Carton with locking feature

Abstract

The carton includes an interior structure that may include a plurality of interior panels extending at least partially around a first interior. The inner structure may include first and second inner locking tongues. The outer structure may include a plurality of outer panels extending at least partially around the second interior. The internal structure may be at least partially received in the second interior. The outer structure may include first and second outer locking tongues. The second inner locking tongue and the second outer locking tongue may cooperate to limit movement between the structures in the closed configuration, and when the second inner locking tongue has been disengaged from the second outer locking tongue, the inner structure and / or the outer structure may be moved from the closed configuration to an intermediate configuration in which the inner structure and / or the outer structure may be moved from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration. The first inner locking tongue and the first outer locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the structures.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of German utility model application No. 202022103909.7, filed on July 12, 2022.

[0003] The disclosure content of German utility model application No. 202022103909.7 filed on July 12, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference, as if its entire content is presented in the present application. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons / boxes for containing one or more products. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a carton having an internal structure at least partially received within an external structure and having a locking feature for selectively limiting and / or resisting relative movement between the carton structures.

[0005] Cartons / boxes with locking features can be used to store a variety of different products, such as dishwashing liquids, medicines, household cleaners, candles, cosmetics, tobacco, and other products that should be kept out of the reach of children because they might put the products in their mouths, swallow them, or use them in other dangerous ways. For example, one might want to keep certain products out of the reach of infants, toddlers, kindergarteners, and preschoolers (i.e., under approximately six years old). Summary of the invention

[0006] In general, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a carton, the carton includes an internal structure, the internal structure may include a plurality of internal panels, the plurality of internal panels at least partially extending around a first interior of the internal structure. The internal structure may include at least a first internal locking tongue and a second internal locking tongue. The external structure may include a plurality of external panels, the plurality of external panels at least partially extending around a second interior of the external structure. The internal structure may be at least partially received in the second interior of the external structure. The external structure may include at least a first external locking tongue and a second external locking tongue. The second internal locking tongue and the second external locking tongue may cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure in a closed configuration of the carton, and when the second internal locking tongue has been disengaged from the second external locking tongue, one or both of the internal structure and the external structure may move from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration, in which the first internal locking tongue and the first external locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure.

[0007] On the other hand, the present disclosure generally relates to a combination, wherein a first blank and a second blank cooperate to at least partially form a carton. The first blank may include a plurality of internal panels, a first internal locking tongue and a second internal locking tongue, and the first blank may be used to form an internal structure. The second blank may include a plurality of external panels, a first external locking tongue and a second external locking tongue. When the carton is formed by the first blank and the second blank, the second blank may be used to form an external structure, which is used to at least partially receive the internal structure formed by the first blank. The second internal locking tongue and the second external locking tongue may be configured to selectively cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure formed by the first blank and the external structure formed by the second blank when the carton formed by the first blank and the second blank is in a closed configuration, wherein when the carton formed by the first blank and the second blank is in an intermediate configuration, the first internal locking tongue and the first external locking tongue may be configured to selectively cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure formed by the first blank and the external structure formed by the second blank.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carton. The method may include: obtaining a first blank, the first blank including a plurality of interior panels, a first interior locking tab, and a second interior locking tab; forming an interior structure from the first blank by folding the plurality of interior panels at least partially around a first interior of the interior structure; obtaining a second blank, the second blank including a plurality of exterior panels, a first exterior locking tab, and a second exterior locking tab; and forming an exterior structure from the second blank by folding the plurality of exterior panels at least partially around a second interior of the exterior structure. The method may also include moving at least one of the interior structure and the exterior structure relative to the other to assemble the carton, wherein the interior structure is at least partially received in the second interior of the exterior structure. The second inner locking tongue and the second outer locking tongue can cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure in the closed configuration of the carton, and when the second inner locking tongue has disengaged from the second outer locking tongue, one or both of the internal structure and the external structure can move from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration, in which the first inner locking tongue and the first outer locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure.

[0009] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned advantages as well as other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments and referring to the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] According to common practice, the various features in the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The sizes of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a plan view of a first blank for forming an internal structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A perspective view of a folded first blank formed from a first blank.

[0013] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 The first blank and Figure 2 A perspective view of the internal structure formed by the folded first blank.

[0014] Figure 4 is a plan view of a second blank for forming an outer structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 A perspective view of a folded second blank formed from a second blank.

[0016] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 The second blank and Figure 5 A perspective view of the folded second blank forming an outer structure.

[0017] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The internal structure and Figure 6 A perspective view of an outer structure arranged relative to one another for use after the outer structure is moved onto an inner structure and / or after the inner structure is removed from the outer structure, wherein hidden features of the inner and outer structures are shown in phantom.

[0018] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 A perspective view of a carton formed by an interior structure and an exterior structure of the carton, with selected hidden features of the structure shown in phantom lines.

[0019] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 8 A perspective view of the carton in a partially unlocked / open configuration.

[0020] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure generally relates to structures, boxes, cartons, racks, trays, and the like, and packaging for containing one or more products or items (e.g., products or items that should be kept out of the reach of children for safety reasons). The products may be cleaning products, such as dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, soaps, and the like; pharmaceuticals; cosmetics; candles; tobacco; objects that may pose a choking hazard; any other suitable products or materials; or combinations thereof.

[0022] The structure according to the present disclosure can accommodate products or articles of any shape. In this specification, the terms "inner", "interior", "exterior", "outer", "lower", "bottom", "upper", and "top" refer to directions determined relative to the fully erected and upright structure and carton. As described herein, the structure can be formed by bonding a blank with multiple panels, sections, tongues and / or flaps (which can be designated with ordered or non-ordered labels such as "first", "second", "third" relative to each other without departing from the present disclosure).

[0023] according to Figure 1 , the first blank 1 is used to form an internal component or internal structure 21 having a first opening 22 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure ( Figure 3 and Figure 7-9 ). The internal structure 21 may be a container for containing one or more products (not shown). Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a method for forming an outer member or outer structure 65 (eg, a cover 65 ) having a second opening 66 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6-9 ) of the second blank 25. In an embodiment, the inner (inner) structure 21 and the outer (external) structure 65 cooperate to form a carton 69 ( Figure 8 and 9 ), while the outer structure 65 at least partially extends around the inner structure 21, and the inner structure 21 can be in a closed configuration within the outer structure 65 ( Figure 8 )、The middle part is unlocked ( Fig. 9 ) and the open configuration ( Figure 7 ), which will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner structure 21 and the outer structure 65 may include locking and stopping features for cooperating to resist and / or limit movement of the inner structure 21 and the outer structure 49 relative to each other, which will be described in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the blanks 1, 25 may be made of paperboard, cardboard, corrugated board or other suitable materials.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, the first blank 1 has a longitudinal direction L1 and a transverse direction L2. In the embodiment shown, the first blank 1 may have a bottom wall or panel 2, which is foldably connected to four first side walls or inner panels 3, 4, 5, 6 along corresponding fold lines 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 at its edges. For example, the bottom panel 2 may be foldably connected to the corresponding first inner side panel 3 and the second inner side panel 5 along corresponding lateral fold lines 2.1, 2.3, and the bottom panel 2 may be foldably connected to the corresponding first inner end panel 4 and the second inner end panel 6 along corresponding longitudinal fold lines 2.2, 2.4. Figure 1 As shown, at least the bottom panel 2 and the inner end panels 4, 6 may be rectangular. Any of the bottom panel 2 and / or the inner panels 3, 4, 5, 6 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner panels 3, 5 may be foldably connected to respective inner locking tabs 9, 10 (eg, first inner locking tabs) along respective lateral fold lines 7, 8 at opposite edges of the inner panels 3, 5. Figure 1 As shown, each inner locking tongue 9, 10 may include a respective proximal portion 9.1, 10.1 (e.g., an inner or first proximal portion) and a respective distal portion 9.2, 10.2 (e.g., an inner or first distal portion). In an embodiment, the proximal portion 9.1, 10.1 is foldably connected (e.g., directly foldably connected) to the respective inner panel 3, 5 along the respective lateral fold lines 7, 8, and is foldably connected to the respective distal portion 9.2, 10.2 along the respective lateral fold lines 11, 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 9.1, 10.1 may be trapezoidal (e.g., such that the fold lines 11, 12 are shorter than the fold lines 7, 8, and the free edges of the proximal portions 9.1, 10.1 are inclined), while the distal portions 9.2, 10.2 may be rectangular. Alternatively, the portions 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 may have any suitable shape.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the first inner panel 3 is foldably connected to the corresponding inner dust flap or inner end flap 13, 14 along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 3.3. Similarly, the second inner panel 5 is foldably connected to the corresponding inner dust flap or inner end flap 15, 16 along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 5.1, 5.3. In an embodiment, the longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1, 5.3 may extend along the rectangular portion of the corresponding inner panel 3, 5. In addition, the inclined free edge 3.2, 5.2 of the corresponding inner panel 3, 5 may extend from the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1, 5.3 to the corresponding end of the corresponding transverse fold line 7, 8 to at least partially define the corresponding trapezoidal portion of the corresponding inner panel 3, 5. In the embodiment shown, each free edge of the proximal portion 9.1, 10.1 of the inner locking tongue 9, 10 may extend as a continuation of the corresponding inclined free edge 3.2, 5.2 of the inner panel 3, 5. Any of the first inner locking tabs 9, 10, the inner end flaps 13, 14, 15, 16 and / or the inner panels 3, 5 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end panels 4, 6 are foldably connected to respective locking tabs 18, 17 (eg, second inner locking tabs) along respective longitudinal fold lines 18.1, 17.1 at the opposing upper edges of the inner end panels 4, 6. Figure 1 As shown, each second inner locking tongue 17, 18 may include a corresponding inner locking edge 19, 20 (e.g., a second inner locking edge) at its outer edge. In an embodiment, the second inner locking tongues 17, 18 are trapezoidal, wherein the inner locking edges 19, 20 are narrower than the fold lines 17.1, 18.1. Alternatively, the second inner locking tongues 17, 18 may have any suitable shape. The first blank 1 may take other shapes, arrangements and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0028] In forming the internal structure 21 ( Figure 3 and 7 -9) in the first processing step, such as Figure 2As shown, the proximal portions 9.1, 10.1 of the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 can be folded on the corresponding inner panels 3, 5 along the corresponding lateral fold lines 7, 8, and can be fixed (e.g., bonded) to the corresponding inner panels 3, 5 (e.g., the proximal portions 9.1, 10.1, and the inner panels 3, 5 can be in overlapping relationship and / or face-to-face contact). In addition, the distal portions 9.2, 10.2 of the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 can be folded and fixed (e.g., bonded) facing the corresponding proximal portions 9.1, 10.1 of the first inner locking tongues 9, 10. As an alternative, the distal portions 9.2, 10.2 can be fixed between the corresponding proximal portions 9.1, 10.1 and the corresponding inner panels 3, 5. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 7-9, the folded inner locking tongues 9, 10 form first inner locking edges 19, 20 along the corresponding lateral fold lines 11, 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking tongues 9, 10 can be folded and bonded to the corresponding inner panels 3, 5 (for example, folded and bonded by the packaging manufacturer), and then in a flat bonded blank 1 'configuration ( Figure 2 ), for example in a stacked configuration with other similar or identical blanks 1 ′, stored and / or transported (for example to a packaging machine).

[0029] like Figure 3 and 7 As shown in Figure 9, the upright internal structure 21 can be formed from the flat bonded blank 1' by folding the inner panels 3, 5 along the transverse fold lines 2.1, 2.3 to extend upward from the bottom panel 2, folding the inner end flaps 13, 16 and 14, 15 along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 5.3 and 3.3, 5.1 onto the corresponding ends of the internal structure 21, and folding the inner end panels 6, 4 along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 2.4, 2.2 onto the corresponding ends of the internal structure 21 (for example, by a folding and bonding system, a packaging machine, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end flaps 13, 14, 15, 16 can be folded to extend perpendicularly to the inner panels 3, 5 between the inner panels 3, 5. In an embodiment, the first inner end panel 4 can be overlapped and fixed (for example, bonded) to the inner end panels 14, 15 to form a first inner end wall, and the second inner end panel 6 can be overlapped and fixed (for example, bonded) to the inner end panels 13, 16 to form a second inner end wall. As shown in Figure 9, the inner end flaps 13, 14, 15, 16 can be folded to extend perpendicularly to the inner panels 3, 5 between the inner panels 3, 5. In an embodiment, the first inner end panel 4 can be overlapped and fixed (for example, bonded) to the inner end panels 14, 15 to form a first inner end wall, and the second inner end panel 6 can be overlapped and fixed (for example, bonded) to the inner end panels 13, 16 to form a second inner end wall. Figure 3 and 7-9, the bottom panel 2, the interior panels 3, 4, 5, 6 and the interior end flaps 13, 14, 15, 16 may extend at least partially around the first interior of the interior structure 21 to receive items in the interior structure 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the erected interior structure 21 may have a first or interior opening 22 defined between the interior panels 3, 4, 5, 6 relative to the bottom panel 2 (e.g., for inserting and removing products into and from the interior structure 21). In the illustrated embodiment, the first interior locking edges 23, 24 may face away from the interior opening 22 and toward the bottom panel 2, and may be spaced apart from the interior opening 22 and the bottom panel 2.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can be folded outwardly and downwardly along respective longitudinal fold lines 17.1, 18.1 such that the second inner locking edges 19, 20 point downwardly (eg, towards the bottom panel 2). Figure 3 and 7 As shown, the second inner locking tongues 17, 18 can be folded into overlapping relationship and / or face-to-face contact with the corresponding inner end panels 6, 4. In an embodiment, one or both of the second inner locking tongues 17, 18 can be freely pivotable relative to the inner end panels 6, 4 or can be fixed (e.g., bonded) to the inner end panels 6, 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the second inner locking tongues 17, 18 can be folded before forming the inner structure 21 (e.g., forming the inner structure 21 with the folded and bonded blank 1'). The inner structure 21 can be formed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the second blank 25 for the outer component / structure 65 may have a longitudinal direction L1 and a transverse direction L2. In the embodiment shown, the second blank 25 may include a top wall or panel 26, which is foldably connected to four second side walls or outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30 along respective fold lines 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4 at its edges. For example, the top panel 26 may be foldably connected to the respective first outer side panels 27 and second outer side panels 29 along respective transverse fold lines 26.1, 26.3, and the top panel 26 may be foldably connected to the respective first outer end panels 28 and second outer end panels 30 along respective longitudinal fold lines 26.2, 26.4. In an embodiment, the top wall 26 and the outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30 may all be rectangular. The top panel 26 and / or any of the exterior panels 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 may be omitted or otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the first outer side panel 27 is foldably connected to the respective outer dust flaps or outer end flaps 31, 32 along respective longitudinal fold lines 27.1, 27.2. Similarly, the second outer side panel 29 is foldably connected to the respective outer dust flaps or outer end flaps 33, 34 along respective longitudinal fold lines 29.1, 29.2. Any of the outer end flaps 31, 32, 33, 34 and / or the outer side panels 27, 29 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer panels 27, 29 can be foldably connected to respective outer locking tabs 37, 38 (e.g., first outer locking tabs) along respective lateral fold lines 35, 36 at opposite edges of the outer panels 27, 29. In the illustrated embodiment, each outer locking tab 37, 38 can include a respective proximal portion 37.1, 38.1 (e.g., an outer proximal portion) and a respective distal portion 37.2, 38.2 (e.g., an outer distal portion). In an embodiment, the proximal portion 37.1, 38.1 is foldably connected (e.g., directly foldably connected) to the respective outer panels 27, 29 along the respective lateral fold lines 35, 36, and is foldably connected to the respective distal portion 37.2, 38.2 along the respective lateral fold lines 39, 40, which are opposite to the respective lateral fold lines 35, 36. In an exemplary embodiment, each proximal portion 37.1, 38.1 can have two parts, wherein the first portion 37.11, 38.11 is adjacent to the corresponding lateral fold line 35, 36 and can be rectangular (e.g., can be defined by a free edge extending in the longitudinal direction L1). In an embodiment, the second portion 37.12, 38.12 is adjacent to the corresponding lateral fold line 39, 40 and is trapezoidal (e.g., can be defined by an inclined free edge), wherein the corresponding second portion 37.12, 38.12 widens toward the corresponding first portion 37.11, 38.11. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal portion 37.2, 38.2 can be rectangular and can be foldably connected to the short edge of the proximal portion 37.1, 38.1 along the lateral fold line 39, 40. As an alternative, the portions 37.1, 37.2, 38.1, 38.2 can have any suitable shape.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the second blank 25 may include engagement means or features 41, 42 (eg, first engagement means) extending in the respective outer side panels 27, 29. Figure 4As shown, the joining means 41, 42 may be positioned closer to the top panel 26 than to the corresponding outer locking tongues 37, 38. In an embodiment, the joining means 41, 42 may include corresponding weakening lines 43, 44 (e.g., cut lines or tear lines) and lateral fold lines 45, 46, which at least partially define corresponding joining covers or cover panels 49, 50. The weakening lines 43, 44 may extend from the ends of the corresponding lateral fold lines 45, 46. In other embodiments, the fold lines 45, 46 may be replaced by tear lines or cut lines, or may be a continuation of the corresponding weakening lines 43, 44. In an exemplary embodiment, the weakening lines 43, 44 may be formed by score lines that deviate from each other in the outer surface and the inner surface of the outer side panels 27, 29, and in an embodiment, the score lines in the outer surface of the outer side panels 27, 29 may deviate outwardly relative to the score lines on the inner surface. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the engagement means 41, 42 may include respective inlets 47, 48 (e.g., lenticular openings) extending along the edge of the respective weakening line 43, 44 (e.g., near the top panel 26). Alternatively, the inlets 47, 48 may be located along any portion of the respective cover panels 49, 50, or may be omitted. Figure 4 As shown, the engaging means 41, 42 may be offset from the central axis 53 (e.g., the longitudinal centerline) of the second blank 25 in relative directions. For example, the engaging means 41 may be offset from the central axis 53 in the transverse direction L2 toward the outer end flap 31 (e.g., at Figure 4 ), and the engaging means 42 may deviate from the central axis 53 in the transverse direction L2 toward the outer end flap 33 (e.g., at Figure 4 In an embodiment, the covers 49, 50 may be removed, for example, by grasping the covers 49, 50 at the respective inlets 47, 48 and tearing along the weakened lines 43, 44 to form respective engagement holes 52 in the respective outer side panels 23, 25 ( Fig. 9 ). When the covers 49, 50 are torn apart along the weakening lines 43, 44, they can be folded downwardly and outwardly along the corresponding lateral fold lines 45, 46. Fig. 9 The engagement aperture 52 of the engagement device 42 is shown, wherein the cover panel 50 has been completely removed (eg, torn along the fold line 46 and the weakening line 44).

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, the second blank 25 may also include engagement openings 54, 55 (e.g., oval). In an embodiment, the opening 54 may extend in the proximal portion 37.1 of the first outer panel 27 and the first outer locking tongue 37 (e.g., half in the outer panel 27 and half in the proximal portion 37.1, symmetrically arranged relative to the lateral fold line 35). In addition, the engagement opening 55 extends in the proximal portion 38.1 of the second outer panel 29 and the second outer locking tongue 38 (e.g., half in the outer panel 29 and half in the proximal portion 38.1, symmetrically arranged relative to the lateral fold line 36). In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement openings 54, 55 may be arranged on the central axis 53. Any of the engagement features 41, 42, 54, 55 may be omitted, and the engagement features may be formed, arranged and / or configured in other ways without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the engagement features may have any suitable shape. In another example, covers 49, 50 may be omitted such that engagement features 41, 42 are openings in outer panels 27, 29. Additionally, at least partially removable panels (not shown) (e.g., similar to covers 49, 50) may be included in second blank 25 and may be removed by tearing along weakening lines (not shown) (e.g., similar to weakening lines 45, 46) to form engagement openings 54, 55.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, each outer end flap 31, 34 may include a respective bevel 56, 57 and a respective second outer locking edge 58, 59 extending from the respective bevel 56, 57 along an upper edge of the outer end flap 31, 34 (e.g., proximate the outer end flap 30 and the top panel 26). Figure 4 As shown, the inclined surfaces 56, 57 may be inclined, and the second outer locking edges 58, 59 may extend along the transverse direction L2 (e.g., parallel to the fold lines 39, 40). In an embodiment, the outer end flaps 31, 34 may be considered as second outer locking tongues having second outer locking edges 58, 59. Figure 4As shown, the outer end panel 30 extending between the second outer locking edges 58, 59 may include a slit 60 having a central slit portion 60.1 extending generally in the longitudinal direction L1 and two end slit portions 60.2, 60.3 extending generally in the transverse direction L2 from respective ends of the central slit portion 60.1. In an embodiment, the slit 60, including its central slit portion 60.1 and end slit portions 60.2, 60.3, may at least partially define a bent region or tongue 61. Any of the chamfers 56, 57, the second outer locking edges 58, 59, the slit 60 and / or the bent tongue 61 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure. The second blank 25 may take other shapes, arrangements and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0037] When the outer structure 65 ( Figure 6-9 ), in a first processing step of the outer locking tongues 37, 38, the distal portions 37.2, 38.2 of the outer locking tongues 37, 38 may be folded and fixed (e.g., bonded) facing the corresponding proximal portions 37.1, 38.1 of the outer locking tongues 37, 38. In addition, the outer proximal portions 37.1, 38.1 may be folded facing the inner side of the corresponding outer side panels 27, 29, and the distal portions 33.2, 34.2 may be fixed (e.g., by bonding) to the inner side of the outer side panels 27, 29. Therefore, the distal portions 37.2, 38.2 may be fixed between the corresponding proximal portions 37.1, 38.1 and the corresponding outer side panels 27, 29. Alternatively, the proximal portions 37.1, 38.1 may be disposed between the corresponding outer side panels 27, 29 and the corresponding distal portions 37.2, 38.2 and fixed to the outer side panels 27, 29. In the embodiment shown, the foldable outer locking tongues 37, 38 may form first outer locking edges 63, 64 along the respective lateral fold lines 39, 40 and between the respective engagement means 41, 42 and the respective lateral fold lines 35, 36 ( Figure 5 ).like Figure 5-9 As shown, when the outer locking tabs 37, 38 are folded facing the inner side of the outer panels 27, 29, the corresponding engagement recesses or cutouts 67, 68 in the outer structure 65 form engagement openings 54, 55. In an embodiment, the engagement recesses 67, 68 may have a semi-elliptical shape and may extend along the lower edge of the outer panels 27, 29. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer locking tabs 37, 38 may be folded and bonded to the corresponding outer panels 27, 29 (for example, by the packaging manufacturer), and then in a flat bonded blank configuration 25 '( Figure 5 ), for example in a stacked configuration with other similar or identical blanks and / or first blanks 1 , 1 ′, stored and / or transported (for example to a packaging machine).

[0038] like Figure 6-9 As shown, the erected outer structure 65 can be formed from the flat bonded blank 25' (e.g., by a folding and bonding system, a packaging machine, etc.) by folding the outer panels 27, 29 along the transverse fold lines 26.1, 26.3 to extend downwardly from the top panel 26, folding the outer end flaps 31, 34 and 32, 33 along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 27.1, 29.2 and 27.2, 29.1 onto the respective ends of the outer structure 65, and folding the outer end panels 30, 28 along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 26.4, 26.2 onto the respective ends of the outer structure 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end flaps 31, 32, 33, 34 can be folded to extend between the outer panels 27, 29 and perpendicular to the outer panels 27, 29. In an embodiment, the first outer end panel 28 may overlap and be fixed (e.g., bonded) to the outer end panels 32, 33 to form a first outer end wall, and the second outer end panel 30 may overlap and be fixed (e.g., bonded) to the outer end panels 31, 34 to form a second outer end wall. Figure 6-9 As shown, the top panel 26, the outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30 and the outer end panels 1, 32, 33, 34 can extend at least partially around the second interior of the outer structure 65, wherein when the carton 69 is in its closed configuration, the inner structure 21 is at least partially received in the second interior of the outer structure 65. In the embodiment shown, the erected outer structure 65 can have a second or outer opening 66, and when the locking features are disengaged from each other, the inner structure 21 can be moved into and out of the second interior of the outer structure 65 through the second opening 66, as described in more detail below. Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the first exterior locking edges 63 , 64 may face away from the exterior opening 66 and toward the top panel 26 , and may be spaced apart from the exterior opening 66 and the top panel 26 .

[0039] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first engaging means 41, 42 are arranged in the outer panels 27, 29 on opposite sides of a vertical cross-sectional plane which is oriented perpendicular to the outer panels 27, 29 and extends along the center of the outer panels 27, 29 (e.g., corresponding to Figure 4 In an embodiment, the center of the outer sidewalls 27, 29 may be formed by the geometric center of gravity of the outer structure 65. Figure 7 As shown, the slot 60 may be located in the outer end panel 30, spaced upwardly from the second outer locking edges 58, 59 (eg, closer to the top panel 26). The outer structure 65 may be formed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7The structures 21, 65 are shown in a separated or open configuration (e.g., such that the first opening 22 of the inner structure 21 can be used to load and / or remove items from the inner structure 21). In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 66 of the outer structure 65 is aligned with the first opening 22 of the inner structure 21 to prepare for assembly of the carton 69 in its closed configuration ( Figure 8 ). In an embodiment, Figure 7-9 Selected interior or other hidden aspects of the structures 21, 65 are shown in phantom. When the outer structure 65 is moved onto the inner structure 21 to assemble the carton 69 in the closed configuration, the first outer locking edges 63, 64 of the outer structure 65 are moved past the first inner locking edges 23, 24 of the inner structure 21 so that the first outer locking edges 63, 64 are arranged below the first inner locking edges 23, 24 ( Figure 8 and 9 ). In an embodiment, the outer structure 65 can be conveniently inserted into the inner structure 21 through the upper trapezoidal portions 3.2, 5.2 of the inner panels 3, 5. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, when the carton 69 is in its closed configuration, the inner locking edges 23, 24 of the inner structure 21 face away from and are spaced apart from the top panel 26 of the outer structure 65, and the first outer locking edges 63, 64 of the outer structure 65 face away from and are spaced apart from the bottom panel 2 of the inner structure 21. In embodiments, the carton 69 can be assembled by moving the outer structure 65 onto the inner structure 21, moving the inner structure 21 into the outer structure 65, or moving the two structures 21, 65 together.

[0041] like Figure 8 As shown, the carton 69 is in a fully closed configuration, wherein the inner structure 21 is received inside the outer structure 65, such that the first outer locking edges 63, 64 are spaced apart from the first inner locking edges 23, 24 (e.g., wherein the inner structure 21 is partially or fully contained within the outer structure 65, and the first opening 22 is covered by the outer structure 65). In addition, as shown Figure 8As shown, the second outer locking edges 58, 59 of the side end flaps 31, 34 of the outer structure 65 are located below the second inner locking edge 19 of the second locking tab 17 of the inner structure 21. In an embodiment, the second inner locking tab 18 is located between the inner end panel 4 and the outer end panels 32, 33 in the carton 69, and the second inner locking edge 20 does not engage with the locking edge of the outer structure 65. However, the inner structure 21 can be rotated 180 degrees about its vertical axis (e.g., so that when the inner structure 21 is inserted into the outer structure 65, the inner end panels 4, 6 are adjacent to the corresponding outer end panels 30, 29), and when the carton 69 is in its closed configuration, the second inner locking edge 20 of the second inner locking tab 18 can engage the second outer locking edge 58, 59 of the outer structure 65. In this orientation, the first inner locking edges 23, 24 of the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 can be aligned to engage with the corresponding first outer locking edges 64, 63 of the first outer locking tabs 38, 37.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 69 can be locked in its closed configuration, for example, due to the position of the second outer locking edge 58, 59 being located below the second inner locking edge 19 (or 20), so that the second inner locking edge 19 faces the second outer locking edge 58, 59 and / or due to the position of the first outer locking edge 63, 64 being located below and facing the first inner locking edge 23, 24. For example, when attempting to pull the outer structure 65 away from the inner structure 21, the second inner locking edge 19 can engage (e.g., can contact, support, abut, interact, etc.) the second outer locking edge 58, 59 to resist and / or prevent movement of the structures 21, 65 relative to each other. In an embodiment, the structures 21, 65 can move slightly relative to each other until the second locking edges 19 and 58, 59 abut, thereby locking the carton 69 and preventing further relative movement of the structures 21, 65. In embodiments, the abutment of the second inner locking edge 19 with the second outer locking edges 58, 59 can limit or prevent relative movement between the structures 21, 65 to limit or prevent undesired removal of the inner structure 21 from the opening 66 of the outer structure 65. Thus, in embodiments, the second inner locking tab 17 can engage the outer end flaps 31, 34 (e.g., along the second locking edges 19 and 58, 59) such that these second locking features cooperate to limit movement of the inner structure 21 relative to the outer structure 65. The carton 69 can be formed and / or erected in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking engagement between the second inner locking tab 17 and the second outer locking edges 58, 59 can be overcome by pressing the bent tongue 61 inwardly to engage the second inner locking tab 17 (e.g., pressing the inner locking tab 17 inwardly against the inner end panel 6 and / or bending the inner locking tab 17 and the inner end panel 6 inwardly). Moving the second inner locking tab 17 inwardly can disengage the second inner locking edge 19 from the second outer locking edge 58, 59 (e.g., moving the inner locking edge 19 out of alignment with the outer locking edges 58, 59) so that the locking edges 19, 58, 59 no longer prevent relative movement of the structures 21, 65. Initial unlocking of the carton 69 can be performed by a user by grasping the outer structure 65 with a first hand, depressing the bent tongue 61 with the index finger of the first hand, grasping the inner structure 21 at the engagement recesses 67, 68 in the outer structure 65 with the thumb and index finger of the second hand, and pulling the structures 21, 65 apart. As the bent tongue 61 is pressed inwardly to disengage the locking edges 19 and 58, 59, pulling the structures 21, 65 causes relative movement between the structures until the first inner locking edges 23, 24 engage (e.g., contact, support, abut, interact, etc.) the first outer locking edges 63, 64 ( Fig. 9 ), which can stop or resist relative movement of the structures 21, 65 in a direction to pull the structures 21, 65 apart. In an embodiment, the abutment of the first inner locking edges 23, 24 with the corresponding first outer locking edges 63, 64 can limit or prevent relative movement between the structures 21, 65 to limit or prevent undesired removal of the inner structure 21 from the opening 66 of the outer structure 65 (e.g., further removal). Therefore, in an embodiment, the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 can engage the corresponding first outer locking tongues 37, 38 (e.g., along the corresponding locking edges 23, 24 and 63, 64) so ​​that the locking tongues 9, 10, 37, 38 cooperate to limit further movement of the inner structure 21 relative to the outer structure 65. In an embodiment, the carton 69 is Figure 8 is shown in a first closed configuration, and in Fig. 9 65 , in which the inner structure 21 is partially removed from the interior of the outer structure 65 , and the inner structure 21 partially extends through the second opening 66 .

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 69 can be removed from the first interior locking edges 23, 24 by disengaging the first exterior locking edges 63, 64 and further pulling the structures 21, 65 apart. Fig. 9 The intermediate configuration (e.g., partially opened and unlocked configuration) of the carton 55 can be further unlocked and opened. In an exemplary embodiment, the carton 55 can be manipulated to overcome the locking engagement of the internal locking tongues 9, 10 with the external locking tongues 37, 38 so that the internal structure 21 can be opened. Fig. 9The intermediate (eg, partially unlocked) position of the outer structure 65 is moved to an open, separated position (eg, wherein the inner structure 21 is removed from the outer structure 65 through the opening 66 so that the first opening 22 is accessible, which may be similar to Figure 7 ). For example, the covers 49, 50 of the engagement devices 41, 42 may be at least partially separated from the respective outer panels 27, 29 along the respective weakened lines 43, 44 (e.g., by grasping the covers 49, 50 at the inlets 47, 48), and may be folded outwardly and downwardly along the respective fold lines 45, 46 to form engagement apertures 52 in the respective outer panels 27, 29. Fig. 9 As shown, the cover 50 is completely removed to show the engagement holes 52 in the outer panel 29; however, the cover 50 can remain attached to the outer panel 29 along the fold line 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement holes 52 formed by the corresponding engagement means 41, 42 in the outer structure 65 can contact the inner locking tongues 9, 10 of the inner structure 21. In the illustrated embodiment, a user can grasp the engagement holes 52 in the outer panels 27, 29 (for example, with the thumb and index finger of one hand) and press the inner locking tongues 9, 10 inwardly, thereby causing the first inner locking edges 23, 24 to move inwardly and away from (not aligned with) the first outer locking edges 63, 64. When the inner locking tongues 9, 10 of the inner structure 21 are pressed inwardly in this manner, the locking edges 63, 64 of the first outer structure 65 are no longer blocked by the first inner locking edges 23, 24 of the inner structure 21.

[0045] When the inner locking tongues 9, 10 are engaged through the engagement holes 52 formed by the engagement devices 41, 42, the user can grasp the inner structure 21 through the engagement recesses 67, 68 in the outer structure 65 (e.g., with the thumb and index finger of the other hand). The user can pull the structures 21, 65 apart with both hands while pressing the inner locking tongues 9, 10 inwardly through the engagement holes 52 formed in the outer structure 65 and pulling the inner structure 21 through the engagement recesses 67, 68 in the outer structure 65. In an embodiment, it is difficult or impossible for a child to perform the unlocking and opening operation (e.g., due to limited hand size and / or dexterity).

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, once the structures 21, 65 are separated (e.g., similar to Figure 7As shown), the opening 22 of the inner structure 21 can be accessed to remove or add items. The carton 69 can be reclosed and / or reopened according to the above-mentioned assembly and unlocking / separation operations. In an embodiment, once the inner structure 21 is fully inserted into the outer structure 65, the reclosed carton 69 is protected again from accidental opening (e.g., by a child) by the locking engagement of the second inner locking edge 19 with the second outer locking edges 58, 59 and / or the locking engagement of the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 with the corresponding first outer locking tongues 37, 38.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, unlocking the carton 69 is difficult or impossible for a child, at least because the sequence of unlocking the structures 21, 65 from each other is too complicated, and grasping the carton 69 for the unlocking operation is difficult or impossible due to the child's size and / or lack of dexterity. For example, when the carton 69 is in a closed or partially closed state, the dimensions of the shortest distance between the engagement features 41, 42 and / or the engagement recesses 67, 68 along the outside of the carton 69 are such that it is difficult or impossible for a child (e.g., no more than three years old, no more than four years old, no more than 51 months old, no more than five years old, no more than six years old, etc.) to unlock the carton 69 and, when in the locked state, to pull the outer structure 65 and the inner structure 21 apart. In an embodiment, the dimensions are based on the average body measurements of children, regardless of gender, corresponding age group, in the European Union and / or North America (depending on the intended use area of ​​the carton 69). In an example, the distance between the outer sides of the second side walls can be about 50 to about 120 mm, about 70 to about 100 mm, about 60 to about 90 mm, about 80 to about 90 mm, or about 70 to about 80 mm. This can help ensure that a child's hands cannot enter all of the engagement holes at the same time to unlock the folding carton, while an adult (e.g., who may have larger hands and / or more dexterity) is able to reach the locking features to unlock and open the carton 69.

[0048] In the carton 55 according to the present disclosure, when the inner structure 21 is moved into the outer structure 65, the second inner locking tabs 17 or 18 form multiple interlocks with the outer end panels 31, 34 and the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 and the first outer locking tabs 37, 38. This is because the second inner locking edge 19 or 20 can abut against the second outer locking edge 58, 59 and / or the second inner locking edge 23, 24 can abut against the second outer locking edge 63, 64, so that they prevent the inner structure 21 from being pulled out of the outer structure 65. Pulling the inner structure 21 out of the outer structure 65 may require, for example, releasing multiple interlocks between the outer structure and the inner structure in a proper sequence. To do this, the user can use the thumb and index finger of one hand or the unlocking piece (key) to engage the curved tongue 61 in the outer structure 65 to move the second inner locking tongue 17 out of alignment with the second outer locking edges 58, 59, and then engage the engagement hole 52 in the outer structure 65 to slightly compress the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 so that the first outer locking edges 63, 64 no longer block the path of the first inner locking edges 23, 24. Using the thumb and index finger of the other hand, the user can grasp a portion of the inner structure 21 (e.g., along or adjacent to the bottom panel 2) through the second engagement opening / recess 67, 68 and pull the inner structure 21 and the outer structure 65 apart while depressing the curved tongue 61 and then engaging the engagement hole 52. In the process, the second inner locking tongue 17 slides over the second outer locking edges 58, 59, and then the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 slide over the user's thumb and index finger, which engages with the first engagement hole 52 and slightly compresses the first locking tongues 9, 10. By adjusting the size of the carton, it is possible to prevent or make it difficult for children to unlock the carton because the children's hands are relatively small and cannot engage in the engagement openings 45, 46 in the manner described. For example, unlocking may require a certain understanding of the function of the latch, and children under the age of six generally do not have this knowledge. In addition, even if the child imitates the adult, the multiple steps in the unlocking operation make it more difficult for the child to open the lock. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent children from unlocking the carton 69, thereby protecting children from related dangers. In addition, the carton 69 can also prevent accidental opening, which may occur on a flip carton that does not include a locking feature, for example, if the carton is lifted at the external structure without supporting the internal structure, the internal structure will slide out of the external structure without the locking feature.

[0049] In an embodiment of a carton 69 according to the present disclosure, opening protection may be provided by flaps 49, 50, which may prevent or resist partial compression of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 so that the inner locking tabs 9, 10 do not disengage from the outer locking tabs 37, 38. For example, compression of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 to first open the carton 69 may only be possible by tearing along the weakened lines 43, 44 to at least partially remove the cover panels 49, 50 and form the engagement opening 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover panels 49, 50 in the outer side panels 27, 29 of the outer structure 65 may be bonded to the inner structure 21 (e.g., bonded to the corresponding inner locking tabs 9, 10), which may further help resist or prevent opening of the carton 69 until the cover panels 49, 50 are at least partially separated from the outer side panels 27, 29. In addition, interested consumers are prevented from opening the package before purchase. For example, tears in the lines of weakness 43, 44 and / or other tears in the carton 69 due to an attempt to force open the carton may provide a potential purchaser with evidence that the package has been accessed or tampered with (e.g., where product may have been removed from the carton 69 and / or other objects may have been inserted into the carton 69).

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, additional protection against opening (e.g., by a child) can be provided by the biasing of the engagement means 41, 42. For example, when the biasing engagement means 41, 42 engage to press against the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 of the inner structure 21, a torque is applied to the carton 69 because the applied force is offset from the centerline of the carton and from each other. This torque can reduce the force that moves the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 inwardly relative to the first outer locking tongues 37, 38, which can make it more difficult for the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 to disengage from the first outer locking tongues 37, 38. In an embodiment, an adult can prevent (e.g., substantially prevent) the carton 69 from succumbing to the pressure of the thumb and index finger of their first hand on the first inner locking tongues 9, 10 by applying a counter torque with a second hand while pulling the inner structure 21 out of the interior of the outer structure 65, via the biasing engagement means 41, 42. This operation is impossible or difficult for a child to perform because the child does not understand how to perform this operation and / or has small hands. In an embodiment, the engagement devices 41, 42 may be offset from the vertical cross-sectional plane of the carton 69 and / or the horizontal cross-sectional plane of the carton 60. In addition, the cross-sectional plane may be located on the centerline of the carton 69 or may be located anywhere along the carton. In an exemplary embodiment, the first engagement device 41 and the second engagement device 42 are each offset from the centerline of the first blank 1 and the internal structure 21 by a distance of about 15 to 35 mm, about 20 to 30 mm, about 25 mm, or any suitable distance.

[0051] Preventing children from entering the interior of the carton 69 is beneficial, at least in part due to the increasing demand for child safety. Packaging for certain uses may be tested in certain jurisdictions (e.g., the United States and / or other countries) to determine whether children (e.g., between 42 and 51 months of age) can open the package within a specific time period. For example, in a certain test, the child may be given five minutes to open the package without any help, and then after overcoming the first opening protection, the child may be given another five minutes to open the package. In an embodiment, the present disclosure can provide better protection, preventing children no older than about 51 months from opening.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, when a packer forms structures 21, 65 from flat bonded blanks 1', 25', for example, the finished carton 69 may have tolerances. These tolerances may cause slight variations in the relative dimensions of the structures 21, 65. However, the two-layer thickness of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 and the outer locking tabs 37, 38 (e.g., their respective proximal and distal portions are in overlapping relationship) can help compensate for such tolerances and variations that may occur during the production of the blanks and the installation and bonding of the inner and / or outer structures. This is advantageous for the secure locking of the carton despite the tolerances.

[0053] Although the present disclosure refers to first internal locking tongues 9, 10, second internal locking tongues 17, 18, first external locking tongues 37, 38, and second external locking tongues (e.g., defined by outer end flaps 31, 34, as described above), any suitable ordinal number may be associated with any of the internal locking tongues and the external locking tongues. In one example, the internal locking tongues 9, 17, and 10 may be the first internal locking tongue, the second internal locking tongue, and the third internal locking tongue, respectively, while the external locking tongues 37, 31, and 38 may be the first external locking tongue, the second external locking tongue, and the third external locking tongue, respectively. In another embodiment, the internal locking tongues 9, 17, 18 may be the first internal locking tongue, the second internal locking tongue, and the third internal locking tongue, respectively, while the external locking tongues 37, 31, 34 may be the first external locking tongue, the second external locking tongue, and the third external locking tongue, respectively.

[0054] The blank according to any embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed, for example, by coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, a clay coating may be applied to the inside and / or outside of the blank. Products, advertisements, price codes and other information or images may then be printed on the clay coating. A layer of varnish may then be applied to the blank to protect any information printed on the blank. A moisture barrier, for example, may also be applied to one or both sides of the blank. According to the above-described embodiment, the blank may be made of a certain thickness of paperboard, making it heavier and harder than ordinary paper. The blank may also be made of other materials (e.g., paperboard, cardboard, or any other material having characteristics suitable for making the carton at least substantially function as described herein). One or more sheet materials may also be laminated or coated at a selected panel or panel portion of the blank.

[0055] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line may be any substantially linear, but not necessarily straight, weakening form that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, a fold line includes: a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, which produces a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material; and various combinations of these features. Where cutting is used to create a fold line, the cutting is typically not so extensive that it may cause a reasonable user to mistakenly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0056] For example, a tear line may include: a slit extending partially into the material along the desired weakening line, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into the material along the desired weakening line and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, a tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits slightly spaced apart, thereby forming a gap (e.g., a small, somewhat bridging portion of the material) between adjacent slits, which is typically used to temporarily connect the materials on the tear line. The gap breaks when tearing along the tear line. The gap typically only accounts for a small proportion of the tear line, or the gap can be omitted or cut out of the tear line, making the tear line a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to replace each tear line with a continuous slit, etc. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit, or can be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0057] The above embodiments may be described as one or more panels being glued together during assembly of the carton embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all types of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels.

[0058] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Because various changes can be made to the above structure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all contents contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, changes, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, the present disclosure only shows and describes selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the present disclosure as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant field. In addition, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A carton, comprising: an interior structure comprising a plurality of interior panels extending at least partially around a first interior portion of the interior structure, wherein the interior structure comprises at least a first interior locking tab and a second interior locking tab; as well as an outer structure comprising a plurality of outer panels extending at least partially around a second interior portion of the outer structure, the inner structure being at least partially received within the second interior portion of the outer structure, wherein the outer structure comprises at least a first outer locking tab and a second outer locking tab; Wherein the second inner locking tongue and the second outer locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure in the closed configuration of the carton, and when the second inner locking tongue has disengaged from the second outer locking tongue, one or both of the internal structure and the external structure can move from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration, in which the first inner locking tongue and the first outer locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure.

2. The carton of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of interior panels comprises at least a first interior panel and a second interior panel, and wherein the first interior locking tab is foldably connected to the first interior panel and the second interior locking tab is foldably connected to the second interior panel.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the first interior panel and the second interior panel are perpendicular to each other.

4. The carton of claim 2, wherein the plurality of exterior panels comprises at least a first exterior panel and a second exterior panel, and wherein the first exterior locking tab is foldably connected to the first exterior panel and the second exterior locking tab is foldably connected to at least one of the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel.

5. The carton according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of outer panels include at least a first outer panel and a second outer panel, and wherein a first outer locking tongue is foldably connected to the first outer panel, a second outer locking tongue is foldably connected to the first outer panel, the first outer locking tongue is in an overlapping relationship with the first outer panel, and the second outer locking tongue is in an overlapping relationship with the second outer panel.

6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the first interior locking tab is in an overlapping relationship with the first interior panel and the second interior locking tab is in an overlapping relationship with the second interior panel.

7. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab are spaced apart from each other when the carton is in the closed configuration and are in an abutting relationship with the first outer locking tab when the carton is in the intermediate configuration.

8. The carton according to claim 1 further includes a joining feature extending in a first outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a bent tongue extending in a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, wherein a first internal locking tongue of the internal structure is at least partially aligned with the joining feature in the first outer panel, and a second internal locking tongue of the internal structure is at least partially aligned with the bent tongue in the second outer panel.

9. A carton according to claim 8, wherein the bending tongue is configured to engage the second internal locking tongue when the bending tongue is pressed inwardly to move the second internal locking tongue relative to the second external locking tongue, thereby facilitating the internal structure and the external structure to move from a closed configuration to an intermediate configuration relative to each other.

10. A carton according to claim 9, wherein the first internal locking tongue of the internal structure extends along a coupling feature in the first external panel, so that the first internal locking tongue can be engaged by the coupling feature to move the first internal locking tongue relative to the first external locking tongue, thereby facilitating the internal structure and the external structure to move from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration relative to each other.

11. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the internal structure further comprises a third internal locking tongue opposite to the first internal locking tongue, the external structure further comprises a third external locking tongue opposite to the first external locking tongue, and the third internal locking tongue and the third external locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure when the carton is in an intermediate configuration.

12. The carton according to claim 11 further includes a first engaging feature extending in a first outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a second engaging feature extending in a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, the second outer panel being opposite to the first outer panel, wherein the first inner locking tongue extends along the first engaging feature, the third inner locking tongue extends along the second engaging feature, and the first engaging feature and the second engaging feature are used to engage to move the first inner locking tongue and the third inner locking tongue relative to the first outer locking tongue and the third outer locking tongue to facilitate movement of the internal structure and the external structure relative to each other.

13. The carton of claim 12, wherein the first and second engagement features are offset from one another in a direction parallel to the first and second outer side panels.

14. The carton according to claim 12 further includes a bent tongue extending in an outer end panel of the plurality of outer panels, wherein a second inner locking tongue of the internal structure is at least partially aligned with the bent tongue in the second outer panel, and the bent tongue is configured to engage the second inner locking tongue when the bent tongue is pressed inward to move the second inner locking tongue relative to the second outer locking tongue, thereby facilitating movement of the internal structure and the outer structure relative to each other.

15. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the second internal locking tongue is foldably connected to the first internal end panel among the plurality of internal panels, and the internal structure further comprises a third internal locking tongue, which is foldably connected to the second internal end panel among the plurality of internal panels opposite to the first internal end panel, and the third internal locking tongue is spaced apart from the second external locking tongue.

16. The carton of claim 1, wherein: a first interior locking tab including an inner proximal portion foldably connected to one of the plurality of interior panels and an inner distal portion foldably connected to the inner proximal portion along a first fold line, the inner distal portion folded along the first fold line into face-to-face contact with the inner proximal portion, at least one of the inner proximal portion and the inner distal portion being attached to the interior panel; The first outer locking tab includes an outer proximal portion foldably connected to one of the plurality of outer panels and an outer distal portion foldably connected to the outer proximal portion along a second fold line, the outer distal portion folded along the second fold line into face-to-face contact with the outer proximal portion, at least one of the outer proximal portion and the outer distal portion being attached to the outer panel; and The first fold line of the first inner locking tab and the second fold line of the first outer locking tab engage one another to resist movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in the intermediate configuration of the carton.

17. A combination wherein a first blank and a second blank cooperate to at least partially form a carton, a first blank comprising a plurality of interior panels, a first interior locking tab, and a second interior locking tab, wherein the first blank is used to form an interior structure; and the second blank comprising a plurality of exterior panels, a first exterior locking tab and a second exterior locking tab, wherein the second blank is configured to form an exterior structure configured to at least partially receive an interior structure formed by the first blank when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, Wherein the second inner locking tongue and the second outer locking tongue are configured to selectively cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure formed by the first blank and the external structure formed by the second blank when the carton formed by the first blank and the second blank is in a closed configuration, and wherein the first inner locking tongue and the first outer locking tongue are configured to selectively cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure formed by the first blank and the external structure formed by the second blank when the carton formed by the first blank and the second blank is in an intermediate configuration.

18. The combination of claim 17, wherein the plurality of interior panels includes at least a first interior panel and a second interior panel, the first interior locking tab being foldably connected to the first interior panel and the second interior locking tab being foldably connected to the second interior panel.

19. The combination of claim 18, wherein the plurality of interior panels further comprises a bottom panel, the first interior panel and the second interior panel being foldably connected to the bottom panel along respective fold lines that are perpendicular to each other.

20. The combination of claim 18, wherein the plurality of exterior panels comprises at least a first exterior panel and a second exterior panel, the first exterior locking tab being foldably connected to the first exterior panel, and the second exterior locking tab being foldably connected to at least one of the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel.

21. A combination according to claim 18, wherein the multiple external panels include at least a first external panel and a second external panel, the first external locking tongue is foldably connected to the first external panel, the second external locking tongue is foldably connected to the first external panel, when the external structure is formed by the second blank, the first external locking tongue and the first external panel are in an overlapping relationship, and when the external structure is formed by the second blank, the second external locking tongue and the second external panel are in an overlapping relationship.

22. The combination of claim 21 wherein the first interior locking tab is in overlapping relation with the first interior panel when the interior structure is formed from the first blank, and wherein the second interior locking tab is in overlapping relation with the second interior panel when the interior structure is formed from the first blank.

23. The combination according to claim 17 further includes a joining feature extending in a first outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a bent tongue extending in a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, wherein when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, the first internal locking tongue of the internal structure is at least partially aligned with the joining feature in the first outer panel, and the second internal locking tongue of the internal structure is at least partially aligned with the bent tongue in the second outer panel.

24. A combination according to claim 17, wherein the first blank also includes a third internal locking tongue opposite to the first internal locking tongue, the second blank also includes a third external locking tongue opposite to the first external locking tongue, and the third internal locking tongue and the third external locking tongue are configured to cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure formed by the first blank and the external structure formed by the second blank when the carton formed by the first blank and the second blank is in an intermediate configuration.

25. The combination according to claim 24 further includes a first joining feature extending in a first outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a second joining feature extending in a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, the second outer panel being opposite to the first outer panel in the second blank, wherein when the carton is formed by the first blank and the second blank, the first internal locking tongue extends along the first joining feature, the third internal locking tongue extends along the second joining feature, and the first joining feature and the second joining feature engage to allow the first internal locking tongue and the third internal locking tongue to move relative to the first external locking tongue and the third external locking tongue, so as to facilitate the internal structure formed by the first blank and the external structure formed by the second blank to move relative to each other.

26. The combination of claim 25, wherein the second blank includes a centerline extending through a center of each of the first outer panel and the second outer panel, and the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the centerline.

27. The combination of claim 25, further comprising a bent tongue extending in an outer end panel of the plurality of outer panels, wherein when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, the second inner locking tongue of the first blank is at least partially aligned with the bent tongue in the second outer panel.

28. A combination according to claim 17, wherein the second internal locking tongue is foldably connected to the first internal end panel among the multiple internal panels, and the first blank also includes a third internal locking tongue, which is foldably connected to the second internal end panel among the multiple internal panels opposite to the first internal end panel.

29. The combination of claim 17, wherein: a first interior locking tab including an inner proximal portion foldably connected to one of the plurality of interior panels and an inner distal portion foldably connected to the inner proximal portion along a first fold line, wherein the inner distal portion is folded along the first fold line into face-to-face contact with the inner proximal portion when the interior structure is formed from the first blank; the first outer locking tab comprising an outer proximal portion foldably connected to one of the plurality of outer panels and an outer distal portion foldably connected to the outer proximal portion along a second fold line, wherein the outer distal portion is folded along the second fold line into face-to-face contact with the outer proximal portion when the outer structure is formed from the second blank; and The first fold line of the first inner locking tab and the second fold line of the first outer locking tab are configured to engage each other to resist movement between the inner structure formed by the first blank and the outer structure formed by the second blank in an intermediate configuration of the carton formed by the first blank and the second blank.

30. A combination according to claim 17, wherein the multiple external panels include a top panel foldably connected to the outer panel and the outer end panel, a first external locking tongue is foldably connected to the outer panel opposite to the top panel, and the second external locking tongue includes an outer end flap foldably connected to the outer panel, and the outer end flap is in an overlapping relationship with the outer end panel when the external structure is formed by the second blank.

31. A method of forming a carton, the method comprising: obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality of interior panels, a first interior locking tab, and a second interior locking tab; forming the interior structure from the first blank by folding the plurality of interior panels at least partially around a first interior portion of the interior structure; obtaining a second blank comprising a plurality of exterior panels, a first exterior locking tab, and a second exterior locking tab; forming the outer structure from the second blank by folding the plurality of outer panels at least partially around a second inner portion of the outer structure; At least one of the internal structure and the external structure is moved relative to the other to assemble a carton, wherein the internal structure is at least partially received in a second interior of the external structure, a second internal locking tongue and a second external locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure in a closed configuration of the carton, and when the second internal locking tongue has disengaged from the second external locking tongue, one or both of the internal structure and the external structure can be moved from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration in which the first internal locking tongue and the first external locking tongue cooperate to limit movement between the internal structure and the external structure.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of interior panels include at least a first interior panel and a second interior panel, the first interior locking tongue is foldably connected to the first interior panel, and the second interior locking tongue is foldably connected to the second interior panel, and forming the external structure also includes positioning the second interior panel and the first interior panel perpendicular to each other.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the multiple external panels include at least a first external panel and a second external panel, the first external locking tongue is foldably connected to the first external panel, and the second external locking tongue is foldably connected to the first external panel, and forming the external structure also includes arranging the first external locking tongue and the first external panel in an overlapping relationship and arranging the second external locking tongue and the second external panel in an overlapping relationship.

34. A method according to claim 31, wherein moving at least one of the internal structure and the external structure relative to the other to assemble the carton includes positioning a first internal locking tongue and a first external locking tongue to be spaced apart from each other, and when the carton is in an intermediate configuration, the first internal locking tongue and the first external locking tongue are in an adjacent relationship.

35. The method according to claim 31 further includes a joining feature extending in a first outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a bent tongue extending in a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, wherein moving at least one of the internal structure and the external structure relative to the other to assemble the carton includes positioning a first internal locking tongue of the internal structure to be at least partially aligned with the joining feature in the first outer panel, and positioning a second internal locking tongue of the internal structure to be at least partially aligned with the bent tongue in the second outer panel.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein: a first interior locking tab comprising an inner proximal portion foldably connected to one of the plurality of interior panels and an inner distal portion foldably connected to the inner proximal portion along a first fold line, wherein forming the interior structure comprises folding the inner distal portion along the first fold line into face-to-face contact with the inner proximal portion, folding the first interior locking tab into overlapping relationship with the interior panel, and attaching at least one of the inner proximal portion and the inner distal portion to the interior panel; a first exterior locking tab comprising an exterior proximal portion foldably connected to one of the plurality of exterior panels and an exterior distal portion foldably connected to the exterior proximal portion along a second fold line, wherein forming the exterior structure comprises: folding the exterior distal portion along the second fold line into face-to-face contact with the exterior proximal portion, folding the first exterior locking tab into overlapping relationship with the exterior panel, attaching at least one of the exterior proximal portion and the exterior distal portion to the exterior panel; and The first fold line of the first inner locking tab and the second fold line of the first outer locking tab engage one another to resist movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in the intermediate configuration of the carton.

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