Package that provides immediate access

Abstract

The present invention relates to packaging, and more specifically, to a package comprising an outer sleeve, a primary package, a severance line and means for providing access. Also disclosed is an improved secondary package comprising an outer sleeve defining a recess, at least one severance line defining a tear strip and an access aperture defined at least in part by an access window and recess. Further disclosed is a method for dispensing product from a primary container comprising acquiring a package having an outer sleeve and a primary container which includes a dispenser end, and manipulating the dispenser to allow dispensing of a limited amount of product.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 711,880, filed Aug. 26, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to packaging, and more specifically, to a secondary package including a security feature for controllably accessing the contents of a primary package while still housed within the secondary package. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are numerous types of secondary packages used to store and display a variety of products housed within a primary package. Some conventional secondary packages include clam shells, cardboard boxes, paperboards, containers, shrink wraps, combinations thereof, and the like. Generally, the secondary packages, containing both the primary package and the product, are stored and displayed on a shelf or a rack of a store. [0004] Often consumers wish to have immediate, even if limited, access...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Regarding the embodiments illustrated herein, as well as those described, taught, and covered by the claims, the secondary package may comprise any shape or size, and may comprise plastic, paperboard, cardboard, tear-resistant laminates, or any combination thereof, and the like. Further, the secondary package may or may not be transparent and may or may not include information printed on any surface. The secondary package may or may not include indicators, such as lines, arrows...

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with conventional secondary packages, particularly plastic secondary packaging with a high child resistance of theft resistance value, such as a clam shell package, is that the plastic packages do not allow a user to gain immediate access to the contents or product housed within the package.

Without a tool, consumers have been sighted in store parking lots or in their cars biting and gnawing at newly purchased packages, attempting to burn the secondary package open, and cutting their hands trying to tear open difficult secondary packaging such as clam shells.

In other words, most secondary packages are either extremely difficult for anyone to open without a tool or extremely easy.

Secondary packages that offer child resistance and / or theft resistance are typically difficult for everyone to access; secondary packages without child resistance and / or theft resistance features are extremely easy to open, such as foldable paperboard boxes.

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