Axially centered locking, grip release telescopic packaging

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of this invention generally relates to adjustable packaging that is universally applicable to objects of different sizes, and more specifically to telescopic packaging that can be adjusted to extend or shorten to universally accommodate slender objects of different lengths. Background Technology

[0002] Packaging techniques are known to be sized to accommodate a variety of elongated objects of varying lengths. These techniques typically include a base component and a lid, each comprising a matching interlocking feature. This allows the lid to be selectively locked in one of many different gradient positions relative to the base component, ideally accommodating different elongated objects with varying axial lengths on the inside. The adjustable nature of the lockable lid relative to the base component is sometimes referred to as a telescopic arrangement, where a fine gradient of multiple locking positions for the lid is optimally suited for packaging a set of different elongated objects with varying axial lengths. This locking telescopic packaging is versatile with objects of different lengths and advantageously avoids the need for separate, custom-made, or tailored packaging for objects of different lengths. This telescopic packaging can also be provided with a variety of different width and depth dimensions to accommodate packaged objects of various sizes, in addition to length.

[0003] While existing locking telescopic packaging of the aforementioned types has been ideally adopted in the market to reduce packaging costs and streamline the packaging process for multiple sets of elongated objects with a range of axial lengths compatible with telescopic packaging, they do not yet fully meet market demands. Therefore, improvements are needed. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The following description of non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments is based on the accompanying drawings, wherein, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same parts.

[0005] Figure 1 This is a side view of an exemplary axially centered locking, gripping and releasing telescopic packaging assembly in a first telescopic position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a side view of the telescopic packaging assembly in its second telescopic position, axially centered, locked, gripping, and released.

[0007] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the axially centered locking, gripping and releasing telescopic packaging assembly, taken from line 3-3.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed view of section 4-4 of the axially centered locking, gripping and releasing telescopic packaging assembly.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a first exploded view of an exemplary axially centered locking, gripping and releasing telescopic packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

[0014] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A detailed view of a portion of the content.

[0015] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 Side view of the base component shown.

[0016] Figure 12 yes Figure 5 and Figure 11 Top view of the base component shown.

[0017] Figure 13 yes Figure 5 and Figure 11 The bottom view of the base component shown.

[0018] Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 The sectional view of the base component taken by line 14-14 in the figure.

[0019] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A detailed view of a portion of the content.

[0020] Figure 16 This is a second exploded view of an exemplary axially centered locking, gripping and releasing telescopic packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The side view of the cover shown.

[0022] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 The top view of the cover shown.

[0023] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 The bottom view of the cover shown.

[0024] Figure 20 It is along Figure 17 The sectional view of the cover is taken from line 20-20.

[0025] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A detailed view of a portion of the content.

[0026] Figure 22 yes Figure 16 Side view of the base component shown.

[0027] Figure 23 yes Figure 16 and Figure 22 Top view of the base component shown.

[0028] Figure 24 yes Figure 16 and Figure 22 The bottom view of the base component shown.

[0029] Figure 25 It is along Figure 22 The sectional view of the base component taken by line 14-14 in the figure.

[0030] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A detailed view of a portion of the content.

[0031] Figure 27 This is a third exploded view of an exemplary axially centered locking, gripping and releasing telescopic packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 The side view of the cover shown.

[0033] Figure 29 yes Figure 27 and Figure 28 The top view of the cover shown.

[0034] Figure 30 yes Figure 27 and Figure 28 The bottom view of the cover shown.

[0035] Figure 31 It is along Figure 28 The sectional view of the cover taken by line 31-31.

[0036] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A detailed view of a portion of the content.

[0037] Figure 33 yes Figure 27 Side view of the base component shown.

[0038] Figure 34 yes Figure 27 and Figure 33 Top view of the base component shown.

[0039] Figure 35 yes Figure 27 and Figure 33 The bottom view of the base component shown.

[0040] Figure 36 It is along Figure 33 The sectional view of the base component taken by line 36-36 in the figure.

[0041] Figure 37 yes Figure 36 A detailed view of a portion of the content.

[0042] Figure 38 yes Figures 5 to 15 The package shown is a perspective assembly view in the retracted position.

[0043] Figure 39 yes Figure 38 The package shown is a perspective assembly view in its extended position.

[0044] Figure 40 yes Figures 16 to 26 The package shown is a perspective assembly view in the retracted position.

[0045] Figure 41 yes Figure 40 The package shown is a perspective assembly view in its extended position.

[0046] Figure 42 yes Figures 27 to 37 The package shown is a perspective assembly view in the retracted position.

[0047] Figure 43 yes Figure 40 The package shown is a perspective assembly view in its extended position. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In order to fully understand the present invention, it is necessary to discuss some of the prior art of retractable packaging and certain problems in the prior art, and therefore discuss them below, followed by an exemplary embodiment of product packaging that is beneficial to overcoming the problems in the prior art.

[0049] Various adjustable-length product packages are known and used as partial solutions to the unique product packaging needs of specific types of items at retail points of sale. Generally, existing adjustable-length product packages for multiple sets of elongated objects with their own different axial lengths face one or more problems that make them unsatisfactory and disadvantageous in certain respects.

[0050] For example, from a manufacturing perspective, some existing adjustable-length product packaging can be very complex, and therefore manufactured at undesirably high costs. This complexity may arise from overly complex shapes of the base components and / or lids in order to achieve the desired adjustability, locking, and stability of the packaging. Generally, from a manufacturing perspective, simpler base and lid shapes can save costs.

[0051] The complex shapes of the base and cover components can also complicate their assembly, especially when assembly requires intricate steps and a certain level of skill, which not all personnel possess. In cases of manual assembly during the manufacturing stage before distribution, personnel with limited skill may struggle to perform the relatively complex hand movements required to assemble the retractable packaging, and in some cases, may be unable to assemble it successfully at all. For other personnel, the complex hand movements required to assemble the packaging are difficult to master and difficult to apply repeatedly without errors.

[0052] In other cases where components can be assembled automatically, automation costs can unsatisfactorily increase because joining the base components and lid in a telescopic package requires relatively complex machine movements. Therefore, regardless of whether the telescopic package is assembled manually or by machine, a lower-cost and simplified assembly method is desirable.

[0053] Furthermore, aside from user skill limitations in handling the packaging, some existing adjustable-length product packaging may present undesirable complexities for certain users in the product distribution chain. For example, the correct sequence of steps or actions required for an end user to adjust the packaging length to the desired position and securely lock the lid in place may not be intuitive for an end user receiving the base component and package in an unassembled state to package an object. Specifically, for end users who are not as familiar with the packaging design as those of the packaging manufacturer, it may not be obvious how to precisely assemble the base component and lid and / or align the mating features of the base component and lid to position and lock them in the intended position. If the correct assembly steps are unclear, it can cause confusion, and the user may unwittingly attempt to assemble the lid onto the base component in the wrong position relative to the base component, preventing the formation of a locking telescopic relationship. Trial-and-error assembly steps in assembling this packaging can negatively impact the efficiency of the packaging process. If a frustrated user attempts to press-fit the lid onto the base component, it may result in damage to either component, which may not be apparent to the end user at the time of damage, leading to undesirable scrapping of the packaging or packaging reliability issues. Accidental damage to packaging can lead to increased waste and reliability issues when users are unaware that the packaging is damaged.

[0054] Similarly, when end users receive packages in assembled form, it may not be obvious how to accurately unlock the base component or cover to adjust the package length. This is especially true when locking features are located inside the cover and therefore not visible from the outside of the package, and when locking features on the base component are partially or completely obscured from the end user's view by the cover. Users may initially be confused about how to unlock the package to adjust its length. For example, a user may not be able to quickly determine whether pushing, pulling, or other necessary actions are required to unlock the base component and / or cover to select another position and adjust the package length. Further trial and error may occur, as well as attempts to forcibly separate components, which could damage the package.

[0055] For users who ultimately succeed in assembling, locking, or unlocking the packaging without damage, the aforementioned confusion and errors, along with associated trial and error, cause delays and inefficiencies in packaging products with optimally sized packages before concretely implementing how to correctly adjust the package dimensions to the most desired size and / or most effectively lock the package to the desired size. Inefficient use of packaging unintentionally increases the labor costs of completing the packaging process.

[0056] For the reasons mentioned above, known retractable packaging cannot yet meet the long-term demand in the field for simpler and more economical retractable packaging that simplifies packaging assembly and handling, thereby providing more user-friendly packaging and improving packaging process efficiency.

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the improved telescopic packaging are described below, which overcome the aforementioned problems in the prior art. The improved telescopic packaging of the present invention advantageously overcomes the problems and defects in the prior art by means of the following advantages: (1) the relatively simple shape of the base component and cover of the packaging allows for more economical manufacturing at a lower cost; (2) for the benefit of the end user, the transparent cover feature allows for intuitive and visual alignment of the locking features of the base component and cover; (3) the axially centered locking feature allows for convenient assembly, adjustment, locking and unlocking in an intuitive and self-guided manner; (4) the deflectable grip release feature allows for easy unlocking of the cover from the base component and easy adjustment of its relative position to adjust the packaging length; (5) the position of the cover relative to the base component is adjusted with simplified pressing and pushing / pulling movements, eliminating the need for more complex positioning of the base component and cover relative to each other; and (6) fixed intuitive visual cues guide the user in assembling and operating the packaging, thereby improving packaging efficiency. Aspects of the method will be discussed explicitly in part and will be apparent in part from the description below.

[0058] Figures 1 to 4 An exemplary axially centered, gripping-release telescopic packaging assembly 100 in a first telescopic position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. The packaging 100 includes a generally hollow base member 102 (sometimes referred to as an inner member or socket member) and a generally 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 assemble with each other in a telescopic relationship adjustable relative to each other at multiple indexing positions, thereby forming different axial lengths of the packaging 100 to best accommodate objects or articles (not shown) having axial lengths within a range that can be fitted inside the packaging 100 at each respective indexing position. For purposes herein, elongated articles are considered to fit optimally inside the packaging when the internal space of the packaging at a selected position among the multiple indexing positions is closest to, but still slightly larger than, the actual length of the object accommodated when the object is inside the packaging 100.

[0059] Figure 1 The package 100 is shown in a first position, wherein the cover 104 extends relative to the base member 102 to accommodate a longer object in the package 100. Figure 2 The package 100 is shown in a second position, wherein the cover 104 is retracted relative to the base member 102 to accommodate a shorter object in the package 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the example, the cover 104 can be adjustablely positioned in multiple corresponding indexing positions to extend further away from or closer to the base member 102, gradually accommodating incremental differences in the length of the objects to be packaged. Therefore, the package 100 can generally be used more or less with a group of objects of varying lengths. Specifically, for optimal use, the package 100 can be adjusted along its length to accommodate objects or articles (not shown) with a range of axial lengths, which can be fitted inside the package 100 in each corresponding indexing position. Figures 1 to 4 In the context of [the text], the length dimension L corresponds to [the expression] expressed as [in the text]. Figures 1 to 4 The vertical axes of components 102 and 104 on the page plane. Figure 1 The longitudinal axis represented by L in this text is sometimes also referred to as the "axial" direction.

[0060] The base component 102 includes a plurality of outwardly facing rectangular locking openings 106, which are arranged adjacent to each other in an axially aligned manner. Figure 1-4 In the view, these locking openings are sometimes referred to as a "column" of openings 106, which extend in a vertical column on the base member 102. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the example shown, a row of locking openings 106 is generally located at the midpoint of the outer flat side surface of the polygonal socket portion 108 of the base member 102. Figure 3 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, multiple locking openings 106 are located on the flat, opposite side surfaces of the polygonal socket portion 108 above the finger gripper portion 110 with a large circumference at the distal end of the base member 102. The polygonal socket portion 108, with its flat sides and flat or flat surfaces, is particularly different from the circular tube with a circular cross-section known in some 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 gripping portion 110 also has a contoured outer surface to help the user grip and hold the gripping portion 110 when using and handling the packaging. In the illustrated example, the gripping portion 110 includes multiple bands of inclined surfaces, which combine to present a rough outer surface rather than a smooth or flat one, so that the user can grip without slipping. The rough outer surface of the gripping portion 110 can be formed by molding during the manufacturing process of the base component 102, or it can be formed and applied by other techniques known in the art. The specific shape and geometry of the gripping portion 110 shown and described are not required in all embodiments, and other shapes and geometries can 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 therefore four flat surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other. While four sides are not necessarily required in other embodiments, more or fewer flat sides may be included. In some contemplated embodiments, the socket portion 108 may include a combination of flat and curved sides, including, but not limited to, two flat sides and two curved sides forming an elliptical racetrack-shaped cross-section. Various changes to 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 sidewalls 112a, 112b of a cap portion 114 extending outwardly away from the receptacle portion 108 of the receiving base member 102. The flared portions 112a, 112b are arcuate elements extending from the flat or planar portion of the cap portion 114. The flat or planar portion of the cap portion 114 is complementary in shape to the receptacle portion 108 of the base member 102, but slightly larger, to allow the receptacle portion 108 to be received into the cap portion 114 during package assembly. As described below, the polygonal shapes of the receptacle portion 108 and the cap portion 114 make it relatively easy to assemble the package 100 in the correct orientation relative to non-polygonal packages (e.g., cylindrical pieces without flat sides), which may introduce greater ambiguity in the correct orientation during initial assembly.

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best seen, the cover 104 includes a single locking protrusion 116 extending inwardly from the flat inner sidewall surface of the cover 104, and thus inwardly toward the receptacle portion 108 of the base member 102. The single locking protrusion 116 can be selectively received in a corresponding locking opening 106 of the base member 102 in an indexed position defined by the spacing between adjacent locking openings of a respective plurality of locking openings 106. In the illustrated embodiment, a single (i.e., only one) locking protrusion 116 can be selectively received in any of the locking openings 106, which are configured to form a column of axial length L of the telescopic package 100 in use. A single locking protrusion 116 is sufficient to provide the desired degree of locking while making unlocking easier relative to a similar package with multiple locking protrusions hanging overhead. However, in a certain contemplated alternative embodiment, multiple locking protrusions may extend from the flat sidewall of the cover 104 if desired.

[0065] By pressing the outwardly flared sidewalls 112a and 112b toward each other, such as by a user pinching or squeezing with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, an inwardly pointing force is applied to each of the sidewalls 112a and 112b, causing the proximal end of the cover 104, including the locking protrusion 116, to deflect outward and away from the socket portion 108 of the base member 102. This deflection releases the locking protrusion 116 from its opening 106. Once the locking protrusion 116 is released, the base member 102 is freely slidable relative to the cover 104 (and vice versa) to adjust the relative position of members 102 and 104, and thus adjust the final length L of the package 100. When the user stops pinching or squeezing the outwardly flared sidewalls 112a and 112b, the proximal end of the cover 104, including the locking protrusion 116, can return to its undeflected position, where it can again achieve a locking engagement with one of the locking openings 106.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, each locking protrusion 116 and locking opening 106 is complementary in shape, and in the illustrated example, the protrusion 116 is a wedge-shaped element having a flat shoulder extending perpendicular to the axial centerline of the cover 104 and base member 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 base member 102. Similarly, the openings 106 also include, respectively, as shown in the figure. Figure 6 The flat shoulder and sloping surface shown.

[0067] When the locking protrusion 116 is received in the opening 106, the flat shoulders of the base and the cover abut against each other and combine to prevent any attempt to pull open the packages 102 and 104, such pulling being done to extend the length of the package or Figure 3 and Figure 4 The packaging 102 and 104 are completely separated in a vertically upward direction within the paper. However, the ramped surfaces in the opening 106 and the protrusion 116 provide relatively little resistance to apply force in the opposite direction to shrink the packaging size. This means that without any pressure on the outwardly flared sidewalls 112a and 112b, the locking protrusion 116 can gradually slide across the locking opening to reach the desired package retraction position, which is beneficial for the user. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Applying an axially directed force in the downward direction in the paper does not cause any difficulty.

[0068] In the use and operation of the packaging 100, when the user applies a downward pulling force to the gripping portion 110 of the base member 102 while the cover 104 deflects to unlock it, the relative position of the cover 104 can easily extend further from the base member 102 to increase the packaging length up to the predetermined maximum length of the packaging 100. In other words, the length L of the packaging can be easily increased by gripping the extensions 112a and 112b with one hand and pulling the gripping portion 110 of the base member with the other hand. Alternatively, when the gripping portion 110 of the base member 102 is stationary (i.e., static), the user can simultaneously apply a combination of pressure and upward thrust to the sidewalls 112a and 112b to separate the cover 104 further from the base member 102, thereby easily increasing the length L of the packaging 100. In either case, the hand movements required to increase the packaging length L are simpler than those of known telescopic packaging, which requires rotation of the packaging in addition to axial thrust or pull. Therefore, by extending the packaging 100 to accommodate larger objects, limitations on human user proficiency and more complex operations, as well as the related issues discussed above, are avoided.

[0069] When the user applies an upward pushing force to the gripping portion 110 of the base member 102 as the cover 104 is deflected, the relative position of the cover 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 gripping the extensions 112a and 112b with one hand and pushing the gripping portion 110 of the base member with the other hand. Alternatively, when the gripping portion 110 of the base member is held still (i.e., static), the user simultaneously applies a combination of deflection force and downward pulling force to the sidewalls 112a and 112b to easily reduce the separation of the cover 104 from the base member 102 and thus reduce the length L of the package. Furthermore, the user can hold the base component 102 stationary and, without any displacement of the cover 102, pull the cover 104 downwards with sufficient force to allow the locking protrusion 116 to slide across the provided ramp surface over the locking opening 106 until it reaches the desired position of the cover 116. In either of these cases, 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 not only axial pushing or pulling forces but also rotation of the package. Therefore, in retracting the package 100 to accommodate larger objects, limitations on user skill, more complex operations, and the related problems discussed above are avoided.

[0070] In a contemplated embodiment, the cover 104 is made of a transparent material, while the base 102 is made of an opaque, colored material. A user can select an available locking opening 106 in the base 102 through the cover 104 and easily align the locking protrusion 116. Since the locking features 106 and 116 are clearly visible in such an embodiment, the user can easily and intuitively understand the locking mechanism and the actions required to achieve the optimal packaging length L. Therefore, packaging 100 is easier to understand and use compared to existing packaging where the locking features can be partially or completely obscured, thus vaguely presenting to the user how the locking mechanism actually works.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover also includes visual cues such as arrows pointing in opposite directions with the word "UN LOCK" between them to clearly indicate how the user can unlock the packaging by applying pressure to the two flared sidewalls 112a and 112b, and axially upward arrows to indicate that the user should push or pull the cover 104 axially as it unlocks. In a contemplated embodiment, such visual cues may be fixed, raised, molded features of the cover 104, and thus be features of visual salience. In other embodiments, visual cues may be applied graphically using paint or color enhancement, stickers or labels, or other methods known in the art, although such graphical indications not integrated into or fixed to the molded packaging design may wear down over time, reducing their visual salience and visual cues for the intuitive packaging assembly 100.

[0072] The combination of visual cues in the packaging design and the transparent cover 104 makes the operation of the packaging 100 very user-friendly. Instructing the user through transparency and visual cues presents virtually no ambiguity, allowing the user to quickly understand and master the locking / unlocking mechanism without frustrating trial and error, as well as the related problems discussed above. While highly advantageous for the reasons stated above, the transparent cover feature and such visual cues may be considered optional in some embodiments. That is, in some embodiments, the cover may be made of an opaque colored material. In other embodiments, the cover 104 may be partially transparent rather than completely transparent, and visual cues may or may not be provided for user reference when providing instructions or training on packaging operation beyond the packaging itself, or when deemed unnecessary due to the ease of packaging operation. Similarly, visual cues other than those shown and described may be incorporated to replace or supplement the shown and depicted visual cues. In some contemplated embodiments, the base component 102 may include visual cues provided in addition to or in lieu of the cover 104.

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

[0074] In a contemplated embodiment, the object to be contained in package 100 may be positioned generally vertically in the incremental internal spaces 130a and 130b of each package 102 and 104 in a locked position. Figure 3 In ) Figure 3 In this context, the object to be contained can extend axially within packages 102 and 104 (i.e., along...). Figure 3 The vertical axis extends in the plane of the package, although in an alternative embodiment, the object to be contained may not be aligned with the longitudinal axis and length dimension L of the package (i.e., it may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis and length dimension L of the package). In either case, the package 100 is adjustable to lengthen or retract the package dimensions and the corresponding relative proportions of the internal spaces 130a and 130b, so that the package 100 can be used with longer or shorter objects to be contained within it. Therefore, by utilizing the telescopic feature and adjustable length L of the package 100, a one-to-one correspondence between a custom package of a specific length and an object of different lengths is avoided.

[0075] Compared to certain types of telescopic packaging, the base component 102 and the lid 104 are relatively simple in shape and therefore can be provided economically compared to other known telescopic packaging with more complex shapes. The base component 102 and the lid 104 described and illustrated can be formed and manufactured, for example, as integral or one-piece structures with all the features shown and described, made from known plastic materials using known molding processes. The base component 102 and the lid 104 can be made from the same or different plastic materials as needed or desired, and can have any corresponding color combinations. However, in some cases, the base component 102 or the lid 104 can be manufactured as one or more components that are assembled into sub-assemblies during the manufacture of the packaging 100.

[0076] Further details of the base components and cover in a telescopic package that engages with package 100 using a similar locking and unlocking mechanism are described in the following exemplary packaging components.

[0077] Figures 5 to 15 and Figures 38 to 39A first exemplary embodiment of an axially centered locking, gripping release telescopic packaging assembly 200, including a base 202 and a cover 204, is shown. Figure 5 The packaging assembly 200 is shown in a disassembled state, with the base component 202 and the cover 204 separated from each other. Figure 38 and Figure 39 The retracted and extended positions of the base component 202 and the cover component 204 are shown respectively.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the base component 202 and the cover component 204 are along the length dimension L ( Figure 5 and Figure 38 The vertical dimensions (in the paper) have different total lengths. In a contemplated embodiment, the total length of the base component 202, measured between its opposite proximal and distal ends, is approximately 33% to approximately 50% shorter than the total length of the cover 204, measured between its proximal and distal ends. Of course, in alternative embodiments, variations in the relative total lengths of the packages 202 and 204 are also possible, including embodiments where the total lengths of the packages 202 and 204 are approximately equal to each other. Similarly, embodiments in which the total length of the base component 202 can be longer than the total length of the cover 204 are also contemplated.

[0079] For details on the structure and manufacturing of cover 204, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5 to 10 The cover 204 includes a hollow cap portion 210 defining a closed distal end 212 and a hollow gripping portion 214 having an open proximal end 216. During assembly of the package 200, the open proximal end 216 can receive a portion of the base component 202. The cap portion 210 defines approximately 80% of the total axial length L of the cover 204, while the gripping portion 214 defines approximately 20% of the total axial length L of the base component 204, although other relative lengths of the cap portion 210 and the gripping portion 214 are possible in other embodiments.

[0080] The cap portion 210 is an elongated polygonal hollow portion having four flat sidewalls and therefore four flat side surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other, wherein the intersections of the sidewalls have rounded edges. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the four flat sidewalls of the cap portion 210 are approximately equal in size along the x and y directions, which extend perpendicularly to the length L extending along the z direction in a Cartesian coordinate system. Therefore, in Figure 7 Top view from the far end 212 and in Figure 8In the bottom view seen from the near end 216, the cap portion 210 is generally square in both the end view and cross-section. Due to the equal-sized sides in the square arrangement, the cap portion 210 is an elongated square polygonal element. In other embodiments, pairs of cap portions 210 of different sizes may define the cap portion 210 as an elongated rectangular polygon. Other shapes may also be used in the cap portion, and the number of sidewalls in the cap portion may vary. In some embodiments, a combination of flat and curved sides in the cap portion 210 is also feasible. Therefore, in various alternative embodiments, the cross-section of the cap portion 210 can be any desired shape, with non-limiting examples including circular, elliptical, elliptical racetrack-shaped, and polygonal shapes.

[0081] like Figure 6 The side view shown Figure 7 The top view shown is taken from the far end 212 of the cover 204 and Figure 8 The bottom view shown is taken from the near end 216 of the cover. The gripping part 214 includes outwardly expanding sidewalls 218a and 218b, which are arc-shaped at their respective ends of opposing flat sidewalls 220a and 220b that extend parallel to each other in a spaced-apart relationship. Therefore, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the gripping part 214 appears as an elliptical runway shape in the top and bottom views of the base component 204. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the top and bottom views, the relatively flat sidewalls 220a, 220b of the gripping portion are flush with (i.e., in the same plane) the corresponding sidewalls of a pair of opposing sidewalls of the cap portion 210, while the opposing outwardly flared sidewalls 218a, 218b extend beyond the plane of the second pair of opposing sidewalls of the cap portion 210. Although a particular shape and geometry of the gripping portion 214 has been shown and described, other shapes and geometries are also possible in other embodiments.

[0082] When the user's fingers grasp the outwardly flared sidewalls 218a and 218b and simultaneously move from opposite directions ( Figure 8 When the flared sidewalls 218a and 218b (denoted as FP1 and FP2) are pressed, the flared sidewalls 218a and 218b deflect inwards in the direction toward each other due to the applied force. This inward deflection of the flared sidewalls 218a and 218b reduces the curvature of each of them, causing the curved walls 218a and 218b to flatten. Conversely, the flattening of the flared sidewalls 218a and 218b results in flat sidewalls 220a and 220b moving away from each other and perpendicular to the applied force F. P1 and F P2 The orientation deflects outwards. On the flat sidewalls 220a and 220b, this outward deflection can result in a curved or bow-shaped structure. And therefore... Figure 8On the paper surface, when the gripping part 214 pinches or squeezes in the vertical direction to apply pressure and thus generate an applied force F P1 and F P2 At that time, because the outwardly expanding sidewalls 218a and 218b bend inward, the gripping part 214 moves along the y-direction (i.e., Figure 8 The gripping part 214 expands along the x-direction (i.e., horizontal direction) while contracting in the vertical direction. Simultaneously, the sidewalls 220a and 220b bend outwards. The deflection or bending of the sidewalls 220a and 220b is most pronounced at the proximal end 216 of the gripping part 214, and the deflection gradually decreases along the axial length of the gripping part 214 until it completely stops. However, when the user stops applying force F... P1 and F P2 At that time, the gripping part 214 can elastically return to its original position. Figure 8 The initial position is shown in the figure.

[0083] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, diagonal cross bracing resembling the letter X is provided at the closed distal end 212 of the cap portion 210. The cross bracing imparts a degree of stiffness to the distal end 212 to resist deflection of the cap portion 210 during use and handling of the package 200, and / or provides additional strength to the distal end 212 to ensure that the object contained within the package does not cause the distal end 212 to break. However, it should be recognized that such diagonal cross bracing is not necessarily required in all embodiments, and other types of bracing with different shapes and geometries may be incorporated in other embodiments as needed. Similarly, in some embodiments, any such bracing at the distal end 212 may be considered optional and therefore may be omitted.

[0084] like Figure 9 sectional view and Figure 10 As shown in the detailed view, the cap portion 210 is hollow to define a first internal space 230, which includes a tapered recess 232 on the closed distal end 212. The tapered recess 232 helps to position the object to be packaged in an upright position generally aligned with the axial length of the cap 204, which, when assembled to the base 202, has an axial length that matches the axial length of the package 200.

[0085] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, similarly, the gripping portion 214 is hollow to define a second internal space 234, and the locking protrusion 116 extends inward from the side wall 220a of the gripping portion 214 at a distance slightly farther from the proximal end 216. Likewise... Figure 7-9As shown, the opposing protrusion 236 extends inward from the opposite sidewall 220b of the gripping portion. The shape of the opposing protrusion 236 differs from that of the wedge-shaped locking protrusion 116, and in the illustrated example, it is circular and generally semi-circular in cross-section. Protrusion 236 is also axially offset from protrusion 116, meaning it is farther from the proximal end 216 than protrusion 116. Both protrusions 116 and 236 are substantially centered between the longitudinal side edges of sidewalls 220a or 220b, although centering is not necessarily required in other embodiments.

[0086] In combination, protrusions 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 onto the base member 202, its sides are supported within the assembled packaging by protrusions 116 and 236. Both protrusions 116 and 236 can engage the locking opening 106 in the base member 202, but only one of them (i.e., locking protrusion 116) can actively lock the cap 204 into place. When the user presses the outwardly flared sidewalls 218a and 218b as described above, both protrusions 116 and 236 can displace from the base member 102 to release the locking engagement and make the position of the cap 204 freely adjustable relative to the base member 202, thereby adjusting the axial length L of the packaging 200 to a more extended or more retracted position. Similarly, protrusions 116 and 236 can slide relatively easily onto the locking opening 106 to retract the cover 204 back onto the base 202 without pressing the sidewalls 218a, 218b.

[0087] For details on the structure and manufacturing of base component 202, please refer to Figure 5 and Figures 1 to 1 to Figure 15 The base component 202 includes a distal end 250 and a gripping portion 252 extending on the distal end 250. The base component 202 also includes a proximal end 254 and a receptacle portion 256. In the illustrated example, the receptacle portion 256 extends approximately 80% of the total axial length of the base component 202 along its length direction, while the gripping portion 252 extends approximately 20% of the total axial length of the base component 202 along its length direction. In other embodiments, variations in the relative axial lengths of the gripping portion 252 and the receptacle portion 256 are possible.

[0088] In the example shown, the socket portion 256 has an elongated polygonal hollow portion with four flat sidewalls, and therefore four planes arranged orthogonally to each other. As shown, rounded edges are provided at the intersections of the sidewalls. Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the four flat sidewalls of the socket portion 256 are approximately equal in size along the x and y directions, and in a Cartesian coordinate system, these two directions extend perpendicularly to the length direction L extending along the z direction. Therefore, in Figure 12The top view shown is taken from the proximal end 254 and Figure 13 In the bottom view shown from the far end 250, the socket portion 256 is generally square. Therefore, as Figure 38 and 39 As shown, the square socket portion 256 is complementary in shape to the square cap portion 210 of the cover 204, and during assembly, the socket portion 256 is inserted into and received by the cap portion 210, and / or the cap portion 210 is inserted into and received by the socket portion 256. In other embodiments, a rectangular socket portion (i.e., a socket portion with opposite sides of unequal dimensions) is also feasible, and the number of sidewalls in the socket portion can vary. A combination of flat and curved sides in the socket portion is also feasible, provided that the shapes of the socket portion and the cap portion are compatible for assembly.

[0089] The opposing sidewalls 258a and 258b of the socket portion 256 include elongated grooves 260a and 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 and 260b receive protrusions 116 and 236, respectively. Therefore, 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 and 236 are not aligned with the grooves, the difficulty of assembling the package becomes very apparent to the assembler. The cover 204 cannot be locked into the base member 202 unless the protrusions 116 and 236 are aligned with the grooves 260a and 262b. A row of locking openings 106 also aligns with the grooves 260a and 262b. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the view, the grooves 260a, 262b and the locking opening 106 are centered between the opposing longitudinal side edges of the walls 258a, 258b. 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 Figure 11 As shown in the side view, and Figure 12 The top view shown is taken from the near end 254 and Figure 13 The bottom view shown, taken from the distal end 250, reveals that the gripping part 252 includes outwardly expanding sidewalls 270a and 270b, which are arc-shaped at opposite ends of the flat walls 272a and 272b. Therefore, in Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the top and bottom views, the gripping part 252 is shaped like an elliptical racetrack. Although a specific shape and geometry are shown and depicted, other shapes and geometries are possible for the base part 202 in other embodiments.

[0091] like Figure 13As shown in the bottom view, at the distal end 250, the gripper 252 includes diagonally crossed supports in the shape of the letter X, which provide stiffness to resist deflection. Therefore, when a user grips the gripper 252, it is not intended to deflect; rather, it is designed to maintain its shape even under stress during use and handling of the packaging. However, in other embodiments, this diagonally crossed support is not necessarily required in all embodiments, and therefore other types of supports with different shapes and geometries can be incorporated if needed. Similarly, in some embodiments, the supports for the gripper 252 may be considered optional and therefore can be omitted.

[0092] like Figure 14 sectional view and Figure 15 As shown in the enlarged view, the socket portion 256 is hollow to define a first internal space 280. Similarly, the gripping portion 214 is also hollow to define a second internal space, which includes a tapered recess 282 at the closed distal end 250. The tapered recess 282 helps to orient the object to be packaged in an upright position substantially aligned with the axial length of the package 200. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the locking opening 106 extends substantially flush with the opposite outer wall of the socket portion 256 and is accessible from the opposite outer wall of the socket portion. When package 200 as Figure 38 and 39 When assembled as shown, the user of the package can selectively engage the cover 204 with any of the locking openings 106, which are configured 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 Figures 40 to 41 Various aspects of a second exemplary embodiment of an axially centered locking, gripping release telescopic packaging assembly 300, including a base component 302 and a cover 304, are shown.

[0094] Figure 16 The packaging assembly 300 is shown in a disassembled state, with the base part 302 and the cover part 304 separated from each other. Figure 40 and Figure 41The assembled parts 302 and 304 are shown in their contracted and extended positions within the package 300. The base part 302 and the cover part 304 are larger versions of the base part 202 and cover part 204 in the package assembly 100, and therefore each of the base part 302 and the cover part 304 defines a larger internal space to accommodate larger items that cannot fit within the package 200. Consequently, the cap portion 310 and the gripping portion 314 of the cover part 304 are modified relative to the cover part 204 to have larger inner and outer circumferences, and optionally, a larger axial length. Similarly, the gripping portion 352 and the socket portion 356 of the base part 302 are modified relative to the base part 202 to have larger inner and outer circumferences, and optionally, a longer axial length.

[0095] contrast Figures 16 to 18 and Figures 5 to 7 The outwardly flared sidewalls of the gripping portion 314 extend along the relative longitudinal sidewalls of the cap portion 310 with a slightly more complex curvature than those in the cap 204, but... Figure 19 In the near-end view, the elliptical racetrack-shaped gripping portion is still implemented. Specifically, the outwardly flared sidewalls of the gripping portion 314 of the cover 304 include a discontinuity in curvature that is not present in the outwardly flared sidewalls of the cover 204. Apart from this, the relevant features of the packages 302 and 304 are the same as or sufficiently similar to those of the packages 202 and 204, therefore it is believed that... Figures 17 to 26 Further explanation is unnecessary. The assembly, use, operation, and benefits of Packaging 300 are similar to those of Packaging 200.

[0096] Figures 27 to 37 and Figures 42 to 43 A third exemplary embodiment of an axially centered locking, gripping release telescopic packaging assembly 400, including a base component 402 and a cover 404, is shown.

[0097] Figure 27 The packaging assembly 400 is shown in a disassembled state, with the base part 402 and the cover part 404 separated from each other. Figure 42 and Figure 43 The assembled base component 402 and cover 404 are shown in the retracted and extended positions of the package 400. The base component 402 and cover 404 are larger versions of the base component 302 and cover 304 in the package assembly 300, and therefore each defines a larger internal space to accommodate larger items inside the package 400. Therefore, the cap portion 410 and the grip portion 414 of the cover 404 are modified relative to the cover 304 to have larger inner and outer circumferences, and optionally, larger axial lengths. Similarly, the grip portion 452 and the socket portion 456 of the base component 402 are modified relative to the base component 302 to have larger inner and outer circumferences, and optionally, larger axial lengths.

[0098] contrast Figures 28 to 30 and Figures 16 to 19 As can be seen, the curvature of the outwardly expanding sidewall portion of the gripping portion 414 in the cover 404 is simpler than that of the gripping portion 314 in the cover 304. The outwardly expanding sidewall of the gripping portion 414 has two arc-shaped segments instead of three arc-shaped segments in the gripping portion 314, in order to define the elliptical racetrack-shaped end. Figure 29 The molding features in the top view also include those relative to... Figure 18 The additional cross supports of the cover 304 shown. Figure 18 In the view, cover 304 includes two diagonally intersecting supports resembling the letter X, while... Figure 29 In the view, cover 404 includes two diagonally intersecting supports as well as vertical and horizontal supports. The additional supports provide additional strength to package 400 to accommodate larger and heavier objects. In other embodiments, alternative numbers or types of supports are conceivable, and in some cases, supports may be considered optional and therefore can be omitted.

[0099] Except as described above, the relevant characteristics of packages 402 and 404 are the same as or sufficiently similar to those of packages 100, 200, and 300, therefore it is believed that... Figures 28 to 37 Further explanation is unnecessary. The use, operation, and benefits of Packaging 400 are similar to those of Packaging 300.

[0100] Adjustments to the packaging assembly can be envisioned where the relative orientations of the locking protrusions and locking openings are opposite. For example, unlike the example above, locking protrusion 116 could be located on the base member, while locking opening 106 could be located on the lid, producing very similar operational results and similar locking and releasing functions, because the flared sidewalls can deflect the matching protrusion and opening features to release, or engage them to lock when not deflected. In this case, locking opening 106 deflects from locking protrusion 116 to release the lid for adjusting the packaging length.

[0101] In another variation of this packaging design, the opposing protrusion 236 can be similarly positioned on the base component, while the locking opening 106 can be positioned on the lid, offering similar operational effects and advantages. The opening 106 can be offset from the opposing protrusion 236 to release and unlock the lid.

[0102] Similarly, adjustments to the packaging assembly can be envisioned, where combinations of locking protrusions and locking openings, and / or combinations of opposing protrusions and locking openings, can be distributed on the base member or the cover. For example, unlike the examples described above, locking protrusions 116 can be located on one side of the socket portion of the base member, while the other side of the socket portion can include a row of locking openings 106. This can be paired with opposing protrusions 236 located on one side of the cap portion of the cover, while the opposite side of the cap portion can include a row of locking openings 106, while also producing very similar operational effects and similar advantages. On one side of the packaging, this means that the locking openings are offset from the locking protrusions, while on the other side, the opposing protrusions are offset from the locking openings, and vice versa.

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

[0104] A telescopic packaging assembly has been disclosed, comprising a hollow base member having a socket portion with at least one outer flat surface and a hollow cover member having a cap portion with at least one inner flat surface. Each of the at least one outer flat surface and the at least one inner flat surface includes opposing longitudinal side edges. One of the outer flat surface and the inner flat surface includes a row of locking openings, and the other of the outer flat surface and the inner flat surface includes locking protrusions, wherein the row of locking openings and the locking protrusions are each spaced apart from the corresponding opposing longitudinal side edges of the outer flat surface or the inner flat surface. The locking protrusions are selectively receptacleable in any one of the row of locking openings to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly when the hollow base member engages with the hollow cover member. The hollow cover member also includes a gripping portion extending from the cap portion, which is operable under applied pressure to deflect the inner flat surface and release the locking protrusions from the row of locking openings.

[0105] Optionally, the gripping portion may include a pair of outwardly expanding sidewalls facing each other, which allow the internal flat surface to deflect under applied pressure. The gripping portion may have an elliptical racetrack-shaped end. A row of locking openings may be generally centered between opposing longitudinal side edges.

[0106] Alternatively, a row of locking openings may be formed in the socket portion. The socket portion may also include a longitudinal groove that receives a locking protrusion when the hollow base component is received into the hollow cover, and a row of locking openings may align with the longitudinal groove and extend flush with the outer flat surface. The socket portion may include opposing outer flat surfaces, each of which 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 rectangular socket portion.

[0107] The hollow base component may optionally include a gripping portion extending from the socket portion. The gripping portion may have a contoured outer surface. The gripping portion may be elliptical racetrack-shaped. The gripping portion may have a larger circumference than the socket portion. The hollow base component may also include a tapered recess.

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

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

[0112] Another embodiment of the disclosed telescopic packaging assembly includes a hollow base member comprising a receptacle portion having an outer surface and a hollow cover comprising a cap portion having an inner surface. One of the inner or outer surfaces includes a locking protrusion, and the other of the inner or outer surfaces includes a row of locking openings. The locking protrusion may be selectively received in any 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, wherein the hollow cover also includes a deflectable, outwardly expanding wall portion extending outwardly and away from the cap portion, wherein the deflectable, outwardly expanding wall portion is operable under applied pressure to deflect the inner surface and release the locking protrusion from one of the row of locking openings.

[0113] Optionally, each of the outer and inner surfaces may each include opposing longitudinal side edges. Each of the outer and inner surfaces may include a flat surface between opposing longitudinal side edges, wherein a row of locking openings and locking protrusions is spaced apart from the respective opposing longitudinal side edges. The deflectable, 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 or second cross-sectional shape may be circular, elliptical, elliptical racetrack-shaped, or polygonal. A polygon may be one of a square. The first cross-sectional shape may be 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 combination of methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A telescopic packaging assembly, comprising: A hollow base component, comprising a socket portion having at least one external flat surface; as well as A hollow cover, comprising a cap portion having at least one internal flat surface; Each of at least one outer flat surface and at least one inner flat surface includes opposing longitudinal side edges; One of the outer flat surface and the inner flat surface includes a row of locking openings, and the other of the outer flat surface and the inner flat surface includes locking protrusions, the row of locking openings and locking protrusions being spaced apart from the respective opposing longitudinal side edges of the outer flat surface or the inner flat surface, respectively. When the hollow base component and the hollow cover are engaged, the locking protrusion can be selectively retracted into any one of the locking openings in this row to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly; and The hollow cover also includes an elliptical racetrack-shaped end with a pair of outwardly expanding sidewalls facing each other. These outwardly expanding sidewalls are operable to deflect the inner flat surface when subjected to applied pressure, thereby deflecting the inner flat surface and releasing a locking protrusion from one of a series of locking openings.

2. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein a row of locking openings is generally centered between opposing longitudinal side edges.

3. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein a row of locking openings is formed in the socket portion.

4. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 3, wherein the socket portion further includes a longitudinal groove, wherein the longitudinal groove receives a locking protrusion when the hollow base component is retracted into the hollow cover, and a row of locking openings aligns with the longitudinal groove and extends flush with the outer flat surface.

5. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket portion includes opposing outer flat surfaces, each of the opposing outer planes including a row of locking openings.

6. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 5, wherein the socket portion comprises four external flat surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other.

7. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the four external flat surfaces are substantially the same in size to define an elongated rectangular socket portion.

8. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow base component further includes a gripping portion extending from the socket portion.

9. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 8, wherein the gripping portion has a contoured outer surface.

10. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 8, wherein the gripping portion is elliptical racetrack shaped.

11. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 8, wherein the perimeter of the gripping portion is longer than the perimeter of the socket portion.

12. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hollow base component further includes a conical recess.

13. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow cap includes a first flat inner surface and a second flat inner surface opposite to the first flat inner surface.

14. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 13, The locking protrusion extends inward from the first flat inner surface; and Opposing protrusions that extend inward from the second flat inner surface.

15. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 14, 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.

16. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein the second shape is circular.

17. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein the first shape is wedge-shaped.

18. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 14, wherein the locking protrusions are axially offset from the opposing protrusions.

19. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the first and second inner flat planes includes a row of locking openings or locking protrusions.

20. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 13, wherein the hollow cap comprises four internal flat surfaces arranged orthogonally to each other.

21. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 19, wherein the four internal flat surfaces are substantially the same in size to define an elongated cap portion.

22. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hollow cover further includes a conical recess.

23. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hollow cap is transparent.

24. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 23, wherein the hollow cover is entirely transparent.

25. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow base component or hollow cover component further includes opposing protrusions extending opposite to the locking protrusion.

26. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 25, wherein the locking protrusion and the opposing protrusion have different shapes from each other.

27. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 25, wherein the locking protrusion and the opposing protrusion are offset from each other along the axial direction.

28. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 25, wherein the telescopic packaging assembly includes a single locking protrusion and a single opposing protrusion.

29. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket portion is receivable from and lockable to the cap portion without relative rotation of the hollow base component and the hollow cap component.

30. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the hollow base component and the hollow cover component is provided with at least one visual indicator for the user to refer to in order to unlock the hollow cover component from the hollow base component.

31. A telescopic packaging assembly, comprising Hollow base component, which includes a socket portion having an outer surface; as well as A hollow cover, comprising a cap portion having an inner surface; One of the inner or outer surfaces includes a locking protrusion, and the other of the inner or outer surfaces includes a row of locking openings; The locking protrusion can be selectively retracted into any one of a series of locking openings to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly when the hollow base component is engaged with the hollow cover component. as well as The end of the hollow cover includes an outwardly extending arcuate sidewall portion away from the cap portion, wherein when the arcuate sidewall portion is subjected to applied pressure, the inward bending of the arcuate sidewall portion causes the outer surface to deflect outward and release the locking protrusion from one of a row of locking openings.

32. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 31, wherein each of the outer surface and the inner surface includes opposing longitudinal side edges.

33. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 32, wherein each of the outer surface and the inner surface includes a flat surface between opposing longitudinal side edges.

34. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 33, wherein a row of locking openings and locking protrusions are each spaced apart from corresponding opposing longitudinal side edges.

35. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 31, wherein the deflectable, outwardly expanding wall portion has a first perimeter and wherein the cap portion has a second perimeter, the first perimeter being greater than the second perimeter.

36. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 35, 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.

37. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 36, wherein the first cross-sectional shape or the second cross-sectional shape is one of a circle, an ellipse, an elliptical racetrack shape, or a polygon.

38. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 37, wherein the polygon is square.

39. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 36, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is an elliptical racetrack shape.

40. A telescopic packaging assembly, comprising: A hollow base component, comprising a socket portion having a first pair of opposing external flat surfaces; as well as A hollow cap, comprising a cap portion having a second pair of opposing internal flat surfaces; Each of the first pair of opposing outer flat surfaces and the second pair of opposing inner flat surfaces includes opposing longitudinal side edges; The hollow base component and the hollow cover component together define a locking protrusion, opposing protrusions and a row of locking openings, which are spaced apart from their respective opposing longitudinal side edges; The locking protrusion has a first shape and the opposing protrusion has a second shape, the second shape being different from the first shape; When the hollow base component and the hollow cover component are engaged, the locking protrusion can be selectively retracted into any one of the locking openings in this row to adjust the length of the telescopic packaging assembly.

41. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 40, wherein the hollow cap further includes a deflectable arcuate end extending from the cap portion, wherein when the deflectable arcuate end is subjected to applied pressure, the deflectable arcuate end is operable to release a locking protrusion from one of a series of locking openings.

42. The telescopic packaging assembly according to claim 40, The locking protrusion extends inward from one of a pair of opposing internal flat surfaces, and The opposing protrusions extend inward from one of a pair of opposing internal flat surfaces.

43. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 40, wherein the locking protrusions are axially offset from the opposing protrusions.

44. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 40, wherein the second shape is circular.

45. The telescopic packaging assembly of claim 40, wherein the first shape is wedge-shaped.

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