US20230373680A1

US20230373680A1 - Paperboard storage container with child resistant sliding drawer

Info

Publication number: US20230373680A1
Application number: US17/751,225
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael C. Dowd
Original assignee: Stephen Gould Corp
Current assignee: Stephen Gould Corp
Priority date: 2022-05-23
Filing date: 2022-05-23
Publication date: 2023-11-23

Abstract

A child resistant paperboard storage container assembly including a sleeve with an open end. A drawer is slidably disposed within the sleeve and accessible from the open end and configured to slide into and out of the open end of the sleeve. A locking system restricts withdrawal of the drawer from the sleeve and includes a locking leg formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the drawer that projects toward the open end of the sleeve. A locking flap is located on an inside surface of the bottom of the sleeve and projects upward. The locking leg engages with the locking flap when the drawer is slid from the interior of the sleeve so as to prevent the drawer from being slid out of the sleeve. An unlocking tab is displaceable into the sleeve to lift the locking leg over the locking flap.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention related to a paperboard box storage container and, more particularly, to a paperboard box with a child resistant sliding drawer.

BACKGROUND

Paperboard box storage containers are an inexpensive and recyclable product that are used extensively in the market. However, the one drawback is that such containers do not, generally, provide a means for inhibiting access to the contents by children. A need exists for an improved paperboard container that includes a sliding drawer which has a child resistant locking feature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A child resistant paperboard storage container assembly is disclosed that includes a sleeve with a top, bottom, two lateral side walls, a rear wall and an open end. The top, bottom, side walls, and rear wall define a sleeve interior inside the sleeve. A drawer is slidably disposed within the interior and accessible from the open end. The drawer includes a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The bottom, front wall, rear wall, and side walls define a drawer interior. The drawer is configured to slide into and out of the open end of the sleeve. A locking system is provided for restricting withdrawal of the drawer from the sleeve. The locking system includes a least one locking leg formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the drawer that projects toward the open end of the sleeve. A locking flap is located on an inside surface of the bottom of the sleeve and projects upward from the surface of the sleeve such that the locking leg engages with the locking flap when the drawer is slid from the interior of the sleeve so as to prevent the drawer from being slid out of the sleeve. An unlocking tab is formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the sleeve. The unlocking tab is displaceable into the sleeve interior relative to the bottom of the sleeve. The unlocking tab is located so as to be aligned with the locking leg such that depression of the unlocking tab causes the unlocking tab to contact the locking leg lifting it over the locking flap.
In an embodiment, the at least one locking leg is two spaced apart locking legs on the bottom of the drawer, each locking leg formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the drawer and bent so as to project toward the front wall. The unlocking tab is preferably located so as to align with both locking legs.
The at least one locking leg may be polygonal in shape.
The locking flap is preferably formed integral with and is an extension of the bottom of the sleeve and is folded into the interior of the sleeve so that it lies on an inner surface of the bottom of the sleeve. The locking flap may be attached to the inner surface of the bottom of the sleeve with an adhesive. The locking flap preferably has a length than is less than the length of the bottom so that the locking flap defines a flap edge spaced apart from the rear wall of the sleeve. The unlocking tab is optionally at a location on the bottom of the sleeve between the flap edge and the rear end of the sleeve.
The unlocking tab is preferably formed integral with the bottom of the sleeve with an edge of the unlocking tab attached to the bottom of the sleeve. The unlocking tab may be substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners.
The sleeve and drawer are preferably each made from a single paperboard blank. In an embodiment, the paperboard is 24 point solid bleached sulfate. The sleeve and drawer are preferably each formed by die cutting the paperboard blank.
In an embodiment, the paperboard blank for making the sleeve includes:

- a rectangular bottom panel which defines the bottom of the sleeve,
- a rectangular first end panel extending outward from one edge of the bottom panel with a height and width that are less than or equal to a height and width of the rear wall of the sleeve, the first end panel is foldable relative to the bottom panel;
- a first side panel extending outward from the bottom panel with a height that is less than or equal to a height of the side wall of the sleeve, the first side panel is foldable relative to the bottom panel;
- a flap panel extending out from a front edge of the bottom panel, the flap panel having a width that is less than or equal to a width of the bottom of the sleeve and a length that is less than the length of the bottom of the sleeve, the flap panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel;
- wherein the bottom panel is die cut to form the unlocking tab at a location spaced apart from the rear edge of the bottom panel;
- a second side panel extending outward from the bottom panel on an opposite side of the bottom panel from the first side panel, the second side panel having a width that defines a final height of the side wall, the second side panel and bottom panel being foldable relative to one another;
- a second end panel extending outward from a rear edge of the second side panel a distance that is less than a width of the rear wall, the second end panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel about a fold line, wherein a side of the second side panel is integral with a top panel, the second side panel and top panel being foldable relative to one another;
- the top panel has a third end panel that extends outward from a rear edge of the top panel less than or equal to a height of the rear end, the third end panel being foldable relative to the top panel;
- a third side panel extending outward from a side of the top blank a distance that is less than or equal to a height of the side wall, wherein the third side panel is foldable relative to the top panel; and
- a fourth end panel extending outward from a rear edge of the third side panel a distance that is less than the width of the rear wall, wherein the fourth end panel is foldable relative to the third side panel.

In an embodiment, the paperboard blank for making the sleeve includes a second flap panel extending out from a front edge of the top panel, the second flap panel having a width that is less than or equal to a width of the top and a length that is less than a length of the top, the second flap panel being foldable relative to the top panel.
The foldability of each panel is provided by scoring of the paperboard blank to form a fold line.
In an embodiment, the first and third side panels define the side wall. In an embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth end panels define the rear wall.
In an embodiment, the paperboard blank for making the drawer includes:

- a bottom panel having a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges;
- a first end panel extending outward from each of the front edge and rear edge of the bottom panel, one first end panel being less than or equal to a height and a width of the rear wall, the other first end panel being less than or equal to a height and a width of the front wall, each first end panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel;
- a second end panel extending outward from an edge of each first end panel on a side opposite from where the first end panel attaches to the bottom panel, the second end panel having a height and a width less than or equal to a height and a width of the first end panel, the second end panel being foldable relative to the first end panel;
- a third end panel extending outward from an edge on each second end panel on a side opposite from where the second end panel attaches to the first end panel, the third end panel being foldable relative to the second end panel;
- a first side panel extending outward each of the side edges of the bottom panel, each first side panel having a height and width that is less than or equal to a height and a width of a side wall, each first side panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel;
- a front end panel extending outward from each of a front edge and a rear edge of the first side panel, each of the front and rear end panels is foldable relative to the first side panel;
- a second side panel extending outward from an edge of each first side panel on a side opposite from where the first side panel attaches to the bottom panel, the second side panel having a height and a width less than or equal to a height and a width of the first side panel, the second side panel being foldable relative to the first side panel;
- a third side panel extending outward from an edge on each second side panel on a side opposite side from where the second side panel attaches to the first side panel, the third side panel being foldable relative to the second side panel; and
- the bottom panel included one or more cuts in the bottom panel to form at least one locking leg panel, the cuts into the bottom panel are such that only edge of the at least on locking leg panel remains attached to the bottom panel, the locking leg panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel.

In an embodiment the edge of the locking leg panel that is uncut from the bottom panel is spaced further from the rear edge of the bottom panel than the other cuts.
Other examples include any of the one or more above aspects described above in combination with any other of the one or more aspects described herein.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which is further described below in the Description of the Embodiments. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features, and/or advantages of examples will be set forth in part in the following description and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a form of the invention which is presently preferred. However, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paperboard storage container with a child resistant sliding drawer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a top view of the paperboard storage container of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1B is a front view of the paperboard storage container of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1C is a side view of the paperboard storage container of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outer sleeve of the paperboard storage container of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2A is a top view of the sleeve of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 2B is a front view of the sleeve of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 2C is a side view of the sleeve of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drawer of the paperboard storage container of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A is a top view of the drawer of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 3B is a front view of the drawer of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 3C is a side view of the drawer of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 4 is a flat pattern view of a paperboard blank which can be folded to form the sleeve of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a flat pattern view of a paperboard blank which can be folded to form the drawer of FIG. 3 .

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings a preferred embodiment of a paperboard storage container with a child resistant sliding drawer assembly 10 is shown. The container assembly includes a sleeve 12 with a top 14, bottom 16, two lateral side walls 18, 20, a rear wall 22 and an open end 24. The top 14, bottom 16, side walls 18, 20 and rear wall 22 define an interior 24 inside the sleeve 12.
A drawer 30 is slidably disposed within the interior 24 and accessible from the open end 22. The drawer 30 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A-3C. The drawer 30 includes, preferably, an open top 32, a bottom 34, a front wall 36, a rear wall 38, and two side walls 40, 42. The bottom 34, front wall 36, rear wall 38, and side walls 40, 42 define a drawer interior 44.
The drawer 30 slides into and out of the open end 24 of the sleeve 12. As will be discussed in more detail, to inhibit removal of the drawer 30 when it is in the sleeve 12 in its closed state, the assembly 10 includes a locking system. The locking system includes at least one locking leg 50 formed on the bottom 34 of the drawer 30, at least one unlocking tab 52 formed on the bottom 16 of the sleeve 12, and a locking flap 54 on the inside surface of the bottom 16 of the sleeve 12. The locking leg 50 engages with the locking flap 54 when the drawer 30 is slid completely into the interior 26 of the sleeve 12, thereby preventing the drawer 30 from being slid out of the sleeve 12. The unlocking tab 52 is configured to, when depressed, unlock the drawer 30 from the sleeve 12 (disengage the leg from the flap).
More particularly and with reference to FIGS. and 3A-3C, the locking leg 50 is preferably formed by cutting a portion of the bottom 34 leaving only one side or edge 50A of the cut portion attached to the bottom 34. The side 50A that remains attached to the bottom is preferably furthest from the rear wall 38. The cut portion is then folded outward from the bottom (i.e., folded away from the drawer interior 44 about its attached side 50A) and bent forward so that it faces toward the front 36 of the drawer as shown in FIG. 3A. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two locking legs 50 each formed by a three sided cutout 50B in the bottom 34.
As mentioned above, the sleeve 12 includes a locking flap 54. More specifically, the locking flap 54 is preferably attached to and an extension of the bottom 16 of the sleeve 12 that is folded into the interior 22 of the sleeve 12 so that it lies on the inner surface of the bottom 16. Preferably an adhesive is located between the locking flap 54 and the bottom 16 so as to adhere the flap 54 to the bottom. The length of the flap 54 is less than the length of the bottom so that the flap 54 defines a flap edge 56. The unlocking tab 52 is preferably formed integral to the bottom 16. More specifically, the unlocking tab 52 is formed by cutting the bottom 16 so as to leave an edge 52A attached to the bottom. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking tab 52 is substantially rectangular in shape (with curved corners), with three cut sides 52B and one attached side 52A. Other shapes can, of course, be used. The unlocking tab 52 is at a location on the bottom 16 between the flap edge 56 and the closed end 22 of the sleeve 12. It is also contemplated that a tamper evident feature can be added by including one or more tamper bridges, i.e., thin uncut sections of the bottom that connect the unlocking tab to the remainder of the bottom. When the unlocking tab 52 is first used, the displacement of the unlocking tab 52 relative to the bottom 16 will sever or break the bridges providing evidence of use (i.e., tampering).
When the drawer 30 is completely inside the sleeve 12, if a user tries to slide the drawer 30 out of the sleeve 12, a front edge of the locking leg 50 contacts the flap edge 56. This prevents the drawer 30 from being pulled out of the sleeve 12, thus locking the assembly. To disengage the drawer 30, the user depresses the unlocking tab 52 inward. The unlocking tab 52 contacts the leg 50 pushing it toward the bottom 34 of the drawer 30. This results in the leg 50 clearing the flap edge 56, thereby unlocking the assembly 10 and allowing the drawer 30 to be slid out from the interior 26 of the sleeve 12.
As is shown in the figures, the sleeve 12 and drawer 30 are each preferably made from a single sheet of paperboard, preferably, with a thickness of 0.024″ or 24 point SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate). More specifically, the sleeve 12 and the drawer 30 are each made by cutting (e.g., die cutting) a paperboard blank.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the paperboard blank 100 for making the sleeve 12 is shown. The sleeve blank 100 includes a rectangular bottom panel 102 which defines the bottom 24 of the sleeve 12. A rectangular first end panel 104 extends outward from one edge of the bottom panel 102 and has a height and width that is less than or equal to the height and width of the rear wall 22. The first end panel 104 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 102 about a fold line 104A. A first side panel 106 extends outward from the bottom panel 102 and has a height that is less than or equal to the height of the side wall 20. The front and rear ends 106A, 106B of the side panel 106 are preferably tapered. The first side panel 106 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 102 about a fold line 106C.
A flap panel 108 extends out from a front edge of the bottom panel 102. The flap panel 108 is preferably rectangular in shape with a width less than or equal to the width of the bottom and a length that is less than the length of the bottom 16. The flap panel 108 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 102 about a fold line 108A. The unlocking tab 52 is cut into the bottom panel 102 at a location spaced apart from the rear edge of the bottom panel 102. As discussed above, the unlocking tab is defined by cutting the bottom panel 102 along lines 52B, and leaving an uncut edge 52A. Preferably the uncut edge 52A is closer to the rear edge of the bottom panel 102 than the cut lines 52B so that the unlocking tab 52 hinges or bends about the uncut edge 52A. If it is desired to include a tamper evident feature, the cuts along lines 52B are made so as to leave one or more tamper bridges, i.e., small uncut sections of the bottom panel that connect the unlocking tab to the remainder of the bottom panel 102.
A second side panel 110 extends outward from the bottom panel 102 on the opposite side of the bottom panel 102 from the first side panel 106. The second side panel 110 has a width that defines the final height of the side wall 18. The front edge 110A of the second side panel 110 preferably has a notch cut into it as will be discussed below. The second side panel 110 and bottom panel 102 are foldable relative to one another about a fold line 110B.
A second end panel 112 extends outward from the rear edge of the second side panel 110 a distance less than the width of the rear wall 22. The second end panel 112 has outer corners 112A that are preferably notched. The second end panel 112 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 102 about a fold line 112B.
The right side (as shown in the illustration) of the second side panel 110 is integral with a rectangular top panel 114. The second side panel 110 and top panel 114 are foldable relative to one another about a fold line 110C.
The top panel 114 has a rectangular third end panel 116 that extends outward from the rear edge of the top panel 114 less than or equal to the height of the end 22. The third end panel 116 is foldable relative to the top panel 114 about a fold line 116A. A third side panel 118 extends outward from the right side (as shown in the illustration) of the top blank 114 less than or equal to the height of the side wall 20. The front edge 118A of the third side panel 118 preferably has a notch cut into it as will be discussed below. The third side panel 118 is foldable relative to the top panel 114 about a fold line 118B.
A fourth end panel 120 extends outward from the rear edge of the third side panel 118 a distance less than the width of the rear wall 22. The fourth end panel 120 has outer corners 120A that are preferably notched. The fourth end panel 120 is foldable relative to the third side panel 118 about a fold line 120B.
A second flap panel 122 may be included and extends out from a front edge of the top panel 114. The second flap panel 122 is preferably rectangular in shape with a width less than or equal to the width of the top 14 and a length that is less than the length of the top 14. The second flap panel 122 is foldable relative to the top panel 114 about a fold line 122A.
The fold lines may be formed by scoring the blank.
The sleeve 12 is assembled as follows. The flap panel 108 is folded about the fold line 108A so as to lie on top of the bottom panel 102. It is preferably adhesively attached to the bottom panel 102. If there is a second flap panel 122, it is folded about the fold line 122A so as to lie on top of the top blank 114. It is preferably adhesively attached. The second end panel 112 and fourth end panel 120 are folded about their respective fold lines 112B, 120B. The third side panel 118 is folded over fold line 1186. The bottom panel 102 is then folded over fold line 1106 and the top panel is folded over fold line 110C. At this point the third side panel 118 overlies the first side panel 106. The third side panel 118 is preferably adhered to the first side panel 106. The first end panel 104 is folded over fold line 104A so as to overlie the second and fourth end panels 112, 120. The first end panel 104 may be adhered to the second and fourth end panels 112, 120, although that is not necessary. The third end panel 116 is folded over its fold line 116A so as to overlie the outward facing surface of the first end panel 104. The third end panel 116 is preferably adhered to the first end panel 104. This completes the sleeve 12.
As should be apart from the above discussion and the figures, the first and third side panels 106, 118 define the side wall 18. The first, second, third and fourth end panels 104, 112, 116, 120 define the rear wall 22.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the paperboard blank 200 for making the drawer 30 is shown. The drawer blank 200 includes a rectangular bottom panel 202. A rectangular first end panel 204 extends outward from one edge of the bottom panel 202 and is less than or equal to the height and width of the rear wall 38. The first end panel 204 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 202 about fold line 204A. A second end panel 206 extends outward from an edge of the first end panel 204 that is on the opposite side from where the first end panel 204 attaches to the bottom panel 202. The second end panel 206 is preferably rectangular in shape with a height and width less than or equal to the height and width of the first end panel 204. The second end panel 206 is foldable relative to the first end panel 204 about fold line 206A. A third end panel 208 extends outward from an edge on the second end panel 206 that is on the opposite side from where the second end panel 206 attaches to the first end panel 204. The third end panel 208 is preferably triangular in shape. The third end panel 208 is foldable relative to the second end panel 206 about fold line 208A. The opposite side of bottom panel 202 includes preferably identical first, second and third end panels 204, 206, 208 formed in the same manner.
A first side panel 210 extends outward from one side of the bottom panel 202 and has a height and width that is less than or equal to the height and width of the corresponding side wall 40, 42. The first side panel 210 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 202 about a fold line 210A. Front and rear end panels 212 extend outward from front and rear edges of the first side panel 210. Each of the front and rear end panels 212 is foldable relative to the first side panel 210 about a fold line 212A. The front and rear panels may include a notch on one corner to facilitate assembly.
A second side panel 214 extends outward from an edge of the first side panel 210 that is on the opposite side from where the first side panel 210 attaches to the bottom panel 202. The second side panel 214 is preferably rectangular in shape with a height and width less than or equal to the height and width of the first side panel 210. The second side panel 214 is foldable relative to the first side panel 210 about fold line 214A. A third side panel 216 extends outward from an edge on the second side panel 214 that is on the opposite side from where the second side panel 214 attaches to the first side panel 210. The third side panel 216 preferably includes tapered front and rear edges 216B so as to have a trapezoid shape. The third side panel 216 is foldable relative to the second side panel 214 about fold line 216A. The opposite side of bottom panel 202 includes preferably identical first, second and third side panels 210, 214, 216 and front and rear end panels 212, formed in the same manner.
The bottom panel 202 includes one or more cuts 250A to form the locking leg panel 250. The cuts into the bottom panel 202 are such that only one side or edge 250B remains attached to the bottom panel 202. The side 250B that remains attached (uncut) to the bottom panel 202 is spaced furthest from the rear edge of the bottom panel than the other cuts 250A. The locking leg panel 250 is foldable relative to the bottom panel 202 about fold line 250C. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two locking leg panels 250 positioned side by side, each formed by three cuts 250A in the bottom panel 202.
The drawer 30 is preferably assembled as follows. The locking leg panels 250 are pushed outward and folded about fold lines 250C so that they project forward.
The front and rear end panels 212 are each folded inward about their respective fold lines 212A. The first side panels 210 are each folded upward about their respective fold lines 210A. Each first end panel 204 is folded upward so that it lies against the front and rear end panels 212. Each second end panel 206 if then folded downward about its respective fold line 206A, thereby sandwiching the front and rear end panels 212 between the first and second end panels, 204, 206. The third end panels are each folded about its fold line 208A so that it overlies the bottom panel 202.
Each second side panel 214 is folded downward over its fold line 214A so that it overlies the first side panel 210. Each third side panel 216 is folded over its fold line 216A so that it overlies the bottom panel 202.
The folding of the panels is such that it is not necessary for adhesive to be used to assemble the drawer 30. However, adhesive can be included if desired to secure one or more of the panels. This completes the drawer 30.
As should be apart from the above discussion and the figures, the first and second end panels 204, 206, and the front or rear end panels 212 form the front wall 36 and rear wall 38, respectively. The first and second side panels 210, 214 form each of the side walls 40, 42. The bottom panel 202, third end panels 208 and third side panels 216 form the bottom 34.
As is evident from the above description, the present invention allows for fabrication of a child resistant paperboard container with a sliding drawer made from two pieces of paperboard blanks, thus providing an inexpensive product.
While the embodiments described above include a drawer with an open top, it is also contemplated that the drawer could have a partially or fully closed top and allow for access through a side or end wall.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by this specific language, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.
The recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
Terms such as “about” or “approximately”, unless otherwise defined or restricted in the specification, should be understood to define a variance of plus or minus 5%-10% to the numerical term or amount referred to.
All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. The various embodiments and elements can be interchanged or combined in any suitable manner as necessary.
The use of directions, such as forward, rearward, top and bottom, upper and lower are with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings and, thus, should not be taken as restrictive. Reversing or flipping the embodiments in the drawings would, of course, result in consistent reversal or flipping of the terminology.
No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalent.

Claims

1. A child resistant paperboard storage container assembly comprising:

a sleeve with a top, bottom, two lateral side walls, a rear wall and an open end, the top, bottom, side walls, and rear wall define a sleeve interior inside the sleeve;

a drawer is slidably disposed within the interior and accessible from the open end, the drawer includes a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls, the bottom, front wall, rear wall, and side walls define a drawer interior, the drawer is configured to slide into and out of the open end of the sleeve; and

a locking system for restricting withdrawal of the drawer from the sleeve, the locking system including a least one locking leg formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the drawer that projects forward, a locking flap on an inside surface of the bottom of the sleeve that project upward from the surface of the sleeve such that the at least one locking leg engages with the locking flap when the drawer is slid from the interior of the sleeve so as to prevent the drawer from being slid out of the sleeve, and an unlocking tab formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the sleeve, the unlocking tab being displaceable into the sleeve interior relative to the bottom of the sleeve, the unlocking tab located so as to be aligned with at least one locking leg such that depression of the unlocking tab causes the unlocking tab to contact the at least one locking leg lifting it over the locking flap.

2. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking leg is two spaced apart locking legs on the bottom of the drawer, each locking leg being formed from a cut out portion of the bottom of the drawer and bent so as to project toward the front wall, and wherein the unlocking tab is located so as to align with both locking legs.

3. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking leg is polygonal in shape.

4. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking flap is formed integral with and is an extension of the bottom of the sleeve and is folded into the interior of the sleeve so that it lies on an inner surface of the bottom of the sleeve.

5. The storage container assembly of claim 4, wherein the locking flap is attached to the inner surface of the bottom of the sleeve with an adhesive.

6. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking flap has a length than is less than the length of the bottom so that the locking flap defines a flap edge spaced apart from the rear wall of the sleeve.

7. The storage container assembly of claim 6, wherein the unlocking tab is at a location on the bottom of the sleeve between the flap edge and the rear end of the sleeve.

8. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the unlocking tab is formed integral with the bottom of the sleeve with an edge of the unlocking tab attached to the bottom of the sleeve.

9. The storage container assembly of claim 8, wherein the unlocking tab is substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners.

10. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve and drawer are each made from a single paperboard blank.

11. The storage container assembly of claim 10, wherein the paperboard is 24 point solid bleached sulfate.

12. The storage container assembly of claim 10, wherein sleeve and drawer are each formed by die cutting the paperboard blank.

13. The storage container assembly of claim 10, wherein the paperboard blank for making the sleeve includes:

a rectangular bottom panel which defines the bottom of the sleeve,

a rectangular first end panel extending outward from one edge of the bottom panel with a height and width that are less than or equal to a height and width of the rear wall of the sleeve, wherein the first end panel is foldable relative to the bottom panel;

a first side panel extending outward from the bottom panel with a height that is less than or equal to a height of the side wall of the sleeve, wherein the first side panel is foldable relative to the bottom panel;

a flap panel extending out from a front edge of the bottom panel, the flap panel having a width that is less than or equal to a width of the bottom of the sleeve and a length that is less than the length of the bottom of the sleeve, the flap panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel;

wherein the bottom panel is die cut to form the unlocking tab at a location spaced apart from the rear edge of the bottom panel;

a second side panel extending outward from the bottom panel on an opposite side of the bottom panel from the first side panel, the second side panel having a width that defines a final height of the side wall, the second side panel and bottom panel being foldable relative to one another;

a second end panel extending outward from a rear edge of the second side panel a distance that is less than a width of the rear wall, the second end panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel about a fold line, wherein a side of the second side panel is integral with a top panel, the second side panel and top panel being foldable relative to one another;

the top panel has a third end panel that extends outward from a rear edge of the top panel less than or equal to a height of the rear end, the third end panel being foldable relative to the top panel;

a third side panel extending outward from a side of the top blank a distance that is less than or equal to a height of the side wall, wherein the third side panel is foldable relative to the top panel; and

a fourth end panel extending outward from a rear edge of the third side panel a distance that is less than the width of the rear wall, wherein the fourth end panel is foldable relative to the third side panel.

14. The storage container assembly of claim 13, further comprising a second flap panel extending out from a front edge of the top panel, the second flap panel having a width that is less than or equal to a width of the top and a length that is less than a length of the top, the second flap panel being foldable relative to the top panel.

15. The storage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the foldability of each panel is provided by scoring of the paperboard blank to form a fold line.

16. The storage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and third side panels define the side wall.

17. The storage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the first, second, third and fourth end panels define the rear wall.

18. The storage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the paperboard blank for making the drawer includes:

a bottom panel having a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges;

a first end panel extending outward from each of the front edge and rear edge of the bottom panel, one first end panel being less than or equal to a height and a width of the rear wall, the other first end panel being less than or equal to a height and a width of the front wall, each first end panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel;

a second end panel extending outward from an edge of each first end panel on a side opposite from where the first end panel attaches to the bottom panel, the second end panel having a height and a width less than or equal to a height and a width of the first end panel, the second end panel being foldable relative to the first end panel;

a third end panel extending outward from an edge on each second end panel on a side opposite from where the second end panel attaches to the first end panel, the third end panel being foldable relative to the second end panel;

a first side panel extending outward each of the side edges of the bottom panel, each first side panel having a height and width that is less than or equal to a height and a width of a side wall, each first side panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel;

a front end panel extending outward from each of a front edge and a rear edge of the first side panel, each of the front and rear end panels is foldable relative to the first side panel;

a second side panel extending outward from an edge of each first side panel on a side opposite from where the first side panel attaches to the bottom panel, the second side panel having a height and a width less than or equal to a height and a width of the first side panel, the second side panel being foldable relative to the first side panel;

a third side panel extending outward from an edge on each second side panel on a side opposite side from where the second side panel attaches to the first side panel, the third side panel being foldable relative to the second side panel; and

the bottom panel including one or more cuts in the bottom panel to form at least one locking leg panel, the cuts into the bottom panel are such that only edge of the at least on locking leg panel remains attached to the bottom panel, the locking leg panel being foldable relative to the bottom panel.

19. The storage container assembly of claim 18, wherein the edge of the locking leg panel that is uncut from the bottom panel is spaced further from the rear edge of the bottom panel than the other cuts.