WO2012037542A1

WO2012037542A1 - Carrier with panel locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2012037542A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/052069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair; Patrick Blin
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2013-03-17
Also published as: RU2013117444A; BR112013006427A2; KR20140012617A; SG188560A1; MX2013003096A; TW201213203A; JP2013537157A; CN103298708A

Abstract

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

Description

CARRIER WITH PANEL LOCKING SVfECHANiSf

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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

Interlocking arrangements commonly include a slide lock assembly that includes a locking tab and cooperating slit. An example of this type of locking arrangement can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,284. In this example, as is typical, the locking fab includes a head that is attached along a relatively narrow neck to a panel of the carton. The tab includes at least one shoulder, i.e., that portion of the tab where the head connects with the relatively narrow neck. On an opposite panel of the carton, a slit is formed into which the tab can be inserted. Following insertion, the locking tab shoulder engages the end of the slit, preventing the tab from being withdrawn, and thereby securing the interlocking arrangement. in interlocking arrangements of this type, the length of the slit is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the head portion of the locking tab to allow insertion of the tab. As a result, the tab may be laterally movable when It is fully Inserted up to its neck. Such lateral movement could result in disengagement of the tab shoulder from the slit. For this reason, it is advantageous to provide means to restrict lateral movement of the locking tab. One way in which the locking tab can be laterally restrained is to arrange a row of locking tabs such that each of the opposite end locking tabs is provided with only one shoulder so that the

shoulderless side edge of that tab abuts the adjacent end of the associated slit and thereby restrains ail the tabs in the row from lateral movement. An example of such an approach can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,318. One disadvantage of this approach, however, is less locking strength of the interlocking arrangement due to the reduction in number of the locking points. What is needed, therefore, is an improved interlocking arrangement which increases the security of the interlocking arrangement against inadvertent disengagement. Such an arrangement should be capable of restraining the locking tab from moving within the locking slit without reducing the number of the locking points.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

The locking fab has a relatively wide head that defines locking shoulders along each of its side edges. The width of the head of the locking tab is substantially greater than that of that of its neck, by which it is foldabiy connected to the first panel. Each shoulder of the locking tab is configured to engage the portion of the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel thai extends on either side of the locking slit when the locking tab is received in the locking slit.

In fact, according to one aspect of the various embodiments, the head is at least slightly wider than the length of that portion of the locking slit that is coextensive with the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel. Although the head of the locking tab is wider than the locking slit, the head still can pass through the locking slit to engage the fold that defines the hinged connection because of the configuration of the locking slit.

Advantageously, according to another aspect of the various embodiments of the invention, lateral movement in this shoulder-slit engagement is further restricted by means of the alignment tab also being received in the alignment receptacle when the locking tab is received in the locking silt.

In one embodiment, the locking slit is s!ightly curved such its opposing ends extend onto the second panel rather than being coextensive with the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel. Consequently, when the second panel is folded with respect to the lap panel, the locking slit is sufficiently wide to allow entry of the locking tab, but the portion of the locking slit that is coextensive with the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel is substantially shorter than the head is wide. When the carrier is erected, the shoulders of the locking tab are captured by the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel and the locking tab is restricted from moving laterally or back out of the locking slit in part because of the configuration of the locking slit.

In this embodiment, the alignment tab is defined adjacent to the locking tab along a cut line that defines a capture slot. The alignment tab is also defined at least in part in and hingedly attached to the first panel along a fold line that is spaced apart from the hinged connection between the locking tab and the first panel. The alignment receptacle is defined in the lap panel that is connected hingedly to the second panel, and may be a recessed edge of the lap panel. The locking tab and locking slit may be matingiy engaged during or prior to erection of the carrier. When the carrier panels are erected to form the carrier, the alignment tab slides into the alignment receptacle, which guides the alignment tab under the lap panel until its distal end is received in the capture slot, which fixes the relative positions of the locking tab and the slit and lap panel with respect to lateral movement. In another embodiment, the locking silt is at most slightly wider than the neck of the locking tab. Nevertheless, the head and shoulders of the locking tab can enter the locking slit because the locking slit defines one side of an opening that is defined by displacing a hinged !y attached alignment flap. At its widest point, the opening is at least as wide as the widest point of the head of the locking tab, so head and shoulders of the locking tab can enter the opening and travel under the slit until the neck of the locking tab is engaged by the end edges of the slit, thereby restricting lateral movement of the locking tab and capturing the head and shoulders of the locking tab within the hinged connection between the second panel and the lap panel.

In this embodiment, the alignment tab is defined adjacent to the locking slit, and as part of the distal end of the alignment flap. The alignment receptacle is formed at least in part in the neck of the locking tab. Again, the locking fab and locking slit may be mating!y engaged during or prior to erection of the carrier. When the carrier panels are erected to form the carrier, the alignment tab that extends from the distal end of the alignment flap slides into the alignment receptacle, and the remainder of distal end of the alignment flap butts against the neck of the locking tab, which fixes the relative positions of the locking tab and the slit and lap panel with respect to lateral movement.

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

The interlocking arrangement is defined in a blank for forming a carton, such as a wraparound carrier. Such a blank may include a number of panels hinged !y connected to one another along the length of the blank, including a bottom panel, which is hingedly connected along a transverse fold line to a first side panel, which is hingedly connected along a transverse fold line to a top panel, which is hingedly connected along a transverse fold line to a second side panel, which is hingedly connected along a transverse fold line to a lap panel. In the embodiments described herein, the first panel is the bottom panel and the second panel is the second side panel, although each of the first and second panels could be any panel that is to be connected to any other panel of the blank.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carrier blank incorporating a first exemplary embodiment of an interlocking arrangement in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the interlocking arrangement of FIG, 1.

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

FIG. 14. is a plan view of a carrier blank according to a second exemplary embodiment of an interlocking arrangement in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of the interlocking arrangement of FIG. 14.

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

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

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

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a carton blank 10 ("blank"} for forming a carrier in that incorporates one embodiment of an interlocking arrangement in accordance with the present invention. The blank 10 can be made from a substrate of paperboard, plastic, or any other desired material. One or more surfaces of the substrate can be coated, painted, printed, or treated to achieve desired package characteristics. For example, advertising can be painted on one or both sides of the substrate, and a water-resistant or waterproof sealant can be painted one or more of the substrate sides. As such, the blank 10 can be made into a wrap-around carrier as secondary packaging for carrying containers that hold liquid contents. An alternative embodiments is shown in FIGs. 15-22, which will be described in detail below.

The blank 10 is cut from or formed into a substantially unitary or composite foidable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, clear or opaque plastic, laminates, any combination thereof, or the like. The blank 10 includes several panels that are hingediy connected to one another along transverse lines. More specifically, the blank 10 includes a top panel 102 that, in the embodiment shown, is hingediy attached along fold line 106 to a first side panel 104. Similarly, the blank 10 includes a second side panel 108 that is hingedly connected along fold line 110 to the top panel 102. The first side panel 104 is hingedly connected along fold line 114 to a bottom panel 112. The second side panel 108 is hingedly connected along fold line 118 to a lap panel 118. In the embodiment shown, each side panel 104, 108 includes two sections 104a/104b, 108a/108b that are defined by a contour fold line 105, 109, which is positioned horizontaily proximate at the height of the shoulder (if any) of the intended container. Optionally, the top panel 102 includes a set handle apertures H.

The blank 10 also includes a number of optional end flaps. Specifically, bottom end flaps 132a/132b are hingedly connected along fold lines 131 a/131 b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the bottom panel 112. Lower side end flaps 134a/134b are hingedly connected along fold lines 133a/133b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the lower side panel 104b. Top end flaps 136a/138b are hingedly connected along fold lines 135a/135b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the top panel 102. Top end flaps 136a/136b may include webbed portions that are also connected to the upper side panels 104a, 108a. Lower side end flaps 138a/138b are hingedly connected along fold lines 137a/137b at the opposed longitudinal edges of the lower side panel 108b.

The elements of the first embodiment of the interlocking arrangement are struck from the blank 10. Specifically, and with reference also to the detailed view of FIG. 2, the blank 10 includes three locking tab devices 120, 122, 124 that each include a locking tab 140 that is hingedly connected to the bottom panel 112 along a fold line 141 , an alignment tab 142 that is hingedly connected along a fold line 144 to the bottom panel 112, and capture slot 148 that defines the distal end of alignment tab 142. The alignment tab 142 is elongated and slightly trapezoidal in shape. The proximal end is spaced apart from the fold line 141 , while its distal end extends slightly beyond the fold line 141 and onto a neck portion 156 of the locking tab 140. As the locking tab 140 extends away from the bottom panel 112, a head portion 151 of the locking tab 140 is substantially wider than the neck portion 156 that is disposed at or near the fold line 141 , such that shoulders 150, 152 are defined between the head and neck portions 151 , 158 of the locking tab 140.

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

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

arrangements will be described. The interlocking arrangement is operated as follows. After the blank 10 has been wrapped around a container group (not shown), the end edges of the side panel 108 and lap panel 116 are brought into proximity to the end edge of the bottom panel 112. With reference particularly to FIGs. 3-5, the locking tab 140 is propelled toward the locking slit 160, the alignment tab 142 is folded inwardly along fold line 141 , and the lap panel 116 is also folded inwardly along fold line 118. The degree to which the alignment tab 142 is folded is selected to ensure that the distal end of the alignment tab 142 slides under the lap panel 116, and more particularly, into the alignment receptacle 184 (best shown in FIGs. 2 and 8). A cutaway view of this arrangement is shown in FUG. 5, in which rotation of each element may be exaggerated to for purposes of teaching and not of limitation. As the alignment tab 142 slides under the proximal edge of the alignment receptacle 184 and the locking tab 140 enters the locking silt 160, as shown in FIGs. 6-8, the lap panel 118 and the locking fab 140 are released and all of the elements are at least somewhat engaged in the arrangement shown in the cutaway view of FUG. 5. The panels 108, 112 are disposed in substantially the same plane, although some distortion may raise or lower certain elements due to the interlocking arrangement. The side panel 108 and the bottom panel 112 are then brought into an angular relationship, that is, the panel 108 is rotated around fold line 118 until the panel 108 extends vertically with respect to the bottom panel 112. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 10 from the perspective of the bottom panel 112. In so doing, the alignment tab 142 is disposed between the longitudinal edges of the alignment receptacle 164 and beneath the proximal edge of the alignment receptacle 164 and the distal end of the alignment tab 142 enters the capture slot 148. To fit in the capture slot 146, the distal end of the alignment tab 142 may at least partially force open the expansion slit 182, and may also displace an expansion tab 148 that is formed along the capture slot 148. This under-and-over arrangement of the alignment tab 142 results in the distal end of the alignment tab 142 being locked in the capture slot 146, which is essentially a cut line that defined the distal end of the alignment tab 142 in the planar blank 10. FIGs, 11 , 12 and 13 provide particularly good views for appreciating the under-and-over arrangement of the alignment tab 142

Lateral motion with respect to the various elements of the assembly is virtually eliminated by the engagement of the side edges of the alignment tab 142 with the side edges of the alignment receptacle 164, combined with the engagement of the shoulders 150, 152 against the fold line 118 and within the edges of the slit 160, and further combined with the receipt of the distal end of the alignment tab 142 in the capture slot 148.

It should be understood that the steps described with respect to the method for operating the interlocking arrangements are not necessarily presented in any particular order, and that performance of some or ail the steps in an alternative order(s) is possible and is contemplated. The steps have been presented in the demonstrated order for ease of description and illustration. Steps can be added, omitted and/or performed simultaneously without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

A second embodiment of the locking arrangement of present invention is shown in FIGs. 14-22. The exemplary blank 20 that is shown in FIG. 14 is substantially identical to the blank 10 of FIG, 1 , with the following distinctions. The blank 20 includes three locking tab devices 220, 222, 224 that each includes a locking tab 240 that is hingediy connected to the bottom panel 112 along a fold line 141 , and an alignment receptacle 284. As the locking tab 240 extends away from the bottom panel 112, a head portion 251 of the locking tab 240 is substantially wider than the neck portion 256 that is disposed at or near the fold line 141 , such that shoulders 250, 252 are defined between the head and neck portions 251 , 256 of the locking fab 240. In fact, the locking tab 240 is substantially trapezoidal in shape, although other shapes with shoulders are contemplated. The alignment receptacle 264 extends slightly beyond the fold line 141 and onto a neck portion 156 of the locking tab 240.

At the opposite end of the blank, three slit devices 226, 228, 230 are formed along the edge of the side panel 108 and in a lap panel 218 that is hingediy connected along fold line 118 to the side panel 108. Each slit device 226, 228, 230 includes a locking slit 260, an alignment flap 282, and an alignment tab 242. The locking silt 260 is formed along the leading edge of the second side panel 108 and is substantially aligned with the fold line 118 that hingediy connects the second side panel 108 to the lap panel 116. The alignment flap 262 is trapezoidal in shape, with its widest side disposed along a fold line 263 that hingediy connects the alignment flap 262 to the lap panel 216, and its narrowest side being a distal edge 268 defined along the locking slit 260, with the alignment tab 242 extending from the distal edge 268 of the alignment flap 262. The proximal end of the alignment flap 262, defined by the fold line 263, is spaced apart from free edge of the lap panel 116.

In this embodiment, the size and shape of the locking tab 240 and the alignment flap 262 are selected to be complementary, as will be described with respect to the operation of the assembly. In particular, the width of the neck 256 of the locking tab 240 is substantially equal or slightly less than the length of the distal edge of the alignment flap 262, and the length of the distal edge of the alignment flap 262 is substantially the same as the coextensive locking slit 260. The second exemplary interlocking arrangement is operated as follows. After the blank

20 has been wrapped around a container group (not shown), the end edges of the side panel 108 and lap panel 116 are brought into proximity to the end edge of the bottom panel 112. With reference particularly to RGs. 16-19, the lap panel 216 is folded inwardly along the fold line 118, which frees the distal edge of thE alignment flap 262, and opens the locking slit 260. The alignment flap 262 may also fold inwardly along fold line 263. The locking tab 240 is propelled toward the locking slit 260, as shown in FIG. 17, and thereby comes to overlie the alignment flap 262, perhaps but not necessarily, in a face contacting sliding arrangement.

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

Once the locking tab 240 is securely received and locked into the locking slit 260, the alignment tab 242 comes into registry with the alignment receptacle 264 (best shown in FIGs. 15 and 17). As the locking tab 240 slides over the alignment flap 282 and enters the locking slit 260, the lap panel 116 and the locking tab 140 are no longer actively folded inward by machine elements and ail of the elements are at least somewhat engaged in the arrangement shown in FIGs. 19 and 20. The panels 108, 112 are disposed in substantially the same plane, although some distortion may raise or lower certain elements due to the interlocking arrangement. The side panel 108 and the bottom panel 112 are then brought into an angular relationship, that is, the panel 108 is rotated around fold line 118 until the panel 108 extends vertically with respect to the bottom panel 112. The alignment tab 142 is forced into the alignment receptacle 264, with the distal edge 268 butting up against the fold line 141 at the neck 256 of the locking tab 240. Lateral motion with respect to the various elements of the second embodiment of the locking assembly is virtually eliminated by the engagement of the side edges of the alignment tab 242 with the edges of the alignment receptacle 264, combined with the engagement of the shoulders 250, 252 against the fold line 118 and within the edges of the slit 260, and further combined with the engagement of the neck 256 with the narrowest extent of the side edges 248. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that each blank 10 and 20 can be erected using automatic or manual means.

The present invention has been illustrated in relation to a particular embodiment which is intended in ail respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, as used herein, directional references such as "top", "base", "bottom", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper", "middle", "lower", "front" and "rear" do not limit the respective to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the shapes and sizes of cap, heel and handle apertures and of the handle are only examples of the various configurations that will be suitable for implementation of the various embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape, and alternative shapes, sizes, and configurations for interlocking arrangement elements may be used. The carrier may

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

Claims

1. A blank for forming a wrap-around carrier, comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel;

a lap panel hingedly connected along a fold line to the second panel;

an interlocking arrangement for interconnecting the first panel and the second panel, the interlocking arrangement comprising:

a locking tab extending from and joined to the first panel;

a locking slit for receiving the locking fab, the locking slit being defined at least in part in at least one of the second panel and the lap panel;

an alignment receptacle defined at least in part by at least one of the locking tab and the lap panel; and

an alignment tab that is defined at least in part by the other of the locking tab and the lap panel.

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

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

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

5. The blank of claim 2, wherein:

the opposed ends of the locking slit are formed in the second panel and are spaced apart from the fold line that hingedly connects the lap panel to the second panel; and

the portion of the locking slit that is defined along the fold line is shorter than the width of the locking tab.

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

7. The blank of claim 8, further comprising an alignment flap that is hinged!y connected to the lap panel along the distal edge of the opening and that extends toward the locking slit.

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

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

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

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