Locking packaging container
By designing locking mechanisms and memory-feature tabs in the cardboard boxes, packaging equipment solves the problem of children's access to harmful items, achieving safe, easy-to-use, and environmentally friendly item storage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ALL PACKAGING CO LLC
- Filing Date
- 2020-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing cardboard boxes or containers are ineffective in preventing children from accessing harmful items and lack locking mechanisms.
A packaging device comprising an outer liner and an inner liner is designed. The locking and unlocking of the inner liner is achieved by forming a locking mechanism between the locking tab of the inner liner and the locking ridge of the outer liner. The tab and hole design with memory characteristics ensure child protection and ease of use.
It effectively locks in hazardous materials and protects children, ensuring safe storage of items, while being easy to use and utilizing environmentally friendly materials.
Smart Images
Figure CN115210146B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Citations of relevant applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 915,602, filed October 15, 2019, entitled “Lock-in Packaging Container,” and incorporates, in particular, its entire disclosure and teachings by reference. Background Technology
[0003] Cardboard boxes or other cardboard containers can be used to contain and store items. In some implementations, the items contained or stored in the container may be harmful to some users (such as children) (e.g., medications, tobacco, etc.). Users may prefer to contain or store items in lockable, child-proof containers. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The technology disclosed herein includes an environmentally friendly, relockable packaging device comprising an outer liner, an inner liner, and at least one locking mechanism configured to lock the inner liner inside the outer liner. A locking tab of the inner liner, connected to a bottom panel of the inner liner, is configured to move from a position between the bottom panel of the inner liner and a middle panel of the outer liner, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, to an angled position protruding into a first region of the outer liner, adjacent to the bottom panel of the outer liner and adjacent to the middle panel of the outer liner, and engaging a locking ridge located at an end of the middle panel of the outer liner. The edges of the locking ridge and the locking tab of the inner liner may be arcuate, and the edges of the locking ridge and the locking tab of the inner liner may be configured to face each other to form a first locking mechanism.
[0005] In some embodiments, the packaging device includes an opening on the bottom panel of the outer liner, allowing a user to access a locking tab of the inner liner when the inner liner is positioned inside the outer liner in a closed configuration. The user can press the locking tab of the inner liner into the outer liner via the opening and disengage the locking tab from the locking ridge to unlock the packaging device. In some implementations, a first locking mechanism locks the inner liner entirely inside the outer liner.
[0006] In some implementations, the packaging equipment includes a second locking mechanism configured to lock the inner liner to the outer liner in response to sliding the inner liner from the outer liner until a locking tab of the inner liner latches onto a locking tab of the outer liner. The locking tabs of the inner liner and the outer liner may be angled in opposite directions. In some implementations, the second locking mechanism prevents the inner liner from completely sliding out of the outer liner and / or partially locks the inner liner inside the outer liner.
[0007] In some implementations, the packaging apparatus includes a storage compartment located within an inner liner. In some implementations, the packaging apparatus includes at least one perforated top panel located within the storage compartment, the perforated top panel being pressable into the storage compartment to function as a support or retainer for receiving and holding stored items in place. The packaging apparatus may include a pull tab for removing the inner liner from within the outer liner. The packaging apparatus may include a permanently fixed dog-eared tuck located at an end of the outer liner.
[0008] In some implementations, the disclosed technology includes packaging equipment comprising the following methods: sliding an inner liner into an outer liner of the packaging equipment; moving a locking tab of the inner liner, connected to a bottom panel of the inner liner, from a position between the bottom panel of the inner liner and a middle panel of the outer liner and substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner to an angled position protruding into a first region of the outer liner, the first region being close to the bottom panel of the outer liner and adjacent to the middle panel of the outer liner; engaging the locking tab of the inner liner with a locking ridge located at an end of the middle panel of the outer liner; and locking the packaging equipment in response to the engagement of the locking tab of the inner liner with the locking ridge.
[0009] The method may further include: pressing a locking tab of the inner liner into the outer liner via a hole in the bottom panel of the outer liner; and disengaging the locking tab of the inner liner from the locking ridge to unlock the packaging equipment. The method may also include: sliding the inner liner from the outer liner, latching the locking tab of the inner liner onto the locking tab of the outer liner, and locking the inner liner to the outer liner in response to latching the locking tab of the inner liner onto the locking tab of the outer liner. In some implementations, locking the locking tab of the inner liner onto the locking tab of the outer liner is in response to the locking tabs of the inner liner and the outer liner being angled in opposite directions.
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, utility, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following more specific written description of various implementations as further illustrated in the drawings and defined in the appended claims.
[0011] These and many other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed implementation. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1A A perspective top view of an exemplary packaging device in the closed position is shown.
[0013] Figure 1B A perspective bottom view of an exemplary packaging device in the closed position is shown.
[0014] Figure 1C A perspective top view of an exemplary packaging device in the open position is shown.
[0015] Figures 2A to 2D A perspective view of an exemplary packaging device during assembly is shown.
[0016] Figure 3A A plan view of an exemplary unassembled outer liner of a packaging device is shown.
[0017] Figure 3B A plan view of an unassembled exemplary inner liner of a packaging device is shown.
[0018] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side sectional view of an exemplary packaging device during assembly and use is shown.
[0019] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Two enlarged side sectional views of an exemplary packaging device during use are shown.
[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation using packaging equipment. Detailed Implementation
[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, while multiple features are attributed to specific implementations, it should be understood that features described with respect to one implementation may also be incorporated into several implementations. Similarly, however, no single feature or multiple features in any described implementation should be considered essential to the invention, as some implementations of the invention may omit such features.
[0022] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "substantially parallel" refers to a position in which the tab is laid fully flat relative to the first surface in an attempt to slide between the first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. For example, in some implementations, "substantially parallel" can be 0° to 5° from the first surface.
[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "locked" refers to a position in which a tab is captured or latched to another surface to attempt to prevent movement and create a locking mechanism when the tab is trapped in the latched position. For example, in some implementations, "locked" may refer to, for instance, preventing the tab from moving because the tab abuts against another surface when it is pulled against the surface.
[0024] The disclosed technology includes packaging equipment configured for internal locking. In some implementations, the packaging equipment may have storage compartments or inserts containing compartments to hold, store, and secure items. The packaging equipment is child-protected, easy to manufacture, and easy to use. In some implementations, the packaging equipment is environmentally friendly and made of cardboard, and has the ability to reduce packaging folding. In some implementations, the packaging equipment may be tamper-proof and / or advanced-friendly. The packaging equipment includes panels, tabs, flaps, and holes, which may have various shapes (e.g., oval, rectangular, circular, etc.) depending on the intended use and manufacturing requirements (e.g., automatic wall-erecting requirements). The positions of the panels, tabs, flaps, holes, and other components of the packaging equipment may differ from those shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the panels or tabs may be movable within the packaging equipment to accommodate better functionality of one of the disclosed locking mechanisms.
[0025] In some implementations, the panels, tabs, flaps, holes, and other components of the packaging equipment can have memory characteristics. Specifically, a locking tab, after being pressed in a certain direction, can return to its original pre-bent shape or position. For example, if a cardboard locking tab has memory characteristics and is attached to and extends from the end of a panel, and then the cardboard locking tab moves (or bends) around the end of the panel to be positioned substantially parallel to the panel, and is then released, the locking tab will attempt to return to or revert to its original pre-bent shape or position.
[0026] Figure 1A A perspective top view of an exemplary packaging device 100 is shown. The packaging device 100 has an outer liner 102, an inner liner 104, and a pull tab 106. When the packaging device 100 is in the closed position, the pull tab 106 can be pulled by a user to pull the inner liner 104 from the outer liner 102 to open the packaging device 100. In some implementations, the pull tab 106 may be configured to have a "tear-off" function. Specifically, cutouts may be present on both sides of the pull tab 106. For example, if a child attempts to open the packaging device 100 and forcefully grasps or pulls the pull tab 106, the tab 106 is configured to be torn or ripped off. Thus, the packaging device 100 is tamper-proof, and a child will not be able to pull the inner liner 104 from the outer liner 102 via the pull tab 106.
[0027] Figure 1BA perspective bottom view of an exemplary packaging device 100 is shown. An outer liner 102, an inner liner 104, and a pull tab 106 are shown. A hole 108 is positioned in the bottom panel 112 of the outer liner. As shown, the hole is oval. The oval shape is designed to accommodate a user's fingers approaching the interior of the outer liner and to prevent damage, such as a square shape which might cause damage. However, in other implementations, the hole 108 may be of other shapes. The hole is sized small enough to prevent a user's fingers or nails from tearing the packaging device. In some implementations, for example, the hole 108 may be approximately 1 / 2 inch wide and approximately 1 / 4 inch high, but the dimensions are variable.
[0028] When the packaging device 100 is in the closed position, it is locked, with the inner liner 104 locked inside the outer liner 102. To open the packaging device 100, the user can press down on the locking tab 116 on the inner liner, which is accessible via the hole 108. When the locking tab 116 on the inner liner is pressed down, it moves and disengages from the locking ridge located on the inner center panel (or adhesive surface) of the outer liner (shown and described in detail in Figures 4 and 5 below), unlocking the inner liner 104 from the outer liner 102. The inner liner 104 can then be pulled from the outer liner 102.
[0029] like Figure 1B As shown, hole 108 is located approximately 1 / 8 inch from the end of outer bushing 102. Although the precise location and measurement of the hole may vary, the hole in bottom panel 112 is positioned far enough from the end of outer bushing 102 that the locking tab 116 of inner bushing can approach and disengage from the locking ridge, and close enough from the end of outer bushing 102 that the locking mechanism (the end of the locking tab of inner bushing engages with the locking ridge interface) is not visible to the user (e.g., a child).
[0030] In some implementations, the packaging equipment 100 may have a second locking mechanism (as follows) Figure 4B (detailed description in the text) The second locking mechanism prevents the inner bushing 104 from being pulled out of the outer bushing 102 as a whole, and keeps the inner bushing 104 connected to the outer bushing 102.
[0031] refer to Figure 1C The packaging device 100 is shown in the open position, with the inner liner 104 connected to the outer liner 102. Arrows indicate the directions in which the inner liner 104 can be moved into and out of the outer liner 102. In some implementations, the inner liner 104 may be connected to the outer liner 102 via a second locking mechanism. A pull tab 106 connected to the inner liner 104 is shown.
[0032] The inner sleeve 104 has an inner sleeve compartment 114 located in the top panel 130, which serves as a storage compartment for holding items in place and storing items within the outer sleeve 102. The inner sleeve compartment 114 can vary in design, size, and shape depending on the design and use of the packaging equipment 100 and the desired items to be stored in the outer sleeve 102. For example, the inner sleeve compartment 114 can be designed to securely hold vials, bottles, e-cigarette cartridges, e-cigarettes, food, other objects, etc. In some implementations, multiple compartments may be present. The inner sleeve compartment 114 can be constructed within the inner sleeve 104 (in... Figure 3B (As shown and described herein) Defines multiple panels in a single sheet of raw material or package.
[0033] Specifically, the compartment panels (compartment top panel, compartment bottom panel, compartment side panels, and intermediate panel of the inner liner) are positioned adjacent to the outer inner liner panel within the raw material sheet and configured to manufacture the inner liner compartment 114. The compartment panels may form side walls, a top panel, and a bottom panel of the inner liner compartment 114, positioned above the intermediate panel of the inner liner. Once the inner liner compartment 114 is constructed, two compartment side panels form a partition within the inner liner 104, forming three tubular compartments extending along the length of the inner liner, and two additional walls are added to the inner liner 104 to increase structural integrity. One of the tubular compartments becomes the inner liner compartment, and the other two tubular compartments are inaccessible from the outside of the packaging equipment. In some implementations, the inner liner does not have end panels, and the three compartments are open to save packaging material. When the inner liner is inserted into the outer liner, the open end of the inner liner faces the inside of the outer liner.
[0034] The contents or stored items are stored in the inner liner compartment 114. In some implementations, this can be achieved through a perforated top panel (see, for example, see...). Figure 3B The perforated top panel 368 holds the contents in place. For example, the perforated top panel may be configured to divide into two separate blocks or panels in the middle (e.g., along a line in the middle of the panel) and bend into the inner compartment 114 at a plurality of desired perforations (e.g., one or more of the other six perforated lines shown) to create an automatic support and securing fitting for the contents to be stored.
[0035] In some implementations, one or more holes may be present in the top panel 368 to receive stored items for further securing them in place within the inner liner compartment 114. One or more top panels 368 may be configured to move downward into the inner liner compartment adjacent to the inner compartment sidewalls 376a and 376b, and in some implementations, to contact the bottom panel 384 of the compartment.
[0036] Depending on the storage requirements of the stored items, components of the packaging equipment 100 may comprise one or more materials (i.e., cardboard, waxed paper, aluminum foil, cellophane, plastics, thermoformed plastic materials such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, fluoropolymers, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyphenylene ether, and combinations thereof), and have different measurement results. For example, in some implementations, all packaging equipment 100 may be cardboard of different thicknesses. In some implementations, the inner wall of the outer liner 102 may have a liner or support made of a material different from that of the outer liner 102. For example, the outer liner 102 may be made of cardboard, and the liner on the inner wall of the outer liner 102 may be plastic or other materials that cannot be torn or ripped, thereby enhancing the child-protective properties of the packaging equipment 100. Alternatively, in another implementation, the inner liner 104 may be made of both plastic and cardboard materials to provide additional durability.
[0037] In some implementations, packaging equipment may include silicone to minimize the risk of moisture buildup, or parchment paper (if the stored items are sticky), or other materials that provide an airtight or moisture-free environment or prevent freezing or other temperature changes. Other materials are contemplated to protect against moisture and humidity, direct light, heat sources, contamination, mold or mildew growth, and pests.
[0038] In some implementations, the scoring of components can be used for memory purposes, and materials of varying thicknesses can be used for rigidity. In some implementations, plastic laminates can be included in the packaging equipment to make the packaging tear-resistant.
[0039] In some implementations, the packaging equipment includes at least one additional internal locking mechanism (described in detail in FIG4) configured to lock the inner liner 104 to the outer liner 102 in both open and closed configurations.
[0040] Figures 2A to 2D A perspective view of an exemplary packaging device 200 during assembly is shown. Figure 2A The outer bushing 202 is shown separated from the inner bushing 204 before assembly. A locking tab 218 on the outer bushing 202 is attached to an end of the bottom panel 212 of the outer bushing. The inner bushing 204 has an inner bushing compartment 214 shown in the top panel 230 of the inner bushing. A locking tab 216 on the inner bushing is attached to one end of the inner bushing 204. A pull tab 206 is also shown on the inner bushing 204.
[0041] Figure 2BThe locking tab 216 of the inner bushing 204, which is attached to the inner bushing 204, can be pressed down and rotated about or rearward in one direction to be positioned substantially adjacent to or substantially parallel to the outer surface of the bottom panel of the inner bushing 204. The locking tab 218 of the outer bushing 202, located at the end of the outer bushing 202, can be moved upward and pressed into the interior 208 of the outer bushing to align with the inner surface of the panel of the outer bushing 202 (e.g., see...). Figure 2A The adhesive surfaces or middle panels 392 shown on the bottom panel are placed approximately adjacent to or substantially parallel to each other. Once the inner sleeve 204 is fully inserted into the outer sleeve 202, the first locking mechanism locks the inner sleeve 204 inside the outer sleeve 202.
[0042] Figure 2C The inner bushing 204 is shown being inserted into the outer bushing 202, as the locking tab 216 of the inner bushing 204 is positioned substantially adjacent to or substantially parallel to the bottom panel 232 of the inner bushing 204, and the locking tab 218 of the outer bushing 202 is positioned inside the outer bushing 202, substantially adjacent to or substantially parallel to the rubber surface or middle panel (not shown) of the outer bushing located on the inner surface of the bottom panel of the outer bushing 202.
[0043] Figure 2D An inner liner 204 is shown inserted into an outer liner 202. A locking tab 216 of the inner liner 204 is shown as accessible through a hole 208 located in the bottom panel of the outer liner 212. To open the packaging device 200, the user can unlock the locking tab of the inner liner and pull the pull tab 206 of the inner liner 204 to slide the inner liner 204 away from the outer liner 206.
[0044] Figure 3A A plan view of an unassembled exemplary outer sleeve 302 of packaging equipment 300 is shown. The plan view of the outer sleeve 302 is illustrative, and how the outer sleeve 302 is assembled may vary. The outer sleeve 302 includes a plurality of panels that can be folded onto each other to create a rectangular package with an open end. As shown, the unassembled exemplary outer sleeve 302 is a monolithic packaging material including panels, tabs, and dust flaps.
[0045] The first adhesive layer 336 of the outer bushing is shown as being applied to the first adhesive surface 392, which is the inner panel of the outer bushing 302. The “adhesive surface” can be referred to as a packaging panel or additional material to which glue or other adhesive is applied to attach the adhesive surface to another panel or surface in the packaging apparatus 300. Adhesive surfaces can be added to packaging for a variety of reasons, including for additional reinforcement of the packaging, for creating compartments, and for use as locking mechanisms. For the purposes of this disclosure, the adhesive surface can also be defined as a specific panel. For example, the first adhesive surface 392 is also an intermediate panel in the outer bushing 302. As described below, during assembly, the first adhesive surface 392 is folded onto the bottom panel 312 of the outer bushing 302, and the first adhesive layer 336 of the outer bushing seals the first adhesive surface 392 to the inner surface 312 of the bottom panel of the outer bushing. As shown in the figures and as described herein, an “adhesive layer” is described as wherein the adhesive layer is applied to a given panel of a monolithic packaging material, and an area on that panel will be sealed to another panel or packaging surface.
[0046] The locking tab 318 of the outer liner is connected to the end of the bottom panel 312 of the outer liner. The locking tab 318 of the outer liner has a memory characteristic. During the use of the packaging equipment 300, when the inner liner 304 moves from the outer liner 302 (in... Figure 4B (detailed description in the text) The locking tab 318 of the outer bushing can move inside the outer bushing 302 to form part of the second locking mechanism.
[0047] The reinforcing panel 338 of the outer bushing can also be folded inside the outer bushing 302. In some implementations, the reinforcing panel 338 of the outer bushing is glued against the top panel 348 of the outer bushing. The reinforcing panel 338 of the outer bushing wraps around the ends of the outer bushing, so that the edges of the outer bushing 302 are rounded (instead of square), which prevents damage to the packaging equipment.
[0048] Dust flaps 346a and 346b are located near side panels 320a and 320b, respectively. As shown, dust flaps 346a and 346b have slits for die-cutting to provide clearance with adjacent panels and to reduce any gap size between panels once the end panels are folded during assembly.
[0049] To assemble the outer bushing 302, the first adhesive surface 392 of the outer bushing is folded into the outer bushing 302, wherein the first adhesive surface 392 of the outer bushing is positioned opposite the top panel 348 of the outer bushing, and the side panel 120b forms one side of the outer bushing 302. The bottom panel 312 of the outer bushing is folded over the top of the first adhesive surface 392 of the outer bushing, which is attached via the first adhesive layer 336 of the outer bushing. The side panel 120a forms a second side of the outer bushing 302. The side panels 320a and 320b are perpendicular to the first adhesive surface 392, the bottom panel 312, and the top panel 348 of the outer bushing.
[0050] Once the outer walls (e.g., the top panel 348 of the outer bushing, the bottom panel 312 of the outer bushing, the side panels 320a and 320b, and the first adhesive surface 392 of the outer bushing) are assembled, dust flaps 346a and 346b are folded inside the outer bushing 302, and the first end flap 340 is folded to close the end of the outer bushing 302. The second adhesive surface 342 is folded onto the first end flap 340 and secured to the first end flap 340 with the second adhesive layer 344 of the outer bushing. The dust flaps 346a and 346b, the fourth flap 340, and the second adhesive surface 342 combine to create a "dog-eared tuck" at the end of the outer bushing 302, which is a permanently secured and child-protected end of the packaging that needs to be torn open once the packaging device 300 is closed and locked.
[0051] A locking ridge or edge 322 is formed on the first adhesive surface 392. The locking ridge or edge 322 is an edge located on the end of the first adhesive surface 392 near the bottom panel 312 of the outer bushing. Once the packaging device 300 is assembled, after the inner bushing 304 is inserted into the outer bushing 302 and during use, the packaging device is in a closed configuration. The locking tab 316 of the inner bushing can latch, engage, or otherwise “lock” onto the locking ridge 322 and lock the inner bushing 304 inside the outer bushing 302 (described in more detail below). When the locking tab 316 of the inner bushing 304 is latched onto the locking ridge 322, it prevents the user from pulling the inner bushing 304 out of the outer bushing 302.
[0052] Figure 3B A plan view of an unassembled exemplary inner liner of packaging equipment 300 is shown. The plan view of the inner liner 304 is for example, and how the inner liner 304 is assembled may vary. The inner liner 304 includes a plurality of panels that can be folded onto each other to create a rectangular package. In some implementations, the inner liner has an open end. As shown, the unassembled exemplary inner liner 304 is a monolithic packaging material including panels, tabs, and dust flaps.
[0053] The top panel 330 of the liner is shown as having a bottom panel 332 of the liner and two side panels 372a and 372b. The bottom panel 332 of the liner is shown as having a first adhesive layer 370 of the liner located at its end. The liner 304 has a pull tab 306 and an end panel 386 of the liner. A locking tab 316 of the liner is shown as attached to the end of the bottom panel 332 of the liner. A reinforcing panel 328 of the liner is shown as attached to the end panel 386 of the liner, which is attached to the top panel 330 of the liner. A compartment panel 368 is located in the top panel 330 of the liner.
[0054] The side panel 372b of the inner liner is connected to the components constituting the internal compartment 114, such as... Figure 1C As shown. Specifically, the side panel 372b of the inner liner is connected to the middle panel 388 of the inner liner, which is shown as having a second adhesive layer 374 of the inner liner. The middle panel 388 of the inner liner is connected to the compartment sidewall 376a.
[0055] The compartment side panel 376a is connected to the compartment top panels 380a and 380b, which are separated from each other by the compartment opening 390. Third adhesive layers 378a and 378b of the inner liner are located on top of the two compartment top panels 380a and 380b, respectively. These two compartment top panels 380a and 380b are attached to the compartment side panel 376b, which is attached to the compartment bottom panel 384. A fourth adhesive layer 382 of the inner liner is located on the compartment bottom panel 384.
[0056] During assembly, the inner liner compartments (e.g., Figure 1C The inner liner compartment 114 shown is created by folding or rolling the bottom panel 384 of the compartment into the inner liner 304, wherein the bottom panel 384 of the compartment is attached and sealed to the middle panel 388 of the inner liner via a fourth adhesive layer of the inner liner 304. The middle panel 388 of the inner liner is folded and sealed to the inner surface of the bottom panel 332 of the inner liner via a second adhesive layer 374 of the inner liner. The top panel 330 of the inner liner can be folded onto the top of the third adhesive layers 378a and 378b of the inner liner, thereby securing the top panel 330 of the inner liner to the top panels 380a and 380b of the compartment.
[0057] The bottom panel 332 of the inner liner is folded and sealed to the middle panel 388 of the inner liner via the second adhesive layer 374 of the inner liner.
[0058] The tab or dust flap 346 is then folded inward toward the inner liner 304, and the end panel 386 of the inner liner 332 wraps around the tab 346. The reinforcing panel 328 of the inner liner wraps around the outer surface of the bottom panel of the inner liner, attaching and sealing to the first adhesive layer 370 of the inner liner, thereby sealing the end of the inner liner 304. The reinforcing panel 328 wraps around the end of the inner liner 304 such that the edge of the closed end of the outer liner 302 is rounded (rather than square), which prevents damage to the packaging equipment.
[0059] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the locking tabs 316 and locking ridges 322 of the inner liner are both arc-shaped. When the packaging device 300 is assembled and in the closed configuration where the inner liner 304 is fully inserted into the outer liner 302, the arc-shaped ends of the locking tabs 316 and the arc-shaped ends of the locking ridges 322 (which are cuts facing each other) nest against each other and together abut against the edge of the locking packaging device 300.
[0060] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side sectional view of an exemplary packaging device is shown during the assembly and use of multiple steps 452 through 462. In step 452, the inner liner 404 is shown separated from the outer liner 402 prior to assembling the packaging device 400. Before inserting the inner liner 404 into the outer liner 402 to assemble the packaging device 400, a locking tab 416 on the inner liner may be positioned substantially adjacent to or substantially parallel to the outer surface of the bottom panel 432 of the inner liner 404. A locking tab 418 on the outer liner may be pushed into the outer liner 402 and is positioned substantially adjacent to or substantially parallel to a first adhesive surface 492 located on the inner surface of the bottom panel 412 of the outer liner 402. In step 454, it is shown that the inner sleeve 404 is partially inserted into the outer sleeve 402, wherein, when the inner sleeve 404 enters the outer sleeve 402, the locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve remains positioned generally adjacent to or substantially parallel to the outer surface of the bottom panel 432 of the inner sleeve 404, and the locking tab 418 on the outer sleeve remains positioned generally adjacent to or substantially parallel to the first adhesive surface 436 located on the inner surface of the bottom panel 412 of the outer sleeve 402.
[0061] In step 456, the inner sleeve 404 is shown fully inserted into the outer sleeve 402 in the locked position. The locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve, having moved past the first adhesive surface 436 of the outer sleeve 404, springs into the area of the outer sleeve 402 adjacent to the inner surface of the bottom panel 412 of the outer sleeve 402 (shown in more detail in FIG. 5) due to its memory properties. Once the locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve has moved past the first adhesive surface 436, the locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve locks onto the locking edge 422 on the adhesive surface 436. Therefore, the inner sleeve 404 is locked inside the outer sleeve 402.
[0062] In step 458, the inner sleeve 404 is shown fully inserted into the outer sleeve 402 in the unlocked position. Specifically, the user can apply pressure to the locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve by inserting a thumb, finger, key, or other instrument through the hole 408 located in the bottom panel 412 of the outer sleeve 402, and push the locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve upward into the interior of the outer sleeve 402 through the locking edge 422.
[0063] Once the locking tab 416 on the inner liner has passed the locking edge 422, the inner liner 402 can be pulled from the outer liner 402 by pulling the tab 406, thereby opening the packaging device 400. As shown in step 460, the inner liner 404 is shown partially pulled out of the outer liner 402 in the unlocked position. When the inner liner is partially pulled out of the outer liner 402, the user can access the contents inside the inner liner 404.
[0064] As the user continues to pull the inner sleeve 404 from the outer sleeve 402, a locking tab 416 on the inner sleeve engages with a locking tab 418 on the outer sleeve, the locking tab on the inner sleeve facing in the opposite direction to the locking tab 418 on the outer sleeve. Specifically, the end of the locking tab 416 slides between the locking tab 418 on the outer sleeve and the middle panel 492 of the outer sleeve, and hooks near the interface where the end of the locking tab 418 on the outer sleeve is connected to the bottom panel 412 of the outer sleeve and adjacent to the middle panel 492 of the outer sleeve. Thus, the opposing locking tabs lock together and prevent the inner sleeve 404 from being completely pulled out of the outer sleeve 402. In step 462, the inner sleeve 404 is shown in the locked position with the outer sleeve 402 partially pulled out.
[0065] Figure 5A and Figure 5BAn enlarged side sectional view of an exemplary packaging device during use at step 456 of FIG4 is shown, wherein the packaging device is in a closed configuration via a first locking mechanism. The inner liner 504 is shown fully inserted into the outer liner 502 in the locked position. The locking tab 516 on the inner liner, due to its memory properties, has moved through the first adhesive surface 592 of the outer liner 504 into the area of the outer liner 502 adjacent to the inner surface of the bottom panel 512 of the outer liner 502. The locking tab 516 on the inner liner has moved through the first adhesive surface 536 and locked onto the locking edge 522 on the adhesive surface 592. Therefore, the inner liner 504 is locked inside the outer liner 502.
[0066] To unlock the packaging device 500, the user presses down on the locking tab 516 of the inner liner through the hole 508 and pushes the locking tab 516 into the outer liner, causing the locking tab 516 of the inner liner to disengage from the locking edge 522. The inner liner can then be pulled from the outer liner by pulling the tab 506.
[0067] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an exemplary operation 600 during the use of the packaging equipment. Operation 602: Sliding the inner liner into the outer liner of the packaging equipment. In some implementations, the inner liner may be partially inside the outer liner during operation 602. In other implementations, if the inner liner is not yet inside the outer liner, the user may fold the locking tab of the outer liner located at the end of the bottom panel of the outer liner into the outer liner, and fold it to a position substantially parallel to the surface of the middle panel (or adhesive surface) of the outer liner attached to the inner surface of the bottom panel of the outer liner, and fold the locking tab of the inner liner located at the end of the bottom panel of the inner liner to a position substantially parallel to the outer surface of the bottom panel of the inner liner before sliding the inner liner into the outer liner.
[0068] In operation 602, when the inner bushing enters the outer bushing, the locking tab of the inner bushing remains substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner bushing.
[0069] Operation 604: Move the locking tab of the inner liner, which is attached to the end of the bottom panel of the inner liner, from a position between the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, to an angled position protruding into a first region of the outer liner, the first region being close to the bottom panel of the outer liner and adjacent to the middle panel of the outer liner.
[0070] Operation 606: Engage the locking tab of the inner liner with the locking ridge located at the end of the intermediate panel of the outer liner. Operation 608: Lock the packaging equipment in response to the engagement of the locking tab of the inner liner with the locking ridge.
[0071] Operation 610: Press the locking tab of the inner liner into the outer liner through the hole located in the bottom panel of the outer liner. Operation 612: Disengage the locking tab of the inner liner from the locking ridge to unlock the packaging equipment.
[0072] Operation 614: Slide the inner bushing away from the outer bushing. Operation 616: Latch the locking tab of the inner bushing onto the locking tab of the outer bushing. Operation 618: Lock the inner bushing to the outer bushing in response to satching the locking tab of the inner bushing onto the locking tab of the outer bushing. In some implementations, the locking tabs of the inner bushing and the outer bushing are at an angle in opposite directions.
[0073] The foregoing specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. Since many embodiments of the disclosed technology can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology, the disclosed technology is contained in the following appended claims. Furthermore, structural features of different embodiments may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the cited claims.
Claims
1. A packaging device, comprising: Inner liner; An outer bushing includes a bottom panel, a top panel, a middle panel, a locking tab, a first side panel, and a second side panel. In an unassembled configuration, the bottom panel is attached to the first side panel, the first side panel is attached to the top panel, the top panel is attached to the second side panel, and the middle panel is attached to the second side panel. The second side panel, the locking tab of the outer bushing is attached to the bottom panel of the outer bushing, and the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel are separated and positioned between the middle panel and the bottom panel of the outer bushing, wherein the bottom panel of the outer bushing has a bottom panel length, and at least a portion of the length of the middle panel of the outer bushing is equal to the bottom panel length, and wherein, in the assembly configuration, the middle panel of the outer bushing forms an adhesive surface to the bottom panel of the outer bushing; and The packaging equipment includes a first locking mechanism comprising a central panel of the outer liner, the first locking mechanism being configured to lock the inner liner inside the outer liner in response to sliding the inner liner inside the outer liner, wherein: The locking tab of the inner liner, which is connected to the end of the bottom panel of the inner liner, is configured as follows: From a position between the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, move to an angled position protruding into a first region of the outer liner, the first region being close to the bottom panel of the outer liner and adjacent to the middle panel of the outer liner; and Engages the locking ridge located at the end of the middle panel of the outer bushing, and The second locking mechanism of the packaging equipment is configured to lock the inner liner to the outer liner in response to sliding the inner liner from the outer liner until the locking tab of the inner liner latches onto the locking tab of the outer liner, wherein the locking tabs of the inner liner and the locking tabs of the outer liner are angled in opposite directions. The packaging equipment also includes a storage compartment located within the inner liner, the storage compartment being created by folding or rolling the bottom panel of the storage compartment into the inner liner, wherein the bottom panel of the storage compartment is attached to the middle panel of the inner liner.
2. The packaging equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The edges of the locking ridge and the locking tab of the inner liner are both arc-shaped, and the edges of the locking ridge and the locking tab of the inner liner are configured to face each other to form the first locking mechanism.
3. The packaging equipment according to claim 1 further includes: A hole is located on the bottom panel of the outer bushing, wherein, when the inner bushing is positioned inside the outer bushing in a closed configuration, the user can access the locking tab of the inner bushing.
4. The packaging equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The user can press the locking tab of the inner liner into the outer liner through the hole and disengage the locking tab of the inner liner from the locking ridge to unlock the packaging device.
5. The packaging equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The second locking mechanism prevents the inner liner from sliding completely out of the outer liner.
6. The packaging equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The second locking mechanism partially locks the inner bushing inside the outer bushing.
7. The packaging equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The top panel of the inner liner includes a perforated top panel in the storage compartment, which can be pressed into the storage compartment to receive and hold the stored items in place.
8. The packaging equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: Pull the tab to remove the inner bushing from inside the outer bushing.
9. The packaging equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A permanently fixed fold at the end of the outer bushing.
10. The packaging equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The first locking mechanism locks the inner liner entirely inside the outer liner.
11. A method of using the packaging equipment according to claim 1, comprising: Slide the inner liner into the outer liner of the packaging equipment; The locking tab of the inner liner, which is attached to the bottom panel of the inner liner, is moved from a position between the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner and substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner to an angled position protruding into a first region of the outer liner, the first region being close to the bottom panel of the outer liner and adjacent to the middle panel of the outer liner. The locking tab of the inner bushing engages with the locking ridge located at the end of the middle panel of the outer bushing. as well as The packaging equipment is locked in response to the locking tab of the inner liner engaging with the locking ridge.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The locking tab of the inner bushing is pressed into the outer bushing through a hole located in the bottom panel of the outer bushing; as well as Disengage the locking tab of the inner liner from the locking ridge to unlock the packaging equipment.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The inner bushing slides off the outer bushing; The locking tab of the inner bushing is latched onto the locking tab of the outer bushing; as well as The inner bushing is locked to the outer bushing in response to latching the locking tab of the inner bushing onto the locking tab of the outer bushing.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The locking tab of the inner bushing is locked onto the locking tab of the outer bushing in response to the locking tabs of the inner bushing and the outer bushing being at an angle in opposite directions.
15. A packaging device, comprising: Inner liner, the inner liner comprising: The bottom panel of the inner liner; The top panel of the inner liner; At least one side panel of the inner liner; The middle panel of the inner liner; The storage compartment of the inner liner; The locking tab of the inner liner; and Pull the tab; In the unassembled configuration, at least one side panel of the inner liner is attached to the top panel of the inner liner, and the middle panel of the inner liner is attached to at least one side panel of the inner liner. The storage compartment is created by folding or rolling the bottom panel of the storage compartment into the inner liner, wherein the bottom panel of the storage compartment is attached to the middle panel of the inner liner. Outer bushing, the outer bushing comprising: The outer bushing comprises a bottom panel, a top panel, a middle panel, a locking tab, a first side panel, and a second side panel, wherein, in an unassembled configuration, the bottom panel is attached to the first side panel, the first side panel is attached to the top panel, the top panel is attached to the second side panel, the middle panel is attached to the second side panel, and the locking tab is attached to the bottom panel; the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel are separated and positioned between the middle panel and the bottom panel; and, in an assembled configuration, the middle panel is adhesively bonded to the bottom panel. A hole located on the bottom panel of the outer bushing, wherein a user can access a locking tab of the inner bushing when the inner bushing is positioned inside the outer bushing in a closed configuration; and The packaging equipment includes a first locking mechanism comprising a central panel of the outer liner, the first locking mechanism being configured to lock the inner liner inside the outer liner in response to sliding the inner liner inside the outer liner, wherein: The locking tab of the inner sleeve, which is connected to the bottom panel of the inner sleeve, is configured as follows: From a position between the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel of the inner liner and the middle panel of the outer liner, move to an angled position protruding into a first region of the outer liner, the first region being close to the bottom panel of the outer liner and adjacent to the middle panel of the outer liner; and Engage the locking ridge located at the end of the middle panel of the outer bushing. The second locking mechanism of the packaging equipment is configured to lock the inner liner to the outer liner in response to sliding the inner liner from the outer liner by the pull tab located at the end of the inner liner until the locking tab of the inner liner latches onto the locking tab of the outer liner, wherein the locking tabs of the inner liner and the locking tabs of the outer liner are angled in opposite directions.
16. The packaging equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The edges of the locking ridge and the locking tabs of the inner liner are both arc-shaped, and the edges of the locking ridge and the locking tabs of the inner liner are configured to face each other to form the first locking mechanism.
17. The packaging equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The user can press the locking tab of the inner liner into the outer liner through the hole and disengage the locking tab of the inner liner from the locking ridge to unlock the packaging device.