Trays and sleeves with locking features, related systems and methods

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,923, filed August 25, 2022. [Background technology]

[0002] (Incorporated by reference) The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,923, filed August 25, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety herein. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a container for holding one or more items. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tray for holding one or more items, the tray including a locking feature for engaging an outer sleeve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the disclosure herein can be generally directed to a system for holding one or more items, comprising a tray and a sleeve that at least partially receives the tray, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels including a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one end panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels of the tray, and a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to each of the plurality of end flaps, wherein at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the tray, and the sleeve comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the sleeve, at least one panel of the plurality of panels having a locking opening that at least partially receives at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, the disclosure provides a set of blanks forming a system for holding one or more articles, the set of blanks comprising a tray blank and a sleeve blank, the tray blank comprising a plurality of panels 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 tray, and a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to each one of the plurality of end flaps, the locking feature comprising at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extending away from the tray. The sleeve blank is generally described as a set of blanks comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of a sleeve formed from the sleeve blank to at least partially receive a tray formed from the tray blank, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprising a locking opening that at least partially receives at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, disclosed herein is a method for forming a system for holding one or more items, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a tray blank and obtaining a sleeve blank, the tray blank comprising a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one end panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of tray panels, and a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to each of the plurality of end flaps, the sleeve blank comprising a plurality of panels, at least one panel of the plurality of sleeve blank comprising a locking opening. The method is generally further directed to being a method comprising: positioning a plurality of panels of a tray blank extending at least partially around an interior of the tray; positioning a locking feature of the tray blank so that at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the tray; and positioning a plurality of panels of a sleeve blank extending at least partially around an interior of the sleeve so that the interior of the sleeve is positioned to at least partially receive the tray and the locking opening is positioned to at least partially receive at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other benefits and advantages of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawings.

[0008] Generally, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of a tray blank for forming a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of an insert blank for forming an insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of a sleeve blank for forming a sleeve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a system in an open configuration including a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and a sleeve formed from the blank of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 4 is a perspective view of a system in a closed configuration including a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and a sleeve formed from the blank of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the reconfiguration of the system of FIG. 5 from a closed configuration to an open configuration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure generally relates to containers such as trays / sleeves, configurations, cartons, carriers, clips, etc., and packages for transporting and dispensing articles that hold one or more articles such as personal care items (e.g., soaps, lotions, cosmetics, medicines, rinses such as mouthwash, etc.), household items (e.g., soaps, hand or surface sanitizers, etc.), food, or other items. As described herein, such items may be provided in dedicated packaging, or the containers described herein may be configured to directly hold materials associated with such products.

[0012] It will be appreciated that it may be desirable to restrict access to some items, which may comprise items disposed of in the containers described herein, by certain users. In some cases, these users may be children or other individuals, who may be parents / guardians / providers of consumer products, who may wish to avoid providing overly easy access to items that present a choking hazard, sweets or other treats, non-food products that may be accidentally ingested, etc. It is desirable to provide limited access to such selected individuals or groups of individuals while simultaneously maintaining appropriate ease of access to the intended end users of such items. Thus, there is a need for a container solution that provides access restriction functionality while maintaining general ease of use for the intended end users.

[0013] Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate items of any shape. For purposes of explanation and not to limit the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes product-holding containers (e.g., paperboard trays and sleeves). As used herein, the terms "inside," "internal," "outside," "exterior," "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to directions determined with respect to fully upright trays and sleeves.

[0014] As described herein, a container may be formed by a plurality of overlapping panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank, which panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank may be designated relative to one another in consecutive or non-consecutive reference, e.g., as "first," "second," "third," etc., without departing from the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 used to form a tray 105 (FIG. 2) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The tray 105 defines an interior 107 capable of holding one or more articles. As described further herein, the tray 105 is configured to be at least partially received in the interior 307 of an outer carton or sleeve 305 (FIG. 2), each including a corresponding locking feature for providing a secure / locking engagement therebetween. The tray 105 and sleeve 305 can be provided together to form the system 100.

[0016] As shown, the tray blank 103 has a longitudinal axis LI and a horizontal axis L2. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the longitudinal axis LI and the horizontal axis L2 can vary.

[0017] The tray blank 103 has a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior 107 of the tray 105. The plurality of panels can include a bottom panel 121, a first side panel 123 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a horizontal fold line 125, a second side panel 127 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a horizontal fold line 129, a first end panel 131 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a vertical fold line 133, and a second end panel 135 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a vertical fold line 137.

[0018] As shown, the first side panel 123 can include a base portion 139 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at fold line 125, a first distal portion 141 foldably connected to the base portion 139 at a diagonal fold line 143, and a second distal portion 145 foldably connected to the base portion 139 at a diagonal fold line 147.

[0019] Similarly, the second side panel 127 can have a base portion 149 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at fold line 129, a first distal portion 151 foldably connected to the base portion 149 at a diagonal fold line 153, and a second distal portion 155 foldably connected to the base portion 149 at a diagonal fold line 157.

[0020] 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 horizontal fold line 161, a second attachment flap 163 may be foldably connected to the first end panel 131 at a horizontal fold line 165, a third attachment flap 167 may be foldably connected to the second end panel 135 at a horizontal fold line 169, and a fourth attachment flap 171 may be foldably connected to the second end panel 135 at a horizontal fold line 173. An end flap 175 may also be foldably coupled to the second end panel 135 at a longitudinal fold line 177.

[0021] The end flaps may further comprise a first locking flap 179 foldably connected to the attachment flap 159 at respective portions of the longitudinal fold line 181, and a second locking flap 183 foldably connected to the attachment flap 163 at respective portions of the longitudinal fold line 185.

[0022] As shown, the first locking flap 179 can include a base portion 187 foldably connected to the attachment flap 159 at a respective portion of the fold line 181, and a locking tab portion 189 foldably connected to the base portion 187 at a respective 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 notch 191 that can include one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions. In this regard, as shown, the locking tab portion 189 of the locking flap 179 can include a generally straight free edge intersecting with a generally angled free edge.

[0023] Similarly, the second locking flap 183 can include a base 193 foldably connected to the attachment flap 163 at respective portions of the fold line 185, and a locking tab portion 195 foldably connected to the base 193 at respective portions 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 notch 197 that can include one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions. In this regard, as shown, the locking tab portion 195 of the locking flap 183 can include a generally straight free edge intersecting with a generally angled free edge.

[0024] As described further herein, the locking flaps 179, 183 may form locking features on the blank 103 / tray 105 such that they are at least partially received in corresponding locking features on the blank 303 / sleeve 305.

[0025] It will be understood that the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can have different numbers, arrangements, and / or configurations of panels and / or end flaps without departing from the disclosure.

[0026] 2, an outer surface 201 of an insert blank 203 for forming an insert 205 (FIG. 4) is shown. In some embodiments, the insert 205 can be at least partially received within the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0027] The blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis LI and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes LI and L2 can vary.

[0028] The blank 203 can have a bottom or central panel 221 and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the central panel 221. As shown, the plurality of end flaps can include a first side flap 223 foldably connected to the central panel 221 at a horizontal fold line 225, a second side flap 227 foldably connected to the central panel 221 at a horizontal fold line 229, a first end flap 231 foldably connected to the central panel 221 at a vertical fold line 233, and a second end flap 235 foldably connected to the central panel 221 at a vertical fold line 237.

[0029] As further described herein, the end flaps 223, 227, 231, 235 can be folded relative to the central panel 221 to form multiple legs or extensions for positioning the central panel at a selected vertical distance within the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0030] It will be understood that the blank 203 and the insert 205 formed therefrom can have different numbers, arrangements, and / or configurations of panels and / or end flaps without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, an exterior surface 301 of a carton or sleeve blank 303 for forming a tray 105 (FIG. 4) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] The blank 303 can have a longitudinal axis LI and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes LI and L2 can vary.

[0033] The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom can have a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the 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 horizontal fold line 325, a top panel 327 foldably connected to the first side panel 323 at a horizontal fold line 329, and a second side panel 331 foldably connected to the top panel 327 at a horizontal 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 described further herein.

[0034] The blank 303 can include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels. The plurality of end flaps can 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 respective portions of a longitudinal fold line 341, a first side end flap 343 foldably connected to the side panel 323 at respective portions of the fold line 341, a top end flap 345 foldably connected to the top panel 327 at respective portions of the fold line 341, and a second side end flap 347 foldably connected to the side panel 331 at respective portions of the fold line 341.

[0035] End flap 339 can include a base portion 349 foldably connected to bottom panel 321 at respective portions of fold line 341 and a tip portion 351 foldably connected to base portion 349 at diagonal fold line 353 .

[0036] Similarly, the end flap 345 can have a base portion 355 foldably connected to the bottom panel 327 at a respective portion of the fold line 341 and a distal portion 357 foldably connected to the base portion 355 at a diagonal fold line 359.

[0037] The attachment flap 360 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 321 at a lateral fold line 362 .

[0038] The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom may also include locking features that at least partially receive corresponding locking features on the blank 103 / tray 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking features may include a first locking opening 361 located at least partially in the side panel 323 and intersecting the fold line 329, and a second locking opening 363 located at least partially in the side panel 331 and at least partially intersecting the fold line 333.

[0039] It will be understood that the blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom can have different numbers, arrangements, and / or configurations of panels and / or end flaps without departing from the disclosure.

[0040] 2, the formation of the tray 105 from the tray blank 103, the insert 205 from the insert blank 203, and the sleeve 305 from the sleeve blank 303 will be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In this regard, the system 100, which includes at least the tray 105 and the sleeve 305, can be formed by first obtaining a combination of blanks.

[0041] The tray blank 103 can be positioned with the outer surface 101 in contact with a support surface and facing upward. The side panels 123, 127 can be folded at fold lines 125, 129 to at least partially make surface contact with the bottom panel 121.

[0042] Distal portions 141, 145 of side panel 123 can be folded at respective fold lines 143, 147 so that their outer surfaces are at least partially in face contact with the outer surface of base portion 139 of side panel 123. Similarly, distal portions 151, 155 of side panel 137 can be folded at respective fold lines 153, 157 so that their outer surfaces are at least partially in face contact with the outer surface of base portion 149 of side panel 127.

[0043] Simultaneously or subsequently, attachment flaps 159, 163 can be folded at fold lines 161, 165 into at least partial face contact with end panel 131, and attachment flaps 167, 171 can be folded at fold lines 169, 173 into at least partial face contact with end panel 135.

[0044] The end panel 131 can be folded at fold line 133 to at least partially contact the bottom panel 121 such that the outer surface of the attachment flap 159 carried thereon is in at least partial face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 141 of the side panel 123, and such that the outer surface of the attachment flap 163 carried thereon is in at least partial face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 151 of the side panel 127.

[0045] Similarly, the end panel 135 can be folded at fold line 137 to at least partially contact the bottom panel 121 so that the outer surface of the attachment flap 167 carried thereon is in at least partial 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 in at least partial face contact with the inner surface of the distal portion 155 of the side panel 127.

[0046] Panels 123, 127, 131, and 135 can then be folded into a generally upright configuration relative to bottom panel 121 at respective fold lines 125, 129, 133, and 137. In such a configuration, attachment flap 159 can be positioned in at least partial face contact with respective portions 139 and 141 of side panel 123, attachment flap 163 can be positioned in at least partial face contact with respective portions 149 and 151 of side panel 127, attachment flap 167 can be positioned in at least partial face contact with respective portions 139 and 145 of side panel 123, and attachment flap 171 can be positioned in at least partial face contact with respective portions 149 and 155 of side panel 127.

[0047] Locking flaps 179 can be folded into a generally evenly spaced and parallel relationship over the bottom panel 121 at respective fold lines 181, and locking flaps 183 can be folded into a generally evenly spaced and parallel relationship over the bottom panel 121 at respective fold lines 185. End flaps 175 can also be folded into a generally evenly spaced and parallel relationship over the bottom panel 121 at fold line 177.

[0048] Such movement of the locking flaps 179, 183 can separate their locking tab portions 189, 195 from their respective attachment flaps 159, 163 at their respective notches 191, 197 to extend away from their respective side panels 123, 127. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective locking portions 189, 195 of the respective locking flaps 179, 183 can extend away from the interior 107 of the tray 105, and the respective base portions 187, 193 can extend away from the interior of the tray 105. Each locking flap 179, 183 can extend toward, e.g., at least partially cover, the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0049] 4, the end flaps 223, 227, 231, and 235 of the insert blank 203 can be folded at respective fold lines 225, 229, 233, and 235 into a generally downwardly extending relationship from the central panel 221 to form legs or extensions of the insert 205. Thus, the insert 205 can be placed in the interior 107 of the tray 105, with the legs / extensions formed by the end flaps 223, 227, 231, and 235 supporting the central panel 221 at a selected vertical distance from the bottom panel 121 of the tray 105.

[0050] Such a configuration of the insert 205 may be desirable, for example, to support one or more items above the bottom panel 121 of the tray 105, to avoid contact with one or more uncoated / interior surfaces of the tray, to provide impact resistance characteristics, and to free up space during shipping or other movement. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the insert 205 may be selectively configured to provide a desired compartmentalized space within the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0051] In some embodiments, the tray 105 / system 100 can be provided without the insert 205, if desired.

[0052] Still referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, sleeve 305 can be formed from blank 303 by placing inner surface 301 of sleeve blank 303 on a support surface with the inner surface facing upward.

[0053] The panels 321, 323, 327, and 331 can be folded at fold lines 325, 329, and 333 to position the top panel 327 and the bottom panel 321 in a generally spaced-apart parallel relationship, and the side panels 323 and 331 can be positioned in a generally spaced-apart parallel relationship, with the side panels 323 and 331 extending perpendicularly from the top panel 327 to the bottom panel 321. The attachment flap 360 can be folded at fold line 362 to make at least partial face contact with the side panel 331. In such a configuration, the panels 321, 323, 327, and 331 extend at least partially around the interior 307 of the sleeve 305.

[0054] End flaps 339, 343, 345, and 347 can be folded at respective portions of fold line 341 into at least a partially overlapping relationship to form the closed end 309 of sleeve 305. End flap 335 can be folded at fold line 337 to at least partially face contact with the interior surface of top panel 327 at the open end 311 of sleeve 305.

[0055] 5, the tray 105 is at least partially received in the open end 311 of the sleeve 305 and can be advanced in the direction A1 (FIG. 4) into the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. As the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the protruding locking tab portions 179, 183 move away from the sides of the tray 105 and contact the respective side panels 323, 331 of the sleeve 305, the respective locking tab portions 189, 195 can fold / bend at least partially downward and / or inward toward the respective side panels 123, 127 of the tray 105 at the respective fold lines 181, 185.

[0056] As the tray 105 is further advanced through the interior 307 of the sleeve 305 toward the closed end 309 of the sleeve 305, the locking openings 361, 363 in each side panel 323, 331 of the sleeve 305 may provide space through which the locking tab portions 189, 195 of each locking tab portion 179, 183 of the tray 105 may extend outward. In this regard, the aforementioned folding of each locking tab portion 189, 195 at each fold line 181, 185 toward the respective side panel 123, 127 of the tray 105 may introduce a bias tending to return the locking tab portions 189, 195 to an orientation generally extending outward from the respective side panel 123, 127.

[0057] When the locking tab portions 189, 195 of each locking flap 179, 183 are moved to extend through the respective locking openings 361, 363, the locking tab portions 189, 195 can engage ends 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 fully or fully inserted within the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. Thus, engagement of the respective locking tab portions 189, 195 of each locking flap 179, 183 with the side panels 323, 331 can maintain the tray 105 in position within the interior 307 of the sleeve 305 such that the top panel 327 of the sleeve 305, in addition to the panels 321, 323, 331, restricts access to the interior 107 of the tray 105 and one or more items held therein. Such a configuration of the system 100 in which the locking tab portion 189,195 of each locking flap 189,195 is at least partially received in the respective locking opening 361,363 may be the closed or locked configuration of the system 100.

[0058] 6 , according to some embodiments, a user can open or reconfigure the system 100 from a closed or locked position to an open configuration by grasping the sleeve 305 with one hand and at least partially depressing the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the respective locking flaps 179, 183 through the respective locking openings 361, 363 to release the locking features of the tray 105 / sleeve 305 and allow the tray 305 to slide freely along the interior 307 of the sleeve 305. In this regard, in some embodiments, a user can grasp one or more panels 321, 322, 327, 331 (and / or associated fold lines therebetween) and / or the closed end 309 of the sleeve 305 and engage the locking tab portions 189, 195 with selected fingers of said hand, e.g., the index finger and thumb, to depress the locking tab portions 189, 195 of the locking flaps 179, 183 as described above.

[0059] Simultaneously or thereafter, the user can, for example, grasp the tray 105 with the other hand and at least partially pull the tray 105 out of the sleeve 305 in the direction of arrow A2 to at least partially expose the interior 107 of the tray 105 and provide access to one or more items held therein. In some embodiments, the portions of the side panels 123, 127 of the tray 105 exposed by the recessed free edges 324, 332 of the sleeve blank 303 / sleeve 305 can enable such initial engagement of the tray 105 when the system 100 is in a closed configuration, e.g., between the user's index finger and thumb.

[0060] The above-described system 100 provides the tray 105 and sleeve 305 in an 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 locking features described above can be configured such that intended users possessing targeted physical characteristics are provided convenient access to open, unlock, close, and lock the system 100 in a relatively simple manner, while users lacking such physical characteristics experience one or more barriers to opening or unlocking the system 100 and at least one or more items in the interior 107 of the tray 105. In some embodiments, such physical characteristics can include the ability to simultaneously grasp the tray 105 / sleeve 305 with both 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.

[0061] It will be understood that one or more features of the system 100, the tray 105, and / or the sleeve 305 can have alternative configurations without departing from the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the tray 105 and / or the sleeve 305 can include a different number, arrangement, and / or configuration of locking features without departing from the disclosure.

[0062] Generally, the blanks of the present disclosure can be constructed from calipered paperboard, which is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blanks can also be constructed from other materials, such as corrugated cardboard, or any other material that has suitable properties for forming cartons, at least generally 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. The blanks can then be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blanks. The blanks can also be coated on one or both sides of the blank with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0063] As an example, the tear line can include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, 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, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart such that a nick (e.g., a small, somewhat bridge-like portion of material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, or nicks can be omitted from or within the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous line of cut. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each tear line to be replaced with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the score line can be a continuous slit or wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0064] According to exemplary embodiments, the fold line is not necessarily straight, but can be any substantially straight form of weakness that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, and without intending to narrow the scope of this disclosure, the fold line can comprise a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that forms a collapsed or recessed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a notch that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness; and / or a series of notches that extend partially and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features. In situations where notches are used to form the fold line, the notches typically are not overly extensive in a way that could cause a reasonable user to mistakenly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0065] The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels adhered together by an adhesive during assembly of the carton embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0066] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Because various changes can be made to the above configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Moreover, the scope of the disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, variations, and the like of the above-described embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments, various other combinations, variations, and environments are within the scope of the disclosure, as expressed herein, in response to the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, specific features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A system for holding one or more items, comprising a tray and a sleeve at least partially receiving the tray, the system comprising: The tray is a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels including 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; a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to each end flap 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, and at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve comprises a locking opening that at least partially receives at least a portion of the at least one locking flap.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is reconfigurable between a closed configuration in which at least a portion of the at least one locking flap is at least partially received in the locking opening, and an open configuration in which the tray is at least partially pulled out from the interior of the sleeve.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one locking flap comprises a base and a locking portion foldably connected to the base, and at least a portion of the at least one locking flap is the locking portion of the at least one locking flap.

4. 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. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one side panel of the tray is a first side panel, the plurality of panels of the tray further comprises a second side panel, the at least one locking flap is a first locking flap, and the locking feature further comprises a second locking flap foldably connected to each end flap of the plurality of end flaps of the tray, at least a portion of the second locking flap extending away from the tray.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of panels of the sleeve comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, and the at least one locking opening is a first locking opening in the first side panel of the sleeve that receives the locking portion of the first locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration, and the locking feature further comprises a second locking opening in the second side panel of the sleeve that at least partially receives at least a portion of the second locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of end flaps of the tray comprises at least one attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, and 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 contact with at least one side panel of the tray.

9. the sleeve has an open end, the plurality of panels of the sleeve include a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the sleeve further having a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; The system of claim 4 , wherein the end flaps of the sleeve at least partially overlap to form a closed end of the sleeve.

10. 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. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising an insert at least partially received within the interior of the tray, 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 tray.

12. a set of blanks forming a system for holding one or more items, said set of blanks comprising a tray blank and a sleeve blank; The tray blank comprises: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of a tray formed from the tray blank, the plurality of panels including 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; a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to each end flap of the plurality of end flaps, at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extending away from the tray; the sleeve blank comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of a sleeve formed from the sleeve blank for at least partially receiving the tray formed from the tray blank; A set of blanks, wherein at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank includes a locking opening that at least partially receives at least a portion of at least one locking flap.

13. 13. The set of blanks of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of said at least one locking flap is at least partially received in said locking opening to form a closed aspect of said system formed from said set of blanks.

14. 14. The set of blanks of claim 13, wherein the at least one locking flap comprises a base and a locking portion foldably connected to the base, and at least a portion of the at least one locking flap is the locking portion of the at least one locking flap.

15. 15. The set of blanks of claim 14, wherein the base portion of the at least one locking flap is adapted to extend toward the interior of the tray, and the locking portion of the at least one locking flap is adapted to extend away from the interior of the tray formed by the tray blank.

16. 16. The set of blanks of claim 15, wherein the at least one side panel of the tray is a first side panel, the plurality of panels of the tray further comprises a second side panel, the at least one locking flap is a first locking flap, and the locking feature further comprises a second locking flap foldably connected to each end flap of the plurality of end flaps of the tray, at least a portion of the second locking flap being for extending away from the tray formed from the tray blank.

17. 17. The set of blanks of claim 16, wherein the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, and the at least one locking opening is a first locking opening in the first side panel of the sleeve blank that receives the locking portion of the first locking flap when the system formed from the set of blanks is in the closed configuration, and the locking feature further comprises a second locking opening in the second side panel of the sleeve that at least partially receives at least a portion of the second locking flap when the system formed from the set of blanks is in the closed configuration.

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

19. 16. A set of blanks as described in claim 15, wherein the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, and the sleeve blank further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank, the plurality of end flaps of the sleeve blank being arranged to at least partially overlap to form a closed end of the sleeve formed from the sleeve blank and an open end of the sleeve formed from the sleeve blank.

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

21. 21. The set of blanks of claim 20, wherein the set of blanks comprises an insert blank for forming an insert for at least partial receipt within the interior of the tray formed from the tray blank, the insert comprising a central panel and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the central panel extending downwardly from the central panel to support the central panel of the insert formed from the tray blank above a bottom panel of the tray formed from the tray blank.

22. 1. A method of forming a system for holding one or more items, the method comprising: obtaining a tray blank; and obtaining a sleeve blank; The tray blank comprises: a plurality of panels including 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 a tray formed by the tray blank; a locking feature comprising at least one locking flap foldably connected to each end flap of the plurality of end flaps; the sleeve blank comprises a plurality of panels, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprising a locking aperture; The method comprises: positioning the plurality of panels of the tray blank extending at least partially around an interior of the tray; positioning a locking feature on the tray blank such that at least a portion of the at least one locking flap extends away from the tray; positioning the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank extending at least partially around the interior of the sleeve such that the interior of the sleeve formed by the sleeve blank is positioned to at least partially receive the tray and the locking opening is positioned to at least partially receive at least a portion of at least one locking flap.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the system is reconfigurable between a closed configuration in which at least a portion of the locking flap is at least partially received in the locking opening, and an open configuration in which the tray is at least partially withdrawn from the interior of the sleeve.

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

25. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: forcing 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 an open configuration of the system.

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

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

28. the at least one side panel of the tray is a first side panel, the plurality of panels of the tray further comprises a second side panel, the at least one locking flap is a first locking flap, and the locking feature further comprises a second locking flap foldably connected to a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps of the tray; 30. The method of claim 27, further comprising positioning at least a portion of the second locking flap extending away from the tray.

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality of panels of the sleeve comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, and the at least one locking opening is a first locking opening in the first side panel of the sleeve that receives the locking portion of the first locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration, and the locking feature further comprises a second locking opening in the second side panel of the sleeve that at least partially receives at least a portion of the second locking flap when the system is in the closed configuration.

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

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one attachment flap is positioned in at least partial face contact with at least one side panel of the tray.

32. positioning the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank comprises positioning the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank such that the sleeve has an open end, the plurality of panels of the sleeve blank including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the sleeve blank further including a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising at least partially overlapping the end flaps of the sleeve blank to form a closed end of the sleeve.

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

34. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising obtaining an insert blank comprising a central panel and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the central panel, the method further comprising: positioning the plurality of end flaps extending downwardly from the central panel to form an insert from the sleeve; and positioning the insert at least partially within the interior of the tray such that the plurality of end flaps extending downwardly from the central panel support the central panel of the insert on the bottom panel of the tray.

Images