Tray and sleeve with locking feature, related systems and methods

Abstract

A system for holding one or more articles includes a tray and a sleeve for at least partially receiving the tray. The tray includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, and includes a bottom panel, at least one side panel and at least one end panel, a plurality of end flaps, and a locking feature including at least one locking flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of end flaps, at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the tray. The sleeve includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the sleeve, at least one of the plurality of panels of the sleeve having a locking opening for at least partially receiving the at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,923, filed on August 25, 2022.

[0003] Incorporated by Reference

[0004] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,923, filed on August 25, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Background Art

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding one or more articles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tray for holding one or more articles and the tray includes a locking feature for engaging an outer sleeve. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a system for holding one or more articles, the system comprising a tray and a sleeve for at least partially receiving the tray, the tray comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one end panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels of the tray; and a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to respective end flaps of the plurality of end flaps, at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extending away from the tray. The sleeve comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the sleeve, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve comprising a locking opening for at least partially receiving at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a combination of blanks for forming a system for holding one or more articles, the combination of blanks comprising a tray blank and a sleeve blank, the tray blank comprising: a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of a tray formed by the tray blank, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one end panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of a plurality of panels of the tray; and a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to respective end flaps of the plurality of end flaps, at least a portion of the at least one locking flap being configured to extend away from the tray formed by the blank. The sleeve blank comprising a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of a sleeve formed by the sleeve blank for at least partially receiving the tray formed by the tray blank, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprising a locking opening for at least partially receiving at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a system for holding one or more articles, the method comprising: obtaining a tray blank, the tray blank comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one end panel; a plurality of end flaps, the plurality of end flaps being foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels of the tray; and locking features, the locking features comprising at least one locking flap, the locking flap being foldably connected to respective end flaps of the plurality of end flaps. The method also comprises: obtaining a sleeve blank, the sleeve blank comprising a plurality of panels, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprising a locking opening; positioning the plurality of panels of the tray blank to extend at least partially around an interior of the tray; positioning the locking features of the tray blank such that at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the tray; and positioning the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank to extend at least partially around an interior of the sleeve, such that the interior of the sleeve is positioned for at least partially receiving the tray, and such that the locking opening is positioned for at least partially receiving at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

[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 with reference to the drawings listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of an insert blank for forming an insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a sleeve blank for forming a sleeve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the system comprising Figure 1 The blank is formed into a tray and is formed by Figure 3 The sleeve is formed from the blank and is in an open configuration.

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the system comprising Figure 1 The blank is formed into a tray and is formed by Figure 3 The sleeve is formed from the blank and is in a closed configuration.

[0016] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure Figure 5 A stereogram of the reconfiguration of the system from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0017] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure generally relates to containers, such as trays / sleeves, constructions, cartons, carriers, clips, etc., and packaging for transporting and dispensing articles, which holds one or more articles, such as personal care products (e.g., soaps, lotions, cosmetics, medicines, rinses such as mouthwashes, etc.), household products (e.g., soaps, hand or surface sanitizers, etc.), food, or other articles. As described herein, such articles may be provided in dedicated packaging, or the containers described herein may be configured to directly hold materials associated with such products.

[0019] It should be understood that it may be desirable to restrict access to certain articles, which may include those to be disposed in containers described herein, to specific users. In some cases, these users may be children or other individuals whose parents / guardians / consumer product providers may wish to avoid giving them too easy access to articles, such as articles that present a choking hazard, candy or other indulgences, non-food items that may be accidentally ingested, etc. At the same time, it is desirable to provide these selected individuals or groups of individuals with restricted access to the contained articles while maintaining appropriate ease of access for the intended end users of such articles. Therefore, a container solution is needed that provides access restriction features while maintaining general ease of use for the intended end users.

[0020] Containers according to the present disclosure can hold articles of any shape. For purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes product holding containers (e.g., cardboard trays and sleeves). In this specification, the terms "inner," "interior," "exterior," "outer," "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" indicate orientations determined relative to a tray and sleeve that are fully erected and upright.

[0021] As described herein, a container may be formed from a plurality of overlapping panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank. Such panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank may be designated with reference to one another in relative terms, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., in either sequential or non-sequential terms without departing from the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is used to form the tray 105 ( Figure 2 ) is a plan view of the outer surface 101 of the blank 103. The tray 105 defines an interior 107 within which one or more articles may be held. As further described herein, the tray 105 is configured to at least partially receive an outer carton or sleeve 305 ( Figure 2 ), each outer carton or sleeve is provided with corresponding locking features to provide a secure / locking engagement therebetween. The tray 105 and sleeve 305 can be provided together to form the system 100.

[0023] As shown, the tray blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the longitudinal axis L1 and the transverse axis L2 may be reversed.

[0024] The tray blank 103 has a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around the interior 107 of the tray 105. The plurality of panels may include a bottom panel 121, a first side panel 123 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 125, a second side panel 127 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 129, a first end panel 131 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 133, and a second end panel 135 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 137.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the first side panel 123 may include a base portion 139 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a fold line 125, a first distal portion 141 foldably connected to the base portion 139 at an oblique fold line 143, and a second distal portion 145 foldably connected to the base portion 139 at an oblique fold line 147.

[0026] Similarly, the second side panel 127 may include a base portion 149 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a fold line 129, a first distal portion 151 foldably connected to the base portion 149 at an oblique fold line 153, and a second distal portion 155 foldably connected to the base portion 149 at an oblique fold line 157.

[0027] The tray blank 103 / tray 105 may also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment flap 159 may be foldably connected to the first end panel 131 at a transverse fold line 161, a second attachment flap 163 may be foldably connected to the first end panel 131 at a transverse fold line 165, a third attachment flap 167 may be foldably connected to the second end panel 135 at a transverse fold line 169, and a fourth attachment flap 171 may be foldably connected to the second end panel 135 at a transverse fold line 173. The end flap 175 may also be foldably connected to the second end panel 135 at a longitudinal fold line 177.

[0028] The end flaps may also include a first locking flap 179 foldably connected to the attachment flap 159 at a corresponding portion of the longitudinal fold line 181 and a second locking flap 183 foldably connected to the attachment flap 163 at a corresponding portion of the longitudinal fold line 185 .

[0029] As shown, the first locking flap 179 can include a base portion 187 foldably connected to the attachment flap 159 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 181, and a locking tab portion 189 foldably connected to the base portion 187 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 181. The locking tab portion 189 of the locking flap 179 can be separated from the attachment flap 159 at a cutout 191, which includes one or more straight, curved and / or angled portions. In this regard and as shown, the locking tab portion 189 of the locking flap 179 can include a generally straight free edge intersecting a generally inclined free edge.

[0030] Similarly, the second locking flap 183 can include a base portion 193 foldably connected to the attachment flap 163 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 185, and a locking tab portion 195 foldably connected to the base portion 193 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 185. The locking tab portion 195 of the locking flap 183 can be separated from the attachment flap 163 at a cutout 197, which includes one or more straight, curved and / or angled portions. In this regard and as shown, the locking tab portion 195 of the locking flap 183 can include a generally straight free edge intersecting a generally inclined free edge.

[0031] As further described herein, the locking flaps 179 , 183 may form locking features of the blank 103 / tray 105 for at least partially being received in corresponding locking features of the blank 303 / sleeve 305 .

[0032] It should be understood that the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may have a different number, arrangement, and / or configuration of panels and / or end flaps without departing from the present disclosure.

[0033] Go to Figure 2 , showing a method for forming an insert 205 ( Figure 4 ) of the outer surface 201 of the insert blank 203. In some embodiments, the insert 205 can be at least partially received in the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0034] The blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes L1 and L2 can be reversed.

[0035] The blank 203 can have a bottom panel or center panel 221 and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the center panel 221. As shown, the plurality of end flaps can include a first side flap 223 foldably connected to the center panel 221 at a transverse fold line 225, a second side flap 227 foldably connected to the center panel 221 at a transverse fold line 229, a first end flap 231 foldably connected to the center panel 221 at a longitudinal fold line 233, and a second end flap 235 foldably connected to the center panel 221 at a longitudinal fold line 237.

[0036] As further described herein, the end flaps 223 , 227 , 231 , 235 may be folded relative to the center panel 221 to form a plurality of legs or extensions for positioning the center panel at selected vertical distances within the interior 107 of the tray 105 .

[0037] It should be understood that the blank 203 and the insert 205 formed therefrom may have a different number, arrangement, and / or configuration of panels and / or end flaps without departing from the present disclosure.

[0038] Go to Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for forming a sleeve 305 ( Figure 4 ) of the outer surface 301 of the carton or sleeve blank 303.

[0039] The blank 303 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes L1 and L2 can be reversed.

[0040] The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom can have a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 307 of the tray 305 formed from the blank 303. The plurality of panels can include a bottom panel 321, a first side panel 323 foldably connected to the bottom panel 321 at a transverse fold line 325, a top panel 327 foldably connected to the first side panel 323 at a transverse fold line 329, and a second side panel 331 foldably connected to the top panel 327 at a transverse fold line 333. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 323, 331 of the sleeve blank 303 / sleeve 305 can define upper recessed free edges 324, 332 to facilitate user engagement with the system 100, as further described herein.

[0041] The blank 303 may include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels. The plurality of end flaps may include a top end flap 335 foldably connected to the top panel 327 at a longitudinal fold line 337, a bottom end flap 339 foldably connected to the bottom panel 321 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 341, a first side end flap 343 foldably connected to the side panel 323 at a respective portion of the fold line 341, a top end flap 345 foldably connected to the top panel 327 at a respective portion of the fold line 341, and a second side end flap 347 foldably connected to the side panel 331 at a respective portion of the fold line 341.

[0042] The end flap 339 may include a base portion 349 foldably connected to the bottom panel 321 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 341 , and a distal portion 351 foldably connected to the base portion 349 at an oblique fold line 353 .

[0043] Similarly, the end flap 345 may include a base portion 355 foldably connected to the bottom panel 327 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 341 , and a distal portion 357 foldably connected to the base portion 355 at an oblique fold line 359 .

[0044] The attachment flaps 360 may be foldably connected to the bottom panel 321 at transverse fold lines 362 .

[0045] The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom may also include locking features for at least partially receiving corresponding locking features of the blank 103 / tray 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking features may include a first locking opening 361 at least partially located in the side panel 323 and intersecting the fold line 329, and a second locking opening 363 at least partially located in the side panel 331 and at least partially intersecting the fold line 333.

[0046] It should be understood that the blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom may have a different number, arrangement, and / or configuration of panels and / or end flaps without departing from the present disclosure.

[0047] Additional references Figure 2 , the formation of the tray 105 from the tray blank 103, the formation of the insert 205 from the insert blank 203, and the formation of the sleeve 305 from the sleeve blank 303 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, the system 100 including at least the tray 105 and the sleeve 305 can be formed by first obtaining a combination of blanks.

[0048] The tray blank 103 may be positioned with its outer surface 101 in contact with the support surface and with its outer surface facing upward. The side panels 123 , 127 may be folded at fold lines 125 , 129 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121 .

[0049] The distal portions 141, 145 of the side panels 123 can be folded back at respective fold lines 143, 147 so that their outer surfaces are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the outer surface of the base portion 139 of the side panel 123. Similarly, the distal portions 151, 155 of the side panels 137 can be folded back at respective fold lines 153, 157 so that their outer surfaces are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the outer surface of the base portion 149 of the side panel 127.

[0050] Simultaneously or subsequently, attachment flaps 159 , 163 may be folded at fold lines 161 , 165 into at least partial face-to-face contact with end panel 131 , and attachment flaps 167 , 171 may be folded at fold lines 169 , 173 into at least partial face-to-face contact with end panel 135 .

[0051] The end panel 131 can be folded at the folding line 133 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121, so that the outer surface of the attachment fold 159 carried thereon is positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 141 of the side panel 123, and so that the outer surface of the attachment fold 163 carried thereon is positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 151 of the side panel 127.

[0052] Similarly, the end panel 135 can be folded at the folding line 137 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121, so that the outer surface of the attachment flap 167 carried thereon is positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 145 of the side panel 123, and so that the outer surface of the attachment flap 171 carried thereon is positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 155 of the side panel 127.

[0053] Panels 123, 127, 131, 135 may then be folded at respective fold lines 125, 129, 133, 137 into a generally upright relationship with bottom panel 121. In this arrangement, attachment flap 159 may be in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions 139, 141 of side panel 123, attachment flap 163 may be in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions 149, 151 of side panel 127, attachment flap 167 may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions 139, 145 of side panel 123, and attachment flap 171 may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions 149, 155 of side panel 127.

[0054] Locking flap 179 may be folded at corresponding portions of fold line 181 into a generally spaced and parallel relationship above bottom panel 121, and locking flap 183 may be folded at corresponding portions of fold line 185 into a generally spaced and parallel relationship with bottom panel 121. End flap 175 may also be folded at fold line 177 into a generally spaced and parallel relationship above bottom panel 121.

[0055] Such movement of the locking flaps 179, 183 may cause their locking tab portions 189, 195 to separate from the respective attachment flaps 159, 163 at the respective cutouts 191, 197, thereby being positioned to extend away from the respective side panels 123, 127. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective locking portions 189, 195 of the respective locking flaps 179, 183 may extend away from the interior 107 of the tray 105, and the respective base portions 187, 193 of the respective locking flaps 179, 183 may extend toward the interior 107 of the tray 105, e.g., to at least partially cover the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0056] Continue to refer Figure 4 , the end flaps 223, 227, 231, 235 of the insert blank 203 may be folded at respective fold lines 225, 229, 233, 235 into a generally downwardly extending relationship from the center panel 221, thereby forming legs or extensions of the insert 205. Thus, the insert 205 may be positioned within the interior 107 of the tray 105, wherein the legs / extensions formed by the end flaps 223, 227, 231, 235 support the center panel 221 at a selected vertical distance from the bottom panel 121 of the tray 105.

[0057] It should be appreciated that such an arrangement of the insert 205 may desirably support one or more articles above the bottom panel 121 of the pallet 105, e.g., to avoid contact with one or more uncoated / interior surfaces of the pallet, to provide impact resistance features, to occupy empty space during shipping or other movement, etc. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the insert 205 may selectively be configured to provide a desired compartment space within the interior 107 of the pallet 105.

[0058] In some embodiments, the tray 105 / system 100 may be provided without the insert 205 , if desired.

[0059] Still refer to Figure 4 According to one embodiment, the sleeve 305 may be formed from the blank 303 by positioning the inner surface 301 of the sleeve blank 303 on a support surface in a manner such that the inner surface of the sleeve blank faces upward.

[0060] The panels 321, 323, 327, 331 can be folded at fold lines 325, 329, 333 to position the top panel 327 and the bottom panel 321 in a generally spaced apart and parallel relationship, and to position the side panels 323, 331 in a generally spaced apart and parallel relationship, wherein the side panels 323, 331 extend perpendicularly from the top panel 327 to the bottom panel 321. The attachment flap 360 can be folded at fold line 362 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 331. In this arrangement, the panels 321, 323, 327, 331 extend at least partially around the interior 307 of the sleeve 305.

[0061] The end flaps 339, 343, 345, 347 can be folded into at least partially overlapping relationship at corresponding portions of the fold line 341 to form the closed end 309 of the sleeve 305. The end flap 335 can be folded at the fold line 337 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the top panel 327 at the open end 311 of the sleeve 305.

[0062] Additional references Figure 5 , the tray 105 can be at least partially received in the open end 311 of the sleeve 305 and moved along the direction A1 ( Figure 4 ) is pushed into the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. When the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the respective locking tabs 179, 183 that protrude away from the sides of the tray 105 contact the respective side panels 323, 331 of the sleeve 305, the respective locking tab portions 189, 195 can be folded / flexed at least partially downwardly and / or inwardly toward the respective side panels 123, 127 of the tray 105 at the respective fold lines 181, 185.

[0063] As the tray 105 is advanced further through the interior 307 of the sleeve 305 and toward the closed end 309 of the sleeve 305, the locking openings 361, 363 in the respective side panels 323, 331 of the sleeve 305 can provide space through which the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the respective locking tabs 179, 183 of the tray 105 can extend outwardly. In this regard, the aforementioned folding of the respective locking tab portions 189, 195 toward the respective side panels 123, 127 of the tray 105 at the respective fold lines 181, 185 can introduce a bias that tends to return the locking tab portions 189, 195 from the respective side panels 123, 127 toward a generally outwardly extending arrangement.

[0064] When the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the respective locking flaps 179, 183 are moved to extend through the respective locking openings 361, 363, the locking tab portions 189, 195 can engage the edges of the respective side panels 323, 331 that define the respective locking openings 361, 363 to at least partially maintain the position of the tray 105 nearly completely or completely inserted into the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. Thus, the engagement of the respective locking tab portions 189, 195 of the respective locking flaps 179, 183 with the side panels 323, 331 can maintain the position of the tray 105 in the interior 307 of the sleeve 305 such that, in addition to the panels 321, 323, 331, the top panel 327 of the sleeve 305 also restricts access to the interior 107 of the tray 105 and the one or more articles held therein. This arrangement of the system 100 in which the locking tab portions 189 , 195 of the respective locking flaps 189 , 195 are at least partially received in the respective locking openings 361 , 363 may be a closed configuration or locked configuration of the system 100 .

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, according to some embodiments, the system 100 can be opened / reconfigured from the closed / locked position to the open configuration by a user by grasping the sleeve 305 with one hand, at least partially pressing the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the corresponding locking flaps 179, 183 through the corresponding locking openings 361, 363 to disengage the locking features of the tray 105 / sleeve 305 and allowing the tray 305 to slide freely along the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the user can grasp one or more of the panels 321, 322, 327, 331 (and / or associated fold lines therebetween) and / or the closed end 309 of the sleeve 305 with selected fingers of the hand (e.g., the index finger and thumb) and engage the locking tab portions 189, 195 to press the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the locking flaps 179, 183, as described above.

[0066] At the same time or thereafter, the user may grasp the tray 105, for example, with his or her other hand, and at least partially withdraw the tray 105 from the sleeve 305 in the direction of arrow A2 to at least partially expose the interior 107 of the tray 105 and allow access to one or more articles held therein. In some embodiments, for example, when the system 100 is in a closed configuration, the portions of the side panels 123, 127 of the tray 105 exposed by the recessed edges 324, 332 of the sleeve blank 303 / sleeve 305 may allow such initial engagement of the tray 105 (e.g., between the user's index finger and thumb).

[0067] The aforementioned system 100 provides a tray 105 and sleeve 305 in interlocking engagement to allow the system 100 to be reconfigured between a closed / locked configuration in which the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the respective locking flaps 189, 195 are at least partially received in the respective locking openings 361, 363, and an open configuration in which the tray 105 is at least partially withdrawn from the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. The aforementioned locking features may be configured so as to provide convenient access to opening / unlocking and closing / locking the system 100 in a relatively simple manner for intended users having targeted physical characteristics, whereas users lacking such physical characteristics may encounter one or more obstacles in at least opening / unlocking the system 100 and one or more articles in the interior 107 of the tray 105. In some embodiments, such physical characteristics may include the ability to simultaneously grasp the tray 105 / sleeve 305 with two hands as described above, and the dexterity to engage the locking features and at least partially withdraw the tray 105 from the sleeve 305 as described above.

[0068] It should be understood that one or more features of the system 100, tray 105, and / or sleeve 305 may have alternative configurations without departing from the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the tray 105 and / or sleeve 305 may include a different number, arrangement, and / or configuration of locking features without departing from the present disclosure.

[0069] Generally speaking, the blanks of the present disclosure can be constructed of paperboard with a certain thickness, making it heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials such as paperboard, or can be constructed of any other material with properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least roughly as described above. The blanks can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with product, advertising and other information or images. Next, a varnish can be applied to the blanks to protect the information printed on the blanks. The blanks can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet materials at a selected panel or panel section.

[0070] As an example, the 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 and / or extending completely through the material along the desired weakening line, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits extending completely through the material, wherein adjacent slits are slightly spaced apart so that a notch (e.g., a small piece of some kind of bridging material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. During tearing along the tear line, the notch breaks. The notch is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the notch can be omitted from the tear line or torn in the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure to replace each of the tear lines with a continuous slit, etc. For example, without departing from the present disclosure, the cut line can be a continuous slit, or can be wider than the slit.

[0071] According to exemplary embodiments, a fold line may be any substantially linear, but not necessarily straight, weakening form that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, a fold line includes: a score line, such as a line formed with a dull scoring knife or the like, that creates a crushed or recessed portion in the material along a desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into the material along a desired line of weakness; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into the material and / or completely through the material along a desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. Where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that could cause a reasonable user to mistakenly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0072] The above embodiments may be described as one or more panels being adhered together by glue during construction of the carton embodiments.The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives typically used to secure carton panels in place.

[0073] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Since various changes can be made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, changes, etc. of the above-described 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 technology 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 unexplained embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for holding one or more articles, the system comprising: A pallet, comprising: - a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the pallet, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel and at least one end panel; - a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels of the pallet; and - a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps, at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extending away from the tray; and A sleeve for at least partially receiving the tray, the sleeve comprising: - a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior of the sleeve, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve comprising a locking opening for at least partially receiving the at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

2. A system as described in claim 1, wherein the system is capable of being reconfigured between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, at least a portion of the locking flap is at least partially received in the locking opening, and in the open configuration, the tray is at least partially withdrawn from the interior of the sleeve.

3. A system as described in claim 2, wherein the at least one locking flap includes a base portion and a locking portion foldably connected to the base portion, and the at least a portion of the at least one locking flap is the locking portion of the at least one locking flap.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the base portion of the at least one locking flap extends toward the interior of the tray and the locking portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the interior of the tray.

5. A system as described in claim 4, wherein the at least one side panel of the pallet is a first side panel, the multiple panels of the pallet also include a second side panel, the at least one locking flap is a first locking flap, the locking feature also includes a second locking flap, the second locking flap is foldably connected to a corresponding end flap among the multiple end flaps of the pallet, and at least a portion of the second locking flap extends away from the pallet.

6. A system as described in claim 5, wherein the multiple panels of the sleeve include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and a second side panel, the at least one locking opening is a first locking opening in the first side panel of the sleeve, for receiving the locking portion of the first locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration, and the locking feature also includes a second locking opening in the second side panel of the sleeve, for at least partially receiving at least a portion of the second locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of end flaps of the tray include at least one attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the at least one locking flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment flap.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one attachment flap is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel of the tray.

9. A system as described in claim 4, wherein the sleeve includes an open end, the multiple panels of the sleeve include a top panel, a bottom panel and at least one side panel, the sleeve also includes a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to corresponding panels of the multiple panels, and the multiple end flaps of the sleeve at least partially overlap to form a closed end of the sleeve.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one side panel of the sleeve includes a recessed free edge for exposing a portion of the tray when the system is in the closed configuration.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises an insert at least partially received within the interior of the pallet, the insert comprising a center panel and a plurality of end flaps extending downwardly from the center panel to support the center panel of the insert above the bottom panel of the pallet.

12. A combination of blanks for forming a system for holding one or more articles, the combination of blanks comprising: A pallet blank, the pallet blank comprising: - a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of a tray formed from the tray blank, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel and at least one end panel; - a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels of the pallet; and - a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of end flaps, at least a portion of the at least one locking flap being adapted to extend away from a tray formed from the blank; and A sleeve blank, the sleeve blank comprising: - A plurality of panels, the plurality of panels being used to extend at least partially around the interior of a sleeve formed by the sleeve blank for at least partially receiving a pallet formed by the tray blank, at least one of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprising a locking opening for at least partially receiving at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

13. The combination of blanks of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the locking flap is adapted to be at least partially received in the locking opening to form a closed configuration of the system formed by the combination of the blanks.

14. A combination of blanks as described in claim 13, wherein the at least one locking flap includes a base portion and a locking portion foldably connected to the base portion, and the at least a portion of the at least one locking flap is the locking portion of the at least one locking flap.

15. A combination of blanks as described in claim 14, wherein the base portion of the at least one locking flap is used to extend toward the interior of the tray formed by the tray blank, and the locking portion of the at least one locking flap is used to extend away from the interior of the tray formed by the tray blank.

16. A combination of blanks as described in claim 15, wherein at least one side panel of the tray is a first side panel, the multiple panels of the tray also include a second side panel, the at least one locking flap is a first locking flap, the locking feature also includes a second locking flap, the second locking flap is foldably connected to a corresponding end flap among the multiple end flaps of the tray, and at least a portion of the second locking flap is used to extend away from the tray formed by the tray blank.

17. A combination of blanks as described in claim 16, wherein the multiple panels of the sleeve blank include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and a second side panel, the at least one locking opening is a first locking opening in the first side panel of the sleeve blank, the first locking opening is used to receive the locking portion of the first locking flap when the system formed by the combination of the blanks is in the closed configuration, and the locking feature also includes a second locking opening in the second side panel of the sleeve blank, the second locking opening is used to at least partially receive at least a portion of the second locking flap when the system formed by the combination of the blanks is in the closed configuration.

18. The combination of blanks of claim 17, wherein the plurality of end flaps of the tray include at least one attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the at least one locking flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment flap.

19. A combination of blanks as described in claim 15, wherein the multiple panels of the sleeve blank include a top panel, a bottom panel and at least one side panel, the sleeve blank also includes a plurality of end flaps, the multiple end flaps are foldably connected to corresponding panels among the multiple panels of the sleeve blank, and the multiple end flaps of the sleeve blank are arranged to at least partially overlap to form a closed end of the sleeve formed by the sleeve blank and an open end of the sleeve formed by the sleeve blank.

20. The combination of blanks of claim 19, wherein the at least one side panel of the sleeve blank comprises a recessed free edge for exposing a portion of a tray formed by the tray blank when the system formed by the combination of the blanks is in the closed configuration.

21. A combination of blanks as described in claim 20, wherein the combination of blanks also includes an insert blank for forming an insert, the insert being at least partially received in the interior of a tray formed by the tray blank, the insert including a center panel and a plurality of end flaps, the end flaps being foldably connected to the center panel so as to extend downward from the center panel to support the center panel of the insert formed by the insert blank above the bottom panel of the tray formed by the tray blank.

22. A method of forming a system for holding one or more articles, the method comprising: A pallet blank is obtained, the pallet blank comprising: - a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel and at least one end panel; - a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels of the pallet; and - a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of end flaps; obtaining a sleeve blank, the sleeve blank comprising a plurality of panels, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprising a locking opening; positioning the plurality of panels of the tray blank, the plurality of panels of the tray blank extending at least partially around an interior of the tray; positioning the locking feature of the tray blank such that at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the tray; and The plurality of panels of the sleeve blank are positioned to extend at least partially around an interior of the sleeve such that the interior of the sleeve is positioned to at least partially receive the tray and such that the locking opening is positioned to at least partially receive at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the system is capable of being reconfigured between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, at least a portion of the locking flap is at least partially received in the locking opening, and in the open configuration, the tray is at least partially withdrawn from the interior of the sleeve.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising inserting the tray at least partially into the interior of the sleeve and positioning the at least one locking flap to extend through the at least one locking opening to form the closed configuration of the system.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising pressing the at least one locking flap into the at least one locking opening and at least partially withdrawing the tray from the interior of the sleeve to form the open configuration of the system.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one locking flap comprises a base portion and a locking portion foldably connected to the base portion, and the at least a portion of the at least one locking flap is the locking portion of the at least one locking flap.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising positioning the base portion of the at least one locking flap to extend toward the interior of the tray and positioning the locking portion of the at least one locking flap to extend away from the interior of the tray.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein at least one side panel of the pallet is a first side panel, the multiple panels of the pallet also include a second side panel, the at least one locking flap is a first locking flap, the locking feature also includes a second locking flap, the second locking flap is foldably connected to a corresponding end flap among the multiple end flaps of the pallet, and the method also includes positioning at least a portion of the second locking flap to extend away from the pallet.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the multiple panels of the sleeve blank include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and a second side panel, the at least one locking opening is a first locking opening in the first side panel of the sleeve, the first locking opening is used to receive the locking portion of the first locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration, and the locking feature also includes a second locking opening in the second side panel of the sleeve, the second locking opening is used to at least partially receive at least a portion of the second locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the plurality of end flaps of the pallet include at least one attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the at least one locking flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment flap.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising positioning the at least one attachment flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel of the pallet.

32. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein positioning the multiple panels of the sleeve blank includes positioning the multiple panels of the sleeve blank so that the sleeve includes an open end, the multiple panels of the sleeve blank include a top panel, a bottom panel and at least one side panel, the sleeve blank also includes a plurality of end flaps, the plurality of end flaps are foldably connected to corresponding panels among the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank, and the method also includes at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps of the sleeve blank to form a closed end of the sleeve.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one side panel of the sleeve blank includes a recessed free edge for exposing a portion of the tray when the system is in the closed configuration.

34. The method of claim 33 further includes obtaining an insert blank comprising a center panel and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the center panel, the method further including positioning the plurality of end flaps extending downward from the center panel to form an insert from the sleeve, and positioning the insert at least partially within the interior of the pallet such that the plurality of end flaps extending downward from the center panel support the center panel of the insert above the bottom panel of the pallet.

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