HK1130749A - Product packaging systems and methods - Google Patents

Description

Product packaging system and method

Background

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The presently disclosed embodiments relate to the field of product packaging, and in particular to product packaging that utilizes a portion of a product container as an end cap for the packaging.

2. Background of the related art

[0002] Product packaging provides a number of different functions, including: protecting the packaged product from accidental damage, displaying the packaged product with attention, providing descriptive and nutritional information and preventing theft or tampering (tapping). However, it is also desirable that the product package be as inexpensive to manufacture as possible. Such an improved packaging design is described in U.S. patent No.7000775 to Gelardi et al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] However, there is a continuing need in the packaging industry for new packaging designs that can be manufactured more easily than conventional packages, require less material, and also provide tamper-resistant features.

Summary of The Invention

[0004] Disclosed is a product package including a packaging sleeve and a product container therein. The packaging sleeve has a first end defining an opening and a second end that is closed. The sleeve includes at least one locking tab extending from the first end, each locking tab including a locking edge and each folded inwardly into the sleeve opening.

[0005] The product container includes a body portion defining an internal cavity for containing the consumable product and a rigid end cap sealingly engaged with the body portion to seal the product within the internal cavity. The end cap is sized to fit closely within the opening of the sleeve and includes a peripheral rim that engages the end of the sleeve and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening when the end cap is inserted into the sleeve opening. The end cap also has at least one channel for receiving the locking tabs, each channel having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent removal of the end cap and product from the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the end cap includes a mechanism for releasably engaging the body portion of the product container. In some constructions, the end cap includes a series of threads to engage corresponding threads formed on the body portion of the product container. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanisms may be used to secure the end cap to the body portion of the product.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, each locking tab is trapezoidal and has a sharp apex (vertex) that rides up (rideup) the side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel when the product end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to release the end cap from the sleeve. However, in some constructions of the disclosed product packages, each channel has at least one beveled side edge such that when the end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve, each locking tab rides up the beveled side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel to release the end cap from the sleeve.

[0007] It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, the second end of the sleeve includes a cavity shaped to receive an end of the product container.

[0008] It is presently contemplated that in a preferred embodiment, the sleeve and locking tabs have a strength and resiliency combined with the size and angle of the ledge to produce a secure locking action when the locking tabs engage the ledge. Further, each locking tab and each channel is shaped such that the end cap can be rotated to a position where the locking tabs are clear of the ledge, thereby releasing the end cap from the sleeve.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the product container is adapted to store toothpaste.

[00010] Also disclosed herein is a product package comprising, among other things, a sleeve and a product. The packaging sleeve has at least one end defining an opening and at least one pair of locking tabs extending therefrom. Each locking tab includes a locking edge and is folded inwardly into the sleeve opening.

[00011] The product includes a body portion and an end cap engaged with the body portion. The body portion of the product is adapted and configured to be inserted into the sleeve, and the end cap is sized to fit snugly within the sleeve opening. In addition, the end cap includes a rim that engages an end of the sleeve and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening when the end cap is inserted into the opening. The end cap also includes a pair of channels for receiving the pair of locking tabs, each channel having a ledge sized and angled to engage the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent removal of the end cap from the sleeve opening.

[00012] In some embodiments, each locking tab is trapezoidal and has a sharp apex that rides up the side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel when the product end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to release the end cap from the sleeve. Further, in some constructions, each channel has at least one beveled side edge, such that when the end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve, each locking tab rides up the beveled side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel to release the product end cap from the sleeve.

[00013] In an alternative construction of the presently disclosed product package, the sleeve includes a second end defining a second outlet, and wherein a second pair of locking tabs extend from the second end and are folded inwardly into the second opening. Each locking tab of the second pair of locking tabs has a locking edge. The second end cap is sized to fit closely within the second opening. This end cap may or may not be associated with a product. The second end cap includes a rim that engages the sleeve second end and prevents the second end cap from being inserted further into the second opening when the second end cap is inserted into the second opening. The second end cap also includes a channel for receiving the second pair of locking tabs, the channel having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab of the second pair of locking tabs to prevent removal of the second end cap from the second opening of the sleeve.

[00014] In some constructions, the second end cap includes a cavity shaped to receive the second end of the product. Preferably, the end cap includes means for engaging with the body portion of the product. For example, the end cap may include a series of threads to engage corresponding threads formed on the body portion of the product.

[00015] It is contemplated that in a preferred embodiment, the sleeve and locking tabs have a strength and resiliency combined with the size and angle of the ledge to produce a secure locking action when the locking tabs engage the ledge. In these arrangements, each locking tab and each channel is shaped such that the end cap can be rotated to a position where the locking tabs are clear of the ledges, thereby releasing the end cap from the sleeve.

[00016] The invention also relates to a product package comprising an elongated sleeve and a product container. The elongated sleeve defines an opening at one end thereof bounded by a peripheral edge. The sleeve includes a pair of opposed resilient locking tabs extending from the periphery of the opening and adapted to releasably engage an end cap received in the opening.

[00017] The product container includes a body portion having an interior cavity for receiving the product and a rigid end cap sealingly engaged with the body portion to seal the product within the interior cavity. The end cap is adapted and configured for receipt within the opening of the sleeve. Further, the end cap has a base and a peripheral wall, wherein the base is sized and configured to extend into the sleeve. A peripheral wall of the end cap extends upwardly from the base and has an outwardly extending rim adapted to abut the peripheral edge of the sleeve opening to limit the extent to which the base can extend into the sleeve. The opposing resilient locking tabs are sized and configured to releasably engage the peripheral wall of the end cap to prevent removal of the end cap from the sleeve.

[00018] In a preferred embodiment, the opposed resilient locking tabs are sized and configured to releasably engage the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the end cap. In some constructions, the opposing locking tabs are adapted and configured to be folded into the sleeve to releasably engage the peripheral wall of the product container end cap.

[00019] Preferably, the sleeve is defined by opposing first and second curved panels. It is envisaged that the first and second curved panels are interconnected along the side edges of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the first and second curved panels are integrally joined to one another along a first lateral edge of the sleeve. Also, the first and second curved panels may be affixed to each other along the second side edge of the sleeve.

[00020] Preferably, the product end cap includes means for engaging the body portion of the product. For example, the end cap may include a series of threads for engaging corresponding threads formed on the body portion of the product.

[00021] Preferably, the sleeve and locking tabs have a strength and resiliency combined with the size and angle of the ledge to produce a secure locking action when the locking tabs engage the ledge. Further, each locking tab and each channel is shaped such that the end cap can be rotated to a position where the locking tabs clear the ledge, thereby releasing the product end cap from the sleeve.

[00022] In certain preferred constructions of the invention, the sleeve defines a second outlet at the second end thereof including a second peripheral edge. In addition, the sleeve includes a second pair of opposed resilient locking tabs extending from the second peripheral edge of the second opening for releasably engaging the second end cap received in the second opening. The product package will include a second end cap adapted and configured for receipt within the second opening of the sleeve. The end cap may include features similar to those previously described above.

Brief Description of Drawings

[00023] The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the drawings, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

[00024] Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will better understand how to make and use the subject invention, embodiments of which are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[00025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presently disclosed product package with the end cap separated from the packaging sleeve and product container;

[00026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the product package of FIG. 1, wherein the product container is shown partially inserted into the packaging sleeve, and the end cap and the interior of the sleeve are shown in phantom;

[00027] 3A-3G provide several views of an embodiment of the presently disclosed end cap, wherein FIG. 3A is a bottom view of the end cap; FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the end cap; FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the end cap; FIG. 3D is a side elevational view of the end cap; FIG. 3E is a side view of the end cap (with the interior of the end cap shown in phantom); FIG. 3F is a perspective view looking into the interior of the end cap showing the thread arrangement; and FIG. 3G is a perspective view of the top of the end cap;

[00028] FIG. 4 provides a front view of an alternative embodiment of the presently disclosed end cap;

[00029] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blank (blank) for making a packaging sleeve according to a presently disclosed embodiment;

[00030] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the blank of FIG. 5 partially manufactured into a sleeve according to the presently disclosed embodiment;

[00031] FIG. 7A is a plan view of the blank shown in FIG. 5 fully assembled into a sleeve according to the presently disclosed embodiment;

[00032] FIG. 7B is a side view of the blank shown in FIG. 7A;

[00033] 8A-8D illustrate a series of diagrams showing the operation of an end cap retention mechanism according to the presently disclosed embodiment;

[00034] FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of the sleeve and end cap illustrating operation of the end cap retention/locking mechanism according to the presently disclosed embodiment;

[00035] FIGS. 10A-10D and 11A-11D illustrate a series of diagrams showing the operation of a release mechanism according to the presently disclosed embodiment;

[00036] FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate a series of diagrams showing operation of the release mechanism shown in FIGS. 10A-10D and 11A-11D; and

[00037] Fig. 13A-13D and 14A-14D illustrate a series of diagrams showing the operation of the release mechanism according to the presently disclosed embodiment.

[00038] While the above-identified drawing figures set forth the presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. The present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and not restrictive examples. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

Description of The Preferred Embodiment

[00039] Reference is now made to the drawings in order to describe preferred and exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail. The drawings and detailed description are intended to describe and illustrate examples in which the disclosed subject matter may be made and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[00040] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a product package, generally designated by the numeral 10, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the product package 10 includes a sleeve 12 and a product container 16. The packaging sleeve 12 has a first end 33 defining an opening and a second end 35 that is closed. The sleeve 12 includes a pair of locking tabs 18a and 18b extending from the first end 33, each locking tab 18a/18b including a locking edge 19, and each locking tab being folded inwardly into the sleeve opening. The product container 16 has a body portion 11 for containing a product and a rigid end cap 14, the end cap 14 sealingly engaging the body portion 11 to form an enclosure for the product. The end cap 14 is sized to fit closely within the opening of the sleeve 12 and includes a peripheral rim 30, the rim 30 engaging the sleeve end 33 and preventing the end cap 14 from being inserted further into the opening when the end cap 14 is inserted into the sleeve opening. As will be described hereinafter, the end cap 14 also includes a channel 22 for receiving the pair of locking tabs 18a/18b, the channel 22 having a ledge 34 that engages the locking edge 19 of each locking tab 18a/18b to prevent the end cap 14 and container body portion 11 from being removed from the sleeve 12.

[00041] As shown, the reservoir 16 takes the form of a typical toothpaste reservoir that includes a tube and an end cap. The end cap may be of the twist-off type, for example, or may include a flip-top portion attached to the base of the cap by a living hinge. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is not limited to applications such as toothpaste packages or to use with products provided within a container formed by a tube and a cap. It is contemplated that other products may be packaged in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[00042] The sleeve 12 is made from a continuous sheet of material and has a closed distal end 35. The sleeve 12 may suitably be made from a sheet of transparent plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polylactic acid (PLA) and the like. The thickness of the sheet is selected based on a number of factors including price and strength. The sheet should be thick enough to provide structural support, but thin enough to allow the sheet to flex and fold, as described herein. Information about the product may also be printed on the sleeve material.

[00043] As shown in fig. 3, the interior of the end cap 14 may include threads 41 adapted to engage complementary threads formed on the end of the product container body 11.

[00044] Referring again to fig. 2, the product container 16 is shown inserted into the packaging sleeve 12. As shown, the first locking tab 18a is positioned on a first side of the sleeve 12, while the second locking tab 18b is positioned on a second side of the sleeve 12. When the product container 16 is inserted into the sleeve 12, both the first locking tabs 18a and the second locking tabs 18b enter the channels 22 of the end cap 14. Once the locking tabs 18a/18b are positioned in the channels 22, the locking tabs engage the ledges 34 of the channels 22 and the end cap 14 can be removed from the sleeve 12 only by tearing or cutting the sleeve 12. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the end cap 14 is secured to the sleeve 12 using a releasable locking mechanism. As described below, a single, continuous channel may be replaced with a separate, circumferentially spaced channel for each locking tab in order to form a releasable locking mechanism. In such embodiments, the end cap 14 is released by rotating the end cap 14 within the sleeve 12 such that the side edges of the channel push the corresponding locking tabs radially outward to release the end cap.

[00045] Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of locking tabs positioned in any orientation along the proximal end of the sleeve is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00046] Fig. 3A-3G illustrate various views of an embodiment of the presently disclosed end cap 14. As shown, the end cap 14 includes a rim 30, which rim 30 allows a user to grip the end cap 14 and also prevents the end cap from being inserted too far into the sleeve 12. The end cap 14 also includes a channel 22 for engaging the locking tabs 18a/18b of the sleeve 12 and a ledge 34 that interacts with the locking tabs 18a/18b of the sleeve and prevents the end cap from being withdrawn from the sleeve opening.

[00047] The end cap 14 also includes screw means 41, the screw means 41 engaging with corresponding screw means formed on the end of the product container body 11. Typically, the product container body 11 is joined to the end cap 14 before the end cap 14 is secured to the sleeve 12. Such a configuration allows for improved product stability and optimization of the sleeve material.

[00048] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternative embodiment of the presently disclosed end cap 114. The end cap 114 is a rigid body that may be suitably formed, for example, using injection molding techniques. Suitable materials for the end caps include PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene.

[00049] As mentioned above, the end cap 114 shown in FIG. 4 provides a releasable locking mechanism to secure the end cap 114 to the packaging sleeve. The releasable locking mechanism includes a pair of rectangular slots 122 on opposite sides of the end cap 114. The channel 122 is positioned to receive a corresponding pair of locking tabs, such as tab 18, extending from the packaging sleeve. As previously described, the upper side of each channel 122 is defined by a rim 130, the rim 130 being sized to be slightly larger than the upper opening of the sleeve 12 and configured to engage the upper end of the sleeve to prevent the end cap 114 from being inserted too far into the sleeve opening. The underside of each channel 122 is defined by a ledge 134, the ledge 134 providing a surface for engaging the locking edge of each locking tab 18.

[00050] The operation of the locking and release mechanisms will now be described with respect to an exemplary container and an exemplary manufacturing technique. It will be apparent that modifications to the container and manufacturing techniques described can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a plan view of a blank 100 for forming a sleeve according to the presently disclosed embodiments. The blank 100 is die cut from a sheet of suitable material such as PVC, APET, PLA or PETG. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various other materials are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. If desired, text or graphics can be printed directly onto the blank using a high speed printing process.

[00051] A series of score lines 102 are made in the blank 100 to divide the blank into a number of panels and tabs. The blank 100 includes a first panel 104 and a second panel 106 that are folded toward one another into the body of the finished sleeve. A glue flap 108 extends upwardly from the first panel 104 opposite the second panel 106 and is used to attach the outer edges of the first and second panels 104, 106 to one another.

[00052] Extending from the right side of each of the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 are releasable locking tabs 110 and 112. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the releasable locking tabs 110 and 112 are trapezoidal in shape. As discussed below, the releasable locking tabs 110, 112 may take other shapes.

[00053] Each locking tab 110, 112 includes a respective locking edge 120 and 122 that engage a ledge in an end cap, such as ledge 156 in end cap 150 shown in fig. 8A-8D, as described below, to lock the end cap in place within the sleeve end. It will be seen that when the second panel 106 is folded over the first panel 104, the locking tabs 112 will align with the locking tabs 110. However, other orientations of the locking tabs 110, 112 may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[00054] In manufacturing the finished sleeve from the blank 100, the second panel 106 is folded over the first panel 104. A partially folded blank 100 is shown in figure 6. The glue flap 108 is then folded over the second panel 106 and the glue flap 108 is attached to the second panel 106 at the shaded region 128 and the shaded region 130 using a suitable technique. It will be seen that the bonding of the glue flap 108 to the second panel 106 forms a tube with openings on the left and right sides of the blank 100. In addition, the distal end (left side) of the sleeve 35 will be sealed using a suitable technique. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various techniques for sealing the distal end of the container are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00055] The locking tabs 110 and 112 are folded inwardly toward the interior of the sleeve prior to attachment of the end cap. Fig. 7A shows a plan view of the finished sleeve 100, while fig. 7B shows a right side view of the sleeve 100, not to scale. The sleeve 100 can be easily expanded at the open end for insertion of the end cap by applying a slight pressure to the sleeve in the direction of arrow 132 shown in fig. 7B.

[00056] Depending on the size of the finished sleeve 100, it will be possible for the operator to hold the sleeve 100 in one hand, pressing the sides of the sleeve 100 with the thumb and fingers. The operator can then splay the sleeve 100 at the open end and install the product container with the end cap into the sleeve opening with the other hand. Once the end cap is installed, the package is relatively stable and can be erected using the installed end cap as a base.

[00057] Once the package has been filled and closed, it will still be possible to adjust or replace the contents of the package by removing the releasable end cap without damaging the sleeve by using a twist-open release mechanism as described below.

[00058] Fig. 8A-8D are cross-sectional views of an exemplary product end cap 150 and sleeve end 170, illustrating the operation of a locking mechanism according to the presently disclosed embodiments. The drawing of the sleeve end 170 includes a dashed line 172, the dashed line 172 representing the perimeter of the sleeve opening.

[00059] As described above, the sleeve end 170 includes a pair of locking tabs 174. The locking tabs 174 extend upwardly from the sleeve 176. The locking tabs 174 are folded into the sleeve opening toward the inner surface of the sleeve 176 prior to installation of the end cap 150. However, the locking tabs 174 have a tendency to unfold slightly due to the resiliency of the material used to make the sleeve 176 and the locking tabs 174. The slight unfolding of the locking tabs 174 is exaggerated in fig. 8A-8D for purposes of illustration. The unfolding of the locking tabs 174 is useful to ensure a secure locking action.

[00060] The locking cover 150 includes a channel 152 in place on each side corresponding to the locking tab 174. The grooves 152 are not drawn to scale. In a releasable end cap, a separate channel is provided in place corresponding to each locking tab 174.

[00061] The upper boundary of the channel 152 is defined by a rim 154, and when the end cap 150 is placed in the sleeve end 170, the rim 154 overhangs the sleeve end 170 to prevent the end cap 150 from being inserted further into the sleeve end. The channel 152 also includes a ledge 156 that engages the locking edge of each locking tab 174. Although the slots 152 are shown as having a rectangular profile, other slot profiles may be used. For example, it may be desirable for the projections to define a sharper angle or for the grooves to be deeper. The surface 158 of the projection is sized and shaped to fit closely within the sleeve.

[00062] Fig. 8B shows the end cap 150 partially inserted into the sleeve end 170. As shown in fig. 8B, the bottom periphery of the end cap 150 pushes the locking tabs 174 downward toward the inner wall of the sleeve 176. In fig. 8C, as the end cap 150 continues to travel downward, the locking tabs 174 are pressed against the inner wall of the sleeve 176. In fig. 8D, when the end cap 150 reaches its final position, the locking tabs 174 tend to unfold slightly due to their resiliency, causing the locking tabs 174 to open into the channels 152. Slight unfolding of the locking tabs 174 causes the locking edges of the locking tabs 174 to engage the ledge surface 156, thereby preventing the end cap from being pulled upward out of the sleeve opening. Where the end cap has a convexly curved outer perimeter, insertion of the end cap into the sleeve causes corresponding curves to be formed in the sleeve 176 and the locking tabs 174. This bending helps to increase the strength of the locking tabs 174.

[00063] Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a package 200 according to a presently disclosed embodiment. Fig. 9 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the package 200 showing a single locking tab 202 disposed in a channel 204.

[00064] Fig. 10A-10D and 11A-11D illustrate operation of the release mechanism 250 according to the presently disclosed embodiment. Fig. 10A shows an illustration of the releasable locking tab 252 in the finished package positioned within a rectangular slot 254. As discussed above, the upper edge of the groove 254 is defined by the end cap rim, while the lower edge of the groove is defined by the ledge. The left and right sides of the slot are defined by surfaces 256 that are substantially continuous with the surfaces of the projections.

[00065] As described above, the releasable locking tab 252 has a trapezoidal shape. Thus, when the locking tab 252 is pushed against the side edge 258 of the channel, it will be seen that a sharp apex 260 appears on the side edge 258. The sharp apex 260 allows the locking tab 252 to climb up the side edge 258 of the channel 254 and onto the surface 256, starting at the point of the apex 260. The movement of the locking tab 252 onto the surface 256 can be seen in fig. 11A-11D.

[00066] Because the sleeve is flexible and resilient, the end cap can be freely rotated within the sleeve opening even when the end cap does not have a circular perimeter. Rotation of the end cap causes movement of the channel relative to the tab. As described above, this movement causes the locking tabs to climb onto the surface proximate the channel, causing the locking tabs to disengage from the channel and ledge. The disengagement of the locking mechanism is shown in fig. 12A and 12B. In FIG. 12A, each locking tab 252 is located in a channel 254. In fig. 12B, after the locking cover 262 is rotated, the locking tabs 252 are no longer in the slots 254. The end cap may be removed at this point. The degree of rotation required to separate the end cap 262 from the sleeve 264 may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the channel 254, the locking tab 252, or both.

[00067] It would be possible to form a one-way release mechanism in which the end cap can be released by turning it in only one direction. The one-way release mechanism may be accomplished, for example, by utilizing a locking tab having a first side with a sharp apex and a second side with a square apex. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to rotate the end cap in the direction of the square apex.

[00068] Fig. 13A to 13D and 14A to 14D show alternative release mechanisms. According to the presently disclosed embodiment, a rectangular locking tab 272 may be used. As shown in fig. 14A-14D, one side of the slot 274 is provided with a ramp 276 that leads to a surface 278. When the end cap is turned, the locking tabs 272 ride up the ramp 276 and onto the surface 278 to disengage the locking mechanism. In this example, only one ramp 276 is provided. Thus, the locking mechanism can only be released by rotating the end cap in the direction of the ramp 276. If desired, a second ramp may be added to the other side of the slot 274 to allow the locking mechanism to be released by rotating the end cap in either direction.

[00069] The use of a releasable locking cover may be desirable for a number of reasons. First, when the package is filled with product, the use of the releasable end caps allows the packaged item to be modified without discarding the package. In addition, consumers may find a releasable end cap desirable. For example, a releasable end cap would allow consumers to quickly and easily access the packaged item. In addition, the consumer may wish to replace the end cap for storage purposes or for reuse of the package.

[00070] It should be noted that other configurations of locking tabs and channels will be possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it would be possible to use more than two locking tabs per opening. In addition, different shapes may be used for the end cap and sleeve.

[00071] All patents, patent applications, and published references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims (34)

1. A product package, comprising:

a) a packaging sleeve having a first end defining an opening and a closed second end, the sleeve comprising at least one locking tab projecting from the first end, each of the at least one locking tabs comprising a locking edge, each locking tab folded inwardly into the sleeve opening; and

b) a product container comprising a body portion having an internal cavity for containing a product and a rigid end cap sealingly engaged with the body portion to seal the product within the internal cavity; wherein the end cap is sized to fit closely within the opening of the sleeve and includes a peripheral rim that engages the end of the sleeve and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening when the end cap is inserted into the opening of the sleeve, the end cap further including at least one slot for receiving the locking tabs, each slot having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent the end cap and product from being removed from the sleeve.

2. The product package as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the locking tabs is trapezoidal and has a sharp apex that rides up a side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel when the product end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to release the end cap from the sleeve.

3. The product package as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the channels has at least one beveled side edge such that when the end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve, each of the locking tabs rides up the beveled side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel to release the end cap from the sleeve.

4. The product package as recited in claim 1, wherein the second end of the sleeve includes a cavity shaped to receive an end of the product container.

5. A product package as recited in claim 1, wherein the product end cap includes means for releasably engaging a body portion of the product container.

6. The product package as recited in claim 1, wherein the end cap includes a series of threads for engaging corresponding threads formed on a body portion of the product container.

7. A product package as recited in claim 1, wherein the sleeve and the locking tabs have a strength and resiliency combined with a size and angle of the ledge to produce a secure locking action when the locking tabs are engaged by the ledge, each of the locking tabs and each of the channels being shaped such that the end cap can be rotated to a position where the locking tabs are clear of the ledge to release the end cap from the sleeve.

8. The product package of claim 1, wherein the product container is adapted to store toothpaste.

9. A product package, comprising:

a) a sleeve comprising at least one opening-defining end defining an opening and at least a pair of locking tabs extending from the end, each locking tab comprising a locking edge and each folded inwardly into the sleeve opening; and

b) a product comprising a body portion and an end cap engaged with the body portion; wherein the body portion of the product is adapted and configured for insertion into the sleeve and the end cap is sized to fit snugly within the opening of the sleeve, the end cap including a rim that engages an end of the sleeve and prevents further insertion of the end cap into the opening when the end cap is inserted into the opening, the end cap further including a pair of channels for receiving the pair of locking tabs, each channel having a ledge sized and angled to engage the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent removal of the end cap from the opening of the sleeve.

10. The product package as recited in claim 9, wherein each of the locking tabs is trapezoidal and has a sharp apex that rides up a side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel when the product's end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve such that the product's end cap is released from the sleeve.

11. The product package as recited in claim 9, wherein each of the channels has at least one beveled side edge such that when the end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve, each locking tab rides up the beveled side edge of the locking tab's receiving channel such that the end cap of the product is released from the sleeve.

12. The product package as recited in claim 9, wherein the sleeve includes a second end defining a second opening, and wherein the package further comprises: a second pair of locking tabs extending from the second end and folded inwardly into the second opening, each locking tab of the second pair of locking tabs having a locking edge; a second end cap sized to fit snugly within the second opening, the second end cap including a rim that engages the second end of the sleeve and prevents the second end cap from being inserted further into the second opening when the second end cap is inserted into the second opening, the second end cap including a channel for receiving the second pair of locking tabs, the channel having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab of the second pair of locking tabs to prevent removal of the second end cap from the second opening of the sleeve.

13. The product package as recited in claim 12, wherein the second end cap includes a cavity shaped to receive the second end of the product.

14. The product package as recited in claim 9, wherein the end cap further includes means for engaging a body portion of the product.

15. The product package as recited in claim 9, wherein the end cap includes a series of threads to engage corresponding threads formed on a body portion of the product.

16. A product package as recited in claim 9, wherein the sleeve and the locking tabs have a strength and resiliency combined with a size and angle of the ledge to produce a secure locking action when the locking tabs engage the ledge, each of the locking tabs and the channels being shaped such that the end cap can be rotated to a position where the locking tabs are clear of the ledge to release the end cap from the sleeve.

17. A product package, comprising:

a) an elongated sleeve defining an opening at one end thereof, the opening defined by a peripheral edge, the sleeve including a pair of opposed resilient locking tabs extending from the peripheral edge of the opening for releasably engaging an end cap received within the opening; and

b) a product container including a body portion having an interior cavity for containing a product and a rigid end cap sealingly engaged with the body portion so as to seal the product within the interior cavity; wherein the end cap is adapted and configured for receipt within the opening of the sleeve, the end cap having a base sized and configured to extend into the sleeve and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base and having an outwardly extending rim adapted to abut the peripheral edge of the opening to limit the extent to which the base can extend into the sleeve, wherein the opposing resilient locking tabs are sized and configured to releasably engage the peripheral wall of the end cap to prevent removal of the end cap from the sleeve.

18. A product package as recited in claim 17, wherein the opposed resilient locking tabs are sized and configured to releasably engage an outer surface of the peripheral wall of the end cap.

19. A product package as recited in claim 17, wherein the opposing locking tabs are adapted and configured to fold into the sleeve to releasably engage a peripheral wall of an end cap of the product container.

20. A product package as recited in claim 20, wherein the sleeve is defined by opposing first and second curved panels.

21. A product package as recited in claim 20, wherein the first and second curved panels are interconnected along a side edge of the sleeve.

22. A product package as recited in claim 21, wherein the first and second curved panels are integrally joined to one another along a first lateral edge of the sleeve.

23. A product package as recited in claim 21, wherein the first and second curved panels are affixed to each other along a second side edge of the sleeve.

24. The product package as recited in claim 17, wherein the product end cap further comprises means for engaging a body portion of the product.

25. The product package as recited in claim 17, wherein the product end cap includes a series of threads to engage corresponding threads formed on a body portion of the product.

26. A product package as recited in claim 17, wherein the sleeve and the locking tabs have a strength and resiliency combined with a size and angle of the ledge to produce a secure locking action when the locking tabs are engaged by the ledge, each of the locking tabs and the channels being shaped such that the end cap can be rotated to a position where the locking tabs are clear of the ledge to release the product end cap from the sleeve.

27. A product package as recited in claim 17, wherein the sleeve defines a second opening at a second end thereof, the second opening being defined by a second peripheral edge, and wherein the sleeve includes a second pair of opposing resilient locking tabs extending from the second peripheral edge of the second opening to releasably engage a second end cap received within the second opening.

28. The product package as recited in claim 27, further comprising a second end cap adapted and configured for receipt within the second opening of the sleeve.

29. A product package as recited in claim 28, wherein the second end cap has a base sized to extend into the sleeve and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base and having an outwardly extending rim adapted to abut the peripheral edge of the second opening to limit the extent to which the base of the second end cap can extend into the sleeve.

30. A product package as recited in claim 29, wherein the second pair of opposed resilient locking tabs are sized and configured to releasably engage the peripheral wall of the second end cap to prevent removal of the second end cap from the sleeve.

31. A product package as recited in claim 30, wherein the base of the second end cap includes a shaped cavity to receive an end of a product container displayed within the sleeve.

32. A product package as recited in claim 31, wherein the shaped cavity extends upwardly from the base of the second end cap.

33. A product package as recited in claim 32, wherein the shaped cavity extends upwardly from the base of the second end cap below a rim of the peripheral wall of the second end cap.

34. A product package as recited in claim 33, wherein the shaped cavity of the second end cap has a generally circular cross-section.