Merchandise container

Abstract

A merchandise container has a merchandise holder that includes an indicator feature that prevents access to the merchandise until the feature is altered. The merchandise may be loaded into the storage chamber of the container after the holder is assembled without altering the indicator feature. The merchandise may be carried by a carrier that may be removed from the holder and separately recycled.

1 . A merchandise container comprising:
 an outer sleeve;   a merchandise holder selectively movably carried by the outer sleeve between retracted and extended positions;   the holder defining a storage chamber and a loading opening;   the holder having a door that prevents access to the storage chamber while the door is connected to the holder; the door being movable between closed and open positions;   the loading opening allowing an item of merchandise to be loaded into the storage chamber behind the door while the door is in the closed position; and   the holder having a locking flange that closes the loading opening.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the outer sleeve includes a locking flange; the locking flanges cooperating to prevent the holder from sliding completely out of the sleeve. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrier removably disposed in the storage chamber; the carrier being removable from the holder through the loading opening; and the carrier adapted to hold the item of merchandise. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the door is completely removed from the holder when the door is in the open position. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a cover movable between open and closed positions; the closed position of the cover overlapping a portion of the door. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the holder includes a hold-down projection that overlies the door. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein the cover moves about a hinge; the hold-down projection being connected to the cover at a location adjacent the hinge. 
     
     
         8 . A method for loading an item of merchandise into a container; the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a holder having a storage chamber, a loading opening providing access to the storage chamber, and a door that is removable from the holder to provide access to the storage chamber;   loading the item of merchandise into the storage chamber through the loading opening after the holder is formed and while the door is closed; and   closing the loading opening with a locking flange.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of inserting the holder into a sleeve having a locking flange that engages the locking flange of the holder to prevent the holder from being readily removed from the sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . A merchandise storage container comprising:
 an outer sleeve;   a merchandise holder selectively movably carried by the outer sleeve between retracted and extended positions;   the holder defining a storage chamber and a loading opening;   a carrier selectively removably disposed in the storage chamber; the carrier adapted to hold an item of merchandise;   the loading opening allowing the carrier to be loaded into the storage chamber; and   the holder having a locking flange that closes the loading opening.   
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the outer sleeve includes a locking flange; the locking flanges cooperating to prevent the holder from sliding completely out of the sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the carrier is plastic and the holder is formed from a paper-based material. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the carrier includes a media disc hub. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the holder includes a door that covers a portion of the carrier. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 14 , wherein the door defines a slot configured to accommodate the media disc hub. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 14 , wherein the door defines an opening configured to accommodate the media disc hub. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the holder includes a selectively removably door that covers at least a portion of the carrier. 
     
     
         18 . A method for loading an item of merchandise into a container; the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a holder having a storage chamber, a loading opening providing access to the storage chamber, and a carrier that is removably disposed in the storage chamber;   loading the carrier into the storage chamber through the loading opening after the holder is formed; and   closing the loading opening with a locking flange.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of inserting the holder into a sleeve having a locking flange that engages the locking flange of the holder to prevent the holder from being readily removed from the sleeve.