Patent Publication Number: US-2010116693-A1

Title: Package with multi-sleeve structure

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to packages and, more specifically, to packages with multi-sleeve structures for receiving slide cards. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Known packages include an outer sleeve and a slide card that is received in the outer sleeve. Such a package is useful in many applications as the slide card can be repeatedly removed from and returned to the outer sleeve, for example, in order to dispense unit doses from the package. For this use, the package allows the user to track the consumption of doses according to a prescribed schedule. 
     Certain of the known packages include a lock and release mechanism that provides a level of child resistance. In such embodiments, the slide card can be releasably locked in the outer sleeve and actions that are counter intuitive to a child are required to release the slide card from the outer sleeve. 
     In certain prescription regimens, it is desired that the package include a greater amount of unit doses than what is included on a standard slide card. To that end, a previous solution has been to alter the slide card design or to scale the package to fit a greater number of doses. However, altering or customizing the slide card for each application adds additional manufacturing cost. In other prescription regimens, multiple different unit doses are taken by a patient, and those unit doses are separately packaged. To that end, the patient must track multiple, separate packages. What is needed is a package that is simple to manufacture and that is configured to include a greater amount of doses and/or different doses. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a multi-sleeve structure for receiving a plurality of slide cards. For example, for applications where each slide card includes an integral blister pack, the multi-sleeve structure can package, store, and dispense an increased number of doses from the blister packs. The multi-sleeve structure is cost effective in that the same slide cards can be used as are used for single-sleeve structures. 
     The multi-sleeve structure includes a plurality of tubular structures for receiving slide cards. Each tubular structure is defined by a plurality of walls and includes elements of a lock and release mechanism for releasably locking a slide card within the tubular structure. 
     In certain embodiments, each tubular structure includes a composite wall that is defined by an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel includes a locking aperture and the outer panel includes a release tab. The locking aperture and the release tab functionally align to cooperate with a locking tab of a slide card. 
     In certain embodiments, a first one of the tubular structures is hingedly connected to a second one of the tubular structures. Thereby, the multi-sleeve structure can be arranged such that walls of the first and second tubular structures are in flat face contact, for example, to conceal release tabs that are disposed in the walls. Alternatively, the first and second tubular structures can be hingedly connected by a spine panel. 
     In certain embodiments, adjacent tubular structures share, or are defined by, a divider wall. In such embodiments, one or more divider walls extend between the outer walls of the multi-sleeve structure. 
     The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a multi-sleeve structure formed from the blank of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a slide card. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a multi-sleeve structure formed from the blank of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a multi-sleeve structure formed from the blank of  FIG. 6   
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a multi-sleeve structure formed from the blank of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a multi-sleeve structure formed from the blank of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     It will be understood that the exemplary embodiments illustrate a package for packaging; storing, and dispensing various products. In certain applications the package provides primary packaging for products and, in other applications, the package provides secondary packaging for packaged products. For purposes of illustration, the exemplary embodiments of the package are illustrated in the context of a package for packaging, storing, and dispensing medicaments that are packaged in a blister pack that is associated with or integral to a slide card. However, the package taught and claimed herein can be scaled or otherwise altered for alternative items or products. 
     Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a package that includes a multi-sleeve structure and a plurality of slide cards. Generally described, the multi-sleeve structure includes a plurality of tubular structures that define sleeves, compartments, or slots for receiving the slide cards. Additionally, each of the tubular structures includes means for releasably locking a slide card in the tubular structure. 
     The multi-sleeve structure and the inner slide cards are formed from blanks. The blanks can be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, paperboard, plastic, cardboard, combinations thereof, and the like. Alternatively, the multi-sleeve structure can be formed by alternative processes including thermoforming, molding, casting, prototyping, combinations thereof, and the like. The selection of material to form the package can be made according to certain packaging needs or constraints. For example, to package medicines, the selected material should be recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a blank  10  is illustrated. The blank  10  can be folded and secured to form an exemplary embodiment of a multi-sleeve structure  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In alternative embodiments, the multi-sleeve structure  12  can be formed from two or more blanks. 
     The blank  10  includes outer panels P 1  and inner panels P 2 . The outer panels P 1  of the blank  10  include a top panel  20 , a first side panel  22 , a bottom panel  24 , and a second side panel  26 . The outer panels P 1  are aligned along a longitudinal axis and hingedly connected one to the next along fold lines  34 ,  36 ,  38  that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The inner panels P 2  of the blank  10  include a top inner panel  28 , a divider panel  30 , and a bottom inner panel  32 . The inner panels P 2  are aligned along a longitudinal axis and hingedly connected one to the next along fold lines  42 ,  44  that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner panels P 2  are hingedly connected to the outer panels P 1 . Specifically, the second side panel  26  is hingedly connected to the top inner panel  28  along a fold line  40 . The blank  10  further includes a top end flap  46  that is hingedly connected to the top panel  20  along a fold line  48  and a bottom end flap  50  that is hingedly connected to the bottom panel  24  along a fold line  52 . 
     The blank  10  includes elements that can be arranged to form a lock and release mechanism for an exemplary slide card, as described in further detail below. The elements that form the lock and release mechanism include top and bottom release tabs  54 ,  58  that are defined by severance lines  56 ,  60  in the top and bottom panels  20 ,  24 , respectively, and locking apertures  62 ,  66  that are disposed in top and bottom inner panels  28 ,  32 , respectively. Each of the locking apertures  62 ,  66  defines a locking edge E 1  and inner release tabs  64 ,  68 , respectively. 
     The exemplary blank  10  includes elements that can be arranged to form a retention mechanism for an exemplary slide card, as described in further detail below. The elements that form the retention mechanism include retention apertures  70 ,  72  and retention flaps  74 ,  76  that are hingedly connected to the top and bottom inner panels  28 ,  32  along fold lines  78 ,  80 , respectively. The apertures  70 ,  72  define retention edges E 2  and the distal ends of the retention flaps  74 ,  76  define retention edges E 3 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the blank  10  includes elements that facilitate access to a slide card, as described in further detail below. The access elements include notches  82 ,  84  that are disposed along an edge of top panel  20 , notches  86 ,  88  that are disposed along an edge of bottom panel  24 , and apertures  90 ,  92 . Each aperture  90 ,  92  interrupts a fold line  78 ,  80  so as to be at least partially disposed on an inner panel  28 ,  32  and at least partially disposed on a retention flap  74 ,  76 . The retention flaps  74 ,  76  can be folded along the fold lines  78 ,  80  such that the apertures  90 ,  92  define notches, as described in further detail below. 
     A non limiting method of erecting the blank  10  to form the multi-sleeve structure  12  is now described. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the method of erecting the multi-sleeve structure from the blank is not limited to the steps described herein or to the particular sequence of the steps described herein. For purposes of clarity, the side of the blank  10  that is shown in  FIG. 1  is designated as the unprinted side that defines the inside surface and the opposite side is designated as the printed side that defines the outside surface. 
     The retention panels  74 ,  76  are folded along fold lines  78 ,  80 , respectively, such that the unprinted side of the retention panel  74  overlaps or is in flat face contact with the unprinted side of top inner panel  28  and such that the printed side of retention panel  76  overlaps or is in flat face contact with the printed side of bottom inner panel  32 . Thereby, retention edges E 3  substantially align with retention edges E 2  and notches N 1 , N 2  are defined as the retention panels  74 ,  76  are folded along fold lines  78 ,  80 . 
     The blank  10  can be folded and secured to form a multi-sleeve structure  12  in a collapsed condition, for example, for purposes of stacking and transporting. The collapsed multi-sleeve structure  12  can thereafter be erected to form the multi-sleeve structure  12  shown in  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , to fold and secure the blank  10  as a collapsed multi-sleeve structure  12 , glue or other adhesive is applied to the unprinted surface of the bottom inner panel  32  and the blank  10  is folded along the fold line  40  such that the unprinted sides of the inner panels P 2  are in flat face contact with the unprinted sides of the bottom panel  24  and second side panel  26 . Thereby, the bottom inner panel  32  is secured to the bottom panel  24 , the bottom release tab  58  functionally aligns with the locking aperture  66 , and the notch N 2  functionally aligns with the notch  86 . 
     Continuing with the method of forming a collapsed multi-sleeve structure  12 , glue or other adhesive is applied to the printed side of the top inner panel  28  and the blank  10  is folded along the fold line  36  such that the unprinted sides of the top panel  20  and first side panel  22  are in flat face contact with the printed sides of the inner panels P 2 . Thereby, the top inner panel  28  is secured to the top panel  20 , the top release tab  54  functionally aligns with the locking aperture  62 , and the notch N 1  functionally aligns with the notch  82 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the collapsed multi-sleeve structure  12  is erected as the top panel  20  and the bottom panel  24  are pulled from one another such that the first and second side panels  22 ,  26  and the divider panel  30  are substantially parallel to one another and are substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom panels  20 ,  24 . 
     Thereafter, the outer panels P 1  define the outer walls of the multi-sleeve structure  12 . The top panel defines a top wall  120 , the first side panel  22  defines a first side wall  122 , the bottom panel  24  defines a bottom wall  124 , and the second side panel  26  defines a second side wall  126 . The top and bottom end flaps  46 ,  50  are folded along fold lines  48 ,  52  toward one another and secured to one another to define an end wall  148 . The inner panels P 2  define composite portions of the top and bottom walls  120 ,  124  and define a divider wall  130  as the divider panel  30  is erected within the outer walls. 
     The divider wall  130  defines a shared wall of adjacent tubular structures T 1 , T 2 . Each of the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  is dimensioned for receiving an exemplary slide card and includes a composite wall with elements of a lock and release mechanism. The first tubular structure T 1  is defined by the divider wall  130 , a portion of the top wall  120 , a composite bottom wall defined by the bottom inner panel  32  and a portion of the bottom wall  124 , and the first side wall  122 . The second tubular structure T 2  is defined by the divider wall  130 , a portion of the bottom wall  124 , a composite top wall defined by the top inner panel  28  and a portion of the top wall  120 , and the second side wall  126 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary slide card  150  that can be received and releasably secured in one of the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  of the multi-sleeve structure  12  includes a base panel  152  that is hingedly connected to a locking tab  154  along a fold line  160 . In the exemplary embodiment, the base panel  152  provides at least part of the flange portion of a blister pack. The blister pack includes blisters  156  that are secured or integral to the base panel  152  and that house articles  158 , such as medications or tablets. It should be understood that, in alternative embodiments, thermoformed or paperboard trays, inserts, structures or other means for receiving including mechanical fasteners, chemical based fasteners, combinations thereof, and the like can be mounted or integral to the slide card so as to receive, contain, or support various products, articles, or items such as vials, syringes, combinations thereof, and the like. For example, slide cards can be configured as illustrated and described in International Application No. PCT/US2004/038405 and International Application No. PCT/US2004/039032, which are incorporated herein by reference. Advantageously, different slide card configurations for holding different products can be received in the tubular structures of the multi-sleeve structure. For example, a slide card that is configured to hold vials and a slide card that is configured to hold syringes can be loaded with vials of medications and syringes for administering the medications, respectively, and the loaded slide cards can be packaged together in the multi-sleeve structure. Further, one or more of the tubular structures can receive other items such as patient information, instruction booklets, coupons, marketing materials, electronic media, and the like. 
     It should be understood that the lock and release mechanism is not limited to the illustrated elements. Rather, any known elements can be substituted for the illustrated elements. For example, the locking tab  154  and locking apertures  62 ,  66  can be substituted with those taught in patents and published applications now or formally assigned to the present applicant, and other entities such as Howell Packaging of Elmira, N.Y. and Pharmagraphics of Portland, Conn. Further, the elements that form the lock and release mechanism can include detents, buttons, push tabs, recesses, apertures, locking tab support structures, ribs, protrusions, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     The slide card  150  can be inserted into each of the compartments defined by the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  of the multi-sleeve structure  12  to form a package. The following method of inserting the slide card  150  into a tubular structure T 1 , T 2  is described for purposes of teaching and not limitation. The locking tab  154  is folded along fold line  160  to be at an angle with the base panel  152 . The slide card  150  is then inserted into the opening of the tubular structure T 1 , T 2  such that the edge of the slide card  150  defined by the fold line  160  is positioned toward the end wall  148  and engaging tab  154  is positioned toward the inner panel  32 ,  28  or composite wall of the tubular structure T 1 , T 2 . 
     As the slide card  150  is substantially fully inserted in the tubular structure T 1 , T 2 , the slide card  150  becomes releasably secured in the tubular structure T 1 , T 2  by the elements of the lock and release mechanism. Specifically, the distal edge E 4  of the locking tab  154  is received in the locking aperture  62 ,  66  so as to be in contact with the locking edge E 1  and the wall  124 ,  120 . The hinged connection between the base panel  152  and the locking tab  154  has an inherent spring resistance that forces the distal edge E 4  of the locking tab  154  into the locking aperture  62 ,  66 . The slide card  150  can be removed from the tubular structure T 1 , T 2  as the release tab  54 ,  58  is depressed to displace the distal edge E 4  of the locking tab  154  from the locking edge E 1  of the locking aperture  62 ,  66 . In the exemplary embodiment, the locking aperture  62 ,  64  defines the inner release tab  64 ,  68  to deflect with the release tab  54 ,  58 . In alternative embodiments, the inner release tab  64 ,  68  is omitted and the release tab  54 ,  58  deflects through the locking aperture  62 ,  64 . 
     The tubular structures T 1 , T 2  further include means for retention of the slide card  150  such that slide cards  150  cannot be fully removed from the tubular structures T 1 , T 2 . In the exemplary embodiment, edges E 2 , E 3  provide means for retention. Specifically, the distal edge E 4  of the locking tab  154  is received in the retention aperture  70 ,  72  so as to contact the retention edge E 2 . The retention edge E 2  is reinforced by the retention edge E 3  of the retention panel  74 ,  76 . In alternative embodiments, means for retention is provided by the retention panels  74 ,  76  where the retention panels  74 ,  76  are not adhered to the adjacent panel  28 ,  32 , but rather interlock with the locking tab  154  to prevent complete removal of the slide card  150  from the multi-sleeve structure  12 . In other embodiments, means for retention can include elastic bands, detents, recesses, apertures, ribs, protrusions, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     It should be noted that the configuration of the multi-sleeve structure is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, many variations of the multi-sleeve structure can be formed including, as described in further detail below, versions where the tubular structures are stacked on top of each other rather than side by side, versions where the open ends of the tubular structures are at opposite ends of the multi-sleeve structure rather than at the same end, and versions that provide more than two tubular structures. 
     The variations of the multi-sleeve structures can be formed from alternative embodiments of blanks. In certain alternative embodiments, the number, configuration, and/or dimensions of the outer panels, inner panels, or other panels is altered. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the number and/or position of elements that at least partially form a lock and release mechanism, a retention mechanism, and that facilitate access to a slide card is altered. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of a blank  400  is illustrated that can be folded and secured to form a multi-sleeve structure  500  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, the blank  400  includes multiple sets S 1 , S 2  of panels for forming tubular structures T 1 , T 2 . Each set S 1 , S 2  of panels includes outer panels P 1  that define the walls of a tubular structure T 1 , T 2  and an inner panel P 2  that at least partially defines a composite wall of a tubular structure T 1 , T 2 . 
     Each set S 1 , S 2  of panels includes a top panel  420   a ,  420   b , a first side panel  422   a ,  422   b , a bottom panel  424   a ,  424   b , a second side panel  426   a ,  426   b , and a top inner panel  428   a ,  428   b  that are hingedly connected one to the next along fold lines  434   a ,  434   b ,  436   a ,  436   b ,  438   a ,  438   b ,  440   a ,  440   b . The sets S 1 , S 2  of panels are hingedly connected to one another. Specifically, the top panels  420   a ,  420   b  are hingedly connected along a fold line  441 . 
     The blank  400  includes end flaps  446   a ,  446   b ,  450   a ,  450   b  that are hingedly connected to top and bottom panels  420   a ,  420   b ,  424   a ,  424   b , respectively, along fold lines  448   a ,  448   b ,  452   a ,  452   b . The top panels  420   a ,  420   b  include release tabs  454   a ,  454   b  defined by severance lines  456   a ,  456   b , as described above, and the top inner panels  428   a ,  428   b  include locking apertures  462   a ,  462   b  that define inner release tabs  464   a ,  464   b , as described above. Further, the blank  400  includes retention flaps  474   a ,  474   b  hingedly connected along fold lines  478   a ,  478   b , notches  482   a ,  482   b ,  488   a ,  488   b , and apertures  490   a ,  490   b , as described above. 
     To erect the multi-sleeve structure  500  shown in  FIG. 5 , each set S 1 , S 2  of panels is folded and secured to form a tubular structure T 1 , T 2 . According to a non-limiting method, glue or other adhesive is applied to the outside surface of the top inner panel  428   a ,  428   b  and the blank  400  is folded along fold lines  436   a ,  436   b ,  440   a ,  440   b  such that the outside surface of the top inner panel  428   a ,  428   b  is disposed in flat face contact with, and thereby secured to, the top panel  420   a ,  420   b , respectively, to define a composite top wall  520   a ,  520   b . Thereafter, the multi-sleeve structure  500  is arranged in a collapsed condition. The multi-sleeve structure  500  can be erected as shown in  FIG. 5  such that the panels define the walls of the tubular structures T 1 , T 2 . 
     It should be understood that the panels of the blanks described herein can be attached or secured to one another by any means for attaching including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners, tape, staples, glue or other adhesives, chemical bonding, interlocking elements of the panels, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     The tubular structures T 1 , T 2  are hingedly connected to one another along the fold line  441 . The hinged connection allows the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  to move independently and, in this embodiment, composite top walls  520   a ,  520   b  of the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  can be disposed in flat face contact with one another such that the release tabs  454   a ,  454   b  are concealed in order to provide a greater level of child resistance. In alternative embodiments, the multi-sleeve structure  500  can include means for releasably securing the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  to one another such that the composite top walls  520   a ,  520   b  remain in flat face contact with one another until released. Means for releasably securing includes, but is not limited to, mechanical fasteners, glue or other adhesives, tape, bands, sleeves, lock and release mechanisms, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another alternative embodiment of a blank  600  is illustrated that can be folded and secured to form a multi-sleeve structure  700  as shown in  FIG. 7 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Accordingly, similar elements are designated with similar numbers, the difference being that the prefix “4” is replaced with the prefix “6” and the prefix “5” is replaced with the prefix “7”. Further, because of the similarities, only the material differences in the embodiments will be discussed in detail. 
     In this embodiment, each set S 1 , S 2  of panels is hingedly connected to an edge of a spine panel  643  along fold lines  645 ,  647 , respectively. Thereby, as each set S 1 , S 2  of panels is folded and secured to form a tubular structure T 1 , T 2  as described above, the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  are joined by the spine panel  643 . Thereby, the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  can move independently of one another and can be arranged such that release tabs  654   a ,  654   b  are exposed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , yet another alternative embodiment of a blank  800  is illustrated, following the similar but different numbering scheme explained immediately above, that can be folded and secured to form a multi-sleeve structure  900  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the dimensions of the outer panels P 1  and the number and dimensions of the inner panels P 2  are such that, when the multi-sleeve structure  900  is erected, the tubular structures T 1 , T 2  are vertically stacked on one another. 
     The outer panels P 1  include a top panel  820 , a first side panel  822 , a bottom panel  824 , and a second side panel  826  that are hingedly connected one to the next along fold lines  834 ,  836 ,  838 . The inner panels P 2  include a top inner panel  828 , a first spacing panel  829 , a divider panel  830 , a second spacer panel  831 , and a bottom inner panel  832  that are hingedly connected along fold lines  842 ,  843 ,  844 ,  845 . The outer panels P 1  are hingedly connected to the inner panels P 2 . Specifically, the second side panel  826  is hingedly connected to the top inner panel  826  along a fold line  840 . End flaps  846 ,  847 ,  850 ,  851  are hingedly connected to outer panels  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  along fold lines  848 ,  849 ,  852 ,  853 . 
     The blank  800  includes elements that define a lock and release mechanism as the blank  800  is erected to form the multi-sleeve structure  900 . The top and bottom panels  820 ,  824  include release tabs  854 ,  858  defined by severance lines  856 ,  860 . The top and bottom inner panels  828 ,  832  include locking apertures  862 ,  866  that define inner release tabs  864 ,  868 . The blank  800  includes retention flaps  874 ,  876  that are hingedly connected to top and bottom inner panels  828 ,  832  along fold lines  878 ,  880  that provide means for retention. The blank includes notches  882 ,  886  in top and bottom panels  820 ,  824 , apertures  890 ,  892  in top and bottom inner panels  828 ,  832 , and a notch  894  in the divider panel  830  that facilitate access to slide cards disposed in the tubular structures of the multi-sleeve structure  900 . 
     The multi-sleeve structure  900  can be formed from the blank  800  according to the following non-limiting method for folding and securing the blank  800 . For clarity, the surface of the blank  800  shown in  FIG. 8  is designated as the outside surface and the opposite surface is designated the inside surface. The retention flaps  874 ,  876  are folded along the fold lines  878 ,  880  such that the inside surface of the retention flap  874  is in flat face contact with the inside surface of the top inner panel  828  and the outside surface of the retention flap  876  is in flat face contact with the outside surface of the bottom inner panel  832 . 
     To fold and secure the blank  800  such that the multi-sleeve structure is in a collapsed condition, glue or other adhesive is applied to the inside surface of the bottom inner panel  832  and the blank is folded along the fold line  842  such that the inside surfaces of the panels  829 ,  830 ,  831 ,  832  are in flat face contact with the inside surfaces of the panels  824 ,  826 ,  828 . The bottom inner panel  832  is thereby secured to the bottom panel  824 . 
     The blank  800  is further folded along aligned fold lines  838 ,  845  such that the outside surface of the panel  831  and a portion of the panel  830  are in flat face contact with the outside surface of the inner bottom panel  832 , and the outside surfaces of the panel  829  and a portion of the panel  830  are in flat face contact with the inside surface of the first side panel  822 . Glue or other adhesive is applied to the outside surface of the top inner panel  828  and the top panel  820  is folded along the fold line  834  such that the inside surface of the top panel  820  is disposed in flat face contact with, and thereby secured to, the outside surface of the top inner panel  828 . The spacing panels  829 ,  831  can be optionally secured to the first and second side panels  822 ,  826 . An end wall of the multi-sleeve structure can be formed by folding the end flaps  846 ,  847 ,  850 ,  851  along the fold lines  848 ,  849 ,  852 ,  853  to overlap one another and securing the end flaps  846 ,  847 ,  850 ,  851  to one another. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , yet another alternative embodiment of a blank  1000  is illustrated that can be folded and secured to form a multi-sleeve structure  1100  as shown in  FIG. 11 . This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Accordingly, similar elements are designated with similar numbers, the difference being that the prefix “10” is added to the elements of  FIG. 1 . Further, because of the similarities, only the material differences in the embodiments will be discussed in detail. 
     In this embodiment, the blank  1000  continues a pattern of an arrangement of panels and elements to provide a multi-sleeve structure  1100  that includes three tubular structures T 1 , T 2 , T 3 . It should be understood that the pattern can be used to provide a multi-sleeve structure with any number of tubular structures. 
     The blank  1000  includes additional inner panels P 2 , the outer panels P 1  of the blank  1000  have been alternatively dimensioned, and the blank  1000  includes additional lock and release elements. The addition inner panels P 2  are a second divider panel  1031  and a second top inner panel  1033 . The second divider panel  1031  is hingedly connected to the bottom inner panel  1032  along fold line  1044  and the second top inner panel  1033  is hingedly connected to the second divider panel  1031  along a fold line  1045 . 
     The top and bottom panels  1020 ,  1024  each have a width that is substantially equal to the widths of the inner panels  1028 ,  1032 , and  1033  combined. Accordingly, the width of each of the top and bottom panels can be defined as a function of the number of inner panels or tubular structures. The widths of the first and second side panels  1022 ,  1026  and the widths of the divider panels  1030 ,  1031  are substantially equal to one another. 
     Each of the inner panels  1028 ,  1032 ,  1033  include the elements of the lock and release mechanism described above. Specifically, the second top inner panel  1033  includes a locking aperture  1063  that defines an inner release tab  1065 . Further, the top panel  1020  includes a second release tab  1055  that is defined by a severance line  1057 . The second release tab  1055  is positioned so as to functionally align with the locking aperture  1063  as the multi-sleeve structure  1100  is erected. 
     The blank  1000  can be folded and secured to form the multi-sleeve structure  1100  according to the following non-limiting method. The blank  1000  can first be folded and secured to form a multi-sleeve structure  1100  in a collapsed condition. Glue or other adhesive is applied to the inside surface of the bottom inner panel  1032  and the blank is folded along the fold line  1040  such that the inside surface of the bottom inner panel  1032  is in flat face contact with and secured to the inside surface of the bottom panel  1024 . Glue or other adhesive is applied to the outside surfaces of the first and second top inner panels  1028 ,  1033  and the top panel  1020  is folded along the fold line  1034  such that the inside surface of the top panel  1020  is in flat face contact with and secured to the outside surface of the first and second top inner panels  1028 ,  1033 . The collapsed multi-sleeve structure  1100  can thereafter be erected. An end wall of the multi-sleeve structure  1100  is formed as the end flaps  1046 ,  1050  are folded to overlap one another and are secured to one another. The tubular structures T 1 , T 2 , T 3  each include the lock and release mechanism described herein. 
     The present invention has been illustrated in relation to a particular embodiment which is intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “base”, “bottom”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper”, “middle”, “lower”, “front” and “rear” do not limit the respective walls of the carton to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these walls from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a junction including a single hinge only; indeed, it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more potentially disparate means for hingedly connecting materials. 
     It must be emphasized that the law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such modifications, combinations, and variation are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.