U.S. patent application number 15/108834 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for lockable packaging.
The applicant listed for this patent is WESTROCK MWV, LLC. Invention is credited to Rodney D. DIXON, Marty JONES, Sherry L. LEVEILLE, Elizabeth A. VERCOE.
Application Number | 20160318651 15/108834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52465578 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160318651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JONES; Marty ; et
al. |
November 3, 2016 |
LOCKABLE PACKAGING
Abstract
A lockable receptacle (97) is used in a package which includes
an outer sleeve (95) and a two-part complementary locking mechanism
for releasably locking the lockable receptacle (97) within the
outer sleeve (95). The lockable receptacle provides a first part of
the two-part complementary locking mechanism in the form of a
locking element (90) co-operative with a second part of the
two-part complementary locking mechanism that is provided by an
outer sleeve. The lockable receptacle includes a main portion (88a,
88b) for holding and/or accommodating an article. The locking
element (90) is affixed to the main portion and has an engaging
portion (98) shaped and arranged for engaging the second part of
the two-part complementary locking mechanism.
Inventors: |
JONES; Marty; (Glen Allen,
VA) ; DIXON; Rodney D.; (Burlington, NC) ;
LEVEILLE; Sherry L.; (Hayes, VA) ; VERCOE; Elizabeth
A.; (Richmond, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WESTROCK MWV, LLC |
Norcross |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52465578 |
Appl. No.: |
15/108834 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
January 23, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US15/12565 |
371 Date: |
June 29, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61930730 |
Jan 23, 2014 |
|
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|
61950460 |
Mar 10, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 59/04 20130101;
B65D 5/38 20130101; B65D 2215/02 20130101; B65D 77/0446 20130101;
B65D 83/0463 20130101; B65D 75/367 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/38 20060101
B65D005/38; B65D 75/36 20060101 B65D075/36; B65D 77/04 20060101
B65D077/04; B65D 59/04 20060101 B65D059/04 |
Claims
1. A lockable receptacle for use in a package comprising an outer
sleeve and a two-part complementary locking mechanism for
releasably locking the lockable receptacle within the outer sleeve,
the lockable receptacle providing a first part of the two-part
complementary locking mechanism in the form of a locking element
co-operative with a second part of the two-part complementary
locking mechanism that is provided by an outer sleeve, the lockable
receptacle comprising a main portion for holding and/or
accommodating an article and the locking element being affixed to
the main portion and having an engaging portion shaped and arranged
for engaging the second part of the two-part complementary locking
mechanism.
2. A lockable receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the locking
element comprises a first lap panel hinged directly to a first edge
of the main portion of the lockable receptacle.
3. A lockable receptacle according to claim 2 wherein the first lap
panel is hinged directly to the first edge of the main portion of
the lockable receptacle at a location that is off-set from a centre
point along the first edge of the main portion.
4. A lockable receptacle according to claim 3 wherein the engaging
portion is provided by a cut and/or hinge edge of the locking
element, which cut and/or hinge edge is inset from said first edge
of the main portion of the lockable receptacle.
5. A lockable receptacle according to claim 4 wherein the locking
element comprises a second lap panel hinged to the first lap panel,
the second lap panel is folded and sandwiched between the first lap
panel and the main portion and is affixed thereto such that the
locking element is formed as a two-ply arrangement hinged to and
affixed to the main portion of the lockable receptacle.
6. A lockable receptacle according to claim 5 wherein the cut
and/or hinge edge comprises, in sequence, a fold line, a full-depth
cut or half-depth cut and a further fold line.
7. The lockable receptacle according to claim 6 wherein the locking
element is trapezoidal in shape.
8. The lockable receptacle according to claim 1 having a series of
product holding blisters and comprising a false blister, wherein
the false blister is located proximate to the locking element and
depends from a second or opposite surface of the main portion and
is provided to support the lockable receptacle in the vicinity of
the locking element for ensuring that the locking element locates
and properly engages the second part of the two-part complementary
locking mechanism.
9. The lockable receptacle according to wherein the lockable
receptacle accommodates two blister strips: a first blister strip
sandwiched between a first main portion panel and a second main
portion panel of the main portion; and a second blister strip
sandwiched between a first bottom portion panel and a second bottom
portion panel of a bottom portion of the lockable receptacle, and
wherein a first retention flap is connected to the first bottom
portion panel and a second retention flap is connected to the
second bottom portion panel, a first spine panel connects the first
main portion panel to the first bottom portion panel and a second
spine panel connects the second main portion panel to the second
bottom portion panel.
10. A package comprising an outer sleeve and lockable receptacle
according to claim 1, the outer sleeve having a tubular structure
for housing the lockable receptacle defined by: a bottom wall; a
composite top wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall, and
having an open front end and a closed rear end, the composite top
wall comprising an access aperture extending through the composite
top wall such that a portion of the lockable receptacle, when held
within the outer sleeve, is contactable therethrough, and the
composite top wall comprising a second part of a two-part
complementary locking mechanism for engaging the locking element of
the lockable receptacle, said second part comprising a locking
aperture formed in at least one panel forming the composite top
wall.
11. A package according to claim 10 wherein the composite top wall
comprises: an outer top panel, an intermediate top panel and an
inner top panel, wherein the access aperture is formed from an
outer aperture in the outer top panel; an intermediate aperture in
the intermediate top panel; and an inner aperture in the inner top
panel, which outer aperture, intermediate aperture and inner
aperture are sized and at least partially super-positioned such
that the access aperture extends through part of the composite top
wall, and wherein the second part of the two-part complementary
locking mechanism comprises an intermediate locking aperture in the
intermediate top panel and an inner locking aperture in the inner
top panel, the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking
aperture being sized and super-positioned such that a cut edge of
the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture
together form a locking edge against which the engaging portion of
the locking element abuts when the lockable receptacle is locked
within the outer sleeve.
12. A package according to claim 11 wherein the access aperture is
sized and positioned to enable at least part of the lockable
receptacle to be depressed or deformed to a sufficient degree to
release the locking element from engagement with the locking edge
and to enable the lockable receptacle to be moved out of the outer
sleeve through the open end.
13. A package according to claim 12 wherein the second part of the
two-part complementary locking mechanism is occluded from view by
the outer top panel.
14. A package according to claim 12 wherein the intermediate access
aperture and the intermediate locking aperture are connected; and
the inner access aperture and the inner locking aperture are
connected.
15. A package according to claim 14 wherein the intermediate
locking aperture is positioned substantially to the side of the
intermediate access aperture and wherein the inner locking aperture
is positioned substantially to the side of the inner access
aperture.
16. An outer sleeve for use in the package of claim 10, the outer
sleeve having a tubular structure for housing a lockable receptacle
defined by: a bottom wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall;
and a second side wall, and having an open front end and a closed
rear end, the composite top wall comprising an access aperture
extending through the composite top wall such that a portion of a
lockable receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is
contactable therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a
second part of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for
engaging the locking element of the lockable receptacle, said
second part comprising a locking aperture formed in at least one
panel forming the composite top wall.
17. An outer sleeve according to claim 16 wherein the composite top
wall comprises: an outer top panel, an intermediate top panel and
an inner top panel, wherein the access aperture is formed from an
outer aperture in the outer top panel; an intermediate aperture in
the intermediate top panel; and an inner aperture in the inner top
panel, which outer aperture, intermediate aperture and inner
aperture are sized and at least partially super-positioned such
that the access aperture extends through part of the composite top
wall, and wherein the second part of the two-part complementary
locking mechanism comprises an intermediate locking aperture in the
intermediate top panel and an inner locking aperture in the inner
top panel, the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking
aperture being sized and super-positioned such that a cut edge of
the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture
together form a locking edge against which the engaging portion of
the locking element abuts when the lockable receptacle is locked
within the outer sleeve.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to lockable
packaging such as child-resistant, senior-friendly packages for
healthcare type applications, sleeve-and-drawer style packages for
consumer goods such as food, recreational drugs (for example,
tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, etc.), toys, hardware and electrical
items or the like and, more specifically but not exclusively, to a
lockable slide receptacle (for example, a blister card, a tray, a
box, etc.), an outer sleeve (or shell) and to a sleeve-and-drawer
style package having an internal slidable receptacle, releasably
lockable within the outer sleeve. 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 or lozenges, and security packages
to deter package pilferage for small high-value items, such as
consumer electronics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the field of packaging, particularly in the field of
healthcare and medication packaging, it is often required to
provide consumers or patients with 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
patient to be able to access their own medication 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 that holds articles such as medicaments, tablets
or vitamins in blisters. The blisters are sealed (often by a foil
layer or a polymeric film) to retain product freshness, and are
arranged in rows to encourage patients to take the appropriate dose
(it being readily visible how many items have been consumed, and
how many items are to be consumed). The blisters may be formed
directly within the slide card, or a separate blister strip may be
attached to a sheet of material to form an inner slide card. The
inner slide card, with the blisters of articles, is then slidable
inside an outer sleeve. The inner slide card is usually retained
and locked inside, the inner slide card providing a locking tail
flap that engages the outer sleeve. An unlocking mechanism is
usually provided on the outer sleeve to permit the release of the
inner slide card. 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. Typically, such packages require a
consumer to use both of their hands: a first hand to hold the outer
sleeve and press the unlocking mechanism; and a second hand to
grasp the inner slide card and withdraw it from the outer sleeve. A
package that can be unlocked and the inner slide card withdrawn
using only one-handed operation would be advantageous.
[0003] Further considerations in this technical field are the need
for such packages to be re-opened and re-locked many times without
failure. A course of medication may, for example, require
twenty-one or more doses to be taken over a period of time, and the
package must be useable to re-lock and release the blister
containing slide card repeatedly without failure. Equally, the cost
of providing healthcare products and medication must, as far as
possible, be minimised and as such it is 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 (such as pill calendars and/or other
patient-directed information) on the package, the size of the
package is preferably minimised, not only to reduce its production
costs by using less material, but also to reduce shipping costs. A
lightweight and compact package, with a locking feature that can
withstand repeated use, is therefore advantageous.
[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the
field of packaging more specifically but not exclusively, in the
field of packaging comprising inner slide cards and outer
sleeves.
[0005] A package, or components of a package, of the invention may
include an outer structure for containing an internally
positionable lockable receptacle and means for locking, unlocking
and retaining the internally positioned lockable receptacle. A
package according to the invention may include an opening that
allows the insertion and partial extraction of the lockable
receptacle, and may provide means for positioning the lockable
receptacle within the structure such that one or more locking
elements of the lockable receptacle engage the outer structure to
mechanically lock the receptacle in place, thereby preventing the
lockable receptacle from being pulled or withdrawn from the outer
structure. Preferably, a package of the invention provides means in
the outer structure for disengaging the mechanical locking features
associated with or co-operative with a means by which the inner
slide card can be at least partially pushed-out or otherwise
extracted from the outer structure.
[0006] As used herein the term "lockable receptacle" refers to an
internally positionable product holding receptacle that may
comprise one or more product holding compartments, such as
blisters, integrally formed thereon and/or that may comprise one or
more product holding compartments, such as blisters, provided on
one or more separate strips attached to or otherwise held
thereby.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] According to an aspect of the invention for which protection
is sought, there is provided a lockable receptacle for use in a
package comprising an outer sleeve and a two-part complementary
locking mechanism for releasably locking the lockable receptacle
within the outer sleeve. The lockable receptacle provides a first
part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism in the form of
a locking element that is co-operative with a second part of the
two-part complementary locking mechanism that is provided by an
outer sleeve. The lockable receptacle comprises a main portion for
holding and/or accommodating an article and the locking element is
affixed to a first surface of the main portion. The locking element
has an engaging portion that is shaped and arranged for engaging
the second part of the two-part complementary locking
mechanism.
[0008] Preferably, the locking element comprises a first lap panel
hinged directly to a first edge of the main portion of the lockable
receptacle.
[0009] Preferably, the first lap panel is hinged directly to the
first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle at a
location that is off-set from a centre point along the first edge
of the main portion.
[0010] Preferably, the engaging portion is provided by a cut and/or
hinge edge of the locking element, which cut and/or hinge edge is
inset from said first edge of the main portion of the lockable
receptacle.
[0011] Even more preferably, the locking element comprises a second
lap panel that is hinged to the first lap panel, the second lap
panel is folded and sandwiched between the first lap panel and the
main portion and is affixed thereto such that the locking element
is formed as a two-ply arrangement hinged to and affixed to the
main portion of the lockable receptacle.
[0012] Preferably, the cut and/or hinge edge comprises, in
sequence, a fold line, a full-depth cut or half-depth cut and a
further fold line.
[0013] Preferably, the locking element is trapezoidal in shape.
[0014] Preferably, the lockable receptacle has a series of product
holding blisters and comprises a false blister, wherein the false
blister is located proximate to the locking element and depends
from a second or opposite surface of the main portion and is
provided to support the lockable receptacle in the vicinity of the
locking element for ensuring that the locking element locates and
properly engages the second part of the two-part complementary
locking mechanism.
[0015] Yet even more preferably, the lockable receptacle
accommodates two blister strips: a first blister strip sandwiched
between a first main portion panel and a second main portion panel
of the main portion; and a second blister strip sandwiched between
a first bottom portion panel and a second bottom portion panel of a
bottom portion of the lockable receptacle, and wherein a first
retention flap is connected to the first bottom portion panel and a
second retention flap is connected to the second bottom portion
panel. Further preferably, a first spine panel connects the first
main portion panel to the first bottom portion panel and a second
spine panel connects the second main portion panel to the second
bottom portion panel.
[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure for which
protection is sought, there is provided a package comprising an
outer sleeve and a lockable receptacle according to any of the
relevant preceding paragraphs. The outer sleeve may have a tubular
structure for housing the lockable receptacle defined by: a bottom
wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall; and a second side
wall, and having an open front end and a closed rear end. The
composite top wall may comprise an access aperture extending
through the composite top wall such that a portion of the lockable
receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is contactable
therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a second part
of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for engaging the
locking element 90 of the lockable receptacle, said second part
comprising a locking aperture 68b/70b formed in at least one panel
forming the composite top wall.
[0017] Preferably, in the package according to the immediately
preceding paragraph, the composite top wall comprises: an outer top
panel, an intermediate top panel and an inner top panel. The access
aperture is formed from an outer aperture in the outer top panel;
an intermediate aperture in the intermediate top panel; and an
inner aperture in the inner top panel. The outer aperture,
intermediate aperture and inner aperture are sized and at least
partially super-positioned such that the access aperture extends
through part of the composite top wall and the second part of the
two-part complementary locking mechanism comprises an intermediate
locking aperture in the intermediate top panel and an inner locking
aperture in the inner top panel, the intermediate locking aperture
and inner locking aperture being sized and super-positioned such
that a cut edge of the intermediate locking aperture and inner
locking aperture together form a locking edge against which the
engaging portion of the locking element abuts when the lockable
receptacle is locked within the outer sleeve.
[0018] Preferably, the access aperture is sized and positioned to
enable at least part of the lockable receptacle to be depressed or
deformed to a sufficient degree to release the locking element from
engagement with the locking edge and to enable the lockable
receptacle to be moved out of the outer sleeve through the open
end.
[0019] Preferably, the second part of the two-part complementary
locking mechanism is occluded from view by the outer top panel.
[0020] Preferably, the intermediate access aperture and the
intermediate locking aperture are connected; and the inner access
aperture and the inner locking aperture are connected. By
connected, it is meant contiguous and without a break.
[0021] Preferably, the intermediate locking aperture is positioned
substantially to the side of the intermediate access aperture and
the inner locking aperture is positioned substantially to the side
of the inner access aperture.
[0022] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure for which
protection is sought, there is provided an outer sleeve for use in
the package of any of the relevant preceding paragraphs. The outer
sleeve having a tubular structure for housing a lockable receptacle
defined by: a bottom wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall;
and a second side wall, and having an open front end and a closed
rear end, the composite top wall comprising an access aperture
extending through the composite top wall such that a portion of a
lockable receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is
contactable therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a
second part of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for
engaging the locking element of the lockable receptacle, said
second part comprising a locking aperture formed in at least one
panel forming the composite top wall.
[0023] Preferably, the composite top wall comprises: an outer top
panel, an intermediate top panel and an inner top panel, wherein
the access aperture is formed from an outer aperture in the outer
top panel; an intermediate aperture in the intermediate top panel;
and an inner aperture in the inner top panel, which outer aperture,
intermediate aperture and inner aperture are sized and at least
partially super-positioned such that the access aperture extends
through part of the composite top wall, and wherein the second part
of the two-part complementary locking mechanism comprises an
intermediate locking aperture in the intermediate top panel and an
inner locking aperture in the inner top panel, the intermediate
locking aperture and inner locking aperture being sized and
super-positioned such that a cut edge of the intermediate locking
aperture and inner locking aperture together form a locking edge
against which the engaging portion of the locking element abuts
when the lockable receptacle is locked within the outer sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1. is a plan view of a blank for forming an outer
sleeve;
[0026] FIG. 2. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming
part of a lockable receptacle in which two blister strips may be
held;
[0027] FIG. 3. is a perspective view of a package comprising an
outer sleeve formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and a lockable
receptacle formed from the blank of FIG. 2 and two blister
strips;
[0028] FIG. 4. is a partial view from the side of the package of
FIG. 3 wherein a portion of the outer sleeve has been cut-away to
show the lockable receptacle in locking engagement with the outer
sleeve;
[0029] FIG. 5. is a partial view from the side of the package of
FIG. 3 wherein a portion of the outer sleeve has been cut-away to
show the lockable receptacle in an unlocked position;
[0030] FIG. 6. is yet another perspective view from above of the
package of FIG. 3, wherein a user has operated an unlocking
mechanism and is sliding the lockable receptacle out of an open-end
of the outer sleeve using only one hand; and
[0031] FIG. 7. is a further perspective view showing the lockable
receptacle in a withdrawn state wherein it has almost been
completely removed from the outer sleeve and all products can be
accessed, but a retaining flap of the lockable receptacle remains
in engagement with the outer sleeve to maintain a connection
between the lockable receptacle and the outer sleeve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0032] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the
package, blanks, lockable receptacles and outer sleeves 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 package, blanks, lockable
receptacles and outer sleeves described herein may be embodied in
various 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.
[0033] The present invention provides a restricted access package
100 comprising a lockable receptacle (e.g., a blister strip, an
inner slide card, a slidable tray or box, etc.) 97 and an outer
sleeve 95. The lockable receptacle 97 and outer sleeve 95 have
co-operative features which can lock the lockable receptacle 97
within the outer sleeve 95 to thereby allow only restricted access
to the lockable receptacle 97. Additionally, the lockable
receptacle 97 and outer sleeve 95 of the present invention have
co-operative features to enable the lockable receptacle 97 to be
unlocked and at least partially withdrawn or partially slid out
from the outer sleeve 95 so that a user may access the blisters `B`
and articles or products `P` held or accommodated thereby. In a
locked configuration of the package 100, the lockable receptacle 97
is stowed within the respective outer sleeve 95 and locked in place
by a two-part mechanical complementary locking mechanism such that
the products `P` held in one or more blisters `B` cannot be
accessed. Disengagement of the locking mechanism requires knowledge
of its existence, how to disengage it as well as some dexterity to
disengage the locking mechanism and, at the same time, withdraw the
lockable receptacle 97. In this way, access to the lockable
receptacle 97 may be restricted to only those users of sufficient
knowledge and dexterity. Beneficially, the present disclosure
presents an arrangement, wherein the disengagement of the locking
mechanism and at least partial withdrawal of the lockable
receptacle 97 can be achieved by a user of the package 100 with
only one hand (see FIG. 6).
[0034] As a further optional aspect of the invention, it is
envisaged that in certain embodiments, the lockable receptacle 97
and outer sleeve 95 may have co-operative features to prevent,
restrict or otherwise mitigate against the lockable receptacle 97
from being completely removed from the outer sleeve 95. An unlocked
configuration of the package 100 is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein
the lockable receptacle 97 is disengaged and withdrawn from the
outer sleeve 95, albeit only to a permitted and limited extent,
from the outer sleeve 95 and remains connected thereto.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a
blank 10 for forming an outer sleeve 95. The outer sleeve 95 is
shown in an erect form in FIGS. 3 to 7. The blank 10 and hence
outer sleeve 95 may be formed from a variety of materials, for
example, plastics material, paperboard-plastic composite material,
paperboard material, combinations of these and other materials and
the like. Optionally, and as illustrated, the outer sleeve 95 may
be formed from foldable sheet material, for example paperboard.
[0036] As illustrated, the outer sleeve 95 forms a generally
tubular structure (see FIGS. 3 and 7) with a generally rectangular
cross section. Blank 10 has a series of foldably attached panels
for forming the tubular structure which include: an outer top panel
12, a first side panel 14, a bottom panel 16; a second side panel
18, an inner top panel 20 and an intermediate top panel 22 hinged
one to the next in series along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32
(see FIG. 1).
[0037] The bottom panel 16 and intermediate top panel 22, at a
"closed" end thereof are optionally hingedly attached to first and
second rear end closure flaps 34, 36 respectively. Additionally,
the bottom panel 16, at its opposite "open" end, is optionally
hingedly attached to a retention flap 38 that is useful for
preventing complete withdrawal of the lockable receptacle 97 from
the outer sleeve 95 (see FIG. 7).
[0038] The blank 10 comprises means for forming a composite access
aperture 50/68a/70a in the set-up outer sleeve 95. An outer access
aperture 50 is struck from or otherwise formed in the outer top
panel 12. The outer access aperture 50 is optionally defined by an
endless cut line 52, which optionally has a rounded front edge. An
intermediate access aperture 70a is struck from or otherwise formed
in the intermediate top panel 22. The intermediate access aperture
70a is defined by a cut line 67. An inner access aperture 68a is
struck from or otherwise formed in the inner top panel 20. The
inner access aperture 68a is defined by a cut line 64.
[0039] The blank 10 also comprises means for forming a second part
of the two-part complementary locking mechanism which engages a
locking element 90 of the lockable receptacle 97 (described below).
The second part comprises an engaging portion 65/66 or locking edge
65/66 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that is provided by: a cut edge 66 of an
appropriately sized, shaped and positioned intermediate locking
aperture 70b that is struck from or otherwise formed in the
intermediate top panel 22; and by a cut edge 65 of an appropriately
sized, shaped and positioned inner locking aperture 68b that is
struck from or otherwise formed in the inner top panel 20.
[0040] Optionally, in the presently illustrated arrangement, the
intermediate access aperture 70a and intermediate locking aperture
70b are defined by the same endless cut line 67 and are contiguous
with one another (i.e. are connected without a break). As such, the
intermediate access aperture 70a and intermediate locking aperture
70b together form a single aperture 62. Similarly, the inner access
aperture 68a and inner locking aperture 68b are formed by the same
endless cut line 64 and are contiguous with one another (i.e. are
connected without a break). As such, the inner aperture 68a and
inner locking aperture 68b together form a single aperture 60.
However, in an alternative embodiment, the intermediate access
aperture 70a and intermediate locking aperture 70b may be provided
as two separate apertures while the inner access aperture 68a and
inner locking aperture 68b may also be formed as two separate
apertures.
[0041] In the present arrangement, a single, off-centered locking
element 90 is provided on the lockable receptacle 97 (described
below and see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7). The intermediate locking
aperture 70b and inner locking aperture 68b are therefore provided
off-centered and in a position such that they will align with the
locking element 90 of the lockable receptacle 97 (see FIG. 3). In
an alternative embodiment, however, locking element 90 may be
positioned at a central location provided that the inner locking
aperture 68b is centrally positioned behind, and spaced from, the
inner access aperture 68a and that the intermediate locking
aperture 70b is centrally positioned behind, and spaced from, the
intermediate access aperture 70a. Preferably, the outer top panel
12 is not provided with a locking aperture and provides a solid
covering panel portion in the region above the intermediate and
inner locking apertures 70b, 68b, so that the two-part
complementary, child-proofing, locking mechanism 66/65; 70b/68b, 90
is obscured from view and not itself directly accessible from the
exterior of the package 100, when the lockable receptacle 97 is
stowed and locked within the outer sleeve 95.
[0042] To form an outer sleeve 95 from the blank 10, the blank is
positioned as shown in FIG. 1, with its printed (outer) surface
facing outwards. The intermediate panel 22 is then folded about
fold line 32 so that it lies in flat-face contacting relationship
with the inner top panel 20. In the present embodiment, at least
one region of the outer surface of the intermediate panel 22 is
affixed, optionally by means of adhesive, to the outer surface of
the inner panel 20.
[0043] The blank 10 is then flipped over such that the non-printed
outer surfaces of the outer top panel 12, first side panel 14,
bottom panel 16, second side panel 18 and inner top panel 20 face
outwards and such that the intermediate top panel 22 is disposed
beneath the inner top panel 20. The retention flap 38 is folded
about fold line 44 toward the inside surface of the bottom panel
16. Optionally, the retention flap 38 is not adhered thereto,
however, in the present embodiment, the retention flap 38 is
affixed, preferably by means of adhesive, to the inside face of the
bottom panel 16. The inner top panel 20, together with the
intermediate panel 22 affixed thereto, is then folded about fold
line 30 until the inside surface of the inner top panel 20 rests on
top of the second side panel 14 and on top of part of the bottom
panel 16 and retention flap 38. This brings the inside surface of
the intermediate panel 22 into an outward facing position. Adhesive
or other affixing agent may be applied to one or more regions of
the intermediate panel 22, taking care to avoid the aperture 62.
Then the outer top panel 12 is folded, together with the first side
panel 14 about fold line 26 such that the inside face of the first
side panel 14 is in flat face contact with part of the inside face
of the bottom panel 16 and such that the outer top panel 12
overlays and is affixed to the intermediate top panel 22. The inner
top panel 20, intermediate top panel 22 and outer top panel 12 are
affixed together to form a composite top wall 12/22/20 that
generally comprises three-layers (in other words is substantially a
3-ply construct), in which outer access aperture 50 intermediate
access aperture 70a and inner access aperture 68a are overlaid.
Similarly, the intermediate locking aperture 70b and inner locking
aperture 68b are overlaid, though they are not readily visible or
accessible. Optionally, the intermediate panel 22 may be omitted
from the blank 10, and inner panel 20 may be affixed directly to
the outer top panel 12 to form a 2-ply composite top wall.
[0044] The outer aperture 50, intermediate aperture 70a and inner
aperture 68a are similarly sized and shaped and when the outer
sleeve 95 is formed from the blank 10, they are at least partially
super-positioned such that a composite access aperture 50/68a/70a
is formed that extends all of the way through a region of the
composite top wall 12/20/22. In envisaged embodiments, one or more
of the outer aperture 50, intermediate aperture 70a and inner
aperture 68a may be covered by a displaceable and frangibly
connected cover panel and as such the access aperture 50/68a/70a
may need to be formed in order for a first use of the package 100
to take place, optionally by removing one or more cover panels.
[0045] The intermediate locking aperture 70b and inner locking
aperture 68b are sized and super-positioned in the completed outer
sleeve 95 such that the cut edges 66, 65 of the intermediate
locking aperture 70b and the inner locking aperture 68b together
form the second part of the locking mechanism; a recess and a
two-ply deep locking edge 66/65, against which an engaging portion
98 of the locking element 90 abuts when the lockable receptacle 97
is locked within the outer sleeve 95.
[0046] To complete construction of the outer sleeve 95, the flat
form, part-formed outer sleeve 95 is opened into an open-ended
tubular structure. The composite rear end wall 34/36 is then
formed, preferably by first folding the second rear end closure
flap 36 downwardly about fold line 42 and applying adhesive to its
non-coated/non-printed outward facing surface. The first rear end
wall flap 34 is then folded about fold line 40 and into affixed and
face contacting relationship with the second rear end closure flap
36.
[0047] Once formed, the outer sleeve 95 comprises a composite top
wall 12/20/22; a first side wall 14; a bottom wall 16; and a second
side wall 18. The outer sleeve 95 has an open front end and a rear
end closed by the composite rear end wall 34/36. The composite top
wall 12/20/22 comprises the access aperture 50/68a/70a which
extends all of the way through the composite top wall 12/20/22 such
that a portion of a lockable receptacle 97, when held within the
outer sleeve 95, is directly contactable therethrough.
[0048] Turning now to the blank 80 shown in FIG. 2 for forming the
lockable receptacle 97, that is used in conjunction with the outer
sleeve 95 formed from the blank 10 of FIG. 1. It can be seen that
in this exemplary, non-limiting and entirely optional embodiment
that the blank 80 comprises a first (left) side 88a/86a/84a/82a and
a second (right) side 88b/86b/84b/82b, between which two
product-holding blister strips may be placed (see regions 58) and
secured thereto in a sandwiched manner to form a completed lockable
receptacle 97 (see FIG. 7).
[0049] The first side 88a/86a/84a/82a comprises a first main
portion panel 88a, a first spine panel 86a, a first bottom portion
panel 84a, and a first retention flap 82a. The first main portion
panel 88a, spine panel 86a, first bottom portion panel 84a and
first retention flap 82a are hinged in a series along hinge or fold
lines 76a, 74a and 72a respectively. The first main portion panel
88a and first bottom portion panel 84a may each be optionally
provided with an array of weakened or frangibly connected product
release tabs 54. The product release tabs 54 are each optionally
formed by a full or half-depth cut that is interrupted by (four)
connecting nick portions (shown as short black solid lines in FIG.
2). As such, the product release tabs 54 are frangibly connected to
the first main portion panel 88a and first bottom panel portion 84a
and break-out upon a product `P` being pushed out of a blister `B`
of a blister strip. Optionally the product release tabs 54 are
identical to one another in size and shape and are positioned in
configurations that match the configuration of blister strips to be
held thereby. As such, the blank 80 may be differently configured
in other embodiments in order to accommodate varying types, size,
quantity and arrangement of product holding blisters `B`. In an
alternative embodiment, release tabs 54 may be omitted; they may be
replaced by apertures of the size and shape matching with blister
receiving apertures 56 that will be described in the subsequent
paragraph.
[0050] A longitudinal hinge line 85 connects the first (left) side
88a/86a/84a/82a to the second (right) side 88b/86b/84b/82b of the
blank 80. The second side 88b/86b/84b/82b comprises a second main
portion panel 88b, a second spine panel 86b, a second bottom
portion panel 84b, and a second retention flap 82b. The second main
portion panel 88b, second spine panel 86b, second bottom portion
panel 84b and second retention flap 82b are hinged in a series
along hinge or fold lines 76b, 74b and 72b respectively. The second
main portion panel 88b and second bottom portion panel 84b are each
provided with an array of product-holding blister receiving
apertures 56. The product-holding blister receiving apertures 56
are each optionally formed by oval-shaped endless cuts such that
product-holding blisters of a blister strip may be placed
therethrough. Optionally the product-holding blister receiving
apertures 56 are identical to one another in size and shape and are
positioned in configurations that match the configuration of
blister strips to be held thereby. Dashed denotation lines 58 in
FIG. 2 show the placement regions for blister strips receivable by
the blank 80. The blank 80 may be differently configured in other
embodiments in order to accommodate varying types, size, quantity
and arrangement of product holding blisters and/or blister
strips.
[0051] The first main portion panel 88a additionally comprises an
optional aperture 31a. This aperture 31a is entirely optional and
may be beneficial in demarcating a pressing location off-set
therefrom (this is described further below). In addition and in
aligned formation, a false blister receiving aperture 31b is
provided in the second main portion panel 88b. This aperture 31b
receives a false, supporting and non-product holding blister `F`
(see FIGS. 4, 5 and 7). The purpose of the false blister `F` is to
ensure the proper location of a locking element 90, relative to the
locking edge 66/65.
[0052] The blank 80 additionally comprises panels for forming the
first part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism, the
locking element 90, which panels include: a first lap panel 94,
that is hinged directly to a first (free) edge 83 of the first main
portion panel 88a of the blank 80 via hinge connection 96; and a
second lap panel 92 that is hinged to the first lap panel 94 along
a hinge connection 98.
[0053] The first lap panel 94 is hinged directly to the free edge
83 of the first main portion panel 88a at a location that is
off-set from a centre-point along the first edge 83 of the first
main portion panel 88a.
[0054] To form the lockable receptacle 97, the second lap panel 92
is folded and sandwiched between the first lap panel 94 and the
outside face of the first main portion panel 88a and is affixed
thereto such that the locking element 90 is formed as a two-ply
arrangement on top of, hinged to and affixed to the outside face of
the first main portion panel 88a.
[0055] Before or after formation of the locking element 90, one or
more blister strips (e.g., two in FIG. 2) are placed with the
blisters passing through the apertures 56 and 31b, by placing the
blisters in regions 58. The blank 80 is folded about longitudinal
fold line 85 and the directly contacting parts of the first and
second sides 88a/86a/84a/82a; 88b/86b/84b/82b are affixed together
such that the blister strips are sealed therebetween. Optionally
the first and second sides 88a/86a/84a/82a; 88b/86b/84b/82b are
affixed together by means of a heat and/or pressure activated
adhesive coated onto or provided within areas of the blank 80. In
other arrangements, other affixing methods may be used.
[0056] Thereafter, the lockable receptacle 97 may be placed into a
folded form, wherein, the 2-ply retention flap 82a/82b is folded
about fold line 72a/72b such that the first retention flap 82a is
closest to first bottom portion panel 84b; and the main portion
88a/88b is folded toward, over and into superposition with the
bottom portion 84a/84b such that some of the blisters of the one or
more blister strips held thereby are positioned opposed to at least
some of the others. The folded lockable receptacle 97 is then ready
for insertion into the outer sleeve 95.
[0057] In FIG. 3, a package 100 comprising the outer sleeve 95 and
lockable receptacle 97 is shown, wherein, the lockable receptacle
97 has been fully inserted into the outer sleeve 95. The lockable
receptacle 97 is properly inserted by leading with the fold 72a/72b
between the retention flap 82a/82b and the bottom portion 84a/84b
thereof and with the main portion 88a/88b upper most. The locking
element 90 positioned on top of the main portion 88a/88b is
received, at least partially within the locking aperture 68b/70b.
The engaging portion of the lockable receptacle 97 is provided by
the hinge edge 98 of the locking element 90 which hinge edge 98 is
inset from the free-edge 83 of the main portion 88a/88b.
[0058] In other embodiments, the engaging portion of the lockable
receptacle is provided by a cut edge or by a combination of a cut
and hinged edges. For example, in an arrangement, wherein the
locking element comprises 3 plies of material affixed on top of the
main portion 88a/88b, a further lap panel may be hinged to the
second lap panel 92 and once folded (optionally in a z-shape), the
further lap panel may rest on top of the second lap panel 92 and
its cut edge may form part of the engaging portion of the lockable
receptacle 97. The hinge edge 98 in the illustrated arrangement,
optionally comprises a single hinge (with no further hinges stacked
on top of it in the direction of the axis between the top wall
12/20/22 and bottom wall 16 of the outer sleeve 95); and along the
length of the hinge edge 98 (in the direction of the axis between
the first and second side walls 14, 18 of the outer sleeve 95) may
comprise, in sequence: a fold line; a full-depth cut or half-depth
cut; and a further fold line.
[0059] The shape of the locking element 90 (when considered looking
down onto the locking element 90) is trapezoidal. It can be seen in
FIG. 1 that the sides of the first and second lap panels 94, 92 are
obliquely angled relative to the hinge lines 98, 96 and thus, once
the second lap panel 92 is folded onto the first lap panel 94 the
resultant locking element 90 has a trapezoidal-shaped top. In other
envisaged embodiments, the locking element 90 may have a different
size, shape and/or relative position to that shown and as a
consequence, the locking aperture 68b/70b may also have a different
size, shape and/or relative position to that shown in order to
provide a co-operative recess 68b/70b and/or engaging edge
65/66.
[0060] The blister strip held by the main portion 88a/88b of the
lockable receptacle 97 optionally comprises at least one or as
shown, a series of product holding blisters `B`; and at least one
false blister `F`. The false blister `F` is located proximate to
the locking element 90 (close to and just in front thereof--see
FIG. 3) and depends through and from the innermost surface 88b of
the main portion 88a/88b. This false blister `F` is provided to
support the lockable receptacle 97 in the vicinity of the locking
element 90 for ensuring that the locking element 90 accurately
locates within the locking aperture 70b/68b and properly engages
the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism,
the locking edge 66/65. However, the false blister `F` may be
replaced by any other means for supporting the lockable receptacle
97 in the vicinity of the locking element 90. Such other means may
be formed from any material and take any shape as long as it is
capable of accurately supporting the locking element 90 in the
operative position.
[0061] The locking engagement of the lockable receptacle 97 and
outer sleeve 95 is shown in FIG. 4, wherein a side view through a
cut-away portion of the package 100 is shown. It can be seen how
the false blister `F` maintains the locking element 90 in the
locking aperture 68b/70b and how the engaging portion 98 provided
by the fold line 98 between the first and second lap panels of the
locking element 90 contacts the locking edge 66/65.
[0062] Once the lockable receptacle 97 is stowed entirely within
the outer sleeve 95 it is locked and cannot be withdrawn easily
without disengaging the locking mechanism and utilising the access
aperture 50/70a/68a. Grasping of the lockable receptacle 97 in any
other way is difficult. As shown in FIG. 3, the spine 86a/86b of
the lockable receptacle 97 may be flat, smooth and set in to close
the front end of the outer sleeve 95 leaving no gaps, ridges, edges
or recesses that could be grasped in order to grip the lockable
receptacle 97. In other embodiments, the spine 86a/86b may be
provided with one or more thumb tabs, apertures, ribs, notches,
recesses and or other assistive elements to facilitate access to
the lockable receptable 97. Such embodiments may be preferred in
non-CR required market. The package 100 is opened by applying a
downward force to the lockable receptacle 97 that is sufficiently
great enough in the region of the locking element 90 to cause the
engaging edge 98 of the locking element 90 to move out of engaging
relationship with the locking edge 65/66. In the presently
illustrated arrangement, a force is applied by a user (see FIG. 6)
contacting the lockable receptacle 97 directly with their thumb in
the region of the aperture 31a. At the same time, the provision of
the composite access aperture 50/68a/70a allows the user to force
the lockable receptacle 97 to slide out of the open, front-end of
the outer sleeve 95. The elongate and rounded shape of the front
most edge of the access aperture 50/70a/68a may encourage an
authorised user to realise that they need to press down and slide
their thumb forward towards the rounded edge. Once at this
position, the locking mechanism has been disengaged and sufficient
of the lockable receptacle 97 has been pushed out of the outer
sleeve 95 that the user can easily grasp it to withdraw it
further.
[0063] In FIG. 5 arrows showing the application of downwardly
directed and front-wardly directed forces are shown. It can be seen
also that the downwardly directed force applied to the lockable
receptacle 97 in the region of the aperture 31a/31b (see FIG. 6)
causes downward displacement of the false blister `F` and locking
element 90. The bottom portion 84a/84b and/or main portion 88a/88b
is caused to bow and this bowing action of the bottom portion
84a/84b enables the locking element 90 to be disengaged and then
for the lockable receptacle 97 to be slid forward.
[0064] The retention flap 82a/82b being folded relative to the
bottom portion 84a/84b and about fold line 72a/72b provides a
degree of resilience and causes the retention flap 82a/82b to act
like a leaf spring that automatically returns the lockable
receptacle 97 to its "at rest" position wherein the main portion
88a/88b is close to the inner ceiling of the outer sleeve 95 that
is provided by the inner top panel 20. As such, once a downward
disengaging force is no longer applied, the locking element 90
springs back up and if the lockable receptacle 97 is returned to
its fully installed positioned (FIG. 4), then the locking element
90 automatically re-engages the locking edge 65/66.
[0065] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made
within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size
and shape of the outer sleeve, blister strip or inner slide card,
the panels for forming the paperboard outer sleeves and the full
width locking tail flaps may be adjusted to accommodate differing
size and/or shape requirements. The size, shape, number and
configuration of the false blisters formed on the locking tail flap
14 may be altered from that illustrated.
[0066] In some embodiments more than one locking element may be
provided. In such embodiments another locking aperture may be
disposed in the intermediate and inner panels, optionally also
contiguous with the access apertures therein. In some embodiments,
the access apertures and locking apertures in the intermediate and
inner panels are separate and are not contiguous. In some
embodiments the locking element is not positioned off-centered or
at least one locking element has a medial position.
[0067] Whereas in the illustrated embodiment, the lockable
receptacle is formed from one or more blister strips sandwiched
between the main portion and bottom portion panels made of
paperboard, in other embodiments, it is envisaged that the blisters
`B`, `F` and lockable receptacle may be a unitary construct and
that the main portion and/or bottom portion and retention flaps may
be provided as integral formations of a new blister strip.
[0068] In other embodiments, one or more of the lap panels forming
the locking element may be hinged to the second main portion panel.
In other embodiments only some of the lap panels forming the
locking element are hinged to the second main portion panel. In
other embodiments, all of the lap panels are connected to the
second main portion panel in blank form (at least) and are affixed
in a stacked arrangement to the first main portion panel in the
constructed lockable receptacle. In an arrangement where one or
more lap panels are formed as extensions of the second main portion
panel; are connected thereto; and become affixed to the first main
portion panel. The locking element may optionally comprise a small
spine. The locking element may assist in securing the first and
second main panel portions together.
[0069] It will be understood that the outer sleeve 95 and lockable
receptacle 97 are usable with one another and optionally, benefit
may be found by utilising the outer sleeve 95 with its beneficial
features with other lockable receptacles, and/or by utilising the
lockable receptacle 97 with its beneficial features with other
outer sleeves.
[0070] 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 limit necessarily the
respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to
distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged
connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a
single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged
connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short
slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *