SLEEVE FOR A PRODUCT PACKAGE HAVING A PRODUCT VIEWING WINDOW AND COMBINATION SLEEVE/PRODUCT PACKAGE HAVING A WINDOW

[0001]The present invention relates generally to product packaging, and, more particularly, to a sleeve operatively arranged to encase and engage a product package having a product viewing window.

BACKGROUND

[0002]In the field of product packaging, the desire to showcase items before purchase has led product manufacturers and vendors to ship products in boxes having viewing windows. These viewing windows may be open or covered by a clear, fragile plastic sheet. Viewing windows serve not only as a marketing tool by reducing the mystery of what's inside but also as a means to enhance the consumer's unboxing experience. However, viewing windows introduce shipping challenges. For example, some online platforms (e.g., Amazon) will not ship products in original boxes containing viewing windows.

[0003]This restriction on viewing windows is understandable since a window, by design, weakens the box's overall strength. The area with the window or its plastic covering becomes a focal point of vulnerability, susceptible to punctures or tears during transit, particularly in environments where packages are handled with less care. The clear plastic sheets used to protect these windows are often not robust enough to withstand the rigors of shipping, leading to potential damage to both the window and the contents inside. Open windows leave products inside completely exposed.

[0004]Not only may products within a window be damaged, but, from a security perspective, windows can invite tampering or theft when shipped. Visibility into boxes might make the contents an easier target for theft.

[0005]Logistically, boxes with viewing windows may require special handling to prevent damage. This can complicate automated sorting systems, which are not always equipped to handle such delicate packaging features. Furthermore, regulatory compliance may add another layer of complexity. Labels for product information, safety warnings, or tracking must be strategically placed to not obscure the window yet remain compliant with regulations, which can be particularly challenging. Open windows could cause conveyor equipment to malfunction.

[0006]Some online platforms, such as Amazon, for example, don't allow cut-out/window openings or protrusions beyond the carton surface, such as a hang tag, in their “ships in own container” (SIOC) packaging process. Thus, there is a long-felt need for a packaging solution that supports this initiative by converting original packaging with a cut-out/window to now be able to ship on its own.

[0007]While the aesthetic appeal of a viewing window can enhance the perceived value of a product and the unboxing experience, it also sets a high expectation for the condition of the product upon arrival. Any damage to the window not only harms this aesthetic but can also lead to consumer disappointment due to perceived lack of protection.

[0008]Thus, there is a long-felt need for a packaging solution that protects a product shipping container having a viewing window during shipping and obviates the need for repackaging for shipping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]The present invention broadly comprises a removable sleeve for a product package that has a first sleeve panel arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, the first sleeve panel having a first sleeve hinged panel tab extending upwardly therefrom. A second sleeve panel is adjacent to the first sleeve panel, the second sleeve panel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. A third sleeve panel is adjacent to the second sleeve panel, and arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first sleeve panel, the third sleeve panel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, the third sleeve panel having a sleeve cover panel with a sleeve hinged tuck flap extending upwardly therefrom, the tuck flap having a sleeve tuck flap slot therein, the third sleeve panel having a tripartite locking tab extending downwardly therefrom. A fourth sleeve panel is adjacent to the third sleeve panel and the first sleeve panel and arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the second sleeve panel. The fourth sleeve panel is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, wherein the first, second, third and fourth sleeve panels are arranged perpendicularly to one another to form the sleeve; and wherein the first sleeve panel tab is operatively arranged to be inserted into and lockingly engage the sleeve tuck flap slot.

[0010]In one embodiment of the removable sleeve and package, the tripartite locking tab has a first rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, a second rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, a third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, a fourth rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, and a first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab between the second rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab and the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab. Other design patterns may be used to achieve a similar form.

[0011]In the representative embodiment, the first rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab comprises a top side of a first length and a bottom side of the first length, the top and bottom sides parallel and spaced apart from one another, wherein the second rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab comprises a top side of a second length and a bottom side of the second length, the top and bottom sides parallel and spaced apart from one another, wherein the top side of the second rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab is hingedly secured to the bottom side of the first rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, wherein the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab comprises a top side of a third length and a bottom side of the third length, the top and bottom sides parallel and spaced apart from one another, wherein the first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab comprises a long base and a short base, the long base and the short base parallel and spaced apart from one another, wherein the long base has a length equal to the second length, wherein the long base of the first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab is hingedly secured to the bottom side of the second rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab and the short base is hingedly secured to the top portion of the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab and the short base is hingedly secured to the top portion of the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, wherein the fourth rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab comprises a top side of a fourth length and a bottom side of the fourth length, the top and bottom sides parallel and spaced apart from one another, and wherein the top side of the fourth rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab is hingedly secured to the bottom side of the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab.

[0012]The third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab typically has a top side of a third length and a bottom side of the third length wherein the short base of the first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab has a length equal to the third length, wherein the short base of the third trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab is hingedly secured to the top side of the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab. The third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab is operationally configured to be positioned at a ninety-degree angle from an outer planar surface of the first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab. The fourth rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab is folded and adhered to the first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab, and the fourth rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab and first trapezoidal portion of the tripartite locking tab, together, are folded and adhered to the first rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab, forming a raised tab portion of the tripartite locking tab wherein the third rectangular portion of the tripartite locking tab forms a locking edge of the tripartite locking tab.

[0013]A first sleeve dust flap may hingedly extend upwardly from the second sleeve panel and a second sleeve dust flap may hingedly extend upwardly from the fourth sleeve panel.

[0014]The removable sleeve is designed to be made from a corrugated cardboard stock, but other materials, such as polymers, can be used or may supplement the cardboard stock.

[0015]Further disclosed is a carton that, like the removable sleeve, is designed to be made from a corrugated cardboard stock, though other materials can be used or may supplement the cardboard stock. The carton has a first carton side panel arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carton, the first carton side panel having an upper carton closure panel extending upward therefrom and a lower carton closure panel extending downward therefrom. A second carton side panel is adjacent to the first carton side panel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carton, wherein at least one longitudinal carton slot is linearly arranged along a longitudinal edge connecting the first carton side panel and the second carton side panel. A third carton side panel is adjacent to the first carton side panel arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first carton side panel, wherein the third carton side panel is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carton, the third carton side panel having an upper carton cover panel with a carton cover panel extending upwardly therefrom and a lower carton closure panel extending downwardly therefrom. A fourth carton side panel is adjacent to the first carton side panel, and arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the second carton side panel, the fourth carton side panel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carton, a viewing window of at least a portion of the fourth carton side panel having an inward folding locking tab connected to a lower edge of the viewing window and folded to be adhered to an inside surface of the fourth carton side panel. A fifth carton side panel is adjacent to the fourth carton side panel, and arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the third carton side panel and overlapping the first panel, the fifth carton side panel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carton, at least one longitudinal tab linearly arranged at a right longitudinal edge of the fifth carton side panel and operatively arranged to be inserted into corresponding the at least one longitudinal carton slot linearly arranged along the longitudinal edge connecting the first carton side panel and the second carton side panel.

[0016]Further included in this embodiment, forming, therefore, the package when combined with the carton, is the removable sleeve as previously described, wherein the removable sleeve is designed to slide over an upper end of the carton and circumscribe a length of the carton up to the lower edge of the viewing window. The tripartite locking tab is operatively arranged to extend longitudinally into an inner storage space of the carton at the lower edge of the viewing window and engage the inward folding locking tab.

[0017]The upper hinged carton tuck flap may include an upper first wing having an outer edge tab of the upper first wing and an upper second wing having an upper second wing slot, wherein the upper carton closure panel is operatively arranged to be folded across the upper carton cover panel along an inside surface of the upper carton cover panel, wherein the upper first wing is operatively arranged to be folded across the upper carton cover panel wherein the upper closure panel is sandwiched between the upper carton cover panel and the upper first wing, and wherein the tab of the upper first wing is operatively arranged to be inserted into the upper second wing slot.

[0018]The upper closure cover panel may include an upper closure cover panel slot, the upper first wing includes an upper first wing slot, and the upper closure panel includes an upper closure panel slot, wherein the upper carton cover panel slot, the upper first wing slot, and the upper closure panel slot are operatively arranged to align with each other.

[0019]The lower carton cover panel may include a lower first wing having an outer edge tab of the lower first wing and a lower second wing having a lower second wing slot, wherein the lower carton closure panel of carton side panel one is operatively arranged to be folded across the lower carton cover panel along an inside surface of the lower carton cover panel, wherein the lower first wing is operatively arranged to be folded across the lower carton cover panel wherein the lower carton closure panel is sandwiched between the lower carton cover panel and the lower first wing, and wherein the tab of the lower first wing is operatively arranged to be inserted into the lower second wing slot. The lower carton cover panel may further include a hinged lower tuck flap.

[0020]A first longitudinal reinforcing flap may be adhered to an inside surface of carton side panel three and a second longitudinal reinforcing flap may be adhered to an inside surface of carton side panel one.

[0021]The tripartite locking tab is designed to be disengaged from the inward folding locking tab by way of an inward force applied at a lower end of the third sleeve panel, the force directed toward the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

[0022]The removable sleeve and package may further include two window rod holder assembly inserts, each with at least one hole, and each the at least one hole designed to receive the end of a window rod.

[0023]The removable sleeve and package may further include at least one secondary carton member designed to be contained within the carton and further designed to contain components designed to attach window rods to windows.

[0024]The carton may include at least one second viewing window of the carton. The removable sleeve may be designed to cover the at least one second viewing window of the carton. The removable sleeve includes at least one second tripartite locking tab designed to engage at least one second inward folding locking tab.

[0025]Further disclosed is a method of engaging the removable sleeve with the product package including aligning a longitudinal axis of a carton at an upper end of the carton with a longitudinal axis of a removable sleeve at a lower end of the removable sleeve, wherein a tripartite locking tab of the removable sleeve is substantially coplanar with an inward folding locking tab on a lower edge of a viewing window of the carton. The method includes sliding the removable sleeve down the length of the carton wherein the tripartite locking tab and the inward folding locking tab are adjacent. The method includes pressing the tripartite locking tab inward toward an inner storage space of the carton and then, while continuing to slide the removable sleeve down the length of the carton, sliding the tripartite locking tab into the inner storage space of the carton alongside the inward folding locking tab until a lateral edge of the inward folding locking tab abuts to a locking edge of the tripartite locking tab.

[0026]The method may include disengaging the removable sleeve by pressing a base portion of the tripartite locking tab inward toward the carton inner storage space until the lateral edge of the inward folding locking tab no longer abuts the locking edge of the tripartite locking tab, and sliding the removable sleeve at least partly toward the upper end of the carton.

[0027]The method may include, pressing a base of at least one second tripartite locking tab inward toward the carton inner storage space and then, while continuing to slide the removable sleeve down the length of the carton, sliding the at least one second tripartite locking tab into the inner storage space of the carton alongside at least one second inward folding locking tab, until a lateral edge of the at least one second inward folding locking tab abuts to a locking edge of the at least one second tripartite locking tab.

[0028]The method may include disengaging the removable sleeve by pressing a base portion of the at least one second tripartite locking tab inward toward the carton inner storage space until the lateral edge of the at least one inward folding locking tab no longer abuts the locking edge of the at least one second tripartite locking tab, and, sliding the removable sleeve at least partly toward the upper end of the carton.

[0029]A general object of the invention is to provide a removable sleeve for a product package as described above wherein—by way of a tripartite locking tab extending downwardly therefrom designed to engage an inward folding locking tab connected to a lower edge of a viewing window of a carton—the removable sleeve can be secured over one or more viewing windows when the carton is shipped without requiring supplementary packing materials such as tape.

[0030]A further object of the invention is to provide a method for adding and removing the removable sleeve wherein a user depresses a portion of the tripartite locking tab to allow the removable sleeve to engage or disengage the inward folding locking tab of the carton.

[0031]A further object of the invention is to leverage forces of friction between elements of the removable sleeve and the carton, along with the structure of the engaged tripartite locking tab and inward folding locking tab, to provide the total force as and where required to keep products within the carton and associated viewing window secure during shipping without supplementary packing elements while allowing the same carton to be used for display at a store or other distribution venue where it is then expedient to have the viewing window exposed and where supplementary packing materials such as tape might otherwise have disfigured the carton during shipping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]The invention is described in detail below with reference to the to the accompanying schematic drawings. Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

[0033]FIG. 1 is a top view of an unassembled removable sleeve;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the unassembled removable sleeve;

[0035]FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrate assembly of the removable sleeve into cubical form;

[0036]FIG. 4A is an outside surface view of an unassembled tripartite locking tab;

[0037]FIG. 4B is an inside surface view of an unassembled tripartite locking tab;

[0038]FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate assembly of the tripartite locking tab;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a top view of an unassembled carton;

[0040]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the unassembled carton;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a profile view of the carton and removable sleeve assembled as a complete package;

[0042]FIGS. 9A and 9D illustrate assembly of the carton's side panels;

[0043]FIGS. 9E to 9J illustrate assembly of the carton's top cover panel;

[0044]FIGS. 9K to 9O illustrate assembly of the carton's bottom cover panel;

[0045]FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the removable sleeve being placed over a viewing window of the carton;

[0046]FIG. 11 illustrates the tripartite locking tab before engagement with an inward folding locking tab of the carton;

[0047]FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the engagement of the tripartite locking tab with the inward folding locking tab;

[0048]FIG. 13A illustrates a top view of the tripartite locking tab engaged with the inward folding locking tab;

[0049]FIG. 13B illustrates an interior side view of the tripartite locking tab engaged with the inward folding locking tab;

[0050]FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the removable sleeve when disengaged from the carton;

[0051]FIG. 15 illustrates a removable sleeve embodiment having two tripartite locking tabs designed to cover a carton with an enlarged viewing window or more than one viewing window;

[0052]FIG. 16 illustrates disengaging the removable sleeve having two tripartite locking tabs;

[0053]FIG. 17 illustrates a representative method for using the removable sleeve with the carton;

[0054]FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a representative package in operational form in open and closed states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055]Referring now, with more particularity, to the drawings, it should be noted that the disclosed invention may comprise embodiments in various sizes, shapes, and forms. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are provided with the understanding that the present description is intended as illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein. At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0056]Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0057]Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0058]It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.

[0059]It should also be appreciated that directional terms used herein are relative to the corresponding Figure being described. For example, “leftward” or “rightward”, “top” or “bottom”, are relative to the Figure as illustrated on a particular sheet, therefore “leftward” is referring to the left side of an illustration as depicted.

[0060]Referring now to the figures, it will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

[0061]The present invention is directed towards a removable sleeve for a product package and may further include a carton designed to receive said removable sleeve.

[0062]Adverting now to the drawings, as described above, starting with FIG. 1, which is a top view of unassembled removable sleeve 101, after removable sleeve 101 has been cut from corrugated cardboard stock 197. Removable sleeve 101 includes from left to right first sleeve panel 102 connected to second sleeve panel 103 along a longitudinal edge connecting first sleeve panel and second sleeve panel 109. Removable sleeve 101 includes from left to right second sleeve panel 103 connected to third sleeve panel 104 along a longitudinal edge connecting second sleeve panel and third sleeve panel 110. Removable sleeve 101 includes from left to right third sleeve panel 104 connected to fourth sleeve panel 105 along a longitudinal edge connecting third sleeve panel connected and fourth sleeve panel 111. Connecting flap of first sleeve panel 122 is designed to be adhered longitudinally to, (as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3B), inside surface of fourth sleeve panel 115, wherein, as will be illustrated, removable sleeve 101 will have the form of a rectangular shape with a height, length, and width. In one representative embodiment, the height of sleeve 101 is 3.52 inches, the length is 10.20 inches, and the width is 3.01 inches, though other sizes may be used.

[0063]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of unassembled removable sleeve 101, after removable sleeve 101 has been cut from corrugated cardboard stock 197. FIG. 2 is numbered comparably with FIG. 1 but from right to left.

[0064]FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrates that sleeve cover panel 106 extends upwardly from third sleeve panel 104 and hinged sleeve tuck flap 112 extends upwardly from sleeve cover panel 106. Hinged sleeve tuck flap 112 includes sleeve tuck flap slot 117 which is disposed latitudinally at a latitudinal edge connecting sleeve cover panel and hinged sleeve tuck flap 113. First sleeve dust flap 120 extends upward from second sleeve panel 103. Second sleeve dust flap 121 extends upward from fourth sleeve panel 105. First sleeve hinged panel tab 118 extends upward from first sleeve panel 102. Further illustrated is top surface of hinged sleeve tuck flap 107. Included is inside surface of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 131.

[0065]FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrate assembly of removable sleeve 101 into cubical form wherein each sleeve panel 102, 103, 104, and 105 will be substantially perpendicular to each adjacent sleeve panel and parallel to the respective opposing panel. Cover panel 106 is ultimately folded wherein, given the cubical form of sleeve 101, cover panel 106 is perpendicular to all sleeve panels 102, 103, 104, and 105. FIGS. 3A to 3E further illustrate that when removable sleeve 101 is in rectangular shaped form, first sleeve dust flap 120 and second sleeve dust flap 121 are designed to be folded inward toward each other and sleeve cover panel 106 is designed to fold over first sleeve dust flap 120 and second sleeve dust flap 121, wherein hinged sleeve tuck flap 112 is designed to be inserted into formed removable sleeve 101 such that top surface of hinged sleeve tuck flap 107 planarly abuts inside surface of fourth sleeve panel 115, whereupon first sleeve hinged panel tab 118 is designed to be inserted into sleeve tuck flap slot 117. The construction of tripartite tab 123 illustrated in FIG. 3E is detailed in FIG. 5A.

[0066]FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrates tripartite locking tab 123 extending downward from third sleeve panel 104. Tripartite locking tab 123 includes first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 124 hingedly connected to and extending downward from third sleeve panel 104, second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125 hingedly connected to and extending downward from first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 124, first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 129 hingedly connected to and extending downward from second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125 at long base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 135, and third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126 hingedly connected to and extending downward from first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 129 at short base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 136. Fourth rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 137 is hingedly connect to and extending downward from third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126. First tripartite locking tab 129 includes outside surface of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 130 and outside surface of first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 127.

[0067]FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate tripartite locking tab 123 as viewed respectively from outer surface and inner surface of removable sleeve 101 in further detail. First rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 124 has top side of first length 124′ and bottom side of first length 124″, top side 124′ and bottom side 124″ parallel and spaced apart from one another. Second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125 has top side of a second length 125′ and bottom side of said second length 125″, top side 125′ and bottom side 125″ parallel and spaced apart from one another. Top side of second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125′ is hingedly secured to bottom side of first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 124″. Third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126 has top side of third length 126′ and bottom side of third length 126″, top side 126′ and bottom side 126″ parallel and spaced apart from one another. First trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 129 has long base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 135 and short base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 136, long base 135 and short base 136 parallel and spaced apart from one another. Long base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 135 has a length equal to bottom side of second length of second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125″, wherein long base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 135 is hingedly secured to bottom side of second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125″. Third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126 has top side of a third length 126′ and bottom side of said third length 126″, top side 126′ and bottom side 126″ parallel and spaced apart from one another. Top side of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126′ is hingedly secured to short base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 136. Fourth rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 137 has a top side of fourth length 137′ and bottom side of fourth length 137″, top side 137′ and bottom side 137″ parallel and spaced apart from one another, and wherein top side of fourth rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 137′ is hingedly secured to bottom side of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126″. As will be illustrated in FIG. 5A, and here presented in FIG. 4B, inner surface of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 139 functions as locking edge of the tripartite locking tab 133. Also shown Figure in 4A is outside surface of first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 127 and outside surface of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 130.

[0068]FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate assembly of the tripartite locking tab wherein fourth rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 137 is designed to be folded and adhered to first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 129 at outside surface of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 130. Fourth rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 137 and first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 129, together, are designed to be folded and adhered to first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 124 at outside surface of first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 127, forming, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, raised tab portion of the tripartite locking tab 132 the height of second rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 125, disposed at a ninety degree angle from first rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 124 at short base of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 136, third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126 is designed to be disposed at about a ninety degree angle from fourth rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 137 and first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 129, forming locking edge of the tripartite locking tab 133, which is also inner surface of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 139 of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126 but with the locking function whereby inner surface of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 139 functions as locking edge of the tripartite locking tab 133. Other angles may be created for third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 126 wherein the slope of inner surface of third rectangular portion of tripartite locking tab 139 can further serve as a hook or wedge.

[0069]FIG. 6 is a top view of unassembled carton 140 after carton 140 has been cut from corrugated cardboard stock 197. Carton 140 includes from left to right first carton side panel 141 connected to second carton side panel 142 along a longitudinal edge connecting first carton side panel and second carton side panel 146. Carton 140 includes from left to right second carton side panel 142 connected to third carton side panel 143 along a longitudinal edge connecting second carton side panel and third carton side panel 147. Carton 140 includes from left to right third carton side panel 143 connected to fourth carton side panel 144 along a longitudinal edge connecting third carton side panel and fourth carton side panel 149. Carton 140 includes from left to right fourth carton side panel 144 connected to fifth carton side panel 145 along a longitudinal edge connecting third carton side panel and fourth carton side panel 150. FIG. 6 further illustrates upper end of carton 195 and lower end of carton 195′.

[0070]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of unassembled carton 140, after carton 140 has been cut from corrugated cardboard stock 197. FIG. 7 is numbered comparably with FIG. 6 but from right to left but with features that, when in use, will largely face products inside carton 140. Included is inside surface of fifth cover panel 119 which will be relevant for assembly.

[0071]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate that at least one longitudinal carton flap 153 extends from outside longitudinal edge of fifth carton side panel 151. At least one longitudinal carton slot 152 is disposed through longitudinal edge connecting first carton side panel and second carton side panel 146 designed to align with corresponding longitudinal carton flap 153. Each longitudinal carton slot 152 may include a semicircle cutaway 157 designed to ease inserting and removing longitudinal carton flaps 153 into longitudinal carton slots 152. Each longitudinal carton flap 153 is designed to be inserted into corresponding longitudinal carton slot 152. Each longitudinal carton flap 153 may further be secured through corresponding longitudinal slot by upper longitudinal carton flap extension 154a and a lower longitudinal carton flap extension 154b wherein upper longitudinal carton flap extension 154a and a lower longitudinal carton flap extension 154b together render longitudinal carton flap 153 incrementally longer than longitudinal carton slot 152, and hook onto first carton panel 141 at longitudinal edge connecting first carton panel and second carton panel 146, thereby making insertion of longitudinal carton flaps 153 into longitudinal carton slots 152 easier than removal of longitudinal carton flaps 153 from longitudinal carton slots 152. Carton 140, when assembled, is designed to form a rectangular shape with a height, length, and width. In one representative embodiment of carton 140, the height is 3.25 inches, the length is 25.5 inches, and the width is 2.75 inches.

[0072]FIG. 8 illustrates a profile view of package 100 with sleeve 101 and carton 140 in an assembled but separated state. As such, a product within inner storage space of carton 189 could be viewed through viewing window 187. First longitudinal reinforcing flap 193 is adhered to inside surface of third carton side panel 114. Second longitudinal reinforcing flap 194, not visible in this figure, is designed to be adhered to inside surface of first carton side panel 155. A dotted line represents a longitudinal axis of package 100 and, therefore, through aligned sleeve 101 and carton 140.

[0073]Further disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7, with assembly illustrated in FIG. 9A-9O are assembly of the invention starting with first carton side panel 141 that has upper carton closure panel 173 extending upward therefrom and a lower carton closure panel 184 extending downward therefrom. Third carton side panel 143 has upper carton cover panel 160 extending upwardly therefrom and a lower carton cover panel 175 extending downwardly therefrom. Upper carton cover panel 160 includes upper first wing 165 having outer edge tab of the upper first wing 166 and upper second wing 167 having upper second wing slot 169, wherein upper carton closure panel 173 is operatively arranged to be folded across upper carton cover panel 160 along an inside surface of said upper carton cover panel 170, wherein upper first wing 165 is operatively arranged to be folded across upper carton cover panel 160 wherein upper carton closure panel 173 is sandwiched between upper carton cover panel 160 and the upper first wing 165. Tab of upper first wing 166 is operatively arranged to be inserted into the upper second wing slot 169. Upper carton closure cover panel 173 includes upper carton tuck flap 161 extending upward therefrom and upper carton winged tuck flap 163 which extends upward from upper carton tuck flap 161. Upper carton tuck flap 161 is designed to reach winged tab slot 162 of first carton side panel 141 wherein upper carton tuck flap winged tab 163 with folded foldable second winglet 164a and folded foldable first winglet 164b are designed to be inserted into winged tab slot 162, whereupon second winglet 164a and first winglet 164b are designed to at least partly unfold, therefore no longer being aligned with winged tab slot 162 and preventing upper carton tuck flap winged tab 163 from sliding out of winged tab slot 162 once inserted. Upper second wing 167 has upper second wing slot 172 are designed to align with upper closure panel slot 174 of upper carton closure panel 173 and upper carton cover panel slot 171 of upper carton cover panel 160, slots through which various accessories apart from the invention may be used such as hangar assemblies. Inside surface of fifth cover panel 119 is designed to overlap and be in contact with first carton side panel 141. FIGS. 9A to 9D further illustrate the assembly of carton 140 wherein each carton side panel 141, 142, 143, 144 and 145 will be substantially perpendicular to each adjacent sleeve panel and parallel to the respective opposing panel and wherein first carton side panel 141 will overlap fifth carton side panel 145 at inside surface of fifth cover panel 119.

[0074]Further disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7, with assembly illustrated in FIG. 9K-9O, is lower carton closure panel 184 extending downward from first carton side panel 141 and lower carton right dust flap 183 extending downward from fifth carton side panel 145. Lower carton cover panel 175 includes lower first wing 176 with outer edge tab of lower first wing 179 and lower second wing 180 having a lower second wing slot 181, wherein lower carton closure panel 184 of first carton side panel 141 is operatively arranged to be folded across lower carton cover panel 175 along an inside surface of lower carton cover panel 182. Lower first wing 176 is operatively arranged to be folded across inside surface of lower carton cover panel 182 wherein lower carton closure panel 184 is sandwiched between inside surface of lower carton cover panel 182 and lower first wing 176, wherein outer edge tab of lower first wing 179 is operatively arranged to be inserted into lower second wing slot 181 of lower second wing 180. Further illustrated is inside surface of lower carton closure panel 185 against which products or other items may rest in assembled and upright carton 140. Some embodiments may include a lower tuck flap 186.

[0075]Further disclosed in FIGS. 6, 7—along with FIGS. 10A and 10B, which illustrate the removable sleeve 101 being placed over viewing window 187 of carton 140,—upper portion of fourth carton side panel 196 has viewing window 187 of carton 140 formed from first longitudinal reinforcing flap 193, second longitudinal reinforcing flap 194 and inward folding locking tab 190, where inward folding locking tab 190 forms, as shown in FIG. 13A, a trapezoid with a short base of inward folding locking tab 190′ and a long base of inward folding locking tab 190″. Inward folding locking tab 190 is connected to lower edge of viewing window 192 by long base of inward folding locking tab 190″ and is designed to be adhered to inside surface of the fourth carton side panel 156. First longitudinal reinforcing flap 193 is designed to be adhered to inside surface of third carton side panel 114. Second longitudinal reinforcing flap 194 is designed to be adhered to inside surface of first carton side panel 155. Lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191, which corresponds with short base of inward folding locking tab 190′, is designed to engage locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 as will be shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. FIGS. 10A and 10B further show lower end of removable sleeve 116, and inner storage space 189 of carton 140 which is designed to hold products such as, but not limited to, window rods, as will be illustrated in FIG. 18A.

[0076]FIGS. 10A and 10B further illustrate assembled removable sleeve 101 and carton 140 of package 100 wherein viewing window 187 of carton 140 is exposed. Generally, carton 140 will have a carton length, a carton width, and a carton height. Generally, the removable sleeve 101 will have a sleeve length long enough to cover the viewing window 187 as measured from upper carton cover panel 160 to lower edge of viewing window 192. Sleeve width and sleeve height are incrementally large enough for removable sleeve 101 to be able to slide over upper end of carton 195, cover viewing window 187, and allow lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 to engage locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133, preferably, in most embodiments, with enough snugness between upper end of carton 195 and removable sleeve 101 that friction can, to a desired degree for given users, prevent removable sleeve 101 from freely sliding without some force applied by said given users to overcome that friction. This snugness can be considered a compressive force.

[0077]FIGS. 10A and 10B further illustrate removable sleeve 101 being slid down upper end of carton 195 wherein as removable sleeve 101 covers a greater proportion of carton 140, friction (static and kinetic) increases considering three carton side panels—first carton side panel 142, second carton side panel 142, fifth carton side panel 145—planarly in contact with three panels of removable sleeve 101—especially first sleeve panel 102, second sleeve panel 103, fourth sleeve panel 105—along with a smaller surface of carton 140 coplanar to viewing window 187 on fourth carton side panel 144 that may be in contact with removable sleeve third sleeve panel 104.

[0078]The invention as designed can use friction so as not to entirely rely upon, as will be illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 engaged to locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 to keep removable sleeve in place when removable sleeve is in a closed state covering viewing window 187. The invention may also at least partly rely on the above friction to secure removable sleeve 101 and to prevent disengagement of inward folding locking tab 190 engaged from locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 should product package 100 be jostled or to allow removable sleeve 101 to display viewing window 187 without sliding downward if users release removable sleeve 101 when removable sleeve 101 is in a partly opened state.

[0079]FIG. 11 illustrates removable sleeve 101 and carton 140 in a nearly closed state with viewing window 187 mostly covered by removable sleeve 101, before engagement with folding locking tab 190 of carton 140. Accounting also for FIGS. 10A and 10B, removable sleeve 101 of product package 100 is designed to be aligned on a longitudinal axis of carton 140 at upper end of carton 195 with a longitudinal axis of removable sleeve 101 at lower end of removable sleeve 116, wherein tripartite locking tab 123 of removable sleeve 101 is substantially coplanar with lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 on lower edge of viewing window 192 of carton 140. Removable sleeve 101 is designed to be slid down a length of carton 140 at upper end of carton 195 wherein tripartite locking tab 123 and inward folding locking tab 190 are adjacent. Removable sleeve 101 is designed wherein users press tripartite locking tab 123 inward toward inner storage space 189 of carton 140 and then, while continuing to slide removable sleeve 101 down said length of carton 140, sliding tripartite locking tab 123 into inner storage space 189 of carton 140 alongside inward folding locking tab 190 until lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 abuts to locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 (See FIG. 12). Adding to the engagement between lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 abutted to locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 as a holding force designed to keep removable sleeve 101 in place covering viewing window 187, this holding force being friction. After tripartite locking tab 123 is pressed inward, which in turn depresses base portion of tripartite locking tab 134, base portion of tripartite locking tab 134 is naturally inclined to spring back to its original, planar, position, an action that further ensures lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 is aligned with and stays abutted to locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 where normal (spring back) force is delivered by base portion of tripartite locking tab 134 springing back toward its original, planar, position and where a frictional force is distributed along inside surface of first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab 131 and inside surface of fourth carton side panel 156 at such state when lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 is abutted to locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133.

[0080]FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B illustrate package 100 wherein removable sleeve 101 and carton 140 are in a closed state. In this closed state, a holding force is available through inward folding locking tab 190 being abutted to locking edge of the tripartite locking tab 133 where spring back force from the base portion of tripartite locking tab 134 contributes to keeping folding locking tab 190 abutted to locking edge of the tripartite locking tab 133.

[0081]FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of removable sleeve 101 when disengaged from carton 140 wherein engaging removable sleeve 101 may further include later disengaging removable sleeve 101 by pressing base portion of tripartite locking tab 134 inward toward carton 140 inner storage space 189 until lateral edge of inward folding locking tab 191 no longer abuts locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133 and sliding removable sleeve 101 at least partly toward upper end of carton 195.

[0082]FIG. 15 illustrates in cross-section an embodiment of removable sleeve 101 and carton 140 wherein removable sleeve 101 is designed to cover second viewing window 187′ of carton 140. Removable sleeve 101 includes second tripartite locking tab 123′ designed to engage at least one second inward folding locking tab 198. In this embodiment, users press base of at least one second tripartite locking tab 134′ inward toward carton inner storage space 189 and then, while continuing to slide removable sleeve down length of carton 140, slide second tripartite locking tab 128′ into inner storage space 189 of carton 140 alongside second inward folding locking tab 198, until lateral edge of the at least one second inward folding locking tab 198 abuts to locking edge, as shown in FIG. 16, of second tripartite locking tab 128′. Included and functioning as per previously described counterparts is first trapezoidal portion of tripartite locking tab of second tripartite locking tab 129′, raised tab portion of second tripartite locking tab 132′ and locking edge of second locking tab 133′, which assembly is designed to engage inward folding locking tab 198.

[0083]FIG. 16 further illustrates an embodiment involving disengaging removable sleeve 101 by pressing base portion of second tripartite locking tab 134′ inward toward carton inner storage space 189 until lateral edge of second inward folding locking tab 198 no longer abuts locking edge of second tripartite locking tab 132′, and, sliding removable sleeve 101 at least partly toward upper end of the carton 195. Further illustrated is lateral edge of second inward folding locking tab 191′ which engages and disengages locking edge of second tripartite locking tab 133′.

[0084]FIG. 17 discloses a method of engaging removable sleeve 101 with carton 140 including the step of 300, substantially aligning longitudinal axis of carton 140 at upper end of carton 195 with longitudinal axis of removable sleeve 101 at lower end of removable sleeve 116, wherein tripartite locking tab 123 of removable sleeve 101 is substantially coplanar with inward folding locking tab 190 on lower edge of viewing window 192 of carton 140. The method includes the step of 305, sliding removable sleeve 101 down length of carton 140 wherein tripartite locking tab 123 and inward folding locking tab 190 are adjacent. The method includes the step of 310, pressing tripartite locking tab 123 inward toward inner storage space 189 of carton 140 and then, while continuing to slide removable sleeve 101 down length of carton 140, sliding tripartite locking tab 123 into inner storage space 189 of carton 140 alongside inward folding locking tab 190 until lateral edge of the inward folding locking tab 191 abuts to locking edge of tripartite locking tab 133.

[0085]The method may include the step of 315, disengaging removable sleeve 101 by pressing base portion of tripartite locking tab 134 inward toward carton inner storage space 189 until lateral edge of the inward folding locking tab 191 no longer abuts locking edge of the tripartite locking tab 133, and sliding removable sleeve 101 at least partly toward upper end of the carton 195.

[0086]The method may include the step of 320, pressing base of at least one second tripartite locking tab 234 inward toward carton inner storage space 189 and then, while continuing to slide removable sleeve 101 down length of said carton 140, sliding at least one second tripartite locking tab 223 into inner storage space of carton 189 alongside at least one second inward folding locking tab 245, until lateral edge of at least one second inward folding locking tab 246 abuts to locking edge of the at least one second tripartite locking tab 233.

[0087]The method may include the step of 325, disengaging removable sleeve 101 by pressing base portion of at least one second tripartite locking tab 234 inward toward carton inner storage space of carton 189 until lateral edge of at least one second inward folding locking tab 246 no longer abuts locking edge of at least one second tripartite locking tab 233, and, sliding removable sleeve 101 at least partly toward upper end of carton 195.

[0088]FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate the invention as a representative, fully assembled package 100, including its major components of removable sleeve 101, carton 140, and viewing window 187. It is an objective of the invention to provide a packaging solution that protects a product shipping container having a viewing window during shipping and that obviates the need for repackaging for shipping.

[0089]While inventive concepts have been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure, many modifications and other embodiments of the inventive concepts will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which these inventive concepts pertain, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the inventive concepts should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS