Integrated closure feature for packaging system

Abstract

An integrated closure feature for a package including a tab ( 25 ) integrated into the raised surface of a vaulted carton ad an outer cover secured to the carton possessing a pocket into which the tab fits, providing a secure lock for the package. The package is capable of housing and dispensing a unit dose product such as a blister pack. The product to be dispensed is contained on an internal slide card ( 300 ) that is removably and lockably engaged within an inner chamber. The package possesses a secure lock which provides a child resistant and user-friendly dosing means that can be opened and closed numerous times while in use, then disposed of when all the unit doses are exhausted.

1 . A packaging system comprising:
 an outer cover comprised of a pair of side panels, a hinge panel and at least one extension panel, and an inner vaulted carton, said outer cover and inner vaulted carton being operatively coupled with one another such that an inner chamber is formed; and   an integrated closure feature comprised of a tab positioned on the vaulted carton and a raised pocket integrated into the outer cover, wherein the tab can be manipulated to fit within the raised pocket to secure the outer cover in a closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the inner chamber defined by the vaulted carton is capable of receiving and housing an internal slide card. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging system of  claim 2  wherein the inner vaulted carton further comprises:
 a foldable extension at one end capable of engaging a reciprocal element on a slide card and retaining the slide card within the inner chamber; 
 a slit opening capable of engaging a reciprocal element on a slide card to lock the slide card in place within the inner chamber; and 
 a release button for disengaging the slide card from the slit opening. 
 
     
     
         4 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the vaulted carton is at least partially laminated with a polymeric film material. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the outer cover is at least partially laminated with a polymeric film material. 
     
     
         6 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the polymeric film material is laminated over an entire surface of the vaulted carton. 
     
     
         7 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the polymeric film material is laminated over an entire surface of the outer cover. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the outer cover is constructed from a paperboard substrate. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging system of  claim 3  wherein an open end includes a temporary seal comprised of one of a tuck closure, a perforated tear-away panel, and a security taped panel that can be removed to provide access to the internal slide card housed within. 
     
     
         10 . A blank for forming an outer cover for a packaging system comprising:
 a pair of side panels, a hinge panel and at least one extension panel, wherein one of said at least one extension panel is a panel that creates a raised pocket integrated into the outer cover.   
     
     
         11 . The blank of  claim 10  further including a polymeric film material laminated over at least a portion of one or both surfaces of the blank. 
     
     
         12 . A blank for forming a vaulted carton comprising a creased panel including a cutout feature that forms a tab integrated into the vaulted carton. 
     
     
         13 . The blank of  claim 12  further including a polymeric film material laminated over at least a portion of one or both surfaces of the blank.