Patent Description:
The disclosure relates to a product locking assembly and packages having product locking assemblies for securing a product to a package display panel of a package.

Packaging fasteners are used in a variety of fields to help retain products within packaging, secure products for display within packaging, prevent theft of the product from within the package, and/or provide evidence of tampering. Such locking fasteners can be used with a variety of product types, and are commonly used in toy packaging. Examples of prior packaging fasteners include zip ties, wire-tie fasteners, paper-string fasteners, and molded plastic fasteners that are turned to alignment with an aperture within the product for removal. Such conventional fasteners can be difficult to remove, making opening of the package frustrating, which can be detrimental to the consumer's overall impression and satisfaction with the product. Such fasteners can also be environmentally detrimental causing additional waste with the package.

<CIT> discloses a handle packaging assembly comprising a door handle including a back plate and a spindle hole, a packaging sheet and a packaging retainer having a base part behind the packaging sheet. The packaging retainer has a base part, a central projection adapted to pass through a hole of the packaging sheet and to engage the spindle hole of the handle, and a plurality of other projections that penetrate through the packaging sheet.

The technical information set out below may in some respects go beyond the disclosure of the invention, which is defined exclusively by the appended claims. The additional technical information is provided to place the actual invention in a broader technical context and to illustrate possible related technical developments. Such additional technical information which does not fall within the scope of the appended claims, is not part of the invention.

A package can include a product display panel to which a product is secured, the product display panel comprising an opening receiving a product locking assembly. The product locking assembly can include a locking element having a peg and an extended portion extending from the peg, and the extended portion comprising first and second spaced apart projections, and a receiving element disposed in or attached to the product, the receiving element comprising an aperture having a first end and an inwardly disposed second end. The locking element is adapted to fit through the opening and be inserted into the receiving element to a first position such that product display panel is secured to the product and the first projection extends past the second end of the aperture of the receiving element to prevent the locking element from being removed from the aperture, and the locking element being further adapted to be further inserted into the aperture after removal of the product display panel from the product to a second position such that the second projection extends past the second end of the aperture of the receiving element.

The base can be a locking peg having a size such that the locking peg does not fit through the opening, a portion of the product display panel is positioned between the locking peg and the product when the locking element is in the first position and prevents the locking element from being further inserted to the second position, and the product display panel is removed from between the locking peg and the product by tearing the product display panel to enlarge the opening such that the product display panel can be removed around the locking peg, thereby allowing the locking element to be further inserted to the second position.

The product locking assembly can further comprise a packaging lock, wherein the locking element further includes a packaging lock receiving aperture adapted to receive a packaging lock when the locking element is inserted into the receiving element to the first position, the packaging lock being adapted to prevent the locking element from being inserted into the receiving element to the second position when disposed in the packaging lock receiving aperture, the locking element being adapted to fit through the opening of the product display panel when the packaging lock is removed from the packaging lock receiving aperture to allow for removal of the product display panel from the product and further insertion of the locking element to the second position.

A package can include a product display panel to which a product is secured, the product display panel comprising an opening for receiving a product locking assembly. The product locking assembly can include a locking element having a peg and an extended portion extended outwardly from the peg from a first end to an oppositely disposed second end, the extended portion having a first projection disposed at or adjacent to the second end and a second projection disposed along a length of the extended portion between the first projection and the first end; and a receiving element disposed in the product, the receiving element having an aperture that extends from a first end at a product exterior surface to a second end in an interior of the product, the aperture can have a diameter at the second end that is smaller than a diameter at the first end. The extended portion is adapted to reversibly deform from a first diameter to a second diameter such that the extended portion is in a deformed state can be inserted through the end of the aperture, and after insertion through the second end of the aperture expand back to the first diameter. The locking element is adapted to be non-reversibly inserted into the receiving element to a first position to secure the product to the package display panel, wherein in the first position the first projection extends through the second end of the aperture and prevents the locking element from being removed from the receiving element. The locking element is adapted to be further inserted into the aperture of the receiving element to a second position after removal of the product from the product display panel wherein in the second portion the second projection extends past the second end of the aperture.

The peg can be a locking peg having a size such that the locking peg does not fit through the opening, a portion of the product display panel is positioned between the locking peg and the product when the locking element is in the first position and prevents the locking element from being further inserted to the second position, and the product display panel is removed from between the locking peg and the product by tearing the product display panel to enlarge the opening such that the product display panel can be removed around the locking peg, thereby allowing the locking element to be further inserted to the second position.

The product locking assembly further comprises a packaging lock, wherein the locking element further includes a packaging lock receiving aperture adapted to receive a packaging lock when the locking element is inserted into the receiving element to the first position, the packaging lock being adapted to prevent the locking element from being inserted into the receiving element to the second position when disposed in the packaging lock receiving aperture, the locking element being adapted to fit through the opening of the product display panel when the packaging lock is removed from the packaging lock receiving aperture to allow for removal of the product display panel from the product and further insertion of the locking element to the second position.

Referring to <FIG>, a package <NUM> can include a product display panel <NUM> and a product locking assembly <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrates a package <NUM> with a product locking assembly that further includes a packaging lock <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a product locking assembly that includes a retaining receiving element having additional retaining structures to engage with a locking element of the product locking assembly.

The package display panel <NUM> is secured to the product <NUM> using the locking assembly <NUM> of the disclosure. The locking assembly <NUM> includes a locking element <NUM> and a receiving element <NUM>. The locking element <NUM> is designed for one-way insertion into the receiving element <NUM> in two stages. That is, once inserted, the locking element <NUM> cannot be removed from the receiving element <NUM>. Further, once inserted from the first stage to the second stage, the locking element <NUM> cannot be returned to the first stage position. In the first stage or first position, the locking element <NUM> is inserted into the receiving element <NUM> to secure the product <NUM> to the product display panel <NUM>. In various embodiments, product locking assembly <NUM> can further include a packaging lock <NUM> for securing the product <NUM> to the product display panel <NUM>. In the second stage or second position, the locking element <NUM> is further inserted into the receiving element <NUM> after removal of the product <NUM> from the product display panel <NUM>. The receiving element <NUM> can be formed into the product and/or include structures inserted within the product <NUM>. In such arrangements of the receiving element <NUM>, when in the second position, the locking element <NUM> can become in line with and a part of the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>. The product locking assembly <NUM> can be designed, for example, such that locking element <NUM> becomes part of the product <NUM> when in the second position and can be largely unnoticeable to a user when in the second position so as not to disrupt or harm the aesthetic look of the product <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The product display panel <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that is arranged to align with the receiving element <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is sized such that at least a portion of the locking element <NUM> can extend through the opening <NUM> to engage the receiving element <NUM>. As described in detail below, the opening <NUM> can be sized such that once inserted, the locking element <NUM> cannot be removed through the opening <NUM> without causing damage to the product display panel <NUM>. In other configurations, such as those using a packaging lock <NUM>, the opening <NUM> can be size to allow the locking element <NUM> to pass freely into and out of the opening <NUM>.

The locking element <NUM> includes an extended portion <NUM> that extends from a base <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the locking element <NUM> in which an extended portion <NUM> extends from a base that is in the form of a locking peg head <NUM>, the locking peg head <NUM> being sized to prevent the locking element from passing through the opening <NUM> without causing damage to the product display panel <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates a locking element in which the extended portion <NUM> extends as two arms <NUM> from the base <NUM> of the locking element <NUM>. The arrangement of the extended portion <NUM> can be tailored to the receiving element <NUM> to which it is to be inserted. The receiving element <NUM> size and shape can be tailored to the product to which it is disposed in or on.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the extended portion <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> has a length extending from a first end <NUM> adjacent to the base <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> is the portion of the extended portion <NUM> that is first inserted into the receiving element <NUM>. In embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the extended portion <NUM> can be tapered. This can allow for easier insertion into the receiving element <NUM> in various configurations.

The extended portion <NUM> includes at least a first projection <NUM>. In some configurations, the extended portion can include first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>. The projections extend outwardly from the extended portion <NUM> such that they can engage the wall surrounding an aperture in the receiving element <NUM> or engage with a retaining structure within the receiving element <NUM> to prevent the locking element <NUM> from being removed from the receiving element <NUM> after insertion to the first stage and to subsequently to the second stage. In embodiments, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can extend around an entire circumference of the extended portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, such as where the extended portion <NUM> includes a gap <NUM> as detailed below, the projections can be provided as one or more sets of projections, each projection can extend from opposed sides of the gap.

Referring to <FIG>, in locking elements <NUM> having first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>, the first projection <NUM> can be disposed at or adjacent to the second end <NUM> of the extended portion <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment in which the first projection <NUM> is disposed at the second end <NUM> of the extended portion <NUM>. The second projection <NUM> is disposed along the length of the extended portion <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the first projection <NUM>. The first and/or second projections <NUM>, <NUM> can be tapered with increasing diameter from the second end to the first end. The taper can aid in insertion of the extended portion <NUM> into the receiving element <NUM>. For example, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed of a reversibly deformable material and the taper can be used to guide deformation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> to a reduced diameter for insertion into the receiving element <NUM>. For example, the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> can have a frustoconical shape. In locking elements in which the extended portion includes a gap <NUM>, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can include portions that extend on opposed sides of the gap <NUM>. For example, each of the portions can have a half-frustoconical shape.

Referring to <FIG>, the extended portion <NUM> can include a single projection or a single set of projection. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the locking element includes two extended portions <NUM> provided as two arms <NUM>, extending a length between the base <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The projections can be at or adjacent to the second end <NUM> of each arm. The projections can be similarly tapered as described above. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the projection <NUM> can be tapered such that when pressed into the receiving element <NUM> to the first position, the locking element <NUM> can be disposed such that the projection <NUM> is received in a spacing beneath an internal structure of the product and/or a retaining structure of the receiving element (referred to collectively herein as a first retaining structure). If the locking element <NUM> is attempted to be withdrawn from the first position, the projection interacts with the first retaining structure <NUM>, for example by abutting up against the first retaining structure <NUM> to prevent the locking element <NUM> from being withdrawn.

Referring to Figure 12B, the locking element can alternatively include a connecting wall <NUM> that joins the two arms <NUM>. There can remain a gap <NUM> between the two arms <NUM>, such that an internal opening is present in the locking element <NUM>. The wall <NUM> can includes openings or apertures <NUM> for receiving one or more locking extensions <NUM> of the receiving element <NUM> that can aid in resisting removal of the locking element <NUM> from the receiving element <NUM> when it is in the second position.

Referring to <FIG>, the extended portion <NUM> can be provided as two arms <NUM> extending from a shaft <NUM>. A gap <NUM> can be disposed between the two arms <NUM>, extending along a length of the extended portion <NUM>. The gap <NUM> can be arranged such that the two arms <NUM> are not connected at any point, which can allow the extended portion <NUM> to reversibly deform from a first diameter, as measured around a projection <NUM>, <NUM>, and including any gap there between, to a second, smaller diameter to allow for inserting into the receiving element <NUM> while the extended portion <NUM> is in the deformed state and a return to the original, first diameter after insertion into the receiving element <NUM> to retain the locking element <NUM> in the receiving element <NUM>. In the deformed state, the width of at least a portion of the gap <NUM> is reduced, as the arms are moved closer together during insertion the receiving element <NUM>. In embodiments, the extended portion <NUM> can be in the deformed state during insertion into the opening <NUM> of the product display panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as noted above, the extended portion <NUM> can be provided as two arms <NUM> that extend directly from the base <NUM> of the extended portion <NUM> without having a shaft <NUM> as in the embodiment of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arms <NUM> are still separated by a gap <NUM> such that the no portion of the arms <NUM> are connected to one another. The extended portion <NUM> can reversible deform from a first diameter to a second, smaller diameter to allow for insertion into the receiving element <NUM> and can then return to the original first diameter after insertion. In such a deformed state, the arms <NUM> at least near the second end <NUM> of the extended portion <NUM> can be moved inward towards each other, reducing the width of the gap <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the extended portion <NUM> can further include two inward projections at the second end <NUM>, which extend from the second end <NUM> of each arm <NUM> into the gap <NUM>. The two inward projections <NUM> can add stability to the arms <NUM> during insertion into the receiving element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in embodiments in which the locking assembly includes a packaging lock <NUM>, the locking element <NUM> can include a packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM>. The packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> can be arranged in the locking element <NUM> to allow for the packaging lock <NUM> to be inserted to prevent the locking element from being inserted further into the receiving element <NUM>, as described in detail below. For example, in the locking element <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening can serve as the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM>. In embodiments, such as illustrated in <FIG>, the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> can be disposed below the base <NUM>. For example, the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> can be immediately below the base <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> can be defined in the gap <NUM> between two arms <NUM> of an extended portion immediately below the base <NUM>. In other embodiments, for example, in which the extended portion <NUM> does not include a gap <NUM>, the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> can be formed by an aperture disposed through the extended portion <NUM>. In embodiments, the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> can be formed by an aperture disposed through the base <NUM>.

The packaging lock <NUM> is sized to fit into the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM>, which can be the gap <NUM>, and remain retained in the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> until actively pulled for removal by the consumer during opening. That is, the packaging lock <NUM> is designed to fit within the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> with sufficient tightness that shaking, rotating, compression, or other movements of the package such as during shipping, stocking on shelves, and viewing by consumers on shelf, will not displace the packaging lock <NUM>.

The packaging lock <NUM> can be formed by a semi-rigid or rigid material. For example, a semi-rigid cardboard can be used. The packaging lock <NUM> needs sufficient rigidity, for example, to prevent the locking element <NUM> from being pressed into the receiving element <NUM> to the second position during compression of the package, which can occur for example during shipping or other manipulations of the package prior to opening. In embodiments, the packaging lock can be formed of the same material as the product display panel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the packaging lock <NUM> can be formed from bamboo, or other wood product. Forming of the packaging lock <NUM> of a paperboard or wood product can advantageously make the packaging lock a recyclable element and avoid the need for additional plastics in the packaging. However, other materials, such as plastics are also contemplated herein.

The receiving element <NUM> can be formed in, be comprised of structures disposed in and/or include structures attached to the product <NUM>. For example, the receiving element <NUM> can be formed into or as a part of the product <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a receiving element <NUM>, which is formed into a product (not shown). <FIG> illustrates a locking element <NUM> inserted into a receiving element <NUM> formed as part of the product <NUM>. <FIG> is a partial view showing the receiving element <NUM> as including both a portion formed into or as part of the product and a receiving element retainer inserted into the product that engages with the locking element <NUM>. In particular, the product includes an aperture <NUM> for receiving the locking element <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> terminates in a receiving element retainer <NUM> that further include openings for receiving portions of the locking element <NUM>. The first retaining structure <NUM> can be formed by projections of the product that extend into the aperture <NUM> and/or portions of the receiving element retainer <NUM>. The second retaining structure <NUM> can be formed by projections or walls of the receiving element retainer <NUM> as detailed herein. The receiving element <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> that has a first end <NUM> and inwardly disposed second end <NUM>. In the arrangement of <FIG>, the aperture <NUM> is formed in the product and terminates at the second end <NUM> in the receiving element retainer. The first end <NUM> is at or adjacent to the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>. For example, in embodiments in which the receiving element <NUM> is formed as part of the product <NUM>, the surface surrounding the first end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> is the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>. The receiving element <NUM> including a receiving element retainer can similarly include a surface that surrounds the first end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> that is the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>. This can be beneficial in hiding or incorporating the locking element as part of the product after the product <NUM> is removed from the package. An example of such hiding or incorporation of the locking element is shown in <FIG>.

The aperture <NUM> can have a diameter that narrows from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. Referring again to <FIG>, the aperture can have two portions in embodiments. A first portion <NUM> can be disposed near the first end <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> can be inwardly disposed of the first portion <NUM> towards the second end <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> can have a diameter that is wider than the diameter of the second portion <NUM>. In embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, as step or shoulder can be defined between the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. In embodiments, the second portion <NUM> can have a tapered shape, narrowing in diameter as second portion <NUM> extends inwardly toward the second end <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> can also be tapered in embodiments.

In still further embodiments, the aperture <NUM> can have a taper diameter that reduces as the aperture extends inwardly from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, without the presence of a step or shoulder as illustrated in <FIG>. In any of the tapered diameter apertures <NUM> herein, the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> has a diameter that is sized such that the projections <NUM>, <NUM> cannot be pulled back through the second end <NUM> after insertion through the second end <NUM>. The aperture is arranged such that an open space or chamber is provided on an opposed side of the second end, thereby allowing the extended portion to extend into the chamber so the first or second projection can engaged the surface around the second end <NUM> after being passed thereto to prevent removal of the locking element. In embodiments, the receiving element <NUM> can be formed in a product that has a hollow interior, the second end <NUM> of the aperture terminating at the hollow interior into which the extended portion can be disposed when the first or second projection <NUM> is passed through the second end <NUM>. The arrangement of first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> and their inability to be removed through the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> after insertion provides the two stage, one-way insertion of the locking element <NUM> in the receiving element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aperture <NUM> can have a substantially uniform diameter and can terminate in the receiving element retainer <NUM>, which then receives the second end <NUM> of the extended portion as opposed to allowing the second end <NUM> to pass through the aperture <NUM>. In the arrangement of <FIG> (and further illustrated in <FIG>), a packaging lock <NUM> can be included to retain the locking element in the first position. <FIG> illustrate the packaging lock <NUM> from an exterior view of the product display panel. In this position, locking element <NUM> resists being removed from the aperture by engagement of the projections of the locking element with a first retaining structure. The first retaining structure <NUM> can be, for example, an internal wall or projection of the product that extends into the aperture to engage with the projection. Referring to Figure 11A, a space can be disposed between surfaces of the receiving element retainer <NUM> and an internal projection or wall of the product or the aperture <NUM> formed or inserted therein, in which the projections of the locking element <NUM> can reside when the locking element <NUM> is in the first position. Alternatively, the first retaining structure <NUM> can be provided by a projection or wall of the receiving element retainer as opposed to the product itself. The arrangement shown in Figure 11A (and further shown in <FIG>) utilizes a packaging lock <NUM> that resists the locking element <NUM> from being pushed further into the product without the package first being removed. As described in detail above, the packaging lock <NUM> is removed to withdraw the product from the product display panel and ultimately allow for the locking element to be pushed into the product to the second position.

Referring to Figure 11B and <FIG>, in configurations having a receiving element retainer <NUM>, the locking element can engage with second retaining structure <NUM> when in the second position. The second retaining structure <NUM> can be, for example, a wall or projection of the receiving element retainer that engages with the projections <NUM> to prevent the locking element <NUM> from being withdrawn from the second position. For example, Figure 11B illustrates a wall of the receiving element retainer <NUM> beneath which the projection <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> resides, such that if the locking element <NUM> were attempted to be withdrawn from the aperture <NUM>, the projection <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> would abut the wall of the receiving element retainer <NUM> forming the first retaining structure <NUM>. The receiving element retainer <NUM> can include a third retaining structure <NUM> in the form of locking extensions <NUM> that extend upwardly from a bottom surface of the receiving element retainer <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when in the second position, the locking extensions <NUM> of the receiving element retainer can extend through apertures <NUM> in the connecting wall <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> and apply a force outwardly against the arms <NUM> of the locking element <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the interaction between the third retaining structure <NUM> and the locking element <NUM>.

As described above and detailed further below, the extended portion <NUM> and/or the projections can be reversibly deformable to a reduced diameter during insertion to allow the projections <NUM>, <NUM> to extend through the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. The extended portion and/or the projections can then return to their original diameter after insertion through the second end <NUM>. Once inserted through the second end <NUM>, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can resist deformation or prevent deformation of the extended portion <NUM> when a force in the opposite direction of insertion, that is in the direction of removal of the locking element <NUM> thereby allowing the projections <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent removal of the locking element <NUM> from the receiving element <NUM> after insertion.

For example, in embodiments in which the projections are formed of a reversible deformable material, the projections can be tapered such that the diameter increases along the length of the extended portion <NUM> from the second end <NUM> to the first end <NUM>. Such a taper can aid in guiding deformation of the projection <NUM>, 52along the taper direction during insertion. However, after the projection <NUM>, <NUM> is extended through the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> of the receiving element <NUM>, the wider diameter portion of the taper and direction of the taper can prevent deformation of the projection when a removal force in a direction opposite to insertion is applied.

In embodiments, the first portion can have a diameter and depth sized to receive the base <NUM> of the extended portion <NUM> such that the base <NUM> has an exterior surface <NUM> that is in substantially the same plane as the surface surrounding the aperture <NUM>. The surface surrounding the aperture <NUM> can be, for example, the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>.

In operation, the locking assembly <NUM> of the disclosure prevents the package from being removed from the product display panel <NUM> until either the product display panel is torn or otherwise modified to make the opening <NUM> larger, or the packaging lock <NUM> is removed, and the product display panel <NUM> is removed. After removal of the product display panel <NUM> from the product <NUM>, the locking assembly <NUM> can be further adapted to have the locking element <NUM> be received into the receiving element <NUM>. In embodiments, for example, where the receiving element <NUM> is part of the product <NUM>, the locking element <NUM> can be further received into the receiving element <NUM> such that the base <NUM> of the locking element become substantially planar with the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM> and the locking element becomes part of the product <NUM> and is substantially indiscernible from the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking element <NUM> can be adapted to be inserted into the receiving element <NUM> to a first position in which the first projection <NUM> is extended past the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> of the receiving element <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> (item <NUM>) illustrate the first position of the locking element <NUM>. In the first position, the first projection <NUM> extend outwardly from the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> and engages an surface surrounding the second end <NUM> to prevent the locking element <NUM> from being removed from the receiving element <NUM>.

As described above, the extended portion <NUM> can be reversible deformable such that it can be deformed to the second diameter for insertion through the aperture <NUM> and then return to the original first diameter once the first projection <NUM> is extended through the second end <NUM>. To allow for such reversible deformation within the aperture <NUM>, the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced along the length the extended portion <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> is sized and tapered or stepped, such that the second projection <NUM> resides in a portion of the aperture <NUM> having a diameter larger than the first diameter of the extended portion <NUM> including the second projection <NUM> when the first projection <NUM> is extended through the second end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second projection <NUM> can be disposed in the first portion <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>, which is wider than the diameter of the extended portion <NUM> including the second projection <NUM> and any gap <NUM>, thereby allowing the extended portion <NUM> to return to the first diameter after insertion of the first projection <NUM> through the second end <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in embodiments the product display panel <NUM> can be disposed between the receiving element <NUM> exterior surface, for example, the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>, and the locking element <NUM>. In such embodiments, the base <NUM> can be provided as locking peg <NUM> that has a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening <NUM> and cannot be passed through the opening <NUM> without tearing or otherwise damaging the product display panel <NUM>. In such embodiments, a portion of the product display panel <NUM> is positioned between the locking peg <NUM> and the receiving element <NUM> exterior surface, which prevents the locking element <NUM> from being further inserted into the receiving element <NUM> to the second position.

In such embodiments in which the locking element <NUM> includes the locking peg <NUM> and opening <NUM> sized to prevent the locking peg <NUM> from passing there-through, the product display panel <NUM> can include one or more lines of reduced strength <NUM> for enlarging the opening <NUM> for removal of the product display panel <NUM> around the locking peg <NUM> when opening the package to remove the product <NUM>. The one or more lines of reduced strength can be of any known type or form including tear lines, perforations, weakened portions, and the like. The product display panel <NUM> can further include indicia printed thereon to direct a consumer where to tear the product display panel <NUM> for removal of the product <NUM>.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> in the product display panel <NUM> can be sized such that the locking element <NUM> including the base <NUM> can be inserted and removed through the opening <NUM> without damage to the product display panel <NUM>. In such embodiments, the packaging lock <NUM> is inserted into the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> to secure the product <NUM> on the product display panel <NUM>. The packaging lock <NUM> extends beyond the bounds of the opening <NUM> in the product display panel <NUM> to prevent the locking element from being pulled through the opening. The packaging lock <NUM> arrangement also prevents the locking element <NUM> from being further inserted into the receiving element <NUM> to the second position when the packaging lock <NUM> is in the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM>. Removal of the product <NUM> from the product display panel <NUM> can be accomplished by removing the packaging lock <NUM> from the packaging lock receiving aperture <NUM> and then simply sliding the opening <NUM> of the product display panel <NUM> over the locking element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the product display panel <NUM> is removed from against the product, the locking element <NUM> can be shifted to the second position. In the second position, the locking element <NUM> is further inserted into the receiving element <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some arrangements, in the second position, the second projection <NUM> extends past the second end <NUM> and prevents the locking element <NUM> from being pulled back through the second end <NUM>. In embodiments, such as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the receiving element aperture <NUM> can be sized at the first end <NUM> to entirely receive the base <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> such that it is substantially in the same plane as the exterior surface surrounding the receiving element aperture <NUM>. In other arrangements, such as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the receiving element <NUM> can include a receiving element retainer <NUM>, which has a second retaining structure <NUM> that engages the locking element while in the second position and has regions for receiving the locking element <NUM> such that the base <NUM> can be pushed flush with the exterior surface of the product surrounding the aperture <NUM> such that it is substantially in the same plane as the exterior surface (<FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exterior surface surrounding the receiving element aperture <NUM> can be the exterior surface <NUM> of the product <NUM>, and insertion of the locking element <NUM> to the second position can allow the locking element <NUM> to become part of the product <NUM>. The exterior surface <NUM> of the peg <NUM> (or locking peg <NUM>) of the locking element <NUM> can be shaped, patterned, textured, or otherwise modified so that it has the same appearance as the exterior surface <NUM> of the product12 , making the locking element <NUM> blend into the exterior <NUM> of the product <NUM> when in the second position.

Referring to <FIG>, a further packaging assembly of the disclosure is illustrated. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the product display panel <NUM> includes a pair of openings <NUM>. The product <NUM> includes a pair of openings <NUM> connected by a channel (not shown) on the interior of the package through which a locking element <NUM> can pass. The locking element <NUM> is in the form an elongated element that has sufficient length to pass through the pair of openings <NUM> and reside in the channel, with ends <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> extending external to the product <NUM> past the respective opening <NUM>. The ends <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> are then passed through a respective opening <NUM> of the product display panel <NUM> so that the ends <NUM> reside on an opposed side of the product display panel <NUM> as the product <NUM>, referred to herein for convenience as the back side. The package further includes another panel <NUM> either integral with or separate from the product display panel <NUM> that covers the locking element <NUM> on the back side of the product display panel <NUM> as the product <NUM>. In embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> can place tension on the locking element <NUM>, bending the locking element <NUM> to tension it, thereby locking the product <NUM> against the product display panel <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, during opening, the product <NUM> can be removed from the package by exposing the locking element <NUM> on the back side of the product display panel <NUM>, and sliding the locking element <NUM> to remove it from the openings <NUM> and channel in the product. In other embodiments, the tensioning of the locking element <NUM> can be provided by the distance between the openings in the product or by the product display panel <NUM>, with the additional panel <NUM> being present to cover the locking element <NUM> so it is not accessible until the packaging is opened. This can provide tamper evidence and prevent theft of the product when on store shelves, as removal of the product would require visible destruction of the package to access the locking element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in still a further embodiment, a rigid locking element can be locked between a panel <NUM> and the product display panel <NUM>. The product display panel can having an opening <NUM> through which a portion of the locking element <NUM> can extend. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the locking element <NUM> can have a bow <NUM> the allows that portion of the locking element to extend past the opening on the product display panel <NUM>, while the remaining ends of the locking element <NUM> remain flush against the panel <NUM>, thereby allowing the closing of the product display panel <NUM> over the panel <NUM> to secure the locking element <NUM> in place. A product <NUM> can be provided with a locking receiving element <NUM> that can receive the portion of the locking element <NUM> extending through the opening <NUM> in the product display panel <NUM>. The locking receiving element <NUM> can be adapted so that it can be snap or otherwise pushed to secure to the locking element <NUM>, but once attached cannot be removed from the locking element <NUM> by pulling away from the locking element <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the locking receiving element <NUM> can include two tabs <NUM> that extend only in one direction to lock the locking element <NUM> in place and prevent it from being pulled out, and allowing it only to be slid out of the locking receiving element <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, to open the product <NUM>, the packaging is opened to expose an end of the locking element <NUM>, which can be grasped to slide the locking element <NUM> out from the packaging, thereby sliding out of the locking receiving element <NUM> of the product <NUM> and releasing the product <NUM> from the product display panel <NUM>.

In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

Claim 1:
A package (<NUM>), comprising:
a product display panel (<NUM>) to which a product (<NUM>) is secured, the product display panel (<NUM>) comprising an opening (<NUM>) receiving a product locking assembly (<NUM>)
the product locking assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a locking element (<NUM>) having a peg (<NUM>) and an extended portion (<NUM>) extending from the peg (<NUM>), and the extended portion (<NUM>) comprising first and second spaced apart projections (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
a receiving element (<NUM>) disposed in or attached to the product (<NUM>), the receiving element (<NUM>) comprising an aperture (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and an inwardly disposed second end (<NUM>),
wherein:
the locking element (<NUM>) is adapted to fit through the opening (<NUM>) and be inserted into the receiving element (<NUM>) to a first position such that product display panel (<NUM>) is secured to the product (<NUM>) and the first projection (<NUM>) extends past the second end (<NUM>) of the aperture (<NUM>) of the receiving element (<NUM>) and prevents the locking element (<NUM>) from being removed from the aperture (<NUM>), and the locking element (<NUM>) being further adapted to be further inserted into the aperture (<NUM>) after removal of the product display panel (<NUM>) from the product (<NUM>) to a second position such that the second projection (<NUM>) extends past the second end (<NUM>) of the aperture (<NUM>) of the receiving element (<NUM>).