WO2012112538A1

WO2012112538A1 - Container with locking or retention feature

Info

Publication number: WO2012112538A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/025033
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Gelardi; Ryan A. Bailey; Sara Falcon; Melissa ESTACIO; Ashley VERCOE; Angela MCINTIRE; Marty Jones
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2011-02-14
Filing date: 2012-02-14
Publication date: 2012-08-23

Abstract

A container (10) is disclosed which has an outer sleeve (20), an inner tray (30) and one or more locking and/or retention means (38). The container may have a hanging tab (32) and a window to display one or more products. The outer sleeve may be paperboard and/or plastic or any combination of these materials. The inner tray may be paperboard and/or plastic and may have a locking foot (38) that may be used to lock and/or retain the tray in the outer sleeve. The inner tray may also have a retaining flap (84) to help stabilize the inner tray at the open end of the outer sleeve when the tray is in its fully extended open position.

Description

CONTAINER WITH LOCKING OR RETENTION FEATURE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) of United States provisional applications serial number 61/442631 filed on February 14, 2011; serial number 61/453585 filed on March 17, 2011, and serial number 61/535796 filed on September 16, 2011, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a container having an outer sleeve, an inner tray and one or more locking and/or retention means. The package may have a hanging tab and a window to display one or more product(s). The hanging tab may be part of a single piece structure with either the inner tray or the outer sleeve or it may be a separate piece attached to the inner tray or the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve may be paperboard and/or plastic or any combination of these materials. The inner tray may be paperboard and/or plastic and may have a locking foot that may be used to lock and/or retain the tray in the outer sleeve. The inner tray may also have a retaining flap to help stabilize the inner tray at the open end of the outer sleeve when the tray is in its fully extended open position.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Dispensers with outer shell, inner tray, locking and retention features are known in the art. A variety of locking and retention means have been taught for use with these dispensers, from locking posts to locking flaps. A variety of materials have been used in these dispensers both in the external shell and the internal tray including paper, plastic, formed blisters and combinations of these. Exemplary of such prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,291 to L. C.

Sledge, entitled "Tablet Dispenser", which teaches a drawer that sits in the outer housing and a locking element. Notably, this locking element may also be used to fully release the drawer from the container. U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 to S. B. Johnstone et al. entitled "Unit Dose Packaging System (UDPS) Having a Child Resistant Locking Feature" is another example of a tablet dispensing system. This system has child resistant features and retention features combined with a unit dose dispensing means. U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,893 to Meredith Karow entitled "Unit Dose Packaging system (UDPS) Having a Child Resistant Locking Feature "teaches additional locking features.

[0004] In the unit dose packaging system patents above the locking tail is folded from the blister flange to the rear of the unit dose containing product cavities and does not interact with the product cavities themselves. The front edge of the tail engages with the outer sleeve. The tail must be located so it can be folded towards the blister cavity a full 180 degrees without touching the cavity. Generally, this means that the tail folds from at least one "tail length" from the product cavity. This design results in an elongated outer shell to house the product cavity area and the elongated flange area. As the depth of the outer sleeve increases, the length of the tail must also increase to maintain the desired retention angle. The increase in the blister length creates a corresponding increase in the length of the outer sleeve. The blister is created to suit the product and the carton size is determined directly from these blister dimensions to ensure that there is enough room in the outer carton to house the length of the locking foot.

[0005] The main focus of these prior inventions centers on dispensing medications.

Accordingly, the locking features are tailored to work best with thin blister-like containers or trays for injection devices. When moving to larger products whether they be multiple stacked blisters, trays and/or larger non-medical related products, such locking and/or retention features may no longer be sufficient to lock and retain the product tray.

[0006] It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for a packaging system having an outer sleeve, an inner tray, and locking and/or retention features that work for a wider variety of package sizes. An additional benefit of the current invention is that a retailer may pick a carton size and adjust the inner tray to accommodate for a variety of different products all with the same external carton dimensions. In the retail environment which dictates package size based on set planagrams this flexibility of the inner tray is required. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Generally this invention teaches a variety of improved unique locking and retention features for both hanging packages as well as standing/laying packages. These features will work for larger thick products such as trays for holding cell phones or other larger products as well as the thinner healthcare blisters and or trays. The ideas captured herein are appropriate for use with an outer shell made of paperboard packaging, outer plastic packaging, combination of paper and plastic packaging or other suitable materials. In addition, they will work with an inner tray made of plastic, paperboard or any combination of these materials or others.

[0008] The package may comprise an outer sleeve and an inner slide card/tray lockably retained within said outer sleeve, such that said outer sleeve includes a plurality of side panels operatively connected to each other such that one of the plurality of side panels includes an inner slide card retaining means and a first inner slide card releasing means that may be comprised of a cut-out and a node located substantially adjacent to said cut-out and another of the plurality of side panels includes a second inner slide card releasing means that may be comprised of a release button or side squeeze pressure point and the inner slide card includes a product containing means and an inner slide card retaining/releasing means located substantially adjacent to the at least one product containing means, wherein the improvement in the package locking feature may comprise a lowering element that allows the locking angle to be formed at the base of the product cavity itself or close thereto. The lowering element acts as a false ceiling to initiate an angle at a lower point within the structure. For this reason, the depth of the inner tray/product cavity does not determine the length of the tail.

[0009] In certain preferred embodiments the outer sleeve may include a plurality of side panels operatively connected to each other such that at least one of the plurality of side panels includes an inner slide card retaining means and an inner slide card releasing means comprised of one or more interference components and release points. In another preferred embodiment additional retaining means may be located at the front end of the outer sleeve and may be in the form of extension panels that may have one or more node(s) or may be unattached loose inward folded flaps.

[00010] The product package tray and sleeve combination, according to this invention, offers the following advantages: providing locking and retention features suitable for large products as well as small products and further suitable for hanging products. The new tail design also allows the length of the blister to become independent from the height of the product cavity.

[00011] The above features of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are best understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00012] Figure 1 is a plan view of the front of a closed product container illustrating the outer sleeve with a product window and an inner tray with a product cavity and locking means;

[00013] Figure 2 is a plan view of the back of the closed product container of Figure 1 illustrating the unlocking means;

[00014] Figure 3 is an open view of the product container of Figure 1;

[00015] Figure 4 is a front view of a product container before being fully assembled having a retaining flap on the inner tray;

[00016] Figure 5 A is a fully extended open view of the container of Figure 4; [00017] Figure 5B is a close-up view of the interaction between the retaining flap and the retention feature on the outer sleeve;

[00018] Figure 6 shows an alternate design for the retaining flap having ribs to provide additional rigidity;

[00019] Figure 7 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment for the inner tray.

[00020] Figure 8A is a bottom view of an alternate product package using the inner tray of Figure 7;

[00021] Figure 8B is a close-up of the locking foot of Figures 7 and 8 A;

[00022] Figure 9 is a bottom view of an alternate inner tray having a snap-fit locking foot wherein the locking foot is in an unassembled position;

[00023] Figure 10A is a bottom view of the inner tray of Figure 9 wherein the locking foot is in an assembled position;

[00024] Figure 10B is a close up view of the assembled locking foot of Figure 10A;

[00025] Figure 11 is a front view of the product package utilizing the locking tray of

Figures 9 and 10;

[00026] Figure 12 is a bottom view of an alternate inner tray having a snap-fit locking foot that is a separate piece from the rest of the inner tray;

[00027] Figure 13A is a bottom view of a product package using the inner tray of

Figure 12; [00028] Figure 13B is a close up view of the locking foot of Figure 12;

[00029] Figure 14A is a bottom view of an inner tray having a retention flap with ridges and a cut-out area around the locking foot;

[00030] Figures 14B- 14D are detail views of alternative retention flaps;

[00031] Figures 14E - 14G are cross section views of the inner tray within the outer sleeve;

[00032] Figure 15 is a bottom view of an inner tray having a retention flap with ridges and lacking a cut-out area around the locking foot;

[00033] Figure 16 is a bottom view of an inner tray having a locking foot with sloped sides;

[00034] Figure 17 is a bottom view of an inner tray having a locking foot with 90 degree side angles;

[00035] Figure 18 is a top view of an inner tray having retention ledges near the locking foot;

[00036] Figure 19 is a bottom view of a package having two open ends in a closed position;

[00037] Figure 20 is a top view of a partially open package having two open ends;

[00038] Figure 21 is a top view of a partially open package having two open ends;

[00039] Figure 22 is a cross section of the inner tray having a flange with side flaps; [00040] Figure 23 is a side view of the inner tray having a flange with side flaps;

[00041] Figure 24 is a view of an unfolded blank for the outer sleeve of the product package.

[00042] Figure 25 is a top view of a product package.

[00043] Figure 26 is an open view of the product package of Figure 25 having an inner tray and outer sleeve.

[00044] Figure 27 is a view of the front of the outer sleeve of Figure 25.

[00045] Figure 28 is a view of the back of the outer sleeve of Figure 25.

[00046] Figure 29 is a front view of the inner tray of Figure 25.

[00047] Figure 30 is a back view of the inner tray of Figure 25.

[00048] Figures 31 A and B are close up views of the locking flap of Figure 30.

[00049] Figure 32 is an alternate inner tray for the package of Figure 25.

[00050] Figure 33 is a back view of the tray of Figure 32.

[00051] Figures 34 A and B are close up views of the locking flap of Figure 33.

[00052] Figures 35A -35B are views of another product package having an outer sleeve, an insert and an inner tray.

[00053] Figures 36A - 36C are views of an end of the outer sleeve of the package of Figure 35. [00054] Figures 37A - 37B are views of another version of an end of the outer sleeve.

[00055] Figures 38A - 38B are views of yet another version of an end of the outer sleeve.

[00056] Figures 39A - 39B are views of yet another version of an end of the outer sleeve.

[00057] Figures 40 A - 40B are views of yet another version of an end of the outer sleeve.

[00058] Figure 41 is a plan view of a blank for forming an outer sleeve.

[00059] Figures 42 A and 42B are views of the outer sleeve formed from the blank of Figure 41.

[00060] Figure 43 is a plan view of a blank for forming an inner tray.

[00061] Figures 44A and 44B are views of assembly steps using te blank of Figure 43.

[00062] Figure 45 is a top view of the assembled tray of Figures 43-44.

[00063] Figures 46 A and 46B are bottom views of the assembled tray.

[00064] Figure 47A is a view of the outer sleeve and inner tray in proximity to one another.

[00065] Figures 47B and 47C are cross sections of the certain areas of the outer sleeve and inner tray, respectively.

[00066] Figure 48A is a view of the assembled outer sleeve and inner tray showing certain details. [00067] Figures 48B - 48D are cross sections showing certain details of the assembled outer sleeve and inner tray.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[00068] The outer sleeve may be comprised of paperboard, plastic, other suitable materials, or a combination of materials. The paperboard and/or plastic materials may be treated and or may be made of recycled materials. In particular, using tear resistance board may strengthen the durability and theft proof aspects of the package. Thermoformed board may be used to as well. Recycled plastic, such as RPET and PET, may provide

environmental benefits and a plastic package and/or window may provide visibility of the product for the consumer.

[00069] The inner tray may be comprised of paperboard, plastic, other suitable materials, or a combination of materials. The inner tray may be a single compartment or multiple compartments. It also may be a blister or a tray component that may have a dagger component or other blister holding feature to hold multiple blisters in a single outer sleeve.

[00070] In Figure 1, the product container 10 has an outer sleeve 20 and an inner tray

30. The outer sleeve 20 may have one or more windows 22 to allow the consumer to view the one or more product(s) in one or more product cavities 60. The one or more windows 22 may be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastic, RPET, PET, PVC or other similar materials. It is to be understood a film covering could be used, but may not provide the strength in larger windows to keep their shape. It is to be understood that a re- sealable film covering could be used for the window. This might allow the window 22 to be the product access point should manufacturing preferences so prefer. The re-sealable film may be rolled back when the inner tray is slid to an open position within the outer shell. It is to be understood that an open window could be used with no covering should manufacturing preferences dictate. This may allow the consumer to touch and feel the product if so desired. [00071] The outer sleeve may comprise at least one outer bottom panel, one or more side panels, at least one outer top panel, back end flaps and front end flaps or any

combination of these. In addition the outer sleeve may have one or more inner panels.

[00072] The outer sleeve 20 may have one or more open ends 70 to allow the inner tray 30 to slide at least partially outside of the outer sleeve 20 and allow the consumer access to the product in the one or more product cavities 60. The opposite end 76 may be closed by end flaps (not shown) provided on outer sleeve 20. It is to be understood that the product cavity 60 in inner tray 30 may be molded or divided into compartments to fit the desired one or more product(s). One or more product cavities 60 may have depth 96 to hold one or more products. Manufacturing preferences may indicate how deep this cavity should be to sufficiently hold and protect the product. Manufacturing preferences or retail requirements may indicate the dimensions of the outer sleeve 20 and inner tray 30 may be designed to fit this outer sleeve size.

[00073] Hanging tab 32 on the top 40 of the inner tray 30 may be added to allow the product package 10 to hang for display. Hanging tab 32 may provide an area for the consumer to pull on the inner tray 30. It is noted a cut out area in the outer sleeve 20 along open end 70 may also allow the consumer to grasp flange 82 and pull on the inner tray 30. It is noted instead of a flange the user could pull on any portion of the inner tray 30 reachable at this point. It is also to be understood that the outer sleeve 20 may be closed. One end of outer sleeve 20 may have a tear strip or other feature to indicate to the consumer that this end should be opened. Upon opening of the openable end, the inner function of the product package 10 may be substantially the same as that set forth herein.

[00074] Locking foot 38 may hold inner tray 30 in outer sleeve 20 when suspended from hanging tab 32. Locking foot 38 along front edge 36 may interact with cutout area 26, an example of an interference component, and may lock inner tray 30 within outer sleeve 20. To facilitate flexing of locking foot 38, as will be further explained herein, a cutout area 34 may be provided in the inner tray 30 adjacent the front edge 36 of locking foot 38. Locking foot 38 may be designed to be strong enough to support the weight of the one or more products in product cavity 60 when suspended from hanging tab 32. In addition, the material used to create cutout area 26 or the one or more interference component(s) may be strong enough support the weight of the one or more products as well. A treated paperboard such as a tear resistant board may provide the necessary strength to support the one or more products weight. It is to be understood that manufacturing preferences may determine what materials will work best for both the one or more inner tray locking components and the one or more outer tray interference components for the one or more products to be packaged.

[00075] Locking component 38 may have a lowering element 80 that positions the locking element low enough on the inner tray 30 to create a sufficiently small angle to provide the strength necessary to lock and retain the inner tray within the package in a larger outer sleeve 20. Lowering element 80 may place the locking element 38 even with or below the bottom of product cavity 60. Lowering element 80 acts as a false ceiling and initiates the locking angle 90 at a lower point within product container 10. Because lowering element 80 is utilized, the length of locking foot 38 may be independent of the depth of the product cavity 60 and/or inner tray 30. For example, locking foot 38 may be less than two inches long for a package two inches thick or a package three inches thick or even a package four inches or more think. This benefit reduces the material necessary for the length of both the inner tray and the outer sleeve as the package increases in depth. Locking foot 38 may be up to ½ an inch long, an inch long, 1.5 inches long, or it may be two inches long or greater should manufacturing preferences dictate. It is to be understood the shorter the locking foot 38 may be the shorter the lowering element 80 may be and the shorter the outer sleeve 20 may be.

[00076] In this example, the presence of lowering element 80 allows locking angle 90 to be formed about even with the bottom edge of the inner tray 30 and product cavity 60. The locking angle 90 may be formed approximately ½ inch or less from the bottom of product cavity 60 and/or inner tray 30. It is to be understood that the locking angle may be formed higher than ½ an inch from the bottom of the product cavity but that may affect the length of the locking foot 38 and or the degree of the locking angle 90. Product cavity 60 may be shaped to fit the product it will be containing to prevent product movement within the cavity. [00077] It is to be understood that a lowering element 80 may be an extension of product cavity 60. Lowering element 80 may also be a separate compartment from product cavity 60. Furthermore, locking angle 90 may be formed off of the base of product cavity 60 itself such that lowering element 80 is not needed. It is to be noted that utilizing lowering element 80 may allow the consumer easier access to product cavity 60. A separate compartment or a dividing element between lowering element 80 and product cavity 60 may prevent the product from slipping into the locking element area and interfering with its function. It is to be understood that manufacturing preferences will indicate the most effective location for the foot based on the product being offered. By lowering the locking angle 90, a smaller angle may be created for locking foot 38 regardless of the size of outer sleeve 20.

[00078] Inner tray 30 may comprise one or more product cavities 60 and one or more lowering elements 80. It is understood that the locking foot may extend off of the product cavity itself and lowering element 80 may not be included in inner tray 30. The outer sleeve 20 and inner tray 30 should be approximately the same dimensions height, length and width to securely contain the product and allow the locking and retention features to effectively function. In addition, the outer sleeve may be up to 5% longer than the product cavity, up to 10% longer than the product cavity, or up to 20% longer than the product cavity to accommodate for lowering element 80. Lowering element 80 may be greater than a ½ inch long; it may be up to an inch long; it may be up to 2 inches long. Manufacturing preferences will dictate the length needed for lowering element 80 and thus, outer sleeve 20.

[00079] It is to be understood that instead of cutout area 26 another interference component may be used such as an extra panel that may be shortened such that it catches on locking component 38, embossing or debossing on the inner walls of outer shell 20, and/or the presence of a ledge or other similar features designed to interfere with the locking component in a manner to prevent the inner tray 30 from sliding out of outer shell 20 unless the locking component 38 is depressed in such a manner to avoid the interference feature 26. The one or more interference components 26 may be a separate piece added to the outer sleeve 20 or may be a part of a single piece outer sleeve 20 structure.

[00080] In Figure 2, the back of product container 10 is displayed. A window 22 may be provided on this side as well should manufacturing preferences dictate. Unlocking point 24, in this case, is a cut out tab. It may be a depressed pressure point, or a cut out area, open area or other such area that provides access to the locking foot such that the consumer may depress front edge 36 around interference component 26. The unlocking point may align with the locking element 38 such that a pressure applied by a consumer in this area is sufficient to deflect front edge 36 around the interference component 26.

[00081] Figure 3 illustrates an open product container 10 having an outer sleeve 20 and inner tray 30. The outer sleeve may have cut out 26 to catch front edge 36 of locking component 38. Node 28 may at least partially align with unlocking point24. Retaining feature 72 is at the open end 70 of outer sleeve 20. The retaining feature 72 may be a cut out that catches front edge 36. It may also be a folded flap glued or unglued that catches the front edge 36 of locking foot 38. The retaining feature 72 is used to keep the inner tray from being fully removed from the outer sleeve without undue force. Locking foot 38 may be located near bottom 50 of inner tray 30. It is to be understood that locking element 38 may be located towards the middle of the inner tray 30 as well or further towards the top end 40 of the inner tray 30. The placement of this locking element may be determined based on manufacturing preferences. Where the locking foot 38 is located may effect how far the inner tray 30 may be slid outside of the outer sleeve 20 to allow the consumer access to the product. In addition, one or more elements may be added to the inner tray 30 to act as the retention element that interacts with retaining feature 72 along with locking foot 38 or independent of locking foot 38.

[00082] Product cavity 60 may be approximately centered in inner tray 30 or may be angled depending upon manufacturing and customer preference. One benefit of angling the product cavity 60 may be to prevent the product from sliding into the lowering element 80 in the elongated product cavity 60 and interfering with the locking element 38. If there is no opening in the inner tray 30 or the lowering element 80, there is less risk of the product interfering with the locking element. In addition the positioning of product cavity 60 may be altered purely for aesthetic reasons to better present the product within the product cavity 60.

[00083] Figures 4, 5 A and 5B illustrate a product container 10 having a retaining flap

84 on the front side of inner tray 30. The retaining flap 84 may be foldably or hingedly attached to inner tray 30 along crease or fold 88. Retaining flap 84 interacts with retention feature 74 on the inside of the front panel of the outer sleeve 20. Retention feature 74 may be a cut out like retention feature 72 on the inside of the back panel of the outer sleeve 20 or it may be a folded flap that may be adhered to the inside of outer sleeve 20. Retention feature 74 and retention feature 72 may be aligned. It is understood that the addition of a second retention feature may provide additional stability for the inner tray 30 when it is in its fully extended position. In addition retention feature 74 may provide additional support to prevent the inner tray 30 from being fully removed from outer sleeve 20. In particular, when a retention feature on the lower side of mouth 70 is aligned with a retention feature on the upper side of mouth 70, stability of the inner tray in its fully extended position may be improved. In addition, the pressure of retaining flap 84 on the top panel on the outer sleeve 20 may push the inner tray 30 lower in the outer sleeve 20 and may assist in leading edge 36 of locking element 38 catching on interference element 26 when the inner tray 30 is in its fully closed position.

[00084] It is to be further understood that the one or more interference components on the outer sleeve 20 may be about centrally located or may be located more to the sides or even along the side panels of the outer sleeve 20. In the situation where the one or more interference components and the one or more locking foot 38 are located towards the one or more sides of the inner tray 30 of the product package 10, the one or more release points 24 may be located on one or more sides of the outer sleeve 20 or product package 10 and a consumer pressing on these one or more release points 24 may lift the outer sleeve and lift the one or more interference points 24 away from the one or more locking foot 38. [00085] It is to be understood that locking foot 38 may be a locking ledge or other such locking element. It may be flexible should package 10 be unlocked by pressure

approximately adjacent to the positioning of locking component 38. Locking component 38 may be stronger if the outer sleeve 20 is to be flexed around locking component 38 by pressure on side pressure points on the outer sleeve 20. Is such a scenario, outer sleeve 20 may need to be made of flexible materials. Manufacturing preferences will indicate the appropriate type of locking and unlocking elements to use and the appropriate materials to use for each element.

[00086] Figure 6 illustrates a retaining flap 84 on inner tray 30 that has ribs 86 to provide additional rigidity and or strength. These ribs 86 may be provided by embossing or debossing, molding, additional folds, attaching additional pieces to the retaining flap or other such methods. A product trademark or company trademark may be embossed on the retaining flap 84 to provide advertising as well as the additional strength. Increasing the rigidity of the retaining flap 84 on the inner tray 30 may keep this piece from buckling from the weight of the product and/or from the consumer's pressure in sliding the inner tray 30 out of outer sleeve 20. Ribs 86 may be added as separate pieces on the retaining flap 84.

Retaining flap 84 may be used to provide extra retention of the inner tray, maintain tray stability when the inner tray 30 is in its fully extended slid out position, and act as a spring pressing down on the top on inner tray 30 and assisting in locking foot 38 catching on interference element 26. Retaining flap 84 may be strengthened by other means such as using a thicker material, adding additives, coatings or other such things to this area.

[00087] Figures 7, 8A and 8B illustrate an alternate embodiment of a product container

110, namely an inner tray 130 having a locking foot 138 that snaps into orifice 192 using locking post 194. Locking band 188 links the top of inner tray 130 to locking foot 138 by a flexible strip of material such that inner tray 130 may be formed from a single piece of material. Locking band 188 may be flexed such that locking post 194 snaps into locking orifice 192. It is to be understood that locking orifice 192 may be an open hole. It is to be further understood that locking post 194 may punch through locking orifice 192 and may form a hole. Locking post 194 may have wing or prongs to assist in holding locking foot 138 securely in its position resting along the bottom of lowering element 180 despite any pressure from the hanging of the package 10 or attempted removal of the inner tray 130 from the outer sleeve 120 by a consumer. Locking post 194 may be adhered to locking orifice 192. It is to be understood that locking orifice 192 may be removed and locking post 194 simple adhered to the bottom of lowering element 180.

[00088] Lowering element 180 may be angled along the bottom side of inner tray 130 to form the desired locking angle 190 for locking foot 138. The degree of locking angle 190 affects the locking strength of locking foot 138. As in the prior examples, locking angle 190 is formed proximate to the base of product cavity 160.

[00089] Product cavity 160 may be centered in inner tray 130 or may be angled depending upon manufacturing and customer preference. One benefit of angling the product cavity 160 may be to prevent the product from sliding into the lowering element 180 in the elongated product cavity 160 and interfering with the locking element 138. If there is no opening in the inner tray 130 or the lowering element 180, there is less risk of the product interfering with the locking element.

[00090] The inner tray 130 may have a flange 182 along its front rim that may connect to locking strap 188 and/or hanging tab 132. Flange 182 may allow for easier sliding within outer sleeve 120. A flange 182 may allow for increased rigidity of the product cavity 160 which will help maintain the package appearance and the product cavity 160 shape. A flange 182 may also assist in maintaining consistent sidewall width, length, and height despite varying product cavity 160 sizes within inner tray 130. This may assist in fitting the outer sleeve 120 closely to inner tray 130 such that the locking and retention features function effectively.

[00091] Locking foot 138 may align approximately with the release point 124 such that when the consumer presses on release point 124 front edge 136 will deflect around the interference element and allow the consumer to slide the inner tray 130 outside of outer sleeve 120. In the alternative, side release pressure points may allow the outer shell 120 to lift the interference element over the front edge 136 of locking foot 138 such that the consumer may slide the inner tray 130 out of outer sleeve 120 to access product cavity 160. Side release pressure point may function better if the one or more locking feet 138 and the one or more interference points are located towards one or more sides of product package 110.

[00092] Figures 9, 10A, 10B, and 11 illustrate an alternate product package 210 configuration. Inner tray 230 has locking foot 238 with front edge 236. The locking angle 190 is formed by aligning opening 294 over locking post 292. Adhesive may be used to strengthen this connection. Locking post 292 may punch out opening 294. Opening 294 may be a weakened area to assist locking post 292 in creating opening 294. Perforations or thinner material could be placed in this area to create the thinned out material. An additional locking ramp 298 may be added to provide additional support for locking foot 238 to keep it locked in place when snapped in place on the bottom of lowering element 280 when pulled on by the hanging tab or when pulled on by the consumer. Locking ramp 298 may assist in creating and/or maintaining locking angle 290 by controlling the range the locking foot 238 will flex under pressure. It is to be understood that plastic memory may affect how well locking foot 238 nests when snapped in place. Locking ramp 298 may assist in controlling this gap and allowing the locking foot 238 to function as desired.

[00093] In this product package 210 locking foot 238 is at the base of lowering element 280 and towards the rear 250 of inner tray 230 behind product cavity 260. Locking ramp 298 or the depression where locking ramp 298 snaps in place may separate product cavity 260 from lowering element 280. Locking foot 238 may have leading edge 236 that catches on interference component 226. An opening tab (similar to tab 124 in Fig. 8A) may align with node 228 and when pressed upon may bend front end 236 of locking foot 238 such that it slides over interference component 226 such that the consumer may slide the inner tray at least partially out of the one or more open ends 270 of the outer sleeve 220. As set forth in other embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood a variety of interference components may be used on the inside panels of outer sleeve 220 to lock the inner tray 230 within the outer sleeve 220. [00094] Figures 12, 13 A, and 13B teach yet another aspect of the present invention. In this product package the locking angle 390 is formed from a two piece structure. A locking foot 338 may be a separate piece that is attached to the bottom side of lowering element 380. Lowering element 380 may be angled on the bottom to provide the locking angle 390 for the locking foot 338. Locking foot 338 may be snapped in place using locking post 394 and locking orifice 392 that is on the bottom of lowering element 380. As explained previously in other embodiments, locking foot 338 may be designed to punch through and create locking orifice 392. In addition adhesive may be used as well as the other features previously discussed in this application. The other characteristics of the product package disclosed in Figures 7, 8A and 8B as well as the other embodiments taught elsewhere in the application are similarly applicable is this embodiment.

[00095] It is noted in designing the locking foot 38, 138, 238, 338, 438, and 538 the angles on the front edge 36, 136, 236, 336, 436 and/or 536 will determine the strength and/or flexibility of locking component 38, 138, 238, 338, 438, and 538. For purposes of clarity, the described locking element features may be used interchangeably with any of the

embodiments disclosed herein. Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17 show examples of different locking foot configurations. A straight front edge 36 will be a stronger less flexible locking component 38 as shown in Figure 15. Locking foot 38 is about the same width at the base of locking angle 90 as it is at the mouth of locking angle 90. Space 34 does not extend towards the base of the locking tail 38 in this configuration which may make for a stiffer less flexible tail. Figure 14A illustrates a locking tail 38 that may be more flexible. An extended cut-out area 34 around the tail may make the tail more flexible and thus easier for the user to depress.

[00096] Figures 14B-14D shows alternative retaining flaps 84 which, besides the uses already described, may have a shape suitable to be utilized in a locking feature as shown in Figures 14E - 14G. Such shapes may include for example a narrowed edge 84B, a rounded edge 84C, or a node 84D. [00097] Figure 14E shows the tray within outer sleeve 20, with the locking foot 38 engaging cutout area 26 other interference component to hold the tray within the sleeve. The retaining flap 84 may provide a spring force to push the tray upward and ensure engagement of the locking foot 38 with the cutout area 26. Once the lock is disengaged the tray may move outward to the right until the locking foot 38 engages retention feature 72 which may be near the open end of the sleeve.

[00098] As seen in Figure 14A, the retaining flap 84 may be located at the same

"inward" end of the tray as the locking foot 38, but on an opposite surface from the locking foot 38. Thus by proper design of the tray and sleeve, it may be possible to utilize either the retaining flap or the locking foot to provide a locking capability to lock the tray in the sleeve. This would allow the tray to be inserted into the sleeve in either an "upright" configuration, or in an inverted or "upside down" configuration, while still providing the locking capability.

[00099] Figure 14F shows the situation if the tray is inserted "upside down" into outer sleeve 20. Now the retaining flap 84 may engage cutout area 26 to hold the tray within the sleeve. The size and shape of the retaining flap may be adjusted according to manufacturing preference to achieve the proper fit, for example making the retaining flap a length suitable to engage the cutout area, and a shape likewise suitable, for example having shapes as shown in Figures 14A-14D. Once the locking feature is disengaged, the tray may move outward to the right until the retaining flap 84 (or portion 84B, 84C, 84D) engages retention feature 72.

[000100] Figure 14G shows a tray that may lack a locking foot 38 but instead utilize retaining flap 84 to engage cutout area 26 to hold the tray within the sleeve. The size and shape of the retaining flap, and size and shape of the cutout area 26, may be adjusted according to manufacturing preference to achieve the proper fit. Once the locking feature is disengaged, the tray may move outward to the right until the retaining flap 84 (or portion 84B, 84C, 84D) engages retention feature 72.

[000101] Figures 16 and 17 teach a different way to effect the flexibility of locking tail 38. For purposes of clarity, the described locking element features may be used interchangeably with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The side walls 58 on locking foot 38 may be greater than 90 degrees when measured from leading edge 36 as shown in Figure 16. This may allow for a more flexible locking tail. In contrast Figure 17 shows a stronger stiff er locking tail 38 having side walls 58 at approximately 90 degree angles with respect to leading edge 36.

[000102] Manufacturing preferences will determine the balance between flexibility of the locking foot 38 and strength of the locking foot 38. If the locking component 38 is too stiff the package will be too difficult to open. If the locking component 38 is too flexible it will not be strong enough to effectively lock and retain the package. The above described features may be used interchangeably to create the appropriate strength and flexibility for the desired product package 10.

[000103] It is to be understood that the product packages described herein may have retention features on the inner tray. Figure 18 discloses an alternate retention feature that may be used with any of the package embodiments disclosed in this application. In addition to the retaining flap disclosed, one or more retaining ledges 42 may be added instead of retaining flap 84. The one or more retaining ledges 42 may be approximately aligned with the one or more locking foot 38 such that when the retaining ledges 42 catch on upper retention features 74 and/or locking foot 38 catches on lower retention feature 72 the inner tray 30 may be stabilized and partially retained within outer sleeve 20.

[000104] It is to be understood that the disclosed product package embodiments may have more than one open end in the outer sleeve. It is to be understood that the locking and retention features may need to adjust to accommodate the dual openings. Figures 19-21 illustrate a package having dual opening features. Multiple push button opening tabs 424 may be used to assist in the directional opening of the product package 410. One or more hanging tabs 432 may be present on the product package 410. The one or more hanging tabs 432 may be present on one or more ends of the inner tray 430 that may align with an open end 470 of the package 410. The depth 496 of the inner tray 430 may be close to the depth 452 of the outer sleeve 420 such that the depth of outer sleeve 452 is slightly greater such that it can slide over inner tray 430 and yet still catch on the one or more locking feet 438. In such a configuration the one or more locking feet 438 may be angled such that they are directly opposed to one another, with the base of the two locking angles 490 are back to back to one another along the same plane. One or more dividing walls may be within the product cavity 460 to separate one or more products from each other. One of more retention elements 474 may be located at the one or more open ends 470 of the outer sleeve 420. The retention elements 472 and 474 may be located on the top and/or bottom of the inside of the outer sleeve 420.

[000105] As described elsewhere in this application the one or more retention elements may be cut outs, folded end flaps and/or extra panels, ledges, ridges and/or embossed or debossed areas located on the inside of the outer sleeve 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 and/or 620. They may be located near open ends 70, 170, 270, 370, 470 and/or 670 or they may provide a ratcheting feature by being located at multiple locations along the inside of the outer sleeve 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 and/or 620. With such a ratcheting feature, the one or more locking feet 38, 138, 238, 338, 438, 538 and/or 638 may need to be depressed additional times to unlock the sleeve and slide the inner tray 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 and/or 630 forward to the next ratchet location.

[000106] Locking angles 90, 190, 290, 390, 490, 590 may be 10 degrees or greater, may be 15 degrees or greater, may be 20 degrees or greater, may be up to 25 degrees, may be up to 30 degrees, may be up to 35 degrees, may be 40 degrees or less. It is to be understood a locking angle 90, 190, 290, 390, 490, 590 of greater than 15 degrees and less than 30 degrees may provide a benefit of being both strong enough to lock an inner sleeve and flexible enough to unlock without excessive pressure by the consumer. Manufacturing preferences will dictate whether locking angle 90, 190, 290, 390, 490, 590 should be smaller providing a stiff er stronger locking foot or larger providing a more flexible locking foot 38, 138, 238, 338, 438, 538.

[000107] Stiffening ribs may be added to the one or more flange sections in any of the disclosed embodiments to provide additional support. Stiffening ribs may be added to the retention flaps and/or locking foot elements in any of the disclosed embodiments as well. In addition Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a flange 582 that is folded to create side flaps. It is to be understood that this flange arrangement may be used with any of the disclosed embodiments. This type of flange may assist in holding the shape of outer sleeve and allow the inner tray 530 to slide more easily. The side flap off of flange 582 may provide protection for product cavity 560 to help it maintain its shape. The side flap off of flange 582 may allow for a thinner product to be placed in a deeper outer sleeve and will allow the product cavity 560 to float within the outer sleeve. This helps retailers maintain consistent package sizes among any of the packages shown herein for display and retail needs even with smaller products.

[000108] Figure 24 shows one example of an outer sleeve that may be used with any of the foregoing embodiments. The outer sleeve 620 may comprise at least one outer bottom panel 654, one or more side panels 656, at least one outer top panel 658, back end flaps 646,648, 662 and front end flaps 644, 674, and 664 or any combination of these. In addition, the outer sleeve may have one or more inner panels 676. The one or more inner panels 676 may have a cut out 626 and/or a node 628 that may interact with the locking foot of the inner tray. In the alternative, the inner panel 676 may be a partial panel cut such that the shortened end is towards the end flap 646, 662, and 648 and is positioned such that it catches the locking foot of the inner tray. Alternate interference forms may also be used and positioned such that they catch the locking foot of the inner tray. Some alternate interference

components could be ledges or ramps formed of paperboard or plastic, floating panels, embossing or debossing or any other such features.

[000109] The outer bottom panel 654 may have one or more release points 624. The release point 624 may be a push button cut out as shown in Figure 24. The release point 624 may be an opening that allows the user to depress the locking foot. The release point 624 may have a dual function of providing an interference component in the form of an opening as well as allowing the user access to the edge of the locking foot such that when the user pushes the inner tray towards the closed end of the package the front edge of the locking foot clears the edge of the opening and the user may depress the locking foot such that the inner tray is now able to be slid out the front end of the package. [000110] One or more retention means 672 may be positioned towards the open end of the outer sleeve 620. The retention means may be located on the inner panel 676 or it may be located (not shown) on the outer bottom panel 654 in the form of an opening or end flap that acts as a catch flap. The one or more retention means 672 may catch the locking foot such that the inner tray may not be fully removed from the package. An additional retention means may be provided such as using end flap 674 or a part thereof that may catch a retaining flap on the inner tray. The addition of both of these retention features 672, 674 may provide additional stability for the inner tray when it is in the open position extended fully outside of the outer sleeve. These retention features may take on a variety of forms such as loose end flaps folded inside the outer sleeve 620, adhered end flaps folded inside the outer sleeve 620, ramps, ledges, openings, extra panels, embossing or debossing and/or any combination of these or other similar features. It is generally beneficial to have these features located toward the open end of the outer sleeve.

[000111] A window 622 may be positioned on outer sleeve 620 to allow the consumer to view the product cavity of the inner tray. The window 622 may be covered by a transparent material 621. In addition an opening 623 could be placed on the outer sleeve 620, or in the transparent material 621, to allow the consumer to touch and feel the product.

[000112] The outer sleeve 620 may have at least one closed end formed from panels 646, 662, and 648 or other such similar panels. Outer sleeve 620 may have at least one open end formed from panels 644, 674 and 664 or any combination of these or other similar panels.

[000113] It is understood that the outer sleeve 620 may be formed entirely from plastic and may be formed as a single piece structure that may be blow molded. Or it may be formed as a two piece structure and connected together either by welding, heat sealing, adhesive, and/or snapping into place or other such connections. [000114] Figures 25-34 illustrate another embodiment of the current invention. In this embodiment inner tray 730 may have locking flap 738 that may use a reinforcing piece 778 which may be made of an extra folded sheet of material and/or an attached piece of material. Reinforcing piece 778 may add extra rigidity and/or strength to locking flap 738 and manufacturing preferences may determine whether such reinforcing piece is used for product container 710 to function effectively. Inner tray 730 may be made of any folding material. Outer sleeve 720 may be made of paper board and/or plastic and/or any other suitable material. Outer sleeve 720 may have a cut-out area 726 which may be aligned with locking foot 738 such that the front edge 736 of locking foot 738 catches on cut-out interference component 726 and retains inner tray 730 with outer sleeve 720. One or more release points 724 may be aligned such that they affect the relationship of front edge 736 and cut-out 726 and allow inner tray 730 to unlock and slide to an open position with respect to outer sleeve 720 as described in greater detail elsewhere in this application.

[000115] Figures 30, 31A and 31B show one example of locking flap 738 having reinforcing piece 778. Reinforcing piece 778 may be a folded piece of material cut out from one or more panels of the inner tray 730 such that it presses against locking flap 738 and assists front edge 736 interactions with cut-out 726. Locking flap 738 may be a cut out flap from one or more of the panels of inner tray 730. Locking flap 738 may be cut out from the back panel of the inner tray. Reinforcing piece 778 may be cut out from an inner panel of inner tray 730. It is to be understood other panels may be used to form a locking flap 738 that is oriented such that it extends below product cavity 760. It is to be understood other panels may be used to form a reinforcing piece 778 that is oriented such that presses against the inner side of locking flap 738.

[000116] Figures 32-34 show an alternate form for locking flap 738 having reinforcing piece 778. Product side wall 758 may have locking flap lowering feature 780 cut out from side wall 758. Lowering feature 780 may be folded such that locking flap 738 is oriented below the plane of product cavity 760 and may use side wall 758 as a reinforcing element assisting in creating the locking angle that allows front end 736 of locking flap 738 to engage cut out 726. Lowering feature 780 may be attached to product side wall 758. Reinforcing piece 778 may be folded over to lay parallel to locking flap 738. Reinforcing piece 778 may be attached to locking flap 738, such that the fold line is front edge 736 of locking flap 738. Adhesive, staples, sealing and or any other method of attaching reinforcing piece 778 to locking flap 738 may be used. Reinforcing piece 778 may be a separate piece attached to locking flap 738.

[000117] Inner tray 730 and outer sleeve 720 may be made of paper, plastic, other foldable material, or any combination of these. Outer sleeve 720 may have a window 722 to allow the consumer to view the product within package 710. Hanging tab 732 may be attached to the inner tray 730 or it may be attached to the outer sleeve 720. Hanging tab 732 may be a separate piece attached to either the inner tray 730 or the outer sleeve 720 by adhesive, staples or other such methods or it may be formed of a single piece of material with the inner tray 730 or the outer sleeve 720. One or more retaining element(s) 772 may be placed to interact with locking flap 738 and prevent inner tray 730 from being fully removed from outer sleeve 720 unless undue pressure is applied. Outer sleeve 720 may have open end 770 and closed end 776. Retaining element 772 may be placed near open end 770.

Additional retaining elements 772 may be added to the additional panels of the outer sleeve 720 and additional surface areas of the inner tray 730 to further support and retain the inner tray 730 within the outer sleeve 720 should manufacturing preferences dictate.

[000118] Figures 35-40 illustrate another embodiment of the current invention. In this embodiment an insert 824 may be inserted into the outer sleeve 820 and rest atop the inner tray 830 such that the insert 824 may at least partially overlap with one or more window opening(s) or apertures 822 in the outer sleeve 820 and may at least partially overlap with the one or more product cavity(s) 860 in the inner tray 830. This relationship may allow for easier and less expensive manufacturing and assembly of a slidable tray-like package having a window for the consumer to view the products.

[000119] The insert 824 may have one or more sides 846 to allow it to maintain proper orientation within the package once inserted. It may have a front edge 842 that may face the open end 840 of the outer sleeve 820 and a back edge 848 that may face the closed end 858 of the package 810. The insert 824 may have a top 844 and two sides 846 such that it forms a U shape or table shape. It is to be understood that the insert 824 may have one or more sides 846 and may have a bottom if manufacturing preferences desire. The insert 824 may be entirely comprised of transparent and/or translucent material based on manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that only the top 844 may be transparent and/or translucent. It is to be understood that windows 822 may be provided in the top 854 or bottom 856 of the outer sleeve 820 and may be aligned with the insert 824 such that the insert 824 allows viewing of the product within product cavity 860 from either angle (top or bottom) and protects the product from consumers gaining entry to the package through these window openings 822 in the outer sleeve 820. It is to be understood that the insert 824 may align at least in part with the product cavity 860 as well. It is also understood that the window 822 may be located at least in part on the sides 852 of the outer sleeve 820 due to manufacturing or commercial preferences. In addition, an aperture may be added to the insert 824 such that a consumer may touch or feel the product contained within the product cavity 860.

[000120] The front edge 842 of the insert 824 may interact with one or more

interference components 874 near the open end 840 of the outer sleeve 820. Given the ability of the inner tray 830 to move within the outer sleeve 820, to an open position outside the outer sleeve 820 and due to the presence of an open end 840 on the outer sleeve 820, it may be beneficial to have one or more interference components 874 that assist with holding the insert 824 inside the outer sleeve 820. The one or more interference components 874 are designed to catch the edge of the insert 824 to prevent it from sliding or falling out of the open end 840 of the package, while not interfering with the slidability of the inner tray 830. The interference components 874 may be a flap, attached or unattached to the outer sleeve as shown in Figures 36 A-C. The interference component(s) may be a notch or bump or flap or perforation or embossment or inserted plastic or folded catch or creasing. Figures 37 A_B illustrate an interference component that is a creased flap with a crease 880 and an embossed bump 878 that catches the front edge of the top 844 of insert 824. Figures 38 A-B illustrate an interference component 874 that comprises an extended flap having a crease 880, a fold 882, and an extended panel 884. Fold 882 catches the front edge of insert 824 at the front of top 844. Extended panel 884 helps maintain the position of fold 882 within the package. Figures 39 A-B illustrate an interference component that is an inserted catch 886. The inserted catch 886 may be paper or plastic and may be attached through slits in flap 873 or 874 or top 854 or the outer sleeve 820 or adhered or attached by other means. The inserted catch 886 interferes with the forward movement of insert 824 by impeding the movement of top 844. The inserted catch 886 may have panels 888 that help hold it in position.

[000121] The one or more interference component(s) 874 may be on the top, bottom or side of the open end 840 of the outer sleeve 820 as shown in Figure 36 A. In addition, the insert 824 itself may have a bump or notch or perforated area or catch 890 that interacts with the outer sleeve 820 and prevents the inserts 824 easy removal from the package 810. In addition such interaction could occur on the closed end 858 of the package as well should manufacturing preferences indicate.

[000122] The one or more interference component(s) 874 may be attached to the outer sleeve 820 using adhesive, sealing, stapling, tape, or other such mean of attachment or may be folded from the blank itself. Figures 38 A-B show an example of an extended tail from a front flap that folds back to create an edge 882 that catches on the front of the insert 824 at top 844 such that it does not slide outside of the outer sleeve 820. One or more interference components 874 may be directly on the insert 824 itself such as bumps, perforations, flaps, embossment, tape strip, textural features, or the like that catches on the outer sleeve 820 and prevents the insert 824 from sliding outside of the outer sleeve 820. It is to be understood that the one or more sides 846 of the insert 824 may be designed to assist with keeping the insert 824 from moving externally from the package 810. The height of the sides 846 relative to the sides 852 of the outer sleeve 820 may assist in maintaining its position within the package 810 due to the snug fit between the insert 824 and the outer sleeve 820. The tighter the fit or the closer in height of these sides, the less movement the insert 824 will be capable of. The depth 896 of the product tray also may provide additional support and security to keep consumers from accessing the product through the window. The closer the depth 896 of the product tray 830 is to the height 846 of the insert 824 and the height 852 of the outer sleeve 820 the more the insert 824 will be held in place. It is to be understood that in order for the insert 824 and inner tray 830 to slide within outer sleeve 820 the height 846 and depth 896 may be slightly less than height 852. The bottom of the sides 846 of the insert 824 may interact with cuts or slots on the outer sleeve 820 as well to prevent external movement of the insert 824.

[000123] The insert 824 may be made of any translucent and/or transparent material such as plastic type material. It may be die cut or thermoformed. It may be flexible which may make it easier to load into the outer sleeve 820 or it may be more rigid which may provide better protection for the product. The material may be thicker on the top 844 of the insert 824 and thinner more flexible on the sides 846 if so preferred. The back edge 848 of the insert 824 sides may be rounded or angled to allow for easier insertion into the outer sleeve 820. The front edge 842 may be angled as well to act as an interference component with features on the outer sleeve 820.

[000124] Another alternative would be to attach a film over the inside of the outer sleeve such that it covers a window cutout 822 or aperture in the outer sleeve. A flexible film would be foldable as the package is erected and accordingly may easily be applied to a package blank.

[000125] Figure 41 shows a blank, and Figures 42 A and 42B show top and bottom views of another example of an outer sleeve that may be used with any of the foregoing embodiments. The outer sleeve 920 may comprise at least one outer bottom panel 954, one or more side panels 956, at least one outer top panel 958, back end flaps 946, 948, 962 and front end flaps 944, 974, and 964 or any combination of these. In addition, the outer sleeve may have one or more inner panels 976. The one or more inner panels 976 may have a cut out 926 and/or a node 928 that may interact with the locking foot of the inner tray. In the alternative, the inner panel 976 may be a partial panel cut such that the shortened end is towards the end flap 946, 962, and 948 and is positioned such that it catches the locking foot of the inner tray. Alternate interference forms may also be used and positioned such that they catch the locking foot of the inner tray. Some alternate interference components could be ledges or ramps formed of paperboard or plastic, floating panels, embossing or debossing or any other such features.

[000126] The outer bottom panel 954 may have one or more release points 924. The release point 924 may be a push button cut out as shown in Figure 41. The release point 924 may be an opening that allows the user to depress the locking foot. The release point 924 may have a dual function of providing an interference component in the form of an opening as well as allowing the user access to the edge of the locking foot such that when the user pushes the inner tray towards the closed end of the package the front edge of the locking foot clears the edge of the opening and the user may depress the locking foot such that the inner tray is now able to be slid out the front end of the package.

[000127] One or more retention means 972 may be positioned towards the open end of the outer sleeve 920. The retention means may be located on the inner panel 976 or it may be located (not shown) on the outer bottom panel 954 in the form of an opening or end flap that acts as a catch flap. The one or more retention means 972 may catch the locking foot such that the inner tray may not be fully removed from the package. An additional retention means may be provided such as using end flap 974 or a part thereof that may catch a retaining flap on the inner tray. The addition of both of these retention features 972, 974 may provide additional stability for the inner tray when it is in the open position extended fully outside of the outer sleeve. These retention features may take on a variety of forms such as loose end flaps folded inside the outer sleeve 920, adhered end flaps folded inside the outer sleeve 920, ramps, ledges, openings, extra panels, embossing or debossing and/or any combination of these or other similar features. It is generally beneficial to have these features located toward the open end of the outer sleeve.

[000128] A window 922 may be positioned on outer sleeve 920 to allow the consumer to view the product cavity of the inner tray. The window 922 may be covered by a transparent material 921. In addition an opening (not shown) could be placed on the outer sleeve 920, or in the transparent material 921, to allow the consumer to touch and feel the product. [000129] The outer sleeve 920 may have at least one closed end formed from panels 946, 962, and 948 or other such similar panels. Outer sleeve 920 may have at least one open end formed from panels 944, 974 and 964 or any combination of these or other similar panels.

[000130] It is understood that the outer sleeve 920 may be formed entirely from paperboard, or entirely from plastic. If formed from plastic it may be formed as a single piece structure that may be blow molded. Or it may be formed as a two piece structure and connected together either by welding, heat sealing, adhesive, and/or snapping into place or other such connections.

[000131] Figures 43-46 illustrate another embodiment of an inner tray 930. The tray may be formed from a blank shown in Figure 43. The blank may include a back panel 930A, outer side panels 930B, top ledge panels 930D, and inner side panels 930E. The ends of the tray may include end panels 934A, trapezoid panels 934B, and inner end panels 934C.

Assembly may be facilitated by the use of side glue flaps 930C, interlocking flaps 930F, and floor glue flaps 930G. A locking flap 938 may be provided, which may use a reinforcing piece 978 which may be made of an extra folded sheet of material and/or an attached piece of material. Reinforcing piece 978 may add extra rigidity and/or strength to locking flap 938 and manufacturing preferences may determine whether such reinforcing piece is used.

[000132] Figure 44A shows an example step of forming the inner tray. The outer side panel 930B, top ledge panels 930D, and inner side panels 930E may be folded upward and inward to form a side column, with floor glue flap 930G attached to panel 93 OA. Side glue flaps 930C and interlocking flaps 93 OF may be folded inward.

[000133] Figure 44B shows a further step in forming the inner tray, with a second side column formed. The interlocking flaps 930F may be joined together. As a further stage in the assembly (not shown), end panels 934A, trapezoid panels 934B, and inner end panels 934C may be folded upward and inward to form end columns, giving the finished tray 930 as shown from the top or front surface in Figure 45. [000134] Figures 46A and 46B show the tray from the lower or back surface. As a step in forming the tray, reinforcing piece 978 (which may be hingedly attached to inner end panel 934C through transition panel 978 A) may be threaded through the opening 938 A that is cut out around locking flap 938. The resulting structure is shown in Figure 46 A. At this point, the transition panel 978A may be glued or otherwise attached to floor glue flaps 930G, resulting in the structure shown in Figure 46B. The reinforcing piece 978 may then be positioned underneath locking flap 938 as shown. Reinforcing piece 978 thus may act as a spring urging locking flap 938 outward with respect to the tray structure, so as to be forced into contact with the inside of the sleeve 920, as shown in Figures 47-48. Reinforcing piece 978 may be made of an extra folded sheet of material and/or an attached piece of material. Reinforcing piece 978 may add extra rigidity and/or strength to locking flap 938 and manufacturing preferences may determine whether such reinforcing piece is used.

[000135] Figure 47A shows a bottom view of outer sleeve 920 about to receive inner tray 930. The location of cross section views 47B and 47C is denoted. Figure 47B is a cross section of the closed end of sleeve 920. At the left, end flaps 948, 946 form the closed end panel. From the top downward in the cross section are shown first the bottom panel 954 (with release point 924 shown as the slit formed in the panel. Just inside bottom panel 954 is inner panel 976, which may have a cut out 926 and/or a node 928. Finally, outer top panel 958 is shown.

[000136] Figure 47C shows a cross section of the inner tray 930 at its inner end. At the left, end panel 934A is shown, which continues upward around a corner to hingedly attached locking flap 938. From the top downward in the cross section are shown first the bottom panel 930A, then the floor glue flap 930G. Toward the bottom of the drawing is shown the ledge panel 930D. Shown within the tray are the pair of interlocking flaps 93 OF.

[000137] The reinforcement piece 978 may be atttached, for example, as follows. End panel 934A is hingedly connected to trapezoid panel 934B which in turn is hingedly connected to inner end panel 934C, in turn hingedly connected to transition panel 978A (Figure 43) which in turn is connected to reinforcement piece 978. The transition panel 978 A may be glued or otherwise attached to floor glue flaps 930G. The reinforcement piece 978, by residual stress in its folded connection to transition panel 978A, acts as an outward spring to cause locking flap 938 to bend outward.

[000138] Figure 48A shows the inner tray 930 within the outer sleeve 920. The location of cross section views 48B, 48C, and 48D is denoted.

[000139] Figure 48B is a cross section of the closed end of sleeve 920 with the inner tray in the locked configuration, showing the reinforcing piece 978 pushing upward upon the locking flap 938 and causing the latter to engage cutout 926 inside the sleeve. This prevents the inner tray from being pulled out of the sleeve. The release point 924 in the sleeve is located just above the locking flap 938.

[000140] Figure 48C shows how a downward force Y at the release point 924 causes locking flap 938 to flex downward against the resistance of reinforcing piece 978, until the forward edge 936 of the locking flap 938 moves clear of the edge of cutout 926, which permits the inner tray to move to the right provided the tray is pulled outward while force Y is being exerted.

[000141] Figure 48D shows the tray free to move to the right (direction X, outward from the sleeve). This outward movement may continue until locking flap 938 nears the open (right) end of the sleeve, at which point the locking flap 938 would engage the retention means 972 and prevent the tray from being completely removed from the sleeve.

[000142] Inner tray 930 may be made of any folding or formed material. Outer sleeve 920 may be made of paper board and/or plastic and/or any other suitable material. Outer sleeve 920 may have a cutout area 926 which may be aligned with locking foot 938 such that the front edge 936 of locking foot 938 catches on cut-out interference component 926 and retains inner tray 930 with outer sleeve 920. One or more release points 924 may be aligned such that they affect the relationship of front edge 936 and cutout 926 and allow inner tray 930 to unlock and slide to an open position with respect to outer sleeve 920 as described in greater detail elsewhere in this application. [000143] Given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications or improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications or improvements are, therefore, considered to be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all embodiments and within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A product package comprising: an inner tray having a front end, a back end, a top side and a bottom side, wherein the inner tray has one or more locking feet, and one or more product cavities, and further wherein the one or more locking feet form a locking angle on the bottom of the inner tray, and further wherein the inner tray is designed to slide within an outer sleeve; and the outer sleeve having a front end, a back end, a top panel, two side panels, and a bottom panel, wherein the outer sleeve comprises one or more interference components that interact with the locking foot and one or more release points positioned such that they affect the interaction between the one or more locking foot and the one or more interference components.

The product package of claim 1 , wherein the release point is approximately aligned with the front edge of the locking foot.

The product package of claim 1, wherein the inner tray further comprises a flange.

The product package of claim 3, wherein the flange has a hanging tab.

The product package of claim 3, wherein one or more band is formed off of the flange and connects the flange to the one or more locking foot.

The product package of claim 5, wherein the locking foot snaps into an opening on the bottom of the inner tray.

The product package of claim 3, wherein the flange has one or more ribs.

The product package of claim 1 , wherein the inner tray further comprises a lowering element.

9. The product package of claim 8, wherein the locking foot is located on the lowering element.

10. The product package of claim 8, wherein the lowering element is an extension of the product cavity.

11. The product package of claim 1, wherein outer sleeve has one or more open ends.

12. The product package of claim 11 , wherein the outer sleeve further comprises one or more retention element located approximate to the one or more open ends.

13. The product package of claim 11, wherein the locking foot of the inner tray catches on the retention element of the outer sleeve such that it retains the inner tray partially within the outer sleeve.

14. The product package of claim 11, having a first retention element located on the

inside of the bottom panel and a second retention element located the inside of the top panel.

15. The product package of claim 14, wherein the inner tray has one or more retention flaps that catch on the one or more retention elements of the outer sleeve.

16. The product package of claim 15, wherein the locking foot catches on the first

retention element and a retention flap catches on a second retention element when the inner tray is extended from the outer sleeve.

17. The product package of claim 15, wherein the one or more retention flaps have ribs.

18. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the locking foot is approximately ½ an inch long.

19. The product package of claim 1, wherein the locking angle is between 15 degrees and 30 degrees.

20. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the locking foot is a separate piece and is snapped onto the bottom on the inner tray.

21. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the one or more release points are located approximate to the interference component such that the release point allows a user to depress the locking foot such that may slide around the interference component and the user may slide the inner tray at least partially outside of the outer sleeve.

22. The product package of claim 1, wherein the one or more release points are located along the sides of the outer sleeve such that they lift the interference point away from the locking foot and allow the inner tray to at least partially slide outside if the outer sleeve.

23. A product package comprising: an inner tray, wherein the inner tray comprises one or more product cavities, one or more flange elements, and one or more intermediate bands, wherein the one or more intermediate bands is extended off of the flange and connects to one or more locking feet, and wherein the one or more locking feet attach to the bottom of the inner tray and forms one or more locking angles; and an outer sleeve having one or more interference components that approximately align with the one or more locking feet of the inner tray and effectively lock the inner tray within the outer sleeve in a closed position, and further wherein the outer sleeve has one or more release points positioned on the outer sleeve such that they unlock the inner sleeve from the outer package by removing the contact between the locking foot and the interference component such that at least a part of the inner sleeve may be slid outside of the outer sleeve.

24. The product package of claim 23, wherein the locking foot is approximately ½ an inch long.

25. The product package of claim 23, wherein the locking angle is between 15 degrees and 30 degrees.

26. The product package of claim 23, wherein one or more locking ramps are formed off of the locking foot.

27. The product package of claim 23, wherein the inner tray further comprises a lowering element.

28. The product package of claim 27, wherein one or more locking feet are attached to the bottom of the lowering element.

29. The product package of claim 23, the outer sleeve has one or more open ends.

30. The product package of claim 23, wherein the flange forms a hanging tab on the inner tray that extends out of the open end of the outer sleeve.

31. A product package comprising: an inner tray having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom, wherein the inner tray has a flange disposed along said top surface and at least one product cavity depending downwardly from said flange to define said bottom; an outer sleeve having a front end, a back end, a top panel, two side panels, and a bottom panel, wherein the outer sleeve receives said inner tray with said inner tray bottom resting on said outer sleeve bottom panel, said inner tray being designed to slide within the outer sleeve; said inner tray further having at least one locking foot attached to said bottom disposed at a locking angle with respect to said bottom, said locking foot defining a leading edge extending below said bottom; said outer sleeve further comprising one or more interference components that interact with the locking foot and one or more release points positioned such that they affect the interaction between the one or more locking foot and the one or more interference components.

32. A product package comprising: an inner tray having a front end, a back end, a top side and a bottom side, wherein the inner tray has one or more locking feet, and one or more product cavities, and further wherein the one or more locking feet form a locking angle on the bottom of the inner tray, and further wherein the inner tray is designed to slide within the outer sleeve, and further wherein the inner tray is formed from a foldable blank; and an outer sleeve having a front end, a back end, a top panel, two side panels, and a bottom panel, wherein the outer sleeve comprises one or more interference components that interact with the locking foot and one or more release points positioned such that they affect the interaction between the one or more locking foot and the one or more interference

components.

33. The product package of claim 32, wherein the locking flap further comprises a reinforcing piece.

34. The product package of claim 32, wherein the foldable blank has more than two panels,

35. The product package of claim 34, wherein the locking flap is cut out from one or more panels of the inner tray.

36. The product package of claim 33, wherein the reinforcing piece is attached to the locking flap.

37. The product package of claim 32, wherein the outer sleeve has a window.

38. The product package of claim 32, wherein the outer sleeve has one or more retention elements.

39. A product package comprising an inner tray having a front end, a back end, a top side and a bottom side, wherein the inner tray has one or more locking feet, and one or more product cavities, and further wherein the one or more locking feet form a locking angle on the bottom of the inner tray, and further wherein the inner tray is designed to slide within the outer sleeve from a closed position to an open position; and an insert having a front edge, a back edge, a top and one or more sides where one or more of the top and/or sides is transparent. an outer sleeve having a front end, a back end, a top panel, one or more windows, two or more side panels, and a bottom panel, wherein the outer sleeve comprises one or more interference components that interact with the locking foot and one or more release points positioned such that they affect the interaction between the one or more locking foot and the one or more interference components and further where the outer sleeve comprises one or more interference components that interact with the insert such that it remains in the package while the inner tray is slid from a closed position to an open position.

40. The product package of claim 39 wherein the one or more windows align with at least a portion of the insert.

41. The product package of claim 39, wherein the back edge of insert is curved.

42. The product package of claim 39 wherein the one or more windows overlaps with side panel.

43. The product package of claim 15, wherein the locking foot interacts with the interference component when the inner tray is upright within the sleeve, and the one or more retention flaps interact with the interference component when the inner tray is inverted within the sleeve.