US20220315272A1

US20220315272A1 - Latchable package

Info

Publication number: US20220315272A1
Application number: US17/596,736
Authority: US
Inventors: Dane Whitehurst
Original assignee: Duallok Ltd
Current assignee: Duallok Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-17
Filing date: 2020-06-17
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: EP3983303A1; GB201908664D0; GB2584859A; CA3057927A1; WO2021001643A1

Abstract

A latchable package comprises: a structure; and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure. The structure and support comprise complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction. The latch member of the support is moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure. The support comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as the latch member on the support.

Description

This invention relates to a latchable package such as a box, which may be used in the packaging of items. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a child-resistant package for storing potentially hazardous materials such as, for example, pharmaceuticals, which must be kept safe from children or irresponsible adults.
The safe storage of potentially hazardous materials such as pharmaceuticals has long been a problem for families with young children. Whilst parents desire access to a wide range of pharmaceuticals in order to be able to treat illnesses promptly and easily, the natural curiosity of children can cause them to seek out and ingest such materials when unsupervised. This can have serious consequences. For example, an overdose of virtually any pharmaceutical is injurious to health. Indeed some pharmaceuticals are entirely unsuitable for children and have an adverse effect on the health of children even if handled or ingested in very small quantities.
For the sake of simplicity, potentially hazardous materials such as those described above will hereinafter simply be referred to as “hazardous materials”. Additionally, the problems described above are not limited to children and can also arise in respect of irresponsible or forgetful adults, such as for example some mentally ill or mentally disabled patients, or the elderly who may be prone to confusion as to the contents of a package. Whilst the focus of this specification is on children, it will be appreciated that the majority of what is described herein applies analogously to irresponsible or forgetful adults. All such analogies are within the scope of this specification, even where reference is made only to children.
In light of their dangerous nature, hazardous materials must be kept out of the reach of children. This is an established practice that is of fundamental importance and which may be augmented, but can never be replaced, by child resistant closures (CRCs). CRCs make it harder for children to extract hazardous materials from a package, if they do manage gain access to them in packaged form.
Many CRC designs have been suggested in the past. However, such CRC designs are often complicated in structure and expensive to manufacture. In particular, assembly processes are typically longer and more complex for child-resistant packages, which results in a costlier manufacturing process. Since the cost of packaging is generally passed on to consumers, this leads consumers to buy products in non-resistant packaging where available, thereby increasing the risk of accidental poisonings and the like. Minimising complexity of a CRC design and its manufacturing process, and hence minimising its cost, is therefore crucial in providing a successful CRC.
It is important to balance the child-resistance of a CRC with reasonable ease of opening for adults wishing to access the contents of the package. For example, adults needing to take medication housed in the package may be physically impaired.
A further design consideration is that once a CRC has been opened, it is important that it can be easily and perceptibly returned to a secured position. If the mechanism for returning the CRC to a secured position is too complicated, the user may omit to return the CRC to the secured position, thereby leaving the hazardous material more easily accessible. If it is not obvious to the user that the CRC has been returned to the secured position, the user may inadvertently fail to secure the package correctly before it is returned to its storage place, negating the child-resistant design.
Many CRCs incorporate plastics components. In particular, in CRC designs that incorporate a latch feature for child resistance, the latch feature is often formed of plastic material, so as to provide the high degree of durability that is desirable for a CRC. However, such plastics components are not environmentally-friendly, and it would be desirable to provide a plastics-free option that provides the required level of rigidity and child resistance.
It is an object of this invention to address at least one of the problems described above.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the invention resides in a latchable package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure. The support comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as the latch member on the support.
The second portion of the latch wall may comprise a free edge that defines an abutment surface.
The second portion may terminate in the free edge at a forward end of the second portion with respect to the opening direction.
The biasing force may be a tensile force.
The tensile force may be an inherent force in the latch wall, for example as a result of material properties of the wall. For example if the wall is a moulded wall, the inherent tensile force may be molded into the wall. Alternatively, the biasing force may be present as a result of the structure of the latch region and/or support.
The latch region may comprise a fold arranged to subject the latch wall to the biasing force. The fold may extend substantially parallel to the opening direction.
The fold may define an edge of the latch wall. The latch region may be provided as part of a folded sheet. The folded sheet may define the support.
The extent of flare of the second region may increase moving from the fold to the discontinuity. The extent of flare may be substantially zero immediately adjacent to the fold. The extent of flare may be between 0.5 and 5 mm immediately adjacent to the discontinuity.
The latch region may comprise a pair of folds. The latch wall may extend between the folds.
The discontinuity may be arranged between the folds. Alternatively, the discontinuity may be arranged at one of the folds.
The first portion of the latch wall may be constrained by means of adhesion between panels of the folded sheet. The first portion of the latch wall may be adhered directly to another portion of the latch region to constrain the first portion of the latch wall.
The discontinuity may be arranged to divide the second portion into two latch members where one latch member is provided at each side of the discontinuity.
The discontinuity may be elongate and extend substantially along the opening direction.
The discontinuity may be an opening, such as a slit, cut, or aperture in the wall of the support.
The latch region may comprise a further opening that extends in a direction transverse to the first opening. Both openings together may define a T-shape.
The further opening may define a border of the second portion. The second opening may define the free edge of the second portion.
The latch wall may be provided with at least one termination aperture located adjacent to the opening. The termination aperture may have at least one dimension that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the opening.
The termination aperture may be provided at a base of the opening, at a position rearward of the opening with respect to the opening direction. The termination opening may be substantially circular.
The latch region may be integral with a main body of the support, such that a wall of the main body defines that latch wall. The latch region may be defined on a side wall or base wall of the support, such that the respective side wall or base wall of the support defines the latch wall.
The latch region may be provided on a latch element that is coupleable to a main body of the support, such that the latch region overlies a portion of the main body of the support.
The support may comprise a band that encircles the main body of the support and the latch region may be provided on the band. Alternatively, the support may comprise an insert that is coupleable to an external wall of the main body of the support and the latch region may be provided on the insert.
The latch region of the support may comprise an inner wall and an outer wall. At least one opening may be provided in the outer wall.
The inner wall may form a base for supporting the one or more items.
The package may comprise a withdrawal stop structure for limiting movement of the support in the opening direction. The withdrawal stop structure on the support may be defined by a further latch region which is arranges rearward if the latch region in the opening direction.
The structure may comprise an access feature arranged to permit access to the support when the support is in the first position.
The structure may comprise and unlatching region arranged to overlie the latch region of the support when the support is arranged in the first position. The unlatching region may be configured to allow the latch member of the support to be moved in an unlatching direction via the unlatching region of the support.
The unlatching region may comprise a slit, cut or opening in a wall of the structure that allows a portion of the wall adjacent to the slit or cut or opening to be depressed to depress the latch member of the support. The unlatching region may comprise an aperture through which the latch region of the support can be accessed.
The latch member of the structure may comprise a flap extending rearwardly from a wall of the structure with respect to the opening direction.
A rearward facing edge of the flap defines an abutment surface against which the latch member of the support can abut if a user attempts to move the support in the opening direction without moving the latch member in the unlatching direction. Where the latch region is provided on a base wall of the support, the flap may be provided on a base wall of the structure. Where the latch region is provided on a side wall of the support, the flap may be provided on a corresponding side wall of the structure.
The first portion of the latch wall may be constrained to define a plane and the latching direction may be substantially perpendicular to the plane.
The first portion of the latch wall may be arranged rearwardly of the second portion with respect to the opening direction. The discontinuity may be arranged forwardly of the first portion with respect to the opening direction.
The invention also extends to a support for use in the latchable package of any preceding claim, the package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, and the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure, and the support comprising a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as the latch member on the support.
From another aspect, the invention resides in a latchable package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure. The support comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall comprising: a first portion that is constrained in the latching direction; a second portion arranged forwardly of the first portion in the opening direction, the second portion comprising a free edge defining the latch member on the support; and an opening arranged forward of the first portion in the opening direction and adjacent to the second portion to permit movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in the latching direction. The second portion is biased to flare outwardly in the latching direction so as to bias the free edge into engagement with the latch member on the structure when the support is in the first position.
The invention also extends to a latch element for use in a latchable package, the package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, and the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure. The latch element comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as a latch member. The latch element is couplable to a support or to a structure of the package to define a latch member of the support or structure, respectively.
The latch element may comprise a coupling feature to facilitate coupling to the support or structure. The coupling feature may be an adherable surface. The coupling feature may comprise a tab for engagement with an opening in the support to couple the latch element to the support or structure. The coupling feature may comprise an opening into which a part of the support or structure can be inserted to couple the latch element to the support or structure. The latch element may comprise a band that may encircle the support or structure.
The invention extends further to a latchable package comprising a structure; and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure. The support comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall comprising: a fold extending parallel to the opening direction, the fold providing a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in a latching direction; a constraining feature configured to constrain a first portion of the latch wall against the biasing force of the fold; an opening in a second portion of the wall configured to allow the biasing force to act on the second portion to cause the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction, such that the second portion acts as the latch member on the support.
The invention also extends to a latchable package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support or structure being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the corresponding latch member of the structure or support. The support or structure comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as the latch member on the support or structure.
Optional and preferred features of one aspect of the invention may be used alone, and in appropriate combination, with other aspects of the invention also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latchable package according to an embodiment of the invention in a first or secured configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the latchable package of FIG. 1 in a second or access configuration;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are perspective views of the latchable package of FIG. 1 in the first or secured configuration, showing the underside of the package, where FIG. 3b shows internal features of the package;

FIG. 3c is a perspective view of the latchable package of FIG. 1 in a second or access configuration, showing the underside of the package and internal features of the package;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a support forming part of the package of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blank that can be folded to form the support of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the support of FIG. 4, showing the underside of the support;

FIG. 6b is a partial enlarged view of a latch formation forming part of the support of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a structure forming a part of the package of FIG. 1, showing the underside of the structure;

FIGS. 8a to 8d are cross-sectional views of the package of FIG. 1 at different stages in the process of opening the package;

FIG. 9 is a plan view from below of the package of FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

FIGS. 10a, 11a and 12a are underside plan views and FIGS. 10b, 11b and 12b are corresponding underside perspective views respectively, of other latchable packages having the same support as the package of FIG. 1 but with different structures;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a latchable package according to another embodiment of the invention in a first or secured configuration;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the latchable package of FIG. 13 in a second or access configuration;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the latchable package of FIG. 13 in the first or secured configuration, showing internal features of the package;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the latchable package of FIG. 32 in a second or access configuration, showing internal features of the package;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a blank that can be folded to form the support of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 18a and 18b are partial cross-sectional and perspective views respectively showing a close up of a latch region of the support of the package of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 19a and 19b are partial cross-sectional and perspective views respectively showing a close up of a latch region of an alternative support for use in a package;

FIG. 19c is a perspective view of a latch element forming part of a support on an alternative embodiment of a package;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative support, comprising a main body and a latch element couplable to the main body;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the latch element of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 22a to 22d are perspective views of alternative embodiments of a sleeve;

FIGS. 23a and 23b are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a latch region of a support, in which the latch region is defined by a different opening arrangement;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of a latch element for use with a support; and

FIGS. 26 a to h illustrate alternative opening arrangements defining alternative latch constructions of the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a child resistant package 100 comprises a support 200 for storing hazardous materials (not shown), and a structure, in the form of a sleeve 300 for blocking access to the hazardous materials. The package 100 comprises a rear end 102, a front end 104, a left side 106, a right side 108, an upper side 110, and a lower side 112 (visible in FIGS. 3a and 3b ).
The package 100 is moveable by a user in an opening direction X between a fully-closed or secured position, shown in FIG. 1, in which access to the hazardous materials is blocked by the sleeve 300, and a fully-open or access position, shown in FIG. 2, in which access to the hazardous materials is permitted.
As can be seen in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c , the sleeve 300 and the support 200 comprise co-operating latch members or features, indicated generally at 120 in FIG. 3b . The latch members 120 are configured to engage when the support 200 and the sleeve 300 are arranged in the secured position.
The components of the latchable package will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.
Referring to FIG. 4, the support 200 comprises a main body that defines a tray 202. The tray 202 comprises a rear end 204, a front end 206, a left side 208, a right side 210, and a base 212.
The base 212 of the tray 202 is defined by a generally planar base wall 214. Left and right side walls 216, 218 are upstanding from the base wall 214 at respective left and right sides 208, 210 of the tray 202. The front end 206 of the tray 202 is provided with a front blocking means 220 that defines a front wall 222 of the tray and a front blocking surface 224 that lies perpendicular to the front wall 222 and that extends a short distance from the front wall 222 into the tray 202. The rear end 204 of the tray 202 is provided with a similar rear blocking means 226 that defines a rear wall 228 of the tray 202 and a rear blocking surface 230 that lies perpendicular to the rear wall 228 and that extends a short distance from the rear wall 228 into the tray 202.
At the rear end 204 of the tray 202, the support 200 is provided with a withdrawal stop formation in the form of a withdrawal stop latch 236. The withdrawal stop latch 236 is a flap that is cut into the rear blocking surface 230 and extends forwardly from an upper rear edge of the tray 202. The withdrawal stop latch 236 comprises a fold or crease 238 where the flap 236 meets the edge of the tray 202, and a front edge 240 opposite the crease 238.
In the embodiment shown, the support 200 is made of cardboard, and is formed by folding a flat blank in the configuration shown. However, the support 200 may be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the support 200 may be formed from a plastics material such as impact styrene by vacuum forming or injection moulding.
FIG. 5 shows the flat blank 200 a that is folded to form the support 200. The flat blank 200 a comprises a plurality of panels 202 a joined by a plurality of folds or creases 201. FIG. 5, together with FIG. 6a , which shows the underside of the support 200, reveals that the base 212 of the support 200 is defined by a double base wall, comprised of two panels lying one on top of the other. To this end, the support 200 comprises a first or outer base wall 214 a, which defines the external-facing base wall of the support 200, and a second or internal base wall 214 b, which defines an internal-facing base wall of the support 200. Similarly, each left or right side wall 216, 218 is defined by a double wall, comprised of two panels lying next to other, and to this end, the support 200 comprises a first or outer side wall 216 a, 218 a which defines the external-facing side wall of the support 200, and a second or internal side wall 216 b, 218 b which defines an internal-facing side wall of the support 200.
The external and internal side walls 216 a, 218 a, 216 b, 218 b are joined by folds 217. The external facing base wall 214 a is joined to external left and right side walls 216 a, 218 a by creases or folds 215 a, 215 b. In this way, the external base wall 214 a is bounded by a fold 215 a, 215 b at its left and right sides, and each external side wall 216 a, 218 a is bounded by a fold 217, 215 a, 217, 215 b at its upper and lower sides.
Referring to FIG. 6a , the support 200 comprises a latch region 250. In this example, the latch region is provided on an underside of the base 212 of the tray 202 and is integral with the external side wall 214 a of the support 200; however, in other embodiments that will be later described, the latch region is provided 250 on other areas of the support 200, and/or may be provided as a separate piece that can be attached to and removed from the tray 202.
The latch region 250 of the support 200 comprises a latch wall 252 that in this case is defined by the external base wall 214 a of the support 200. In this way, the latch wall 252 defines an external-facing wall of the support 200.
A part of the latch wall 252 defines a latch formation 254 of the support 220. The latch formation 254 is biased to flare or protrude in a latching direction L that is transverse to the opening direction X (transverse meaning a direction that is not parallel to the opening direction X). In this way, the latch formation 254 protrudes away from the base 212 of the support 202 in the latching direction L. In FIG. 6a , the latch is shown in a latched or engaged configuration, with the latch formation 254 biased outwardly in the latching direction L. In use, a user can move the latch formation 254 in an unlatching direction, opposite to the latching direction L, into an unlatched or disengaged configuration, by applying an inward force to the latch formation 254. When the user releases the inward force, the latch formation 254 will move in the latching direction L as a result of the biasing force acting upon it, and hence will automatically move back into the latching configuration of FIG. 6 a.
The latch formation 254 is defined in the latch wall 252 by features that are configured to induce a biasing force in the wall 252, constrain the wall against the biasing force in a first portion 252 a of the latch wall 252, and release the constraint in a second portion 252 b of the latch wall 252 by virtue of a discontinuity 253 in the wall 252, as will now be described in detail.
The latch wall 252 is subject to a biasing force by virtue of biasing features present in the latch region 250. In the example of FIG. 6a , the biasing features are constituted by the two folds 215 a, 215 b arranged at left and right sides of the wall 252. In this example, because the blank from which the support 200 is folded is initially formed as a flat sheet, and the folds 215 a, 215 b act to bend the sheet out of that plane, the folds 215 a, 215 b create an elastic biasing force in the wall 252. As a result of this force, a central portion of the wall between the folds 215 a, 215 b is subject to a force that tends to bias the wall outwardly in the latching direction.
In the first portion 252 a of the latch wall 252, remote from the latch formation 254, the latch wall 252 is continuous between the folds 215 a, 215 b. Because at least some of the panels of the support are fixed to one another (for example by an adhesive), the latch wall 252 is constrained between the folds 215 a, 215 b, against the biasing force, so that the wall 252 cannot be displaced in the latching direction, but instead lies substantially flat against the inner baser wall 214 b of the support 200. Thus the first portion 252 a is constrained to lie substantially in the plane of the base 212. In this example, the first portion 252 a is constrained by the corners defined by folds 215 a, 215 b that join the first portion 252 a of the base wall 214 a to the side walls 216 a, 218 a at the left and right sides of the support 200. As a result of the constraint of these folds 215 a, 215 b, a first portion 252 a of the latch wall 252 that lies between the folds 215 a, 215 b, is constrained within the plane of the base 212, such that the first portion 252 a cannot project in the latching direction L. In this way, the folds 215 a, 215 b act as constraining features.
The second portion 252 b supports the latch formation 254, and is at least partially unconstrained. In this case, in the second portion 252 b, constraint of the wall between the folds 215 a, 215 b has been partially released by virtue of the discontinuity 253. In this example, the discontinuity 253 takes the form of one or more openings 255, which in this case comprises a first opening 256 in the base wall 214 a of the support 200. The opening here is defined by a slit or cut 256 in the wall 214 a, provided between the creases 215 a, 215 b, that extends substantially parallel to the opening direction. In this example, the latch formation 254 comprises left and right latch formations 254 a, 254 b that are defined as the portions of the latch wall 214 a that lie between the creases 215 a, 215 b and the first opening 256, respectively.
A second opening 258 is provided in the latch wall 252 at a position forward of the first opening 256. The second opening 258 is defined by an elongate slit or cut that extends between the folds 215 a, 215 b in a direction that is transverse to the opening direction X. In this case, the slit of the second opening 258 extends perpendicularly to the opening direction X, such that the first and second openings 256, 258 together define a T-shape. The slits of the first and second openings 256, 258 meet at a junction 257, which in this case is a T-junction.
The slit of the second opening 258 separates the latch region 252 from a remainder 214 c of the base wall 214 a.
At a rear end of the slit of the first opening 256 is a third opening 260. The third opening takes the form of a hole or aperture: in this case a circular hole.
The first opening 256 releases constraints on the latch wall 252 in the portion between the folds 215 a, 215 b. With the constraint at least partially released, the inherent biasing stress in the latch wall 252 can act on the latch wall 252 to cause a resulting strain. In this case, the inherent biasing stress will tend to cause the wall 252 to flare outwardly, in the latching direction L, such that the latch formations 254 a, 254 b are correspondingly biased to flare outwardly in the latching direction. The region of greatest flare is the region in the immediate vicinity of the junction 257 between the first and second openings 256, 258.
The third opening 260 at the rear of the first opening 256 serves two functions. Firstly, the third opening 260 acts as a relaxation opening that aids the release of constraint and hence flaring of the latch member 254. Secondly, the third opening 260 acts as a blunting opening, that blunts the end of the slit of the second opening 256. Blunting the slit in this way makes it more difficult to propagate the slit into a tear by pulling the latch member 254, and thus improves the tear-resistant properties and durability of the package.
At the front of each latch formation 254 a, 254 b, adjacent to the second opening 258, and hence adjacent to the remainder 214 c of the base wall 214 a, each latch formation 254 a, 254 b comprises a free edge 262 that faces generally forwardly in the opening direction X.
The free edges 262 flare upwardly to an increasing extent moving from the respective fold 215 a, 215 b towards the first opening 256. At the junction 257 the free edges 262 flare to their greatest extent, protruding upwardly in the latching direction L above the first portion 252 a of the latch wall 252, and above the remainder 214 c of the base wall 214 a. In this way, the free edges 262 can act as abutment edges that can abut a corresponding abutment edge on a latch feature of the structure to perform a latching function, as will be described later.
In this way, the latch formation 254 is naturally and resiliently biased outwardly in a first, engaged position in which the free edge 262 is raised above the level of the first portion 252 a of the latch wall 252, and above the level of the remainder 214 c of the base wall 214 a. Upon application of an inward force to the latch formation 254 in an unlatching direction by a user, the latch formation 254 can be resiliently moved in the unlatching direction to a second, disengaged position, in which the free edge 262 of the latch formation 254 lies substantially flush with the first portion 252 a of the latch wall 252, and the remainder 214 c of the base wall 214 a. When the inward force is removed, the latch formation 254 returns to the first, engaged position once more.
Turning now to the sleeve 300 of the package 100, and referring to FIG. 7, the sleeve 300 comprises a main body 302 in the form of a shell that defines an interior space 303. The sleeve has a rear end 304, a front end 306, a left side 308, a right side 310, a base 312 and a top 314.
The base 312 and top 314 of the sleeve 300 are defined respectively by a generally planar base wall 316 and a generally planar upper wall 318. Left and right side walls 320, 322 join the base wall 316 to the upper wall 318 at respective left and right sides 308, 310 of the sleeve 300.
The front end 306 of the sleeve 300 is open. At the front end 306, the base wall 316 is provided with a latch member 120 in the form of a flap 324. The flap 324 extends rearwardly from a front edge 326 of the base wall 316 into the interior space 303. In use in the assembled package 100, the flap 324 lies against and parallel to the base wall 316, though in FIG. 7 the flap is shown for illustration purposes as projecting at an acute angle to the base wall 316.
The flap 324 comprises a crease 325 where the flap 324 meets the front edge 326 of the base wall 316, and a rear edge 327 opposite the crease 325. In use, the rear edge 327 defines an abutment edge that abuts against the corresponding abutment edge 262 on the latch formation 254 of the support 200, thereby preventing movement of the support 200.
The sleeve also comprises an access formation 340 that facilitates access to the support 200 in the assembled package 100. In this example, the access formation 340 is provided at the front end 306 of the sleeve 300 and takes the form of a cut away.
In particular, the top wall 318 of the sleeve 300 extends further forward than the base wall 316 of the sleeve 300, such that the top wall 318 overhangs the base wall 316. At the front 306 of the sleeve 300, the top wall 318 and base wall 316 are joined by front edges 321, 323 of the side walls. To accommodate the overhang, the front edges 321, 323 are sloped so as to taper rearwardly and downwardly when the package 100 is arranged for use, as best seen in FIG. 1.
As also best seen in FIG. 1, when the package 100 is assembled and in the secure state, the cut away 340 defined by the access formation 340 reveals a lower front portion 207 of the support 200, such that a user can grip the lower front portion 207 at left and right sides 208, 210 of the support 200.
The rear end 304 of the sleeve 300 is at least partially closed by a rear end wall (not visible in FIG. 7).
On the underside of the sleeve 300, the base wall 316 is provided with an unlatching region 330 in the form of an aperture 331. The aperture 331 is located in a position that, when the flap 324 lies flush against the base wall 316, is immediately rearward of a rear edge 327 of the flap 324. In this way, when the support 200 is arranged in the sleeve 300, the aperture 331 generally aligns with the region of greatest flare of the latch formation 254 of the support 200, as best shown in FIG. 3b . In use, the unlatching region 330 facilitates depression of the latch formation 254 of the support 200 through the structure 300: in this case, by providing direct access to the latch formation 254 through the aperture 331. In some examples, a peripheral edge 332 of the base wall 316 surrounding the aperture 331 may act as an abutment edge instead of, or as well as, the abutment edge defined by the rear edge 327 of the flap 324.
In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 300 is made of cardboard, and is formed by folding a flat blank in the configuration shown. However, the sleeve 300 may be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the sleeve 300 may be formed from a plastics material such as impact styrene by vacuum forming or injection moulding.
The construction and operation of the fully-assembled package will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c , and FIG. 8.
Referring to FIG. 3a , in the assembled package 100, the support 200 is slidably arranged inside the interior space 303 defined by the sleeve 300 so that the support 200 can be moved back and forth together between the access configuration shown in FIG. 3c and the secure configuration shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b.
In the secure configuration, the blocking means 220, 226 on the tray 202 of the support act to block the ends of the package 100 to make it difficult for a child to access the contents of the tray 200 when the package is secured. In particular, the front wall 222 blocks the open end at the front of the package 100, and the blocking surfaces 224, 230 lie flush against the upper wall 318 of the sleeve 300 to prevent a child accessing the tray by working a finger over the front or rear wall 222, 228.
As best seen in FIG. 3a , when the support 200 is arranged in the secure position, the latch formation 254 on the support 200 is accessible through the aperture 331 on the sleeve 300.
Referring to FIG. 8a , if a user attempts to push or pull the support 200 in the opening direction X, while the latch formations 254 a, 254 b of the support 200 are in the latched configuration (i.e. while a part of the latch wall 252 is flared outwardly), the abutment edge 262 of the latch formation 254 of the support 200 will be moved into contact with the abutment edge 327 on the flap 324 of the structure 300, such that the abutment edges 262, 327 abut when moved in an abutment direction generally parallel to the opening direction X, thereby arresting any further movement of the support 200 in the opening direction X.
To move the support 200 in the opening direction X, and hence move the package 100 into the access configuration of FIG. 3c , the user must first move the latch formations 254 a, 254 b into an unlatched configuration. To do this, the user must apply an unlatching force in an unlatching direction substantially opposite to the latching direction L. With the package 100 oriented for use, as shown in FIG. 8b , the latch formations 254 a, 254 b are arranged on the base 214 of the support 200, and thus the unlatching direction is a substantially upward direction.
When a user applies an upward force to the latch formation 254, for example by pushing the latch formation 254 through the aperture 331 with their thumb or finger, the latch formation 254 is resiliently deformed in the unlatching direction. The latch formation 254 then lies flat, or almost flat, so that it is flush, or almost flush, with the base wall 214 a of the support 200.
With the unlatching force still applied, the user can then begin to move the support 200 in the opening direction X. To do so, the user accesses the support 200 via the access formation 340 to grip the lower front region 207 of the support 200, and pulls the support 200 in the opening direction.
With the latch formation 254 in the unlatching configuration, the abutment edge 262 of the latch formation 254 of the support 200 is now depressed below the level of the flap 324 of the structure 300. Thus, as the support 200 is moved in the opening direction X, the abutment edge 262 of the latch formation 254 of the support 200 will no longer come into contact with the abutment edge 327 on the flap 324 of the structure 300, but will move past the flap 324 into the configuration shown in FIG. 8 c.
Once the latch formation 254 of the support 200 has past the latch formation 324 of the structure 300, movement in the opening direction can continue, as shown in FIG. 8 d.
Referring to FIG. 3c , further movement of the support 200 in the opening direction X brings the package 100 into the fully-open state. As best seen in FIG. 9, in this fully-open state, the flap 324 on the sleeve 300 and the withdrawal stop latch 236 of the support 200 engage with one another to prevent further movement of the support 200 in the opening direction.
In particular, the front edge 240 of the withdrawal stop latch 236 on the support 200 abuts against the crease 325 of the iflap 324 on the sleeve, and/or the rear edge 327 of the flap 324 on the sleeve 300 abuts against the crease 238 of the withdrawal stop latch 236 on the support 200.
In this way, the flap 324 on the sleeve 300 and the withdrawal stop latch 236 on the support 200 act to limit movement of the support 200 in the opening direction, so that the support 200 cannot be easily removed from the sleeve 300. It should be noted that the withdrawal stop latch 236 of the support 200 could take a different form in other embodiments. For example, the withdrawal stop latch 236 could simply comprise a small protrusion from the base wall 214 or the rear wall 228 of the support 200, that extends generally perpendicularly with respect to the base wall 214. In such an embodiment, the protrusion functions in a similar manner to the latch 236, by engaging with the rear edge 327 of the flap 324 on the sleeve 300 to limit movement of the support 200 in the opening direction. In other embodiments, one or more protrusions may extend from one or more of the side walls 216, 218 of the support 200, and engage with complementary withdrawal stop features of the sleeve 300 in a similar manner to that already described. To return the support 200 from the fully-open state to the secured state, the user simply pushes the support 200 back into the sleeve 300. As the support 200 is pushed into the sleeve 300, the flap 324 of the sleeve 300 initially pushes the latch formation 254 of the support 200 into the disengaged state. However, when the latch formation 254 on the support 200 moves past the flap 324 on the sleeve 300, they are unconstrained by the wall of the flap 324 and hence are biased into the engaged state. When the support 200 has been moved into the fully-closed state, the latch formation 254 is visible through, and protrudes into, the aperture 331 on the sleeve 300. In this secured state, the package 100 can be stored safely.
Embodiments of the package 100 are envisaged in which the unlatching region 330 takes different forms other than an aperture 331. In particular, the unlatching region 330 need not provide direct access to the latch members 120 of the support 200, but may instead allow for depression of the latch members 120 of the support 200 by indirect application of a force. To this end, the unlatching region 330 may be defined by a feature on the sleeve 300 that increases flexibility of the sleeve wall in the region of the latch member 120 of the support 200. For example, the unlatching region 330 may be defined by a discontinuity 353 in the sleeve wall. Some possible alternatives are shown in FIGS. 10 to 13.
FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate an embodiment in which the unlatching region 330 comprises a slit 350 in the base wall 316 of the sleeve 300 in the region of the latch feature. The slit 350 extends transverse to the opening direction X, and in this particular case is perpendicular to the opening direction X. The slit 350 is arranged so as to lie above the rear edge of the flap 324 that defines the latch member 120 of the sleeve 300. By virtue of the slit 350, the base wall 316 of the sleeve 300 can be easily depressed in the region of the latch formation 254, thereby allowing a user to apply a localised force above the latch formation 254 that enables movement of the latch formation 254 in the unlatching direction.
In the embodiment of FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b , the slit 350 extends a short distance left-to-right, having a length that corresponds to less than half a width of the sleeve 300. The embodiment of FIGS. 11a and 11b , is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10a and 10b , except that the slit 352 extends across the entire width of the package 100, from left to right.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 12a and 12b , the discontinuity 353 takes the form of a slot or elongate aperture 354. Similar to the slit 350 of the embodiment of FIGS. 10a and 10 b, the slot 354 extends transverse to the opening direction X, and in this particular case is perpendicular to the opening direction X.
FIGS. 13 to 18 illustrate another embodiment of a package 1100, in which the latch features of the support 1200 and sleeve 1300 are located on the left and right sides of the package 1100, rather than the base wall of the package 1100.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the package 1100 comprises a support 1200 and a sleeve 1300, and is moveable by a user in an opening direction X between a fully-closed or secured position, shown in FIG. 13, in which access to the hazardous materials is blocked by the sleeve 1300, and a fully-open or access position, shown in FIG. 14, in which access to the hazardous materials is permitted.
As in previous embodiments, the support 1200 of this embodiment comprises a main body that defines a tray 1202, the tray 1202 comprising a base 1212 defined by a generally planar base wall 1214 and left and right side walls 1216, 1218. The left and right side walls 1216, 1218 are upstanding from the base wall 1214, so as to extend from the base wall 1214 generally perpendicularly. In this embodiment, the support comprises a latch formation 1254 on the left side wall 1216 and a latch formation 1254 on the right side wall 1218.
As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the left and right side walls 1216 and 1218 is defined by a double wall, comprised of two panels lying next to other. Thus, the support 1200 comprises first or outer side walls which define external-facing side walls of the support 1200, and second or internal side walls which define internal-facing side walls of the support 1200. More specifically, the support 1200 comprises left and right outer side walls 1216 a, 1218 a and left and right internal side walls 1216 b, 1218 b.
The support 1200 is symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis. Therefore, the latch formations 1254 on the left and right side walls 1216, 1218 are mirror images of each other and function identically but in opposite directions. Furthermore, the form of the latch formations 1254 is essentially the same as the latch formations 254 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
Thus, for convenience we will consider only the latch formation 1254 on the left side wall 1216 in the following discussion, and only briefly, since all features of its construction are substantially the same of the latch formation 254 already described above. The latch formations 1254 are shown in particular detail in FIGS. 18a and 18 b.
A latch region 1250 is provided on the left side wall 1216. The latch region 1250 comprises a latch wall 1252 defined by the left outer side wall 1216 a. The latch region 1250 comprises the latch formation 1254 that is defined by a part of the latch wall 1252, that is biased to flare or protrude outwards in a latching direction L that is transverse to the opening direction X, and in this case that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the left side wall 1216 a. In this way, the latch formation 1254 protrudes outwards in the latching direction L, away from the left internal side wall 1216 b. The latch region 1250 is provided towards the front of the package 1100 in this embodiment, although it may be provided at different positions along the left side wall 1216 in other embodiments.
The latch wall 1252 comprises a first constrained portion 1252 a remote from the latch formation 1254, and a second partially unconstrained portion 1252 b that supports the latch formation 1254. The first portion 1252 a is constrained to lie substantially in the plane of the left side wall 1216. In this example, the first portion 1252 a is constrained by a folded edge 1215 a that joins the first portion 1252 a of the left outer side wall 1216 a, to the base wall 1214, and by a folded edge 1217 that joins the first portion 1252 a of the left outer side wall 1216 a to the left inner side wall 1216 b. The edges 1215 a, 1217 are defined by folds, and the first portion 1252 a of the latch wall 1252 that lies between these folds is constrained within the plane of the left outer side wall 1216 a, such that the first portion 1252 a cannot project in the latching direction.
In the second portion 1252 b, the constraint of the wall 1252 between the folds is released by an arrangement of openings 1255 that is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, the second portion 1252 b includes first, second and third openings, 1256, 1258, 1260 arranged in the same manner with respect to one another as in the first embodiment, but provided in the left outer side wall 1216 a of the support, rather than in the base wall.
FIG. 17 illustrates the flat blank used to form the support of the package of FIGS. 13 to 16. The flat blank is substantially the same as the blank of FIG. 5, but the latch formations 1254 are formed in the outer sidewall panels 1216 a, 1218 a of the blank, instead of the base wall of the support.
The sleeve 1300 of this embodiment is essentially identical to the sleeve 300 of the first embodiment, apart from the position and form of the latch members 120.
The latch members 1120 of the sleeve 1300 are positioned on left and right sides of the sleeve 1300 such that, when the structure 1200 is provided in the sleeve 1300 in the first position, the latch members 1120 of the sleeve 1300 and the latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 are aligned with one another.
The latch members 1120 of the sleeve 1300 comprise flaps 1324 provided at the front end of the package 1100, on left and right side walls 1320, 1322 of the sleeve 1300. Specifically, the sleeve 1300 comprises a left flap 1324 a that extends rearwardly from a front edge of the left side wall 1320 into an interior space of the sleeve, and a right flap 1324 b that extends rearwardly from a front edge of the right side wall 1322 into the interior space of the sleeve. The flaps 1324 a, 1324 b each comprise a rear edge 1327 a, 1327 b that defines an abutment edge that abuts against a corresponding abutment edge of the corresponding latch formation 1254 of the support 1200, to prevent movement of the support 1200 in the opening direction.
The sleeve 1300 also comprises unlatching regions 1330 that facilitate depression of the latch formation 1254 of the support 1200 through the sleeve 1300. In particular, the sleeve 1300 comprises a left unlatching region 1330 a provided on the left side wall 1320 of the sleeve 1300, and a right unlatching region 1330 b provided on the right side wall 1322 of the sleeve 1300.
As with the support 1200, the sleeve 1300 is symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis, such that the left and right unlatching regions 1330 a, 1330 b are mirror images of each other and function identically but in opposite directions. Thus, for conciseness, only the left unlatching region 1330 a will be described.
The left unlatching region 1330 a comprises an unlatching opening 1331 a in the left side wall 1320 of the sleeve 1330. In this example, the unlatching opening 1331 a is provided in the form of an elongate slit or cut in the left side wall 1320 of the sleeve 1300, that extends in a direction that is transverse to the opening direction X of the package 1100. The left unlatching opening 1331 a is located in a position that, when the left flap 1324 a of the sleeve 1300 lies flush against the interior side wall of the sleeve 1300, is immediately rearward of the abutment edge 1327 a of the left flap 1324 a.
In the example of FIG. 13, the unlatching opening 1331 a extends perpendicularly with respect to the opening direction X. Also in this example, the unlatching opening 1331 a extends across approximately half of the width of the left side wall 1320, and is positioned centrally along the width of the left side wall 1320. However, the shape, position and extent of the unlatching opening 1331 a may vary in other embodiments.
The unlatching opening 1331 a creates a region of the left side wall 1320 of the sleeve 1300 that can be depressed more readily than a remaining portion of the left side wall 1320, when the support 1200 is assembled in the sleeve 1300 in the first position. That is to say, the unlatching opening 1331 a creates a wall region that can be more easily deflected out of the plane of the wall 1320. This unlatching region 1330 a lies adjacent to and rearward of the unlatching opening 1131 a, and extends rearwardly from the unlatching opening 1131 a to an unlatching region perimeter. The portion of the unlatching region 1330 a directly adjacent the unlatching opening 1331 a is most easily deflected out of the plane of the left side wall 1320. The unlatching region perimeter defines the distance from the unlatching opening 1331 a at which deflection out of the plane of the side wall 1320 is no longer facilitated by the presence of the unlatching opening 1131 a. As the skilled person will understand, the shape and extent of the unlatching region 1330 a is dependent on, for example, the size and shape of the unlatching opening 1331 a, and the form and material properties of the side wall 1320 on which the unlatching region 1330 a is provided.
When the support 1200 is arranged in the sleeve 1300 in the first position, the unlatching openings 1331 of the sleeve 1300 generally align with the latch formations 1254 of the support 1200, and are positioned a small distance rearward of the abutment edges 1327 of the flaps 1324 of the sleeve 1300. The latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 are in the latched configuration, such that the latch formations 1254 flare outwardly in the latching direction, and the abutment edges 1262 of the latch formations 1254 abut with the abutment edges 1327 of the flaps 1324 of the sleeve 1300. In this embodiment, the outward flare of the latch formations 1254 is enabled by means of a small space between inner surfaces of the side walls 1320, 1322 of the sleeve 1300 and outer surfaces of the side walls 1216 a, 1218 a of the support 1200. This small space is created at least by the presence of the flaps 1324 of the sleeve 1300, which lies sandwiched between the side wall 1216 a, 1218 a of the support 1200 and the side wall 1320, 1322 of the sleeve 1300. To open the package 1100, the user must apply unlatching forces to the latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 in an unlatching direction. The unlatching direction is substantially opposite to the latching direction and, in this embodiment in which the latch formations 1254 are provided on side walls of the support 1200, is substantially sideways and inwards towards the interior of the package 1100.
The unlatching forces are applied to the latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 via the unlatching regions 1330 of the sleeve 1300. When the user applies an inwards force to the unlatching regions 1330, for example by squeezing the left and right unlatching regions 1330 between their thumb and middle finger, the walls of the unlatching regions 1330 are deflected in the unlatching direction. Deflection of the unlatching regions 1330 in the unlatching direction deflects, in turn, the latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 in the unlatching direction. In this way, the latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 are resiliently deformed in the unlatching direction to lie flat or flush with the side walls 1216, 1218 of the support 1200. The latch formations 1254 of the support 1200 are now disengaged with the flaps 1324 of the sleeve 1300, and the support 1200 can be moved out of the sleeve 1300 in the opening direction in the same manner as already described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12 and 13 to 18, the latch members 120; 1120 of the support 200; 1200 have been integral with a main body 202; 1202 of the support 200; 1200. However, embodiments are also envisaged in which the support comprises a main body and a latch element that is couplable to the main body to provide the latching function. Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIGS. 19 to 23 and 25 to 27.
Turning now to FIGS. 19a to 19c , FIG. 19c illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the latch formations 2254 of the support 2200 are provided on a latch element 2280 taking the form of a band 2282. The latch formations 2254 can be seen in close up in FIGS. 19a and 19 b.
When the support 2200 is assembled for use in the package 2100, the band 2282 encircles the main body 2202 of the support 2200 widthwise to form a closed loop around the width of the main body 2202. The band 2282 is dimensioned such that it forms a close fit with the main body 2202 of the support 2200 when the support 2200 is assembled. In this way, the band 2282 may be held in place by friction between the surfaces of the band 2282 and the surfaces of the main body 2202 that are in contact when the support 2200 is assembled. Alternatively or additionally, the band 2282 may by attached to the main body 2202. For example, the band 2282 may be adhered to the main body 2202 at one or more adherence locations. Of course, such attachment must not affect the proper functioning of the latch formations 2254.
In this embodiment, the band 2282 is configured to provide the support 2200 with left and right latch formations 2254, in a similar manner to the support 1200 of the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 18. However, it should be noted that a similar band 2282 could be used to provide the support with a latch member on its base, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
The band 2282 comprises an upper wall 2284, a lower wall 2286, a left side wall 2288 and a right side wall 2290. The left and right walls 2288, 2290 of the band 2282 are each provided with a latch region 2250 that comprises a latch wall 2252 defining a latch formation 2254 in the manner described above. When the support 2200 is assembled for use in the latchable package 2100, the band 2282 encircles the main body 2202 of the support 2200 such that the left side wall 2288 of the band 2202 overlies a portion of the left side wall 2216 of the main body 2202 and the right side wall 2290 of the band 2282 overlies a portion of the right side wall 2218 of the main body 2202. In this way, the latch regions 2250 of the band 2282 form external-facing left and right side walls 2216 a, 2218 a of the assembled support 2200.
As in previous embodiments, the latch formation 2254 is biased to flare or protrude outwards in a latching direction L that is transverse to the opening direction when the band 2282 is assembled on the main body 2202 of the support 2200 for use.
Also as in previous embodiments, the latch wall 2252 comprises a first constrained portion 2252 a and a second partially unconstrained portion 2252 b. The first portion 2252 a is constrained to lie substantially in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the left side wall 2216 of the main body 2202 when the support 2200 is assembled for use. The first portion 2252 a is constrained by an edge 2215 b that joins the left or right side wall 2288, 2290 of the band to the upper wall 2284 of the band 2282, and an edge 2215 a that joins the left or right side wall 2288, 2290 of the band 2282 to the lower wall 2286 of the band 2282.
The constraint of the latch wall 2252 is released in the second portion 2252 b by means of a first opening 2256 that extends rearwardly from a front edge 2262 of the side wall 2288, 2290, and that comprises an elongate slit or cut in the side wall 2288, 2290. A second opening 2258 is provided in the side wall 2288, 2290 at a position forward of the first opening 2256. At the rear or base of the slit of the opening is a further opening 2260 in the form of a circular aperture, which performs the same function as the third opening 260 of the first embodiment of FIG. 1, and therefore will not be described in any further detail here.
In an alternative but similar embodiment to that of FIG. 19, the band 2282 terminates at the front edge 2262. In other words, in this embodiment the front edge 2262 forms a front most edge of the band 2282, and the latch formations 2254 are formed at the portion of the band 2282 that is furthest forward when the band 2282 is assembled on the main body 2202 of the support 2200.
A support 2200 comprising the band 2282 of FIG. 19 coupled to a main body 2202 may be used in combination with a sleeve 2300 having unlatching regions, for example, in the form of apertures or unlatching regions, although it is not limited as such.
Operation of a package 2300 comprising a support 2200 including the band 2282 of FIG. 19 is identical to operation of a package comprising a support having integral latch members, as has already been described.
Turning now to FIGS. 20 and 21, these figures show an embodiment of the package 3100 in which latch formations 3254 of the support 3200 are provided on latch elements 3280 that are coupled to the main body 3202 of the support 3200 when assembled for use. In particular, the support 3200 of this embodiment includes left and right latch elements 3280 a, 3280 b that are coupled to left and right side walls 3216, 3218 of the support 3200, to provide the support 3200 with left and right latch formations 3254 a, 3254 b.
The latch elements 3280 of this embodiment, one of which is shown in FIG. 20, are each formed by folding a substantially planar sheet, illustrated in FIG. 21. Once formed, each latch element 3280 comprises an inner wall 3282 that lies against an outer side wall 3216 a, 3218 a of the main body 3202 of the support 3200 when the support 3200 is assembled, and an outer wall 3284 that forms part of an external-facing wall of the support 3200 when the support 3200 is assembled. The outer wall 3284 comprises a first portion 3284 a (in this case an upper portion) that joins to the inner wall 3282 at a first edge 3286 defined by a first fold, and a second portion 3284 b (in this case a lower portion) that joins to the inner wall 3288 at a second edge 3288 defined by a second fold.
An opening or channel 3256 is defined between the first and second portions 3284 a, 3284 b of the outer wall 3284. The opening 3256 extends rearwardly from a front edge of the outer wall 3284, to define an unconstrained portion 3252 b of the latch element 3280, and to define latch formations 3254 of the latch element 3280. At a rear portion 3252 a of the latch element 3280, the outer wall 3284 is adhered to the inner wall 3282 to define a constrained portion 3252 a of the latch element 3280, which is constrained to lie in a plane that is parallel to the plane of the side wall 3216, 3218 of the main body 3202 to which the latch element 3280 is coupled in use. In this example, rearward regions of the first and second portions of the outer wall 3284 are adhered to the inner wall 3282 by means of an adherence strip 3285 provided on the inner wall 3282. To this end, before folding the sheet that forms the latch element 3280, a protective strip may be provided over the adherence strip 3285, to protect and prevent contamination of the adherence strip 3285 before use.
The latch elements 3280 further comprise coupling portions 3290 that allow the latch elements 3280 to be coupled to the main body 3202 of the support 3200. Each latch element 3280 includes two coupling portions; a first coupling portion 3290 a that extends forwardly from a front edge of the inner wall 3282, and a second coupling portion 3290 b that extends rearwardly from a rear edge of the inner wall 3282. In this example, each of the coupling portions 3290 has a generally semi-circular shape. In use, each coupling portion 3290 of the latch element 3280 is received in a coupling opening 3292 provided in the side wall 3216, 3218 of the main body 3202 of the support 3200 (see FIG. 20) and, in this way, the latch elements 3280 are coupled to the main body 3202. The coupling openings 3292 are provided in the form of elongate cuts or slits in the side wall of the main body 3200.
In other embodiments, the latch elements 3280 may be coupled to the main body 3202 in a different manner. For example, the latch elements 3280 may be adhered to the main body 3202 by directly gluing the inner wall 3282 of the latch element 3280 to the side wall of the main body 3202. In some embodiments, the latch elements 3280 are formed as stickers that are stuck onto the side wall of the main body 3202.
A support 3200 comprising latch elements 3280 as shown in FIGS. 20 to 21 may be used in combination with a sleeve of the sort described above, which may have unlatching regions, for example, in the form of apertures or other unlatching regions as described above, although it is not limited as such.
Operation of a package 3100 comprising a support 3200 including the latch elements 3280 of FIGS. 20 and 21 is identical to operation of a package comprising a support having integral latch members, as has already been described.
Now referring to FIGS. 22a to 24d , these show variants of the unlatching region of the sleeve.
FIG. 22a shows a sleeve 4300 having an unlatching region 4330 similar to that of the sleeve shown in FIG. 13, but that differs in that the unlatching opening 4331 extends across the entire width of the side wall 4320 in the sleeve 4300 of FIG. 24a , rather than across just a portion of the width of the side wall 4320.
FIG. 22b shows a variant 5300 in which the unlatching opening 5331 extends with respect to an axis perpendicular to the opening direction at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. The unlatching opening 5331 extends across the entire width of the side wall 5320, extending in a rearward direction from an upper edge 5323 of the side wall 5320 to a lower edge 5325 of the side wall 5320.
FIG. 22c shows a variant 6300 in which the unlatching opening 6331 is an elongate cut-out that extends perpendicularly with respect to the opening direction, across more than half of the width of the side wall 6320. The cut-out has a length to width ratio of around 10:1 in this example, although this ratio may vary in other embodiments. The cut-out includes rounded edges that help to prevent tearing of the unlatching opening 6331 at its edges.
In embodiments in which the unlatching opening is a slit or cut in the wall of the sleeve, it would be possible to include one or more circular openings to reduce the likelihood of tearing. Such a further opening would provide essentially the same function as the third opening 260 described in relation to the support 200 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12.
FIG. 22d shows a variant 7300 in which the unlatching region 7330 is an aperture 7331 that provides direct access to the latch members 7120 of the support 7200, through the aperture 7331 of the sleeve 7300. The aperture 7330 of the sleeve 7300 of FIG. 22d has the same shape as the aperture 330 of the sleeve 300 of FIGS. 1 to 9, but in this case is provided in a side wall 7320 of the sleeve 7300 rather than in the base of the sleeve. Thus, the sleeve 7300 of FIG. 22d is for use in a package 7100 having latch members provided on the or each of the left and right sides.
FIGS. 23a and 23b show another embodiment of the support 8200 of the package 8100, having an integral latch region 8250 having a different form to those already described.
The latch region 8250 of this embodiment is provided on a left side wall 8216 of the support 8200. The side walls 8216, 8218 of the support 8200 are each defined by a double wall comprising an internal side wall 8216 b, 8218 b and an external side wall 8216 a, 8218 a, and the latch wall 8252 of the latch region 8250 is formed by a portion of the external side wall 8216 a, 8218 a of the support 8200.
The latch wall 8252 comprises a first opening 8256 and a second opening 8258, each defined by an slit or cut in the external side wall of the support 8200. The first opening 8256 is provided at or adjacent the fold 8215 a between the external side wall 8216 a, 8218 a and the base wall 8214 of the support 8200, and extends along the opening direction. The second opening 8258 is provided at a position forward of the first opening 8256, and extends perpendicularly to the opening direction (and the first opening 8256), such that the first and second openings 8256, 8258 together define an L-shape. The second opening 8258 extends across the full width of the external side wall 8216 a, 8218 a to separate a latch region 8250 from a remainder of the side wall 8216, 8218 forward of the second opening 8258.
As in previous embodiments, the first opening 8256 at least partially releases the constraints on the latch wall 8252 in a portion between the folds that join the external side wall to the base wall and the internal side wall, 8215 a, 8217, to define an unconstrained portion 8252 b. Also as in previous embodiments, a region of the latch wall 8252 rearward of the first opening 8256 forms a constrained portion 8252 a that is constrained to lie substantially in the plane of the side wall 8216 a, 8218 a.
Although in the embodiment of FIGS. 23a and 23b the latch wall 8252 is formed as a part of the external side wall 8216 a, 8218 a of a double-walled support 8200, this latch configuration could also be provided in a support 8200 having only a single-walled structure. That is, the latch region 8250 could be formed as a folded flap extending from a top edge of the single side wall of the support. In this case, a rear portion of the flap could be adhered to an outer surface of the side wall to form the constrained portion. The unconstrained portion may be defined by the front and lower edges of the flap that are forward of the constrained portion. Alternatively, the flap may be provided with a cut or slit that extends perpendicularly to the opening direction, and that is located on the flap at a position rearwardly from its front edge. In this case, the portion of the flap forward of the opening may be adhered to the outer surface of the single side wall.
FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a latch element 9280 that is coupleable to the main body 9202 of the support 9200, and that carries the latch regions 9250 of the support 9200.
The latch element 9280 includes an upper wall 9284, left and right side walls 9288, 9290, and front and rear flaps 9292, 9294. The left and right side walls 9288, 9290 each comprise an outer side wall 9288 a, 9290 a that defines a part of the external-facing side wall of the support when the support is assembled, and an internal side wall 9288 b, 9290 b that is bonded to an outer surface of a side wall of the main body 9202 of the support 9200 when the support 9200 is assembled.
The latch regions 9250 are provided on the outer side walls 9288 a, 9290 a of the latch element 9280. In this embodiment, a latch region 9250 is provided on the left outer side wall 9288 a and a latch 9250 region is provided on the right outer side wall 9290 a. The latch regions 9250 are similar in form to those shown in the embodiment of, for example, FIG. 14, apart from that the openings 9255 of the discontinuity 9253 together form a Y-shaped opening rather than a T-shaped opening.
When the support 9200 of this embodiment is assembled, the latch element 9280 is provided in or on the main body 9202 such that the upper wall 9284 of the latch element 9280 forms a cover for a portion of the tray 9202 defined by the main body 9202. The left and right side walls 9288, 9290 of the latch element 9280 are positioned to overlie outer surfaces of the left and right side walls of the main body 9280, such that the outer side walls 9288 a, 9290 a of the latch element 9280 form external-facing walls of the support 9200. The left and right internal side walls 9288 b, 9290 b are attached or adhered to the left and right outer surfaces, respectively, of the side walls of the main body 9202. The latch element 9280 is dimensioned such that its length is a fraction of the length of the main body 9202, such that articles supported in the main body 9202 can be accessed without removal of the latch element 9280.
The front and rear flaps 9292, 9294 of the latch element 9280 may meet the base wall of the main body of the support 9200 at an approximately 90 degree angle, to define a closed-off portion of the tray that is not intended to support items in use. Alternatively, the front and rear flaps 9292, 9294 may be folded against a lower surface (not visible in FIG. 24) of the upper wall 9284 of the latch element 9280, such that items stored in the main body 9202, below the latch element 9280, may be accessed without removing the latch element 9280. As a further alternative, the front flap 9292 may be adhered to an inner front wall of the main body 9202, to retain the latch element 9280 in place in the main body 9202. In this case, the rear flap 9294 may either be arranged to meet the base wall of the main body 9202, or to lie parallel against the lower surface of the upper wall 9284 of the latch element 9280.
A support comprising the latch element 9280 of FIG. 24 may be used in combination with any suitable sleeve having suitable unlatching regions. Operation of a package 9100 including a support 9200 comprising the latch element 9280 of FIG. 24 is identical to operation of a package comprising a support having integral latch members, such as has already been described.
FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of the support 10200 that includes a hinged lid 10280 that carries a latch region 10250. The hinged lid 10280 comprises an upper wall 10284 and a side flap 10288. The upper wall 10284 joins to a right side wall 10218 of the main body 10202 at an edge of fold 10215 b. The upper wall 10284 forms a lid or cover for at least a portion of the main body 10202, that blocks access to articles stored in the main body 10202 when the lid 10280 is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 25. The side flap 10288 comprises a latch region 10250 having a latch wall 10252. The latch wall 10252 comprises an arrangement of openings 10255 that define an at least partially unconstrained portion 10252 b of the wall 10252, these openings having the same general form as those of the latch region of the embodiment of FIG. 24.
When the support 10200 is received in a sleeve 10300 for use, the lid 10280 is in the closed position and the flap 10288 lies substantially parallel to a left side wall 10216 of the main body 10202, against an outer surface 10217 of the left side wall 10216 of the main body 10202, so as to form a part of the external-facing wall of the support 10200. In this case, when the support 10200 is received in the sleeve 10300 and the package 10100 is in the first position, a first portion 10252 a of the latch wall 10252 is constrained by the sleeve 10300 itself. The flap 10288 of the hinged lid 10280 is not attached to the side wall 10216 of the main body 10202, as this would prevent opening of the hinged lid 10280 when the package 10100 is in the second position.
As with the support 9200 of the embodiment of FIG. 24, the support 10200 of FIG. 25 may be used with any suitable sleeve 10300 having suitable unlatching regions, and the operation of a package 10100 including the support 10200 of FIG. 25 is essentially the same as the operation of the packages already described in the preceding embodiments.
Many variants of the package are possible within the scope of the inventive concept.
The discontinuity of the second, at least partially unconstrained, portion may be provided in various different forms. The discontinuity may be provided by one or more openings, cuts or slits in the latch wall of the support, or in the form of one or more channels provided between, for example, two folded portions of the latch wall.
The one or more openings may be arranged in numerous different ways. For example, the openings may be arranged to together define a T or L shaped opening in the wall of the support, as already described in the preceding embodiments.
Many other arrangements of the openings are also envisaged within the scope of the claims. For example, the openings may be arranged to define a generally U-shaped opening 255 a such as those shown in FIGS. 26a and 26b , or a generally V-shaped opening 255 b such as those shown in FIGS. 26c-e . As illustrated in FIGS. 26f-h , the openings may include a cut-out portion of the wall 255 c in combination with an elongate slit 255 d.
The access formation of the sleeve may take many suitable forms. For example, the access formation may be a cutaway of a different shape, allowing access to a lower front portion of the support, or a central front portion of the support. In addition to, or in place of, the access formation, the package may further include a pull tab, ribbon, or other similar feature on the support, to aid or enable the support to be pulled out of the sleeve.
In other embodiments the access opening may be provided at a rear end of the package. For example, the rear end of the package may be fully or partially open to permit access to a rear end of the support to push the support out of the sleeve. In other embodiments, an opening may be provided in the base, top, or side of the sleeve, and a gripping feature may be provided on the support, with the opening permitting access to the gripping feature to allow the support to be pushed out of the sleeve using the gripping feature.
In the embodiments shown, the child resistance provided by the latches is augmented by the fact that the spacing between the latch formations is great enough that a child could not easily depress both latch formations simultaneously with one hand. However, this width of the package merely augments the child resistance, and is not a necessary feature. For example, in relatively small packages, the width of the package may not be large enough to augment the child resistance in this manner, and in such small packages the presence of the latches is sufficient to provide ample child resistance.
Although in the embodiments described the package is provided with either one or two sets of co-operating latch members, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments more sets of co-operating latch members may be provided. In other embodiments, each side of the support may have two latch regions, each configured to engage with the latch member of the sleeve at different degrees of opening of the package, to provide multiple latching points.
Embodiments are also envisaged in which a single sleeve comprises multiple supports. The supports may for example be stacked one-on-top-of-another, in which case the sleeve may be provided with multiple latch members, with each latch member on the sleeve being arranged to co-operate with a different latch member of the set of supports.
In other embodiments the support may be arranged side-by-side in succession in the opening direction. In this case, a single set of latch members on the sleeve may be arranged to co-operate with latch members of different supports in turn, as different supports are brought into the vicinity of the latch region on the sleeve.
Although the described embodiments of the package envisage access of articles stored in the support from the top of the support, it would be possible in other embodiments for the support to be configured such that articles stored within can be accessed from different directions, for example from the side of the support. In this case, the support may include, for example, an access opening in one or more side of the support, which may take the form of a fully open side of the support.
It should be appreciated that various other modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A latchable package comprising:

a structure; and

a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure;

the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure;

wherein the support comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as the latch member on the support.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the latch wall comprises a free edge that defines an abutment surface.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein the biasing force is a tensile force.

4. The package of claim 1, wherein the latch region comprises a fold arranged to subject the latch wall to the biasing force, the fold optionally extending substantially parallel to the opening direction.

5. The package of claim 4, wherein the latch region comprises a pair of folds, the latch wall extending between the folds.

6. The package of claim 1, wherein the discontinuity is arranged to divide the second portion into two latch members, one provided at each side of the discontinuity.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein the discontinuity is elongate and extends substantially along the opening direction.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein the discontinuity is an opening, such as a slit, cut, or aperture in the wall of the support.

9. The package of claim 8, wherein the latch region comprises a further opening that extends in a direction transverse to the first opening, optionally wherein the opening and the further opening together define a T-shape.

10. The package of claim 8, wherein the latch wall is provided with at least one termination aperture located adjacent to the opening, the termination aperture having at least one dimension that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the opening.

11. The package of claim 1, wherein the latch region is integral with a main body of the support, such that a wall of the main body defines the latch wall, optionally wherein the latch region is defined on a side wall or base wall of the support, such that the respective side wall or base wall of the support defines the latch wall.

12. The package of claim 1, wherein the latch region is provided on a latch element that is couplable to a main body of the support, such that the latch region overlies a portion of the main body of the support.

13. The package of claim 12, wherein the support comprises a band that encircles the main body of the support and the latch region is provided on the band; or wherein the support comprises an insert that is couplable to an external wall of the main body of the support and the latch region is provided on the insert.

14. The package of claim 1, wherein the latch region of the support comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the at least one opening is provided in the outer wall.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a withdrawal stop structure for limiting movement of the support in the opening direction, optionally wherein the withdrawal stop structure on the support is defined by a further latch region arranged rearward of the latch region in the opening direction.

16. The package of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises an access feature arranged to permit access to the support when the support is in the first position.

17. The package of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises an unlatching region arranged to overlie the latch region of the support when the support is arranged in the first position, the unlatching region being configured to allow the latch member of the support to be moved in an unlatching direction via the unlatching region of the support.

18. The package of claim 17, wherein the unlatching region comprises a slit, cut or opening in a wall of the structure, that allows a portion of the wall adjacent the slit or cut or opening to be depressed to depress the latch member of the support, or wherein the unlatching region comprises an aperture through which the latch region of the support can be accessed.

19. The package of claim 1, wherein the latch member of the structure comprises a flap extending rearwardly from a wall of the structure with respect to the opening direction.

20. The package of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the latch wall is constrained to define a plane, and the latching direction is substantially perpendicular to the plane.

21. The package of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the latch wall is arranged rearwardly of the second portion with respect to the opening direction, optionally wherein the discontinuity is arranged forwardly of the first portion with respect to the opening direction.

22. A support for use in the latchable package of any preceding claim, the package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, and the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure, and the support comprising a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as the latch member on the support.

23. A latch element for use in a latchable package, the package comprising a structure and a support for supporting one or more items, the support being movable in an opening direction between a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items and a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure, and the structure and support comprising complementary latch members configured to engage when the support is arranged in the first position to prevent movement of the support in the opening direction, the latch member of the support being moveable in a latching direction transverse to the opening direction to engage with the latch member of the structure; wherein the latch element comprises a latch region having a latch wall, the latch wall being subject to a biasing force that biases the wall outwardly in the latching direction, wherein a first portion of the latch wall is constrained against the biasing force, and wherein a second portion of the latch wall comprises a discontinuity configured to release the constraint in the second portion of the wall to allow the second portion to flare outwardly in the latching direction under the biasing force to act as a latch member; and wherein the latch element is couplable to a support or to a structure of the package to define a latch member of the support or structure, respectively.