SG188560A1

SG188560A1 - Carrier with panel locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: SG188560A1
Application number: SG2013019286A
Authority: SG
Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair; Patrick Blin
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2013-04-30
Also published as: WO2012037542A1; KR20140012617A; MX2013003096A; TW201213203A; JP2013537157A; BR112013006427A2; CN103298708A; RU2013117444A

Abstract

A wrap-around style carrier (10) includes an interlocking arrangement (120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130) for securing the panels (108, 112) of the carrier around an article group, while restricting the lateral movement of the elements of the interlocking arrangement and thus, of the panels. Each interlocking arrangement includes a locking tab (140) that is received in a locking slit (160), and lateral motion between the locking tab and the locking slit is restrained using an alignment tab (142) and an alignment receptacle (164) that interlock to fix their relative positions securely. The locking arrangement is achieved without folding the elements in different directions during the interlocking process.

Description

CARRIER WITH PANEL LOCKING MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage packaging, and more specifically to a wrap- around carrier with a panel locking means that resiricts lateral movement between lap panels.

BACKGROUND QF THE INVENTION

Cartons for holding, storing, and carrying multiple articles are well known in the art. For example, many cartons are useful for grouping and carrying multiple beverage containers while exposing the beverage containers for visibility and economy of material use.

Some cartons are carriers are configured to wrap around an arranged group of bottles or other beverage containers. Such wrap-around carriers are typically top gripping, that is, they can be lifted from above using a handle formed in a top wall of the camer. Wrap around botlle carriers frequently include interlocking assembiies that mechanically lock panels together after the carrier has been applied to a pre-arranged group of containers using automatic packaging machinery. As the lower wall of the carrier typically must bear the weight of the botlles without reinforcement, the panels of the carrier must be securely and reliably locked together to prevent release or shifting of the container group as the carrier is being carried.

Interlocking arrangements commonly include a slide lock assembly that includes a locking fab and cooperating slit. An example of this type of locking arrangement can be seen in

LS. Pat. No. 3,240,284. In this example, as is typical, the locking tab includes a head that is attached along a relatively narrow neck to a panel of the carton. The tab includes at least one shoulder, Le., that portion of the tab where the head connects with the relatively narrow neck.

On an opposite pans! of the carlon, a slit is formed into which the tab can be inseried. Following insertion, the locking tab shoulder engages the end of the slit, preventing the tab from being withdrawn, and thereby securing the interlocking arrangement. in interlocking arrangements of this type, the length of the slitis equal io or slightly greater than the width of the head portion of the locking tab io allow insertion of the tab. As a result, the ab may be laterally movable when it is fully inserted up to its neck. Such lateral movement could result in disengagement of the tab shoulder from the slit. For this reason, itis advantageous to provide means io restrict lateral movement of the locking fab. One way in which the locking tab can be laterally restrained is to arrange a row of locking tabs such that each of the opposite end locking tabs is provided with only one shoulder so that the shoulderless side edge of thal {ab abuts the adjacent end of the associated slit and thereby restrains all the tabs in the row from lateral movement. An example of such an approach can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,316. One disadvantage of this approach, however, is less locking strength of the interlocking arrangement due to the reduction in number of the locking points.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved interlocking arrangement which increases the security of the interlocking arrangement against inadvertent disengagement. Such an arrangement should be capable of restraining the locking tab from moving within the locking slit without reducing the number of the locking points.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a carton panel interlocking arrangement for interlocking a first and a second panel. The interlocking arrangement effeciively restricts lateral movement of its components, thereby improving the security and reliability of the connection between the two panels. The interlocking arrangement includes a locking tab that extends from and is hingedly connected fo the first panel, a locking slit for receiving the locking tab, an alignment receptacle and an alignment tab. The locking slit is defined at least in part in either or both of the second panel that is to be connected 10 the first panel and a lap panel that is hingedly connected {o the second panel. The locking slit is preferably defined al least in part along a leading edge of the second panei, and may be further defined by portions of the lap panel and the hinged connection therebetween. The alignment receptacle is defined in either the locking tab or the fap panel. The alignment tab is formed adjacent to the other of the locking tab or the lap panel.

The locking tab has a relatively wide head that defines locking shoulders along each of its side edges. The width of the head of the locking {ab is substantially greater than that of that of its neck, by which it is foldably connecled to the first panel. Each shoulder of the locking tab is configured fo engage the portion of the hinged connection between the second pans! and the fap panel that extends on either side of the locking slit when the locking tab is received in the locking siif. in fact, according to one aspect of the various embodiments, the head is at least slightly wider than the length of that portion of the locking slit that is coexiensive with the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel. Although the head of the locking tab is wider than the locking slit, the head still can pass through the locking slit to engage the fold that defines the hinged connection because of the configuration of the locking slit.

Advantageously, according io another aspect of the various embodiments of the invention, lateral movement in this shoulder-slit engagement is further restricted by means of 16 the alignment tab also being received in the alignment receptacle when the locking tab is received in the locking slit. in one embodiment, the locking slit is slightly curved such its opposing ends extend onto the second panel rather than being coextensive with the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel. Consequently, whan the second panel is folded with respect to the lap panel, the locking slit is sufficiently wide to allow entry of the locking tab, but the portion of the locking slit that is coextensive with the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel is substantially shorter than the head is wide. When the carrier is erected, the shoulders of the locking tab are captured by the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel and the iocking tab is restricted from moving laterally or back out of the locking shit in part because of the configuration of the locking slit. in this embodiment, the alignment {ab is defined adjacent io the locking tab along a cut line that defines a capture slo. The alignment tab is aiso defined at least in part in and hingedly attached io the first panel along a fold line that is spaced apart from the hinged connection between the locking tab and the first panel. The alignment receptacle is defined in the lap pans! that is connected hingedly to the second panel, and may be a recessed edge of the lap panel.

The locking tab and locking slit may be matingly engaged during or prior fo erection of the carrier. When the carrier panels are erected {o form the carrier, the alignment {ab slides into the alignment receptacle, which guides the alignment tab under the lap panel until iis distal end is received in the capture slot, which fixes the relative positions of the locking tab and the slit and lap panel with respect to lateral movement.

in another embodiment, the locking slit is at most slightly wider than the neck of the locking tab. Nevertheless, the head and shoulders of the locking tab can enter the locking slit because the locking slit defines one side of an opening that is defined by displacing a hingedly attached alignment flap. At its widest point, the opening is at least as wide as the widest point of the head of the locking tab, so head and shoulders of the locking tab can enter the opening and travel under the slit until the neck of the locking tab is engaged by the end edges of the slit, thereby restricting laieral movement of the locking tab and capturing the head and shoulders of the locking tab within the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel. in this embodiment, the alignment {ab is defined adjacent to the locking slit, and as part of the distal end of the alignment flap. The alignment recepiacie is formed at least in part in the neck of the locking tab. Again, the locking {ab and locking slit may be matingly engaged during or prior to erection of the carrier. When the carrier panels are erected to form the carrier, the alignment tab that extends from the distal end of the glignment flap slides into the alignment receptacle, and the remainder of distal end of the alignment flap butts against the neck of the locking tab, which fixes the relative positions of the locking tab and the slit and lap panel with respect to lateral movement.

According to another aspect of the various embodiments, all of the elements of the iteriocking arrangement are folded or otherwise displaced in the same general direction (i.e., inwardly or outwardly) with respect to the exterior of the carrier during the process of interlocking the elements. This advantageously permits assembly of the wrap-around carrier package without the need for a packaging machine that can fold elements both inwardly and outwardly to secure the carrier around the container group. On the contrary, the present invention is particularly useful with modern packaging processes, which offen run multiple configurations, packaging types and containers on a single machine, with minimal retooling and reconfiguration,

The interlocking arrangement is defined in a blank for forming a carton, such as a wrap- around carrier. Such a blank may include a number of panels hingedly connecied to one another along the length of the blank, including a bottom panel, which is hingedly connecled along a transverse fold line to a first side panel, which is hingedly connected along a transverse fold line to a top panel, which is hingedly connecied along a transverse fold line fo a second side panel, which is hingedly connected along a fransverse fold line to a lap panel.

in the embodiments described herein, the first panel is the bottom panel and the second panel is the second side panel, although each of the first and second panels could be any panel that is to be connected to any other panel of the blank.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed 10 be merely Hlustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by modifying the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carrier blank incorporating a first exemplary embodiment of an interfocking arrangement in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the interlocking arrangement of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-13 illustrate an exemplary method of operating the interlocking arrangement flustrated in FIG. 1 to connect panels of the carrier blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14.is a plan view of a carrier blank according to a second exemplary embodiment of an interfocking arrangement in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of the interlocking arrangement of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16-22 illustrate an exemplary method of operating the interlocking arrangement illustrated in FIG. 16 to connect panels of the carrier blank of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples fo fllustrate aspects of the invention that may be embedied in various and alternative forms. The figures are nol necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized fo show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hersin are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

The various embodiments will be described herein as a camer for botiles, although the teachings of the invention are applicable to any number of coniainers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical, including but not limited to plastic, metallic, or glass botlles, cans, bowling pins, candles, or any other article for which such a carrier is suitable. As used herein, the term “neck” refers to an upper portion of a container, and the term “necked” is used to describe an article having a neck. The neck of a container may be, bul is not necessarily, fapared with respect (0 any portion of the body of the article. As used herein, the term heel refers to the lowest portion of a beverage container {e.g., a botile), and particularly the region at which its body (the primary content containing portion of the container) begins to curve info its base (the support surface of the container).

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 iliusirates a carton blank 18 (*blank”} for forming a carrier in that incorporates one embodiment of an interlocking arrangement in accordance with the present invention. The blank 18 can be made from a substrate of paperboard, plastic, or any other desired material. One or more surfaces of the substrate can be coated, painted, printed, or treated to achieve desired package characieristics. For example, advertising can be painied on one or both sides of the substrate, and a water-resistant or waterproof sealant can be painted one or more of the substrate sides. As such, the blank 18 can be mads inte a wrap-around carrier as secondary packaging for carrying containers that hold liquid contents. An alternative embodiments is shown in FIGs. 15-22, which will be described in detail below.

The blank 10 is cut from or formed into a substantially unitary or composite foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, clear or opaque plastic, laminales, any combination thereof, or the like. The blank 18 includes several panels that are hingedly connecied to ong another along transverse lines. More specifically, the blank 16 includes a top panel 102 that, in the embodiment shown, is hingedly attached along fold line 186 to a first side panel 104. Similarly, the blank 18 includes a second side panel 188 that is hingedly connected along fold line 110 io the top panel 102. The first side panel 184 is hingedly connected along fold line 114 to a bottom panel 112. The second side panel 188 is hingedly connected along fold line 118 to a lap panel 116. In the embodiment shown, each side panel 104, 188 includes two sections 184a/104h, 108a/188b that are defined by a contour fold line 185, 1088, which is positioned horizontally proximate at the height of the shoulder (if any} of the intended container.

Optionally, the top panel 182 includes a set handle apertures H.

The blank 18 also includes a number of optional end flaps. Specifically, bottom end flaps 132a/132b are hingedly connected along fold lines 131a/131b al the opposed longitudinal edges of the boftom panel 112. Lower side end flaps 134a/134b are hingedly connecied along fold lines 133a/133b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the lower side panel 184k. Top end flaps 136a/136b are hingedly connecled along fold lines 135a/135b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the top panel 102. Top end flaps 136a/136kb may include webbed portions that are also connected io the upper side panels 184a, 108a. Lower side end flaps 138a/138b are hingedly connected along fold lines 137a/137b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the lower side panel 108k.

The elements of the first embodiment of the interlocking arrangement are siruck from the blank 18. Specifically, and with reference also to the detailed view of FIG. 2, the blank 18 includes threes locking tab devices 128, 122, 124 that each include a locking tab 148 that is hingedly connected to the botiom panel 112 along a fold line 141, an alignment tab 142 that is hingedly connected along a fold line 144 {o the botlom panel 112, and capiure slot 148 that defines the distal end of alignment tab 142. The alignment tab 142 is elongated and slightly frapezoidal in shape. The proximal end is spaced apart from the fold line 141, while ils distal end extends slightly beyond the fold ling 141 and onto a neck portion 1886 of the locking tab 148.

As the locking tab 148 extends away from the botiom panel 112, a head portion 181 of the locking tab 148 is substantially wider than the neck portion 156 that is disposed at or near the foid line 141, such that shoulders 158, 152 are defined between the head and neck portions 1581, 156 of the locking tab 140.

Al the opposite end of the blank, three slit devices 126, 128, 130 are formed along the edge of the side panel 148 and in the lap panel 118. Each slit device 126, 128, 130 includes a focking slit 160, an expansion slit 162, and an alignment receptacle 164. The locking slit 160 is formed along the leading edge of the second side panel 188 and is substantially aligned with the fold line 118 that hingedly connects the second side panel 108 fo the lap panel 118, although the locking slit 188 may be curved somewhat as shown.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the number and distribution of locking lab devices and locking slit devices is g design decision that is dictated by any number of parameters including package size, container size, package weight, strength of the substrate, and the like. All of the retaining structures are substantially identical in relevant part, so for purposes of teaching, and not of limitation, the components of one of the intertocking arrangements will be described.

The interlocking arrangement is operated as follows. After the blank 18 has been wrapped around a container group {not shown}, the end edges of the side panel 108 and lap panel 118 are brought into proximity to the end edge of the bottom panel 112. With reference particularly to FIGs. 3-5, the locking tab 148 is propelled toward the locking slit 168, the alignment tab 142 is folded inwardly along fold line 141, and the lap panel 116 is also folded i5 inwardly along fold line 118. The degree to which the alignment tab 142 is folded is selecied to ensure that the disial end of the alignment {ab 142 slides under the lap panel 118, and more particularly, into the alignment receptacle 164 (best shown in FiGs. 2 and 8}. A cutaway view of this arrangement is shown in FIG. §, in which rotation of each element may be exaggerated 0 for purposes of teaching and not of limitation. As the alignment tab 142 slides under the proximal edge of the alignment receptacle 164 and the locking tab 140 enters the locking slit 160, as shown in FiGs. 6-8, the lap panel 118 and the locking {ab 148 are released and all of the elements are at least somewhat engaged in the arrangement shown in the cutaway view of

FIG. 5. The panels 108, 112 are disposed in substantially the same plane, although some distortion may raise or lower certain elements due fo the interlocking arrangement,

The side panel 188 and the bottom panel 112 are then brought into an angular relationship, that is, the panel 188 is rofated around fold line 118 until the panel 108 extends vertically with respect to the bottom panel 112. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 10 from the perspective of the bottom panel 112. In so doing, the alignment tab 142 is disposed between the longitudinal edges of the alignment receptacle 164 and beneath the proximal edge of the alignment recepiacle 164 and the distal end of the alignment tab 142 enters the capture slot 146. To fit in the capture slot 1486, the distal end of the alignment tab 142 may al least partially force open the expansion slit 182, and may also displace an expansion tab 148 that is formed along the capture siot 148. This under-and-over arrangement of the alignment tab 142 results in the distal end of the alignment tab 142 being locked in the capture slot 148, which is essentially a cut line that defined the distal end of the alignment tab 142 in the planar blank 10. FiGs. 11, 12 and 13 provide particularly good views for appreciating the under-and-over arrangement of the alignment tab 142

Lateral motion with respect to the various elements of the assembly is virlually eliminated by the engagement of the side edges of the alignment tab 142 with the side edges of the alignment receptacle 164, combined with the engagement of the shoulders 188, 152 against the fold line 118 and within the edges of the slit 188, and further combined with the recsipt of the distal end of the alignment tab 142 in the caplure slot 146. it should be understood that the steps described with respect to the method for operating the interlocking arrangements are not necessarily presented in any particular order, and that performance of some or all the steps in an alternative order(s} is possible and is contemplated.

The steps have been presented in the demonstrated order for ease of description and

Htustration. Steps can be added, omitted and/or performed simultaneously without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

A second embodiment of the locking arrangement of present invention is shown in FiGs. 14-22. The exemplary blank 20 that is shown in FIG. 14 is substantially identical to the blank 10 of FIG. 1, with the following distinctions. The blank 28 includes three locking tab devices 228, 222, 224 that each includes a locking tab 240 that is hingedly connected to the bottom panel 112 along a fold line 141, and an alighment receptacle 284. As the locking tab 240 exdends away from the bottom panel 112, a head portion 251 of the locking tab 248 is substantially wider than the neck portion 256 that is disposed at or near the fold line 141, such that shoulders 258, 252 are defined between the head and neck portions 281, 256 of the locking tab 248. In faci, the locking tab 248 is substantially trapezoidal in shape, although other shapes with shoulders are contemplated. The alignment recepiacle 264 extends slightly beyond the fold line 141 and onto a neck portion 156 of the locking tab 240.

At the opposite end of the blank, three slit devices 228, 228, 230 are formed along the edge of the side panel 188 and in a lap panel 218 that is hingedly connected along fold line 118 to the side panel 108. Each slit device 226, 228, 230 includes a locking slit 260, an alignment -G-

flap 282, and an alignment tab 242. The locking shit 268 is formed along the leading edge of the second side panel 188 and is substantially aligned with the fold line 118 that hingedly connects the second side pans 108 10 the lap panel 116. The alignment flap 262 is trapezoidal in shape, with its widest side disposed along a fold line 283 that hingedly connects the alignment flap 262 tothe lap panel 216, and its narrowest side being a distal edge 268 defined along the locking slit 2880, with the alignment tab 242 extending from the distal edge 268 of the alignment flap 262.

The proximal end of the alignment flap 262, defined by the fold line 263, is spaced apart from free edge of the lap panel 118. in this embodiment, the size and shape of the locking tab 240 and the alignment flap 262 are sslected to be complementary, as will be described with respect fo the operation of the assembly. In particular, the width of the neck 286 of the locking tab 248 is substantially equal or slightly less than the length of the distal edge of the alignment flap 282, and the length of the distal edge of the glignment flap 262 is substantially the same as the coextensive locking slit 268. i5 The second exemplary interlocking arrangement is operated as follows. After the blank has been wrapped around a confainar group {not shown), the end edges of the side panel 188 and lap panel 118 are brought into proximity to the end edge of the bottom panel 112. With reference particularly to FiGs. 18-18, the lap panel 216 is folded inwardly along the foid line 118, which frees the distal edge of the alignment flap 282, and opens the locking slit 260. The 20 alignment flap 262 may also foid inwardly along fold line 263. The locking tab 240 is propelled toward the locking slit 288, as shown in FIG. 17, and thereby comes to overlie the alignment flap 262, perhaps but not necessarily, in a face contacting sliding arrangement,

As mentioned above, the locking tab 240 and the alignment flap 262 are similar in size and shape, such that the glignment flap 282 functions as a conforming although narrowing ramp thal is sufficiently wide at the point of entry (near fold line 141) of the locking fab 240 fo allow the shoulders 250, 252 to clear the side edges 246 of the opening formed by displacement of the alignment flap 262 so that the shoulders 250, 2582 can then be captured by the end edges of the locking slit 280 (as shown in FIG. 18). As such, the locking tab 240 may be folded inwardly along with or independently of the alignment flap 262 as the locking {ab 240 is drawn toward the locking slit 260. The degrees to which the alignment flap 262 and the locking tab 248 are folded are selected {0 ensure safe entry of the locking tab 240 into the locking slit 288 and retention of the shoulders 250, 252 in the locking slit 2880.

Once the locking tab 248 is securely received and locked into the locking shit 268, the alignment tab 242 comes ino registry with the alignment receptacle 284 {best shown in FiGs. 15 and 17). As the locking tab 249 slides over the alignment flap 262 and enters the locking sli 2648, the lap panel 118 and the locking tab 140 are no longer actively folded inward by machine elements and all of the elements are at least somewhat engaged in the arrangement shown in

FIGs. 18 and 20. The panels 188, 112 are disposed in substantially the same plane, although some distortion may raise or lower cerlain elements dug to the interlocking arrangement.

The side panel 188 and the bottom panel 112 are then brought into an angular relationship, that is, the panel 108 is rotated around fold line 118 until the panel 108 extends vertically with respect to the bottom panel 112. The alignment tab 142 is forced into the alignment recepiacie 264, with the distal edge 268 butting up against the fold line 141 at the neck 256 of the iocking tab 248.

Lateral motion with respect to the various elements of the second smbodiment of the locking assembly is virtually eliminated by the engagement of the side edges of the alignment tab 242 with the edges of the alignment receptacle 284, combined with the engagement of the shoulders 250, 252 against the fold line 118 and within the edges of the slit 288, and further combined with the engagement of the neck 288 with the narrowest extent of the side edges 246.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that seach blank 18 and 20 can be erected using automatic or manual means.

The present invention has been Hlustrated in relation fo a particular embodiment which is intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, as used herein, directional references such as "op®, “base”, “bottom”, "end", “side”, “inner”, "outer", “upper”, "middie", "lower", “front” and “rear” do not limit the respective to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference fo hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, it is envisaged thal hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold ling,

without departing from the scope of invention.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the shapes and sizes of cap, heel and handle apertures and of the handle are only examples of the various configurations that will be suitable for implementation of the various embodiments of the invention.

it should be understood that various changes may be made within the scope of the prasent invention, for example, the size and shape of the pansis and apertures may be adjusted to accommodates articles of differing size or shape, and alternative shapes, sizes, and configurations for interlocking arrangement elements may be used.

The carrier may accommodate one or more articles in different arrangements, including in multiple rows or levels.

Claims

1. A blank for forming a wrap-around carrier, comprising: a first pans; a second panel; a lap panel hingedly connected along a fold line fo the second panel; an interlocking arrangement for inferconneciing the first panel and the second panel, the interlocking arrangement comprising: a locking tab extending from and joined to the first panel; a locking slit for receiving the locking tab, the locking slit being defined at least in part in at least one of the second panel and the lap pans; an alignment receptacle defined at least in part by at least one of the locking tab and the lap panel; and an alignment ab that is defined at least in part by the other of the locking tab and the lap panel.

2. The biank of claim 1, wherein the locking slit is defined at least in part along the fold line that hingedly connecls the lap panel to the second panel.

3. The blank of claim 1, wherein the opposed ends of the locking slit are formed in the second panel and are spaced apart from the fold line that hingedly connects the lap pang fo the second panel.

4. The blank of claim 1, wherein the locking tab is hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line.

5. The blank of claim 2, whersin: the opposed ends of the locking slit are formed in the second panel and are spaced apart from the fold line that hingedly connects the lap panel to the second panel; and the portion of the locking slit that is defined along the fold line is shorter than the width of the locking tab. iD -13 -

8. The blank of claim 1, wherein the locking slit defines a proximal edge of an opening in the lap panel, wherein a distal edge of the opening is wider than the locking tab, and the iocking slit is shorter than the width of the locking tab.

7. The blank of claim §, further comprising an alignment flap that is hingedly connecied to the lap panel along the distal edge of the opening and that extends toward the locking slit.

8. The blank of claim 4, wherein the alignment {ab is hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line that is spaced apart from the hinged connection between the locking tab and the first panel, the alignment tab having a distal end that is defined by a capture slot that separates the distal end of the alignment tab from the locking tab.

8. The blank of claim 8, wherein the alignment recepiacle comprises a recessed edge of the lap panel, the alignment receptacle being aligned with and spaced apart from the locking slit.

10. The blank of claim 7, wherein the alignment {ab extends from the distal edge of the alignment flap.

11. The blank of claim 10, wherein the alignment receptacle comprises an opening formed in part in the first panel and in part in the locking tab. iD -14 -