Package containing product lock assembly

Abstract

The package with a product locking function can include a product display panel to which a product is secured with a product locking assembly. The product locking assembly can include a locking element and a receiving element, and the locking element can be inserted into the receiving element in one direction in two stages, the first stage being for securing the product display panel to the product, and the second stage being for further insertion. After the product is removed from the product display panel, the locking element is inserted into the receiving element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 028,270, filed May 21, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a product locking assembly and a package having the product locking assembly for securing a product to a package display panel of the package.

[0003] Packaging fasteners are used in a variety of applications to help retain products within a package, secure products for display within a package, prevent theft of products from within a package, and / or provide evidence of tampering. Such locking fasteners can be used on many different types of products and are commonly used in toy packaging. Examples of traditional packaging fasteners include cable ties, cable tie fasteners, paper string fasteners, and molded plastic fasteners that fold over to align with an opening in the product for removal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] These conventional fasteners are difficult to remove, making opening the package cumbersome and potentially negatively impacting the consumer's overall impression and satisfaction with the product. Such fasteners can also be harmful to the environment and create additional waste along with the packaging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technical information set forth below may in some respects go beyond the disclosure of the present invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims. The additional technical information is provided to place the actual invention in a broader technical context and to describe potentially relevant technical developments. Such additional technical information, which is not included in the appended claims, is not part of the present invention.

[0006] The package can include a product display panel to which the product is secured, the product display panel having an opening for receiving a product lock assembly. The product lock assembly can include a locking element having a peg and an extension extending from the peg, the extension including first and second spaced apart projections. The product locking assembly can include a receiving element disposed or attached within the product, the receiving element having an opening with a first end and an inwardly disposed second end. The locking element is adapted to fit through the opening and be inserted into the receiving element to a first position, thereby securing the product display panel to the product and the first projection extending beyond the second end of the opening in the receiving element, preventing the locking element from separating from the opening. The locking element is adapted to be further inserted into the opening after separating the product display panel from the product to a second position, thereby extending the second projection beyond the second end of the opening in the receiving element.

[0007] The base can be a locking peg sized to prevent the locking peg from passing through the opening, and when the locking element is in the first position, a portion of the product display panel is disposed between the locking peg and the product, preventing the locking element from being further inserted to the second position. The product display panel can be separated between the locking peg and the product by tearing the tax display panel to enlarge the opening, separating the product display panel from the periphery of the locking peg, thereby allowing the locking element to be further inserted to the second position.

[0008] The product lock assembly may further include a packaging lock, wherein the locking element further includes a packaging lock receiving opening adapted to receive the packaging lock when the locking element is inserted into the receiving element to a first position, the locking element preventing insertion into the receiving element to a second position when disposed in the packaging lock receiving opening, and the locking element adapted to fit into the opening in the product display panel to separate the product display panel from the product when the packaging lock is removed from the packaging lock receiving opening and further allow insertion of the locking element to the second position.

[0009] The package can include a product display panel to which the product is secured, the product display panel having an opening for receiving a product locking assembly. The product locking assembly can include a locking element having a peg and an extension extending outward from the peg from a first end to an oppositely disposed second end, the extension having a first protrusion disposed at or adjacent the second end and a second protrusion disposed along the length of the extension between the first protrusion and the first end. A receiving element disposed within the product can have an opening extending from the first end on the exterior surface of the product to the second end inside the product, the opening having a diameter at the second end that is smaller than the diameter of the first end. The extension is adapted to reversibly deform from the first diameter to the second diameter, such that the extension can be inserted through the end of the opening in a deformed state and returns to the first diameter after insertion through the second end of the opening. The locking element is adapted to be irreversibly inserted into the receiving element to secure the product to the product display panel, where in the first position the first protrusion extends through the second end of the opening to prevent separation of the locking element from the receiving element, and after separating the product from the product display panel, the locking element is adapted to be further inserted into the opening of the receiving element to a second position, where in the second portion the second protrusion extends beyond the second end of the opening.

[0010] The peg can be a locking peg sized to prevent the locking peg from passing through the opening, and when the locking element is in the first position, a portion of the product display panel is disposed between the locking peg and the product, preventing the locking element from being further inserted to the second position; the product display panel can be separated from between the locking peg and the product by tearing the product display panel to enlarge the opening and allow the product display panel to be removed around the locking peg, thereby allowing the locking element to be further inserted to the second position.

[0011] The product lock assembly further includes a packaging lock, the locking element further including a packaging lock receiving opening adapted to receive the packaging lock when the locking element is inserted into the receiving element to a first position, the packaging lock, when positioned in the packaging lock receiving opening, preventing the locking element from being inserted into the receiving element to a second position, and the locking element adapted to fit through the opening in the product display panel when the product display panel is removed from the product and the packaging lock is separated from the packaging lock receiving opening to allow the locking element to be inserted into the second position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a package having a locking assembly according to the present disclosure, the locking assembly being in a first position. [Figure 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 1 with the locking assembly in a second position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a locking element of a locking assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a receiving element of a locking assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the installation and removal of a product from a package having a locking assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the packaging lock assembly of FIG. 5 using the packaging lock to secure a product to a product display panel. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the packaging lock assembly of FIG. 5 showing how the packaging lock is used to secure the product to the package. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the packaging locking assembly of FIG. 5 after the product has been removed from the package and the locking element has been inserted into a second position. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a packaging lock assembly according to the present disclosure shown in first and second positions. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a packaging lock assembly having a packaging lock according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram of a packaging lock assembly having a receiving element retainer according to the present disclosure showing the locking element in a first position. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram of a packaging lock assembly having a receiving element retainer according to the present disclosure showing the locking element in a first position. [Figure 13C]FIG. 13C is a diagram of a packaging lock assembly having a receiving element retainer according to the present disclosure showing the locking element in a first position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a packaging lock assembly in a second position according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a diagram of a packaging lock assembly having a receiving element retainer according to the present disclosure showing the locking element in a second position. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a diagram of a packaging lock assembly having a receiving element retainer according to the present disclosure showing the locking element in a second position. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a diagram of a packaging lock assembly having a receiving element retainer according to the present disclosure showing the locking element in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The technical information set forth below may in some respects go beyond the disclosure of the present invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims. The additional technical information is provided to place the actual invention in a broader technical context and to describe potentially relevant technical developments. Such additional technical information, which is not included in the appended claims, is not part of the present invention.

[0014] A package of the present disclosure can include a product display panel to which a product is secured, the product display panel having at least one opening for receiving a product lock assembly. The product lock assembly can include a locking element including a base, an extension extending from the base, and at least one protrusion extending outward from the extension; and a receiving element disposed on, formed on, and / or attached to the product, the receiving element having an opening with a first end and an inwardly disposed second end. The extension of the locking element is adapted to fit into the opening of the product display panel and be inserted into the receiving element to a first position to secure the product display panel to the product, and the at least one protrusion engages with a first retention structure of the receiving element to prevent the locking element from being withdrawn from the receiving element. The locking element is adapted to be further inserted into the opening after removing the product display panel from the product to a second position. In the second position, the product locking assembly can be adapted so that a second protrusion or set of protrusions on the extension engages with the first retention structure. Alternatively, in the second position, the packaging lock assembly may be adapted such that the extension portion includes only one or one set of protrusions that interact with the second retention structure of the receiving element.

[0015] The packages of the present disclosure may include a product display panel to which a product is secured. While the term product display panel is used herein, it should be understood that the product need not be displayed within the package and can be completely covered by additional exterior packaging elements. Furthermore, it should be understood herein that any panel of the package, whether part of the package's interior structure, a stand-alone panel, or part of the package's exterior structure, can be a product display panel, as the term is used herein, so long as the product is secured to such a surface or panel of the package. In various embodiments, the product display panel is further housed within an exterior package, such as a cardboard box-type package or other exterior package. The exterior package can have, for example, a plastic display panel or a display opening. Any type of exterior package can be used with the locking assemblies disclosed herein. The product display panel can be part of the exterior package. Alternatively, the entire product display panel can be housed within the exterior package.

[0016] The product locking assemblies of the present disclosure can advantageously secure a product to or within a package to aid in product display and / or prevent product theft while on a store shelf, yet allow the product to be easily removed during opening. Additionally, the product locking assemblies of the present disclosure can be more environmentally friendly and reduce waste than conventional package fasteners.

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, package 10 can include a product display panel 16 and a product lock assembly 24. Figures 5, 6, and 12 show package 10 with a product lock assembly further including a packaging lock 66. Figure 11 shows a product lock assembly including a retention receiving element with additional retention structure that engages with the locking element of the product lock assembly.

[0018] The packaging display panel 16 is secured to the product 12 using a locking assembly 24 of the present disclosure. The locking assembly 24 includes a locking element 26 and a receiving element 28. The locking element 26 is designed for one-way insertion into the receiving element 28 in two stages. That is, once inserted, the locking element 26 cannot be removed from the receiving element 28. Furthermore, once the locking element 26 is inserted from the first stage to the second stage, it cannot return to its first-stage position. In the first stage or first position, the locking element 26 is inserted into the receiving element 28 to secure the product 12 to the product display panel 16. In various embodiments, the product locking assembly 24 can further include a packaging lock 66 for securing the product 12 to the product display panel 16. In the second stage or second position, the locking element 26 is further inserted into the receiving element 28 after removing the product 12 from the product display panel 16. The receiving element 28 can be formed on the product and / or can include a structure inserted within the product 12. In such a configuration of receiving element 28, locking element 26 can be aligned with and become a part of exterior surface 14 of product 12 when in the second position. Product locking assembly 24 can be designed to be nearly unnoticeable to a user when in the second position, such that locking element 26 becomes a part of product 12 when in the second position and does not disrupt or detract from the aesthetic appearance of product 12, as shown, for example, in FIG. 15 .

[0019] The product display panel 16 includes an opening 18 positioned to align with the receiving element 28. The opening 18 is formed to allow at least a portion of the locking element 26 to extend through the opening 18 and engage with the receiving element 28. As described in detail below, the opening 18 can be formed such that, once inserted, the locking element 26 cannot be removed through the opening 18 without damaging the product display panel 16. In other configurations, such as those using a packaging lock 66, the opening 18 can be formed to allow the locking element 26 to freely move in and out of the opening 18.

[0020] The locking element 26 includes an extension portion 30 extending from a base 44. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the locking element 26 in which the extension portion 30 extends from the base in the form of a locking peg head 48. The locking peg head 48 is formed to prevent the locking element from passing through the opening 18 without damaging the product display panel 16. FIGS. 5 and 11 illustrate a locking element in which the extension portion 30 extends as two arms 36 from the base 44 of the locking element 26. The placement of the extension portion 30 can be tailored to fit the receiving element 28 into which it is inserted. The size and shape of the receiving element 28 can be tailored to fit the product on or within which it is to be placed.

[0021] 3 and 5, the extension portion 30 of the locking element 26 has a length that extends from a first end 32 adjacent the base 44 to a second end 34. The second end 34 is the portion of the extension portion 30 that is initially inserted into the receiving element 28. In embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 3, the second end 34 of the extension portion 30 may be tapered, which allows for easier insertion into the receiving element 28 in a variety of configurations.

[0022] The extension portion 30 includes at least a first protrusion 50. In some configurations, the extension portion can include first and second protrusions 50, 52. The protrusions extend outward from the extension portion 30 and can engage walls surrounding the opening of the receiving element 28 or can engage retention structures within the receiving element 28 to prevent the locking element 26 from being removed from the receiving element 28 after insertion into the first stage and then the second stage. In some embodiments, the protrusions 50, 52 can extend the entire circumference of the extension portion 30. In other embodiments, such as when the extension portion 30 includes a gap 38, as described in more detail below, the protrusions can be provided in one or more sets of protrusions, with each protrusion extending from either side of the gap.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3 , in a locking element 26 having first and second protrusions 50, 52, the first protrusion 50 can be positioned at or adjacent to the second end 34 of the extension portion 30. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the first protrusion 50 is positioned at the second end 34 of the extension portion 30. The second protrusion 52 is positioned along the length of the extension portion 30 between the first end 32 and the first protrusion 50. The first and / or second protrusions 50, 52 can be tapered, increasing in diameter from the second end to the first end. The taper can aid in insertion of the extension portion 30 into the receiving element 28. For example, the protrusions 50, 52 can be formed of a reversibly deformable material, and the taper can be used to guide the deformation of the protrusions 50, 52 to a reduced diameter for insertion into the receiving element 28. For example, the first and second protrusions 50, 52 can have a frusto-conical shape. In locking elements where the extension portion includes the gap 38, the projections 50, 52 may include portions that extend on either side of the gap 38. For example, each portion may have a semi-frustoconical shape.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 11 , the extension portion 30 can include a single protrusion or a single set of protrusions. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the locking element includes two extension portions 30 provided as two arms 36 extending the length between the base 44 and the second end 24. A protrusion can be at or adjacent to the second end 24 of each arm. The protrusions can be tapered as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the protrusions 52 can be tapered to position the locking element 26 such that, when pressed into the receiving element 28 to the first position, the protrusions 52 are received in the space below the internal structure and / or the receiving element's retention structure (collectively referred to herein as the first retention structure). When an attempt is made to withdraw the locking element 26 from the first position, the protrusions act on the first retention structure 90, for example, by contacting the first retention structure 90 to prevent the locking element 26 from being withdrawn.

[0025] 12B, the locking element may alternatively include a connecting wall 80 joining the two arms 36. A gap 38 may be left between the two arms 36 such that an interior opening exists in the locking element 26. The wall 80 may include an opening or aperture 82 for receiving one or more locking extensions 84 of the receiving element 28. The locking extensions 84 may help resist separation of the locking element 26 relative to the receiving element 28 when the locking element 26 is in the second position.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3 , the extension portion 30 can be provided as two arms 36 extending from a shaft 40. A gap 38 can be disposed between the two arms 36 extending along the length of the extension portion 30. The gap 38 can be disposed such that the two arms 36 are not connected at any point, and the extension portion 30 can be reversibly deformed from a first diameter, measured around the projections 50, 52 and including the gap therebetween, to a smaller second diameter for insertion into the receiving element 28. After insertion into the receiving element 28, the extension portion 30 returns to its original first diameter in the deformed state to retain the locking element 26 within the receiving element 28. In the deformed state, the width of at least a portion of the gap 38 decreases as the arms approach each other during insertion of the receiving element 28. In some embodiments, the extension portion 30 can be deformed during insertion into the opening 18 of the product display panel 12.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 5 , as described above, the extension portion 30 can be provided as two arms 36 extending directly from the base 44 of the extension portion 30, without the shaft 40 as in the embodiment of FIG. 3 . In FIG. 5 , the arms 36 are still separated by a gap 38 so that no portion of the arms 36 is connected to one another. The extension portion 30 can be reversibly deformed from a first diameter to a smaller second diameter to allow insertion into the receiving element 28, and can return to its original first diameter after insertion. In this deformed state, the arms 36 near at least the second end 34 of the extension portion 30 can move inward toward one another, reducing the width of the gap 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the extension portion 30 can further include two inward protrusions 68 at the second end 34 of each arm 36, extending from the second end 34 into the gap 38. The two inward protrusions 68 can add stability to the arms 36 during insertion into the receiving element 28.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 11 , in embodiments in which the locking assembly includes a packaging lock 66, the locking element 26 can include a packaging lock receiving opening 54. As described in more detail below, the packaging lock receiving opening 54 can be insertably positioned within the locking element 26 to prevent further insertion of the locking element into the receiving element 28. For example, in the locking element 26 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , an opening can function as the packaging lock receiving opening 54. In embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 6 , the packaging lock receiving opening 54 can be positioned below the base 44. For example, the packaging lock receiving opening 54 can be directly below the base 44. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 11 , the packaging lock receiving opening 54 can be defined in the gap 38 between two arms 36 of the extension portion directly below the base 44. In other embodiments, for example, when the extension portion 30 does not include the gap 38, the packaging lock receiving opening 54 can be formed by an opening disposed through the extension portion 30. In some embodiments, the packaging lock receiving opening 54 may be formed by an opening disposed through the base 44 .

[0029] The packaging lock 66 is formed to fit within the packaging lock receiving opening 54, which may be the gap 38, and remains retained within the packaging lock receiving opening 54 until actively pulled and removed by the consumer during opening. That is, the packaging lock 66 is designed to fit within the packaging lock receiving opening 54 with sufficient tightness that shaking, rotation, compression, or other movement of the package, such as during shipping, shelf storage, and shelf viewing by the consumer, will not dislodge the packaging lock 66.

[0030] The packaging lock 66 can be formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material. For example, semi-rigid cardboard can be used. The packaging lock 66 needs to be sufficiently rigid to prevent the locking element 26 from being forced into the receiving element 28 to a second position, for example, during compression of the package, which may occur during shipping or other manipulation of the package prior to opening. In some embodiments, the packaging lock can be formed from the same material as the product display panel 16. In other embodiments, the packaging lock 66 can be formed from bamboo or other wood products. Forming the packaging lock 66 from paperboard or wood products can advantageously make the packaging lock a recyclable element and avoid the need for additional plastic in the package. However, other materials, such as plastic, are also contemplated herein.

[0031] The receiving element 28 can be formed within, comprised of, and / or attached to the product 12. For example, the receiving element 28 can be formed within or as part of the product 12. FIG. 4 illustrates a receiving element 28 formed within a product (not shown). FIG. 7 illustrates a locking element 26 inserted into a receiving element 28 formed as part of the product 12. FIG. 11 is a partial view illustrating a receiving element 28 including both a portion formed within or as part of the product and a receiving element retainer inserted into the product that engages the locking element 26. In particular, the product includes an opening 54 for receiving the locking element 26. The opening 54 terminates in a receiving element retainer 88 that further includes an opening for receiving a portion of the locking element 26. A first retention structure 90 can be formed by a protrusion on the product extending through the opening 54 and / or a portion of the receiving element retainer 88. A second retention structure 92 can be formed by a protrusion or wall of the receiving element retainer 88, as described in more detail herein. The receiving element 28 includes an opening 56 having a first end 58 and an inwardly disposed second end 60. In the configuration of FIG. 11 , the opening 56 is formed in the product and terminates at the second end 60 of the receiving element retainer. The first end 58 is at or adjacent to the exterior surface 14 of the product 12. For example, in embodiments in which the receiving element 28 is formed as part of the product 12, the surface surrounding the first end 58 of the opening 56 is the exterior surface 14 of the product 12. The receiving element 28, including the receiving element retainer, can similarly include a surface surrounding the first end 58 of the opening 56 that is the exterior surface 14 of the product 12. This can be useful for hiding or incorporating a locking element as part of the product after the product 12 is removed from the package. An example of such a concealed or incorporated locking element is shown in FIG. 14 .

[0032] The opening 56 can have a diameter that decreases from the first end 58 to the second end 60. Referring again to FIG. 4 , the opening can have two portions in some embodiments. The first portion 62 can be located near the first end 58, and the second portion 64 can be located inboard of the first portion 62 toward the second end 60. The first portion 62 can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second portion 64. In some embodiments, a step or shoulder can be defined between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64, as shown in FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the second portion 64 can be tapered, decreasing in diameter as the second portion 64 extends inward toward the second end 60. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 can also be tapered.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the opening 56 can have a tapered diameter that decreases as the opening extends inward from the first end 58 to the second end 60, without the presence of a step or shoulder as shown in FIG. 4 . In any of the tapered diameter openings 56 herein, the second end 58 of the opening 56 has a diameter that prevents the protrusions 50, 52 from being pulled back through the second end 58 after being inserted through the second end 60. The opening is positioned such that an open space or chamber is provided opposite the second end, thereby allowing the extension portion to extend into the chamber and for the first or second protrusion to engage a surface surrounding the second end 60 after passing through the second end to prevent removal of the locking element. In some embodiments, the receiving element 28 can be formed in a product having a hollow interior, with the second end 60 of the opening terminating in a hollow interior into which the extension portion can be positioned when the first or second protrusion 50 penetrates the second end 60. The arrangement of the first and second protrusions 50, 52, and their inability to be removed through the second end 60 of the opening 56 after insertion, provides a two-stage, one-way insertion of the locking element 26 in the receiving element 28.

[0034] 11-15, the opening 56 can have a substantially uniform diameter and can terminate in a receiving element retainer 88, which then receives the second end 34 of the extension portion without the second end 34 penetrating the opening 56. In the configuration of FIG. 11 (and further shown in FIGS. 13A-13C), a packaging lock 66 can be included to hold the locking element in a first position. FIG. 12 shows the packaging lock 66 from the outside of the product display panel. In this position, the locking element 26 resists removal from the opening by engaging a protrusion on the locking element with a first retention structure. The first retention structure 90 can be, for example, an interior wall or protrusion on the product, extending into the opening to engage the protrusion. Referring to FIG. 11A, a space can be disposed between the surface of the receiving element retainer 88 and the interior protrusion or wall of the product, or the opening 56 formed or inserted therein, with the protrusion of the locking element 26 present when the locking element 26 is in the first position. Alternatively, the first retention structure 90 can be provided by a protrusion or wall of the receiving element retainer rather than the product itself. The configuration shown in Figure 11A (and further shown in Figure 12) utilizes a packaging lock 66 that prevents the locking element 26 from being pushed further into the product without the package being first removed. As described in detail above, the packaging lock 66 is removed to pull the product from the product display panel, ultimately allowing the locking element to be pushed into the product to its second position.

[0035] 11B and 15A-15C, in a configuration having a receiving element retainer 88, the locking element can engage with a second retention structure 92 when in the second position. The second retention structure 92 can be, for example, a wall or protrusion of the receiving element retainer that engages with the protrusion 42 to prevent the locking element 26 from being withdrawn from the second position. For example, FIG. 11B shows a wall of the receiving element retainer 88 beneath which the protrusion 42 of the locking element 26 resides. If the locking element 26 is attempted to be withdrawn from the opening 56, the protrusion 42 of the locking element 26 abuts the wall of the receiving element retainer 88, which forms the first retention structure 90. The receiving element retainer 88 can include a third retention structure 94 in the form of a lock extension 96 extending upward from a bottom surface of the receiving element retainer 88. 15A, when in the second position, the locking extension 96 of the receiving element retainer extends through the opening 82 in the connecting wall 80 of the locking element 26 and can exert an outward force against the arm 36 of the locking element 26. FIG. 15B illustrates the interrelationship between the third retention structure 94 and the locking element 26.

[0036] As explained above and in more detail below, extension portion 30 and / or protrusions can be reversibly deformed to reduce their diameter during insertion to allow protrusions 50, 52 to pass through second end 60 of opening 56. After passing through second end 60, extension portion and / or protrusions can return to their original diameter. Once inserted into second end 60, protrusions 50, 52 can resist or prevent deformation of extension portion 30 when a force is applied in the direction opposite insertion, i.e., in the direction of removal of locking element 26, thereby allowing protrusions 50, 52 to prevent locking element 26 from disengaging from receiving element 28 after insertion.

[0037] For example, in embodiments in which the protrusions are formed of a reversibly deformable material, the protrusions may be tapered to increase in diameter along the length of the extension portion 30 from the second end 35 to the first end 32. Such a taper may help guide deformation of the protrusions 50, 52 along the direction of the taper during insertion. In any case, after the protrusions 50, 52 expand through the second end 60 of the opening 56 of the receiving element 28, the wider diameter portion and direction of the taper may prevent deformation of the protrusions when a removal force is applied in a direction opposite to insertion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first portion can have a diameter and depth configured to receive the base 44 of the extension portion 30, with the base 44 having an outer surface 46 that is substantially coplanar with the surface surrounding the opening 56. The surface surrounding the opening 56 can be, for example, the outer surface 14 of the product 12.

[0039] In operation, the locking assembly 24 of the present disclosure prevents the package from being removed from the product display panel 16 until the product display panel is torn, modified to enlarge the opening 18, or the packaging lock 66 is removed and the product display panel 16 is removed. After the product display panel 16 is removed from the product 12, the locking assembly 24 can be further adapted to receive the locking element 26 in the receiving element 28. For example, in embodiments where the receiving element 28 is part of the product 12, the locking element 26 can be further received within the receiving element 28 such that the base 44 of the locking element is substantially flush with the exterior surface 14 of the product, such that the locking element becomes part of the product 12 and is substantially invisible from the exterior surface 14 of the product 12.

[0040] 1 and 6, the locking element 26 may be adapted to be inserted into the receiving element 28 to a first position in which the first protrusion 50 extends beyond the second end 60 of the opening 56 in the receiving element 28. FIGS. 1 and 3 (item 3) show the first position of the locking element 26. In the first position, the first protrusion 50 extends outward from the second end 60 of the opening 56 and engages a surface surrounding the second end 60 to prevent the locking element 26 from being removed from the receiving element 28.

[0041] As described above, the extension portion 30 may be reversibly deformable such that it can be deformed to a second diameter for insertion through the opening 56 and then return to its original first diameter once the first protrusion 50 is expanded through the second end 60. To allow such reversible deformation within the opening 56, the first and second protrusions 50, 52 are spaced apart along the length of the extension portion 60, and the opening 56 is sized and tapered or stepped so that the second protrusion 52 resides within a portion of the opening 56. When the first protrusion 50 expands through the second end 60 of the opening 56, the opening 56 has a diameter larger than the first diameter of the extension portion 30, including the second protrusion 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the second protrusion 50 can be positioned within a first portion 62 of the opening 56, which is larger than the diameter of the extension portion 30, including the second protrusion 52 and the gap 38. This causes the extension portion 30 to return to the first diameter after inserting the first protrusion 50 into the second end 60 .

[0042] 1 , in some embodiments, the product display panel 16 can be positioned on the outer surface of the receiving element 28, e.g., between the outer surface 14 of the product 12, and the locking element 26. In such embodiments, the base 44 can be provided as a locking peg 48 that has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening 18 and cannot penetrate the opening 18 without tearing or damaging the product display panel 16. In such embodiments, a portion of the product display panel 16 is positioned between the locking peg 48 and the outer surface of the receiving element 28, preventing the locking element 26 from being further inserted into the receiving element 28 to the second position.

[0043] In embodiments in which the locking element 26 includes a locking peg 48 and an opening 18 configured to prevent penetration by the locking peg 48, the product display panel 16 may include one or more lines of weakening 70 to enlarge the opening 18 and remove the product display panel 16 around the locking peg 48 when the package is opened to remove the product 12. The line or lines of weakening may be of any known type or form, including tear lines, perforations, weakened portions, etc. The product display panel 16 may further include indicia printed thereon to instruct the consumer where to tear the product display panel 16 to remove the product 12.

[0044] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7 , the opening 18 in the product display panel 16 can be sized so that the locking element 26, including the base 44, can be inserted and removed through the opening 18 without damaging the product display panel 16. In such embodiments, a packaging lock 66 is inserted into the packaging lock receiving opening 54 of the locking element 26 to secure the product 12 on the product display panel 16. The packaging lock 66 extends beyond the boundaries of the opening 18 in the product display panel 16, preventing the locking element from being pulled through the opening. The placement of the packaging lock 66 also prevents the locking element 26 from being further inserted into the receiving element 28 to the second position when the packaging lock 66 is within the packaging lock receiving opening 54. Removal of the product 12 from the product display panel 16 can be accomplished by removing the packaging lock 66 from the packaging lock receiving opening 54 and then simply sliding the opening 18 in the product display panel 16 over the locking element 26.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, once the product display panel 16 is removed from the product, the locking element 26 can be moved to a second position. In the second position, the locking element 26 is further inserted into the receiving element 28. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, in some configurations, in the second position, the second protrusion 52 extends beyond the second end 60, preventing the locking element 26 from being pulled back through the second end 60. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the receiving element opening 56 can be formed with the first end 58 to fully receive the base 44 of the locking element 26 so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface surrounding the receiving element opening 56. In other configurations, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 15A-15C, the receiving element 28 can include a receiving element retainer 88 having a second retention structure 92 that engages the locking element when the locking element is in the second position. The receiving element 28 has an area for receiving the locking element so that the base 44 can be pressed flush with the outer surface of the product surrounding the opening 56, so that it is substantially flush with the outer surface (FIG. 14).

[0046] 8 and 14, the exterior surface surrounding the receiving element opening 56 can be the exterior surface 14 of the product 12, and by inserting the locking element 26 in the second position, the locking element 26 can become part of the product 12. The exterior surface 48 of the peg 44 (or locking peg 48) of the locking element 26 can be molded, patterned, textured, or otherwise modified to have the same appearance as the exterior surface 14 of the product 12. When the locking element 26 is in the second position, it becomes one with the exterior surface 14 of the product 12.

[0047] 9A and 9B, a further package assembly of the present disclosure is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the product display panel 116 includes a pair of openings 118. The product 112 includes a pair of openings 119 connected by a channel (not shown) inside the package through which a locking element 126 can pass. The locking element 126 is in the form of an elongated element having a length sufficient to pass through the pair of openings 119 and reside within the channel, with ends 123 of the locking element 126 extending beyond the respective openings 119 to the exterior of the product 112. The ends 123 of the locking element 126 are then threaded through the respective openings 118 in the product display panel 116 so that the ends 123 reside on the opposite side of the product display panel 116 as the product 112, referred to herein as the backside for convenience. The package further includes another panel 125, either integral with or separate from the product display panel 116, that covers the locking element 126 on the back side of the product display panel 116 as the product 112. In embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 9 , panel 125 tensions locking element 126, bending and tensioning locking element 126 to attach product 112 to product display panel 116. Referring to FIG. 9B , during opening, product 112 can be removed from the package by exposing locking element 126 behind product display panel 116 and sliding locking element 126 out of opening 119, forming a channel in the product. In other embodiments, tension on locking element 126 is provided by the distance between openings on the product or by product display panel 116, with an additional panel 125 present to cover locking element 126 so it is inaccessible until the package is opened. This provides evidence of tampering and prevents theft of the product while it is on a store shelf, as removing the product requires visibly destroying the package to access locking element 126.

[0048] 10A-10D, in yet another embodiment, a rigid locking element can be locked between the panel 125 and the product display panel 116. The product display panel can have an opening 118 through which a portion of the locking element 126 can extend. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, the locking element 126 can have a bow 127 that allows that portion of the locking element to extend beyond the opening in the product display panel 116, while the remaining end of the locking element 126 remains flat against the panel 125. This allows the product display panel 126 to be closed over the panel 125 to secure the locking element 126 in place. The product 112 can have a lock-receiving element 128 that can receive the portion of the locking element 126 that extends through the opening 118 in the product display panel 126. The lock-receiving element 128 can be adapted to snap or otherwise be pressed into place to secure it to the locking element 126, but once attached, it cannot be removed from the locking element 126 by pulling it away from the locking element 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C , the lock receiving element 126 can include two tabs 131 that extend in only one direction to lock the locking element 126 in place and prevent it from being pulled out, only allowing it to slide out of the lock receiving element 128.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 10D, to open the product 112, the package is opened to expose the end of the locking element 126, which is grasped and slides the locking element 126 out of the package, thereby allowing the product 112 to slide out of the lock receiving element 129, releasing the product 112 from the product display panel 116.

[0050] Furthermore, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is used only for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is clear that a different meaning is intended.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be used without departing from the principles described herein.

[0052] Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise structure and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the devices disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope, as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a product display panel to which a product is secured, said product display panel including at least one opening for receiving a product locking assembly; The product lock assembly includes: a locking element comprising a base, an extension extending from the base, and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the extension; a receiving element disposed within or attached to the product, the receiving element including an opening having a first end and an inwardly disposed second end; the extension portion of the locking element is adapted to fit into the opening of the product display panel so that the product display panel is secured to the product, and is inserted into the receiving element to a first position, with at least one protrusion engaging a first retention structure of the receiving element to prevent the locking element from being withdrawn from the receiving element; and The locking element is adapted to be further inserted into the opening after separating the product display panel from the product to a second position so that at least one protrusion engages with a second retention structure of the receiving element.

2. The package of claim 1 , wherein the extension portion comprises first and second spaced apart arms.

3. The package of claim 2 , wherein the first and second arms extend from opposite ends of the base, and each of the first and second arms includes a protrusion.

4. 4. The package of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a connecting wall connecting the first and second arms at or adjacent the ends of the first and second arms opposite the base.

5. The package of claim 4 , wherein the connecting wall comprises one or more openings.

6. 6. The package of claim 1, wherein the first retention structure is an inner wall portion of the product, and the at least one protrusion extends beyond the second end of the product into the receiving element and resists separation from the product by engagement of the at least one protrusion with the inner wall portion of the product.

7. 7. The package of claim 1, wherein the second retention structure is an inner wall portion of the receiving element that protrudes inward into the opening, and when in the second position, at least one of the protrusions extends beyond the inner wall into the receiving element and resists separation from the receiving element by engagement of at least one of the protrusions with the inner wall portion of the receiving element.

8. 8. The package of claim 1, wherein the receiving element comprises a receiving element retainer having a locking extension extending upward from a bottom wall of the receiving element retainer, the locking extension adapted to engage with the extension of the locking element when the locking element is in the second position.

9. 5. The package of claim 4, wherein the connecting wall includes an opening, and the receiving element includes a receiving element retainer having a locking extension extending upward from a bottom wall of the receiving element retainer, the locking extension adapted to extend through the opening in the connecting wall and apply a retaining force to the first and second arms when the locking element is in the second position.

10. 10. The package of claim 1, further comprising a packaging lock adapted to be inserted into an opening in the locking element below the base when the locking element is in the first position and to be separated from the opening to allow the locking element to be pushed into the second position.

11. a product display panel to which a product is secured, the product display panel including an opening for receiving a product locking assembly; The product lock assembly includes: a locking element having a peg and an extension portion extending from the peg, the extension portion including first and second spaced apart projections; a receiving element including an opening having a first end and an inwardly disposed second end, the receiving element being disposed within or attached to the product; The locking element is adapted to be inserted into the receiving element to a first position and fit into the opening so that the product display panel is secured to the product, a first protrusion passes through the second end of the opening in the receiving element to prevent the locking element from separating from the opening, and after the product display panel is removed from the product, the locking element is further adapted to be inserted further into the opening to a second position such that the second protrusion extends beyond the second end of the opening in the receiving element.

12. 12. The package of claim 11, wherein the peg is a locking peg and is sized so that the locking peg does not fit into the opening, a portion of the product display panel is positioned between the locking peg and the product when the locking element is in the first position, preventing the locking element from being further inserted to the second position, and tearing the product display panel to enlarge the opening separates the product display panel from between the locking peg and the product, thereby allowing the locking element to be further inserted to the second position.

13. 13. The package of claim 12, wherein the opening in the receiving element has an opening diameter at the first end sized to receive the locking peg and an opening diameter at the second end smaller than the opening diameter at the first end.

14. 12. The package of claim 11, wherein the product lock assembly further includes a packaging lock, and further includes a packaging lock receiving opening adapted to receive the packaging lock when the locking element is inserted into the receiving element to the first position, the packaging lock adapted to prevent the locking element from being inserted into the receiving element to the second position when positioned in the packaging lock receiving opening, and adapted to fit into the opening in the product display panel when the packaging lock is separated from the packaging lock receiving opening to remove the product display panel from the product and further insert the locking element to the second position.

15. a product display panel to which a product is secured, the product display panel including an opening for receiving a product locking assembly; The product lock assembly includes: a locking element having a peg and an extension extending outwardly from the peg from a first end to an oppositely disposed second end, the extension having a first protrusion disposed at or adjacent the second end and a second protrusion disposed along the length of the extension between the first protrusion and the first end; a receiving element disposed within the product, the receiving element having an opening extending from a first end on an exterior surface of the product to a second end within the product, the opening having an opening diameter at the second end that is smaller than an opening diameter at the first end; the extension portion is adapted to be reversibly deformed from a first diameter to a second diameter such that, when the extension portion is in a deformed state, it can be inserted through the end of the opening and, after insertion, the second end of the opening expands to the first diameter; the locking element is adapted to be irreversibly inserted into the receiving element to a first position that secures the product to the product display panel, wherein in the first position, the first protrusion extends through the second end of the opening to prevent the locking element from being separated from the receiving element; and The locking element is adapted to be further inserted into the opening of the receiving element to a second position after separating the product from the product display panel, wherein in the second position, the second protrusion extends beyond the second end of the opening.

16. 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the opening is sized so that the peg fits within the opening at the first end when the locking element is in the second position.

17. 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the product lock assembly further includes a packaging lock, the locking element further including a packaging lock receiving opening for receiving the packaging lock, the packaging lock being adapted to be separated from the opening when the locking element is in a first position and extends across the opening of the receiving element, thereby securing the product to the product display panel and preventing the locking element from being further inserted to the second position of the receiving element, and the packaging lock being adapted to be separated from the opening to separate the product display panel from the product and further insert the locking element to the second position of the receiving element.

18. 18. The package of claim 10, 14 or 17, wherein the packaging lock is rigid paper or paperboard.

19. 20. The package of claim 1, 14, 17, or 18, wherein the opening is sized to allow the locking element to be inserted into and separated from the opening with little or no damage to the product display panel.

20. 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the peg is a locking peg, the locking peg having a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the product display panel and adapted to prevent separation of the product display panel from the product when the locking element is in a first position.

21. 21. The package of claim 20, wherein when the locking element is in the first position, a portion of the product display panel is disposed between the locking peg and the product, preventing the locking element from being further inserted into the second position, and by tearing the product display panel to enlarge the opening, the product display panel can be removed from between the locking peg and the product and the product display panel can be separated around the locking peg, thereby allowing the locking element to be further inserted into the second position.

22. 22. The package of claim 21, wherein the product display panel further comprises one or more lines of weakness disposed around the opening and is tearable along the one or more lines of weakness to increase the size of the opening and separate the product display panel around the opening.

23. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein when the locking element is in the second position, an outer surface of the peg of the locking element is substantially flush with an outer surface of the product.

24. 24. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions have an externally tapered shape from the second end of the extension portion to the first end of the extension portion.

25. 24. The package of claim 1, wherein the extension portion includes two extending arms separated by a gap, the gap extending between at least the first and second protrusions, such that the extension portion is reversibly deformable by movement of the arms within the gap.

26. 26. The package of claim 25, wherein the two arms are connected at a base disposed at the first end.

27. 27. The package of claim 25 or 26, wherein the first and second projections are provided as two projection portions projecting from each arm, respectively, and separated by the gap.

28. 27. The package of claim 25 or 26, wherein each of the two protruding portions is substantially half of a frustum shape.

29. 29. The package of claim 1, wherein the opening has a first portion and an inwardly disposed second portion terminating at the second end, the first portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion such that a step is disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

30. 30. The package of claim 29, wherein the spacing between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is such that the second protrusion is at least partially disposed in the first portion of the opening when the locking element is in the first position.

31. The package of any one of claims 1 to 30, further comprising an outer packaging element into which the product display panel having the product secured by the locking assembly is inserted.

32. 1. A product locking assembly for securing a product to a package panel, comprising: a receiving element including an opening, the receiving element being disposed or attached within the product and extending from a first end to an inwardly disposed second end; a locking element having an extension portion including spaced apart first and second projections; the locking element is adapted to be irreversibly inserted through a package panel to a first position of the receiving element, thereby securing a product to a package wall, a product display panel secured to the product, and in the first position, the first protrusion extends beyond the second end of the opening of the receiving element to prevent separation of the locking element from the opening; and a locking element adapted to be further inserted into the opening of the receiving element to a second position after separating the product from a package panel, wherein a second protrusion extends beyond the second end of the opening of the receiving element in the second position.

33. 33. The product lock assembly of claim 32, wherein the extension portion is adapted to reversibly deform from a first diameter to a second diameter, such that the extension portion in a deformed state can be inserted through the second end of the opening and expands back to the first diameter after insertion.

34. 34. A product lock assembly as described in claim 32 or 33, wherein the locking element further comprises a locking peg extending from the extension portion, the locking peg having a diameter greater than a diameter of the opening, thereby preventing separation of the package panel from the product when the locking element is in the first position and preventing further insertion of the locking element to a second position.

35. 34. The product lock assembly of claim 33, further comprising a packaging lock, the locking element further including a packaging lock receiving opening adapted to receive the packaging lock when the locking element is inserted into the receiving element to the first position, the packaging lock adapted when positioned in the packaging lock receiving opening to secure the product to the packaging panel and prevent the locking element from being inserted into the receiving element to the second position, and the locking element including a peg adapted to fit into the opening of the product when the packaging lock is removed from the packaging lock receiving opening to remove the product display panel from the product and further enable insertion of the locking element to the second position.

36. 36. The product lock assembly of claim 35, wherein the packaging lock is formed from stiff paper or paperboard.

37. 37. A product lock assembly according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the extension portion comprises two arms extending from the peg and separated by the opening.

38. 38. The product lock assembly of claim 37, wherein each of the two arms reduces the diameter of the opening at the second end and includes an inwardly extending leg at the second end.

39. 39. A product lock assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the extension portion extends from the first end to the oppositely disposed second end, the second end adapted to be inserted into the opening and the receiving element, and the first protrusion is disposed on the second end.

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