PATENT APPLICATION

EJECTOR PACKAGE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) of United States provisional applications serial number 61/564,854 filed November 29, 201 1; serial number 61/710,659 filed October 5, 2012, and serial number 61/721,598 filed November 2, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to packages and the kit of parts used to construct those packages. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to functional packages having one or more mechanisms to control user access to and/or interaction with the contents of the package. Aspects of the invention relate to a package, to a blank, to an ejector mechanism, to a security or locking mechanism, to a retention mechanism, to an alignment mechanism, to a kit of parts and to a method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The packaging of an article has a considerable influence on consumers in making their decisions on whether to buy an article and/or use the article contained in a package. It is advantageous to have packages with features that attract and hold a consumers attention. This is not only advantageous to encourage a consumer to purchase the article packaged, but may also encourage a patient to use the packaged articles (for example patient care articles such as medicines, drugs, vitamins). Additionally, article packaging has an important role where repeated access may be gained to the articles and the consumer or patient needs to repeatedly open and close the package to access the packaged articles more than once. This is the case where the articles are medicines, tablets, vitamins, but also other items for example chewing gum, plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes. A further requirement in the field of packaging is the need for locking mechanisms to securely retain items where only restricted access should be given to an intended user. This may be the case for example in the field of healthcare packaging, though locking features find advantageous application in the field of packaging more generally. Further considerations in the field of packaging are the need for packages to be formed from as little material as possible; cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible; and to be recyclable or otherwise environmentally considerate.

[0004] With these and other considerations in mind, the present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects of the invention provide a package, a blank, an ejector mechanism, a security or locking mechanism, a retention mechanism, an alignment mechanism, a kit of parts and a method as claimed in the appended claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, the invention provides a package comprising an ejector mechanism for ejecting one or more articles at least partially from the package, the package comprising a series of primary walls forming a housing within which the one or more articles can be contained and an opening through which the one or more articles can at least partially be ejected, the ejector mechanism positioned relative to the opening such that activation of the ejector mechanism can serve to push the one or more articles, when disposed in the package, at least partially out of the package through the opening, and the ejector mechanism comprising a deformable element configured such that a force applied to the deformable element causes the deformable element to deform such that the deformable element at least in part is moved into a product cavity where the one or more articles may be contained, so as to push the one or more articles out through the opening.

[0007] Optionally, the deformable element may be a strip of deformable material, normally disposed in a substantially planar relationship and temporarily deformable such that at least part of the deformable element is disposed in a substantially non-planar relationship and thereby at least a portion of the deformable element is moved in said plane where the one or more articles may be contained. [0008] Preferably, the deformable element is a strip of material, normally disposed in a biased or bowed configuration and temporarily deformable such that at least part of the deformable element is further biased or bowed.

[0009] Preferably, the deformable element is usually disposed in close proximity and/or in contact with one or more of the primary walls of the package.

[0010] Preferably, the deformable element in its deformed state has a different shape to its normal state shape and its deformed state shape is one of: substantially curved, substantially arcuate, substantially "V"-shaped, substantially "U"-shaped and/or substantially curvilinear. Optionally, the deformable element is "V"-shaped and comprises a substantially central fold line to assist in the forming of the "V"-shaped structure. Further optionally, the deformable element may be formed of two hinged panels each having one or more clearance panels hinged thereto and wherein the edges of the clearance panels are tapered, chamfered or shaped such that in the deformed state, the edges of the clearance panels and the join between said two hinged panels are disposed in the same plane and provide a leading edge of the deformed pusher element that substantially is "I"-shaped.

[0011] Optionally, the deformable element is a strip of material and said material consists of: paperboard, plastics or a combination of paperboard and plastics material.

[0012] Preferably, a portion of the deformable element is exposed or otherwise accessible for a user of the package to apply the force necessary to cause deformation of the deformable portion.

[0013] Optionally, the deformable element may comprise an angled portion which is angled and/or folded to follow the contour between adjacent primary walls of the package and/or to provide a corner of the package and wherein the deformable element is exposed in the region of that angled portion. Preferably, the two angled portions are disposed opposite to one another. Optionally, the deformable element may comprise two angled portions and each angled portion may be exposed.

[0014] Preferably, the deformable element comprises one or more or a combination of: a fold line, a crease, a demarcation line, a score and a joint to assist and/or control the deformation of the deformable element. [0015] Preferably, the package comprises one or more or a combination of: a cut-out, an opening, an articulated portion and a button disposed in alignment with a region of the deformable strip where said force required to cause the deformable element to temporarily deform would optimally be applied.

[0016] Preferably, the package further comprises one or more articles and wherein the width of the package housing is sufficiently greater than the width of the one or more articles to allow the deformable element to move into its deformed state. Optionally, the package may be about 10% to about 15% greater in width than the width of the articles it contains.

[0017] Preferably, the package comprises a limiter panel disposed opposite to the opening, at least a portion of the deformable strip is positioned inside the package and adjacent to the limiter panel and wherein the limiter panel assists the deformable element in deforming into the package housing for contacting articles when contained in the package housing and ejecting them through the opening.

[0018] Preferably, the deformable element is disposed on the inside of the limiter panel and wherein the deformable element is attached to the outside of each of two side walls of the package that are juxtaposed said limiter panel. Preferably, the limiter panel is provided by one or more panels hinged to one or more of the primary walls.

[0019] Preferably, the series of primary walls comprises: a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls forming said housing, at least one limiter panel connected to the top and bottom walls for at least partially closing one end of the package, wherein the deformable element is integrally formed with or affixed to the side walls and at least a portion of the deformable strip is positioned inside the package adjacent to the limiter panel, wherein one or each of the side walls and/or the limiter panels are shaped such that the package has one or more open corner portions which expose portions of the deformable strip and wherein the package further comprises a retention mechanism disposed about the opening to limit unintentional egress of articles from the package.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mechanism for a package comprising a deformable element and two end portions, the deformable element in its normal state having a substantially planar or linear strip-shape, the end portions of the mechanism being attachable or integrally formable with a package or blank for forming a package such that the end portions are restricted from moving and such that only the deformable element is free to move into a temporary deformed state when a force is applied to the articulating mechanism in the region of the connection between the deformable element and each end portion and where, in the temporary deformed state, the deformable element has a non-planar or non-linear shape which is one of: substantially curved, substantially arcuate, substantially "V"-shaped, substantially "U"-shaped and/or substantially curvilinear, such that in the temporary deformed state the deformable element is operable to effect movement of another part of the package in which the mechanism is installed.

[0021] Optionally, the two end portions are provided by two leg portions connected to the strip-shaped deformable element in an angled relationship and wherein said force is optimally applied in the region of the angle between the leg portion and the strip-shaped deformable element.

[0022] Preferably, the mechanism comprises a limiter panel for restricting the deformation of the deformable element in one direction and wherein the deformable element is a strip of paperboard and/or plastics material.

[0023] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a package comprising a mechanism, the mechanism comprising a deformable element and two end portions, the deformable element in its normal state having a substantially planar or linear strip-shape, the end portions of the mechanism being attached to or integrally formable with the package such that the end portions are restricted from moving and such that only the deformable element is free to deform or move and the mechanism comprising a limiter panel disposed adjacent to one surface of the deformable element for restricting the deformation of the deformable element to only one direction away from the limiter panel, wherein a force applied to the mechanism in the region of the connection between the deformable element and each end portion can cause the deformable element to move into a temporary deformed state in which the deformable element has a non-linear shape which is one of: substantially curved, substantially arcuate, substantially "V"-shaped, substantially "U"-shaped and/or substantially curvilinear, the movement and/or non-linear shape of the deformable element being such that in the temporary deformed state the deformable element is operable to effect movement of another part of and/or the contents of the package.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided package comprising: a series of primary walls forming a housing within which one or more articles can be contained, an opening through which the one or more articles can exit the package and a retention mechanism for limiting unintentional egress of articles from the package opening, the series of primary walls comprising: a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls to define the housing and opening, the retention mechanism comprising at least one flap foldably connected to the top and/or bottom wall, and folded into the housing, wherein the at least one flap comprises structural elements such that it is shaped and arranged to bias at least a portion of the flap against one or more articles when present in the package.

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a package comprising: a series of primary walls forming a housing within which one or more articles can be contained, an opening through which the one or more articles can exit the package and an alignment mechanism for aligning the articles within the package, the series of primary walls comprising: a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls to define the housing and opening, the alignment mechanism comprising at least one flap foldably connected to the top and/or bottom wall, and folded into the housing, wherein the at least one flap comprises structural elements such that it is shaped and arranged to direct the alignment of the articles within the package.

[0026] Optionally, the flap may be formed from a suitable material such that its natural tendency to return to its normal unfolded state causes the flap to block the opening and thereby provide a resistance against articles in the housing from unintentionally exiting the package and/or provides a platform for controlling the position of the articles within the housing.

[0027] Preferably, said at least a portion of the flap comprises an area of the surface of the flap.

[0028] Preferably, the flap comprises a first section forming a clamping portion disposed between second and third sections disposed at opposed ends of the flap, each forming a guide for directing an article between the clamping portions. Preferably, said first section frictionally retains the one or more articles.

[0029] Preferably, the retention mechanism comprises two flaps one foldably connected to the top wall and the other foldably connected to the bottom wall and both flaps are folded into the housing to block the opening. [0030] Preferably, the retention mechanism additionally provides an alignment mechanism for ensuring correct positioning of articles within the package housing.

[0031] Preferably, one or both of the flaps has a length that is at least two times greater than the depth of the opening or at least three times greater than the depth of the opening or at least four times greater than the depth of the opening.

[0032] Preferably, one or both of the flaps comprises one or more embossed areas.

[0033] Preferably, one or both of the flaps comprise one or more or a combination of: a crease, a fold line and a line of demarcation.

[0034] Preferably, one or both of the flaps comprises one or more folded sections.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a package comprising: a series of primary walls forming a housing within which one or more articles can be contained, an opening through which the one or more articles can exit the package and a retention and/or alignment mechanism, the series of primary walls comprising: a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls to define the housing and opening, the retention and/or alignment mechanism comprising two flaps foldably connected to the top and bottom walls respectively and folded into the housing to block the opening and/or to provide a platform for positioning the articles within the housing, wherein one or both of the two flaps comprises any one of more of the following:

a length that is at least two times greater than the depth of the opening or at least three times greater than the depth of the opening or at least four times greater than the depth of the opening;

one or more embossed areas;

one or more or a combination of: a crease, a fold line and a line of demarcation; and

one or more further folded sections.

[0036] According to another further aspect of the invention, there is provided a package comprising a security mechanism for locking a slidably withdrawable inner member within a housing provided by an outer sleeve of the package, the slidably withdrawable inner member comprising: (i) a main portion and a locking flap, the locking flap foldably connected to the main portion and being folded about that connection such that the locking flap is disposed above the main portion and the locking flap providing a trailing edge for engaging the outer sleeve part;

the outer sleeve comprising:

(ii) a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls forming said housing; an opening through which the inner member can be slidably inserted into and withdrawn from the housing; at least one limiter panel connected to the top and bottom walls for at least partially closing an end of the package opposite to the opening; a locking aperture for receiving the engaging edge of the locking flap of the inner member; and an unlocking mechanism,

wherein the unlocking mechanism is configured to disengage the locking flap of the inner member from locking engagement with the outer sleeve, the unlocking mechanism comprises a deformable element configured such that a force applied to the deformable element causes the deformable element to temporarily deform such that the deformable element is moved in a plane comprising the locking flap and thereby moves said locking flap out of engagement with the outer sleeve.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a sleeve for packaging a content item, the sleeve including a plurality of panels hingedly attached together along fold lines and forming a tube with first and a second opposing ends, the tube having front and back walls with a pair of side walls therebetween, an opening at the first end, sized to slidably receive the content item, and an ejector mechanism at the second end. The ejector mechanism upon activation is adapted to push the content item through the opening at the first end. The ejector mechanism includes a first parallelogram structure extending from one of the side walls and hingedly attached to said one of the side walls such that a first force applied to the parallelogram structure is translated through the parallelogram structure and results in a second force to push the content item through the opening at the first end.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method of forming a package with an ejector mechanism for ejecting one or more articles at least partially from the package, the method including: providing a tubular shape defining a cavity within which the one or more articles may be contained, the tubular shape having an open end; providing an ejector mechanism to be positioned at a second end of the tubular shape opposite from the open end, the ejector mechanism comprising a deformable element configured such that a force applied to the deformable element causes the deformable element to deform such that the deformable element at least in part is moved into the cavity to push one or more articles; providing a mandrel; using the mandrel to push the ejector mechanism into the open end and through the cavity to the second end of the tubular shape; attaching the ejector mechanism to the tubular shape; and withdrawing the mandrel from the cavity.

[0039] Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

[0040] Disclosed is a sleeve assembly that according to one embodiment is sized to receive an inner slider for carrying a product. The sleeve may be formed as a tubular or box-like structure made of a plurality of creased panels. The sleeve is open at one end, and the other end has an ejector mechanism to push the inner slider at least partly from the sleeve. The disclosed sleeve is easy to fold and glue, or otherwise assemble, on a packaging machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a package having an ejector mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIGURE 2A is a perspective view of a package having an ejector mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein a user has depressed actuators to cause ejection of the package contents;

[0044] FIGURE 2B is a transparent perspective view of the package of Figure 2A showing a deformable element of the ejector mechanism in its deformed state wherein the deformable element has moved in the plane containing the package contents to move and push the contents out of the package; [0045] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a kit of parts for forming a package having an ejector mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention and having a retention and/or alignment mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0046] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an inner part of a package formed from components of the kit of parts illustrated in Figure 3;

[0047] FIGURE 5 is a perspective partially exploded view of a package having an ejector mechanism according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the ejector mechanism is a composite construction formed in part from paperboard and in part from plastics material;

[0048] FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a flat- form blank for forming an inner part of a package having an ejector mechanism, wherein the ejector mechanism is an integral part of the blank and the inner part of the package is formed from a unitary blank;

[0049] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a part-formed inner part of a package formed from the blank of Figure 6;

[0050] FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the part- formed inner part of a package of Figure 7 at a later stage in its construction process;

[0051] FIGURE 9 is a transparent view of a package comprising an inner part formed from the blank of Figure 6, wherein the ejector mechanism has been used to push the contents at least partially out of the package;

[0052] FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a flat- form blank for forming an inner part of a package having an ejector mechanism according to yet a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the ejector mechanism is an integral part of the blank and comprises a deformable element having top and bottom clearing members;

[0053] FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a part-constructed package inner part formed from the blank of Figure 10 and a blister strip ready for loading into the inner part;

[0054] FIGURE 12 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a package comprising the outer part of Figure 11, illustrating the deformable element of the ejector mechanism in a temporary deformed state where is has adopted a substantially "V"-shaped structure; [0055] FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a kit of parts for forming a package comprising a lockable slide card, an outer part and an inner part having an ejector mechanism;

[0056] FIGURE 14 is a view through a package formed from the kit of Figure 13 showing the lockable slide card in locked engagement with the inner part of the package;

[0057] FIGURE 15 is a perspective view from the top, closed end and a cut-away side of a package formed form the kit of parts of Figure 13 wherein the lockable slide card has been released from locking engagement and the ejector mechanism has been activated to push the slide card out of the package;

[0058] FIGURE 16 is a view through a package formed from the kit of Figure 13 showing the lockable slide card as it is slidably withdrawn from the package;

[0059] FIGURE 17 is a view through a package formed from the kit of Figure 13 showing the lockable slide card engaging a retention and/or alignment mechanism which additional serves as a stopper for the lockable slide card to prevent it from being completely withdrawn from the package;

[0060] FIGURE 18 is a perspective view from the top, closed end and a cut-away side of a package having an unlocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention and having an optional retention mechanism formed from a single foldable flap;

[0061] FIGURE 19 is a perspective view from the top, closed end and a cut-away side of the package of Figure 18 wherein the unlocking mechanism has been activated to release a lockable slide card from locking engagement with an outer sleeve so that a user may withdraw the lockable slide card from the package;

[0062] FIGURE 20 is a view through the package of Figures 18 and 19

[0063] FIGURE 21 is a perspective partially cut-away view of a package having an unlocking mechanism using a deformable element, the package having a locking edge in an outer part for engagement with a lockable inner slide card disposed therein, which locking engagement is released by depression of the actuators of the unlocking mechanism;

[0064] FIGURE 22 is a perspective view from the top, side and open end of a package having a retention and/or alignment mechanism according to yet a further embodiment of the invention; [0065] FIGURE 23 is a view through a package having a retention and/or alignment mechanism having only one foldable flap;

[0066] FIGURE 24 is a view through a package having a retention and/or alignment mechanism having only two foldable flaps of different lengths;

[0067] FIGURE 25A is a perspective view of a flat- formed blank for forming a package having an integrally formed ejector and/or unlocking mechanism and an integrally formed retention and/or alignment mechanism;

[0068] FIGURE 25B is a perspective view of a flat- formed blank for forming a package having an integrally formed ejector and/or unlocking mechanism;

[0069] FIGURE 25 C is a perspective view of a flat- formed blank having an integrally formed retention and/or alignment mechanism; and

[0070] FIGURE 26 is a view of a cut and folded blank for forming a package having an integrally formed retention and/or alignment mechanism comprising embossed areas.

[0071] Figure 27 is a plan view of a paperboard blank that can be formed into a sleeve with an ejector mechanism;

[0072] Figure 28 is a plan view of the blank of Figure 27, with certain parts shown in perspective to illustrate a first step of a sleeve-forming process;

[0073] Figure 29 is a plan view of a flat sleeve, showing a second step of the sleeve-forming process in which the blank of Figure 27 has been assembled into a flat, collapsed tubular configuration;

[0074] Figure 30 is a perspective view of an erected sleeve, showing a third step of sleeve- forming process, in which toggle structures are in the process of being erected;

[0075] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve, showing a step of erecting the toggle structures into an ejector mechanism;

[0076] Figure 32 is a fragmentary perspective view of the erected sleeve, showing another step of erecting the toggle structures into an ejector mechanism;

[0077] Figure 33 is a fragmentary perspective view of the erected sleeve, showing another step of erecting the toggle structures into an ejector mechanism; [0078] Figure 34A is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the erected sleeve, showing the ejector mechanism in its initial position;

[0079] Figure 34B is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the erected sleeve, showing the ejector mechanism in its activated position;

[0080] Figure 35 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve in use, showing the ejector mechanism activated by a user to push a content item(s) partially out of the sleeve through its open end;

[0081] Figure 36 is a perspective view of a primary package, such as a tray, for receiving a content item(s), for use with the sleeve of Figures 27-35;

[0082] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Figures 34A, 34B serving as a secondary package in which the tray of Figure 36 is slidably received to form a composite packaging device;

[0083] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the composite packaging device of Figure 37, showing the tray partially ejected from the sleeve as a result of activating the ejector mechanism;

[0084] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the composite packaging device of Figure 38, showing the tray having been almost withdrawn from the sleeve and captured by the a retention mechanism to be prevented from being fully withdrawn from the sleeve;

[0085] Figure 40 is a plan view of flat- form blanks for forming an package similar in some aspects to the package of Figures 10-12, having an ejector mechanism; wherein the ejector mechanism is formed from a separate blank;

[0086] Figure 41 is a perspective view of a part-constructed package outer part formed from the blank of Figure 40;

[0087] Figure 42 is a fragmentary perspective view of an ejector mechanism being placed on a mandrel to aid in inserting the ejector mechanism into the package of Figure 41;

[0088] Figure 43 is a perspective view of an ejector mechanism placed on a mandrel to aid in inserting the ejector mechanism into the package of Figure 41 ; [0089] Figure 44 is a fragmentary perspective view of the ejector mechanism being inserted into an open end of the package, using the mandrel;

[0090] Figure 45 is a fragmentary perspective view of the opposite end of the package, with the ejector mechanism in position;

[0091] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the finished package;

[0092] Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the operation of the package to eject a blister card;

[0093] Figure 48 is a plan view of another paperboard blank that can be formed into a sleeve with an ejector mechanism;

[0094] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 48, with certain parts being arranged during a step of a sleeve-forming process;

[0095] Figure 50 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 48, illustrating a further step of the sleeve-forming process;

[0096] Figure 51 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 48, illustrating a still further step of the sleeve-forming process;

[0097] Figure 52 is a perspective view of a further step of the sleeve-forming process;

[0098] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve made from the blank of Figure 48;

[0099] Figure 54 is another perspective view of the erected sleeve;

[00100] Figure 55 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve, showing a step of erecting the toggle structure into an ejector mechanism;

[00101] Figure 56 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve, showing a further step of erecting the toggle structure into an ejector mechanism;

[00102] Figure 57 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve, showing another end closure panels being folded over the ejector mechanism;

[00103] Figure 58A is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the erected sleeve, showing the ejector mechanism in its initial position; [00104] Figure 58B is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the erected sleeve, showing the ejector mechanism in its activated position;

[00105] Figure 59 is a plan view of a blank that can be formed into an inner tray or container for use in a sleeve;

[00106] Figure 60 is a perspective view of a tray or container made from the blank of Figure 59, and suitable for inserting into the sleeve of Figure 57; and

[00107] Figure 61 is a perspective view of the erected sleeve in use, showing the ejector mechanism activated by a user to push a tray partially out of the sleeve through its open end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00108] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages having

mechanisms optionally for ejecting, unlocking, aligning and/or retaining articles or articles to be contained within the package of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages having mechanisms optionally for ejecting, unlocking, aligning and/or retaining articles or products described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[00109] It will be understood that the terms articles, products, items and contents as used herein refer to a wide range of artifacts that may be contained in, locked in, aligned in, released from and/or ejected from packages according to the present invention. Where reference is made to an article, product or item in the singular, this may also be taken to mean in plural and similarly, where reference is made to articles, products, items or contents in the plural, this may also be taken to mean in the singular unless there is incompatibility of features.

[00110] Upon reading the foregoing it will be understood that the drawings and description serve to provide a teaching of the invention and do not represent an exhaustive recitation of all of the ways in which the invention can be implemented and applied.

Specifically, in relation to the articles or products contained by the packages of the present invention, the accompanying drawings tend to show substantially slab-like or planar articles such as blister strips and slide cards. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application either to substantially slab-like or planar articles or to blister strips and slide cards. The following list provides the reader with further examples of the kinds and types of article or product that may be contained by the packages of this discloser: cards, trays, boxes, containers, tubes, pouches, band aids/plasters, chewing gum, baseball and other sports cards, facial wipes, wound treatments, tobacco cessation products and stickers.

[00111] The term package as used herein may mean a container with articles loaded therein or a container without articles loaded therein. Packages of the invention may be constructed from one or more parts and/or may be constructed from one or more types of material.

[00112] Referring now to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, a package 30 is illustrated, optionally having an ejector and/or unlocking mechanism 10 and optionally having a retention and/or alignment mechanism 22/26. The package 30 comprises a series of primary walls which define a cavity in which articles 40 (such as tray(s), card(s), sleeve(s), box(es), blister pack(s), pouch(es) or other items) can be accommodated. The series of primary walls may include: a top wall 12, first side wall 14, bottom wall 16 and second side wall 18. Optionally one of the primary walls may be provided with a lock-release mechanism such as a depressible tab 70 (defined by a cut, frangible or fold line 63) which may serve to disengage a locking flap 72 of the blister card 40 from locking engagement with an inner edge or aperture provided inside the package 30. It is to be understood that alternate locking and unlocking elements may be used based on manufacturing preferences.

[00113] An ejector mechanism 10 is provided to force out, push out or otherwise eject at least a leading edge portion of one or more articles 40 from the housing of the package 30. This mechanism 10 is beneficial because it gives ready access to the contents 40 of the package 30. The ejector mechanism 10 in this illustrated embodiment may include a deformable element 44 or pusher 44 that may be attached to the inside faces of the first side wall 14 and second side wall 18 through the opposite end portions or two leg portions 42a, 42b of the element 44. The ejector mechanism 10 optionally also comprises a limiter panel 28. The limiter panel 28 may be provided by a primary wall of the package 30 and/or may be provided by a separate panel. The limiter panel 28 may not be co-extensive with the deformable element 44 and the limiter panel 28 may be formed as one or more strips. The ejector mechanism 10 may be formed as a separate structure (of unitary or composite form) that is installed into a package or the ejector mechanism may be formed as part of the package 30, as in the presently described embodiment where the package 30 provides the optional limiter panel 28.

[00114] The two leg portions 42a, 42b may be formed as contiguous extensions of the deformable element 44 and may be formed of the same material as the remainder of the deformable element 44. In this example, the entirety of the deformable element 44 may be formed of a transparent plastics material. Alternatively, the deformable element 44 may be formed from two or more different types of material. For example, the two leg portions 42a, 42b may be formed of paperboard while the remainder (i.e., a pusher portion 44a) of the deformable element 44 may be formed of more resilient material such as plastic, metal, paper-plastic composite material or the like. A pair of lines of demarcation or a pair of fold lines 46a, 46b may define the pusher portion 44a and legs 42a, 42b. (In Figure 3, a kit of parts for forming a package according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In Figure 3, an exemplary part of an ejector mechanism 110 is shown having two leg portions 142a, 142b and a pusher portion 144a formed of transparent plastic material and having a pair of fold lines 146a, 146b that define the pusher portion 144a and legs 142a, 142b.)

[00115] The pusher portion 44a of the deformable element 44 is optionally strip- shaped and is disposed, in its normal position, may be substantially adjacent to the limiter panel 28. The pusher portion 44a in its normal position (wherein the leg portions or actuators 42a, 42b are not depressed) may be disposed in a substantially linear form wherein a cross- section taken along the length of the pusher portion 44a may be a straight line (or only a slight deviation from a straight line). In its normal position, the pusher portion 44a may rest in a plane that is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the plane of the limiter panel 28. In other envisaged arrangements, the pusher portion 44a may be pre-biased or differently structured such that it is not perfectly straight in its non-activated state and may lie in a plane that is only approximately or partially parallel to the limiter panel 28.

[00116] The package top wall 12 and bottom wall 16 may be shaped in the region of the ejector mechanism 10 by cut lines 34 and the first side wall 14 and second side wall 18 stop short of the limiter panel 28. This effectively cuts out the corner of the package 30. The shape of the ejector mechanism 10 and/or the way in which it is secured within the package 30 may result in the "missing corners" of the package 30 being completed by parts of the leg portions 42a, 42b of the ejector mechanism 10. The exposed parts or leg portions 42a, 42b of the ejector mechanism 10 may provide two actuators 42a, 42b. By depressing these actuators 42a, 42b inwardly of the planes of the side walls 14, 18, the pusher portion 44a may be moved and may change its shape. In Figure 2B, a transparent view of the package 30 is provided to show in gray lines the internal aspects of the package 30. It can be seen that a force (F) applied to the actuators 42a, 42b may cause the deformation of the pusher portion 44a. Additionally, the edges 34 (see Figure 1) may limit the extent to which a user can depress the actuators or leg portions 42a, 42b inwardly of the first side wall 14 and second side wall 18. In this way, the extent of operation of the ejector mechanism 10 may be controlled. Additionally, the angle of the chamfered or tapered edges 34 may provide a comfortable angle for a user to operate the ejector mechanism 10 of the package with one hand, using say a thumb 'T' and forefinger Έ' (see Figure 2A). Optionally, the angle measured between the side edge of the top wall 12 and the cut line 34 may be about 5°. Preferably, the angle may be between about 3° and about 8°. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that only one actuator may be required to deform or activate the pusher portion 44a. It is also envisaged that only one actuator may be exposed for use. It is further envisaged that in other embodiments, the actuator may be covered and depressed indirectly by pressing on a covering panel or button. Alternatively, in some envisaged embodiments, the actuator may be covered by a lidded portion that may be hinged out of the way to allow a user to activate the ejector mechanism or which may be removable.

[00117] In its activated position, the ejector mechanism 10 may adopt a different shape compared to its normal (non-activated) position. In Figure 2B, the ejector mechanism 10 has been activated and thereby the pusher portion 44a has moved into a non-linear shape (considering a cross-section of the pusher portion 44a along its length). The pusher portion 44a has temporarily adopted (while the force (F) is applied) a substantially arcuate shape. The movement of the pusher portion 44a from its normal position to its activated position may result in the pusher portion 44a moving into a cavity defined by the top wall 12, first side wall 14, bottom wall 16 and second side wall 18 in which one or more articles 40 are to be received. In this embodiment, the rear end of the cavity may be defined by the pusher portion 44a in its normal position as shown in Figure 1 while the forward end of the cavity may be defined by the forward end of the package 30 where the opening of the package 30 is located. The shape, structure, material characteristics and any tension within the ejector mechanism 10 along with the force (F) applied by a user may result in sufficient energy being transferred to the one or more articles to push or propel those articles forward, toward an opening of the package 30. The one or more articles 40 may be pushed in the direction that the pusher portion 44a has moved (see Figure 2A). In Figure 2B, at its maximum extent the pusher portion 44a has moved a distance "d" forwardly from its normal position. In the illustrated arrangement, the package 30 and the deformable element 44 may have a width of about 5.6cm. The actuators 42a, 42b may each be depressed about 0.4cm resulting in the pusher portion 44a arcing or otherwise deforming to a maximum distance "d" of about 2cm. The one or more articles may be moved by a similar maximum distance "d" of about 2cm or may be moved a lesser distance. The one or more articles may move a lesser distance than "d" due to the inertia of the one or more articles and/or due to friction between the one or more articles and the package 30. The package 30 may be configured such that there is sufficient clearance within the package for the depressible actuators 42a, 42b to be moved inwardly of the package 30. As such in this arrangement, the width of the package may be greater than the width of the one or more articles. Optionally, the package may have a width that is between about 10% and about 20% greater than the width of the articles to be contained therein. The one or more articles may have a width no greater than about 4.8cm. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the exact size of the package, one or more articles, ejector mechanism, depressible actuators 42a, 42b, pusher portion 44a and cut lines 34 where present, may differ from that described above. These measurements are provided merely to illustrate an optional configuration of package 30.

[00118] Optionally, the material from which the deformable element 44 is formed has a spring back characteristic or resiliency that promotes the return of the deformable element 44 to its normal state after a user releases the depressible actuators 42a, 42b. This may assist in the correct and effective operation of the ejector mechanism 10. Optionally, the spring- back characteristic may result from the material's natural tendency to return to its normal unbiased position. Additionally or alternatively, a spring-back characteristic may be achieved by adding lines of demarcation and/or fold lines and/or creases to the deformable element 44. Additionally or alternatively, the deformable element 44 may be resiliently biased by being sized and/or shaped to create a tension. Similarly, controlling the shape that the deformable element 44 temporarily adopts once the actuators 42a, 42b are depressed may be achieved because of inherent characteristics of the material (its stiffness and elasticity). Additionally or alternatively, by adding lines of demarcation and/or fold lines and/or creases to the deformable element 44 the shape that the deformable element 44 temporarily adopts once the actuators 42a, 42b are depressed may be controlled. Additionally or alternatively, the deformable element 44 may be sized and/or shaped such that it is biased to adopt a particular shape in its deformed state.

[00119] The package may optionally also including a mechanism having inwardly folded flaps 22, 26 to block an open end of the package 30 to mitigate against unintentional egress of the one or more articles 40 from the package. Additionally, or alternatively, the package may optionally also include a mechanism having inwardly folded flaps 22, 26 to ensure that the one or more articles are suspended correctly within the cavity of the package 30 to ensure optimum co-operation between the ejector mechanism 10 and the one or more articles. This mechanism ensures that the one or more articles are presented to a user in a consistent manner during repeated use of the package. These mechanisms are described in further detail below.

[00120] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the deformable element of the ejector mechanism may be attached to the outside surface of first and second side walls of the package and/or that the package may be formed from two separate parts: an inner part forming the housing and a second outer part formed as a covering sleeve. In Figure 3 a kit of parts for forming a package having an ejector mechanism 110 is illustrated.

[00121] The kit of parts optionally includes a first blank 150 for forming an inner part; a second blank 152 for forming an outer sleeve part and an ejector mechanism 110. The leg portions 142a, 142b of the ejector mechanism 110 may be attached to the first and second side walls 114, 1 18. The leg portions 142a, 142b may be attached to the inside or outside surface of the inner part 150. Otherwise, the leg portions 142a, 142b may be attached to the inside or outside surface of the outer sleeve 152. One region of attachment 145b between the leg portion 142b and second side wall 118 is shown in Figure 4. This attachment may provide a part of the ejector mechanism 1 10 that is not free to move. Additionally, by attaching the leg portions 142a, 142b to the outside surface of either the inner part 150 or outer sleeve 152 and by having the depressible actuator parts of those leg portions 142a, 142b move inwardly of the package, the ejector mechanism 110 may have a stronger structure. (A bond between the leg portions and the inside surface of the inner part 150 may be susceptible to weakening or breakage when the force (F) is applied to the leg portions 142a, 142b. A further advantage of the structure of a package having the ejector mechanism attached to the outside surface of the inner part 150 may be that it is easier to construct.

[00122] The inner part blank 150 optionally provides a limiter panel. Additionally or alternatively, the limiter panel 128 may be provided by the outer part blank 152. Optionally, the outer part blank 152 may include a mechanism having foldable flaps that serves to block an open end of the package, when formed from the kit, to mitigate against unintentional egress of the one or more articles 140 from the package. Additionally, or alternatively, the package (when formed from the kit) may optionally also include a mechanism having inwardly folded flaps that ensures that the one or more articles are suspended correctly within cavity of the package 30 to ensure optimum co-operation between the ejector mechanism and the one or more articles 40.

[00123] A further envisaged embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5. The ejector mechanism may be a composite structure wherein the pusher portion is a strip 244 attached to leg portions 242a, 242b by means of a joining flap 244a, 244b respectively. Optionally, in embodiments where a composite structure is used, the pusher portion 244 may be constructed from a different material compared to the leg portions 242a, 242b and joining flaps 244a, 244b. In the Figure 5 embodiment, the strip 244 is formed from plastics material and the leg portions 242a, 242b and joining flaps 244a, 244b are formed from paperboard. Further optionally, the leg portions 242a, 242b and joining flaps 244a, 244b may be provided as integral parts of the blank from which the package 230 is formed. A fold line may be provided between each leg portion 242b, 242a and the associated first side wall 214 and second side wall 218 to assist in the inward movement of each leg portion 242b, 242a as it operates as an actuator of the ejector mechanism 210.

[00124] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 6 to 8. In this further embodiment, the deformable element may be formed of paperboard. Further optionally, the paperboard deformable element may be formed as an integral part of the blank from which the package 330 is formed. The blank 305 from which the package is formed is shown in Figure 6. A top wall 312, first side wall 314, bottom wall 316, second side wall 218 may be foldably connected in series and may be attached by a glue flap 309 to form a tubular housing. At one end of the blank 305 the ejector mechanism may be provided. The ejector mechanism may be formed from a series of foldable and connectable panels 342a, 342b, 344a, 344b, 344c. Leg portions 342b, 342a may be hinged to the first and second side walls 314, 318 along fold lines and may be anchored thereto at region 345a, 345b by virtue of being formed as contiguous extensions. The pusher portion may be formed by three pusher panels or flaps 344a, 344b, 344c. The pusher flaps 344a, 344b may respectively be provided as respective extensions of the leg portions 342a, 342b. The main pusher flap 344c may be contiguously formed with one 344b of the pusher flaps. Optionally, one or more fold lines may bee provided between pusher flap 344b and pusher flap 344c. It will be recognized that rearrangement of the panel order can be undertaken to provide a blank 305 of different construction that when erected provides the same or similar package construction.

[00125] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, pusher flap 344a is folded into contact and adhered to pusher flap 344c. The end of the package may be at least partially closed by one or more limiter panels 328a, 328b. In Figure 9 a transparent view of a package formed from a blank at least similar to blank 305 is provided. In the gray outline, internal components of the package can be seen. The actuators 442a, 442b have been depressed by application of force (F) as a result the pusher portion 344a/344b/344c has been moved into the cavity of the package where the one or more articles 440 are received. The pusher portion 344a/344b/344c may adopt a substantially "V"-shaped structure during its temporary deformation.

[00126] In Figure 10 another embodiment of the ejector mechanism of the invention is illustrated. Blank 505 may include a series of panels 512, 514, 516, 518 for forming the primary walls of the package 530 shown in Figures 11 and 12. This arrangement of ejector mechanism differs in that the pusher portion optionally includes one or more clearance panels 546a, 546b hinged or foldably connected to the primary pusher panels 544a, 544b. Securing panel 544c may be provided to attach the primary pusher panels 544a, 544b to the leg portion 542b. It will be recognized that the pusher portion may be formed as a separate piece or, where provided as an integral part of the blank 505, may be reconfigured in blank form such that a join is made between other panels of the pusher portion, optionally for example, between primary pusher panels 544a and 544b.

[00127] The primary pusher panels 544a, 544b in this illustrated arrangement are connected by a fold line, line of demarcation or other suitable weakened line. The pusher portion 544a/544b may be a substantially "V"-shaped structure in its deformed state or position. The clearance panels 546a, 546b may increase the size of the pusher portion 544a/544b and optionally increase the contact between the pusher portion 544a/544b and the one or more articles 540. In Figure 12, a cut-away view of the package 530 illustrates the deformable element with pre-folded clearance panels 546a, 546b. The one or more clearance panels 546a, 546b may optionally be shaped to provide, along with a fold line between the two primary pusher panels 544a, 544b, an T -shaped leading edge. This may increase the contact between the leading edge of the pusher portion and the one or more articles to improve the effectiveness of the ejector mechanism 510. In other embodiments clearance panels may only be provided along the respective top edges of the primary pusher panels 544a, 544b; in other envisaged embodiments, clearance panels 546a, 546b may only be provided along the respective bottom edges of the primary pusher panels 544a, 544b. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the clearance panels 546a, 546b may be linked together by one or more fold lines.

[00128] In Figures 13 to 17, a kit of parts for forming a package having an ejector mechanism 610 provided as a separate insert is shown. The kit may include a package outer sleeve 612, an ejector mechanism 610 and a locking blister card 640. The mechanism 610 may include a deformable panel or pusher portion 644, a pair of depressible actuators 642a, 642b connected together in a substantially rectangular structure by means of top strip 674a, and bottom strip 674b. The mechanism 610, once inserted into the outer sleeve 612 of the package, may be hidden from view with the exception of the pair of depressible actuators 642a, 642b which may be exposed by shaped, cut-away chamfered corners 690a, 690b. A limiter panel 628a is optionally provided by the outer sleeve 612 of the package. In alternative embodiments, the limiter panel 628a may be provided by the mechanism insert 610.

[00129] The locking blister card 640 may have a tail flap 672 folded over a main portion of the blister card 640. An edge 671 of the locking tail flap 627 may serve as an engaging edge for catching the tail flap 672 against an edge 673 provided by the top strip 674a of the mechanism insert 610. A cross-section through the constructed and loaded package, shows how the edge 671 of tail flap 672 may abut, contact or otherwise engage an edge 673 provided by the top strip 674a of the mechanism insert 610. A depressible release tab 670 provided on the package outer surface may be used to push the locking tail flap 672 out of locking engagement with the edge 673 of the ejector mechanism 610. Depressing the actuators 642a, 642b, may cause deformation or activation of the deformable panel or pusher portion 644 toward the locking tail flap 672 and blister card 640 and may serve to push the blister card 640 out of the package. A user can then grasp the blister card 640 for further withdrawal.

[00130] In Figure 16, a retention mechanism and an alignment mechanism 622, 628 are shown. These mechanisms are described in greater detail below. Here, it is highlighted how the foldable flap 622 may be configured to have a "V"-shaped portion 690 that may engage or otherwise register with the blister card 640, optionally to create a step-wise withdrawal of the blister card as the "V"-shaped portion drops into registry between each pair of adjacent blisters. The opposite end of the foldable flap 622 may also serve as a stopper to prevent complete withdrawal of the blister card from the package. See Figure 17 where a cross-sectional illustration shows the locking tail flap 672 catching onto the foldable flap 622.

[00131] A further application of the ejector or pushing mechanism of the previously described embodiments is to use the pushing mechanism to deactivate a lock. In other words, the invention also provides an unlocking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism is a second application of the mechanisms 10, 1 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 already described and illustrated. To illustrate this second advantageous application of the pusher or ejector mechanisms of the invention, a further illustrated embodiment is provided. In Figures 18 to 20 a locking and unlocking mechanism is illustrated. A mechanism is provided in a package having a series of primary walls including a top wall 712, bottom wall and first and second side walls. The package may be configured to accommodate a locking card having a locking tail flap 772, such as the blister strip 740 shown in Figure 18. The locking tail flap 772 may be folded over a main portion of the blister slide card 740. To release the tail flap 772 from locking engagement with an inner edge or aperture of the package (not shown), the depressible actuators 742a, 742b may be pressed inwardly toward the first and second walls. This action causes the pusher portion 744b to be re-shaped and move into the cavity of the package and over the tail flap 772 thereby pushing the tail flap 772 down and out of engagement with the inside of the package. The pusher portion 744b may be restricted from deforming in the opposite direction by virtue of the presence of the limiter panel 728a. The limiter panel 728a is optionally provided by the outer sleeve of the package. Once the locking flap is released from locking engagement, a user can grasp the blister card 740 and at least partially remove it from the package.

[00132] In Figure 21 an optional variation of a package having a mechanism for unlocking a tail flap is shown, wherein the tail flap 872 is caught on or otherwise engages an edge 871 that may be provided by a shaped portion of an inner panel 852 of an outer sleeve 812. The shaped portion may be a square shaped recess against which a forward edge of the tail flap 872 abuts.

[00133] Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more foldable flaps 22, 26; 122, 126; 322, 326; 422, 426; 522, 526; 622, 626; 722; 922, 926; which may provide a retention mechanism (see Figure 22) and which may provide an alignment mechanism (see Figure 24 for example). These mechanisms optionally operate in conjunction with each other and optionally operate in conjunction with the ejector and/or unlocking mechanisms hereto described. However, it is envisaged that advantageous application of these mechanisms may be found apart from with the ejector and/or unlocking mechanisms. Optional embodiments of the retention mechanism and alignment mechanism are now described.

[00134] With reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8, there is shown a retention and/or alignment mechanism that co-operates with the ejector mechanism 610. At the end of the blank 305 of Figure 6, opposite to the ejector mechanism, one or more foldable flaps 322, 326 may be provided for blocking or at least partially closing an otherwise open end of the package and/or for positioning one or more articles correctly within the package. The foldable flaps 322, 326 are, in this arrangement of similar construction. They may be of similar length and each may have two transverse fold lines 388 which segregate the foldable flaps 322, 326 into three sections. A first section is provided closest to the connection with the top and bottom walls; a second section is provided immediately next to the first section and a third section is optionally provided at the innermost end of the foldable flap 322, 326 once it is positioned within the package.

[00135] The foldable flaps 322, 326 may be hingedly connected to the top wall 312 and bottom wall 316 respectively. The hinged connection between the top wall 312 and bottom wall 316 is optionally provided by a single or double fold line. Optionally the blank 305 is formed of paperboard and the single or double fold line is used to crease the material along a line so that the foldable flaps 322, 326 can be folded inwardly of the package 330. Preferably, before folding the foldable flaps 322, 326 inwardly of the package 330, the lines of demarcation, crease lines or folds 388 are creased so that the three distinct sections or portions of the foldable flaps 322, 326 are formed. This pre-creasing results in a flat panel being formed into a 3-dimensional structure 322, 326.

[00136] The foldable flaps 322, 326 may be folded inwardly onto or toward the top wall 312 and bottom wall 316 prior to the tubular structure of the package being formed. Once inside the housing the foldable flaps may provide a pair of sandwiching flaps that may clamp the one or more articles therebetween. More specifically, the surfaces of the second segments may provide an area for clamping and/or supporting the one or more articles. The foldable flaps 322, 326 may use friction and/or the material's natural tendency to return to its unfolded state and/or the three-segment structure to clamp the articles and to block or close the open end of the package. In this way a mechanism is provided that serves to retain the one or more articles within the package and a mechanism is provided that serves to place the articles correctly within the package to ensure optimum co-operation with the ejector mechanism. More specifically, the rear end of the articles that may be contacted by an ejector mechanism may be positioned within the package housing to ensure that the pusher of the ejector mechanism contacts the article contained in the package.

[00137] Optionally, the third segments (those that are furthest from the top wall 312 and bottom wall 316 when viewed in the blank 305) may be folded to provide a mouth or jaw. Optionally, the first segments (those that are closest to the top and bottom walls 312, 316 when viewed in the blank 305) may be sized to be at least 50% of the depth of the package. Preferably, the first segment of each foldable flap 322, 326 may have a depth that is about 60% to about 65% of the depth of the package. The middle section of each foldable flap 322, 326 is optionally the longest and provides a positioning element for the one or more articles when contained in the package.

[00138] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the retention mechanism may include only one flap. In Figure 23 a single foldable flap is shown. A shaped and structured part of the foldable flap 722 between the first and second segments provides a blocking portion; the blister card must be pulled past that blocking portion to enable its withdrawal. A force must be applied to overcome the tendency of the foldable flap 722 to want to unfold - relative to the top wall 712 and unfold from its creased three-segment state. This resistance may be sufficient to limit unintentional egress of the blister card.

[00139] Similarly it is envisaged that where two foldable flaps 622, 626 are provided, that they may not be of the same or similar length or shape. In Figure 24 two foldable flaps are shown. A central area provided by the second segment of flap 626 may provide a platform for raising and positioning the article within the package. The other foldable flap 622 is optionally shorter. The depth of the article 'a' may be greater than the width of the opening 'ο'. Therefore, a force must be applied to push each foldable flap 622, 626 toward the top or bottom wall respectively to insert or withdraw the article to or from the package. Tipping the package to orient it so that the opening is lowermost may not be sufficient to cause the one or more articles to exit the package. Additional force may be required to overcome the force exerted on the one or more articles by the resiliently biased flaps 622, 626.

[00140] An additional advantage of the retention mechanism of the invention is that because the flaps are folded inwardly and are configured to have a spring back or resilient bias, when the package comprises more than one article with an overall width of 'a' (wherein a = n x w, where n is the number of articles and w is the width of each article), when one article is removed and the overall article width is reduced, the or each folded flap 622, 626, springs back to further close the package around the remaining articles. Whereas the remaining articles then have an overall width of a' (wherein a' = (n-1) x w), the opening width will be reduced as well so that the remaining article or articles are still retained. [00141] In other envisaged embodiments, one or more embossments may be provided on one or more of the segments of the at least one foldable flaps. In Figure 26 for example, is it shown that a package formed from the blank 152 (also shown in Figure 3) may have substantially oval shaped embossed regions 189 on each of the second segments of each foldable flap 122, 126. Preferably, the embossed regions 189 may be pressed out of the non- coated side of a paperboard blank 152 such that a raised area 189 is formed on each of the coated sides of the blank 152. When the foldable flaps 122, 126 are folded and face one another the embossed areas 189 may provide a way of further structuring the flaps to create a tight sandwiching of any articles held therebetween. It will be recognized that more than one distinct area or path of embossment may be provided; that any embossed area is not restricted to being oval in shape and/or that other projections may be used to increase the frictional sandwiching of articles between the folded flaps 122, 126.

[00142] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that only one foldable flap is provided. In further embodiments, the or each foldable flap may comprise only one segment, more than one segment, two segments, optionally three segments or greater than three segments. Furthermore, it is envisaged that each segment may be defined by one or more of the following: a single fold line, a double fold line, a score line; a line of demarcation, an embossment, an embossed area, a half-depth cut and an alternating series of any of the preceding features. It is also envisaged that the alignment mechanism may comprise only one flap that has a segment providing an area for supporting the one or more articles to suspend them at an optimized or preferred height within the package. Additionally, the alignment mechanism may comprise two folded flaps comprising segments each providing an area for supporting the one or more articles to suspend them at an optimized or preferred height within the package.

[00143] In optional combination of the aforedescribed features of the invention it is envisaged that a package may be formed from a single blank that provides at one end an ejector mechanism and at the other end a retention mechanism and an alignment mechanism. Such an arrangement is illustrated by the blank A of Figure 25A. Alternatively, a package may be formed from a pair of blanks, an inner one or which B (see Figure 25B) provides an ejector mechanism and an outer one or which C (see Figure 25 C) provides the retention mechanism and/or alignment mechanism. [00144] Figure 27 shows a paperboard blank 1 101 that can be formed into a sleeve 1 100 with an ejector mechanism for pushing a content item out of the finished sleeve (see Figure 35). In general, although not meant to be limiting, for the drawings of the blank, solid lines indicate edges or cuts while dashed lines indicate folds or hidden parts. In the drawings of the assembled or partly assembled sleeve, partly folded lines may be indicated with dashed lines, while finished fold lines (e.g. corners of the finished structure) may be shown with solid lines. The blank may be any suitable sheet material, such as paperboard, plastic, or combinations thereof. Although using a single blank, as shown, may be advantageous for handling and forming, the sleeve could also be made from more than one blank.

[00145] Blank 1 101 may include a series of hingedly joined sections. The these sections may include a first or left panel 11 10, a second or back panel 1120, a third or right panel 1130, a fourth or front panel 1 140, and a fifth or glue panel 1 104. These sections may be hingedly or foldably attached together by fold lines 1109, 1 1 19, 1 129, 1139. When glue panel 1104 is attached to the inside or outside surface of front panel 1 140, a tubular structure is created. Closure flaps 1122, 1142 may be hingedly connected to the upper edges (as viewed in Figure 27) of panels 1120, 1140 along fold lines 1 143, 1 144 respectively to close, or at least partly close, a first end of the tubular structure. Closure flaps 1 122, 1 142 may extend outward from the respective fold lines 1143, 1144 of back panel 1 120 and front panel 1140. A second end of the tubular structure may be left open, but may have one or more optional inward foldable flaps hingedly connected to one or more of the panels 1 110, 1 120, 1130, 1140 along one or more fold lines. In the example of Figure 27, inward foldable flap 1141 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of front panel 1140 along fold line 1 145 to provide a smooth edge to the open end of the sleeve, or to provide a frictional retaining means, a guiding spacer, or a withdrawal stop for a content item to be received in the sleeve. Such an optional inward foldable flap may be provided on either or both of front panel 1140 and back panel 1120, or on side panels 1 110, 1130. On the other hand, these optional inward foldable flaps may be omitted.

[00146] The respective upward corners of back panel 1 120 and front panel 1140 may be beveled or otherwise partly cut away as shown in Figures 27, 30, 31 and 33 at "B".

[00147] Extending from the first, partially closed end of the sleeve, and hingedly connected to left panel 1 110 along fold line 1 146, is left toggle structure 1 1 11. The toggle structure 11 11 may include toggle outside wall 1 112, toggle top wall 1 113, toggle inside wall 1 115, toggle bottom wall 11 16, and toggle glue tab 1 117. These portions of the toggle structure 1 1 11 are hingedly joined together by fold lines 1 147, 1 148, 1149, 1 150. Finger 1 114 may be struck at least in part from toggle side wall 11 15 and joined to toggle top wall 1 113 such that it extends from toggle top wall 1 113 into toggle inside wall 1 115. Similarly, and hingedly connected to right panel 1 130 along fold line 1151, is right toggle structure 1 131 that includes toggle outside wall 1 132, toggle top wall 1 133, toggle inside wall 1135, toggle bottom wall 1136, and toggle glue tab 1 137. These walls and tabs are hingedly connected together along fold lines 1 152, 1153, 1154 and 1 155. Aperture 1134 may be defined at least in toggle inside wall 1135 to receive finger 11 14 upon assembly. Finger 11 14 may be greater in length along the length LI than aperture 1 134 (see Figure 27).

[00148] The toggle outside walls 1 112, 1 132 and toggle inside walls 1 115, 1135 may have equal lengths LI . The toggle top walls 11 13, 1133 and toggle bottom walls 11 16, 1136 may likewise have equal lengths L2. The lengths LI and L2 may be different or may be equal.

[00149] Figure 28 shows a first step of the sleeve-forming process in which left toggle structure 11 11 is formed into a collapsed first parallelogram structure by folding part of the left toggle structure sections inward along one 1 148 of the intervening fold lines. Toggle glue tab 1 117 may be attached to the inside surface of toggle outside wall 1 1 12 (see tab 11 17 depicted in the dotted lines in Figure 28) or of the left panel 1 110 (see the tab 1 117 depicted in the dot-and-dash lines in Figure 28) for example by adhesive. Likewise right toggle structure 1 131 is formed into a collapsed second parallelogram structure by folding the right toggle structure sections inward along fold line 1 153. The toggle glue tab 1 137 may be attached to the inside surface of toggle outside wall 1 132 (see tab 1137 depicted in the dotted lines in Figure 28) or of the right panel 1130 (see the tab 1137 depicted in the dot-and-dash lines in Figure 28) for example by adhesive.

[00150] Figure 29 shows a second step of the sleeve-forming process in which the blank of Figure 28 is formed into a flat sleeve form. Starting from the blank as shown in Figure 28, left panel 11 10 and glue panel 1104 may be folded to the right along fold line 11 19, over back panel 1 120. Adhesive such as glue may be applied to the outside surface of glue panel 1 104 and then front panel 1140 may be folded to the left along fold line 1 139 over right panel 1 130 and partly over back panel 1120. This places glue panel 1 104 under the edge of front panel 1 140 so that the glue panel 1 104 may be secured to the inside surface of front panel 1140. During this step of the formation of the flat sleeve, inward flap 1 141 may be folded inside the sleeve. Inward flap 1141 may optionally be secured or adhered to the inside surface of front panel 1 140.

[00151] Figure 30 shows a third step of the sleeve-forming process in which the flat sleeve of Figure 29 is erected into an expanded, three-dimensional form as illustrated in Figure 30. The toggle structures 11 1 1, 1131 are shown as half-erected and extending upward from the 'closed' end of the expanded sleeve.

[00152] Figure 31 shows the toggle structures 11 11, 1 131 having been fully opened into rectangular forms. However, in actual sleeve-forming process, this toggle structure- opening process may be achieved by simply folding the flat toggle structures 11 11, 1 131 (such as shown in Figure 30) inwardly into the expanded sleeve. By such means, the toggle structures 1 11 1, 1131 will automatically be erected or opened as best shown in Figure 32 in which the toggle structures 11 1 1, 1131 each takes the form of a parallelogram. As the toggle structures 1 11 1, 1131 are further folded inward, finger 1 1 14 on the left toggle structure extends from the toggle top wall 11 13 and approaches the aperture 1134 in the toggle inside wall 1135 of the right toggle structure 1131.

[00153] Figure 33 shows a further sleeve forming step in which the toggle structures 11 1 1, 1131 are rotated nearly completely into the tubular structure. Finger 1 114 on the left toggle structure 1 11 1 may be inserted into aperture 1134 to hingedly connect the two toggle structures 11 11, 1 131 together. At this point, closure flaps 1 122 and 1142 may be folded down and fastened together over the toggle structures 1 11 1, 1131. This completes the assembly of the sleeve. A content item such as a card, tray, or other suitable structure P (see Figure 35) may be slid into the sleeve through its open end (opposite from the closure flaps 1 122, 1142).

[00154] The toggle structures 1 1 11, 1 131 at the closed end of the sleeve provide an ejector mechanism by which a content item inside the sleeve may be pushed toward the open end of the sleeve. The action of the ejector mechanism is illustrated in the cross sections shown in Figures 34A, 34B and 35. Figure 34A shows the toggle structures or ejector mechanism inside the erected sleeve, just after closing the closure flaps 1 122, 1142. As seen in Figure 34A showing a "non activated" state of the ejector mechanism, the toggle structures may have a substantially rectangular aspect (a rectangle itself being a form of parallelogram) as shown in Figure 34A. When the toggle outside walls 11 12, 1132 are slightly pressed inward of the sleeve, the toggle structures 11 11, 1131 tend to move inward into the sleeve. This is because the closure flaps 1122, 1142 may prevent the toggle structures from moving outward from the sleeve. The closure flaps may also provide some strength to this end of the sleeve. As described earlier, the toggle structures may each form a link having a

parallelogram shape, composed of four linked elements, i.e., the toggle outside wall, the toggle inside wall, the toggle top wall and the toggle bottom wall. When the toggle outside wall of each toggle structure is depressed inward, all the other linked elements, i.e., the toggle inside wall, the toggle top wall and toggle bottom wall, are affected to move their positions while that toggle structure changes its form to take different shapes of parallelogram. As the toggle structures are pressed inward to their "activated" state, their shape may take on non- rectangular aspect (e.g. a non-rectangular parallelogram), as shown in Figure 34B.

[00155] Figure 34B shows the response of the toggle structures when a pressing or compression force XI, X2 is exerted upon the toggle outside walls 11 12, 1132. The beveled areas B (see Figure 33) which leave partly open areas on back panel 1 120 and/or front panel 1 140 provide easier access for pressing on the toggle outside walls 11 12, 1 132. However, if desired the beveled areas may be omitted such that the triangular openings (see Figure 37) at the closed end of the sleeve is covered by the unbevelled, square corner portion of the back panel and therefore hidden from view.

[00156] Referring further to Figure 34B, the toggle structures may have their respective fixed or stationary pivots pi where the toggle outside walls 1 1 12, 1 132 may be hingedly attached to the left panel 1 1 10 and right panel 1 130 respectively. Thus, as force XI, X2 is applied sideways against toggle outside walls 11 12, 1 132, those walls may pivot inward and downward toward the open end of the sleeve. The parallelogram shape of each toggle structure may help them to move smoothly and strongly inward and downward. As seen in Figure 34B, all four walls of each toggle structure may move. Each toggle structure may have a single fixed pivot pi. The toggle structures also may have a movable pivot p2 where the left and right toggle structures 1 11 1, 1131 may be joined together by finger 11 14 received in aperture 1134. Finger 1 114 may be greater in length than aperture 1134 to prevent the finger 1 114 from dislodging from the aperture 1134 during the toggle action. Thus structured and linked together, the left and right toggle structures, when undergoing the pressing force XI, X2, allow the respective toggle outside walls 11 12, 1 132 to swing inward about the respective pivots pi at angle Θ1 with respect to the left and right walls 1 110, 1 130. This causes the bottom wall panels 11 16, 1136 to swing (90° less angle Θ2) downward about the pivots pi from their locations in Figure 34A toward the open end of the sleeve. (Here, angle Θ2 is the angle between each toggle bottom wall and the adjacent one of the right and left walls 11 10, 1130.) This results in contact points p3 of the toggle structures moving from their initial locations in Figure 34A (where the points p3 are aligned laterally with points pi) to their respective downwardly advanced locations p3 as shown in Figure 34B. Here the contact points p3 are the respective portions of the toggle structures 1 11 1, 1 131 which are brought into contact with, or pressed against, the rear or upper end(s) of a content item(s) when such an item(s) is fully received in the sleeve. The travel distance of each point p3 from its initial location to the downwardly advanced location is denoted by "Dl" in Figure 34B. The travel distance D 1 may control the length of the forward end portion(s) of a content item(s) that may protrude from, or be ejected out of, the open end of the sleeve. In a typical example, the travel distance D l may be generally equal to the ejected length of the content item, which will be described later in more details. In general, as the toggle outside walls 11 12, 1 132 are inwardly pivoted further, the toggle bottom walls 1116, 1 136 are downwardly pivoted further. Stated differently, as angle Θ1 increases, angle Θ2 decreases. The travel distance Dl is a function of: length LI of the toggle outside wall; width W of the sleeve; and angles Θ1 and Θ2. The length LI and width W are preferably determined by the content item(s). However, length LI and/or width W may be increased or decreased depending on design intent and product requirements. It is preferred that those dimensions are determined while the balance between ergonomics and structural integrity is considered for optimal performance. Based on the above description, it may be readily understood that pressing force XI, X2 applied to the toggle structures to laterally inwardly move the toggle outside walls provides an ejection force Yl to push a content item(s) toward the open end of the sleeve. Stated differently, a sideways movement of, or force of XI, X2 exerted on, the toggle outside walls 1 112, 1 132 may be converted through the parallelogram toggle structures into downward movement of the toggle bottom walls, or force Yl which may be perpendicular to the force XI, X2.

However, if the forces XI, X2 are not purely sideways, the resultant forces Yl may be at an angle other than perpendicular to XI, X2. Instead of the two toggle structures being joined at point p2 by finger 1 114 and aperture 1 134, they may be joined by other methods including but not limited to tape, glue, thread, staple, or other suitable devices.

[00157] Figure 35 shows the sleeve 1 100 in use. The sleeve may contain a product item P such as a blister card, paperboard card, tray, or other item sized and shaped to be received into the sleeve. The user may, for example, hold the sleeve in one hand (here the right hand) while pressing or pinching (at XI, X2) upon toggle outside walls 1 112, 1 132. The action shown in Figures 34A, 348 B then causes the toggle structures 1 11 1, 1131 to push at least part of product item P from the open end of the sleeve as shown by arrow Y. The toggle structures upon release may return to their original state or initial position (Figure 34A) either by the "memory" of the folded materials, or upon the reverse forces from the product item P when it is pushed back into the sleeve by a user.

[00158] The content item or items can either consist of a substantially uncovered product (which is in direct contact with the sleeve as a primary package), or of a packaged product (where the product itself indirectly contacts with the sleeve as a secondary package). Figures 36 to 39 illustrate an example wherein the sleeve 1100 in Figure 35 is used as a secondary package.

[00159] Referring to Figure 36, there is shown a tray 1200 for receiving one or more content items. The tray 1200 may have a base wall 1206 to which a pair of side walls 1203, 1204 and a pair of end walls 1202, 1205 may be hingedly connected to define a product receiving cavity over the base wall 1206. The base wall 1206 may be provided with a locking aperture 1207 adjacent to the rear end wall 1202. The locking aperture 1207 may have a locking edge 1208 extending alongside the rear end wall 1202. The tray 1200 may be formed from various types of blanks and is not limited to the one formed from a blank in which the side and end walls are hingedly connected directly to the base wall 1206.

[00160] Figure 37 illustrates a composite packaging device wherein the tray 1200 has been slidingly received in the sleeve 1100 of Figure 35 in place of the item P. In Figure 37, the tray 1200 is disposed in its fully received position wherein the sleeve 1100 is in substantial contact at its rear end wall 1202 with the toggle bottom walls 1 1 16, 1 136 of the sleeve 1 100. When the tray 1200 is in the fully received position, the front end wall 1205 of the tray 1200 may be substantially aligned with the open end of the sleeve 1100 to close at least in part the open end of the sleeve 1100. In such a particular arrangement, the ejected length D2 (see Figure 38) of the tray 1200 may be generally equal to the travel distance Dl (see Figure 34B) as will be described later again. The side walls 1203, 1204 of the tray 1200 may be disposed along the inside surface of the walls 1 130, 1 110 of the sleeve 1 100 respectively while the base wall 1206 of the tray 1200 may be in substantial contact with the inside surface of the panel 1 140 of the sleeve 1 100.

[00161] Figure 38 shows the composite packaging device wherein the ejector mechanism has been activated to partially eject the tray 1200 out of the sleeve 1 100 through its open end. The forward end portion of the tray 1200 is shown as having been ejected outside the tray 1200. The ejected length D2 of the tray 1200 in this particular embodiment may be generally equal to the travel distance Dl of the points p3 as shown in Figure 34B. In other words, the ejected length D2 of the tray 1200 may be a function of Length LI, width W and angles Θ1 and Θ2.

[00162] Figure 39 illustrates the composite packaging device wherein tray 1200 has been further withdrawn from the sleeve 1 100 by a user to a position where the user can access the content item(s); however, the tray has been captured by the flap 1141 of the sleeve 1100 such that the tray 1200 is prevented from fully withdrawn from the sleeve 1100. The flap 1141 may capture the tray 1200 at its locking edge 1208 of the locking aperture 1207 as shown in Figures 36 and 39.

[00163] In the forgoing embodiment, the ejector mechanism has been described as constructed by a pair of toggle structures each having a parallelogram shape. However, the sleeve, blank thereof, composite packaging device and/or ejector mechanism of the invention may be provided by using only a single toggle structure. In such an embodiment where only one toggle structure is used, the toggle structure may be hingedly connected to one of the right and left walls of the sleeve and may extend partway or all the way to the other of the right and left wall. The toggle inside wall of the single toggle structure may be in sliding contact with the inside surface of the other of the right and left wall such that when the toggle outside wall of the single toggle structure is pressed inward of the sleeve, the inside end of the top wall may be allowed to slide along the inside surface of the other of the right and left wall of the sleeve such that the contact point of the single toggle structure can advance toward the open end of the sleeve. Such an embodiment may be useful for sleeves having a relatively small width such as about 1 inch or less. [00164] Figures 40 - 47 show another embodiment of ejector mechanism similar to the embodiment in Figures 10 - 12. It will be recognized that certain features of the package, and of its assembly and operation, are similar. Here instead of a single blank, two blanks are used, with main blank 1504 to form the major part of the package with ejector blank 1505 to form the ejector mechanism. Main blank 1504 may include a series of panels 1512, 1514, 1516, 1518 for forming the primary walls of the package 1530 shown in Figures 46 and 47. This arrangement of ejector mechanism differs in that a separate ejector blank 1505 forms the ejector or pusher portion, which optionally comprises one or more clearance panels 1546A, 1546B hinged or foldably connected to the primary pusher panels 1544A, 1544B. Securing panels 1542A, 1544C may be provided to attach the primary pusher panels 1544A, 1544B to the leg portions 1542, 1542B respectively. It will be recognized that the pusher portion may be formed as a separate piece as shown here or, where provided as an integral part of the main blank 1504, may be reconfigured in blank form such that a join is made between other panels of the pusher portion and the main portion.

[00165] The primary pusher panels 1544A, 1544B in this illustrated arrangement are connected by a fold line, line of demarcation or other suitable weakened line. The pusher portion 1544A/1544B may be a substantially "V"-shaped structure in its deformed state or position. The clearance panels 1546A, 1546B may increase the size of the pusher portion 1544A/1544B and optionally increase the contact between the pusher portion 1544A/1544B and the one or more articles 1540.

[00166] Figure 41 is a perspective view after main blank 1504 has been formed into a tubular shape that will have an open (lower) end e.g. partly defined by edge 1582, and an opposed end that may be partly closed by limiter panels 1528A, 1528B.

[00167] Figure 42 is a general perspective view of the ejector blank 1505 having been partly folded to fit on the end of a tool or mandrel M. Primary pusher panels 1544A, 1544B may be placed on the end of mandrel M, with clearance panels 1546A, 1546B folded upon the major faces (or top and bottom) of the mandrel, with securing panels 1542A, 1544C folded upon the minor faces (sides) of the mandrel. Figure 43 is an end perspective view of the ejector upon the mandrel.

[00168] Figure 44 is a perspective view of the ejector assembly upon the mandrel, being pushed into the open end of the package. Figure 45 is a perspective view of the opposite end of the package, partly closed by limiter panels 1528A, 1528B. The open corners at this end reveal the ejector mechanism, showing portions of the primary pusher panels 1544A, 1544B facing in the end direction, clearance panels 1546A, 1546B facing the top (and bottom, not shown) of the package, and securing panels 1542A, 1544C facing the sides of the package and provided to attach the primary pusher panels 1544A, 1544B to the leg portions 1542, 1542B respectively. It will be recognized that the pusher portion may be formed as a separate piece as shown here or, where provided as an integral part of the main blank 1504, may be reconfigured in blank form such that a join is made between other panels of the pusher portion and the main portion.

[00169] Figures 48 - 61 illustrate another embodiment of the invention, using a single- sided ejector mechanism, which is in certain aspects similar to the double-sided ejector mechanism of Figures 27 -39.

[00170] Figure 48 shows a paperboard blank 1601 that can be formed into a sleeve 1600 with an ejector mechanism for pushing a content item out of the finished sleeve (see Figure 60). In general, although not meant to be limiting, for the drawings of this and other blanks, solid lines indicate edges or cuts while dashed lines indicate folds or hidden parts. In the drawings of the assembled or partly assembled sleeve, partly folded lines may be indicated with dashed lines, while finished fold lines (e.g. corners of the finished structure) may be shown with solid lines. The blank may be any suitable sheet material, such as paperboard, plastic, or combinations thereof. Although using a single blank, as shown, may be advantageous for handling and forming, the sleeve could also be made from more than one blank.

[00171] Blank 1601 may include a series of hingedly joined sections. The sections may include a first or back panel 1610, a second or left panel 1620, a third or front panel 1630, a fourth or right panel 1640, and a fifth or glue panel 1604. These sections may be hingedly or foldably attached together by fold lines 1609, 1619, 1629, 1639. When glue panel 1604 is attached to the inside or outside surface of right panel 1640, a tubular structure is created. Closure flaps 1622, 1642 are hingedly connected to the upper edges (as viewed in Figure 48) of panels 1620, 1640 along fold lines 1643, 1644 respectively to close, or at least partly close, a first end of the tubular structure. Closure flaps 1622, 1642 extend outward from the respective fold lines 1643, 1644 of left panel 1620 and right panel 1640. A second end of the tubular structure may be left open, but may have one or more optional inward foldable flaps hingedly connected to one or more of the panels 1610, 1620, 1630, 1640 along one or more fold lines. In the example of Figure 48, inward foldable flap 1641 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of back panel 1640 along fold line 1645 to provide a smooth edge to the open end of the sleeve, or to provide a frictional retaining means, a guiding spacer, or a withdrawal stop for a content item to be received in the sleeve. Such an optional inward foldable flap may be provided on either or both of right panel 1640 and left 1620, or on back and front panels 1610, 1630. On the other hand, these optional inward foldable flaps may be omitted.

[00172] The respective upward corners of left panel 1620 and right panel 1640 may be beveled or otherwise partly cut away as shown in Figure 48 at "B".

[00173] Extending from the first, partially closed end of the sleeve, and hingedly connected to an upper portion 1612 of back panel 1610 along fold line 1647, is toggle structure 1611. The toggle structure 1611 may include upper portion 1612 of back panel 1610, toggle top wall 1613, toggle front wall 1615, toggle bottom wall 1616, and toggle glue tab 1617. These portions of the toggle structure 1611 may be hingedly joined together by fold lines 1647, 1648, 1649, 1650.

[00174] The upper portion 1612 of back panel 1610, and toggle front wall 1615, may have equal lengths LI . The toggle top wall 1613 and toggle bottom wall 1616 may likewise have equal lengths L2. The lengths LI and L2 may be different or may be equal.

[00175] Figure 49 shows a step of the sleeve-forming process in which toggle structure 1611 is formed into a collapsed parallelogram structure by folding part of the toggle structure sections inward along fold lines 1647, 1648, 1649, 1650 (to form the structure in Figure 50). Toggle glue tab 1617 may be attached to the inside surface of upper portion 1612 of back wall 1610 for example by adhesive.

[00176] Figure 50 shows the structure after forming the collapsed parallelogram. Figure 51 shows the structure with the parallelogram in an open configuration, as may be achieved when the elasticity of the fold lines causes the parallelogram to unflatten. Figure 51 also shows flap 1641 is folded inwardly along fold line 1645 to provide a smooth edge to the open end of the sleeve, or to provide a frictional retaining means, a guiding spacer, or a withdrawal stop for a content item to be received in the sleeve. [00177] Figure 52 shows a further stage in forming the sleeve, as the panels are folded along fold lines 1609, 1619, 1629, and 1639 to form a tubular structure that may be held together by attaching glue panel 1604 to right panel 1640, as finally seen in Figure 53. For example as shown in Figure 52, back panel 1610 and glue panel 1604 may be folded to the left along fold line 1619, over left panel 1620. Adhesive such as glue may be applied to the outside surface of glue panel 1604 and then right panel 1640 may be folded to the right along fold line 1639 over front panel 1630 and partly over left panel 1620. This places glue panel 1604 under the edge of right panel 1640 so that the glue panel 1604 is secured to the inside surface of right panel 1640. During this step of the formation of the flat sleeve, inward flap 1641 may be folded inside the sleeve. Inward flap 1641 may optionally be secured or adhered to the inside surface of right panel 1640. However an inward flap extension 1641A may be left unadhered, for example to serve as a withdrawal stop for a content item to be received in the sleeve.

[00178] Figure 53 shows a partially finished sleeve 1600 with toggle top wall 1613 extending from the upper end of the sleeve. Figure 54 shows another view with the toggle visible between closure flaps 1622, 1642.

[00179] Figure 55 shows the toggle structure 1611 having been opened into a parallelogram or box-like shape that is folded inwardly into the expanded sleeve 1600. Figure 56 shows the parallelogram structure 1611 folded further downward and inward. The size and shape of the toggle structure 161 1 may be set by appropriately sizing upper portion 1612 of back panel 1610, toggle top wall 1613, toggle front wall 1615, and toggle bottom wall 1616. For example as shown in Figure 56, the toggle structure 1611 may be designed to occupy the area left by bevel "B" and thereby, may form a rectangular prism with the rest of sleeve 1600. At this point (as shown in Figures 56, 57, and 58A) toggle structure 161 1 may have the shape of a rectangle (which is a form of parallelogram).

[00180] Finally, as shown in Figure 57, closure flaps 1622, 1642 may be folded downward and inward and fastened together to at least partly close the upper ('closed') end of sleeve 1600. The fold line 1618 (which is an extension of the folded edge 1619) may be left uncut, providing some rigidity to the upper part of the sleeve.

[00181] The toggle structure 161 1 at the closed end of sleeve 1600 provides an ejector mechanism by which a content item inside the sleeve may be pushed toward the open end of the sleeve. The action of the ejector mechanism is illustrated in the cross sections shown in Figures 58A and 58B. Figure 58A shows the toggle structure or ejector mechanism 161 1 inside the erected sleeve, just after closing the closure flaps 1622, 1642 seen at the top. When the toggle structure 1611 is pressed inward relative to the sleeve as shown by a pressing or compressive force X3 (for example by pressing on toggle top wall 1613 and/or or toggle front wall 1615), the toggle structure 1611 tends to move into the sleeve and toward the open end of the sleeve. The closure flaps 1622, 1642 may prevent the toggle structure from moving outward from the sleeve, e.g. from the closed end.. The closure flaps 1622, 1642 may also provide some strength to the closed end of the sleeve, as may the upper portion 1612 of back panel 1610. As it moves into the sleeve, the toggle structure may form a non-rectangular parallelogram shape, composed of four linked elements, i.e., the toggle back wall 1612 which is the upper portion of the back wall 1610, the toggle top wall 1613, the toggle front wall 1615, and the toggle bottom wall 1616. When force X3 is applied to the toggle top wall 1613 and/or toggle front wall 1615, the parallelogram shape of toggle structure 1611 may change its form from the rectangular parallelogram of Figure 58A to the oblique (non rectangular) parallelogram of Figure 58B.

[00182] Figure 58B shows the response of the toggle structures when a pressing or compression force X3 is exerted upon the toggle top wall 1613 and/or toggle front wall 1615. A beveled area B may be provided partly open areas on left panel 1620 and/or right panel 1640 to provide easier access for pressing on the toggle walls 1613, 1615. However, if desired the beveled areas may be omitted such that the triangular openings at the closed end of the sleeve are covered by unbevelled, square corner portions of the back and front panels and may therefore be hidden from view.

[00183] Referring further to Figure 58B, toggle structure 1611 may have a fixed or stationary pivot pi where the toggle bottom wall 1616 may be hingedly attached to the back panel 1610 (for example by glue flap 1617). Toggle structure 1611 may also have a fixed or stationary pivot p2 where the toggle top wall 1613 may be hingedly attached to the toggle outside wall 1612. Thus, as force X3 is applied, the three walls 1613, 1615, 1616 may pivot inward and downward toward the open end of the sleeve, while the fourth wall 1612 may remain stationary. In an alternate embodiment, all four walls may pivot about a single fixed pivot pi, somewhat similar to the action seen in Figure 34B, for example if fold line 1618 is cut to allow toggle outside wall 1612 to pivot. The parallelogram shape of toggle structure 161 1 helps it to move smoothly and strongly inward and downward about the respective pivots pi, p2 at angle Θ1 with respect to the back wall 1610. This may cause the toggle bottom wall 1616 to swing (90° less angle Θ2) downward about pivot pi from its location in Figure 58A toward the open end of the sleeve. (Here, angle Θ2 is the angle between toggle bottom wall 1616 and the adjacent back panel 1610.) This results in contact point p3 of the toggle structure moving from its initial location in Figure 58A (where the point p3 is aligned laterally with point pi) to its downwardly advanced location p3 as shown in Figure 58B. Here the contact point p3 is the respective portion of the toggle structure 161 1 which is brought into contact with, or pressed against, the rear or upper end(s) of a content item(s) when such an item(s) is fully received in the sleeve. The travel distance of point p3 from its initial location to the downwardly advanced location is denoted by "D2" in Figure 58B. The travel distance D2 controls the length of the forward end portion(s) of a content item(s) that may protrude from, or be ejected out of, the open end of the sleeve. In a typical example, the travel distance D2 may be generally equal to the ejected length of the content item. In general, as the toggle front wall 1615 is inwardly pivoted further, the toggle bottom wall 1616 is downwardly pivoted further. Stated differently, as angle Θ1 increases, angle Θ2 decreases. The travel distance D2 is a function of: length L2 of the toggle front wall 1615; width W2 of the sleeve; and angles Θ1 and Θ2. The length L2 and width W2 are preferably determined by the content item(s). However, length L2 and/or width W2 may be increased or decreased depending on design intent and product requirements. It is preferred that those dimensions are determined while the balance between ergonomics and structural integrity is considered for optimal performance. Based on the above description, it may be readily understood that pressing force X3 applied to the toggle structure to downwardly or inwardly move the toggle walls provides an ejection force Y2 to push a content item(s) toward the open end of the sleeve. Stated differently, a downward or sideways movement or force X3 exerted on the toggle walls 1613, 1615 is converted through the parallelogram toggle structure into downward movement of the toggle bottom wall 1616 and point p3, which is realized as ejection force Y2. If the force X3 is downward (e.g. toward the open end), it may be translated through the parallelogram to a parallel or in-line ejection force Y2. However if the force X3 is not purely downward, then the resulting ejection force Y2 may not be exactly parallel or in-line with force X3. [00184] The content item or items can either consist of a substantially uncovered product (which is in direct contact with the sleeve as a primary package), or of a packaged product (where the product itself indirectly contacts with the sleeve as a secondary package). Figure 61 illustrates an example wherein the sleeve 1600 of Figure 57 is used as a secondary package.

[00185] Figure 59 shows a plan view of a blank 1701 for forming a tray or container 1700 to be enclosed in sleeve 1600. The tray or container 1700 is just one example of many content items that may be housed in the sleeve. Blank 1701 may include a bottom panel 1730 with side panels 1720, 1740 hingedly attached along fold lines 1725, 1735 and front end panel 1732 and rear end panel 1736 hingedly attached along fold lines 1731, 1737. The blank may further include interior side panels 1710, 1750 and interior end panels 1734, 1738 hingedly attached along fold lines 1715, 1745, 1733, 1739. The blank may also include corner flaps 1722, 1726, 1742, 1746 attached to the side panels along fold lines 1721, 1727, 1741, 1747. These corner flaps may be received between the end panels 1732, 1736 and interior end panels 1734, 1738 in the finished tray 1700. An aperture 1760 may be provided in bottom panel 1730 to engage inward folded flap 1641 of sleeve 1600.

[00186] Figure 60 shows a perspective view of tray 1700 formed from blank 1701.

[00187] As shown in Figure 61, the toggle structure 1611 at the closed end of sleeve 1600 provides an ejector mechanism by which a content item such as the tray 1700 contained inside sleeve 1600 may be pushed toward the open end of the sleeve. The action of this single-parallelogram ejector mechanism is similar in nature to that of the double- parallelogram ejector mechanism described previously. The user may for example hold the sleeve in hand H and simply press a finger F against the ejector mechanism to cause tray 1700 to slide from the open end of sleeve 1600.

[00188] In this description the terms front, forward, back, rear, left, right, up, down, bottom, base, end, side, etc. are used to describe the structures as shown in the drawings. These terms are not meant to be limiting.

[00189] It is believed that the present invention includes many other embodiments that may not be herein described in detail, but would nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the disclosures made. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated embodiments.