CARTON

Abstract

A carton with a housing including an outer layer and an inner layer and a sliding container enclosable within the inner layer of the housing. The sliding container can be moved from a closed configuration wherein the sliding container is enclosed within the inner layer to an open configuration wherein at least a portion of the sliding container is outside the housing. The sliding container comprises an engagement means engagable with an aperture in the housing inner layer when in register with the aperture to hold the sliding container in the closed configuration. The outer layer of the housing comprises means for applying pressure in register with the aperture such that pressure applied in register with the aperture is exerted on the engagement means to thereby disengage the engagement means from the aperture to allow the sliding container to move from the closed to the open configuration.

Claims

1. A carton comprising: a housing comprising an outer layer and an inner layer; and a sliding container dimensioned such that the sliding container may be enclosed within the inner layer of the housing; wherein the sliding container can be moved from a closed configuration wherein the sliding container is enclosed within the inner layer of the housing to an open configuration wherein at least a portion of the sliding container is outside the housing; wherein the sliding container comprises at least one engagement means which engages with at least one aperture in the housing inner layer when in register with the at least one aperture to thereby hold the sliding container in the closed configuration; and wherein the outer layer of the housing comprising at least one means for applying pressure in register with the at least one aperture of the inner layer, such that pressure applied in register with the at least one aperture of the inner layer is exerted on the at least one engagement means to thereby disengage the at least one engagement means from the at least one aperture to allow the sliding container to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the at least one engagement means comprises first and second engagement means and the at least one aperture comprises first and second apertures, with the first and second engagement means located on opposite sides of the sliding container which engage with the first and second apertures on opposite sides of the housing inner layer when in register with the first and second apertures; and the at least one means for applying pressure comprises first and second means for applying pressure, with the outer layer of the housing comprising the first and second means for applying pressure in register with the first and second engagement means to thereby disengage the first and second engagement means from the first and second apertures to allow the sliding container to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration; and wherein the first and second means for applying pressure are located on opposite sides of the housing.

3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the inner layer of the housing comprises third and fourth apertures located on opposite sides of the inner housing such that the first and second engagement means engage with the first and second apertures in the housing inner layer when in register with the first and second apertures to thereby hold the sliding container in the closed configuration; and wherein, when the sliding container is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first and second engagement means engage with the third and fourth apertures in the housing inner layer when in register with the third and fourth apertures to thereby hold the sliding container in the open configuration, and/or to prevent the sliding container from being completely removed from the housing.

4. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the at least one means for applying pressure is a pressing tab.

5. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the at least one engagement means is a tab.

6. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the housing comprises an open end and a closed end, and wherein the sliding container extends from the open end when in the open configuration.

7. A carton according to claim 6 further comprising a closure flap which covers the open end when in the closed configuration.

8. A carton according to claim 7 wherein the housing further comprises a seal or lock which locks the closure flap across the open end of the housing when in the closed configuration.

9. A carton according to claim 8 wherein the seal or lock comprises the seal, the seal is a tamper proof seal, the tamper proof seal comprising a perforated portion that ruptures on first opening of the seal to thereby enable removal of the closure flap from the open end.

10. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the at least one engagement means is biased outwardly from a side of the sliding container.

11. A carton according to claim 6 wherein the at least one engagement means is substantially wing shaped such that the at least one engagement means comprises a first edge orientated substantially at a right angle to a direction of travel of the sliding container and a second edge with an orientation inclined to the direction of travel of the sliding container; wherein the first edge is located towards the open end of the housing and the second edge is located towards the closed end of the housing such that: the first edge of the at least one engagement means engages with the at least one aperture in the housing inner layer when in register therewith to thereby hold the sliding container in the closed configuration and/or open configuration; and the second edge of the at least one engagement means contacts an edge of a third or fourth aperture in the housing inner layer in such a way to enable the at least one engagement means to slide past the edge of the third or fourth aperture in moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

12. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the housing and sliding container are formed from the same material.

13. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the housing and/or sliding container are made from an anti-tear material (e.g. an anti-tear laminate).

14. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the housing outer layer and inner layer are formed from the same continuous sheet of material.

15. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the sliding container comprises a pull tab located toward the open end of the housing.

16. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the sliding container is a box (e.g. for smoking articles).

17. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the sliding container is a clamshell container, for example enclosing a blister pack.

18-21. (canceled)

22. A carton comprising: a housing comprising an outer layer and an inner layer; and a sliding container dimensioned such that it the sliding container may be enclosed within the inner layer of the housing; wherein the sliding container can be moved from a closed configuration wherein the sliding container is enclosed within the inner layer of the housing to an open configuration wherein at least a portion of the sliding container is outside the housing; wherein the sliding container comprises a first and second engagement means located on opposite sides of the sliding container which engage with first and second apertures on opposite sides of the housing inner layer when in register with the first and second apertures; wherein the outer layer of the housing comprises first and second means for applying pressure in register with the first and second engagement means to thereby disengage the first and second engagement means from the first and second apertures to allow the sliding container to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration; and wherein the first and second means for applying pressure are located on opposite sides of the housing at a separation distance of between 50 mm and 150 mm.

Description

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a different perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 is different perspective view of the housing of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sliding container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carton according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising the housing of FIGS. 1 to 3 and the sliding container of FIG. 4 when in the closed configuration;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 5 when in the open configuration;

[0036] FIG. 7 is the net used to produce the housing of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0037] FIG. 8 is the net used to produce the sliding container of FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a housing according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 10 is a different perspective view of the housing of FIG. 9;

[0040] FIG. 11 is a different perspective view of the housing of FIGS. 9 and 10;

[0041] FIG. 12 is a different perspective view of the housing of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, showing the tamper evident seal before first opening of the seal;

[0042] FIG. 13 is a different perspective view of the housing of FIGS. 9. 10, 11 and 12, showing the tamper evident seal after first opening of the seal;

[0043] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a sliding container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 15 is a different perspective view of the sliding container of FIG. 14;

[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a carton according to another embodiment of the present invention comprising the housing of FIGS. 9 to 13 and the sliding container of FIGS. 14 and 15 when in the closed configuration;

[0046] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 16 when in the open configuration;

[0047] FIG. 18 is the net used to produce the housing of FIGS. 9 to 13; and

[0048] FIG. 19 is the net used to produce the sliding container of FIGS. 14 and 15.

EXAMPLE 1

[0049] FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate a child resistant carton according to one aspect of the present invention. The carton comprises a housing 100 and a sliding container 110. FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate different views of the housing 100. The housing 100 has an open end 114 positioned at the front end of the housing 100 and a closed end 115 positioned at the rear end of the housing 100. The housing 100 comprises an outer layer 101 and an inner layer 102. A first aperture 104 and second aperture 108 are located on respectively opposite sides of the housing inner layer 102. The first aperture 104 and the second aperture 108 are located towards the closed (i.e. rear) end of the housing. A third aperture 105 and fourth aperture 109 are located on respectively opposite sides of the housing inner layer 102. The third aperture 105 and fourth aperture 109 are located toward the open (i.e. front) end of the housing. The housing 100 also comprises a first means for applying pressure 107 and a second means for applying pressure 103 that are in register with the first aperture 104 and second aperture 108. The housing comprises a closure flap 106 which covers the open end of the housing 100 when in the closed configuration. The housing 100 is formed from a single continuous sheet of valeron anti tear laminate, meaning the outer 101 and inner 102 layers of the housing 100 are formed from the same continuous sheet of material. The use of an anti-tear laminate prevents the carton from being torn open and its contents exposed, forcing the user to open the carton via the mechanism defined by the present invention (outlined below). The housing 100 is formed from a net of valeron. This net is illustrated in FIG. 7. The net of FIG. 7 may be folded along the fold lines indicated via methods well known in the art to produce the housing 100.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates the sliding container 110. The sliding container is dimensioned such that it can be enclosed within the inner layer 102 of housing 100. The sliding container 110 comprises a first engagement means 112 and a second engagement means 111 located on respectively opposite sides of the sliding container 110. The sliding container 110 also comprises a pull tab 113. The sliding container 110 is formed from a single continuous sheet of valeron anti tear laminate. The use of an anti-tear laminate prevents the carton from being torn open and its contents exposed, forcing the user to open the carton via the mechanism defined by the present invention. The sliding container 110 is formed from a net of valeron. This net is illustrated in FIG. 8. The net of FIG. 8 may be folded along the fold lines indicated via methods well known in the art to produce the sliding container 110. The sliding container 110 is a box for marijuana smoking articles (e.g. “joints”). The front wall comprises a closure flap which acts to seal the box, preventing the marijuana smoking articles from escaping, while at the same time allowing access by an adult user to the contents of the box. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the child resistant carton in use. As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6 the sliding container 110 can be moved from a closed configuration (FIG. 5) wherein the sliding container 110 is enclosed within the inner layer 102 of the housing 100 to an open configuration (FIG. 6) wherein at least a portion of the sliding container 110 is outside the housing 100. When in the use, the first 112 and second 111 engagement means of the sliding container 110 engage with the first 104 and second 108 apertures of the housing inner layer 102 when in register with the first 104 and second 108 apertures to thereby hold the sliding container 110 in the closed configuration. This is illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0051] The outer layer 101 of the housing 100 comprises first 107 and second 103 means for applying pressure in register with the first 104 and second 108 apertures such that pressure applied in register with the first 104 and second 108 apertures is exerted on the first 112 and second 111 engagement means of the sliding container 110 to thereby disengage the first 112 and second 111 engagement means from the first 104 and second 108 apertures of the housing 100. This allows the sliding container 110 to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0052] To open the child resistant carton the user must first open flap 106. The user must then compress both the first 107 and second 103 means for applying pressure while simultaneously pulling the pull tab 113. The distance between the first 107 and second 103 means for applying pressure is around 67 mm. Due to the first 107 and second 103 means for applying pressure being positioned on respectively opposite sides of the carton at a distance of 67 mm apart, a child would not be able to open the carton as they would not have a sufficiently large finger span or hand span to do so. They would also not have the dexterity required to press both means for applying pressure and pull the pull tab at the same time.

[0053] When the sliding container 110 is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first 112 and second 111 engagement means engage with the third 105 and fourth 109 apertures in the housing inner layer 102 when in register with the third 105 and fourth 109 apertures to thereby hold the sliding container 110 in the open configuration and to prevent the sliding container 110 from being completely removed from the housing 100.

[0054] As can be seen from FIG. 4, the first 112 and second 111 engagement means of the sliding container 110 are biased outwardly from the side of the sliding container 110. This enhances engagement of the or a first 112 and second 111 engagement means with the apertures of the housing 100. The first 112 and second 111 engagement means are substantially wing shaped such that they comprise a first edge 116 orientated substantially at a right angle to the direction of travel of the siding container 110 and a second edge 117 with an orientation inclined to the direction of travel of the sliding container 110. When in use, the first edge 116 of the first 112 and second 111 engagement means engages with an aperture in the housing inner layer 102 when in register therewith to thereby hold the sliding container 110 in the closed configuration and open configuration. When in the open configuration, the second edge 117 of the first 112 and second 111 engage means contacts the edge of the third 105 and fourth 109 aperture in such a way to enable the first 112 and second 111 engagement means to slide past the edges of the apertures when moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration. This use of substantially wing shaped engagement means provides an effective means for ensuring that the sliding container is effectively held in position when in the closed and open configurations as well as enabling the movement of the sliding container from the open to closed configuration, allowing for the carton to be closed and reused.

EXAMPLE 2

[0055] FIGS. 9 to 17 illustrate a child resistant carton according to another aspect of the present invention. The carton comprises a housing 200 and a sliding container 210. FIGS. 9 to 13 illustrate different views of the housing 200. The housing 200 has an open end 214 positioned at the front end of the housing 200 and a closed end 215 positioned at the rear end of the housing 200. The housing 200 comprises an outer layer 201 and an inner layer 202. A first aperture 204 and second aperture 208 are located on respectively opposite sides of the housing inner layer 202. The first aperture 204 and the second aperture 208 are located towards the closed (i.e. rear) end of the housing. A third aperture 205 and fourth aperture 209 are located on respectively opposite sides of the housing inner layer 202. The third aperture 205 and fourth aperture 209 are located toward the open (i.e. front) end of the housing. The housing 200 also comprises a first means for applying pressure 207 and a second means for applying pressure 203 that are in register with the first aperture 204 and second aperture 208. The housing 200 comprises a closure flap 206 which covers the open end of the housing 200 when in the closed configuration. The housing also comprises a tamper proof seal 218 that locks the closure flat 206 across the open end 214 of the housing when in the closed configuration. The tamper proof seal 218 comprises a perforated portion 219 that ruptures on first opening as illustrated in FIG. 13. This enables removal of the closure flap 206 from the open end 214 of the housing 200 as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0056] The housing 200 is formed from a single continuous sheet of valeron anti tear laminate, meaning the outer 201 and inner 202 layers of the housing 200 are formed from the same continuous sheet of material. The use of an anti-tear laminate prevents the carton from being torn open and its contents exposed, forcing the user to open the carton via the mechanism defined by the present invention (outlined below). The housing 200 is formed from a net of valeron. This net is illustrated in FIG. 18. The net of FIG. 18 may be folded along the fold lines indicated via methods well known in the art to produce the housing 200.

[0057] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the sliding container 210. The sliding container is dimensioned such that it can be enclosed within the inner layer 202 of housing 200. The sliding container 210 comprises a first engagement means 212 and a second engagement means 211 located on respectively opposite sides of the sliding container 210. The sliding container 210 also comprises a pull tab 213. The sliding container 210 is formed from a single continuous sheet of valeron anti tear laminate. The use of an anti-tear laminate prevents the carton from being torn open and its contents exposed, forcing the user to open the carton via the mechanism defined by the present invention. The sliding container 210 is formed from a net of valeron. This net is illustrated in FIG. 10. The net of FIG. 19 may be folded along the fold lines indicated via methods well known in the art to produce the sliding container 210. The sliding container 210 is a clamshell container enclosing a blaster pack 220 (see FIG. 15 showing the open clamshell with a mock up blister pack 220 inside). The clamshell container is defined by a first halve 221 and a second halve 222 joined by a hinge 223. The clamshell container is capable of encasing the product inside (e.g. the blister pack 220) as illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0058] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the child resistant carton in use. As can be seen from FIGS. 16 and 17 the sliding container 210 can be moved from a closed configuration (FIG. 16) wherein the sliding container 210 is enclosed within the inner layer 202 of the housing 200 to an open configuration (FIG. 17) wherein at least a portion of the sliding container 210 is outside the housing 200. When in the use, the first 212 and second 211 engagement means of the sliding container 210 engage with the first 204 and second 208 apertures of the housing inner layer 202 when in register with the first 204 and second 208 apertures to thereby hold the sliding container 210 in the closed configuration. This is illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0059] The outer layer 201 of the housing 200 comprises first 207 and second 203 means for applying pressure in register with the first 204 and second 208 apertures such that pressure applied in register with the first 204 and second 208 apertures is exerted on the first 212 and second 211 engagement means of the sliding container 210 to thereby disengage the first 212 and second 211 engagement means from the first 204 and second 208 apertures of the housing 200. This allows the sliding container 210 to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0060] To open the child resistant carton the user must first open flap 206. The user must then compress both the first 207 and second 203 means for applying pressure while simultaneously pulling the pull tab 213. The distance between the first 207 and second 203 means for applying pressure is around 79 mm. Due to the first 207 and second 203 means for applying pressure being positioned on respectively opposite sides of the carton at a distance of 79 mm apart, a child would not be able to open the carton as they would not have a sufficiently large finger span or hand span to do so. They would also not have the dexterity required to press both means for applying pressure and pull the pull tab at the same time.

[0061] When the sliding container 210 is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first 212 and second 211 engagement means engage with the third 205 and fourth 209 apertures in the housing inner layer 202 when in register with the third 205 and fourth 209 apertures to thereby hold the sliding container 210 in the open configuration and to prevent the sliding container 210 from being completely removed from the housing 200.

[0062] As can be seen from FIGS. 14 and 15, the first 212 and second 211 engagement means of the sliding container 210 are biased outwardly from the side of the sliding container 210. This enhances engagement of the or a first 212 and second 211 engagement means with the apertures of the housing 200. The first 212 and second 211 engagement means are substantially wing shaped such that they comprise a first edge 216 orientated substantially at a right angle to the direction of travel of the siding container 210 and a second edge 217 with an orientation inclined to the direction of travel of the sliding container 210. When in use, the first edge 216 of the first 212 and second 211 engagement means engages with an aperture in the housing inner layer 202 when in register therewith to thereby hold the sliding container 210 in the closed configuration and open configuration. When in the open configuration, the second edge 217 of the first 212 and second 211 engage means contacts the edge of the third 205 and fourth 209 aperture in such a way to enable the first 212 and second 211 engagement means to slide past the edges of the apertures when moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration. This use of substantially wing shaped engagement means provides an effective means for ensuring that the sliding container is effectively held in position when in the closed and open configurations as well as enabling the movement of the sliding container from the open to closed configuration, allowing for the carton to be closed and reused.

[0063] In these examples the first (112 & 212) and second (111 & 211) engagement means are in the form of tabs and the first (107 & 207) and second (103 & 203) means for applying pressure are in the form of pressing tabs.