be folded back and attached to the front panel 106 or sidewall 108 with adhesives or glues, or sealed with tape. Alternatively, the stop tab 70 can be similarly attached to the back panel 110. An unsecured or unsealed stop tab 70 serves as further tamper evidence.

It is contemplated that some package embodiments will include a child-resistant feature that includes a stop tab 70, 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 70 can be permanently removed by severing it from the attached panel 20. Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternative composite blank 200 comprising a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a tray rear panel 12, a tray center panel 14, a back panel 16, a tray top panel 18, and a glue flap 20. These panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are foldably attached along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30, respectively.

The illustrated tray center panel 14 further includes end wall flaps 40, foldably attached along fold lines 42, and tray end wall flaps 44. The tray end wall flaps 44 are defined by fold lines 46 and cut lines 48, the cut lines 48 further define a removed section 50. The illustrated end wall flaps 44 further include securing apertures 52 for receiving and holding an item (A), as described below. End flaps 54 are foldably attached to the back panel 16 along fold lines 56. The illustrated back panel 16 includes a stop tab keyhole 122. The illustrated tray top panel 18 includes a window 202 overlaid by a window pane 204. The illustrated glue flap 20 also includes a stop tab 70, foldably attached along opposite fold lines 72 and defined, in part, by a cut line 74 that defines a locking edge 206. When erected, this exemplary composite blank 200 forms a composite container 220 that includes an internal cavity 210 and locking sleeve 212, as best illustrated and described with references to FIGs. 7 - 9a-9b.

As illustrated by FIG. 7, the folding and erecting of the composite blank 200 tray rear panel 12, tray center panel 14, and back panel 16 are substantially the same as described above with reference to the primary blank 10. After the internal cavity 210 is formed, as best shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, an item(s) (A) can be inserted and held by the end wall flaps 44, or similar means for securing. Completing this method of erecting, the glue flap 20 is folded upwardly and inwardly along its adjacent fold line 30 toward and around the erected tray center panel 14, and then the locking edge 206 of the stop tab 70 is inserted into the stop tab keyhole 122 located on the back panel 16. While folding the glue panel 20 the tray top panel 18 will follow, rotating about a second adjacent fold line 28. As the stop tab 70 is attached to the back panel 16, the top panel 18 covers the internal cavity 210 and any item(s) (A) therein. In the illustrated embodiment the window pane 204 provides a view to the internal cavity 210 and any contents. In alternative embodiments, there is no window 202 or window pane 204.

As best illustrated by FIGs. 7 and 8, the composite blank 200 combines many elements found in the primary blank 10 and secondary blank 100 to provide a composite container 220 that combines many of the features of the primary container 80 and outer sleeve 140. Consideration is now given to those embodiments that include a child-resistance feature comprising a stop tab 70 and stop tab keyhole 122, best shown in FIGs. 9a, 9b. In a locked configuration the stop tab locking edge 206 is inserted into the stop tab keyhole 122. As best shown in FIG. 9a, the exemplary package 220 is unlocked by lifting the locking tab 70 upwardly and outwardly, which pulls the locking edge 206 from the stop tab keyhole 122. By continuing to lift the glue flap 20 away from the back panel 16 and rotate the glue flap 20 about the container, as shown by the directional arrows in FIGs. 9a, 9b, the top panel 18 is pulled away to reveal the contents of the internal cavity and to allow access to the content. In some embodiments, the stop tab 70 is secured to one or more outer sleeve panels 16, 18. By way of example and not limitation, the stop tab 70 may be attached to the back panel 16 or front panel 18 with adhesives or glues, or sealed with tape. An unsecured or unsealed stop tab 70 serves as further tamper evidence. Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown a pair of alternative primary blanks 300,

302 that cooperate to form a primary container 306 and internal cavity 308, described below.

The first primary blank 300 combines a plurality of some panels described above, namely, a tray top panel 18, a tray center panel 14, a back panel 16, and a glue flap 20. These panels are foldably attached along fold lines 24, 26, 28, respectively. The tray top panel 18 and tray center panel 14 include end wall flaps 40 foldably attached along fold lines 42, a tray end wall flap 44 foldably attached along a fold line 46, and an end flap 56 foldably attached along a fold line 56. The tray end wall flap 44 further includes securing apertures 52. In addition, these panels 18, 14 each include a locking tab aperture 304. To erect the first primary blank 300 the glue flap 20 is folded upwardly and inwardly so that the back of the glue flap 20 is laid over and attached to the tray center panel 14. In this configuration the back panel 16 faces the glue flap 20 and extends upwardly between adjacent fold lines 26, 28. The tray top panel 18 is likewise folded upwardly and inwardly so that the face of the top panel 18 is laid over and attached to the back panel 16. In this configuration a first end wall structure, having an overall profile, begins to take shape. To complete this assembly the end wall flaps 40 are folded inwardly, and then the tray end wall 44 and end flap 54 are folded inwardly and attached to the respective end wall flaps 40. The result is a first end wall structure 310 configured to lockably engage a first end of an outer sleeve 410.

The second primary blank 302 combines the same plurality of panels as described above, namely, a tray top panel 18, a tray center panel 14, a back panel 16, and a glue flap 20. These panels are similarly configured and include the same elements, except that the second blank 302 includes a stop tab keyhole 122 instead of locking tab apertures 304. The assembly of the second end wall blank 302 is substantially identical to the assembly of the first end wall blank 300. The result is a second end wall structure 320 configured to releaseably engage a second end of an outer sleeve 410. With reference now to FIG. 11 , there is shown a secondary blank 400 having a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here a back panel 110, a front panel 106, and an inner panel 102 are foldably connected along fold lines 112, 114, respectively. The illustrated back panel 110 includes a stop tab 70 defined, in part, by opposite cut lines 72 and a fold line 74. Further, the back panel 110 and front panel 106 each include a locking tab 402. When erected in the manner described above with regard to the first outer sleeve 140, and with the locking tabs 402 folded inwardly, this exemplary secondary blank 400 forms an outer sleeve or exterior container 410 best illustrated and described with reference to FIGs. 12 and 13.

Referring now to FIGs. 12 and 13, there is shown an exemplary package 500, comprising a first end wall structure 310 and a second end wall structure 320 that define a primary container 306, and an outer sleeve 410, which, together, define an inner cavity 308 for holding an item(s) (A). The first end wall structure 310 is locked to the outer sleeve 410 by inwardly folding the locking tabs 402 and inserting the end wall structure 310 into that end of the outer sleeve 410 until the locking tabs 402 engage the locking tab apertures 304. The second end wall structure 320 is releaseably locked to the outer sleeve 410 by inserting the end wall structure 320 into the opposite end of the outer sleeve, and then inserting the stop tab 70 into the stop tab keyhole 122. To open or otherwise access the contents held by this embodiment, the stop tab 70 is removed from the stop tab keyhole 122 and then the second end wall structure 320 can be slideably removed from the outer sleeve 410. As described above, the stop tab 70 may include additional theft resistant, child-resistant, and tamper resistant features,

While the primary blanks 10, 300, 302, the secondary blanks 100, 400, and the combined blank 200 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.

Claims

1. A blank for forming an inner container, comprising: a front panel including opposite ends and an access aperture; a back panel including opposite ends and attached to said front panel; and, at least two end flaps, each of said flaps attached to opposite ends of one of said panels.

2. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a stop tab attached to one of said panels.

3. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a third panel attached to one of said front and back panels, wherein said third panel is configure to attached said front and back panels.

4. The blank of claim 1, wherein said panels and flaps are erected and attached to define an internal cavity.

5. A blank for forming an outer sleeve, comprising: a front panel; an inner panel including a receiving channel cutout; a back panel; and, wherein said panels are attached such that said channel cutout forms a stop tab receiving channel.

6. The blank of claim 5, wherein said back panel further comprises a stop tab keyhole.

7. The blank of claim 6, wherein said panels are erected and attached to define a void for receiving an inner container.

8. A blank for forming a package, comprising: an inner front panel including opposite ends; an inner back panel including opposite ends and attached to said front panel; an outer front panel attached to one of said inner front panel and inner back panel; and, at least two end flaps, each of said flaps attached to opposite ends of one of said panels.

9. The blank of claim 8, further comprising an exterior back panel.

10. The blank of claim 8, wherein said panels and flaps are erected and attached to define an internal cavity.

11. A package, comprising: an inner container, comprising: an inner front panel including opposite ends and an access aperture; an inner back panel including opposite ends and attached to said inner front panel; at least two end flaps, each of said flaps attached to opposite ends of one of said inner panels; wherein said inner panels and flaps are erected and attached to define an internal cavity; and, an outer sleeve, comprising: an exterior front panel; an exterior back panel; wherein said exterior panels are erected and attached to define a void for receiving said inner container.

12. The package of claim 11, wherein said inner container further comprises a stop tab attached to one of said inner panels.

13. The package of claim 11, wherein said outer sleeve further comprises an internal panel including a receiving channel cutout.

14. The package of claim 13, wherein said exterior and internal panels are attached such that said channel cutout forms a stop tab receiving channel.

15. The package of claim 13, wherein said inner container further comprises a third inner panel attached to one of said front and back panels, wherein said third panel is configured to attach said front and back panels.

16. The package of claim 11, wherein said outer sleeve further comprises a stop tab keyhole.

17. A package, comprising: a first end wall structure comprising a plurality of panels and at least one locking aperture; a second end wall structure comprising a plurality of panels; an outer sleeve comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one locking tab attached to one of said panels; and, wherein said exterior panels are erected to define opposite ends for receiving said wall structures and a void there between for receiving an item.