U.S. patent application number 17/575353 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-14 for child-resistant packaging for regulated products.
This patent application is currently assigned to RONDO AG. The applicant listed for this patent is RONDO AG, WESTCANN PROCESSORS INC.. Invention is credited to Michael Barth.
Application Number | 20220219870 17/575353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006123474 |
Filed Date | 2022-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220219870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barth; Michael |
July 14, 2022 |
CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING FOR REGULATED PRODUCTS
Abstract
Disclosed herein are child-resistant packages for a regulated
product, the packages comprising: a housing having an open end, a
plurality of release tabs formed in a wall thereof, and a locking
edge defined on an inside surface thereof; and an insert for
containing the regulated product slidably received through the open
end of the housing, the insert having: an openable end for
accessing the regulated product, the openable end openable when the
insert is at least partially removed from the housing; and a
locking tab positioned on an outside surface of the insert having a
plurality of ends that are each aligned with one of the plurality
of release tabs, the locking tab biased such that each of the
plurality of ends contact the locking edge when sliding the insert
out of the housing without depressing the plurality of release
tabs.
Inventors: |
Barth; Michael; (Allschwil,
CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RONDO AG
WESTCANN PROCESSORS INC. |
Allschwil
Vancouver |
|
CH
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
RONDO AG
Allschwil
CH
WESTCANN PROCESSORS INC.
Vancouver
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000006123474 |
Appl. No.: |
17/575353 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63137590 |
Jan 14, 2021 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/38 20130101; B65D
50/06 20130101; B65D 85/1045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 50/06 20060101
B65D050/06; B65D 5/38 20060101 B65D005/38; B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10 |
Claims
1. A child-resistant package for a regulated product, the package
comprising: a housing having an open end, a plurality of release
tabs formed in a wall thereof, and a locking edge defined on an
inside surface thereof; and an insert for containing the regulated
product slidably received through the open end of the housing, the
insert having: an openable end for accessing the regulated product,
the openable end openable when the insert is at least partially
removed from the housing; and a locking tab positioned on an
outside surface of the insert having a plurality of ends that are
each aligned with one of the plurality of release tabs, the locking
tab biased such that each of the plurality of ends contact the
locking edge when sliding the insert out of the housing without
depressing the plurality of release tabs.
2. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the housing
further comprises an additional locking edge for preventing the
insert from being completely removable from the housing.
3. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the housing
comprises an inner panel that defines the locking edge.
4. The child-resistant package of claim 3, wherein the inner panel
has a recess formed therein that defines an additional locking edge
for preventing the insert from being completely removable from the
housing.
5. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
release tabs comprises two release tabs and the plurality of ends
of the locking tab comprises two ends.
6. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
release tabs are formed in a back wall of the housing.
7. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the open end of
housing comprises one or more cut-outs therein to grip the insert
during removal.
8. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the insert
defines two or more internal compartments for containing the
regulated product therein.
9. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the housing is
formed of a single piece of material.
10. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the insert is
formed of a single piece of material.
11. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the housing
and/or the insert are formed of a paperboard material.
12. The child-resistant package of claim 1, wherein the housing
and/or the insert are coated with a cellophane.
13. The child-resistant package of claim 1, which is
biodegradable.
14. Use of the child-resistant package of claim 1 for storing a
regulated product.
15. The use of claim 14, wherein the regulated product comprises
one or more cannabis products.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 63/137,590, filed Jan. 14, 2021, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to product
packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to
child-resistant packaging for storing regulated products
therein.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Regulated products are generally required to be sold and
stored in child-resistant packaging so that children cannot access
the contents therein.
[0004] For example, cannabis is becoming legal for recreational and
medicinal use in an increasing number of countries around the
world. In these countries, cannabis is commonly commercially
available in the form of pre-rolled joints (or "pre-rolls"),
similar in form to cigarettes. Pre-rolls are convenient in that a
user does not need to roll their own joint in order to smoke
cannabis.
[0005] Pre-rolls are generally sold individually or in groups of
two to ten. Individually sold pre-rolls are typically packaged in
plastic tubes having a child-resistant lid, similar to those used
for prescription pill bottles. Groups of pre-rolls, however, are
typically sold in packaging similar to that used for
cigarettes--i.e. a pack in which a plurality of pre-rolls may be
stored.
[0006] As a result, the child-resistant features used for the
pre-roll packages are considerably different from those used for
the individually sold pre-rolls. For example, the pre-roll packages
may be outfitted with child-resistant features that are single-use
in that, once the packaging is opened, the child-resistant feature
will no longer function (e.g. the package may be perforated such
that the top may be torn off). Alternatively, some pre-roll
packages include a plastic insert having tabs that extend out of
apertures formed in the package that may be depressed in order to
allow the plastic insert to be removed. However, such
configurations complicate manufacturing, as multiple types of
materials are required to produce a single package. Further, after
multiple uses, the plastic insert may become permanently deformed,
making it difficult even for adults to remove the insert from the
package.
[0007] Thus, there exists a need for child-resistant packaging for
regulated products that is easy to manufacture and capable of being
opened multiple times without affecting the usability thereof.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure recognizes that there are problems
with existing child-resistant packaging for regulated products,
including those for containing cannabis products.
[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
child-resistant package for a regulated product, the package
comprising: a housing having an open end, a plurality of release
tabs formed in a wall thereof, and a locking edge defined on an
inside surface thereof; and an insert for containing the regulated
product slidably received through the open end of the housing, the
insert having: an openable end for accessing the regulated product,
the openable end openable when the insert is at least partially
removed from the housing; and a locking tab positioned on an
outside surface of the insert having a plurality of ends that are
each aligned with one of the plurality of release tabs, the locking
tab biased such that each of the plurality of ends contact the
locking edge when sliding the insert out of the housing without
depressing the plurality of release tabs.
[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to use of
the child-resistant package described herein for storing a
regulated product. The regulated product may comprise one or more
cannabis products.
[0011] Other aspects and features of the methods of the present
disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the
art upon review of the following description of specific
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features of the present disclosure will
become more apparent in the following detailed description in which
reference is made to the appended drawings. The appended drawings
illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure by way
of example only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope
of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a closed
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a back perspective view of the child-resistant
package shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an inside of a housing of a
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a back perspective view of an insert of a
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of an open
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a housing blank for a
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an insert blank for a
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of an insert blank for a
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a housing blank for a
child-resistant package according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure generally relates to child-resistant
packaging and, in particular, to child-resistant packaging for a
regulated product. The child-resistant packages of the present
disclosure afford a number of advantages over conventional
packages. For example, the child-resistant packages may be used
multiple times without affecting their usability. As described
above, some conventional child-resistant packages, such as those
having a plastic insert defining deformable tabs, may become
permanently deformed after multiple uses, which may make it more
difficult to access the regulated product contained therein or, in
some cases, may make it so that a child can easily slide the insert
out of the package.
[0023] Another advantage of the child-resistant packages of the
present disclosure is that they may be manufactured with relative
ease. In more detail, the child-resistant packages may be formed of
a simple two-piece construction. As well, each piece of the
two-piece construction may advantageously be formed of the same
material. Such configurations significantly simplify the
manufacturing process, which may greatly reduce the costs
associated with the production of the child-resistant packages. As
well, due to the simplicity of production, the manufacturing
processes may be readily upscaled to industrially relevant levels,
meaning that the child-resistant packages of the present disclosure
are not limited to smaller-scale applications (e.g. craft cannabis
products). In contrast, as described above, conventional
child-resistant packaging for regulated products may comprise
multiple pieces that are each formed of a different material, which
complicates the manufacturing process significantly.
[0024] Yet another advantage of child-resistant packages of the
present disclosure is that they may be biodegradable. As discussed
above, conventional child-resistant packaging may include one or
more plastic components. Unfortunately, in the same manner as
cigarette packs, product packaging for regulated products such as
cannabis products is often not disposed of properly. Thus, a
package that is biodegradable may be particularly advantageous, as,
in the event that it is not properly disposed of, it will at least
degrade over time without having any potentially environmentally
harmful components such as plastics, metals, and the like
remain.
[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure, wherein numerals refer to like
components, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings that further show exemplary embodiments, without
limitation.
[0026] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a
child-resistant package for a regulated product, the package
comprising: a housing having an open end, a plurality of release
tabs formed in a wall thereof, and a locking edge defined on an
inside surface thereof; and an insert for containing the regulated
product slidably received through the open end of the housing, the
insert having: an openable end for accessing the regulated product,
the openable end openable when the insert is at least partially
removed from the housing; and a locking tab positioned on an
outside surface of the insert having a plurality of ends that are
each aligned with one of the plurality of release tabs, the locking
tab biased such that each of the plurality of ends contact the
locking edge when sliding the insert out of the housing without
depressing the plurality of release tabs.
[0027] As used herein, "regulated product" refers to a consumer
product that is regulated in some capacity by a government agency.
Examples of regulated products include tobacco products, cannabis
products, pharmaceuticals, and the like.
[0028] As used herein, "child-resistant package" or
"child-resistant packaging" means a packaging product that is
configured to be difficult for children to open but readily
openable by adults to reduce the likelihood that children may
access the contents contained therein.
[0029] As used herein, "housing" refers to a component of the
child-resistant package that slidably receives the insert therein.
The housing has a body with at least one open end, through which
the insert is slidably received. The body of the housing may be any
suitable shape such as, for example, a rectangular prism. In such
configurations, the body may have a front wall and a back wall that
are larger than the sidewalls thereof.
[0030] The housing also has a locking edge defined on an inside
surface of its body. As used herein, "locking edge" refers to a
feature of the housing used to prevent the insert from being
removed once received therein. The locking edge extends from the
inside surface of the housing such that the locking tab of the
insert can contact it when a user attempts to remove the insert
from the housing, thereby stopping the insert from moving any
further. As will be discussed below, the locking edge may be formed
using a number of configurations.
[0031] The housing also has a plurality of release tabs formed in a
wall thereof. As used herein, "release tabs" refer to portions of
the body of the housing that may be depressed to, in turn, depress
the ends of a locking tab of the insert to thereby allow the insert
to be removed from the housing (e.g. by pulling the insert out of
the housing). The release tabs may be formed by cutting the tabs
into the body of the housing, for example. Alternatively, the
release tabs may be formed in the wall of the housing by marking
them thereon. The release tabs are aligned with the ends of the
locking tab of the insert such that depressing the release tabs
depresses the ends of the locking tab, as will be described below.
The release tabs are also positioned close enough to the locking
edge that the locking tab cannot return to its initial position
before passing the locking edge when a user attempts to remove the
insert from the housing while depressing the release tabs.
[0032] As used herein, "insert" refers to a component of the
child-resistant package that is configured to contain therein the
regulated product and to be slidably received within the housing.
The insert has a body with an openable end for accessing the
regulated product contained therein when the insert is at least
partially removed from the housing. That is, the openable end is
not openable when it is positioned within the housing. The body of
the insert is generally the same shape as the housing so that it
may be readily received therein and so that the locking tab of the
insert may be easily aligned with the release tabs of the
housing.
[0033] In some embodiments, the insert also has a locking tab
positioned on an outside surface thereof. As described above, the
locking tab has a plurality of ends and is biased such that its
ends will abut the locking edge when attempting to pull the insert
out of the housing without depressing the release tabs, thus
preventing the insert from being removed. The ends of the locking
tab are aligned with the release tabs of the housing such that
depressing the release tabs also depresses the ends of the locking
tab. Because of the bias, after the locking tab has been moved away
from the release tabs (e.g. while removing the insert from the
housing) or after the release tabs are no longer depressed, it will
return to its initial position. Further, as will be discussed
below, the locking tab is generally arranged such that is does not
prevent the insert from being slid into the housing.
[0034] Thus, in operation, depressing the release tabs of the
housing depresses the ends of the locking tab such that they do not
contact the locking edge when pulling the insert out of the
housing, thereby allowing the insert to be removed. The insert may
then be slid back into the housing, at which point the locking tab
will return to its initial position to render the package
child-resistant.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an example of a
child-resistant package 10 for a regulated product according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The child-resistant package
10 comprises a housing 20 and an insert 30 slidably received within
the housing 20.
[0036] The housing 20 has an open end though which the insert 30 is
slidably received. The open end of the housing 20 may have cut-outs
29 formed therein to facilitate the removal of the insert 30 from
the housing 20 by exposing a portion of the insert 30 for a user to
grip while pulling the insert 30 out of the housing 20. The
cut-outs 29 may be formed in the sidewalls of the housing 20, as
shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the cut-outs 29 may be
formed in the front and back walls of the housing 20. In some
embodiments, the cut-outs 29 may be formed in a combination of
front, back, or sidewalls of the housing 20. Further, in the
illustrated embodiment, the cut-outs 29 are curvilinear, but other
shapes are possible and are contemplated. For example, in some
embodiments, the cut-outs 29 may be generally square-shaped.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 20 also has a plurality of
release tabs 22 formed in a wall thereof. In the illustrated
embodiment, the plurality of release tabs 22 comprises two tabs;
however, other numbers of release tabs 22 may be used if so
desired. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 20 may
comprise one or more additional release tabs (not shown) in another
side thereof, such as a sidewall. As described above, the plurality
of release tabs 22 may be formed by cutting them into the housing
20, as shown in FIG. 2. In such embodiments, the cut portion of the
housing 20 that defines the release tabs 22 is depressible into the
housing 20, while the uncut portions provide a slight bias away
from the insert 30 so that the release tabs do not remain depressed
after use. Alternatively, as described above, the release tabs 22
may otherwise be marked on the housing 20 but not cut into the
housing 20. The marked release tabs 22 indicate the portions of the
housing 20 for a user to depress.
[0038] The release tabs 22 may be shaped in order to facilitate
their pressing by the fingers of a user. That is, the release tabs
22 may be dimensioned large enough so that they are easy to depress
by adult fingers. For example, in some embodiments, the release
tabs 22 may have a width of about 7.5 mm to about 15 mm. In some
embodiments, the release tabs 22 have a length of about 5.0 mm to
about 10 mm. Further, it is noted that, while the release tabs 22
are a generally rounded shape in the illustrated embodiment, other
shapes are possible and are contemplated. In some embodiments, the
release tabs 22 may be generally squared.
[0039] Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the
release tabs 22 are generally horizontally aligned. However, other
arrangements are possible and are contemplated. For example, in
some embodiments, the release tabs 22 may be aligned generally
vertically, diagonally, etc.
[0040] The housing 20 also comprises a locking edge 24, as shown in
FIG. 3. As described above, the locking edge 24 provides a surface
for a locking tab 32 of the insert 30 (see FIG. 4) to abut in order
to prevent the insert 30 from being removed from the housing 20. In
some embodiments, the locking edge 24 may be a piece of material
adhered to the inside surface of the housing 20. In another
embodiment, the locking edge 24 may be formed by cutting a section
of housing 20 and bending the section downwardly into the housing
20 such that it may abut the locking tab 32 of the insert 30 when
attempting to slide the insert out of the housing 20. In the
illustrated embodiment, the locking edge 24 is defined by an inner
panel 26. In some embodiments, the inner panel 26 is a separate
piece of material adhered to the housing 20. In a particular
embodiment, the inner panel 26 is a portion of the housing 20
folded and adhered to an inside surface thereof.
[0041] In some embodiments, the inner panel 26 has a recess 28
formed therein that defines an additional locking edge 24a. The
additional locking edge 24a may prevent the insert 30 from being
completely removable from the housing 20. In more detail, in
operation, when the insert 30 is being slid out of the housing 20,
the locking tab 32 will return to its initial position as it moves
away from the depressed release tabs 22, at which point the locking
tab 32 is capable of contacting the additional locking edge 24a. As
shown in FIG. 3, the locking edge 24a is positioned above the
locking edge 24. Thus, after the locking tab 32 returns to its
initial position, the locking tab 32 will then abut the additional
locking edge 24a, thereby preventing the insert 30 from being
further removed from the housing 20. As will be discussed below,
due to the arrangement of the locking tab 32, it may be slid back
out of the recess 28 without abutting another edge thereof, thereby
allowing the insert 30 to be easily pushed back into the housing
20. Such embodiments may be beneficial, as a user is prevented from
completely removing and subsequently losing the insert 30, which
may affect the child-resistance of the package 10.
[0042] It is noted that, while in the illustrated embodiment the
recess 28 has a generally rectangular shape, any shape is possible
so long as the recess 28 still defines the additional locking edge
24a.
[0043] In general, the locking edge 24 and, if present, the locking
edge 24a have a height that allows the locking tab 32 to contact
them when not depressed by the release tabs 22. In some
embodiments, the locking edges 24, 24a may have about a height of
about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. As well, it is noted that, while the
illustrated embodiment shows the locking edges 24, 24a extending
across a majority of width of the housing 20, such a configuration
is not required. Rather, the locking edges 24, 24a may be
functional as long as they extend along enough of the width of the
housing 20 that they are contactable by each end of the locking tab
32.
[0044] Further, as discussed above, in some embodiments, the
locking edge 24 is positioned close enough to the release tabs 22
that the locking tab 32 cannot return to its initial position
before passing thereover when a user attempts to remove the insert
30 while depressing the release tabs 22. In some embodiments, the
locking edge 24 is positioned about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm away from
the release tabs 22.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective back
view of the insert 30 completely removed from the housing 20
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The insert 30
has an openable end 36 for accessing the regulated product
contained therein. As discussed above, the openable end 36 is only
openable when the insert 30 is at least partially removed from the
housing 20, as shown in FIG. 5. The openable end 36 may be hingedly
openable, as in the illustrated embodiment, in which the openable
end 36 hinges away from the body of the insert 30 to allow access
to the contents thereof. In such embodiments, if the insert 30 is
not at least partially removed from the housing 20, the openable
end 36 cannot open, as a portion of the openable end 36 abuts an
inside surface of the housing 20, thereby preventing it from
hinging open.
[0046] As discussed above, the insert 30 also has the locking tab
32 positioned on an outside surface thereof. The locking tab 32, if
not depressed via the release tabs 22, prevents the insert 30 from
being slidably removed from the housing 20. In more detail, the
locking tab 32 comprises a plurality of ends 34 and is biased such
that, when not depressed by the release tabs 22, the plurality of
ends 34 will contact the locking edge 24 when attempting to slide
the insert 30 out of the housing 20, thereby preventing the insert
30 from being removed from the housing 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the
biasing of the locking tab 32 may result in the locking tab 32
being angled towards the top of the insert 30 such that it forms an
acute angle with the wall of the insert 30. Such configurations may
be beneficial, as the insert 30 may be easily slid back into the
housing 20 without the locking tab 32 abutting features of the
housing 20 such as the recess 28 to prevent the receiving of the
insert 30.
[0047] The number of ends 34 of the locking tab 32 may correspond
to the number of release tabs 22. In more detail, in some
embodiments, in use, each release tab 22 depresses an end 34 so
that the locking tab 32 may pass below the locking edge 24 when the
insert is being slid out of the housing 20. However, in other
embodiments, one release tab 22 may be configured to depress more
than one end 34 of the locking tab 32. Thus, it follows that the
locking tab 32 is positioned on the insert 30 such that each end 34
thereof is aligned with a release tab 22 so that they may be
depressed thereby.
[0048] In some embodiments, the locking tab 32 is formed of a
separate piece of material that is adhered to the insert 30. In
another embodiment, the locking tab 32 is formed from the same
piece of material as the insert 30 (e.g. cut into the insert 30 in
the same manner as the release tabs 22 and the housing 20 described
above) and folded upwards towards the top of the insert 30 so that
the locking tab 32 is biased to abut the locking edge 24 when the
insert 30 is being removed from the housing 20. Such a
configuration is used in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 and
beneficially allows the insert 30 to be formed of only a single
piece of material.
[0049] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the ends 34 of the locking tab
32 may be spaced away from each other. Such configurations may be
beneficial, as depressing only one of the ends 34 will not result
in the entire locking tab 32 being depressed, which may increase
the child-resistance of the package 10. Further, as shown in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the ends 34 of the locking tab 32
may be generally square with a curvilinear edge bridging the two
ends 34. However, the ends 34 may be any other suitable shape, so
long as they have sufficient surface area to be depressed by the
release tabs 22.
[0050] In a further embodiment, the insert 30 may define two or
more internal compartments 38 for containing multiple regulated
products separately therein, as shown in FIG. 5. The compartments
38 may be defined by a separate piece of material positioned in the
insert 30. Alternatively, the compartments 38 may be defined by a
portion of the insert 30 folded into itself. Such configurations
may be beneficial, as the compartments 38 and insert 30 may be
formed using only a single piece of material. Further, it is noted
that, while the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 has two internal
compartments 38 defined within the insert 30, there may be 3, 4, 5,
6, or more internal compartments 38 defined within the insert 30,
if so desired.
[0051] In some embodiments, each of the housing 20 and the insert
30 may each be independently formed of a paperboard material. In
some embodiments, each of the housing 20 and the insert 30 may be
coated with a cellophane. Thus, as previously described herein, the
housing 20 and the insert 30, and, as a result, the package 10, may
be biodegradable.
[0052] In another embodiment, the housing 20, the insert 30, or a
combination thereof may be reinforced with a reinforcement material
such as a foil, a plastic, or the like. In such embodiments, the
reinforcement material may be a biodegradable plastic. Suitable
biodegradable plastics include polylactic acids (PLAs),
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), complexed starches, and the like.
[0053] Further, as previously described herein, the housing 20 and
the insert 30 may be formed of a single piece of material such that
the resulting package 10 has a simple two-piece construction. In
some embodiments, each of the housing 20 and the insert 30 may be
formed of a single piece of paperboard material that has been
folded to form the components thereof. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show,
respectively, examples of non-constructed paperboard blanks of the
housing 20 and the insert 30. As used herein, "blanks" refer to
pieces of material that have been cut such that they can be
subsequently folded into a selected component. The blanks may be
cut into appropriate shapes using any suitable industrial
equipment, such as a die. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the blanks may be
folded along the dashed lines to form the housing 20 and the insert
30. Folded portions may be adjoined using any suitable industrial
adhesive such as a hot-melt glue or a cold glue. It is noted that
features such as the release tabs 22 and the locking tab 32 that
may be cut into the housing 20 or insert 30 may be marked on the
blanks and cut into the respective components after folding or,
alternatively, may be cut into the blanks prior to folding.
[0054] FIG. 7 also illustrates an optional inner frame 40. The
inner frame 40 may be a separate piece that is adherable into the
insert 30 to provide additional structural support thereto. In some
embodiments, the inner frame 40 may also define one or more of the
internal compartments 38. Further, the inner frame 40 may comprise
one or more tabs 42 for maintaining the openable end 36 in a closed
position after pulling the insert 30 out of the housing 20. In more
detail, the one or more tabs 42 may be formed in the inner frame 40
along portions that are to be folded to define the edges thereof,
as shown in FIG. 7. After folding, the one or more tabs 42 will
extend out beyond the now-defined edge such that they capable of
contacting an inner portion of the openable end 36 when in a closed
position to thereby maintain the openable end 36 in the closed
position via a friction fit.
[0055] It is noted that while FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 each show only one
example of blanks for forming the housing 20 and insert 30, other
configurations of blanks are possible and are contemplated. For
example, FIG. 8 shows another example of a blank for forming the
insert 30 and FIG. 9 shows another example of a blank for forming
the housing 20. As described above, the blanks may be folded along
the dashed lines to form the housing 20 and the insert 30. Folded
portions may be then adjoined using any suitable industrial
adhesive. Further, it is noted that, in the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 8, there is no separate inner frame 40. Rather, the
features of the inner frame 40 may be integrated into the blank, as
evidenced by the one or more tabs 42.
[0056] In the present disclosure, all terms referred to in singular
form are meant to encompass plural forms of the same. Likewise, all
terms referred to in plural form are meant to encompass singular
forms of the same. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and
scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure pertains.
[0057] As used herein, the term "about" refers to an approximately
+/-10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that
such a variation is always included in any given value provided
herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.
[0058] It should be understood that the compositions and methods
are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or
"including" various components or steps, the compositions and
methods can also "consist essentially of or "consist of the various
components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or
"an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more
than one of the element that it introduces.
[0059] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly
disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be
combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly
recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined
with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly
recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be
combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not
explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a
lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any
included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed.
In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to
about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or,
equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be
understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within
the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus,
every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper
limit combined with any other point or individual value or any
other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly
recited.
[0060] Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain
the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are
inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are
illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and
practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Although individual embodiments are discussed, the disclosure
covers all combinations of all those embodiments. Furthermore, no
limitations are intended to the details of construction or design
herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also,
the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless
otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is
therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments
disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations
are considered within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or
term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other
documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the
definitions that are consistent with this specification should be
adopted.
[0061] Many obvious variations of the embodiments set out herein
will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the
present disclosure. Such obvious variations are within the full
intended scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *