Carton with a locking mechanism

Abstract

The carton comprises an inner structure that can comprise a plurality of inner panels that at least partially extend around a first interior. The inner structure can include first and second inner locking tabs. The outer structure can include a plurality of outer panels that at least partially extend around a second interior. The inner structure can be at least partially received within the second interior. The outer structure can include a first outer locking tab and a second outer locking tab. The second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab can cooperate to restrict movement between the structures in a closed configuration, and when the second inner locking tab is disengaged from the second outer locking tab, the inner structure and / or the outer structure can be movable from the closed configuration to an intermediate configuration in which the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of German Utility Model Application No. 202022103909.7, filed on Jul. 12, 2022.

[0002] Incorporation by Reference The disclosure of German Utility Model Application No. 202022103909.7, filed on Jul. 12, 2022, is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a carton / box for holding one or more products. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a carton having an inner structure at least partially received within an outer structure and a locking mechanism for selectively restricting and / or resisting relative movement between the structures of the carton.

Background Art

[0004] Background of the Disclosure Cartons / boxes having a locking mechanism can be used for a variety of different products such as dishwashing detergents, pharmaceuticals, household cleaners, candles, cosmetics, tobacco, and other products that should be stored out of reach of children, because children may put those products in their mouths, swallow them, or use them in other dangerous ways. For example, there may be a case where it is desired to store certain products out of reach of infants, toddlers, kindergarten children, and preschool children (up to about 6 years old).

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Generally, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a carton comprising an inner structure that can include a plurality of inner panels that at least partially extend around a first interior of the inner structure. The inner structure can include at least a first inner locking tab and a second inner locking tab. The outer structure can include a plurality of outer panels that at least partially extend around a second interior of the outer structure. The inner structure can be at least partially received within the second interior of the outer structure. The outer structure can include at least a first outer locking tab and a second outer locking tab. The second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab can cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in a closed configuration of the carton, and when the second inner locking tab is disengaged from the second outer locking tab, one or both of the inner structure and the outer structure can be movable from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration in which the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a first blank and a second blank that cooperate to at least partially form a carton. The first blank can include a plurality of inner panels, a first inner locking tab, and a second inner locking tab, and the first blank can be for forming an inner structure. The second blank can include a plurality of outer panels, a first outer locking tab, and a second outer locking tab. The second blank can be for forming an outer structure for at least partially receiving the inner structure formed from the first blank when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank. The second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab can be configured to selectively cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank when the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank is in a closed configuration. The first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab can be configured to selectively cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank when the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank is in an intermediate configuration.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carton. The method includes obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality of inner panels, a first inner locking tab, and a second inner locking tab; forming an inner structure from the first blank by folding at least partially around a first interior of the inner structure a plurality of inner panels; obtaining a second blank comprising a plurality of outer panels, a first outer locking tab, and a second outer locking tab; forming an outer structure from the second blank by folding at least partially around a second interior of the outer structure a plurality of outer panels. The method can further include moving at least one of the inner structure and the outer structure relative to the other to assemble the carton with the inner structure at least partially received within the second interior of the outer structure. The second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab can cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in a closed configuration of the carton, and when the second inner locking tab is disengaged from the second outer locking tab, one or both of the inner structure and the outer structure can be movable from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration in which the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will understand the above advantages and other advantages and benefits of the various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below.

[0009] By convention, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to packages for holding structures, boxes, cartons, carriers, trays, etc., and one or more products or articles to be stored out of reach of children (e.g., for safety reasons). The products can be cleaning products such as dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, soaps, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, candles, tobacco, anything that may pose a choking hazard, any other suitable products or materials, or combinations thereof.

[0013] The structures according to the present disclosure can accommodate products or articles of any shape. As used herein, the terms "inner", "inside", "outer", "outside", "lower", "bottom", "upper", and "top" refer to orientations determined with respect to fully upright and standing structures and cartons. As described herein, the structures can be formed from blanks by adhering a plurality of panels, parts, tabs, and / or flaps, which can be designated relative to each other herein by sequential or non-sequential reference, e.g., as "first", "second", "third", etc., without departing from the present disclosure.

[0014] According to FIG. 1, the first blank 1 is used to form an inner portion or inner structure 21 (FIGS. 3 and 7-9) having a first opening 22 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The inner structure 21 can be a container used to hold one or more products (not shown). FIG. 4 shows a second blank 25 used to form an outer portion or outer structure 65 (e.g., cover 65) (FIGS. 6-9) having a second opening 66 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the inner (inner) structure 21 and the outer (outer) structure 65 cooperate to form a carton 69 (FIGS. 8 and 9), the outer structure 65 extends at least partially around the inner structure 21, and the inner structure 21 is selectively movable within the outer structure 65 between a closed configuration (FIG. 8), an intermediate partially unlocked configuration (FIG. 9), and an open configuration (FIG. 7) as will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner structure 21 and the outer structure 65 can include a locking and stopping mechanism to cooperate and resist and / or limit the movement of the inner structure 21 and the outer structure 65 relative to each other as will be described in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the blanks 1, 25 can be made of paperboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or other suitable materials.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the first blank 1 has a longitudinal direction L1 and a transverse direction L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first blank 1 can have a bottom wall or panel 2 that is foldably connected at its edges to four first side walls or inner panels 3, 4, 5, 6 along respective fold lines 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4. For example, the bottom panel 2 can be foldably connected to the first inner side panel 3 and the second inner side panel 5 along respective transverse fold lines 2.1, 2.3, and the bottom panel 2 can be foldably connected to the first inner end panel 4 and the second inner end panel 6 along respective longitudinal fold lines 2.2, 2.4. As shown in FIG. 1, at least the bottom panel 2 and the inner end panels 4, 6 can be rectangular. Without departing from the present disclosure, any of the bottom panel 2 and / or the inner panels 3, 4, 5, 6 can be omitted or can have other shapes, arrangements, and / or configurations.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner side panels 3, 5 can be foldably connected to respective inner locking tabs 9, 10 (e.g., a first inner locking tab) along respective lateral fold lines 7, 8 at opposing edges of the inner side panels 3, 5. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 can include respective proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 (e.g., an inner or first proximal section) and respective distal sections 9.2, 10.2 (e.g., an inner or first distal section). In an embodiment, the proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 are foldably connected (e.g., directly foldably connected) to respective inner panels 3, 5 along respective lateral fold lines 7, 8 and are foldably connected to respective distal sections 9.2, 10.2 along respective lateral fold lines 11, 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 can be trapezoidal (e.g., such that fold lines 11, 12 are shorter than fold lines 7, 8 and the free ends of proximal portions 9.1, 10.1 are angled) and the distal sections 9.2, 10.2 can be rectangular. Alternatively, sections 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 can have any suitable shape.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the first inner side panel 3 is foldably connected to respective inner dust flaps or inner side end flaps 13, 14 along respective longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 3.3. Similarly, the second inner side panel 5 is foldably connected to respective inner dust flaps or inner end flaps 15, 16 along respective longitudinal fold lines 5.1, 5.3. In an embodiment, the longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1, 5.3 can extend along the rectangular sections of the respective inner side panels 3, 5. Further, the diagonal free edges 3.2, 5.2 of the respective inner side panels 3, 5 extend from the respective longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1, 5.3 to respective ends of the respective transverse fold lines 7, 8, and can at least partially define respective trapezoidal sections of the respective inner side panels 3, 5. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the free edges of the proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 can extend as an extension of the respective diagonal free edges 3.2, 5.2 of the inner side panels 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 can be omitted or otherwise formed, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end panels 4, 6 are foldably connected to respective locking tabs 18, 17 (e.g., second inner locking tabs) along respective longitudinal fold lines 18.1, 17.1 at opposing upper edges of the inner end panels 4, 6. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can include respective inner locking edges 19, 20 (e.g., second inner locking edges) at its outer edge. In an embodiment, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 are trapezoidal, and the inner locking edges 19, 20 are narrower than the fold lines 17.1, 18.1. Alternatively, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can have any suitable shape. The first blank 1 can be of other shapes, arrangements, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, in a first processing step for forming the inner structure 21 (FIGS. 3 and 7-9) from the first blank 1, the proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 of the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 can be bent over the respective inner side panels 3, 5 along the respective lateral fold lines 7, 8 and fixed (e.g., adhered) to the respective inner side panels 3, 5 (e.g., the proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 and the inner side panels 3, 5 can be in an overlapping relationship and / or in face-to-face contact). Further, the distal sections 9.2, 10.2 of the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 can be bent and fixed (e.g., adhesively bonded) to the respective proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 of the first inner locking tabs 9, 10. Alternatively, the distal sections 9.2, 10.2 can be fixed between the respective proximal sections 9.1, 10.1 and the respective inner side panels 3, 5. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7-9, the bent inner locking tabs 9, 10 form the first inner locking edges 23, 24 along the respective lateral fold lines 11, 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking tabs 9, 10 are bent and adhered to the respective inner panels 3, 5 (e.g., by a packaging manufacturer) and then can be stored and / or transported (e.g., in a packaging machine) in a flat adhered blank 1' configuration (FIG. 2) (e.g., stacked with other similar or identical blanks 1').

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 - 9, the inner side panels 3, 5 are bent along the horizontal fold lines 2.1, 2.3 to extend upward from the bottom panel 2, and the inner end flaps 13, 16 and 14, 15 are bent along the respective longitudinal fold lines 3.1, 5.3 and 3.3, 5.1 and overlapped on the respective ends of the inner structure 21. By bending the inner end panels 6, 4 along the respective longitudinal fold lines 2.4, 2.2 and overlapping them on the respective ends of the inner structure 21, an inner structure 21 assembled (for example, by a folder - gluer system, packer, etc.) can be formed from the flat adhesive blank 1'. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end flaps 13, 14, 15, 16 can be bent perpendicular to the inner side panels 3, 5 so as to extend between the inner side panels 3, 5. In an example, the first inner end panel 4 can overlap and be fixed (for example, adhered) to the inner end flaps 14, 15 to form the first inner end wall, and the second inner end panel 6 can overlap and be fixed (for example, adhered) to the inner end flaps 13, 16 to form the second inner end wall. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 - 9, the bottom panel 2, the inner panels 3, 4, 5, 6 and the inner end flaps 13, 14, 15, 16 can at least partially extend around the first interior of the inner structure 21 to receive an article within the inner structure 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembled inner structure 21 can have a first or inner opening 22 defined between the inner panels 3, 4, 5, 6 with respect to the bottom panel 2 (for example, to insert and remove a product from the inner structure 21). In the illustrated embodiment, the first inner locking edge portions 23, 24 can face toward the bottom panel 2 away from the inner opening 22 and be spaced apart from the inner opening 22 and the bottom panel 2.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can be bent outwardly and downwardly along their respective longitudinal fold lines 17.1, 18.1 such that the second inner locking edges 19, 20 face downward (e.g., toward the bottom panel 2). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can be bent so as to overlap and / or be in face-to-face contact with their respective inner end panels 6, 4. In an embodiment, one or both of the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can pivot freely with respect to the inner end panels 6, 4 or can be fixed (e.g., adhered) to the inner end panels 6, 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18 can be bent before forming the inner structure 21 (e.g., in the bent and adhered blank 1’). The inner structure 21 can be formed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the second blank 25 for the outer component / structure 65 can have a longitudinal direction L1 and a transverse direction L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second blank 25 can include a top wall or panel 26 that is foldably connected at its edges to four second side walls or outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30 along respective fold lines 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4. For example, the top panel 26 can be foldably connected to the first outer side panel 27 and the second outer side panel 29 along their respective transverse fold lines 26.1, 26.3, and the top panel 26 can be foldably connected to the first outer end panel 28 and the second outer end panel 30 along their respective longitudinal fold lines 26.2, 26.4. In an embodiment, each of the top wall 26 and the outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30 can be rectangular. None of the top panel 26 and / or the outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30 need be omitted or can be formed, arranged, and / or configured otherwise without departing from the present disclosure.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the first outer side panel 27 can be foldably connected to respective outer dust flaps or outer side end flaps 31, 32 along respective longitudinal folding lines 27.1, 27.2. Similarly, the second outer side panel 29 can be foldably connected to respective outer dust flaps or outer side end flaps 33, 34 along respective longitudinal folding lines 29.1, 29.2. Any of the outer side end flaps 31, 32, 33, 34 and / or the outer side panels 27, 29 can be omitted without departing from the present disclosure, or can be of other shapes, arrangements and / or configurations.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer side panels 27, 29 can be foldably connected to respective outer locking tabs 37, 38 (e.g., a first outer locking tab) along respective lateral fold lines 35, 36 at opposing edges of the outer side panels 27, 29. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer locking tabs 37, 38 can include respective proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 (e.g., outer proximal sections) and respective distal sections 37.2, 38.2 (e.g., outer distal sections). In an embodiment, the proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 are foldably connected (e.g., directly foldably connected) to respective outer side panels 27, 29 along respective lateral fold lines 35, 36 and are foldably connected to respective distal sections 37.2, 38.2 along respective lateral fold lines 39, 40 that oppose respective lateral fold lines 35, 36. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 can have two parts, and the first parts 37.11, 38.11 are adjacent to respective lateral fold lines 35, 36 and can be rectangular (e.g., definable by a free edge extending in the longitudinal direction L1). In an embodiment, the second parts 37.12, 38.12 are adjacent to respective lateral fold lines 39, 40 and are trapezoidal (e.g., definable by an inclined free edge), and respective second parts 37.12, 38.12 extend toward respective first parts 37.11, 38.11. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal sections 37.2, 38.2 can be rectangular and can be foldably connected to short edges of the proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 along lateral fold lines 39, 40. Alternatively, the sections 37.1, 37.2, 38.1, 38.2 can have any suitable shape.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the second blank 25 can include engagement devices or engagement features 41, 42 (e.g., a first engagement device) that extend to respective outer side panels 27, 29. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement devices 41, 42 can be positioned closer to the top panel 26 than respective outer locking tabs 37, 38. In an embodiment, the engagement devices 41, 42 can include respective weakening lines 43, 44 (e.g., cut lines or tear lines) and transverse fold lines 45, 46 that at least partially define respective engagement covers or cover panels 49, 50. The weakening lines 43, 44 can extend from the ends of respective transverse fold lines 45, 46. In other embodiments, the fold lines 45, 46 can be replaced with tear lines or cut lines, or can be a continuum of respective weakening lines 43, 44. In an exemplary embodiment, the weakening lines 43, 44 can be formed by scribe lines that are offset from each other on the outer and inner surfaces of the outer side panels 27, 29, and in an embodiment, the scribe lines on the outer surfaces of the outer side panels 27, 29 can be offset outwardly relative to the scribe lines on the inner surfaces. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement devices 41, 42 can include respective access openings 47, 48 (e.g., lenticular openings) that extend along the edges of respective weakening lines 43, 44 (e.g., proximate to the top panel 26). Alternatively, the access openings 47, 48 can be positioned along any portion of respective cover panels 49, 50 or can be omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement devices 41, 42 can be offset in opposite directions from a central axis 53 (e.g., a longitudinal centerline) of the second blank 25. For example, the engagement device 41 can be offset in transverse direction L2 from the central axis 53 toward the outer end flap 31 (FIG. 4), and the engagement device 42 can be offset in transverse direction L2 from the central axis 53 toward the outer end flap 33 (e.g., the right side in FIG. 4).In an embodiment, the covers 49, 50 can be removed by gripping the covers 49, 50 at their respective access openings 47, 48 and tearing along the weakened lines 43, 44 to form respective engagement holes 52 (FIG. 9) in their respective outer side panels. When the covers 49, 50 are torn along the weakened lines 43, 44, they can be bent downwardly and outwardly along their respective lateral fold lines 45, 46. The engagement holes 52 for the engagement devices 42 are shown in FIG. 9, and the cover panel 50 is completely removed (e.g., away along the fold line 46 and the weakened line 44).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the second blank 25 can further include engagement openings 54, 55 (e.g., having an elliptical shape). In an embodiment, the opening 54 can extend to the first outer side panel 27 and the proximal section 37.1 of the first outer locking tab 37 (e.g., half of the outer side panel 27 and half of the proximal section 37.1 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the lateral fold line 35). Further, the engagement opening 55 extends to the second outer side panel 29 and the proximal section 38.1 of the second outer locking tab 38 (e.g., half of the outer side panel 29 and half of the proximal section 38.1 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the lateral fold line 36). In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement openings 54, 55 can be arranged on the central axis 53. Any of the engagement mechanisms 41, 42, 54, 55 can be omitted or otherwise formed, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the engagement mechanism can have any suitable shape. In another example, the covers 49, 50 can be omitted such that the engagement mechanisms 41, 42 become openings in the outer side panels 27, 29. Further, at least a partially removable panel (not shown) (e.g., similar to the cover panels 49, 50) can be included in the second blank 25 and removed by tearing along a weakened line (not shown) (e.g., similar to the weakened lines 45, 46) to form the engagement openings 54, 55.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer end flaps 31, 34 can include respective inclined surfaces 56, 57 and respective second outer locking edge portions 58, 59 extending from the respective inclined surfaces 56, 57 along the upper edges of the outer end flaps 31, 34 (e.g., proximate the outer end panel 30 and the top panel 26). As shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surfaces 56, 57 can be angled, and the second outer locking edge portions 58, 59 can extend in a transverse direction L2 (e.g., parallel to the fold lines 39, 40). In an embodiment, the outer end flaps 31, 34 can be regarded as second outer locking tabs having the second outer locking edge portions 58, 59. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer end panel 30 extending between the second outer locking edge portions 58, 59 can include a slot 60 having a central slot portion 60.1 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction L1 and two end slot portions 60.2, 60.3 extending substantially in the transverse direction L2 from respective ends of the central slot portion 60.1. In an embodiment, the slot 60 including the central slot portion 60.1 and the end slot portions 60.2, 60.3 can at least partially define a bending region or tab 61. Any of the bevels 56, 57, the second outer locking edge portions 58, 59, the slot 60, and / or the bending tab 61 can be omitted or otherwise formed, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure. The second blank 25 can be of other shapes, arrangements, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0028] In a first processing step for forming the outer structure 65 (Figs. 6-9) from the second blank 25, the distal sections 37.2, 38.2 of the outer locking tabs 37, 38 can be bent and fixed (e.g., adhesively bonded) to the respective proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 of the outer locking tabs 37, 38. Further, the outer proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 can be bent against the inside of the respective outer side panels 27, 29, and the distal sections 33.2, 34.2 can be fixed (e.g., adhesively bonded) to the inside of the outer side panels 27, 29. Thus, the distal sections 37.2, 38.2 can be fixed between the respective proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 and the respective outer side panels 27, 29. Alternatively, the proximal sections 37.1, 38.1 can be disposed between the respective outer side panels 27, 29 and the respective distal sections 37.2, 38.2 and can be fixed to the outer side panels 27, 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the bent outer locking tabs 37, 38 can form first outer locking edges 63, 64 along the respective lateral fold lines 39, 40 and are positioned between the respective engaging devices 41, 42 and the respective lateral fold lines 35, 36 (Fig. 5). As shown in Figs. 5-9, when the outer locking tabs 37, 38 are bent against the inside of the outer side panels 27, 29, respective engaging recesses or notches 67, 68 of the outer structure 65 are formed by the engaging openings 54, 55. In an embodiment, the engaging recesses 67, 68 can have a semi-elliptical shape and can extend along the lower edges of the outer side panels 27, 29. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer locking tabs 37, 38 are bent and adhered to the respective outer side panels 27, 29 (e.g., by a packaging manufacturer) and then can be stored and / or transported (e.g., to a packaging operator) in a flat adhered blank configuration 25' (Fig. 5) so as to stack on the same or similar blanks as the first blanks 1, 1'.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the outer side panels 27, 29 are bent along the horizontal fold lines 26.1, 26.3 and extended downward from the top panel 26, and the outer end flaps 31, 34 and 32, 33 are bent along the respective vertical fold lines 27.1, 29.2 and 27.2, 29.1 to the respective ends of the outer structure 65, and the outer end panels 30, 28 are bent along the respective vertical fold lines 26.4, 26.2 to the respective ends of the outer structure 65, whereby (for example, by a folder glue assist system, a packer, etc.), an outer structure 65 erected from a flat adhesive blank 25' can be formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end flaps 31, 32, 33, 34 can be bent perpendicular to the outer side panels 27, 29 so as to extend between the outer side panels 27, 29. In an embodiment, the first outer end panel 28 can be overlapped and fixed (e.g., adhered) to the outer end flaps 32, 33 to form a first outer end wall, and the second outer end panel 30 can be overlapped and fixed (e.g., adhered) to the outer end flaps 31, 34 to form a second outer end wall. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the top panel 26, the outer panels 27, 28, 29, 30, and the outer end flaps 31, 32, 33, 34 can at least partially extend around the second interior of the outer structure 65. Here, the inner structure 21 can be at least partially received in the second interior of the outer structure 65 when the carton 69 is in its closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the erected outer structure 65 can have a second or outer opening 66, and the inner structure 21 can be movable into or out of the second interior of the outer structure 65 through the second opening 66 when the locking mechanisms are disengaged from each other, as will be described in more detail below. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first outer locking edges 63, 64 can face away from the outer opening 66 and toward the top panel 26, and can be spaced from the outer opening 66 and the top panel 26.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on opposite sides of a vertical cross-section that is oriented perpendicular to the outer side panels 27, 29 and extends along the center of the outer side panels 27, 29 (corresponding to, for example, the central axis 53 of FIG. 4), the first engagement devices 41, 42 are disposed on the outer side panels 27, 29. In an embodiment, the centers of the outer side walls 27, 29 can be formed by the geometric center of gravity of the outer structure 65. As shown in FIG. 7, the slots 60 can be disposed within the outer end panel 30 so as to be spaced upwardly from the second outer locking edges 58, 59 (such as to be closer to, for example, the top panel 26). The outer structure 65 can be formed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows structures 21, 65 in a separated or open configuration (e.g., the first opening 22 of the inner structure 21 is accessible for loading and / or removing articles 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 in preparation for assembling the carton 69 into its closed configuration (FIG. 8). In the embodiment, FIGS. 7-9 show selected internal or otherwise hidden aspects of the structures 21, 65 in dashed lines. When the outer structure 65 moves onto the inner structure 21 to assemble the carton 69 into its closed configuration, the first outer locking edges 63, 64 of the outer structure 65 move over the first inner locking edges 23, 24 of the inner structure 21, whereby the first outer locking edges 63, 64 are disposed beneath the first inner locking edges 23, 24 (FIGS. 8 and 9). In the embodiment, the insertion of the outer structure 65 onto the inner structure 21 can be facilitated by the upper trapezoidal sections 3.2, 5.2 of the inner side panels 3, 5. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, 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 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 from the bottom panel 2 of the inner structure 21. In the embodiment, 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 both structures 21, 65 together.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 8, the carton 69 is in a fully closed configuration in which the first outer locking edge portions 63, 64 are separated from the first inner locking edge portions 23, 24 (for example, the inner structure 21 is partially or completely received within the outer structure 65 with the first opening 22 covered by the outer structure 65). Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the second outer locking edge portions 58, 59 of the end flaps 31, 34 of the outer structure 65 are disposed under the second inner locking edge portion 19 of the second locking tab 17 of the inner structure 21. In an embodiment, the second inner locking tab 18 is disposed between the inner end panel 4 of the carton 69 and the outer end flaps 32, 33, and the second inner locking edge portion 20 does not engage the locking edge of the outer structure 65. However, the inner structure 21 can be rotated 180 degrees about its vertical axis (for example, when the inner structure 21 is inserted into the outer structure 65, the inner end panels 4, 6 are adjacent to their respective outer end panels 30, 28), and the second inner locking edge portion 20 of the second inner locking tab 18 can engage the second outer locking edge portions 58, 59 of the outer structure 65 when the carton 69 is in its closed configuration. In this orientation, the first inner locking edge portions 23, 24 of the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 can be aligned to engage the respective first outer locking edge portions 64, 63 of the first outer locking tabs 38, 37.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the second outer locking edges 58, 59 are positioned below the second inner locking edge 19 (or 20) such that the second inner locking edge 19 faces the second outer locking edges 58, 59, and / or the first outer locking edges 63, 64 are positioned below and face the first inner locking edges 23, 24, whereby the carton 69 can be locked in its closed configuration. For example, in an attempt to separate the outer structure 65 from the inner structure 21, the second inner locking edge 19 can engage (e.g., contact, support, abut, interact with, etc.) the second outer locking edges 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 edge 19 abuts the second outer locking edges 58, 59, locking the carton 69 and preventing further relative movement of the structures 21, 65. In an embodiment, the abutment of the second inner locking edge 19 against the second outer locking edges 58, 59 can limit or prevent relative movement between the structures 21, 65 and limit or prevent unwanted withdrawal of the inner structure 21 from the opening 66 of the outer structure 65. Thus, in an embodiment, the second inner locking tab 17 can engage the outer side end flaps 31, 34 (e.g., along the second locking edge 19 and the second outer locking edges 58, 59), whereby these second locking functions cooperate to limit movement of the inner structure 21 relative to the outer structure 65. The carton 69 can be formed and / or assembled in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, by pushing the bending tab 61 inward to engage the second inner locking tab 17, (for example, by pushing the inner locking tab 17 inward relative to the inner end panel 6 and / or by bending the inner locking tab 17 and the inner end panel 6 inward), the locking engagement between the second inner locking tab 17 and the second outer locking edges 58, 59 can be overcome. By moving the second inner locking tab 17 inward, the second inner locking edge 19 can be disengaged from the second outer locking edges 58, 59 (for example, by misaligning the inner locking edge 19 from alignment with the outer locking edges 58, 59), whereby the locking edges 19, 58, 59 no longer prevent relative movement of the structures 21, 65. This initial unlocking of the carton 69 can be done by the user gripping the outer structure 65 with the first hand, pressing the bending tab 61 with the index finger of the first hand, gripping the inner structure 21 at the engaging recesses 67, 68 of the outer structure 65 with the thumb and index finger of the second hand, and pulling the structures 21, 65 apart. Also, since the bending tab 61 is pressed inward to release the engagement of the locking edges 19, 58, 59, when the structures 21, 65 are pulled, relative movement of the structures 21, 65 in the direction of pulling them apart occurs until the first inner locking edges 23, 24 engage (for example, contact, support, abut, or interact) with the first outer locking edges 63, 64 (FIG. 9) that prevent or impede relative movement of the structures 21, 65 in the pulling-apart direction. In the embodiment, the abutment of the first inner locking edges 23, 24 against the respective first outer locking edges 63, 64 can limit or prevent relative movement between the structures 21, 65 and limit or prevent unwanted removal (for example, further removal) of the inner structure 21 from the opening 66 of the outer structure 65. Thus, in the embodiment, the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 can engage the respective first outer locking tabs 37, 38 (for example, along the respective locking edges 23, 24 and 63, 64) such that the locking tabs 9, 10, 37, 38 cooperate to limit further movement of the inner structure 21 relative to the outer structure 65.In the embodiment, the carton 69 is shown in a first closed configuration in FIG. 8 and in a second closed configuration in FIG. 9, the inner structure 21 is partially removed from inside the outer structure 65, and the inner structure 21 partially extends through the second opening 66.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 69 can be further unlocked and opened from the intermediate configuration of FIG. 9 (e.g., a partially opened unlock configuration) by disengaging the first inner locking edges 23, 24 from the first outer locking edges 63, 64 and further pulling the structures 21, 65 apart from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the carton can be operated to overcome the locking engagement of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 and the outer locking tabs 37, 38, whereby the inner structure 21 is moved from the intermediate position of FIG. 9 (e.g., partially unlocked) to an open separation position (e.g., the inner structure 21 is removed from the outer structure 65 through the opening 66, whereby a first opening 22, which can be similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, is accessible). For example, the covers 49, 50 of the engagement devices 41, 42 can be at least partially separated from their respective outer side panels 27, 29 along their respective weakened lines 43, 44 (e.g., by grasping the covers 49, 50 at the access openings 47, 48) and folded outwardly and downwardly along their respective fold lines 45, 46 to form engagement holes 52 in their respective outer side panels 27, 29. As shown in FIG. 9, the cover 50 is completely removed and the engagement hole 52 is formed in the outer panel 29. However, the cover 50 may remain attached to the outer side panel 29 along the fold line 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner locking tabs 9, 10 of the inner structure 21 are accessible through the engagement holes 52 formed by their respective engagement devices 41, 42 within the outer structure 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can grasp the engagement holes 52 of the outer side panels 27, 29 (e.g., by operating with the thumb and index finger of one hand) and push the inner locking tabs 9, 10 inwardly to move the first inner locking edges 23, 24 inwardly and disengage (misalign) them from the first outer locking edges 63, 64. When the inner locking tabs 9, 10 of the inner structure 21 are thus pushed inwardly, the first outer locking edges 63, 64 of the outer structure 65 are no longer blocked by the first inner locking edges 23, 24 of the inner structure 21.

[0036] The user can grip the inner structure 21 through the engaging recesses 67, 68 of the outer structure 65 (e.g., with the thumb and index finger of the other hand) while engaging the inner locking tabs 9, 10 through the engaging holes 52 formed by the engaging devices 41, 42. The user can pull apart the structures 21, 65 with both hands by pressing the inner locking tabs 9, 10 inward through the engaging holes 52 formed in the outer structure 65 and pulling the inner structure 21 through the engaging recesses 67, 68 of the outer structure 65. In an embodiment, it is difficult or impossible for a child to perform the unlocking and opening operations (e.g., due to limitations in hand size and / or dexterity).

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, when the structures 21, 65 are separated (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), the opening 22 of the inner structure 21 is accessible for removing or adding an article. The carton 69 can be re-closed and / or re-opened according to the assembly and unlocking / separation operations as described above. In an embodiment, when the inner structure 21 is fully inserted into the outer structure 65, the re-closed carton 69 is again protected from unwanted 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 tabs 9, 10 with the respective first outer locking tabs 37, 38.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, at least the procedure for unlocking the structures 21 and 65 from each other is too complex, and also the gripping of the carton 69 for the unlocking operation is difficult or impossible due to the lack of children's size and / or dexterity. Thus, unlocking the carton 69 is difficult or impossible for a child. For example, the shortest distance along the outside of the carton 69 between the engaging functional parts 41, 42 and / or the engaging recesses 67, 68 in their closed configuration or partially closed configuration is such that a child (e.g., up to 3 years old, up to 4 years old, up to 51 months old, up to 5 years old, up to 6 years old, etc.) has difficulty or is unable to unlock the carton 69, and when in the locked configuration, it is difficult or impossible for a child to pull apart the outer structure 65 and the inner structure 21. In an embodiment, this sizing is based on the average body measurements of children in each age group, EU and / or North America, regardless of gender, according to the region where the carton 69 is intended. In the example, the distance between the outer surfaces 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 hand cannot simultaneously engage all the engagement holes to unlock the folding carton, but an adult (e.g., having larger hands and / or more dexterity) can reach the locking mechanism to unlock and open the carton 69.

[0039] In the carton 65 according to the present disclosure, the second inner locking tabs 17 or 18, the outer end flaps 31, 34, and the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 and the first outer locking tabs 37, 38 form a plurality of interlocks when the inner structure 21 is moved into the outer structure 65. This is because the second inner locking edge 19 or 20 can abut against the second outer locking edges 58, 59, and / or the first inner locking edges 23, 24 can abut against the first outer locking edges 63, 64, thereby preventing the inner structure 21 from being pulled out of the outer structure 65. To pull the inner structure 21 out of the outer structure 65, for example, it is necessary to release a plurality of interlocks between the outer structure and the inner structure in an appropriate procedure. To do this, the user uses the thumb and index finger of one hand or a release tab (key) to engage with the bending tab 61 in the outer structure 65, misalign the second inner locking tab 17 from alignment with the second outer locking edges 58, 59, and then engage with the engagement hole 52 in the outer structure 65 to slightly compress the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 so that the first outer locking edges 63, 64 no longer block the path of the first inner locking edges 23, 24. With the thumb and index finger of the other hand, the user can grip a portion of the inner structure 21 (e.g., along or adjacent to the bottom panel 2) through the second engagement openings / recesses 67, 68, press the bending tab 61, and then engage with the engagement hole 52 to pull the inner structure 21 and the outer structure 65 apart. Then, the second inner locking tab 17 slides over the second outer locking edges 58, 59, and then the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 slide over the thumb and index finger of the user engaging with the first engagement opening 52, slightly compressing the first locking tabs 9, 10. Due to the relatively small size of a child's hand, sizing the carton can prevent or make it difficult for a child to release the lock so that the child cannot engage with the engagement openings 45, 46 in the manner described. To release the lock, for example, it is necessary to have a certain understanding of the function of the latch, which may not yet be understood by a child, for example, up to 6 years old. Further, due to the multiple steps in the unlocking operation, it is difficult for a child to open the package even if the child imitates an adult.As a result, with the present disclosure, a child is prevented from releasing the locking of the carton 69 and is protected from related hazards. Additionally, for example, in the absence of a locking mechanism, the carton 69 is protected from an unintentional opening that can occur in a reversible carton without a locking mechanism where the inner structure is lifted in the outer structure without supporting the inner structure, thereby causing the inner structure to slide out of the outer structure.

[0040] In an embodiment of the carton 69 according to the present disclosure, the cover panels 49, 50 can provide opening protection, which can prevent or inhibit partial compression of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 such that the inner locking tabs 9, 10 are not disengaged from the outer locking tabs 37, 38. For example, the carton 69 can only be opened for the first time by compressing the inner locking tabs 9, 10 by tearing along the weakened lines 43, 44 and at least partially removing the cover panels 49, 50 to form the engagement openings 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover panels 49, 50 within the outer side panels 27, 29 of the outer structure 65 can be adhered to the inner structure 21 (e.g., relative to the respective inner locking tabs 9, 10), which can further serve to prevent or inhibit the opening of the carton 69 until the cover panels 49, 50 are at least partially separated from the outer side panels 27, 29. Further, the package is prevented from being opened prior to purchase by an interested consumer. For example, tearing of the weakened lines 43, 44 and / or other tearing of the carton 69 from an attempt to push open the carton can provide potential purchasers with an indication that the package has been accessed or tampered with (such as, for example, the product has been removed from the carton 69 and / or other items have been inserted into the carton 69).

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the offset of the engagement devices 41, 42 can provide additional protection against opening (e.g., by a child). For example, when the offset engagement devices 41, 42 are engaged to press the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 of the inner structure 21, a torque is applied to the carton 69 because the forces applied are offset from the center line of the carton and from each other. This torque can reduce the force that moves the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 inward relative to the first outer locking tabs 37, 38, thereby making it more difficult to disengage the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 from the first outer locking tabs 37, 38. In an embodiment, an adult can prevent (e.g., substantially prevent) the carton 69 from collapsing by applying pressure to the first inner locking tabs 9, 10 with the thumb and index finger of one hand through the offset engagement devices 41, 42 by applying a reverse torque with the other hand while pulling the inner structure 21 out from inside the outer structure 65. This operation cannot be performed or is difficult to perform by a child due to a lack of knowledge of how to perform it and / or having smaller hands. In an embodiment, the engagement devices 41, 42 can be offset from a vertical cross-section of the carton 69 and / or a horizontal cross-section of the carton 60. Further, the cross-sectional plane can be on the center line of the carton 69 or can be positioned anywhere along the carton. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second engagement devices 41, 42 is offset from the center line of the first blank 1 and the inner structure 21 by about 15 - 35 mm, about 20 - 30 mm, about 25 mm, or any suitable distance.

[0042] Protection against access by children to the interior of the carton 69 can be beneficial, at least in part, due to an increased need imposed on child safety. Packages for certain uses can be tested in certain jurisdictions (e.g., the United States and / or other countries) as to whether a child (e.g., 42 - 51 months old) can open the package over a certain period of time. For example, in one test, a child can be given 5 minutes to open the package without any assistance and then 5 minutes to open the package after the first opening protection has been overcome. In embodiments, the present disclosure can provide better protection against opening by children up to about 51 months of age, for example.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the carton 69 can have tolerances in its formation when the structures 21, 65 are formed from the flat glued blanks 1’, 25’ by, for example, a packer. These tolerances can result in small variations in the relative sizes of the structures 21, 65. However, two layers of the thicknesses of the inner locking tabs 9, 10 and the outer locking tabs 37, 38 (e.g., their respective proximal and distal sections are in an overlapping relationship) can help compensate for such tolerances and variations that can occur during the manufacture of the blanks and the assembly and joining of the inner and / or outer structures. This can be advantageous in securely locking the carton regardless of the allowable tolerances.

[0044] This disclosure refers to the first inner locking tabs 9, 10, the second inner locking tabs 17, 18, the first outer locking tabs 37, 38, and the second outer locking tabs (e.g., defined by the outer end flaps 31, 34 as described above), although any suitable ordinal numbers can be associated with either the inner or outer locking tabs. In one example, the inner locking tabs 9, 17, and 10 can be the first inner locking tab, the second inner locking tab, and the third inner locking tab, respectively, and the outer locking tabs 37, 31, and 38 can be the first outer locking tab, the second outer locking tab, and the third outer locking tab, respectively. In another embodiment, the inner locking tabs 9, 17, and 18 can be the first inner locking tab, the second inner locking tab, and the third inner locking tab, respectively, and the outer locking tabs 37, 31, and 34 can be the first outer locking tab, the second outer locking tab, and the third outer locking tab, respectively.

[0045] Blanks according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure can be formed from, for example, coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the inner and / or outer sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with products, advertisements, price codes, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. According to the above embodiments, the blank can be constructed of caliper paperboard such that it is heavier and more rigid than normal paper. The blank can also be constructed from other materials such as any other material having properties suitable to enable cardboard, cardboard, or carton to at least generally function as described herein. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials in selected panels or panel sections.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the score line need not necessarily be a straight line, but can be in any substantially straight form of weakening that facilitates bending along it. More specifically, and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the score line can be a score line such as a line formed by a blunt scoring knife that creates a crushed or indented portion in the material along the desired weakening line, a cut that extends partially into the material along the desired weakening line, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into the material and / or completely through the material along the desired weakening line, and various combinations of these features. In situations where cuts are used to create the score line, typically the cuts do not spread excessively in a manner that would cause a reasonable user to mistakenly view the score line as a tear line.

[0047] As an example, a tear line can include a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired weakening line, and / or a series of spaced slits that extend partially into the material and / or 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 that completely penetrate the material, with adjacent slits being slightly spaced apart, such that typically a nick (e.g., a somewhat bridge-like small piece of the material) is defined between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nick is broken during tearing along the tear line. The nick is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the nick can be omitted from the tear line or disposed within the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, replacing each of the tear lines with a continuous slit or the like is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the cut line can be a continuous slit or wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0048] The above-described embodiments may be described as having one or more panels that are adhesively bonded together by an adhesive during the assembly of the carton embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass any manner of adhesive commonly used to secure the carton panels in place.

[0049] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Since various changes can be made to the above configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense. Further, the scope of the present disclosure encompasses various modifications, combinations, changes, etc. of the above-described embodiments. In addition, the present disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the present disclosure as presented herein, are consistent with the above teachings, and / or are within the scope of the skill or knowledge of the related art. Further, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively exchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claim 1 A carton, comprising: an inner structure including a plurality of inner panels at least partially extending around a first interior of the inner structure, and at least a first inner locking tab and a second inner locking tab; an outer structure including a plurality of outer panels at least partially extending around a second interior of the outer structure, and at least a first outer locking tab and a second outer locking tab, wherein the inner structure is at least partially received within the second interior of the outer structure; the second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in a closed configuration of the carton, and when the second inner locking tab is disengaged from the second outer locking tab, one or both of the inner structure and the outer structure are movable from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration in which the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure. Claim 2 The carton according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inner panels include at least a first inner panel and a second inner panel, the first inner locking tab is foldably connected to the first inner panel, and the second inner locking tab is foldably connected to the second inner panel. Claim 3 The carton according to claim 2, wherein the first inner panel and the second inner panel are perpendicular to each other. Claim 4 The carton according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of outer panels include at least a first outer panel and a second outer panel, the first outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, and the second outer locking tab is foldably connected to at least one of the first outer panel and the second outer panel. Claim 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, the first outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, the second outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, the first outer locking tab and the first outer panel overlap, and the second outer locking tab and the second outer panel overlap. Claim 6 The first inner locking tab is in an overlapping relationship with the first inner panel, and the second inner locking tab is in an overlapping relationship with the second inner panel. The carton according to claim 5.

7. The first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab are separated from each other when the carton is in a closed configuration, and the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab are in a contacting relationship when the carton is in the intermediate configuration. The carton according to claim 1.

8. An engaging functional portion extending to a first outer panel among the plurality of outer panels, a bending tab extending to a second outer panel among the plurality of outer panels, and the first inner locking tab of the inner structure are at least partially aligned with the engaging functional portion of the first outer panel, and the second inner locking tab of the inner structure is at least partially aligned with the bending tab of the second outer panel. The carton according to claim 1, further comprising this.

9. In order to facilitate the relative movement of the inner structure and the outer structure from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, when the bending tab is pushed inward to move the second inner locking tab relative to the second outer locking tab, the bending tab is configured to engage with the second inner locking tab. The carton according to claim 8.

10. In order to facilitate the relative movement of the inner structure and the outer structure from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration, the first inner locking tab of the inner structure extends along the engaging functional portion of the first outer panel so that the first inner locking tab can be engaged through the engaging functional portion for moving the first inner locking tab relative to the first outer locking tab. The carton according to claim 9.

11. The inner structure further includes a third inner locking tab facing the first inner locking tab, the outer structure further includes a third outer locking tab facing the first outer locking tab, and the third inner locking tab and the third outer locking tab cooperate to limit the movement between the inner structure and the outer structure when the carton is in the intermediate configuration. The carton according to claim 1.

12. A first engaging functional portion extending to a first outer side panel among the plurality of outer panels, and a second engaging functional portion extending to a second outer side panel among the plurality of outer panels, the second outer side panel being positioned opposite the first outer side panel, the first inner locking tab extending along the first engaging functional portion, the third inner locking tab extending along the second engaging functional portion, and the first engaging functional portion and the second engaging functional portion being engaged to move the first inner locking tab and the third inner locking tab relative to the first outer locking tab and the third outer locking tab to facilitate relative movement between the inner structure and the outer structure. The carton according to claim 11.

13. The first engaging functional portion and the second engaging functional portion are offset from each other in a direction parallel to the first outer side panel and the second outer side panel. The carton according to claim 12.

14. Further comprising a bending tab extending to an outer end panel of the plurality of outer panels, the second inner locking tab of the inner structure being at least partially aligned with the bending tab of the second outer panel, and the bending tab being configured to engage the second inner locking tab when the bending tab is pushed inward to move the second inner locking tab relative to the second outer locking tab to facilitate relative movement between the inner structure and the outer structure. The carton according to claim 12.

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

16. The first inner locking tab includes an inner proximal section that is foldably connected to one of the plurality of inner panels, and an inner distal section that is foldably connected to the inner proximal section along a first fold line. The inner distal section is folded along the first fold line so as to be in face-to-face contact with the inner proximal section. At least one of the inner proximal section and the inner distal section is adapted to be attached to the inner panel. The first outer locking tab includes an outer proximal section that is foldably connected to one of the plurality of outer panels, and an outer distal section that is foldably connected to the outer proximal section along a second fold line. The outer distal section is folded along the second fold line so as to be in face-to-face contact with the outer proximal section. At least one of the outer proximal section and the outer distal section is adapted to be attached to the outer panel. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the first fold line of the first inner locking tab and the second fold line of the first outer locking tab engage with each other to resist movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in the intermediate configuration of the carton.

17. A combination of a first blank and a second blank that cooperate to at least partially form a carton. The first blank includes a plurality of inner panels, a first inner locking tab, and a second inner locking tab. The first blank is for forming an inner structure. The second blank includes a plurality of outer panels, a first outer locking tab, and a second outer locking tab. The second blank is for forming an outer structure for at least partially receiving the inner structure formed from the first blank when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank. The second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab are configured to selectively cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank when the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank is in a closed configuration, and the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab are configured to selectively cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank when the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank is in an intermediate configuration, combination. Claim 18 The plurality of inner panels includes at least a first inner panel and a second inner panel, the first inner locking tab is foldably connected to the first inner panel, and the second inner locking tab is foldably connected to the second inner panel. The combination according to claim 17. Claim 19 The plurality of inner panels further includes a bottom panel, and the first inner panel and the second inner panel are foldably connected to the bottom panel along respective fold lines perpendicular to each other. The combination according to claim 18. Claim 20 The plurality of outer panels includes at least a first outer panel and a second outer panel, the first outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, and the second outer locking tab is foldably connected to at least one of the first outer panel and the second outer panel. The combination according to claim 18. Claim 21 The plurality of outer panels includes at least a first outer panel and a second outer panel, the first outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, the second outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, and the first outer locking tab and the first outer panel are for overlapping when the outer structure is formed from the second blank, and the second outer locking tab and the second outer panel are for overlapping when the outer structure is formed from the second blank. The combination according to claim 18. Claim 22 The first inner locking tab is for overlapping with the first inner panel when the inner structure is formed from the first blank, and the second inner locking tab is for overlapping with the second inner panel when the inner structure is formed from the first blank. The combination according to claim 21.

23. The combination further includes an engaging functional portion extending to a first outer panel among the plurality of outer panels, and a bending tab extending to a second outer panel among the plurality of outer panels. When the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, the first inner locking tab of the inner structure is at least partially aligned with the engaging functional portion of the first outer panel, and the second inner locking tab of the inner structure is at least partially aligned with the bending tab of the second outer panel. The combination according to claim 17.

24. The first blank further includes a third inner locking tab facing the first inner locking tab, and the second blank further includes a third outer locking tab facing the first outer locking tab. When the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank is in the intermediate configuration, the third inner locking tab and the third outer locking tab are configured to cooperate to limit movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank. The combination according to claim 17.

25. A first engaging functional part extending to a first outer side panel among the plurality of outer panels, and a second engaging functional part extending to a second outer side panel among the plurality of outer panels, wherein the second outer side panel is located at a position facing the first outer side panel of the second blank, and when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, the first inner locking tab is configured to extend along the first engaging functional part, the third inner locking tab is configured to extend along the second engaging functional part, and the first engaging functional part and the second engaging functional part are engaged so as to move the first inner locking tab and the third inner locking tab relative to the first outer locking tab and the third outer locking tab in order to facilitate the relative movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank. The combination according to claim 24.

26. The second blank includes a center line extending through the centers of the first outer side panel and the second outer side panel respectively, and the first engaging functional part and the second engaging functional part are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line. The combination according to claim 25.

27. Further comprising a bending tab extending to an outer end panel among the plurality of outer panels, and the second inner locking tab of the first blank is configured to be at least partially aligned with the bending tab of the second outer side panel when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank. The combination according to claim 25.

28. The second inner locking tab is foldably connected to a first inner end panel among the plurality of inner panels, and the first blank further comprises a third inner locking tab foldably connected to a second inner end panel among the plurality of inner panels, which faces the first inner end panel. The combination according to claim 17.

29. The first inner locking tab includes an inner proximal section that is foldably connected to one of the plurality of inner panels, and an inner distal section that is foldably connected to the inner proximal section along a first fold line. When the inner structure is formed from the first blank, the inner distal section is configured to be folded along the first fold line so as to be in face-to-face contact with the inner proximal section. The first outer locking tab includes an outer proximal section that is foldably connected to one of the plurality of outer panels, and an outer distal section that is foldably connected to the outer proximal section along a second fold line. When the outer structure is formed from the second blank, the outer distal section is configured to be folded along the second fold line so as to be in face-to-face contact with the outer proximal section. The combination according to claim 17, wherein 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 with each other to resist movement between the inner structure formed from the first blank and the outer structure formed from the second blank in the intermediate configuration of the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank.

30. The plurality of outer panels includes a top panel foldably connected to an outer side panel and an outer end panel. The first outer locking tab is foldably connected to the outer side panel and includes a second outer locking tab on an outer end flap foldably connected to the outer side panel. The outer end flap is in an overlapping relationship with the outer end panel when the outer structure is formed from the second blank. The combination according to claim 17.

31. A method of forming a carton, comprising: obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality of inner panels, a first inner locking tab, and a second inner locking tab; forming the inner structure from the first blank by folding at least partially the plurality of inner panels around a first interior of the inner structure; obtaining a second blank comprising a plurality of outer panels, a first outer locking tab, and a second outer locking tab; Forming the outer structure from the second blank by bending at least some of the plurality of outer panels at least partially around the second interior of the outer structure; assembling the carton by moving at least one of the inner structure and the outer structure relative to the other such that the inner structure is at least partially received within the second interior of the outer structure; wherein the second inner locking tab and the second outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in the closed configuration of the carton, and when the second inner locking tab is disengaged from the second outer locking tab, one or both of the inner structure and the outer structure are movable from the closed configuration of the carton to an intermediate configuration in which the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab cooperate to restrict movement between the inner structure and the outer structure. Claim 32 The method according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of inner panels comprises at least a first inner panel and a second inner panel, the first inner locking tab is foldably connected to the first inner panel, the second inner locking tab is foldably connected to the second inner panel, and forming the inner structure further comprises positioning the second inner panel and the first inner panel perpendicular to each other. Claim 33 The method according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of outer panels comprises at least a first outer panel and a second outer panel, the first outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, the second outer locking tab is foldably connected to the first outer panel, and forming the outer structure further comprises disposing the first outer locking tab and the first outer panel in an overlapping relationship and disposing the second outer locking tab and the second outer panel in an overlapping relationship. Claim 34 Moving at least one of the inner structure and the outer structure relative to the other to assemble the carton includes positioning the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the first inner locking tab and the first outer locking tab are in a contacting relationship when the carton is in the intermediate configuration. The method according to claim 31.

35. The method according to claim 31, further comprising an engaging functional portion extending to a first outer panel among the plurality of outer panels, and a bending tab extending to a second outer panel among the plurality of outer panels, and moving at least one of the inner structure and the outer structure relative to the other to assemble the carton includes positioning the first inner locking tab of the inner structure to be at least partially aligned with the engaging functional portion of the first outer panel, and positioning the second inner locking tab of the inner structure to be at least partially aligned with the bending tab of the second outer panel.

36. The first inner locking tab includes an inner proximal section foldably connected to one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, and an inner distal section foldably connected to the inner proximal section along a first fold line. Forming the inner structure includes folding the inner distal section along the first fold line to bring it into face-to-face contact with the inner proximal section, folding the first inner locking tab to overlap the inner panel, and attaching at least one of the inner proximal section and the inner distal section to the inner panel. The first outer locking tab includes an outer proximal section foldably connected to one of the plurality of outer panels and an outer distal section foldably connected to the outer proximal section along a second fold line. Forming the outer structure includes folding the outer distal section along the second fold line to bring it into face-to-face contact with the outer proximal section, folding the first outer locking tab to overlap the outer panel, and attaching at least one of the outer proximal section and the outer distal section to the outer panel. 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 with each other to resist movement between the inner structure and the outer structure in the intermediate configuration of the carton. The method according to claim 31.

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