WO2015066109A1

WO2015066109A1 - Packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2015066109A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/062773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tanuja A. Patwardhan; Marty Jones
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2013-11-01
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

A package includes a first outer sleeve (90a), a second outer sleeve (90b) and a product holding insert (70). The first outer sleeve has a cavity and an open end. The second outer sleeve has a cavity and an open end. The product holding insert has first and second opposed ends. The first end of the insert is slidably inserted within the cavity of the first outer sleeve. The second end of the insert is slidably inserted within the cavity of the second outer sleeve. The insert connects the first and second outer sleeves together.

Description

PACKAGING

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §1 19(e) of United States provisional application serial number 61/898514 filed on November 1 , 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging, more specifically but not exclusively, to re-closable packaging. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a sleeve-and-drawer style package comprising a first outer sleeve, a second outer sleeve, and a product holding insert that is slidably insertable within the first and second outer sleeves and connects the first and second outer sleeves together.

In preferred arrangements, the present invention relates to re-closable and lockable packaging such as child-resistant, senior-friendly packages for healthcare type applications and preferably packaging such as sleeve-and-drawer style packages for consumer goods such as food, recreational drugs (e.g., tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, etc.), toys, hardware, and electrical items, or the like, having an internal slidable receptacle that is releasably lockable simultaneously within the first and second outer sleeves.

Typical examples of sleeve-and-drawer packages where the present invention may be employed include, but are not limited to: unit dose packages for pharmaceutical tablets; capsules; lozenges; and security packages to deter package pilferage for small high-value items, such as consumer electronics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging, particularly in the field of healthcare and medication packaging and in the field of sleeve-and-drawer style packaging for a wide range of consumer goods, it is often required to provide consumers or patients with re-closable packaging. Such packaging may additionally be required to be secure packaging that has child-resistant features to restrict or prevent access to the package contents by a child. At the same time, it is useful for the intended user to be able to access the products contained within the package with some degree of ease. As such it is beneficial if the packaging is also "senior-friendly". Many packages are available that comprise an inner slide card or drawer that holds articles in blisters or in trays. The inner slide card, with the articles, is then slidable inside a single outer sleeve. The inner slide card is usually retained and locked inside the outer sleeve by a single locking flap that engages the outer sleeve. An unlocking mechanism is usually provided on the outer sleeve to permit the disengagement of the inner slide card from the outer sleeve. Such unlocking mechanisms often require some dexterity to operate or require user realisation that co-ordinated operation of more than one feature is required; this may make the package child-resistant. In some instances, this may also make the package less senior- friendly than is desirable. It may be desirable to assist an authorised user of the package with accessing the package products.

Further considerations in this technical field are the need for such packages to be unlocked and relocked many times without failure. It is also desirable to keep the cost of the packaging as low as possible, whilst maintaining its durability. Whilst it is also advantageous to provide clearly printed information, for example pill calendars, product data such as the name or type of medication and/or other patient directed information on the package, it also may be desirable if a user of the package can retain a degree of privacy about the products contained in the package when they are handling the package in public places where it may be difficult to be discreet about accessing the package products.

A further consideration is that the size of the package is preferably minimised, not only to reduce its production costs by using less material and to reduce shipping costs, but also to make it easier for a consumer to carry with them, either in a personal bag or actually on their person in a shirt pocket. A lightweight and compact package, with a locking and unlocking feature that can withstand repeated use, is therefore advantageous.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging, more specifically, but not exclusively, in the field of re-closeable packages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a package comprising:

(i) a first outer sleeve comprising a cavity having an open end;

(ii) a second outer sleeve comprising a cavity having an open end; and

(iii) a product holding insert comprising first and second opposed ends,

the first end of the insert being slidably insertable within the cavity of the first outer sleeve, the second end of the insert being slidably insertable within the cavity of the second outer sleeve and the insert connecting the first and second outer sleeves. Preferably, the insert comprises a first locking flap at the first end thereof and a second locking flap at the second end thereof.

Preferably, the insert comprises a joint arranged such that the first and second outer sleeves are moveable about the joint of the insert such that the first and second outer sleeves can be moved between a first position wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are side-by-side and a second position wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are opposite one another and face one another.

Preferably, the insert comprises a first portion defining the first end, and a second portion defining the second end, and wherein the joint is formed by a spine panel disposed in between and hinged to the first and second portions of the insert.

Preferably, the spine panel is hinged to the first and second portions of the insert along frangible lines such that the package can be separated by breaking of those frangible lines, into a first outer sleeve comprising the first portion of the insert and a separate second outer sleeve comprising the second portion of the insert.

Preferably, the package comprises:

(i) a first retention mechanism associated with the first outer sleeve and with the first end of the insert for connecting the first end of the insert to the first outer sleeve; and

(ii) a second retention mechanism associated with the second outer sleeve and with the second end of the insert for connecting the second end of the insert to the second outer sleeve.

Preferably, the first retention mechanism comprises a first retention flap associated with the open end of the first outer sleeve and a first locking flap hinged to the first end of the insert, and wherein the second retention mechanism comprises a second retention flap associated with the open end of the second outer sleeve and a second locking flap hinged to the second end of the insert.

Preferably, the first retention flap is affixed to an inside surface of a wall of the first outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the first locking flap abuts an edge of the first retention flap to prevent complete withdrawal of the first end of the insert from the first outer sleeve, and wherein the second retention flap is affixed to an inside surface of a wall of the second outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the second locking flap abuts an edge of the second retention flap to prevent complete withdrawal of the second end of the insert from the second outer sleeve.

Preferably, the first retention mechanism comprises a first aperture proximate to the open end of the first outer sleeve and aligned with the edge of the first retention flap and wherein the first locking flap is engageable with the first aperture and an edge defined thereby; and wherein the second retention mechanism comprises a second aperture proximate the open end of the second outer sleeve and aligned with the edge of the second retention flap and wherein the second locking flap is second aperture and an edge defined thereby.

Preferably, only a first hinge connection couples the first retention flap to a wall of the first outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the first locking flap abuts an internal corner provided by said hinge connection to prevent complete withdrawal of the first end of the insert from the first outer sleeve and wherein only a hinge connection couples the second retention mechanism to a wall of the second outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the second locking flap abuts an internal corner provided by said second hinge connection to prevent complete withdrawal of the second end of the insert from the second outer sleeve.

Preferably, the package further comprises: a first pocket or first supplementary cover integrally formed as part of the insert; and/or a second pocket or second supplementary cover integrally formed as part of the insert.

Preferably, the package comprises a first complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the first outer sleeve and the first end of the insert; and wherein the package comprises a second complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the second outer sleeve and the second end of the insert.

Preferably, the first complementary mechanical locking mechanism comprises a first locking aperture associated with the first outer sleeve and a first locking flap hinged to the first end of the insert, which first locking flap is engageable within the first locking aperture and/or engageable against an edge thereof for locking the first end of the insert within the first outer sleeve; and wherein the second complementary mechanical locking mechanism comprises a second locking aperture associated with the second outer sleeve and a second locking flap hinged to the second end of the insert, which second locking flap is engageable within the second locking aperture and/or engageable against an edge thereof for locking the second end of the insert within the second outer sleeve. Preferably, the package comprises a first release mechanism associated with the first complementary mechanical locking mechanism and a second release mechanism associated with the second complementary mechanical locking mechanism.

Preferably, the first and second release mechanisms are handed such that the first release mechanism is arranged to be operated by a left hand of a user of the package and such that the second release mechanism is arranged to be operated by a right hand of a user of the package.

Preferably, the first release mechanism comprises a first moveable tab formed in the first outer sleeve, proximate to the first locking aperture and operable to displace the first locking flap out of locking engagement with the first locking aperture and/or an edge thereof; and wherein the second release mechanism comprises a second moveable tab formed in the second outer sleeve, proximate to the second locking aperture and operable to displace the second locking flap out of locking engagement with the second locking aperture and/or an edge thereof.

Preferably, the first moveable tab and second moveable tab are each arranged at a non- normal angle relative to the first and second outer sleeves respectively and are angled such that a notional medial line through the centre of the first moveable tab converges with a notional medial line through the centre of the second moveable tab.

Preferably, the first moveable tab and second moveable tab are each defined by a front frangible line or front cut line and two side cuts, and wherein one of the side cuts of the first moveable tab is longer than the other of the side cuts of the first moveable tab; and wherein one of the side cuts of the second moveable tab is longer than the other of the side cuts of the second moveable tab.

Preferably, the package further comprises: a first pocket integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve; and/or a second pocket integrally formed as part of the second outer sleeve.

Preferably, the package comprises a first pocket integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve, wherein the first pocket comprises:

a first pocket side panel,

a pocket main panel, a second pocket side panel and

a pocket end flap,

wherein the first pocket side panel is disposed adjacent to and in face contact with a first side panel of the first outer sleeve and the first pocket side panel has a greater width than the width of first side panel of the first outer sleeve, wherein the second pocket side panel is disposed adjacent to and in face contact with a second side panel of the first outer sleeve and the second pocket side panel has a greater width than the width of second side panel of the first outer sleeve, wherein the pocket end flap forms part of a composite rear wall of the first outer sleeve and closes an end of the first pocket, and wherein the pocket main panel is disposed adjacent to and in spaced superposition above at least part of a bottom panel of the first outer sleeve such that the first pocket has one open end.

Preferably, the first pocket has a depth that is substantially equal to the difference between the width of the first pocket side panel and the width of the first side panel of the first outer sleeve.

Preferably, the package comprises a second pocket integrally formed as part of the second outer sleeve, wherein the second pocket comprises:

a first pocket side panel,

a pocket main panel,

a second pocket side panel and

a pocket end flap,

wherein the first pocket side panel is disposed adjacent to and in face contact with a first side panel of the second outer sleeve and the first pocket side panel has a greater width than the width of first side panel of the second outer sleeve, wherein the second pocket side panel is disposed adjacent to and in face contact with a second side panel of the second outer sleeve and the second pocket side panel has a greater width than the width of second side panel of the second outer sleeve, wherein the pocket end flap forms part of a composite rear wall of the second outer sleeve and closes an end of the second pocket, and wherein the pocket main panel is disposed adjacent to and in spaced superposition above at least part of a bottom panel of the second outer sleeve such that the second pocket has one open end.

Preferably, the second pocket has a depth that is substantially equal to the difference between the width of the first pocket side panel and the width of the first side panel of the second outer sleeve. Alternatively, the package comprises a first pocket integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve, wherein the first pocket comprises:

a first pocket main panel,

a second pocket main panel and

a glue flap,

wherein the first pocket main panel is directly hinged to an outer top panel of the first outer sleeve by a first fold line and wherein the second pocket main panel is directly hinged to the first pocket main panel by a second fold line and wherein the glue flap is affixed between the first pocket main panel and the second pocket main panel to provide a first pocket that is closed on at least two sides by the first and second fold lines.

a first pocket main panel,

a second pocket main panel and

a glue flap,

wherein the first pocket main panel is directly hinged to an outer top panel of the second outer sleeve by a first fold line and wherein the second pocket main panel is directly hinged to the first pocket main panel by a second fold line and wherein the glue flap is affixed between the first pocket main panel and the second pocket main panel to provide a second pocket that is closed on at least two sides by the first and second fold lines.

Preferably, an insert for use in a package comprises a first portion having a first end; a second portion having a second end; a first part of a first retention mechanism associated with the first portion; and a first part of a second retention mechanism associated with the second portion.

Preferably, the insert comprises a joint arranged such that the first and second portions are moveable about the joint of the insert such that the first and second portions can be moved between a first position wherein the first and second ends of the first and second outer sleeves are opposite one another and face one another and a second position wherein the first and second ends of the first and second portions are side-by-side and rest in the same plane.

Preferably, the joint is formed by a spine panel disposed in between and hinged to the first and second portions of the insert. Preferably, the spine panel is hinged to the first and second portions of the insert along frangible lines such that the insert can be separated, by breaking of those frangible lines, into three separate sections: the first portion; the spine panel; and the second portion.

Preferably, a first part of a first complementary mechanical locking mechanism is associated with the first end of the insert; and wherein a second part of a second complementary mechanical locking mechanism is associated with the second end of the insert.

Preferably, said first part of the first retention mechanism associated with the first portion and the first part of the first complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the first end of the insert are both provided by a first locking flap hinged to the first end of the first portion of the insert; and wherein said first part of the second retention mechanism associated with the second portion and the first part of the second complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the second end of the insert are both provided by a second locking flap hinged to the second end of the second portion of the insert.

Preferably, the insert comprises a first cover hinged to the first portion and a second cover hinged to the second portion.

Preferably, the first cover and second cover are sized and arranged to cover product and/or product holding blisters upstanding from the first and second portions of the insert in order to mitigate against one or more of the product holding blisters interfering with the proper operation of the first and second retention mechanisms.

Preferably, the first cover comprises: a first cover flap, a first pocket flap, a first cover side panel and a first pocket side panel; and wherein the second cover comprises: a second cover flap, a second pocket flap, a second cover side panel and a second pocket side panel and wherein the first and second covers each additionally provide a pocket suitable for holding information carrying material.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any suitable combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features. For example, supplementary pockets, spine panels, inserts, outer sleeve configurations and release mechanism arrangements from the various embodiments described and illustrated may be interchanged and combined where suitable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a first blank for forming a first outer sleeve according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a second blank for forming a second outer sleeve according to the first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 3A is a perspective view of a first outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 1 viewed from an open end;

FIGURE 3B is a perspective view of a second outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 2 viewed from an open end;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a paperboard blank for forming an insert according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of an insert being formed from the blank of Figure 4, viewed from the rear-side;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the insert formed from the blank of Figure 4 viewed from the top and showing first and second locking flaps in a set-up position; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the top, end and side of a package formed from the first outer sleeve of Figure 3A, the second outer sleeve of Figure 3B, and the insert of Figure 6. The package is shown in a closed and folded position, wherein product held by the insert is fully disposed within the first and second outer sleeves and the first and second outer sleeves are disposed in a side-by-side contacting position;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 7 shown in a closed and unfolded position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another; and wherein product held by first and second portions of the insert is housed within the first and second outer sleeves;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the package of Figures 7 and 8 shown in an unfolded and fully open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another; and wherein the insert has been partially withdrawn from the first and second outer sleeves such that product held by the insert on the first and second portions thereof is accessible and yet the first and second outer sleeves remain connected together by the insert;

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a first blank for forming a first outer sleeve according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 1 1 is a plan view of a second blank for forming a second outer sleeve according to the second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the first blank of Figure 10 showing a non-printed side of the blank facing out in preparation for the first blank being folded and glued and assembled into a first outer sleeve;

FIGURES 13 to 16 are plan views of sequential steps in the construction of a first outer sleeve from the blank of Figures 10 and 12;

FIGURE 17 is a plan view of a rear-side of the first outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figures 10 and 12;

FIGURE 18 shows a perspective view of a first outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figures 10 and 12 viewed from an open end; and a perspective view of a second outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 1 1 viewed from an open end;

FIGURE 19 shows a perspective view of the first outer sleeve of Figure 18 viewed from the open end and showing a rear-side having a first pocket; and shows a perspective view of the second outer sleeve of Figure 18 viewed from the open end and showing a rear-side having a second pocket;

FIGURE 20 is a plan view of a blank for forming an insert according to various embodiments of the invention; FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of the insert formed from the blank of Figure 20 viewed from the top and showing first and second locking flaps in a set-up position; FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of the top, end and side of a package formed from the first and second outer sleeves of Figures 18 and 19; and the insert of Figure 21. The package is shown in a closed and folded position, wherein product held by the insert is fully disposed within the first and second outer sleeves and top panels of the first and second outer sleeves are disposed in a side-by-side contacting position with the bottom panels, which have the first and second pockets affixed thereto, facing outwards;

FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 22 shown in a closed and unfolded position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another and wherein product held by the first and second portions of the insert is housed within the first and second outer sleeves;

FIGURE 24 is a perspective view of the package of Figures 22 and 23 shown in an unfolded and fully open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another; and wherein the insert has been withdrawn out of the first and second outer sleeves such that product held by the first and second portions of the insert is accessible;

FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of the package of Figures 22, 23 and 24 shown in an unfolded and partially open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another and wherein the insert has been withdrawn only out of the second outer sleeve such that product held by the second portion of the insert is accessible and product held by the first portion of the insert is housed within the first outer sleeve;

FIGURE 26 is an end-view of a cut-away section of the package of Figure 25 shown in an unfolded and partially open position, wherein it is shown that a first locking flap connected to a first end of the insert retains the first portion of the insert locked within the first outer sleeve; and wherein it is shown that a second locking flap connected to a second end of the insert engages a retention mechanism of the second outer sleeve to prevent the insert from being fully withdrawn from the second outer sleeve and as such the insert connects the first outer sleeve to the second outer sleeve. Product holding blisters are not necessarily drawn to scale; FIGURE 27 is a plan view of a first blank for forming a first outer sleeve according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 28 is a plan view of a second blank for forming a second outer sleeve according to the third embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 29 is a plan view of a blank for forming an insert according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 30 is a plan view of a part-formed insert formed from the blank of Figure 29, viewed from a rear-side;

FIGURE 31 is a perspective view of the insert formed from the blank of Figure 29 viewed from the top and showing first and second locking flaps in a set-up position and showing first and second covers in a set-up position;

FIGURE 32A is a perspective view of a first outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 27 viewed from an open end; FIGURE 32B is a perspective view of a second outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 28 viewed from an open end;

FIGURE 33 is a perspective view of the top, end and side of a package formed from the first outer sleeve of Figure 32A, the second outer sleeve of Figure 32B, and the insert of Figure 31. The package is shown in a closed and folded position, wherein product held by the insert is fully disposed within the first and second outer sleeves and the first and second outer sleeves are disposed in a side-by-side contacting position;

FIGURE 34 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 33 shown in an unfolded and closed position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another; and wherein product held by first and second portions of the insert is housed within the first and second outer sleeves;

FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of the package of Figures 33 and 34 shown in an unfolded and fully open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another, wherein the insert has been withdrawn out of the first and second outer sleeves such that first and second portions of the insert are withdrawn and wherein product held by the insert on the first and second portions thereof is covered by the first and second covers of the insert;

FIGURE 36 is a perspective view of the package of Figures 33, 34 and 35 shown in an unfolded and partially open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another, wherein the insert has been withdrawn only out of the first outer sleeve, and wherein the first cover has been folded upwardly such that product held by the first portion of the insert is immediately accessible and is not housed within the first outer sleeve;

FIGURE 37 is an end-view of a cut-away section of the package of Figure 36 shown in the unfolded and partially open position, wherein it is shown that a second locking flap connected to a second end of the insert retains the second portion of the insert locked within the second outer sleeve; and wherein it is shown that a first locking flap connected to a first end of the insert engages a retention mechanism of the first outer sleeve to prevent the insert from being separated from the first outer sleeve and as such the insert connects the first outer sleeve to the second outer sleeve. Product holding blisters are not necessarily drawn to scale; FIGURE 38 is a plan view of a first blank for forming a first outer sleeve according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 39 is a plan view of a second blank for forming a second outer sleeve according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 40 is a plan view of the first blank of Figure 38 showing a non-printed side of the blank facing out in preparation for the first blank being folded and glued and assembled into a first outer sleeve; FIGURES 41 to 46 are plan views of sequential steps in the construction of a first outer sleeve from the blank of Figures 38 and 40;

FIGURE 47A shows a perspective view of a first outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figures 38 and 40 viewed from a top and an open end; the top comprises a first supplementary information pocket which is shown in a closed condition; FIGURE 47B shows a perspective view of a second outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 39 viewed from a top and an open end; the top comprises a second supplementary information pocket which is shown in a closed condition; FIGURE 48A shows a perspective view of the first outer sleeve of Figure 47A, wherein the first supplementary information pocket is shown in an open condition;

FIGURE 48B shows a perspective view of the second outer sleeve of Figure 47B wherein the first supplementary information pocket is shown in an open condition;

FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of an insert for use with the first and second outer sleeves of various embodiments viewed from the top and showing first and second locking flaps in a set-up position; FIGURE 50 is a perspective view of a package formed from the first and second outer sleeves of Figures 47A, 48A and 47B, 48B, and the insert of Figure 49. The package is shown in a closed and unfolded position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another and wherein product held by the first and second portions of the insert is housed within the first and second outer sleeves;

FIGURE 51 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 50 shown in an unfolded and partially open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another, wherein the insert has been withdrawn only out of the first outer sleeve such that product held by the first portion of the insert is accessible and is not housed within the first outer sleeve; the first supplementary information pocket is shown in an open condition;

FIGURE 52 is a plan view of a blank for forming first and second outer sleeves according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 53 shows a perspective view of a first outer sleeve formed from the type of blank shown in Figure 52 and shows a perspective view of a second outer sleeve also formed from the type of blank shown in Figure 52, albeit oriented such that it can serve as a second outer sleeve;

FIGURE 54 shows a plan view from the top of a plastics insert according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, preferably for use with the first and second outer sleeves of Figure 53, wherein first and second locking flaps connected to first and second portions of the insert are folded, and first and second side walls are upstanding from the first and second portions of the insert, which first and second portions are not separated by a spine panel;

FIGURE 55 shows a view of a first end of the insert of Figure 54;

FIGURE 56 shows a view of a first side of the insert of Figure 54; FIGURE 57 shows a perspective view of the insert of Figure 54;

FIGURE 58 is a perspective view of a package formed from the first and second outer sleeves of Figure 53, and the insert of Figures 54 to 57. The package is shown in a closed position, wherein the insert can be seen connecting the first and second outer sleeves of Figures 53, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another and wherein product held by first and second portions of the insert is housed within the first and second outer sleeves;

FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 58 shown in a partially open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another; and wherein the insert has been withdrawn only out of the second outer sleeve such that product held by the second portion of the insert is accessible and is not housed within the second outer sleeve; and FIGURE 60 is a perspective view of the package of Figures 58 and 59 shown in a fully open position, wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are facing one another; and wherein the insert has been withdrawn out of the first and second outer sleeves such that product held by the first and second portions of the insert is accessible and is not housed within the first and second outer sleeves which nevertheless remain connected by virtue of the insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the outer sleeves, inserts, packages and blanks are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the outer sleeves, inserts, packages and blanks described herein may be embodied in various, combined, and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any 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 invention.

Reference is now made to the accompanying Figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The Figures and detailed description are provided to describe and illustrate examples in which the disclosed package and its parts may be made and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosed packages can be used to store a variety of products. More specifically, the disclosed re-closable and preferably lockable receptacles can be used for the storage of products such as, for example, medication and other medical or pharmaceutical products, smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, confectionary, tea bags, mints, electrical items or any product stored in a pouch, blister or compartment, and the like without departing from the inventive aspects of the present disclosure. Generally the present invention teaches the provision of a three-part package 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, comprising a first outer sleeve 90a, 190a, 290a, 390a, 590a; a second outer sleeve 90b, 190b, 290b, 390b, 590b and a single insert 70, 170, 270, 370, 670 that connects the first and second outer sleeves. The insert connects the first and second outer sleeves and may enable product held on a first portion and held on a second portion to be selectively accessible by withdrawing the first portion and/or the second portion from the first and second outer sleeves. The insert is may be jointed such that the package is foldable into a book-style configuration.

Packages of the disclosure may offer a number of benefits that, in dependence upon the application and arrangement of the package, may include:

(i) increasing the versatility of the package by having two selectively openable sections;

(ii) increasing the compactness of the package for a given quantity of product or increasing the quantity of product contained in a package;

(iii) making a package that is easier to carry;

(iv) improving a user's opening experience; and (v) increasing the information provided by the package; for example, making it very clear where am and pm medications are kept and/or providing supplementary storage for information or other marketing or promotional material. Referring now to Figures 1 through to 9, there is illustrated a package 100 and component parts thereof according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. In Figure 7, a perspective view of the package 100 in a closed and folded position is shown. The package 100 is a double-ended sleeve-and-drawer style package 100 that can adopt a book-like configuration. The package 100 comprises: a first outer sleeve 90a (see Figure 3A) formed from a first blank 10a (see Figure 1 ); a second outer sleeve 90b (see Figure 3B) formed from a second blank 10b (see Figure 2); and an insert 70 (see Figure 6). The insert 70 (which may be a lockable receptacle and may be referred to as such herein) is shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 9 and is of the form of a paperboard wrapper in which two separate blister strips each having one or more blisters (B) are held. The insert 70 may comprise first and second integrally formed locking flaps 70a/70b; 62a/62b (described in more detail below) which co-operate with locking mechanisms 60a, 60b and retention mechanisms 56a/58a/30a/38a, 56b/58b/30b/38b provided in the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b. The package 100 may also comprise release mechanisms 80a, 80b which are, in this arrangement, entirely formed in the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b.

A first end of the insert 70 is slidably insertable through an open end of the first outer sleeve 90a and is securably locked therein by operation of the first locking flap 70a/70b of the first two-part complementary locking mechanism 70a/70b, 60a. A second end of the insert 70 is slidably insertable through an open end of the second outer sleeve 90b and is securably locked therein by operation of the second locking flap 62a/62b of the second two-part complementary locking mechanism 62a/62b, 60b. The insert 70 comprises a joint 66a, 66b, 74a, 74b, 76a, 76b which enables the first and second ends of the insert 70 to move relative to one another and towards one another. As such, the jointed insert 70 enables the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b to be connected, and to move relative to one another such that the package 100 can adopt the book-style closed and folded configuration of Figure 7.

Referring now to Figure 1 , the first blank 10a illustrated therein is formed of a foldable substrate, for example paperboard, preferably having at least one coated and printed side. In other embodiments, the blank may be formed from any one or a combination of: paper, paperboard, fibreboard, plastics material, coated material, uncoated material and printed material. In the present embodiment, the blank 10a may be a sheet of paperboard having a polymer based tear resistant coating on one side thereof; for example the blank 10a may be formed from Printkote® EasySeal Plus paperboard.

The blank 10a comprises, in series: an inner top panel 12a (also referred to herein as a first top panel), a first side panel 14a, a bottom panel 16a, a second side panel 18a and an outer top panel 20a, hinged one to the next by means of longitudinally extending fold lines 22a, 24a, 26a and 28a respectively. Apertures, notches or recesses 48a, 50a, 52a are formed at the "open" ends of the inner top panel 12a, bottom panel 16a and outer top panel 20a respectively. Once the first outer sleeve 90a is assembled from the first blank 10a, these apertures, notches or recesses 48a, 50a, 52a co-operate to provide a means by which a user can grasp the insert 70. The apertures, notches or recesses 48a, 50a, 52a are optional and when provided may be shaped and positioned differently to that shown.

Rear end flaps 34a, 36a are hinged by fold lines 44a, 46a to the "rear" ends of the bottom panel 16a and outer top panel 20a. The rear end flaps 34a, 36a, in use, are folded approximately 90° about fold lines 44a, 46a and are affixed in face contacting relationship to one another to form a composite end wall 34a/36a of the first outer sleeve 90a (see Figure 7). The composite end wall 34a/36a may be referred to herein as a rear end wall. The blank 10a comprises a first retention mechanism 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b to prevent or at least mitigate against the disconnection of the insert 70 from the first outer sleeve 90a. In the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the first retention mechanism 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b achieves this by preventing complete withdrawal of the insert 70 from the first outer sleeve 90a. The first retention mechanism 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b comprises: an aperture 56a, which is formed proximate to the front "open-end" of the inner top panel 12a; and a front end flap 30a (also referred to herein as retention flap 30a). The aperture 56a is defined by a cut edge 54a and provides a recess for receiving the first locking flap 70a/70b of the insert 70. Additionally, the aperture 56a provides a front locking edge 58a which may also be engaged, abutted or contacted by the first locking flap 70a/70b of the insert 70.

The first retention flap 30a is hinged by fold line 40a to the "open" end of the inner top panel 12a. The first retention flap 30a, in use, is folded approximately 180° about fold line 40a and in this embodiment may be affixed in face contacting relationship to the inner top panel 12a. Once affixed in this way, the retention flap 30a co-operates with the aperture 56a in forming a two-ply locking edge about part of the perimeter of the aperture 56a which may be abutted by the first locking flap 70a/70b to prevent separation of the insert 70 and first outer sleeve 90a. The first retention flap 30a may also serve to provide a smooth finish to the "open" end of the first outer sleeve 90a which may improve its child resistance, its quality, its strength and its aesthetic appearance. The blank 10a may also comprise an end flap 32a that is hinged by fold line 42a to the "open" end of the bottom panel 16a. The end flap 32a, in use, is folded approximately 180° about fold line 42a and may be affixed in face contacting relationship to the bottom panel 16a respectively. Once affixed in this way, the further front end flap 32a may serve to provide a smooth finish to the "open" end of the first outer sleeve 90a which may improves its child resistant quality and may enhance its aesthetic quality as well as strengthening the front edge.

The blank 10a comprises elements for forming a second part of the first two-part locking mechanism. The elements include: a first aperture 60a and a first edge defined thereby, formed in the inner top panel 12a. The blank 10a further comprises elements for forming the release mechanism denoted generally by reference 80a. The elements for forming the release mechanism 80a include: an outer moveable tab formed in the outer top panel 20a; and an inner tab formed in the inner top panel 12a (defined in part by the aperture 60a). The moveable tabs are preferably, but nevertheless optionally integrally formed within the blank 10a. Each moveable tab comprises an anchored portion and a free edge 83 which is defined by a cut or other frangible connection such that the free edge 83 is separated from the remainder of the outer top panel 20a and inner top panel 12a respectively. The moveable tabs are thereby moveable below the plane of the panel from which they are formed (the outer top panel 20a and inner top panel 12a respectively). The outer moveable tab formed in the outer top panel 20a may have the largest size and the innermost moveable tab in the inner top panel 12a may have the smallest size.

The outer moveable tab may be defined by a first longer side edge 82 (also referred to as a first side cut 82), a second shorter side edge 81 (also referred to as a second side cut 81 ) and a frangible front edge 83. The first and second side cuts 82, 81 may be partially parallel to one another and each terminate in an acutely radiused arcuate cut-line termination to prevent the further propagation of the cut lines 82, 81 into or through the outer top panel 20a. The frangible front edge 83 spans between and terminates in the first and second side cuts 82, 81. In this way a generally "U"-shaped, but asymmetrical moveable tab is defined. The roughly "U"-shaped moveable tab 80a is preferably, but nevertheless optionally, disposed in a substantially medial position within the outer top panel 20a. An optional aspect of the first illustrated embodiment is that the release tab 80a of the release mechanism 80a, is preferably, but nevertheless optionally oriented at a non-normal angle. Preferably, the non-normal angle is about 45°. Preferably, the non-normal angle is between about 38° and about 52°. Having a non-normal angle of between about 42° and 47° relative to a rear end edge 34a/36a (fold line 46a) may offer an optimum orientation and position for the uppermost and outermost moveable tab of the release mechanism 80a.

The first blank 10a is intended to form a first outer sleeve 90a that is intended for a user's right-hand. The blank 10a in Figure 1 is shown with its printed, coated (i.e. its outside surface) facing outwards. As such, the release tab 80a in the first blank 10a is arranged such that when the blank 10a is manipulated and assembled into the first outer sleeve 90a the release mechanism 80a is angled to improve the comfort of the user.

Turning in more detail to the construction of the outer sleeve 90a from the blank 10a, first the blank 10a is flipped so that its non-coated non-printed side faces out. Then, retention and end flaps 30a, 32a are folded about fold lines 40a, 42a and may be affixed to the inside faces (non-printed faces) of the inner top panel 12a and bottom panel 16a respectively. To affix the retention and end flaps 30a, 32a to the inner top panel 12a and bottom panel 16a, adhesive (such as hot melt glue) may be applied to one or both of the end flap 32a and the bottom panel 16a; and to one or both of the retention flap 30a and the inner top panel 12a. Then, the inner top panel 12a is folded about fold line 22a. This brings the (non-printed side of the) inner top panel 12a into face contacting relationship with the (non-printed side of) the first side panel 14a and part of the bottom panel 16a. Adhesive or other affixing means may be applied to the (printed/coated) surface of the inner top panel 12a. The outer top panel 20a may then be folded together with the second side panel 18a, about fold line 26a, until the outer top panel 20a is in flat face contact with the inner top panel 12a and is affixed thereto. This also causes part of the second side panel 18a to overlay part of the bottom panel 16a.

At this point, construction of the first outer sleeve 90a is not entirely completed since the rear end wall 34a/36a has not been assembled. In this state however, the outer sleeve 90a is in its flat form (not shown). It has been folded and part-assembled and it is in this flat form that the outer sleeve 90a may be shipped. As such, construction of the outer sleeve 90a may be fully completed at a converting plant, whereat the flat form outer sleeve 90a is opened into a tubular form and the rear end wall 34a/36a is constructed by folding the rear end panels 34a, 36a about fold lines 44a, 46a and into affixed and face contacting relationship. Preferably, the bottom end flap 34a is folded first and the top end flap 36a is affixed thereto. The completed first outer sleeve 90a is shown in Figure 3A, wherein the angled arrangement of the release mechanism 80a is clearly shown.

The second outer sleeve 90b is shown in Figure 3B and is formed from the second blank 10b of Figure 2. The second blank 10b is similar to the first blank 10a. Like features of the second blank 10b have been denoted by like reference numerals, albeit using the suffix 'b' instead of 'a' to illustrate that these features are of the second blank 10b. As with first blank 10a, the second blank 10b comprises in series: an inner top panel 12b (also referred to herein as a first top panel), a first side panel 14b, a bottom panel 16b, a second side panel 18b and an outer top panel 20b, hinged one to the next by means of longitudinally extending fold lines 22b, 24b, 26b, and 28b respectively. The only difference in this embodiment between the first blank 10a and the second blank 10b is that the release mechanism 80b, whilst angled at a non-normal angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer top panel 20b (or relative to the fold line 46b), is oppositely angled and oriented relative to release mechanism 80a, in order to provide a "left handed" second outer sleeve 90b. In view of this being the only difference, the remaining illustrated and referenced features are not further described, it being understood that the description provided in relation to first blank 10a applies to the features of second blank 10b. For the same reason the construction of second blank 10b into second outer sleeve 90b is not described, it being understood that the sequence of construction and assembly provided in relation to the first blank 10a applies to the second blank 10b.

The complete second outer sleeve 90b is shown in Figure 3B. The first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b are shown side-by-side and it can be clearly seen that the release mechanisms 80a, 80b, are oppositely oriented. This is to provide a right-handed sleeve 90a and a left-handed sleeve 90b. In use, the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b are arranged such that their open ends face each other (see Figures 8 and 9). Whereas in Figures 8 and 9, the first and second outer sleeves are illustrated such that from the point of view of the reader, the first outer sleeve 90a is on the left and the second outer sleeve 90b is on the right, a user would orient the package 100 such that the first outer sleeve 90a was held by their right hand and such that the second outer sleeve was held by their left hand. As such, the packages 100 should be considered from the point of view of a user positioned facing the reader and behind the packages 100 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, who would hold the first outer sleeve 90a in their right hand and the second outer sleeve 90b in their left-hand. The tilted release buttons 80a, 80b help to naturally orient the package 100 so that, for example, morning (AM) medication and evening (PM) medication are presented in the most logical order (AM on the left; PM on the right). It will be realised that positioning the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b, that are formed from similar blanks 10a, 10b in this way, results in the second side panel 18a of the first outer sleeve being in the same plane as the first side panel 14b of the second outer sleeve 90b (see Figures 7 and 8).

The "handedness" of the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b is best illustrated in Figure 8. When held by a user positioned behind the package 100 of Figure 8, the four fingers of the user's right hand would contact the bottom panel 16a of the first outer sleeve 90a. The rear wall 34a/36a of the first outer sleeve 90a would rest in the user's palm and the user's right thumb would sit on top of the release mechanism 80a, with the longer sides 82 of the release mechanism 80a held lower most.

Before going into greater detail of the operation of the package 100 shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the insert 70 will first be described.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a paperboard blank 60 for forming the insert 70 shown in Figure 6. In this illustrated embodiment, the insert 70 is configured to hold medication in unit dose blisters (B) formed on a plastic blister strip which is backed by a sealing film. Preferably, the insert 70 is a two-ply construction formed of paperboard or other foldable sheet material, in which two such blister strips are sandwiched. In other embodiments, the insert may hold only one blister strip and/or have only one ply or may alternatively hold a different product. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the blank 60 may be a paperboard blank 60 having a tear resistant adhesive coating which may be heat activated.

A top half of blank 60 forms a rear side of the insert 70 and a bottom half of the blank 60 forms the top side of the insert 70. A second portion rear panel 64a and a first portion rear panel 68a each comprise a series of frangible, shaped portions 63 and are connected together by a rear spine panel 66a. The frangible shaped portions 63 are removable and allow a user of the insert 70 to press a product (e.g. medication) through the sealing film of a blister strip and out through an opening created by removal of a frangible shaped portion 63. The rear spine panel 66a is connected via a frangible hinge line 74a to the second portion rear panel 64a and by a frangible hinge line 76a to the first portion rear panel 68a. A second portion top panel 64b, a top spine panel 66b and a first portion top panel 68b are hinged via a transverse medial fold line 81 to the second portion rear panel 64a, rear spine panel 66a and first portion rear panel 68a respectively. Regions 67 are denoted on the second and first top panels 64b, 68b in which a series of apertures 65 are provided. Blisters of the blister strips are receivable through the apertures 65. The regions 67 denote the area for placement of the blister strips. A first top locking flap 70b is hinged to the first portion top panel 68b along fold line 78b at a first end of the blank 60. A first rear locking flap 70a is hinged to the first portion rear panel 68a along fold line 78a at the first end of the blank 60. A second top locking flap 62b is hinged to the second portion top panel 64b along fold line 72b at a second end of the blank 60. A second rear locking flap 62a is hinged to the second portion rear panel 64a along fold line 72a at the second end of the blank 60.

To form the completed insert 70, two blister strips are placed onto the second and first top panels 64b, 68b such that the product (P) holding blisters (B) are passed through the apertures 65. Then the top half of the blank 60 is folded about medial fold line 81 such that: the second rear locking flap 62a is disposed on top of and in face contacting relationship with the second top locking flap 62b; the second portion rear panel 64a is disposed on top of and in face contacting relationship with a rear side (sealing film side) of a blister strip and part of the second portion top panel 64b; the rear spine panel 66a is disposed on top of and in face contacting relationship with the top spine panel 66b; the first portion rear panel 68a is disposed on top of and in face contacting relationship with a rear side (sealing film side) of a blister strip and part of the first portion top panel 68b; and the first rear locking flap 70a is disposed on top of and in face contacting relationship with the first top locking flap 70b. The heat activated adhesive coating is activated and thereby the top half of blank 60 is affixed to the bottom half of blank 60 with two product (P) holding blister strips sandwiched therebetween. The resulting insert 70 is shown in Figure 5 from the rear side thereof. The insert 70 is shown in Figure 6 from a top side wherein a two-ply first locking flap 70a/70b is shown connected to a first end of the insert 70 and folded about fold line 78a/78b such that the first locking flap 70a/70b is folded over the first portion top panel 68b. Similarly, a two-ply second locking flap 62a/62b is shown connected to a second end of the insert 70 and folded about fold line 72a/72b such that the second locking flap 62a/62b is folded over the second portion top panel 64b.

The insert 70 comprises a two ply joint formed by the composite spine panel 66a/66b and the overlaid frangible hinge connections 76a/76b and 74a/74b. As can be seen in Figures 4, 5 and 6 the edge of the composite spine panel 66a/66b that is opposite to the medial fold line 81 preferably comprises two inverted "V"-shaped notches, the apex of which terminates on the overlaid frangible hinge connections 76a/76b and 74a/74b. The optional inverted "V"- shaped notches may assist in the breaking of the overlaid frangible hinge connections 76a/76b and/or 74a/74b such that the composite spine panel 66a/66b can be completely or partially detached from the package 100 to enable the package 100 to be separated into two parts: a first part comprising the first outer sleeve 90a and the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) of the insert 70; and a second part comprising the second outer sleeve 90b and the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) of the insert 70.

The insert 70 is shown in a first folded form in Figure 6, wherein the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b, 62a/62b are folded into an operative position. The insert 70 is inserted into the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b. The first end of the insert 70 has a leading folded edge 78a and this is inserted into the open end of the first outer sleeve 90a. The second end of the insert 70 has a leading folded edge 72a and this is inserted into the open end of the second outer sleeve 90b. The first and second ends of the insert 70 are each automatically locked within the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b by operation of the first and second two-part complementary locking mechanisms 60a, 70a/70b; 60b, 62a/62b. Due to the natural resilience of the material from which the insert 70 is at least in part formed, the first folded locking flap 70a/70b unfolds slightly, into the aperture 60a provided within the first outer sleeve 90a. In this way, the first locking flap 70a/70b catches within the aperture 60a and catches on the locking edge provided by the internal face of the cut edge that defines the aperture 60a.

Similarly, due to the natural resilience of the material from which the insert 70 is at least in part formed, the second folded locking flap 62a/62b unfolds slightly into the aperture 60b provided within the second outer sleeve 90b. In this way, the second locking flap 62a/62b catches within the aperture 60b and catches on the locking edge provided by the internal face of the cut edge that defines the aperture 60b.

Once the insert 70 is loaded and locked within the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b such that a first portion 70a/70b/68a/68b of the insert 70 is stowed within the first outer sleeve 90a and such that a second portion 62a/62b/64a/64b of the insert 70 is stowed within the second outer sleeve 90b, the insert 70 has connected the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b and a three-part package 100 has been formed.

Returning to Figure 7, it can be seen that the complete package 100 can be placed into a closed and folded position. In this position, the insert 70 connects the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b. The first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) and the products (P) thereon are disposed entirely within the first outer sleeve 90a; the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) and the products (P) thereon are disposed entirely within the second outer sleeve 90b; the insert 70 has been folded about the overlaid frangible hinge connections 76a/76b between the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) of the insert 70 and the composite spine panel 66a/66b; and the insert 70 has been folded about the overlaid frangible hinge connections 74a/74b between the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) of the insert 70 and the composite spine panel 66a/66b.

In the closed and folded position, the package 100 may have a more compact form. For example, consider an alternative package formed from a single outer sleeve and a single ended insert capable of holding two blister strips side by side. Such an alternative package would have an overall length (defined by the distance between the rear end wall and open end of the single outer sleeve) that is greater than the length of the package 100 (which length may be defined as the distance between the composite end wall 36a/34a and the open end of the first outer sleeve 90a). Whereas the package 100 may have a greater depth (defined as the distance between the bottom panel 16a of the first outer sleeve 90a and the bottom panel 16b of the second outer sleeve 90b when the package is in the closed and folded position of Figure 7) than the "alternative package" of equivalent product holding capacity, the reduced length may be preferred by users since it is more compact and may be easier to stow in a chest pocket for example. Alternatively, the package 100 of the present disclosure may be beneficial because for no increase in overall length compared to an "alternative package" having only a single outer sleeve, the package of the present embodiment could have a greater capacity for product.

Dependent upon the dimension (length) of the first and second portions (70a/70b/68a/68b; 62a/62b/64a/64b), the composite spine panel 66a/66b may abut or contact the edges of the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b. This is the case in the presently described and illustrated embodiment. In alternative embodiments, if even a small amount of the first and second portions (70a/70b/68a/68b; 62a/62b/64a/64b) extends beyond the open end, then the composite spine panel 66a/66b may not abut or contact the edges of the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b.

From the closed and folded position, the package 100 can remain closed, but can be unfolded. This position is shown in Figure 8, wherein the jointed insert 70 has been unfolded about the overlaid frangible hinge connections 76a/76b between the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) of the insert 70 and the composite spine panel 66a/66b; and the insert 70 has been un-folded about the overlaid frangible hinge connections 74a/74b between the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) of the insert 70 and the composite spine panel 66a/66b. In the closed and un-folded position, the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b), composite spine panel 66a/66b, and second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) may rest in the same plane. In the closed and unfolded position, the product held by the insert 70 is not readily accessible and is disposed within the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b. In the closed and unfolded position, the insert 70 still provides a connection between the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b.

In the present arrangement, unlocking of the first and second two-part locking mechanisms 60a, 70a/70b; 60b, 62a/62b is required in order to release the insert 70 from locking engagement with the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b and to gain access to the product held by the insert 70.

When the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b are assembled, the release mechanisms 80a, 80b are formed. The moveable tabs of the release mechanisms 80a, 80b are disposed such that the angled moveable tabs are sufficiently in registry with and sufficiently overlap the apertures 60a, 60b of the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b such that the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b, 62a/62b can be displaced and disengaged and the first and second two-part complementary locking mechanisms 60a, 70a/70b; 60b, 62a/62b can each be deactivated.

To release the insert 70 from locking engagement with the first outer sleeve 90a and/or the second outer sleeve 90b, a user needs to activate the appropriate release mechanism 80a, 80b. Activation of the release mechanism 80a, 80b may be achieved by depressing the outer moveable tab, which in turn causes depression of the inner moveable tab. Depressing the release mechanism 80a, 80b sufficiently depresses the corresponding first or second locking flap 70a/70b, 62a/62b such that the first and/or second locking flap 70a/70b, 62a/62b is no longer in locking engagement with the first part 60a, 60b of the first and/or second two-part locking mechanism 60a, 70a/70b; 60b, 62a/62b. At the same time as activating one or both release mechanisms 80a, 80b, the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) and/or the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) of the double-ended insert 70 can be withdrawn from the associated first and/or second outer sleeve 90a, 90b by virtue of relative movement between the two.

As such it will be realized that the package 100 can be opened by a user holding the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b of the package 100. Preferably, a user holds the first outer sleeve 90a in their right-hand and with that same hand, activates the associated release mechanism 80a. The user also preferably holds the second outer sleeve 90b in their left-hand and with that same hand, activates the associated release mechanism 80b. At the same time, by moving their hands apart whilst still activating the two release mechanisms 80a, 80b, the first and second portions 70a/70b/68a/68b; 62a/62b/64a/64b of the insert 70 can be at least partially withdrawn simultaneously from the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b.

The retention mechanisms 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b; 56b/58b/30b/38b, 62a/62b are automatically activated to prevent complete separation of the first and second portions 70a/70b/68a/68b; 62a/62b/64a/64b of the insert 70 from one or both of the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b. Therefore, the retention mechanisms 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b; 56b/58b/30b/38b, 62a/62b serve to prevent complete detachment of the insert 70 from one or both of the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b and enable the insert 70 to connect the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b.

In embodiments where child resistance is not required, the first and second two-part complementary locking mechanisms 60a, 70a/70b; 60b, 62a/62b may be omitted and the insert may nevertheless connect the first and second outer sleeves 90a, 90b by use of retention mechanisms such as the retention mechanisms 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b; 56b/58b/30b/38b, 62a/62b illustrated. The retention mechanisms 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b; 56b/58b/30b/38b, 62a/62b operate in a similar manner to the first and second two-part complementary locking mechanisms by providing a recess 56a; 56b defined by a cut edge 58a, 54a; 58b, 54b. Due to the natural resilience of the material from which the insert 70 is formed the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b; 62a/62b are caught in the apertures 56a, 56b because the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b; 62a/62b unfold slightly when they reach the recesses (apertures) 56a, 56b. The cut edge 58a, 58b of the recess 56a, 56b also provides a locking edge against which the first or second locking flap 70a/70b; 62a/62b contacts or abuts. Preferably, the first or second locking flap 70a/70b; 62a/62b and the cut edge 58a, 58b of the recess 56a, 56b have a complementary shape to promote a secure engagement between the two, which in turn ensures a secure connection of the three components of the package 100. In the present embodiment, the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b; 62a/62b each has a pronounced medial portion, which preferably is substantially arcuate. Similarly the cut edge 58a; 58b of the aperture 56a; 56b has a corresponding pronounced medial portion, which preferably is substantially arcuate such that the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b; 62a/62b are securely engaged. The retention of the first and second locking flaps 70a/70b; 62a/62b is enhanced or reinforced by the provision of an additional locking edge 38a; 38b which is associated with the aperture 56a; 56b, in line with the locking edge 58a; 58b of the aperture 56a; 56b, and which is similarly shaped (i.e. having a corresponding pronounced medial portion, which is preferably substantially arcuate).

It will be appreciated that the package 100 is versatile and can be opened in a number of ways. The package 100 has versatility and can be selectively opened such that if it is not required to open both sides of the package 100 at the same time, only one side of the package 100 need be opened. The withdrawal of the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) from the first outer sleeve 90a can be carried out independently of the withdrawal of the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) from the second outer sleeve 90b.

When independent release of either the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) from the first outer sleeve 90a or the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) from the second outer sleeve 90b is required, or when the package 100 has been separated into two by breaking out the composite spine panel 66a/66b, then the thumb recesses 52a/48a, 50a; 52b/48b, 50b may assist a user in grasping the insert 70 itself, when it is disposed fully within the first or second outer sleeve 90a, 90b, in order to withdraw it from that first or second outer sleeve 90a, 90b and gain access to the blisters (B) on either the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) or the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) of the insert 70. In such a separated configuration, the retention mechanisms 56a/58a/30a/38a, 70a/70b; 56b/58b/30b/38b, 62a/62b remain fully operational to still mitigate against complete withdrawal of either the first portion (70a/70b/68a/68b) from the first outer sleeve 90a or the second portion (62a/62b/64a/64b) from the second outer sleeve 90b.

When the package 100 is in use and is held by a user with the substantially straight rear end wall 36a/34a in their right palm and the substantially straight rear end wall 36a/34a in their left palm the angled moveable tabs of the release mechanisms 80a, 80b are presented substantially in line with a user's thumb. A user can then comfortably depress either or both release mechanisms 80a, 80b, and may find holding the package 90 comfortable due to the orientations of the non-normally angled and oppositely positioned release mechanisms 80a, 80b. The non-normally angled moveable tabs, arranged at about 45°, may be more ergonomic and may require less twisting of a user's wrist to activate the release mechanisms 80a, 80b. However and as will be described with reference to Figures 52 to 60, normally angled release tabs (580) are suitable and sufficiently comfortable to use and as such the use of one or more non-normally angled and oppositely positioned release mechanisms 80a, 80b is entirely optional.

Referring now to Figures 10 to 60, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. In the second, third, fourth and fifth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" , "200", "300", "400" and "500" or "600", to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments respectively. The second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 will be described in any greater detail.

In Figures 10 to 26 there is shown a further exemplary and non-limiting example of a three- part package 200 (see Figures 22, 23 and 24) comprising an insert 170 (see Figures 21 and 24); a first outer sleeve 190a (see Figures 18, 19); and a second outer sleeve 190b (see Figures 18, 19). In Figures 20 and 21 , the blank 160 for forming the insert and the insert 170 formed therefrom are respectively shown. The blank 160 is the same as the blank 60 of Figure 4 and the insert 170 is the same as the insert 70 of Figure 6. The insert 170 is illustrated again for ease of illustration of the package 200 of the second embodiment.

In Figure 10, the first blank 1 10a for forming the first outer sleeve 190a (see Figures 18 and 19) is shown. The blank 1 10a differs from that of the first embodiment in that additional panels are provided for forming a first pocket 1 1 1 a on the first outer sleeve 190a. The first pocket 1 1 1 a is best seen in Figure 19. The first pocket 1 1 1 a is integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve 190a and is formed from a series of panels including: a first pocket side panel 121 a, a pocket main panel 123a, a second pocket side panel 125a and a pocket end flap 136a. Preferably, the pocket end flap 136a is provided in place of the rear end flap 36a hinged to the "rear"-end of the bottom panel 16a of the first embodiment. The pocket end flap 136a, together with rear end flap 134a serve a dual purpose composite rear end wall 134a/136a for closing the rear end of the first outer sleeve 190a and for closing the rear end of the first pocket 1 1 1 a.

As such, in this arrangement where the pocket end flap 136a and rear end flap 134a have a similar width, the pocket end flap 136a and rear end flap 134a may not fully overlap such that part of the dual purpose composite rear end wall 134a/136a is one-ply. The "width" of the pocket end flap 136a is defined as the distance between fold line 146a and the free opposite edge of the pocket end flap 136a; and the width of the rear end flap 134a is defined as the distance between fold line 144a and the opposite free edge of rear end panel 134a respectively. In other arrangements, one or both of the pocket end flap 136a and rear end flap 134a may be larger in size than the equivalent rear end flaps 34a, 36a in order to ensure that the composite rear end wall thereby formed is fully two-ply and of sufficient size to close the rear end of the first outer sleeve and to close the rear end of the first pocket 1 1 1 a.

The first pocket side panel 121 a is directly hinged to the outer top panel 120a of the first outer sleeve 190a by a longitudinal fold line 127a. The pocket main panel 123a is directly hinged to the first pocket side panel 121 a by a longitudinal fold line 129a. The second pocket side panel 125a is directly hinged to the pocket main panel 123a by longitudinal fold line 131 a. The pocket end flap 136a is directly hinged to the pocket main panel 123a by a transverse fold line 146a.

The height 'h₂' of the first pocket side panel 121 a is defined as the distance between fold lines 127a and 129a (see Figure 10). The height 'h^ of the first side panel 1 14a of the first outer sleeve 190a is defined as the distance between fold line 122a and fold line 124a. The first pocket side panel 121 a has a greater width than the width of first side panel 1 14a of the first outer sleeve 190a. This can be seen in the blank 1 10a of Figure 10 and in Figure 19. The height of the second pocket side panel 125a is defined as the distance between fold line 131 a and the opposite free edge of the second pocket side panel 125a (see Figure 10). The height of the second side panel 1 18a of the first outer sleeve 190a is defined as the distance between fold line 126a and fold line 128a. The second pocket side panel 125a has a greater height than the height of second side panel 1 18a of the first outer sleeve 190a. This can be seen in the blank 1 10a of Figure 10 and in Figure 19.

As with the first embodiment, a first retention mechanism 156a/130a/158a/138a is provided; a second part 160a of a first, two-part complementary locking mechanism 160a, 170a/170b, is provided; and a release mechanism 180a for the first, two-part complementary locking mechanism 160a, 170a/170b is also provided. These features are structured and arranged in a similar manner to the equivalent features already described in respect of the first illustrated embodiment and operate at least substantially in the same way. As such no further description of the operation of the first retention mechanism 156a/130a/158a/138a, first locking mechanism 160a, 170a/170b and release mechanism 180a is provided, it being understood that the first portion 167a/168b/170a/170b of insert 170 interacts and connects with the first outer sleeve 190a as already described. The second outer sleeve 190b is shown in Figures 18 and 19 and is formed from the second blank 1 10b of Figure 1 1 . The second blank 1 10b is similar to the first blank 1 10a. Like features of the second blank 1 10b have been denoted by like reference numerals, albeit using the suffix 'b' instead of 'a' to illustrate that these features are of the second blank 1 10b. As with first blank 1 10a, the second blank 1 10b comprises in series: an inner top panel 1 12b, a first side panel 1 14b, a bottom panel 1 16b, a second side panel 1 18b, an outer top panel 120b, a first pocket side panel 121 b, a pocket main panel 123b and a second pocket side panel 125b hinged one to the next by means of longitudinally extending fold lines 122b, 124b, 126b, 128b, 127b, 129b and 131 b respectively. The only difference in this second embodiment between the first blank 1 10a and the second blank 1 10b is that the release mechanism 180b, whilst angled at a non-normal angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer top panel 120b (or relative to the fold line 144b), is oppositely angled and oriented in order to provide a "left-handed" second outer sleeve 190b. In view of this being the only difference, the remaining illustrated and referenced features are not further described, it being understood that the description provided in relation to first blank 1 10a applies to the features of second blank 1 10b. For the same reason the construction of second blank 1 10b into second outer sleeve 190b is not described, it being understood that the sequence of construction and assembly provided in relation to the first blank 1 10a applies to the second blank 1 10b.

The blank 1 10a is assembled in a similar manner to the blank 10a of the first embodiment, albeit with additional steps to form the first pocket 1 1 1 a. The construction of the blank 1 10a into the first outer sleeve 190a is illustrated in Figures 12 through to 16, with a plan view of the rear side of the first outer sleeve 190a being shown in Figure 17.

As before, the first stage in the assembly of the blank 1 10a is to place the blank 1 10a so that its non-coated or non-printed side faces outward - this is the position of the blank 1 10a as shown in Figures 10 and 12. Then the retention flap 130a and front end flap 132a are folded about fold lines 140a, 142a and affixed to the inside faces (non-printed faces) of the inner top panel 1 12a and bottom panel 1 16a respectively (see Figure 13). To affix the retention and end flaps 130a, 132a to the inner top panel 1 12a and bottom panel 1 16a, adhesive (such as hot melt glue) may be applied to one or both of the end flap 132a and the bottom panel 1 16a; and to one or both of the retention flap 130a and the inner top panel 1 12a. Then, the inner top panel 1 12a is folded about fold line 122a. This brings the (non-printed side of the) inner top panel 1 12a into face contacting relationship with the (non-printed side of) the first side panel 1 14a and part of the bottom panel 1 16a (see Figure 14). As before, adhesive or other affixing means may be applied to the (printed/coated) surface of the inner top panel 1 12a. The outer top panel 120a may then be folded together with the second side panel 1 18a, first pocket side panel 121 a, pocket main panel 123a, second pocket side panel 125a and pocket end flap 136a, about fold line 126a, until the outer top panel 120a is in flat face contact with the inner top panel 112a and is affixed thereto (see Figure 15). This also causes part of the second side panel 118a to overlay part of the bottom panel 116a, and causes the pocket forming panels to be disposed on the left-side of the part assembled blank with their coated sides facing out (see Figure 15). The pocket 11 1a is then assembled by folding the pocket forming panels about fold line 127a and underneath the part formed blank, such that the first pocket side panel 121 a overlays the first side panel 1 18a and part of the bottom panel 1 16a and such that the pocket main panel 123a overlays the bottom panel 1 16a and extends slightly beyond the bottom panel 1 16a. The second pocket side panel 125a is then folded about fold line 131 a such that part of the second pocket side panel 125a overlays the second side panel 1 18a. The overlaying part of the second pocket side panel 125a is affixed into face contacting relationship with the second side panel 1 18a. Part of the second pocket side panel 125a does not overlay the second side panel 118a, but rather is disposed in flat-face (inside face to inside face) contact with the part of the pocket main panel 123a that extends beyond the bottom panel 1 16a. No adhesive is applied to the inside face of the pocket main panel 123a or to the part of the second pocket side panel 125a that does not overlay the second side panel 1 18a.

At this point, construction of the first outer sleeve 190a is not entirely completed since the rear end wall 134a/136a has not been assembled. In this state however, the outer sleeve 190a is in its flat form (not shown). It has been folded and part assembled and it is in this flat form that the outer sleeve 190a may be shipped. As such, construction of the outer sleeve 190a may be fully completed at a converting plant, whereat the flat form outer sleeve 190a may be opened into a tubular form and the rear end wall 134a/136a is constructed by folding the rear end panel 134a and pocket end panel 136a about fold lines 144a, 146a and into affixed and face contacting relationship. Preferably, the pocket end flap 134a is folded first and the top end flap 136a is affixed thereto.

A plan view of the first outer sleeve 190a is shown in Figure 17 and perspective views from the open end are shown in Figures 18 and 19. It can be seen that the first pocket side panel 121 a is disposed adjacent to and in face contact with the first side panel 1 14a of the first outer sleeve 190a. It can be seen that the second pocket side panel 125a is disposed adjacent to and in face contact with the second side panel 1 18a of the first outer sleeve 190a. It can also be seen that the pocket end flap 136a has formed part of the composite rear wall 134a/136a of the first outer sleeve 190a and thereby also closes that rear end of the first pocket 1 1 1 a. The pocket main panel 123a is disposed adjacent to and in spaced superposition above at least part of the bottom panel 1 16a of the first outer sleeve 190a such that the first pocket 1 1 1 a has one open end. The first pocket 1 1 1 a has a depth that is substantially equal to the difference between the height 'h₂' of the first pocket side panel 121 a and the height 'h^ of the first side panel 1 12a of the first outer sleeve 190a. Information carrying materials such as pamphlets and booklets; promotional materials such as coupons, vouchers and "give-away" items; and/or advertising literature and the like; or other items such as a calendar or a memory card can be held by the first pocket 1 1 1 a. The first pocket 1 1 1 a has a depth determined by its intended purpose and preferably arranged such that the one or more items loaded into the first pocket 1 1 1 a are retained therein by means of a friction fit. An optional notch 157a is provided at the front open end of the first pocket 1 1 1 a and is formed as a cut-out or recessed portion of the main panel 123a. This notch 157a may assist a user when loading or unloading materials into or out of the first pocket 1 1 1 a. The provision of a first pocket 1 1 1 a on the rear side of the first outer sleeve 190a and the provision of a second pocket 1 1 1 b on the second outer sleeve 190b enables additional information to be carried by the package 200 without interference with the versatile positioning of the package 200 in the closed and folded; closed and unfolded; and open and unfolded positions. The provision of first and second pockets 1 1 1 a, 1 1 1 b is optional and in other embodiments it is envisaged that only the first outer sleeve or only the second outer sleeve comprises a pocket.

The insert 170 is jointed by means of the spine panel 166a/166b and the aligned fold lines 174a/174b and 176a/176b (see Figures 20 and 21 ) connecting the spine panel 166a/166b to the first portion 170a/170b/168a/168b of the insert 170 and to the second portion 162a/162b/164a/164b of the insert 170 respectively. The entire package 200 (see Figure 22) can be moved into a compact closed and folded position. The jointed insert 170 also permits the package 200 to be moved into a closed and unfolded state (see Figure 23). As described in relation to the first embodiment, activation of the release mechanisms 180a, 180b either simultaneously or one at a time, by a user (who may opt to hold the first outer sleeve 190a in their right-hand and the second outer sleeve 190b in their left-hand) can disable the first and second two-part complementary locking mechanisms 160a, 170a/170b; 160b, 162a/162b. This enables the partial withdrawal of the first and second portions 170a/170b/168a/168b; 162a/162b/164a/164b of the insert 170 from the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b (see Figure 24). Access to the product held by the insert 170 on the first and second portions 170a/170b/168a/168b; 162a/162b/164a/164b thereof can then be gained either individually or at the same time.

In Figures 25 and 26, it is illustrated how the package 200 can be placed into a partially open and unfolded position. Here a user (optionally standing behind the package 200) has held the first outer sleeve 190a in their right hand and has not activated the first release mechanism 180a. The user has held the second outer sleeve 190b in their left-hand and has operated the second release mechanism 180b. At the same time as depressing the release mechanism 180b (optionally with their left-thumb), the user has moved their hands apart and in doing so has used the first outer sleeve 190a to pull the second portion 162a/162b/164b/164a of the insert 170 partially out of the second outer sleeve 190b. The second retention mechanism 156b/158b/130b/138b, 162a/162b has automatically prevented the second portion 162a/162b/164b/164a of the insert 170 from being completely separated from the second outer sleeve 190b. The product (P) held in the blisters (B) is arranged on the second portion 162a/162b/164b/164a of the insert 170 such that in the open position and with the insert 170 still connected to the second outer sleeve 190b, all of the product (P) held by the second portion 162a/162b/164b/164a of the insert 170 can be accessed.

In Figure 26, the package 200 as shown in Figure 25 (unfolded and partially opened) has been cut through and an end view of the cut-away portion is shown. It can be seen that the first portion 170a/170b/168a/168b of the insert 170 remains locked inside, and thereby connected to, the first outer sleeve 190a by operation of the first, two-part complementary locking mechanism 160a, 170a/170b. It can be seen that the first locking flap 170a/170b is positioned such that its leading edge is caught within the aperture 160a and abuts or contacts an internal cut edge of the inner top panel 1 12a defined by that aperture 160a.

It can also be seen that after activation of the second release mechanism 180b, the second locking flap 162a/162b has been released from locking engagement with the second aperture 160b of the second, two-part complementary locking mechanism 160b, 162a/162b and has been slid towards the open end of the second outer sleeve 190b. In this way the product (P) held in blisters (B) has been moved out of the second outer sleeve 190b and is accessible. The insert 170 nevertheless remains connected to the second outer sleeve 190b by operation of the second retention mechanism 130b/156b/158b/138b, 162a/162b. It can be seen that the second locking flap 162a/162b is positioned such that its leading edge is caught within the aperture 156b and abuts or contacts an internal cut edge 158b of the inner top panel 1 12b defined by that aperture 156b and reinforced by the edge 138b of the retention flap 130b. No release mechanism is provided for the retention mechanism 130a/156a/158a/138a, 170a/170b. Therefore by virtue of at least the first and second retention mechanisms 130b/156b/158b/138b, 162a/162b; 130b/156b/158b/138b, 162a/162b, it can be seen how the insert 170 is connected to each of the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b and connects the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b to one another. The provision of a retention flap 130a, 130b folded inwardly is beneficial because it provides a smooth folded front edge to the open end of the first and second sleeves 190a, 190b. This may improve the child resistant quality of the package 200 since it is harder to initiate a tear along such a folded edge 140a, 140b and therefore infiltrating the package 200 by tearing through the folded edge 140a, 140b of the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b is far more difficult.

In Figure 26, the blisters (B) are illustrated in a manner that is not necessarily to scale in order to avoid the blisters (B) obscuring the internal view of the first and second retention mechanisms. In an actual assembled package 200, it is likely that the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b will be sized and arranged such that an inner ceiling 1 12a/130a, 1 12b/130b (that is provided by the inner top panels 1 12a, 1 12b and retention flaps 130a, 130b of the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b) will be positioned very close to the tops of the blisters (B). The distance between the inner ceiling 1 12a/130a, 1 12b/130b and the tops of the blister (in other words the "clearance" for the blisters) may be in the region of about 1 mm to about 2mm. By affixing the retention flap 130a, 130b to the inside surface of the inner top panel 1 12a, 1 12b, the retention flap 130a, 130b is positioned such that it does not interfere with the blisters (B) and does not inhibit withdrawal of the insert 170 from the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b. As a result of affixing the retention panels 130a, 130b to the inner top panels 1 12a, 1 12b, the first and second retention mechanisms are positioned and arranged inset from the open end of the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b. Therefore a dead space exists in both the first and second portions 170a/170b/168a/168b; 162a/162b/164a/164b of the insert 170. Referring to Figure 20, a first "dead space" 'D1 ' may be defined as the area of the first portion top panel 168b between the left-hand most blisters (B) (as viewed in Figure 21 ) and the free edge of the first locking flap 170a/170b. Similarly, a second "dead space" 'D2' may be defined as the area of the second portion top panel 164b between the right-hand most blisters (B) (as viewed in Figure 21 ) and the free edge of the second locking flap 162a/162b. It is beneficial if the first and second dead spaces 'D1 ', 'D2' can be minimised in order to avoid using more material than is necessary in forming the insert 170 for economic and environmental reasons. However, there is a balance between minimising the first and second dead spaces 'D1 ', 'D2' and ensuring proper and secure operation of the first and second retention mechanisms 156a/158a/130a/138a, 170a/170b; 156b/158b/130b/138b, 162a/162b which serve to connect the insert 170 to the first and second outer sleeves 190a, 190b. As with the first embodiment, the aligned hinged connections 174a/174b and 176a/176b are preferably formed as frangible connections. Additionally, and also preferably, the composite spine panel 166a/166b is provided with inverted "V"-shaped notch portions, the apex of which terminates on the aligned hinged connections 174a/174b and 176a/176b. As such a mechanism is provided for enabling the spine panel 166a/166b to be detached from the package 200 so that the package 200 can be separated into two separate parts (not illustrated): the first outer sleeve 190a with its integral first pocket 1 1 1 a and the first portion 170a/170b/168a/168b of the insert 170; and the second outer sleeve 190b with its integral second pocket 1 1 1 b and the second portion 162a/162b/164a/164b of the insert 170. Other mechanisms may be provided for enabling the spine panel 166a/166b to be detached from the package 200.

In Figures 27 to 36 there is shown a further exemplary and non-limiting example of a three- part package 300 (see Figures 33 to 37) comprising an insert 270 (see Figure 31 ); a first outer sleeve 290a (see Figure 32A); and a second outer sleeve 290b (see Figure 32B).

The first and second retention mechanisms 230a, 270a/270b; 230b, 262a/262b provided by the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b and insert 270 are different in this embodiment compared to the first and second illustrated embodiments. Rather than comprising an affixed retention flap 30a, 30b, 130a, 130b as in the first and second embodiments, the retention mechanisms 230a, 270a/270b; 230b, 262a/262b of the present illustrated embodiment comprise only a retention flap 230a, 230b that is not affixed to the inside face of the inner top panel 212a, 212b of the first and second outer sleeve 290a, 290b respectively.

Reference is made to Figures 27 and 28 wherein the first and second blanks 210a, 210b are shown. The first and second blanks 210a, 210b are constructed in a similar manner to the first and second blanks 10a, 10b of the first embodiment, albeit the first and second retention flaps 230a, 230b are only folded inwardly about fold line 240a, 240b and are not affixed to the inside face of the inner top panel 212a, 212b. The front end flaps 232a, 232b are folded and affixed to the bottom panel 216a, 216b. Thereafter construction of the blanks 210a, 210b is the same as for blank 10a, 10b and is not described further.

The first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b formed from the first and second blanks 210a, 210b are shown in Figure 32A and Figure 32B respectively. It can be seen that the retention flaps 230a, 230b can unfold slightly to "close" the front end of the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b. The height of the retention flaps 230a, 230b is defined as the distance between fold line 240a, 240b and the free edge of the retention flap 230a, 230b (see Figures 27 and 28). The height of the open end of the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b may be defined as the distance between inner top panel 212a, 212b and the front end flap 232a, 232b (see Figures 32A and 32B). The height of each retention flap 230a, 230b is preferably greater than the height of the open end of the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b such that each retention flap 230a, 230b cannot easily be pulled out of the assembled first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b.

Due to the potential for interference between the non-affixed retention flaps 230a, 230b and product held by an insert, particularly product held in individual blisters, in between which the non-affixed retention flaps 230a, 230b could become caught, the insert 270 of the present embodiment comprises first and second covers 273a/273b; 271a/271 b that rest above or on top of the blisters (B). The non-affixed retention flaps 230a, 230b can "ride" over the first and second covers 273a/273b; 271 a/271 b and catching of the retention flaps 230a, 230b between blisters (B) is avoided or at least mitigated against.

The first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b of the present embodiment preferably do not comprise an integral pocket. However, the first and second covers 273a/273b; 271 a/271 b of the presently illustrated arrangement are preferably dual purpose in that they additionally serve to provide first and second pockets 21 1 a, 21 1 b for the storage of information or other material.

With reference to Figure 29, it can be seen that a blank 260 for forming the insert 170 according to the third illustrated embodiment of the disclosures, differs from the blanks 60, 160 of the earlier embodiments, by the provision of panels for forming the first and second "pocket" covers 21 1a, 21 1 b. The blank 260 comprises: a first cover flap 273a hinged to a first cover side panel 277a by a transverse fold line 289a. The first cover side panel 277a is in turn hinged to the first portion rear panel 268a by transverse fold line 287a. The blank 260 additionally comprises a first pocket flap 273b hinged to a first pocket side panel 277b by a transverse fold line 289b. The first pocket side panel 277b is in turn hinged to the first portion top panel 268b by transverse fold line 287b.

The blank 260 additionally comprises a second cover flap 271 a hinged to a second cover side panel 275a by a transverse fold line 283a. The second cover side panel 275a is in turn hinged to the second portion rear panel 264a by transverse fold line 285a. The blank 260 additionally comprises a second pocket flap 271 b hinged to a first pocket side panel 275b by a transverse fold line 283b. The second pocket side panel 275b is in turn hinged to the first portion top panel 264b by transverse fold line 285b.

The first and second pocket flaps 273b, 271 b each comprise a shaped slit 'S' and during construction of the insert 270 from the blank 260, the first and second pocket flaps 273b, 271 b may only be partly affixed to the first and second cover flaps 273a, 271 a, preferably by adhesive only provided in the regions G marked on Figure 29.

To form the insert 270, first and second product holding blister strips are placed on regions 267, with the blisters passing through the apertures 265. The blank 260 is then folded about medial fold line 281 to bring the top half of the blank 260 onto the bottom half of the blank 260, sandwiching the first and second blister strips therebetween. In doing this, the first and second cover flaps 273a, 271 a are selectively affixed (in region G) to the first and second pocket flaps 273b, 271 b respectively.

The first and second pocket side panels 277b, 275b each have a height 'h₃' (see Figure 29) that may be defined as the distance between fold lines 287b and 289b; and the distance between fold lines 285b and 283b respectively. The first and second cover side panels 277a, 275a each have a height 'h₄' (see Figure 29) that may be defined as the distance between fold lines 287a and 289a; and the distance between fold lines 285a and 283a respectively. Preferably, the first and second pocket side panels 277b, 275b may be dimensioned to have a slightly smaller height 'h₄ than the height 'h₃' of the first and second cover side panels 277a, 275a so that the two-ply first and second covers 21 1 a, 211 b can be folded about aligned fold lines 287a/287b; and 285a/285b to bring the first and second covers 21 1a, 211 b into their covering position above the blisters contained within the insert 270; see Figures 31 and 35 of a view of the insert 270 when the two-ply first and second covers 21 1a, 21 1 b are in their covering positions. See Figures 36 and 37 for a view of the package 300 in an unfolded and partially open position wherein the second portion 262a/262b/264a/264b of the insert 270 is partially withdrawn and the second cover 21 1 b has been unfolded to expose the product holding blisters (B) underneath.

In Figures 36 and 37, it is illustrated how the package 300 can be placed into a partially open and unfolded position. Here a user (optionally standing in the position of the reader) has held the first outer sleeve 290a in their right hand and has activated the first release mechanism 280a. The user has held the second outer sleeve 290b in their left hand and has not operated the second release mechanism 280b. At the same time as depressing the release mechanism 280a (optionally with their right thumb), the user has moved their hands apart and in doing so has used the second outer sleeve 290b to pull the first portion 270a/270b/268b/268a of the insert 270 partially out of the first outer sleeve 290a. The first retention mechanism 230a, 270a/270b has automatically prevented the first portion 270a/270b/268b/268a of the insert 270 from being completely withdrawn from the first outer sleeve 290a. The product (P) held in the blisters (B) is arranged on the first portion 270a/270b/268b/268a of the insert 270 such that in the open position and with the insert 270 still connected to the first outer sleeve 290a, all of the product (P) held by the first portion 270a/270b/268b/268a of the insert 170 can be accessed.

In Figure 36, the package 300 (unfolded and partially opened) has been cut through and an end view of the cut-away portion is shown. It can be seen that the second portion 262a/262b/264a/264b of the insert 270 remains locked inside, and thereby connected to, the second outer sleeve 290b by operation of the second, two-part complementary locking mechanism 260b, 262a/262b. It can be seen that the second locking flap 262a/262b is positioned such that its leading edge is caught within the aperture 260b and abuts or contacts an internal cut edge of the inner top panel 212b defined by that aperture 260b.

It can also be seen that after activation of the first release mechanism 280a, that the first locking flap 270a/270b has been released from locking engagement with the first aperture 260a of the first, two-part complementary locking mechanism 260a, 270a/270b and has been slid towards the open end of the first outer sleeve 290a. In this way the product (P) held in blisters (B) has been moved out of the first outer sleeve 290a and is all accessible. The insert 270 nevertheless remains connected to the first outer sleeve 290a by operation of the first retention mechanism 230a. It can be seen that the first locking flap 270a/270b is positioned such that its leading edge is caught by the folded and non-affixed first retention flap 230a. By virtue of at least the first and second retention mechanisms 230a, 230b, it can be seen how the insert 270 is connected to each of the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b and therefore connects the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b to one another. The provision of a retention flap 230a, 230b folded inwardly is beneficial because, as described in relation to the second embodiment, it provides a smooth folded front edge to the open end of the first and second sleeves 290a, 290b. This may improve the child resistant quality of the package 300 since it is harder to initiate a tear along such a folded edge 240a, 240b and therefore infiltrating the package 300 by tearing through the folded edge 240a, 240b of the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b is far more difficult.

In Figure 37, the blisters (B) are illustrated in a manner that is not necessarily to scale in order to avoid the blisters (B) obscuring the internal view of the first and second retention mechanisms 230a, 230b and the second cover, 211 b, in particular. In an actual assembled package 300, it is likely that the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b will be sized and arranged such that an inner ceiling 212a, 212b will be positioned very close to the first and second covers 211 a, 21 1 b and to the tops of the blisters (B). The distance between the inner ceiling 212a, 212b and the first and second covers 21 1a, 21 1 b just above the tops of the blister (in other words the "clearance" for the covered insert 270) may be in the region of about 1 mm to about 2mm. By not affixing the retention flap 230a, 230b to the inside surface of the inner top panel 212a, 212b, the retention flap 230a, 230b is positioned such that it potentially could interfere with the blisters (B) and could inhibit withdrawal of the insert 270 from the first and second outer sleeves 290a, 290b. However, the first and second covers 21 1 a, 21 1 b provide a screen which prevents the retention flap 230a, 230b from getting caught in this way; see Figure 37 wherein the second retention flap 270b is sliding over the second cover 21 1 b (217a/271 b).

As a result of not affixing the retention panels 230a, 230b to the inner top panels 212a, 222b, the first and second retention mechanisms 230a, 230b are positioned and arranged such that less dead space exists in both the first and second portions 270a/270b/268a/268b; 262a/262b/264a/264b. This, as illustrated in Figure 37 with respect to the first portion 270a/270b/268a/268b of the insert 270, is because the leading edge of the first locking flap 270a/270b can slide closer towards the open end of the first outer sleeve 290a than the leading edge of the first locking flap 170a/170b can slide toward the open end of the first outer sleeve 190a.

The particular arrangement of retention mechanism 230a, 230b of the third embodiment is beneficial because of the reduction of dead space within the insert (which allows the insert to be made of less material or to carry more products). The provision of first and second covers 21 1 a, 21 1 b ensures the effective operation of the retention mechanism 230a, 230b and the additional material required to form the first and second covers 21 1 a, 21 1 b is beneficially and additionally used to provide an information carrying pocket 211 a, 21 1 b which the user necessarily must contact to access the products. This may be beneficial where medication is concerned because the inherent manipulation of information materials held within the pockets 21 1a, 21 1 b may serve to implicitly remind the user of details relating to the dosage they should be taking and the timing of their medication or other details relating to their treatment plan, that may improve the accuracy with which the medication is administered and therefore its effectiveness.

In Figures 38 to 51 there is shown a further exemplary and non-limiting example of a three- part package 400 (see Figures 50 and 51 ) comprising an insert 370 (see Figure 49); a first outer sleeve 390a (see Figures 47A and 48A); and a second outer sleeve 390b (see Figures 47B and 48B). A blank for forming the insert 370 is not shown; the insert 370 is the same as the inserts 170 and 70 of Figures 21 and 6. The insert 370 is illustrated again for ease of illustration of the package 400 of the fourth illustrated arrangement.

In Figure 38, the first blank 310a for forming the first outer sleeve 390a (see Figures 47A and 48A) is shown. The blank 310a is similar to blank 1 10a of the second embodiment and differs in that a different arrangement of panels is provided for forming a differently structured first pocket 31 1a on the first outer sleeve 390a. The first pocket 31 1 a is best seen in Figure 48A. The first pocket 31 1 a is again integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve 390a and is formed from a series of panels including: a first pocket bottom panel 321 a, a first pocket top panel 323a and a pocket glue flap 325a. Preferably, a pocket latch flap 335a is provided that is hinged to the "open"-end of the outer top panel 320a by frangible line 341 a. An aperture 352a for forming part of a notch with recess 357a is formed along frangible line 341 a.

Turning in more detail to the construction of the outer sleeve 390a, from the blank 310a, reference is made to Figures 40 to 46. First the blank 310a is flipped so that its non-coated non-printed side faces out (see Figure 40). Then, retention and end flaps 330a, 332a are folded about fold lines 340a, 342a and may be affixed to the inside faces (non-printed faces) of the inner top panel 312a and bottom panel 316a respectively. To affix the retention and end flaps 330a, 332a to the inner top panel 312a and bottom panel 316a, adhesive (such as hot melt glue) may be applied to one or both of the end flap 332a and the bottom panel 316a; and to one or both of the retention flap 330a and the inner top panel 312a; see Figure Then, the inner top panel 312a and first side panel 314a are together folded about fold line 324a. This brings the (non-printed side of the) inner top panel 312a into face contacting relationship with the (non-printed side of) the second side panel 318a and part of the bottom panel 316a. The first side panel 314a is brought into face contacting relationship with part of the bottom panel 316a; see Figure 42.

Adhesive or other affixing means may be applied to the (printed/coated) surface of the inner top panel 312a. The outer top panel 320a may then be folded together with pocket panels 321 a, 323a and 325a about fold line 328a, until the outer top panel 320a is in flat face contact with the inner top panel 312a and is affixed thereto. This also causes the first pocket bottom panel 321 a, the first pocket top panel 323a and the pocket glue flap 325a to be folded onto the right-hand side of the part assembled blank (see Figure 43).

To form the first pocket 311 a, the first pocket bottom panel 321 a, together with the first pocket top panel 323a and the pocket glue flap 325a is folded about fold line 327a to bring the printed/coated side of the first pocket bottom panel 321 a into face contacting (non- affixed) overlapping relationship with the outer top panel 320a. See Figure 44.

The pocket latch flap 335a is then folded about frangible line 341a and adhesive is applied to both sides of the pocket latch flap 335a. The pocket glue flap 325a is folded about fold line 331 a and adhesive applied thereto. See Figure 45. Thereafter, the first pocket top panel 323a, together with the pocket glue flap 325a is folded about fold line 329a to bring the first pocket top panel 323a into face contacting relationship with part of the pocket bottom panel 321 a. See Figure 46. The pocket glue flap 325a thereby attaches the first pocket top panel 323a to the first pocket bottom panel 321 a; and the pocket latch flap 335a serves to temporarily latch the first pocket 31 1a to the outer top panel 320a of the first outer sleeve 390a.

At this point, construction of the first outer sleeve 390a is not entirely completed since the rear end wall 334a/336a has not been assembled. In this state however, the outer sleeve 390a is in its flat form (see Figure 46). The flat form outer sleeve 390a is subsequently opened into a tubular form and the rear end wall 334a/336a is constructed by folding the rear end panels 334a, 336a about fold lines 344a, 346a and into affixed and face contacting relationship. Preferably, the bottom end flap 334a is folded first and the top end flap 336a is affixed thereto. The finished first outer sleeve 390a is shown in Figure 47A. The first pocket 31 1 a can be hinged about the fold line 327a after the frangible connection 341 a has been broken. The frangible connection 341 a provides a temporary tether of the first pocket 31 1 a to the remainder of the first outer sleeve 390a which may be beneficial during storage of the package 400 and during loading of the first outer sleeve 390a, preferably by a pharmacist or pharmaceutical provider, if used for medication. The frangible connection 241 additionally provides a "first use" feel to the end consumer and a tamper evident feature.

The second blank 310b may be a mirror image of the first blank 310a and with an oppositely angled release tab 380b in order to provide a "right-handed" second outer-sleeve 390b which has a second pocket 31 1 b that opens on the same side as the first pocket 31 1 a of the first (left-handed) outer sleeve 390a, when the first and second outer sleeves 390a, 390b are positioned with their open ends facing one another. See for example Figure 50.

The insert 370 (see Figure 49) is used in conjunction with the first and second outer sleeves 390a, 390b to provide a three-part package which operates as described in relation to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 51 , each of the first and second pockets 31 1a, 311 b is separately usable. In Figure 51 , the frangible line 341 a has been broken and the first pocket 31 1 a has been moved into an unfolded position to expose, for the first time, the release mechanism 380a in the first outer top panel 320a. This shows the user that the first portion of the insert 370a/370b/368a/368b has not, prior to the breaking of that frangible connection, been withdrawn from the first outer sleeve 390a. The second pocket 31 1 b remains attached by pocket latch panel 335b which conveys to the user that the second portion 362a/362b/364a/364b of the insert 370 has not yet been withdrawn from the second outer sleeve 390b.

Each pocket 31 1 a, 31 1 b can, by means of a friction fit, hold information material. Preferably in other embodiments adhesive may be used to close a rear end of the first and second pockets 31 1 a, 31 1 b.

Turning now to the fifth illustrated embodiment, reference is made to Figures 52 through to 60. In Figures 52 to 60, there is shown a further exemplary and non-limiting example of a three-part package 600 (see Figures 58, 59 and 60) comprising an insert 670 (see Figures 54 to 57); a first outer sleeve 590a (see Figures 53, 58, 59 and 60); and a second outer sleeve 590b (see Figures 53, 58, 59 and 60).

In the present arrangement, only one style of blank 510 is used to form the first and the second outer sleeves 590a, 590b. This is because the release mechanism provided is straight, symmetrical and not "handed". Beneficially therefore the preparation of blanks 510 of a single style and construction of the package 600 using only one style of blank 510 is more simple.

Preferably, and similarly to the embodiment of Figures 27 to 37, the first and second retention mechanisms 530, 570; 530, 562 provided by the first and second outer sleeves 590a, 590b and insert 670 comprise only a retention flap 530 that is not affixed to the inside face of the inner top panel 512 of the first and second outer sleeves 590a, 590b respectively.

The first and second outer sleeves 590a, 590b are constructed in the same way, each from a separate blank 510. First, if necessary, the paperboard blank 510 is flipped so that its non- coated non-printed side faces out. Then, retention flap 530 is folded about fold line 540 and end flap 532 is folded about fold line 542. The end flap 532 may be affixed to the inside face (non-printed face) of the bottom panel 516. Then, the inner top panel 512 is folded about fold line 522. This brings the (non-printed side of the) inner top panel 512 into face contacting relationship with the (non-printed side of) the first side panel 514 and part of the bottom panel 516 and traps the folded but non-affixed retention flap inside the sleeve being formed 590a, 590b. Adhesive or other affixing means may be applied to the (printed/coated) surface of the inner top panel 512. The outer top panel 520 may then be folded together with the second side panel 518 about fold line 526, until the outer top panel 520 is in flat face contact with the inner top panel 512 and is affixed thereto. This also causes part of the second side panel 518 to overlay part of the bottom panel 516. The flat-form outer sleeve 590a or 590b is opened into a tubular form and the rear end wall 534/536 is constructed by folding the rear end panels 534, 536 about fold lines 544, 546 and into affixed and face contacting relationship. The second outer sleeve 590b is merely rotated relative to the first outer sleeve 590a. In other words two outer sleeves formed from two blanks 510 are constructed and are then placed face-to-face with their open ends facing one another.

The insert 670 of the present arrangement may be a modified plastic strip. More specifically, the insert 670 may be formed primarily of plastics material without using paperboard. First and second locking flaps 570, 562 (also referred to as locking feet) may be integrally formed with the planar main body 568 of the insert 670. Preferably, to add rigidity to the plastics insert 670, especially when it is used to connect the first outer sleeve 590a to the second outer sleeve 590b, the insert 670 additionally comprises side runners or folded side marginal portions 504, 502. Like the locking feet 562, 570, the side runners 504, 502 are integrally formed from the plastics material of the insert 670 and are hingedly connected integrally to the main body 568. As can be seen in Figure 56, the side runners 504, 502 are folded, preferably at a non-normal angle, relative to the plane of the main body 568 of the insert 670. The side runners 502, 504 may beneficially assist in pushing the retention flap 530 upwardly slightly toward the inner ceiling 512 of the first or second outer sleeve 590a, 590b to mitigate against the non-affixed retention flap 530 catching on the two or more integrally formed product holding blisters B of the insert 670. This benefit is available when the blisters B protrude from one of the opposite planar surfaces of the main body 568, facing a viewer of each of Figures 54, 59 and 60, i.e., the upper surface of the main body 568 as viewed in Figure 56 or the right-hand side of the main body as viewed in Figure 55. Preferably the side runners 504, 502 extend above the top of the blisters to push the retention flap 530 towards the inner ceiling to provide sufficient clearance for the blisters B, but stop short of being able to force the retention flap 530 against the inner ceiling so that the retention flap can co-operate with a locking foot 562, 570 to connect the insert to the first and second outer sleeves 590a, 590b.

Further preferably, the insert 670 does not comprise a joint, does not comprise a spine panel whereas the package 600 is not configured to be folded into a closed and folded book-style configuration. Rather, the package 600 has a closed configuration (see Figure 58); a part open configuration wherein one of the first or second portions of the insert 670 only is exposed for access to the product within the blister (see Figure 59); and a fully open configuration wherein both the first and second portions of the insert 670 are withdrawn from the first and second outer sleeves 590a, 590b while the insert 670 remains connected thereto by virtue of the locking flaps 562, 570 and retention flaps 530 of the outer sleeves 590a, 590b.

In the forgoing description of the fifth embodiment, reference character "B" is described as denoting a blister. However, each reference character "B" may be construed as indicating an area wherein one or more blisters are located and integrally formed with the main body 568. Those blisters in the blister areas B may protrude either from the planar surface of the main body 568 facing a viewer of Figures 54, 59 and 60 or from the other planar surface of the main body 568, i.e., the lower surface of the main body 568 as viewed in Figure 56.

While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended thereby to the details of construction or design, the present invention contemplating and including any novel feature or novel combination of features which are herein disclosed.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size, number, configuration, position and relative placement, shape and physical formation of the or each panel, the locking structures, the retention mechanisms and the moveable tabs of the release mechanisms may be adjusted to suit the design and/or intended purpose of the package. In envisaged embodiments, the release tab in the outer top panel is defined by a front cut that is temporarily tethered to the outer top panel by one or more connecting nick portions. Additionally or alternatively, the release tab comprises a crease line, demarcation or debossed line that extends substantially medially of the release tab. The medial crease terminates at a location spaced from the front cut 83 and may terminate in the outer top panel 22 at a location spaced from the arcuate terminations of the first and second side cuts 82, 84.

Preferably, it is additionally envisaged that where compatible with other features of the package, the moveable release tabs may be used in conjunction with a demarcated pressing zone provided in an outermost exterior panel of the package and that the moveable tab may be occluded from view in normal use and may not be readily visible. When a user depresses the package in a pressing zone region of the outermost panel that is in registry with the underlying moveable tab, causes the moveable tab to be depressed sufficiently to cause the unlocking of the two-part locking mechanism

In embodiments comprising a pressing region or zone, each pressing zone may be a demarcated pressing zone and may comprise any one or more of: an embossment, debossment, crease, groove, compressed region of material, integrally formed raised button or recess. Preferably, the demarcated region may be formed by any one or more or an appropriate combination of: thermo-forming, molded, blow-molded, pressed, grooved, engraved, scored, and hatched.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" each refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations in the blank or substrate of sheet material. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line or a single frangible hinge line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines or one or more frangible hinge lines.

As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms "frangible line", "frangible hinge line", "frangible connection" and "frangible hinge connection" each refers to all manner of lines formed in the blank of substrate that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the term "frangible line", "frangible hinge line", "frangible connection" and "frangible hinge connection" each may refer to one of the following: a single half-cut, an interrupted cut, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short half cuts, and any combination of the aforementioned options.

It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines, frangible lines, frangible hinge lines, frangible connections and frangible hinge connections can each includes elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible hinge line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a frangible line.

The phrase "in registry with" as used herein refers to alignment of two or more elements in an erected package, such as a moveable tab formed in an outer top panel and a moveable tab formed in an inner top panel. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when a locking edge of the intermediate top panel is "in registry with" a locking edge of the inner top panel that is placed in overlapping arrangement with the intermediate top panel, the locking edges may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the intermediate and inner top panels.

Claims

1. A package comprising:

(i) a first outer sleeve comprising a cavity having an open end;

(ii) a second outer sleeve comprising a cavity having an open end; and

(iii) a product holding insert comprising first and second opposed ends, the first end of the insert being slidably insertable within the cavity of the first outer sleeve, the second end of the insert being slidably insertable within the cavity of the second outer sleeve and the insert connecting the first and second outer sleeves together.

2. A package according to claim 1 wherein the insert comprises a first locking flap at the first end thereof and second locking flap at the second end thereof.

3. A package according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the insert comprises a joint arranged such that the first and second outer sleeves are moveable about the joint of the insert such that the first and second outer sleeves can move between a first position wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are side-by-side and a second position wherein the open ends of the first and second outer sleeves are opposite one another and face one another.

4. A package according to claim 3 wherein the insert comprises a first portion defining the first end; and a second portion defining the second end, and wherein the joint is formed by a spine panel disposed in between and hinged to the first and second portions of the insert.

5. A package according to claim 4 wherein the spine panel is hinged to the first and second portions of the insert along frangible lines such that the package can be separated by breaking of those frangible lines, into a first outer sleeve comprising the first portion of the insert and a separate second outer sleeve comprising the second portion of the insert.

6. A package according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the package comprises: (i) a first retention mechanism associated with the first outer sleeve and with the first end of the insert for connecting the first end of the insert to the first outer sleeve; and

7. A package according to claim 6 wherein the first retention mechanism comprises a first retention flap associated with the open end of the first outer sleeve and a first locking flap hinged to the first end of the insert, and wherein the second retention mechanism comprises a second retention flap associated with the open end of the second outer sleeve and a second locking flap hinged to the second end of the insert.

8. A package according to claim 7 wherein the first retention flap is affixed to an inside surface of a wall of the first outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the first locking flap abuts an edge of the first retention flap to prevent complete withdrawal of the first end of the insert from the first outer sleeve, and wherein the second retention flap is affixed to an inside surface of a wall of the second outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the second locking flap abuts an edge of the second retention flap to prevent complete withdrawal of the second end of the insert from the second outer sleeve.

9. A package according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the first retention mechanism comprises a first aperture proximate to the open end of the first outer sleeve and aligned with the edge of the first retention flap and wherein the first locking flap is engageable with the first aperture and an edge defined thereby; and wherein the second retention mechanism comprises a second aperture proximate the open end of the second outer sleeve and aligned with the edge of the second retention flap and wherein the second locking flap is second aperture and an edge defined thereby.

10. A package according to claim 9 wherein only a first hinge connection couples the first retention flap to a wall of the first outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the first locking flap abuts an internal corner provided by said hinge connection to prevent complete withdrawal of the first end of the insert from the first outer sleeve and wherein only a hinge connection couples the second retention mechanism to a wall of the second outer sleeve proximate the open end thereof and a leading free edge of the second locking flap abuts an internal corner provided by said second hinge connection to prevent complete withdrawal of the second end of the insert from the second outer sleeve.

1 1. A package according to claim 10, further comprising: a first pocket or first supplementary cover integrally formed as part of the insert; and/or a second pocket or second supplementary cover integrally formed as part of the insert.

12. A package according to any preceding claim wherein the package comprises a first complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the first outer sleeve and the first end of the insert; and wherein the package comprises a second complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the second outer sleeve and the second end of the insert.

13. A package according to claim 12 wherein the first complementary mechanical locking mechanism comprises a first locking aperture associated with the first outer sleeve and a first locking flap hinged to the first end of the insert, which first locking flap is engageable within the first locking aperture and/or engageable against an edge thereof for locking the first end of the insert within the first outer sleeve; and wherein the second complementary mechanical locking mechanism comprises a second locking aperture associated with the second outer sleeve and a second locking flap hinged to the second end of the insert, which second locking flap is engageable within the second locking aperture and/or engageable against an edge thereof for locking the second end of the insert within the second outer sleeve.

14. A package according to claim 13 wherein the package comprises a first release mechanism associated with the first complementary mechanical locking mechanism and a second release mechanism associated with the second complementary mechanical locking mechanism.

15. A package according to claim 14 wherein the first and second release mechanisms are handed such that the first release mechanism is arranged to be operated by a left hand of a user of the package and such that the second release mechanism is arranged to be operated by a right hand of a user of the package.

16. A package according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the first release mechanism comprises a first moveable tab formed in the first outer sleeve, proximate to the first locking aperture and operable to displace the first locking flap out of locking engagement with the first locking aperture and/or an edge thereof; and wherein the second release mechanism comprises a second moveable tab formed in the second outer sleeve, proximate to the second locking aperture and operable to displace the second locking flap out of locking engagement with the second locking aperture and/or an edge thereof.

17. A package according to claim 16 wherein the first moveable tab and second moveable tab are each arranged at a non-normal angle relative to the first and second outer sleeves respectively and are angled such that a notional medial line through the centre of the first moveable tab converges with a notional medial line through the centre of the second moveable tab.

18. A package according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the first moveable tab and second moveable tab are each defined by a front frangible line or front cut line and two side cuts, and wherein one of the side cuts of the first moveable tab is longer than the other of the side cuts of the first moveable tab; and wherein one of the side cuts of the second moveable tab is longer than the other of the side cuts of the second moveable tab.

19. A package according to any preceding claim further comprising: a first pocket integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve; and/or a second pocket integrally formed as part of the second outer sleeve.

20. A package according to claim 19 comprising a first pocket integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve, wherein the first pocket comprises:

a first pocket side panel,

a pocket main panel, a second pocket side panel and

a pocket end flap,

21. A package according to claim 20 wherein the first pocket has a depth that is substantially equal to the difference between the width of the first pocket side panel and the width of the first side panel of the first outer sleeve.

22. A package according to claim 19, 20 or 21 comprising a second pocket integrally formed as part of the second outer sleeve, wherein the second pocket comprises: a first pocket side panel,

a pocket main panel,

a second pocket side panel and

a pocket end flap,

23. A package according to claim 22 wherein the second pocket has a depth that is substantially equal to the difference between the width of the first pocket side panel and the width of the first side panel of the second outer sleeve.

24. A package according to claim 19 comprising a first pocket integrally formed as part of the first outer sleeve, wherein the first pocket comprises:

a first pocket main panel,

a second pocket main panel and

a glue flap,

25. A package according to claim 19 or 24 comprising a second pocket integrally formed as part of the second outer sleeve, wherein the second pocket comprises:

a first pocket main panel,

a second pocket main panel and

a glue flap,

26. An insert for use in a package according to any of the preceding claims comprising a first portion having a first end; a second portion having a second end; a first part of a first retention mechanism associated with the first portion; and a first part of a second retention mechanism associated with the second portion.

27. An insert according to claim 26 wherein the insert comprises a joint arranged such that the first and second portions are moveable about the joint of the insert such that the first and second portions can move between a first position wherein the first and second ends of the first and second outer sleeves are opposite one another and face one another and a second position wherein the first and second ends of the first and second portions are side-by-side and rest in the same plane.

28. An insert according to claim 27 wherein the joint is formed by a spine panel disposed in between and hinged to the first and second portions of the insert.

29. An insert according to claim 28 wherein the spine panel is hinged to the first and second portions of the insert along frangible lines such that the insert can be separated, by breaking of those frangible lines, into three separate sections: the first portion; the spine panel; and the second portion.

30. An insert according to any of claims 16 to 29 wherein a first part of a first complementary mechanical locking mechanism is associated with the first end of the insert; and wherein a second part of a second complementary mechanical locking mechanism is associated with the second end of the insert.

31. An insert according to claim 26 and 30 wherein said first part of the first retention mechanism associated with the first portion and the first part of the first complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the first end of the insert are both provided by a first locking flap hinged to the first end of the first portion of the insert; and wherein said first part of the second retention mechanism associated with the second portion and the first part of the second complementary mechanical locking mechanism associated with the second end of the insert are both provided by a second locking flap hinged to the second end of the second portion of the insert.

32. An insert according to any of claims 26 to 31 wherein the insert comprises a first cover hinged to the first portion and a second cover hinged to the second portion.

33. An insert according to claim 32 wherein the first cover and second cover are sized and arranged to cover product and/or product holding blisters upstanding from the first and second portions of the insert in order to mitigate against one or more of the product holding blisters interfering with the proper operation of the first and second retention mechanisms.

34. An insert according to claim 33 wherein the first cover comprises: a first cover flap, a first pocket flap, a first cover side panel and a first pocket side panel; and wherein the second cover comprises: a second cover flap, a second pocket flap, a second cover side panel and a second pocket side panel and wherein the first and second covers each additionally provide a pocket suitable for holding information carrying material.