Storage container with removable locking tabs

Abstract

A merchandise storage container has a holder that moves into and out of an outer sleeve. At least one locking tab portion is used to secure the holder inside the sleeve. The locking tab portion may be removed to unlock the tray and allow the user to access the contents of the tray.

1 . A merchandise storage container comprising:
 an outer paperboard sleeve having an outer surface;   a merchandise holder carried by the outer paperboard sleeve; the merchandise holder being movable between retracted and extended positions; the merchandise holder being disposed inside the outer paperboard sleeve when the merchandise holder is in the retracted position; and   at least one locking tab securing the merchandise holder in the retracted position; the locking tab having a first paperboard locking tab portion integrally connected to the outer paperboard sleeve and a second locking tab portion connected to the merchandise holder; the first and second locking tab portions being connected together.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the locking tab is adhered to the outer surface of the outer paperboard sleeve with a releasable adhesive. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the locking tab portions are adhered together. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the locking tab defines perforations adjacent the outer paperboard sleeve that allow the locking tab to be torn away from the sleeve. 
   
   
       5 . A merchandise storage container comprising:
 an outer sleeve having an outer surface;   a merchandise holder carried by the outer sleeve; the merchandise holder being movable between retracted and extended positions; the merchandise holder being disposed inside the outer sleeve when the merchandise holder is in the retracted position; and   at least one locking tab securing the holder in the retracted position; the locking tab including first and second locking tab portions that are connected together; the first locking tab portion extending from the sleeve and the second locking tab portion extending from the holder.   
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the locking tab portions are connected together with an adhesive. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the locking tab is adhered to the outer surface of the sleeve with a releasable adhesive. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the locking tab defines perforations that allow the locking tab to be torn away from the sleeve. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein one of the sleeve and holder are formed from paperboard. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the holder is fabricated from plastic. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the second locking tab portion is fabricated from plastic. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the holder is fabricated from one of a metal, a plastic, a molded paper pulp product, and a paper material. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the sleeve is fabricated from one of a metal, a plastic, a molded paper pulp product, and a paper material. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the locking tab portions are connected together with a mechanical connector. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the locking tab portions are connected together with a one-way snap fit connector. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the holder defines a nest and a cover for the nest; the cover including a projection sized to overlie a portion of the nest when the cover is closed. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the cover of the holder moves between open and closed positions about a cover hinge; the projection being hinged to the cover close to the cover hinge. 
   
   
       18 . A merchandise storage container comprising:
 an outer sleeve having an outer surface;   a merchandise holder movably carried by the outer sleeve between retracted and extended positions; the merchandise holder being disposed inside the outer sleeve when the merchandise holder is in the retracted position;   at least one locking tab portion connected to the merchandise holder; and   the locking tab portion being anchored to the outer sleeve; the locking tab portion securing the merchandise holder in the retracted position.   
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 18 , wherein the outer sleeve is fabricated from paperboard.