Display Package with Plastic Sleeve and Interlocking Insert Tray

Abstract

A tamper-resistant plastic package having a plastic sleeve with at least one open end into which a product carrier tray, also made of plastic, can be inserted into sliding and interlocking engagement with the sleeve. The sleeve desirably comprises a continuous side wall having sufficient length and cross-sectional area to receive the product carrier tray into sliding engagement therewith. The product carrier tray is preferably thermoformed from another plastic sheet made of the same or a different plastic material. The plastic sheets used to make the sleeve and product carrier tray each preferably further comprise one or more structural elements, as described in greater detail below, that cooperate to provide a mechanical interlock when the product carrier tray is fully inserted into the sleeve.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to plastic packages and, more particularly, to plastic display packages having a sleeve formed from a die-cut plastic sheet, and a thermoformed product carrier tray that is insertable into sliding and interlocking engagement with the sleeve.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]In recent years, tamper-resistant clamshell display packages have become widely used in the retail marketing of consumer goods. So-called “big box” retailers favor use of the packages because they facilitate display in tray-packs or case-packs and significantly reduce shrinkage attributable to shoplifting, pilfering and employee theft. Conventional clamshell packages are typically thermoformed from transparent PVC resin and have two halves that are hinged and can be folded together and sealed after inserting one or more products into recesses formed in one or both sides of the clamshell. Display cards with appropriate gr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, plastic packages for displaying products are disclosed that comprise a plastic sleeve having at least one open end into which a product carrier tray, also made of plastic, can be inserted into sliding and interlocking engagement with the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably formed by folding and joining opposed side portions of a single rigid plastic sheet to create a continuous side wall having sufficient length and cross-sectional area to receive the product carr

Problems solved by technology

Because the PVC is tough and durable, and because the edge closures are typically bonded together by an RF seal, clamshell packages are extremely difficult to open without destroying the package.

Disadvantages of the conventional clamshell packages to manufacturers include the facts that they are expensive to make, are relatively heavy, are not recyclable, and making the RF seal needed to produce the “destruction bond” consumes time and energy.

Consumers, particularly children and senior citizens, are frustrated by conventional clamshell packages because they are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to open following purchase, invite injury from accidental use of sharp or pointed tools needed to access the products, present a disposal problem in that they are neither easily handled nor recyclable.

Because clamshell packages typically have irregular thicknesses and tend to have relatively sharp edges, they are also difficult to gift-wrap when the subject products are purchased as gifts.

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