Axially centrally locked, grip-release telescopic package

Abstract

The telescopic packaging assembly includes a socket portion and a cap portion, each including a planar surface. One of the respective flat surfaces includes a column of locking openings and the other includes a locking protrusion that is selectively receivable into any one of the column of locking openings to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly. A grip portion extends from the cap portion that, when subjected to an applied pressure, is operable to deflect the flat inner surface and release the locking protrusion from one of the column of locking openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to adjustable packaging that is universally compatible with objects of varying sizes, and more particularly to telescoping packaging that can adjustably extend or shorten to universally accommodate elongated objects of varying lengths. Background Art

[0002] Known packaging technology that can be adjusted to accommodate various different elongated objects with different lengths. This packaging technology usually includes a base member and a cover, each of which includes a matching interlocking feature, which allows the cover to selectively lock in one of many different gradient positions relative to the base member, so as to ideally accommodate different elongated objects with different axial lengths on the inside. The adjustable characteristics of the lockable cover relative to the base member are sometimes also referred to as a telescopic arrangement, wherein the fine gradient of the multiple locking positions for the cover can be optimally used for packaging of different elongated objects with a group of bands with varying axial lengths. This locking telescopic packaging can be universal with different objects with different lengths, and advantageously avoids the need to provide separate, specially made or customized packaging for objects of different lengths. This telescopic packaging can also provide a variety of different width and depth dimensions to accommodate the packaged objects of various different sizes except for the length.

[0003] Although existing locking telescopic packages of the above type have been ideally adopted in the market to reduce packaging costs and streamline the packaging process of multiple groups of elongated objects having a range of axial lengths compatible with the telescopic package, they have not yet fully met the needs of the market. Therefore, improvements are needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described below with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0005] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly in a first telescoping position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 is a side view of an axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly in a second telescoping position.

[0007] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an axially centered lock, grip and release telescopic packaging assembly taken along line 3-3 in FIG.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detail view of section 4-4 of an axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 is a first exploded view of an exemplary axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side view of the cover shown.

[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 A top view of the cover is shown.

[0012] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 Bottom view of the cover shown.

[0013] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cover along line 9-9.

[0014] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Detail view of a part of.

[0015] Fig.11 yes Figure 5 A side view of the base member is shown.

[0016] Fig.12 yes Figure 5 and Fig.11 A top view of the base member is shown.

[0017] Fig.13 yes Figure 5 and Fig.11 Bottom view of the base member shown.

[0018] Fig.14 is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of the base member taken along line 14-14 in FIG.

[0019] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Detail view of a part of.

[0020] Fig.16 is a second exploded view of an exemplary axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Side view of the cover shown.

[0022] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 and Fig.17 A top view of the cover is shown.

[0023] Fig.19 yes Fig.16 and Fig.17 Bottom view of the cover shown.

[0024] Fig. 20 is along Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of the cover member taken along line 20-20 in FIG.

[0025] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Detail view of a part of.

[0026] Fig. 22 yes Fig.16 A side view of the base member is shown.

[0027] Fig.23 yes Fig.16 and Fig. 22 A top view of the base member is shown.

[0028] Fig.24 yes Fig.16 and Fig. 22 Bottom view of the base member shown.

[0029] Fig.25 is along Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of the base member taken along line 14-14 in FIG.

[0030] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 Detail view of a part of.

[0031] Fig. 27 is a third exploded view of an exemplary axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Side view of the cover shown.

[0033] Fig.29 yes Fig. 27 and Fig.28 A top view of the cover is shown.

[0034] Fig.30 yes Fig. 27 and Fig.28 Bottom view of the cover shown.

[0035] Fig.31 is along Fig.28 A cross-sectional view of the cover member taken along line 31-31 in FIG.

[0036] Fig.32 yes Fig.31 Detail view of a part of.

[0037] Fig.33 yes Fig. 27 A side view of the base member is shown.

[0038] Fig.34 yes Fig. 27 and Fig.33 A top view of the base member is shown.

[0039] Fig.35 yes Fig. 27 and Fig.33 Bottom view of the base member shown.

[0040] Fig.36 is along Fig.33 A cross-sectional view of the base member taken along line 36-36 in FIG.

[0041] Fig.37 yes Fig.36 Detail view of a part of.

[0042] Fig.38 yes Figures 5 to 15 A perspective assembled view of the package shown in a retracted position.

[0043] Fig.39 yes Fig.38 A perspective assembled view of the package shown in the extended position.

[0044] Fig.40 yes Figures 16 to 26 A perspective assembled view of the package shown in a retracted position.

[0045] Fig.41 yes Fig.40 A perspective assembled view of the package shown in the extended position.

[0046] Fig.42 yes Figures 27 to 37 A perspective assembled view of the package shown in a retracted position.

[0047] Fig.43 yes Fig.40 A perspective assembled view of the package shown in the extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to best understand the present invention, a discussion of the prior art state of some telescoping packages and certain problems in the prior art is necessary and is therefore discussed below, followed by a description of exemplary embodiments of improved product packaging that are useful in overcoming the problems in the prior art.

[0049] Various adjustable length product packages are known and, when used, are used as a partial solution to the unique product packaging needs of specific types of items at a retail point of sale. Generally speaking, existing adjustable length product packages for groups of elongated objects having respective different axial lengths suffer from one or more problems that make them unsatisfactory and disadvantageous in some respects.

[0050] For example, some existing adjustable length product packages may be very complex from a manufacturing perspective and therefore may be manufactured at an undesirably high manufacturing cost. For example, such complexity may be caused by overly complex shapes of the base member and / or cover member in order to achieve the desired adjustability, lockability, and stability of the package. Generally speaking, from a manufacturing perspective, simpler base member and cover member shapes may save costs from a manufacturing perspective.

[0051] The complex shapes of the base and cover components can also present difficulties in assembling the base and cover components, particularly when the assembly requires complex assembly steps and a degree of proficiency to accomplish, which is not available to all personnel. In the case of manual assembly at the manufacturing stage prior to distribution, personnel with limited proficiency may not easily perform the relatively complex hand movements to assemble the telescoping package, and in some cases may not be able to successfully complete the package assembly at all. For other personnel, the complex hand movements required to assemble the package are difficult to master and also difficult to apply in a repeatable manner without error.

[0052] In other cases where the components can be assembled in an automated manner, the automation costs may be undesirably increased due to the relatively complex machine motions required to join the base and cover components in the telescoping package. Therefore, whether the telescoping package is assembled by hand or machine, a package that is lower in cost and simplified to assemble is desired.

[0053] In addition, in addition to the reasons beyond the proficiency limitation of the user when operating the package in a certain way, some existing adjustable length product packaging may be an undesirable complexity for some users in the product distribution chain. For example, the correct order of the steps or actions required for the terminal user to adjust the package length to the desired length and firmly lock the cover in place may be unintuitive for the terminal user who receives the base component and the package to package the object in an unassembled state. Specifically, for such terminal users who are not familiar with the packaging design as the personnel of the packaging manufacturer, it may not be obvious how to exactly assemble the base component and the cover and / or align the matching features of the base component and the cover to locate and lock the base component and the cover in the desired position. If the correct assembly steps are unclear, some confusion may be caused, and the user may understandably try to assemble the cover to the base component in the wrong position relative to the base component, which will prevent the formation of a locking telescopic relationship. The trial and error assembly steps in assembling this package may cause a negative impact on the efficiency of the packaging process. If the frustrated user attempts to press the cover to the base component, any component may be damaged, because the terminal user may not be obvious when the damage occurs, thereby causing the undesirable scrapping of the package or the reliability problem of the package. Accidental damage to packaging can result in increased scrap and reliability issues when the user is unaware that the package has been damaged.

[0054] Similarly, in the case where the end user may receive the package in assembled form, it may not be obvious how to accurately unlock the base member or cover to adjust the length of the package. When the locking feature is located inside the cover and is therefore not visible from the outside of the package, and when the locking feature that cooperates on the base member is partially or completely obscured by the cover for the end user, the user may initially be confused about how to unlock the package to adjust its length. For example, the user may not be able to quickly determine whether a push, pull or other necessary action is required to unlock the base member and / or cover in order to select another position and adjust the length of the package. Trial and error attempts may be made again, as well as attempts to forcibly separate the components, which may damage the package.

[0055] Such confusion and errors and the related trial and error described cause some delays and inefficiencies in packaging products with optimally sized packages before the user finally successfully assembles, locks or unlocks the packages without damaging them, and realizes how to properly adjust the package size to the most desired size and / or most effectively lock the package at the desired size. Inefficient use of packages can unexpectedly increase the labor costs of completing the packaging process.

[0056] For the reasons stated above, known telescoping packages have not met the long felt need in the art for an economical telescoping package that is simpler to manufacture while also simplifying package assembly and operation to provide a more user-friendly package that can advantageously improve packaging process efficiency.

[0057] The following describes exemplary embodiments of improved telescopic packaging that overcome the above-mentioned problems in the prior art. The improved telescopic packaging of the present invention advantageously overcomes the problems and deficiencies in the prior art through the following advantages: (1) a relatively simple-shaped base member and cover member of the package that can be manufactured more economically at a lower cost; (2) a transparent cover member feature allows intuitive and visual alignment of the locking features of the base member and the cover member for the benefit of the end user; (3) an axially centered locking feature that can be easily assembled, adjusted, locked and unlocked in an intuitive, self-guided manner; (4) a deflectable grip release feature that can easily unlock the cover member from the base member and easily adjust their relative position to adjust the package length; (5) a simplified press and push / pull motion to adjust the position of the cover member relative to the base member without the need for more complex positioning of the base member and the cover member relative to each other; and (6) built-in intuitive visual cues to guide the user to assemble and operate the package, thereby improving packaging efficiency. Various aspects of the method will be discussed in part explicitly and in part apparent from the description below.

[0058] Figures 1 to 4 An exemplary axially centered locking, grip-release telescopic packaging assembly 100 in a first telescopic position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The packaging 100 includes a substantially hollow base member 102 (sometimes referred to as an inner member or socket member) and a substantially hollow cover member 104 (sometimes referred to as an outer member or cap member). The base member 102 and the cover member 104 are each configured to be assembled with each other in a telescopic relationship adjustable relative to each other at a plurality of indexing positions, thereby forming different axial lengths of the packaging 100 to best accommodate objects or articles (not shown) with axial lengths within a certain range, which can be assembled inside the packaging 100 at each corresponding indexing position. For the purposes of this article, when the internal space of the packaging at a selected position in a plurality of indexing positions is closest to but still slightly larger than the actual length of the object accommodated when the object is located inside the packaging 100, the elongated object is considered to be best assembled inside the packaging.

[0059] Figure 1 The package 100 is shown in a first position, wherein the cover member 104 is extended relative to the base member 102 to accommodate longer objects in the package 100 . Figure 2 The package 100 is shown in a second position, wherein the cover member 104 is retracted relative to the base member 102 to accommodate shorter objects in the package 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the example of , the cover 104 can be adjustably positioned in a plurality of corresponding indexed positions to extend away from the base member 102 or closer to the base member 102 to gradually accommodate incremental differences in the lengths of the objects to be packaged. Thus, the package 100 can generally be used with a group of objects having different lengths to a greater or lesser extent. Specifically, for optimal use, the package 100 can be adjusted in length to accommodate objects or articles (not shown) having a range of axial lengths that can be assembled inside the package 100 in each corresponding indexed position. Figures 1 to 4 In the context of , the length dimension L corresponds to the length dimension L represented as Figures 1 to 4 The vertical axis on the plane of the page is the longitudinal axis of components 102 and 104. Figure 1 The longitudinal axis, represented by L in FIG. 8 , is sometimes also referred to herein as the “axial” direction.

[0060] The base member 102 includes a plurality of outwardly facing rectangular locking openings 106 arranged adjacent to each other in an axially aligned manner. Figure 1-4 In the view of FIG. 1 , these locking openings are sometimes referred to as a “row” of openings 106, which extend in a vertical row on the base member 102. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the example shown, a row of locking openings 106 is substantially centered on the outer flat side surface of the polygonal socket portion 108 of the base member 102. Figure 3 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view of FIG, a plurality of locking openings 106 are provided on the flat opposite side surfaces of the polygonal socket portion 108 above the finger grip portion 110 having a larger perimeter at the distal end of the base member 102. The polygonal socket portion 108 having flat sides and flat or flat faces is particularly different from the round tube with a circular cross section known in certain types of conventional telescopic packaging. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A rectangular locking opening 106 is shown, but it should be understood that non-rectangular locking openings may also be incorporated into other embodiments.

[0061] The finger grip 110 also has a contoured outer surface to help the user grasp and hold the grip 110 when using and handling the package. In the illustrated example, the grip 110 includes a plurality of bands of inclined surfaces, which in combination present a rough outer surface, rather than a smooth or flat outer surface, so that the user can grasp without slipping. The rough outer surface of the grip 110 can be formed by molding during the manufacturing process of the base member 102, or can be formed and applied by other known techniques in the art. The specific shapes and geometries of the grip 110 shown and described are not required in all embodiments, and other shapes and geometries can also be used to achieve similar purposes and effects.

[0062] In the contemplated example, the socket portion 108 in the base member 102 has four flat sides and thus has four flat surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other, although in other embodiments, four sides are not necessarily required and a greater or lesser number of flat sides may be included. In some contemplated embodiments, the socket portion 108 may include a combination of flat sides and curved sides, including but not limited to two flat sides and two curved sides that form an oval racetrack-shaped cross-section. Various changes in the shape and geometry of the socket portion 108 are possible, including at least one flat side having a row of locking openings 106.

[0063] The cover 104 includes flared sidewall portions 112a, 112b of a cap portion 114 that extends outwardly away from the smaller perimeter of the socket portion 108 that receives the base member 102. The flared portions 112a, 112b are arcuate elements extending from a flat or planar portion of the cap portion 114. The flat and planar portions of the cap portion 114 are complementary in shape to the socket portion 108 of the base member 102, but slightly larger than it, so that the socket portion 108 is received in the cap portion 114 when the package is assembled. As described below, the polygonal shapes of the socket portion 108 and the cap portion 114 make the package 100 relatively simple to assemble in the correct orientation relative to non-polygonal packaging pieces (e.g., cylindrical pieces without flat sides), which may introduce greater ambiguity in the correct orientation for initial assembly.

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best seen, the cover 104 includes a single locking projection 116 extending inwardly from the flat inner sidewall surface of the cover 104, and thus extending inwardly toward the socket portion 108 of the base member 102. The single locking projection 116 can be selectively accommodated in the corresponding locking opening 106 of the base member 102 in the indexed position defined by the spacing between adjacent locking openings in the corresponding plurality of locking openings 106. In the illustrated embodiment, a single (i.e., only one) locking projection 116 can be selectively accommodated in any locking opening 106 that is arranged to form a column axial length L of the telescoping package 100 in use. A single locking projection 116 is sufficient to provide the desired degree of locking while making it easier to unlock relative to similar packages with multiple locking projections hanging therefrom. However, in certain conceived alternative embodiments, if desired, multiple locking projections can be extended from the flat sidewall of the cover 104.

[0065] By pressing the flared sidewall portions 112a, 112b toward each other, such as by a user performing a pinching or squeezing motion with the thumb and index finger of a first hand to apply an inwardly directed force to each of the sidewall portions 112a and 112b, the proximal end of the cover member 104 including the locking projection 116 can be deflected outwardly and away from the socket portion 108 of the base member 102. This deflection can release the locking projection 116 from the opening 106 in which it is located. Once the locking projection 116 is released, the base member 102 is free to slide relative to the cover member 104 (and vice versa) to adjust the relative position of the members 102 and 104, and thus adjust the final length L of the package 100. When the user stops pinching or squeezing the flared sidewall portions 112a, 112b, the proximal end of the cover member 104 including the locking projection 116 can return to its undeflected position, in which position it can once again achieve a locking engagement with one of the locking openings 106.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown in , each locking protrusion 116 and the locking opening 106 are complementary in shape, and in the illustrated example, the protrusion 116 is a wedge-shaped element having a flat shoulder surface extending perpendicular to the axial centerline of the cover 104 and the base 102 when the cover 104 is not deflected and a ramp surface 120 extending obliquely relative to the axial centerline of the cover 104 and the base 102. Similarly, the opening 106 also includes the following: Figure 6 The flat shoulder and sloped surfaces shown in .

[0067] When the locking projection 116 is received in the opening 106, the flat shoulders of the base and cover members abut against each other and combine to prevent any attempt to pull the packages 102 and 104 apart, either to extend the length of the package or to Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, the inclined surfaces in the opening 106 and the projection 116 provide relatively little resistance to exerting force in the opposite direction to shrink the package size. This means that without any pressure on the flared side walls 112a and 112b, the locking projection 116 can gradually slide through the locking opening to reach the desired package retracted position, which is convenient for the user to adjust the package size. Figure 3 and Figure 4 There is no difficulty in applying an axially directed force in a downward direction in the paper plane.

[0068] In use and operation of the package 100, when a user applies a downwardly directed pulling force on the gripping portion 110 of the base member 102 while the cover member 104 is deflected to unlock it, the relative position of the cover member 104 can be easily extended further from the base member 102 to increase the package length, up to a predetermined maximum length of the package 100. In other words, by grasping the flared portions 112a, 112b with one hand and pulling the gripping portion 110 of the base member with the other hand, the length L of the package can be easily increased. Alternatively, while holding the gripping portion 110 of the base member 102 still (i.e., static), the user can simultaneously apply a combination of pressure and an upwardly directed pushing force to the side walls 112a and 112b to separate the cover member 104 further from the base member 102 and thereby easily increase the length L of the package 100. In either case, the hand motion required to increase the package length L is simpler than that of known telescopic packages, which require rotating the package in addition to requiring an axially directed pushing or pulling force. Thus, proficiency limitations and more complex operations on human users are avoided when extending the package 100 to accommodate larger objects, and the related issues discussed above.

[0069] When the user applies an upwardly directed pushing force to the gripping portion 110 of the base member 102 when the cover member 104 is deflected, the relative position of the cover member 104 can be retracted relative to the base member 102 to shorten the length of the package to a predetermined minimum length of the package 100. In other words, the length of the package can be easily shortened by grasping the flared portions 112a, 112b with one hand and pushing the gripping portion 110 of the base member with the other hand. Alternatively, while holding the gripping portion 110 of the base member stationary (i.e., static), the user simultaneously applies a combination of a deflecting force and a downwardly directed pulling force to the side walls 112a and 112b to easily reduce the separation of the cover member 104 relative to the base member 102 and thereby reduce the length L of the package. Furthermore, the user can hold the base member 102 still and, without deflection of the cover member 102, pull the cover member 104 downward with sufficient force to allow the locking projection 116 to slide through the locking opening 106 via the provided ramp surface until the desired position of the cover member 116 is reached. In either case, the hand movements required to operate the package 100 to reduce the package length L are simpler than those of known telescopic packages, which require rotation of the package in addition to an axially directed push or pull force. Thus, in the process of retracting the package 100 to accommodate a larger object, the limitations on user proficiency, more complex operations, and the related problems discussed above are avoided.

[0070] In the contemplated embodiment, in which the cover 104 is made of a transparent material and the base 102 is made of a non-transparent colored material, the user can see through the cover 104 to select one of the available locking openings 106 in the base 102 and align the locking protrusions 116 without difficulty. Because the locking features 106 and 116 are clearly visible in such an embodiment, the user can simply and intuitively understand the locking mechanism and the actions required to achieve the optimal package length L. As a result, the package 100 is easier to understand and use than prior packages, in which the locking features may be partially or fully obscured and thus vaguely present to the user how the locking mechanism actually works.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover also includes some visual cues, such as arrows with the word UN LOCK between the arrows to clearly indicate to the user how to unlock the package by applying pressure to the two flared side walls 112a and 112b, and an arrow pointing axially upward to indicate to the user to push or pull the cover 104 in an axial direction when the cover 104 is unlocked. In contemplated embodiments, such visual cues can be fixed, raised molded features of the cover 104 and are therefore visually significant features. In other embodiments, the visual cues can be applied in the form of graphics using paint or color enhancement, stickers or labels, or other methods known in the art, although such graphic indications that are not integrated or fixed to the molded package design are subject to wear, which over time can reduce the visual significance and visual cues for the intuitive packaging assembly 100.

[0072] The combination of visual prompts and transparent cover 104 in the packaging design makes the operation of packaging 100 very user-friendly. Indicate the user through transparency and visual prompts, hardly any ambiguity is presented to the user, and the locking / unlocking mechanism can be quickly understood and mastered by the user without the frustrating trial and error and the related problems discussed above. Although it is very advantageous for the above reasons, the transparent cover feature and this visual prompt can be considered as optional in some embodiments. That is, in some embodiments, the cover can be made of opaque colored materials. In other embodiments, the cover 104 can be partially transparent, rather than completely transparent, and when providing instructions or training for packaging operations in addition to the packaging itself or when it is considered unnecessary due to the simplicity of the packaging operation, visual prompts can be provided or not provided for user reference. Similarly, visual prompts different from those shown and described can be incorporated to replace the visual prompts shown and depicted or visual prompts in addition to them. In some conceived embodiments, the base member 102 can include visual prompts provided in addition to or in place of the cover 104.

[0073] As described above, the user can selectively lock, unlock and slide the cover 104 relative to the base member 102 to extend or shorten the package length L until the desired package length is achieved. If the user extends or shortens the cover 104 too much or too little, a simple hand movement is required to make a simple correction. Therefore, the optimal package size for a given object can be quickly and easily achieved in the package 100 with improved efficiency. Through the combination of the above-mentioned functions in the packaging assembly 100, the frustrating trial and error and related problems discussed above can be largely eliminated, if not completely eliminated.

[0074] In the contemplated embodiment, the objects to be contained in the package 100 may be generally vertically located in the incremental interior spaces 130a and 130b (130b) of each package 102 and 104 in the locked position. Figure 3 ). Figure 3 In the embodiment, the object to be contained can extend axially (i.e., along the Figure 3 130a and 130b), although in alternative embodiments, the object to be contained may not be aligned with the longitudinal axis and length dimension L of the package (i.e., may extend at a certain angle relative to the longitudinal axis and length dimension L of the package). In either case, the package 100 is fine-tunable to extend or retract the package dimensions and the corresponding relative proportions of the interior spaces 130a and 130b so that the package 100 can be used with longer or shorter objects to be contained therein. Therefore, the telescoping feature and adjustable length L of the package 100 avoids a one-to-one correspondence between a customized package of a specific length and objects of different lengths.

[0075] Compared to some types of telescopic packaging, base member 102 and cover member 104 are relatively simple in shape and therefore can be provided economically relative to other known telescopic packaging with more complex shapes. The described and illustrated base member 102 and cover member 104 can be formed and made into an integral or one-piece structure with all the features shown and described, for example, made of known plastic materials according to known molding processes. Base member 102 and cover member 104 can be made of the same or different plastic materials as needed or as desired, and can have any corresponding color combination. However, in some cases, base member 102 or cover member 104 can be manufactured as one or more components that are assembled as subassemblies during the production process of packaging 100.

[0076] Further details of a base member and a cover member in a telescoping package that employs a similar locking and unlocking engagement with package 100 are described below in an exemplary package assembly.

[0077] Figures 5 to 15 and Figure 38 to Figure 39Various aspects of a first exemplary embodiment axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly 200 including a base member 202 and a cover member 204 are shown. Figure 5 The packaging assembly 200 is shown in a disassembled state, wherein the base member 202 and the cover member 204 are separated from each other, and Fig.38 and Fig.39 The retracted position and the extended position of the base member 202 and the cover member 204 are shown, respectively.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 202 and the cover member 204 are arranged along the length dimension L ( Figure 5 and Fig.38 204) have different overall lengths. In the contemplated embodiment, the overall length of the base member 202 measured between its relative proximal and distal ends is about 33% to about 50% shorter than the overall length of the cover member 204 measured between its proximal and distal ends. Of course, in alternative embodiments, variations in the relative overall lengths of the packaging members 202 and 204 are also possible, including embodiments in which the overall lengths of the packaging members 202 and 204 are approximately equal to each other. Similarly, embodiments are also contemplated in which the overall length of the base member 202 can be longer than the overall length of the cover member 204.

[0079] The structure and manufacture of the cover 204 are described in detail in Figures 5 to 10 The cap 204 includes a hollow cap portion 210 defining a closed distal end 212 and a hollow grip portion 214 having an open proximal end 216. The open proximal end 216 can receive a portion of the base member 202 when the package 200 is assembled. The cap portion 210 defines about 80% of the total axial length L of the cap 204, while the grip portion 214 occupies about 20% of the total axial length L of the base member 204, although other relative lengths of the cap portion 210 and the grip portion 214 are possible in other embodiments.

[0080] The cap portion 210 is an elongated polygonal hollow portion having four flat side walls and thus four flat side surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other, with rounded edges at the intersections of the side walls. Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the four flat side walls of the cap portion 210 have substantially equal dimensions in the x and y directions, which extend perpendicularly to the length dimension L extending in the z direction in a rectangular coordinate system. Figure 7 The top view from the far end 212 and the Figure 8In the upward view seen from the proximal end 216, the cap portion 210 is generally square in the end view and the cross section. Due to the equal size sides in the square arrangement, the cap portion 210 is an elongated square polygonal element. In other embodiments, the paired cap portions 210 of different sizes can limit the elongated rectangular polygonal limitation of the cap portion 210. Other shapes can also be adopted in the cap portion, and the number of sidewalls in the cap portion can also change. In certain embodiments, the combination of the flat side and the curved side in the cap portion 210 is also feasible. Therefore, in various alternative embodiments, the cross section of the cap portion 210 can be any shape desired, and its non-limiting examples include circular, elliptical, elliptical racetrack-shaped and polygonal shapes.

[0081] like Figure 6 The side view shown, Figure 7 The top view from the distal end 212 of the cover 204 is shown and Figure 8 As shown in the bottom view from the proximal end 216 of the cap, the gripping portion 214 includes outwardly flared side walls 218a, 218b that are rounded at their respective ends at opposing flat side walls 220a, 220b that extend parallel to each other in a spaced relationship. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the gripping portion 214 is shaped like an oval racetrack in both the top view and the bottom view of the base member 204. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the top and bottom views of the grip portion 214, the relatively flat side walls 220a, 220b of the grip portion are flush (i.e., in the same plane) with corresponding side walls of a pair of opposing side walls of the cap portion 210, while the relatively flared side walls 218a, 218b extend out of the plane of the second pair of opposing side walls of the cap portion 210. Although a particular shape and geometry of the grip portion 214 is shown and described, other shapes and geometries are possible in other embodiments.

[0082] When the user's fingers hold the outwardly expanding side walls 218a, 218b and simultaneously move from opposite directions ( Figure 8 When the flared side walls 218a, 218b are pressed (represented as FP1 and FP2 in the figure), the flared side walls 218a, 218b are deflected inwardly in a direction toward each other due to the applied force. The inward deflection of the flared side walls 218a, 218b reduces the curvature of each of the flared side walls 218a, 218b so that the curved walls 218a, 218b tend to be flat. Conversely, the flattening of the flared side walls 218a, 218b causes the flat side walls 220a, 220b to move away from each other and perpendicular to the applied force F. P1 and F P2 The direction of orientation is deflected outward. The flat side walls 220a, 220b may be curved or arched when deflected outward. Figure 8On the paper in FIG. 1 , when the gripping portion 214 is pinched or squeezed in the vertical direction to apply pressure and thus generate an applied force F P1 and F P2 When the side walls 218a and 218b are bent inward, the gripping portion 214 is moved in the y direction (i.e. Figure 8 The grip portion 214 is expanded along the x-direction (i.e., the horizontal direction) while the side walls 220a, 220b are bent outward. The deflection or bending of the side walls 220a, 220b is most obvious at the proximal front end 216 of the grip portion 214, and the deflection gradually decreases along the axial length of the grip portion 214 until the deflection stops completely. However, when the user stops applying the force F P1 and F P2 When the gripping portion 214 can be elastically restored to Figure 8 The initial position shown in .

[0083] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the diagonal cross support similar to the letter x is arranged at the closed distal end 212 of the cap portion 210. The cross support gives a certain degree of rigidity to the distal end 212 to resist the deflection of the cap portion 210 when using and carrying the packaging 200, and / or gives extra strength at the distal end 212 to ensure that the object contained in the packaging will not break the distal end 212. However, it should be appreciated that this diagonal cross support is not necessarily required in all embodiments, and as required, other types of support with different shapes and geometric shapes can also be incorporated in other embodiments. Similarly, in certain embodiments, any such support of the distal end 212 can be considered as an option, and therefore can be omitted.

[0084] like Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view and Fig.10 As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 2 , the cap portion 210 is hollow to define a first interior space 230, which includes a tapered recess 232 on the closed distal end 212. The tapered recess 232 can help position the object to be packaged in an upright position generally aligned with the axial length of the cap 204, which is consistent with the axial length of the package 200 when assembled to the base 202.

[0085] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in , similarly, the grip portion 214 is hollow to define a second interior space 234, and the locking protrusion 116 extends inwardly from the side wall 220a of the grip portion 214 at a distance slightly away from the proximal end 216. Figure 7-9As shown in the figure, the opposing protrusion 236 extends inwardly from the opposite side wall 220b of the gripping portion. The opposing protrusion 236 is shaped differently from the wedge-shaped locking protrusion 116 and is circular in the example shown and generally semicircular in cross-section. The protrusion 236 is also axially offset from the protrusion 116 in that it is farther from the proximal end 216 than the protrusion 116. Both the protrusions 116 and 236 are substantially centered between the longitudinal side edges of the side walls 220a or 220b, although in other embodiments, they do not necessarily need to be centered.

[0086] In combination, the projections 116 and 236 stably engage the outer surface of the base member 202 from the opposite inner side of the gripping portion 214. Therefore, when the cap portion 210 is assembled to the base member 202, it can be supported on both sides in the assembled package by the projections 116 and 236. Both projections 116 and 236 can engage the locking opening 106 in the base member 202, and only one of them (i.e., the locking projection 116) can actively lock the cover 204 in place. When the user presses the flared side walls 218a, 218b as described above, both projections 116 and 236 can deviate from the base member 102 to release the locking engagement and make the position of the cover 204 freely adjustable relative to the base member 202, thereby adjusting the axial length L of the package 200 to a more extended position or a more retracted position. Similarly, both protrusions 116 and 236 can be slid relatively easily onto the locking opening 106 to retract the cover 204 onto the base 202 without depressing the side walls 218a, 218b.

[0087] The structure and manufacture of the base member 202 are described in detail in Figure 5 and Figure 1 to Figure 1 to Fig.15 The base member 202 includes a distal end 250 and a grip portion 252 extending from the distal end 250. The base member 202 also includes a proximal end 254 and a socket portion 256. In the illustrated example, the socket portion 256 extends in length about 80% of the total axial length of the base member 202, wherein the grip portion 252 extends in length about 20% of the total axial length of the base member 202. In other embodiments, variations in the relative axial lengths of the grip portion 252 and the socket portion 256 are possible.

[0088] In the example shown, the socket portion 256 has an elongated polygonal hollow portion having four flat side walls and thus four planes arranged orthogonally to each other. As shown, rounded edges are provided where the side walls intersect. Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown in , the four flat side walls of the socket portion 256 are substantially equal in size along the x and y directions, which extend perpendicularly to the length direction L extending along the z direction in a rectangular coordinate system. Fig.12The top view from the proximal end 254 and Fig.13 In the bottom view shown from the distal end 250, the socket portion 256 is generally square. Fig.38 and 39 As shown in , the square socket portion 256 is complementary in shape to the square cap portion 210 of the cover 204, and when assembled, the socket portion 256 is inserted into the cap portion 210 and received by the cap portion 210, and / or the cap portion 210 is inserted into the socket portion 256 and received by the socket portion 256. In other embodiments, a rectangular socket portion (i.e., a socket portion with opposite sides of unequal size) is also feasible, and the number of side walls in the socket portion can vary. A combination of flat sides and curved sides in the socket portion is also feasible, as long as the shapes of the socket portion and the cap portion are compatible with each other for assembly.

[0089] The opposing side walls 258a, 258b of the socket portion 256 include elongated grooves 260a, 262b. When the proximal end 216 of the cover 204 is assembled with the proximal end 254 of the base member 202, the grooves 260a, 260b receive the protrusions 116 and 236, respectively. Thus, the base member 202 and the cover 204 can be assembled in a unidirectional orientation, which is relatively intuitive for the assembler. If the protrusions 116, 236 are not aligned with the grooves, the difficulty of assembling the package becomes very obvious to the assembler. Unless the protrusions 116, 236 are aligned with the grooves 260a, 262b, the cover 204 cannot be locked into engagement with the base member 202. A row of locking openings 106 are also aligned with the grooves 260a, 262b. In Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the view shown in FIG. 1 , the grooves 260a, 262b and the locking opening 106 are centered between the opposing longitudinal side edges of the walls 258a, 258b, while in other embodiments, the grooves 260a, 262b and the locking opening 106 may be off-center but still spaced apart from each of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the walls 258a, 258b.

[0090] like Fig.11 As shown in the side view in FIG. Fig.12 The top view from the proximal end 254 and Fig.13 As shown in the bottom view from the distal end 250, the gripping portion 252 includes outwardly flared side walls 270a, 270b that are rounded at opposite ends of the flat walls 272a, 272b. Fig.12 and Fig.13 In the top view and bottom view of FIG. 2 , the gripping portion 252 is shaped like an oval racetrack. Although specific shapes and geometries are shown and described, other shapes and geometries are also possible for the base member 202 in other embodiments.

[0091] like Fig.13As shown in the upward view in , at the far end 250, grip 252 comprises a diagonal cross support in the shape of the letter x, which provides rigidity to resist its deflection for grip 252. Therefore, when the user holds grip 252, grip 252 is not intended to deflect, and even when force is applied in the use and operation of packaging, grip 252 is also designed to keep its shape. However, in other embodiments, not all embodiments necessarily need this diagonal cross support, and therefore if necessary, can be incorporated into the support of other types with different shapes and geometric shapes. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the support of grip 252 can be considered optional, and therefore can be omitted.

[0092] like Fig.14 The cross-sectional view and Fig.15 As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 200 , the socket portion 256 is hollow to define a first interior space 280. Similarly, the gripping portion 214 is also hollow to define a second interior space, which includes a tapered recess 282 at the closed distal end 250. The tapered recess 282 can help orient the object to be packaged in an upright position that is generally aligned with the axial length of the package 200. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the locking opening 106 extends substantially flush with the opposing outer wall of the socket portion 256 and is accessible from the opposing outer wall of the socket portion. Fig.38 and 39 When assembled as shown in FIG. 1 , the user of the package can selectively lock the cover 204 with any one of the locking openings 106, which are arranged to conveniently adjust the length of the package 200 to accommodate different objects. Therefore, the advantages of the package 200 are similar to those of the package 100.

[0093] Figures 16 to 26 and Figure 40 to Figure 41 Various aspects of a second exemplary embodiment of an axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly 300 including a base member 302 and a cover member 304 are shown.

[0094] Fig.16 The packaging assembly 300 is shown in a disassembled state, wherein the base member 302 and the cover member 304 are separated from each other. Fig.40 and Fig.41Assembled pieces 302 and 304 are shown in the retracted and extended positions of packaging 300. Base member 302 and cover member 304 are larger versions of base member 202 and cover member 204 in packaging assembly 100, and therefore each of base member 302 and cover member 304 defines a larger interior space to accommodate larger items that cannot fit into packaging 200 inside packaging 300. Therefore, cap portion 310 and grip portion 314 of cover member 304 are modified relative to cover member 204 to have a larger inner perimeter and outer perimeter, and optionally have a larger axial length. Similarly, grip portion 352 and socket portion 356 of base member 302 are modified relative to base member 202 to have a larger inner perimeter and outer perimeter, and optionally have a longer axial length.

[0095] contrast Figures 16 to 18 and Figures 5 to 7 The flared side walls in the gripping portion 314 extend on the opposite longitudinal side walls of the cap portion 310 with a slightly more complex curvature than that in the cover 204, but Fig.19 In the proximal end view of FIG. 304, an oval racetrack-shaped grip is otherwise achieved. Specifically, the flared sidewalls in the grip 314 of the cover 304 include a discontinuity in curvature that is not present in the flared sidewalls of the cover 204. Otherwise, the relevant features of the packages 302, 304 are the same or sufficiently similar to the packages 202, 204 so that it is believed that the packaging 302, 304 is similar to the packaging 202, 204. Figures 17 to 26 The assembly, use, operation and advantages of the package 300 are similar to those of the package 200.

[0096] Figures 27 to 37 and Figure 42 to Figure 43 Various aspects of a third exemplary embodiment of an axially centered lock, catch and release telescoping packaging assembly 400 including a base member 402 and a cover member 404 are shown.

[0097] Fig. 27 The packaging assembly 400 is shown in a disassembled state, wherein the base member 402 and the cover member 404 are separated from each other. Fig.42 and Fig.43 Shown is the retracted position and the extended position of the assembled base member 402 and the cover member 404 in the packaging 400. The base member 402 and the cover member 404 are larger versions of the base member 302 and the cover member 304 in the packaging assembly 300, and therefore define a larger internal space at each place to accommodate the larger items inside the packaging 400. Therefore, the cap portion 410 and the grip portion 414 of the cover member 404 are modified relative to the cover member 304 to have a larger inner perimeter and outer perimeter, and optionally have a larger axial length. Similarly, the grip portion 452 and the socket portion 456 of the base member 402 are modified relative to the base member 302 to have a larger inner perimeter and outer perimeter, and optionally have a larger axial length.

[0098] contrast Figures 28 to 30 and Figures 16 to 19 It can be seen that the curvature of the flared sidewall portion of the grip portion 414 in the cover 404 is simpler than that of the grip portion 314 in the cover 304. The flared sidewall of the grip portion 414 has two arcuate segments, rather than three arcuate segments in the grip portion 314, to define the elliptical racetrack-shaped end. Fig.29 The molded features in the top view also include relative to Fig.18 Additional cross supports for the cover 304 are shown in FIG. Fig.18 In the view of FIG. 304 , the cover 304 includes two diagonal cross supports similar to the letter x, while in FIG. Fig.29 In the view of FIG. 4 , the cover 404 includes two diagonal cross supports as well as vertical and horizontal supports. The additional supports provide additional strength to the package 400 to accommodate larger and heavier objects. In other embodiments, alternative numbers of supports or alternative types of supports are contemplated, and in some cases, supports may be considered optional and therefore may be omitted.

[0099] Except for the above, the relevant features of packages 402, 404 are the same or sufficiently similar to packages 100, 200 and 300 that it is believed that Figures 28 to 37 The use, operation and advantages of package 400 are similar to those of package 300.

[0100] It is conceivable that the adjustment of the packaging assembly, wherein the relative orientation of the locking projection and the locking opening is opposite. For example, unlike the above example, the locking projection 116 can be provided on the base member, and the locking opening 106 can be provided on the cover member, while producing very similar operating results and similar locking and releasing functions, because the flared sidewalls can deflect the matching projection and opening features to release, or engage them to lock when not deflected. In this case, the locking opening 106 deviates from the locking projection 116 to release the cover member to adjust the packaging length.

[0101] In another variation of the packaging design, the facing protrusion 236 can be similarly provided on the base member, and the locking opening 106 can be provided on the cover member, which has similar operational effects and advantages. The opening 106 can deviate from the facing protrusion 236 to release and unlock the cover member.

[0102] Similarly, it is contemplated that the adjustment of the packaging assembly, wherein the combination of locking projection and locking opening and / or the combination of opposing projection and locking opening can be distributed on the base member or the cover. For example, different from the above example, locking projection 116 can be arranged on a side of the socket portion of the base member, and the other side of the socket portion can include a row of locking openings 106. This can be paired with the opposing projection 236 arranged on a side of the cap portion of the cover, and the relative side of the cap portion can include a row of locking openings 106, while producing very similar operating effects and similar advantages in addition. On a side of packaging, this means that the locking opening deviates from the locking projection, and on the other side, the opposing projection deviates from the locking opening, and vice versa.

[0103] It is now believed that the advantages of the inventive concept have been fully realized in the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0104] A telescopic packaging assembly has been disclosed, which includes a hollow base component of a socket portion with at least one external flat surface and a hollow cover component of a cap portion with at least one internal flat surface. Each of the at least one external flat surface and the at least one internal flat surface includes relative longitudinal side edges respectively. One of the external flat surface and the internal flat surface includes a row of locking openings, and wherein the other of the external flat surface and the internal flat surface includes a locking projection, wherein the row of locking openings and the locking projection are spaced apart from the corresponding relative longitudinal side edges of the external flat surface or the internal flat surface. The locking projection can be selectively received in any one of the row of locking openings to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly when the hollow base component engages with the hollow cover component. The hollow cover component also includes a grip extending from the cap portion, which is operable to deflect the internal flat surface and release the locking projection from the row of locking openings when subjected to applied pressure.

[0105] Optionally, the gripping portion may include a pair of outwardly flared side walls opposed to each other, the outwardly flared side walls causing the inner flat surface to deflect when subjected to applied pressure. The gripping portion may have an oval racetrack-shaped end. A row of locking openings may be generally centered between the opposed longitudinal side edges.

[0106] Also optionally, a row of locking openings may be formed in the socket portion. The socket portion may also include a longitudinal groove that receives the locking projection when the hollow base member is received in the hollow cover member, and a row of locking openings may be aligned with the longitudinal groove and extend flush with the outer flat surface. The socket portion may include opposing outer flat surfaces, wherein each of the opposing outer flat surfaces includes a row of locking openings. The socket portion may include four outer flat surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other, and the four outer flat surfaces may be substantially equal in size to define an elongated square socket portion.

[0107] The hollow base member may optionally include a grip extending from the socket portion. The grip may have a contoured outer surface. The grip may be oval track shaped. The grip may have a greater circumference than the socket portion. The hollow base member may also include a conical inner recess.

[0108] The hollow cover may optionally include a first flat inner surface and a second inner plane opposite to the first inner plane. The locking projection may extend inwardly from the first flat inner surface, and the opposing projection may extend inwardly from the second flat inner surface. The locking projection may have a first shape, and the opposing projection may have a second shape, wherein the second shape is different from the first shape. The second shape may be circular, and the first shape may be wedge-shaped. The locking projection may be axially offset from the opposing projection. Each of the first inner plane and the second inner plane may include a row of locking openings or locking projections. The hollow cover may include four inner flat surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other, and the four inner flat surfaces may be substantially the same in size to define an elongated cap portion. The hollow cover may include a tapered inner recess.

[0109] At least a portion of the hollow cover may optionally be transparent. The entire hollow cover may also be transparent.

[0110] The hollow base member or the hollow cover member may optionally include a locking protrusion or a counter protrusion. The locking protrusion and the counter protrusion may be different in shape from each other. The locking protrusion and the counter protrusion may be offset from each other in the axial direction. The hollow base member or the hollow cover member may include a single locking protrusion or a single counter protrusion.

[0111] The socket portion may optionally be receivable and lockable to the cap portion without relative rotation of the hollow base member and the hollow cover member. One of the hollow base member and the hollow cover member may optionally be provided with at least one visual indicator for personnel to reference to unlock the hollow cover member from the hollow base member.

[0112] Another embodiment of the disclosed telescopic packaging assembly includes a hollow base member, the hollow base member includes a socket portion having an outer surface, and a hollow cover member, the hollow cover member includes a cap portion having an inner surface. One of the inner surface or the outer surface includes a locking projection, and the other of the inner surface or the outer surface includes a row of locking openings. The locking projection can be selectively receivable in any one of the row of locking openings to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly when the hollow base member is engaged with the hollow cover member, wherein the hollow cover member also includes a deflectable outwardly flared wall portion extending outwardly and away from the cap portion, wherein the deflectable outwardly flared wall portion can be operated to deflect the inner surface and release the locking projection from one of the row of locking openings when subjected to applied pressure.

[0113] Optionally, each of the outer surface and the inner surface may include opposite longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the outer surface and the inner surface may include a flat surface between the opposite longitudinal side edges, wherein a row of locking openings and locking projections are each spaced apart from the corresponding opposite longitudinal side edges. The deflectable outwardly flared wall portion may have a first perimeter, and the cap portion may have a second perimeter, wherein the first perimeter is greater than the second perimeter. The first perimeter may have a first cross-sectional shape, and the second perimeter may have a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape or the second cross-sectional shape may be circular, elliptical, elliptical racetrack-shaped, or polygonal. The polygon may be one of a square. The first cross-sectional shape may be an elliptical racetrack-shaped.

[0114] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A telescopic packaging assembly, comprising: a hollow base member including a socket portion having at least one exterior planar surface; as well as a hollow cover member including a cap portion having at least one interior planar surface; wherein each of the at least one exterior planar surface and the at least one interior planar surface respectively includes opposing longitudinal side edges; wherein one of the outer planar surface and the inner planar surface includes a row of locking openings, and wherein the other of the outer planar surface and the inner planar surface includes locking projections, the row of locking openings and the locking projections being spaced apart from respective opposing longitudinal side edges of the outer planar surface or the inner planar surface, respectively; wherein the locking projection can be selectively received into any one of the array of locking openings when the hollow base member is engaged with the hollow cover member to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly; as well as The hollow cover also includes a gripping portion extending from the cap portion, the gripping portion being operable to deflect the inner planar surface and release the locking protrusion from one of the array of locking openings when subjected to applied pressure.

2. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion comprises a pair of outwardly flared side walls opposed to each other, the outwardly flared side walls deflecting the inner flat surface when subjected to pressure.

3. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 2, wherein the gripping portion has an end portion in the shape of an oval racetrack.

4. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the array of locking openings is generally centrally located between the opposing longitudinal side edges.

5. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein an array of locking openings is formed in the socket portion.

6. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 5, wherein the socket portion further comprises a longitudinal groove that receives the locking protrusion when the hollow base member is received in the hollow cover member, and a row of locking openings are aligned with the longitudinal groove and extend flush with the outer planar surface.

7. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket portion includes opposing exterior planar surfaces, each of the opposing exterior planar surfaces including an array of locking openings.

8. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 7, wherein the socket portion comprises four outer planar surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other.

9. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 8, wherein the four exterior planar surfaces are substantially equal in size to define an elongated square socket portion.

10. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow base member further comprises a gripping portion extending from the socket portion.

11. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping portion has a contoured outer surface.

12. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping portion is oval racetrack-shaped.

13. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein the grip portion has a circumference greater than a circumference of the socket portion.

14. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow base member further comprises a tapered inner recess.

15. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow cover comprises a first planar inner surface and a second planar inner surface opposite the first planar inner surface.

16. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 15, wherein the locking projection extends inwardly from the first planar inner surface; and Opposing protrusions extend inwardly from the second planar inner surface. 17 . The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 16 , wherein the locking protrusion has a first shape and the opposing protrusion has a second shape, the second shape being different from the first shape.

18. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 17, wherein the second shape is circular.

19. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 17, wherein the first shape is a wedge shape.

20. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 16, wherein the locking projection is axially offset from the opposing projection.

21. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 15, wherein: Each of the first and second interior planar surfaces includes an array of locking openings or locking projections.

22. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein the hollow cover comprises four inner planar surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other.

23. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 21, wherein the four interior planar surfaces are substantially equal in size to define an elongated cap portion.

24. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow cover further comprises a tapered inner recess.

25. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hollow cover is transparent.

26. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 25, wherein the hollow cover is entirely transparent.

27. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hollow base member or the hollow cover member comprises a locking protrusion or a counter protrusion.

28. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 27, wherein shapes of the locking protrusion and the facing protrusion are different from each other.

29. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 27, wherein the locking protrusion and the opposing protrusion are offset from each other in the axial direction.

30. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 27, wherein the hollow base member or the hollow cover member comprises a single locking protrusion or a single opposing protrusion.

31. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket portion is receivable and lockable to the cap portion without relative rotation of the hollow base member and the hollow cap member.

32. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the hollow base member and the hollow cover member is provided with at least one visual indicator for reference by a user to unlock the hollow cover member from the hollow base member.

33. A telescopic packaging assembly comprising a hollow base member including a socket portion having an outer surface; as well as a hollow cover member including a cap portion having an inner surface; wherein one of the inner surface or the outer surface includes a locking projection and wherein the other of the inner surface or the outer surface includes an array of locking openings; wherein the locking projection is selectively receivable into any one of a series of locking openings to adjust the length of the telescoping packaging assembly when the hollow base member is engaged with the hollow cover member; as well as The hollow cover also includes an outwardly extending, flared wall portion that is deflectable away from the cap portion, wherein the deflectable outwardly flared wall portion is operable to deflect the inner surface and release the locking projection from one of the array of locking openings when subjected to an applied pressure.

34. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 33, wherein each of the outer surface and the inner surface comprises opposing longitudinal side edges, respectively.

35. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 34, wherein each of the outer surface and the inner surface comprises a planar surface between opposing longitudinal side edges.

36. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 35, wherein an array of locking openings and locking projections are each spaced apart from respective opposing longitudinal side edges.

37. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 33, wherein the deflectable flared wall portion has a first perimeter and wherein the cap portion has a second perimeter, the first perimeter being greater than the second perimeter.

38. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 37, wherein the first perimeter has a first cross-sectional shape and the second perimeter has a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape.

39. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 38, wherein the first cross-sectional shape or the second cross-sectional shape is one of a circle, an ellipse, an elliptical racetrack, or a polygon.

40. The telescoping packaging assembly of claim 39, wherein the polygon is a square.

41. The collapsible packaging assembly of claim 37, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is an oval racetrack shape.

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