CONTAINER AND PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAME
20170259953 · 2017-09-14
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D77/0413
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D83/0463
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D2585/56
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D5/2052
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D2215/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D65/466
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D75/367
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D5/6608
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D5/4208
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B65D5/20
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D5/42
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D75/36
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D77/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A container has a compartment of sheet material defining an inner volume configured for housing a product, the compartment extending between a first and second longitudinal end portions along a longitudinal development direction of the compartment. The compartment having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining: at least one first passage opening arranged at the first longitudinal end portion of the compartment, one second passage opening arranged at the second longitudinal end portion of the compartment. The container includes at least one occluding system engaged at the second passage opening and configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening. The disclosure also relates a process of making the container.
Claims
1. A container comprising: a compartment of a sheet material defining an inner volume configured for housing a product, the compartment extending between a first and second longitudinal end portions along a longitudinal development direction of the compartment, the compartment having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining at least one first passage opening delimited by a free edge and arranged at the first longitudinal end portion of the compartment, at least one second passage opening delimited by a respective free edge and arranged at the second longitudinal end portion of the compartment; and at least one occluding system of the sheet material engaged at the free edge of the second passage opening of the compartment, the at least one occluding system being configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening and the at least one occluding system being configured for preventing access from the outside into the inner volume of the compartment through the second passage opening.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to be openable at the first passage opening of the compartment.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one occluding system is configured for defining a starting initial condition wherein the at least one occluding system enables a communication between the inner volume of the compartment and an outer environment through the second passage opening, defining a first closed configuration, wherein the at least one occluding system irreversibly closes the second passage opening, and the at least one occluding system is configured to prevent a change to an open configuration following the first closed configuration.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one occluding system comprises at least one tab having a closing portion engaged with the free edge of the compartment and at least one inserting portion inserted inside the inner volume of the compartment, the at least one occluding system further comprising: at least one first hooking portion supported by the tab and arranged inside the compartment, and at least one second hooking portion engaged with the compartment and arranged inside the inner volume, the second hooking portion being firmly engaged with the first hooking portion, the first and second hooking portions of the at least one occluding system being firmly engaged with each other inside the compartment and being configured for irreversibly occluding the second passage opening of the compartment.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the closing portion of the tab of the at least one occluding system has a shape delimited by a closed outer perimeter counter shaped and substantially identical to the second passage opening of the compartment, the closing portion of the at least one occluding system covering the second passage opening of the compartment, and wherein the closing portion of the at least one occluding system is devoid of through openings.
6. The container of claim 4, wherein the closing portion is integrally joined to the at least one inserting portion, the closing portion and the at least one inserting portion defining a body of sheet material having a substantially “L” shape, the closing portion and the at least one inserting portion defining a single continuous body delimited by a single closed outer perimeter devoid of through openings defined inside the closed outer perimeter.
7. The container of claim 4, wherein the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system has at least one undercut firmly engaged with at least one respective undercut of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system, the at least one respective undercut of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system comprising at least one hook defining a seat having concavity that faces a lateral wall of the compartment directly connected to the second hooking portion, and wherein the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is firmly, engaged inside the seat of the hook of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system, the undercut of the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system comprises at least one respective hook defining a respective seat having concavity that faces the concavity of the seat of the hook of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system.
8. The container of claim 4, wherein the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is directly supported and integrally joined to the at least one inserting portion of the at least one occluding system, the first hooking portion is arranged oppositely to the closing portion of the tab with respect to the at least one inserting portion, and wherein the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is directly engaged to a lateral wall of the compartment, directly facing the at least one inserting portion of the at least one occluding system.
9. The container of claim 4, wherein the second hooking portion comprises a tab of sheet material extending along a development plane, the tab of the second hooking portion comprising a body having a substantially “C” shape having concavity faces away from the closing portion of the at least one occluding system, and wherein the tab of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is inclined with respect to the at least one inserting portion facing the second hooking portion.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein the tab of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system has an angle of inclination with respect to the at least one inserting portion facing the second hooking portion less than 20°.
11. The container of claim 1, comprising at least one closure system also of sheet material engaged at the free edge of the first passage opening, the closure system being rotationally movable with respect to the compartment, the closure system being configured for defining at least one closed configuration, in which the closure system substantially occludes the first passage opening of the compartment and prevents a communication between the inner volume of the compartment and the outer environment, the closure system further being configured for defining an open configuration in which the at least one closure system enables the communication between the inner volume and the outer environment.
12. A container comprising: a compartment of sheet material defining an inner volume configured for housing a product, the compartment extending between a first and second longitudinal end portions along a longitudinal development direction of the compartment, the compartment having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining: at least one first passage opening delimited by a free edge and arranged at the first longitudinal end portion of the compartment, and at least one second passage opening delimited by a respective free edge and arranged at the second longitudinal end portion of the compartment; and at least one occluding system of sheet material engaged at the free edge of the second passage opening of the compartment, the at least one occluding system being configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening, the at least one occluding system being configured for preventing to enter from the outside into the inner volume of the compartment through the second passage opening, wherein the at least one occluding system is configured for: defining a starting initial condition wherein the at least one occluding system enables a communication between the inner volume of the compartment and the outer environment through the second passage opening, defining a first closed configuration wherein the at least one occluding system irreversibly closes the second passage opening, the at least one occluding system being configured for preventing to define an open configuration of the same following the first closed configuration, the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system has at least one undercut firmly engaged with the at least one respective undercut of a second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system, wherein the undercut of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system comprises at least one hook defining a seat having concavity faces a lateral wall of the compartment, directly connected to the second hooking portion, and wherein the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is firmly, engaged inside the seat of the hook of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system, the undercut of the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system comprises at least one respective hook defining a seat having concavity faces the concavity of the seat of the hook of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system itself.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the container is openable at the first passage opening of the compartment.
14. The container of claim 12, wherein the at least one occluding system is configured for defining a starting initial condition wherein the system enables the communication between the inner volume of the compartment and the outer environment through the second passage opening and for defining a first closed configuration wherein the at least one occluding system irreversibly closes the second passage opening, the at least one occluding system being configured for preventing to define an open configuration of the at least one occluding system following the first closed configuration.
15. The container of claim 12, wherein the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is directly supported and integrally joined to the at least one inserting portion of the at least one occluding system, the first hooking portion is arranged oppositely to a closing portion of the tab with respect to the at least one inserting portion, and wherein the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is directly engaged to the lateral wall of the compartment, directly facing the at least one inserting portion of the at least one occluding system.
16. A container comprising: a compartment of sheet material defining an inner volume configured for housing a product, the compartment extending between a first and second longitudinal end portions along a longitudinal development direction of the compartment, the compartment having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining: at least one first passage opening delimited by a free edge and arranged at the first longitudinal end portion of the compartment, and at least one second passage opening delimited by a respective free edge and arranged at the second longitudinal end portion of the compartment; and at least one at least one occluding system of sheet material engaged at the free edge of the second passage opening of the compartment, the at least one occluding system being configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening, the at least one occluding system being configured for preventing to enter from the outside into the inner volume of the compartment through the second passage opening, wherein the at least one occluding system comprises at least one tab having a closing portion engaged with the free edge of the compartment and at least one inserting portion inserted inside the inner volume of the compartment, the at least one occluding system further comprising: at least one first hooking portion supported by the tab and arranged inside the compartment, at least one second hooking portion engaged with the compartment and arranged inside the inner volume, the second hooking portion being firmly engaged with the first hooking portion, the first and second hooking portions of the at least one occluding system being firmly engaged with each other inside the compartment and being configured for irreversibly occluding the second passage opening of the compartment, and wherein the first hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is directly supported and integrally joined to the at least one inserting portion of the at least one occluding system, the first hooking portion is arranged oppositely to the closing portion of the tab with respect to the at least one inserting portion, and wherein the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is directly engaged to a lateral wall of the compartment, directly facing the at least one inserting portion of the at least one occluding system.
17. The container of claim 16, wherein the second hooking portion comprises a tab of sheet material extending along a development plane, the tab of the hooking portion comprising a body having a substantially “C” shape having concavity faces away from the closing portion of the at least one occluding system, and wherein the tab of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system is inclined with respect to the at least one inserting portion facing the second hooking portion.
18. The container of claim 16, wherein the tab of the second hooking portion of the at least one occluding system has an angle of inclination with respect to the at least one inserting portion facing the second hooking portion less than 20°.
19. The container of claim 16 comprises at least one closure system of sheet material engaged at the free edge of the first passage opening, the closure system being movable with respect to the compartment, the closure system being configured for defining at least one closed configuration in which the closure system itself substantially occludes the first passage opening of the compartment and prevents a communication between the inner volume of the compartment and the outer environment, the closure system further being configured for defining an open configuration in which the system itself enables the communication between the inner volume and the outer environment, wherein the container being openable at the first passage opening of the compartment.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0221] Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the attached drawings, given only in an indicative and therefore non limiting way, wherein:
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[0230] Figures from 9 to 12 are schematic views of blank folding steps of making a container;
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[0239] Figures from 22 to 28 are further views of the container in
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[0241] Figures from 30 to 35 are schematic views of steps of making a fifth embodiment of a package;
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[0246] Figures from 40 to 42 are associated perspective views of a container;
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[0248] Figures from 44 to 49 are schematic views of a process for making a container according to Figures from 40 to 43;
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[0253] The figures can illustrate implementations of the object of the invention by not in scale views; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures in relation to the object of the invention, could only indicate schematic views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0254] The term product means an article or a compound of articles of any type. For example, the product can be a drug or medicament at the solid, liquid or gel state, in other words in a state of two or more of the cited aggregation states. Further, the product can mean a package, for example a blister pack, receiving a plurality of articles. The term product can further mean at least one selected in the group of: one or more bottles of cosmetics articles, one or more bottles of drugs.
[0255] The container 1 can be at least partially made of a paper sheet material. The term paper material means paper or paperboard: in particular, the sheet material useable for making the container can have a basis weight between 100 and 500 g/m.sup.2 and particularly between approximately 200 and approximately 400 g/m.sup.2. The relevant paper material extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces. The sheet paper material used for making the container can, in an embodiment variant thereof, be covered, for at least part of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces, by a coating of plastic material, for example a film, whose aim consists of reinforcing the container. When the coating is placed in order to cover an outer surface of the container, this can be further used for defining a water and/or moisture barrier useful for avoiding the weakening and the structure loss of the container with the consequent deformation of the paper material making this latter component. Advantageously but in a non-limiting way, the coating could comprise a plastic film adapted to completely cover both the sides (first and second prevalent development surfaces) of the paper material defining the container; the thickness of coating film can have values varying between 5 and 300 μm, particularly between 10 and 200 μm, still more particularly between 10 and 100 μm. The plastic material of the coating can be for example selected among the following materials: low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and/or polyethylene (PE).
1. Package
[0256]
1.1 A First Example
[0257] A first example of an embodiment of the present invention provides a package 100 as illustrated in
[0258] The container 1 includes a compartment 2 made of sheet material, particularly of paper sheet material, defining an inner volume 3 configured for housing at least one product P. The compartment 2 substantially is the recess adapted to house the product (particularly a plurality of products P). Particularly, the compartment 2 includes a predetermined number of lateral walls 4 defining at least one passage opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the passage opening 5 is configured for putting into communication the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2 with the outer environment. The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a configuration of the compartment 2 exhibiting two passage openings opposite to each other with respect to the compartment itself so that this latter can define substantially a conduit or tube laterally delimited by said walls 4 and open at the longitudinal ends. Still more particularly, the compartment extends between a first and second longitudinal end portions 2a, 2b along a longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2 itself; the lateral walls 4 therefore define: [0259] a first passage opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6 and placed at the first longitudinal end portion 2a of the compartment 2, [0260] a second passage opening 205 delimited by a respective free edge 206 and placed at the second longitudinal end portion 2b of the compartment 2.
[0261] The attached figures illustrate a non-limiting example of a configuration of the compartment 2, which exhibits a rectangular prismatic shape (flat lateral walls 4 having a rectangular shape). De facto, the compartment exhibits a front wall 4a and a rear wall 4b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall and rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d also facing and parallel to each other. The front wall 4a is spaced from the rear wall 4b; the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4b of the compartment 2 are also spaced from each other.
[0262] In some implementations, it is not excluded the possibility of making a compartment 2 with a different shape, for example a square, trapezoidal shape.
[0263] The invention provides a small-sized container 1, the compartment 2 thereof defines an inner volume 3 substantially greater than 20,000 mm.sup.3, particularly included between 40,000 and 200,000 mm.sup.3. The container 1, object of the present invention, can be used for packaging medium-sized products; under such condition, the compartment 2 can exhibit an inner volume 3 greater than 500,000 mm.sup.3, particularly included between 800,000 and 1,400,000 mm.sup.3. However, it is not excluded the possibility of using the container 1 object of the present invention, for packaging large-sized products; under such condition, the compartment 2 thereof exhibits an inner volume 3 greater than the above mentioned volumes, for example greater than 10,000 cm.sup.3 and anyway in a non-limiting way.
[0264] Moreover, the container 1 includes at least one closure system 7 (as illustrated in
[0265] More particularly, the closure system 7 exhibits a closing portion 9 directly engaged with and joined in one piece to the free edge 6 of the compartment 2: the closing portion 9 embodies the component of the tab 8 configured for preventing the passage through the opening 5 in the closed configuration of the system 7 itself. As illustrated in the attached figures, the closing portion 9 substantially includes a flat body of sheet material counter shaped to the free edge 6 of the opening 5. The attached figures schematically show a preferred configuration of the closing portion 9 exhibiting a rectangular shape completely counter shaped to the free edge 6.
[0266] Moreover, the tab 8 exhibits at least one inserting portion 10 (
[0267] Moreover, the inserting portion 10 includes an actuating portion 22 (
[0268] As illustrated in the attached figures, the free edge 6 exhibits a recess 23 substantially a depression of the free edge 6 itself (
[0269] The closing portion 9 and inserting portion 10 exhibit an interconnection edge opposite to the free edge 6 of the compartment 2 with respect to the closing portion 9 itself: the inserting portion 10 is movable through rotation with respect to the closing portion 9 around said reciprocal connection edge. The inserting portion 10, in the closed configuration of the system 7, is configured for defining, along a cross-section and in cooperation with the closing portion 9, a substantially “L” shape: under such condition, the inserting portion 10 substantially extends parallel to the wall 4a of the compartment 2.
[0270] As illustrated in
[0271] According to the embodiment shown in
[0272] The slots 15 can exhibit the same dimensions or, alternatively, different dimensions. From the dimensional point of view, each slot 15 can exhibit a width included between 3 and 200 mm, particularly included between 5 and 50 mm.
[0273] The slot 15 is substantially formed by a cutout 15a carried by the closure system 7. The cutout 15a is carried by the closure system 7 and, particularly, is defined at the inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7 and, in the closed configuration, is arranged at the free edge 6. By folding the inserting portion 10 with respect to the closing portion 9, the cutout 15a enables to rotationally move a flap of the closing portion 9 defined by the cutout 15a itself and open a space or aperture forming, as stated, said slot 15. The cutout 15a exhibits a substantially “U” shape and the slot 15, obtained by it, exhibits a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the cutout 15a can be formed by an aperture defined between the inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7, and a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2.
[0274] As illustrated for example in
[0275] Advantageously, the container 1 includes two abutment portions 24 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 8: this latter is interposed between the two abutment portions 24 (
[0276] Advantageously, the closure system 7 is made of a paper material sheet and is obtained by folding it; particularly, the closure system 7 is made in one piece with the compartment 2 and is made of the same paper material sheet.
[0277] As illustrated in Figures from 19 to 23 for example, the container 1 further includes at least one safety device 11 made of a sheet material, particularly a paper sheet material. The safety device 11 includes at least one first hooking portion 12 carried by the tab 8, and at least one second hooking portion 13 engaged to the compartment 2. The first and second hooking portions 12, 13 are configured for firmly engaging with each other during a closure condition of the closure system 7. In the closed configuration of the closure system 7, the container 1 is substantially in a safety condition, in which the container 1 is prevented from opening by the engagement between the first and second hooking portions 12, 13. As illustrated in
[0278] The first hooking portion 12 is engaged, particularly directly carried, by the tab 8 of the closure system 7. Advantageously, the first hooking portion 12 is only carried, but not in a limiting way, by the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8: the two portions 12 and 10 are advantageously joined in one piece in order to form a single body, particularly a single paper material sheet. De facto, the first hooking portion 12 includes a flat sheet body emerging, particularly without interruptions, from the inserting portion 10 opposite to the closing portion 9: the inserting portion 10 is therefore interposed between the closing portion 9 and first hooking portion 12. The first hooking portion 12, in the closed configuration of the system 7 and therefore during the insertion of the inserting portion 10 into the compartment 2, is configured for being also inserted into the inner volume 3.
[0279] The sheet material body of the first hooking portion 12 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 12a, 12b (
[0280] More particularly, the first hooking portion 12 exhibits at least one undercut 16 configured for firmly engaging the second hooking portion 13 arranged inside the compartment 2 in the closed configuration of the system 7. The undercut 16 is distinct and spaced from the free edge 6 of the compartment 2. As illustrated in
[0281] The second hooking portion 13 is engaged, in a non-limiting way, to a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall 4a) directly facing, in the closed configuration of the system 7, the inserting portion 10.
[0282] The sheet material body of the second hooking portion 13 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 13a, 13b (
[0283] The second hooking portion 13 exhibits in turn at least one undercut 17, which is arranged inside the compartment 2 and is configured for engaging the undercut 16 of the first hooking portion 12 at least in the closed configuration of the system 7. As illustrated in
[0284] For being capable of opening the container 1, the same is provided with an opening device (or key) 14. The opening device 14 is configured for enabling the system 7 to switch from the closed configuration (safety condition of the container 1) to the open configuration and to therefore ensure to open the container 1.
[0285] The opening device 14 exhibits a gripping portion 30 from which one or more appendages 20 (
[0286] The opening device 14 could further include a plurality of appendages 26 or further projections or valleys which can be configured to functions alternative to the one of disengaging the first and second hooking portions 12, 13. For example, such appendages or projections or valleys can contribute to determine the control of the position of the opening device 14 upon inserting it inside the slot 15. Moreover, the opening device 14 can be configured (by its shape) for preventing other devices having a different shape from being used as a substitute for determining the opening of the container 1.
[0287] The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a preferred embodiment of the opening device 14 exhibiting two appendages 26 projecting from the gripping portion 30 (see
[0288] Upon inserting the opening device 14 inside the slots 15, the abutment edge 27 of the opening device 14 abuts against an abutment edge 21 of the closure system 7 in order to limit the advancement of the opening device 14 inside the slots themselves and therefore for preventing it from completely entering inside the volume 3 of the compartment 2. If the opening device 14 is completely inside the volume 3 of the compartment 2, opening the container 1 could be difficult because it would be impossible for the user operating on the opening device 14 itself for opening the container 1. The abutment edge 21 can be defined on the closing portion 9 between the slots 15.
[0289] The opening device 14 is made of sheet material, particularly of paper sheet material. The opening device 14 can be made of the same material as the compartment 2 or container 1. The opening device 14 can be made in one piece with the container 1 and can be formed by a portion configured to be teared or separated from the container 1.
[0290] Advantageously, the container 1 can further include a case provided with a housing seat adapted to receive and support the opening device 14 under non operative conditions of this latter. The case is engaged outside the volume 3 of the compartment 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the case is made of a paper material sheet.
[0291] In the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container 1 further includes a second passage opening 205 arranged at the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2. At the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2, the container 1 includes an occluding system 207 (as illustrated in
[0292] Therefore, the occluding system 207 is defined versus the closure system 7 and the associated safety device 11 with reference to the compartment 2. The occluding system 207 is configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening 205 and therefore preventing from gaining access from the outside of the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2 through said second passage opening 205. In the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container 1 is openable only at the first passage opening 5 of the compartment 2.
[0293] In particular, the occluding system is configured for preventing the access to the inner volume 3 of the compartment, through the opening 205, following a first closure condition of the occluding system 207. De facto, the system 207 following a first condition of the same, is configured for irreversibly blocking and therefore preventing the same from being reopened.
[0294] In order to a better understand the structure of the occluding system 207, Figures from 36 to 39 outline a step of the first closure of the occluding system, at the end of it, the system 207 irreversibly occludes the passage 205 of the compartment.
[0295] As illustrated in
[0296] The tab 208 includes an inserting portion 210 (
[0297] The closed configuration 209 and inserting portion 210 exhibit an interconnection edge opposite to the free edge 206 of the compartment 2 with reference to the closing portion 209 itself. The inserting portion 210 is configured for defining, along a cross-section and in cooperation with the closing portion 209, a substantially “L” shape.
[0298] More particularly, the closing portion 209 of the tab 208 of the occluding system 207 exhibits a shape delimited by an outer closed perimeter counter shaped and substantially identical to the second passage opening 205 of the compartment 2: the closing portion 209 of the occluding system 207 covers completely the second passage opening 205 of the compartment 2. As illustrated in
[0299] As illustrated in
[0300] More particularly, the abutment portion 224 is constrained to the free edge 206 in order to be able to engage at least partially the inserting portion 210 and/or a closing portion 209 for firmly holding the tab 208 in the closed configuration. Advantageously, the container 1 includes two abutment portions 224 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 208: this latter is interposed between the two abutment portions 224 (
[0301] Advantageously, the occluding system 207 is made of paper material sheet and is obtained by folding it; in particular, the system 207 is made in one piece with the compartment 2 and by the same paper material sheet.
[0302] More in particular, as illustrated in
[0303] The second hooking portion 213 develops completely inside the volume 3 (is completely arranged inside the inner volume of the compartment 2) of the compartment 2. The first hooking portion 212 is also arranged substantially completely inside the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2. In particular, the first hooking portion 212 is completely received inside the volume 3 of the compartment 2 and is spaced from the free edge 206 of the second passage opening: the engagement between the second hooking portion 213 and first hooking portion 212 is completely defined inside the inner volume 3. The engagement between the first and second hooking portions 12, 13 is of an irreversibly type; in other words, after reaching the first closure condition of the occluding system, the first and second hooking portions 212, 213 are configured to prevent disengagement and therefore define an open configuration of the container 1. The open configuration of the container 1 is associated to the characteristics of the closing portion 209 and the inserting portion 210, which include, as hereinbefore described, solid bodies devoid of openings, configured for covering the engagement between the portions 212 and 213. After closure, the characteristics of the closing portion 209 and the inserting portion 210 prevent a user from reaching the hooking portions 212 and 213 from the outside, such that hooking portions 212 and 213 cannot be unhooked.
[0304] More particularly, the first hooking portion 212 is engaged, particularly directly carried by, the tab 208 of 207. Advantageously, the first hooking portion 212 is only carried, but not in a limiting way, by the inserting portion 210 of the tab 208: the two portions 212 and 210 are advantageously joined in one piece for forming a single body, particularly a single paper material sheet. De facto, the first hooking portion 212 includes a flat sheet body emerging, particularly without interruption, from the inserting portion 210 opposite to the closing portion 209: the inserting portion 210 is therefore interposed between the closing portion 209 and first hooking portion 212.
[0305] The body of sheet material of the first hooking portion 212 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 212a, 212b (
[0306] More particularly, the first hooking portion 212 exhibits at least one undercut 216 firmly engaged to the second hooking portion 213 arranged inside the compartment 2. The undercut 216 is distinct and spaced from the free edge 206 of the compartment 2. As illustrated in
[0307] The second hooking portion 213 is engaged, in a non-limiting way, to a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall 4a) directly facing the inserting portion 210. The sheet material body of the second hooking portion 213 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 213a, 213b (
[0308] The second hooking portion 213 exhibits in turn at least one undercut 217, which is arranged inside the compartment 2 firmly and irreversibly engaged to the undercut 216 of the first hooking portion 212. As illustrated in
[0309] The package 100 of the preferred embodiment of the invention exhibits a container 1 including at least one stop element 80. Possible variants of the stop element are illustrated in a non-limiting way in Figures from 1 to 3, 5, 7, 13, 14.
[0310] The stop element 80 is placed inside the compartment 2 between the passage opening 5 and a longitudinal mid portion of the compartment 2 defined between the first and second end portions 2a, 2b of the compartment 2: the stop element 80 emerges, from at least one lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2, inside this latter in order to define a projection. Still more particularly, the stop element 80 extends from a lateral wall 4 of the compartment to a lateral wall 4 opposite to the compartment itself. The stop element 80 is connected, particularly directly connected, and joined in one piece, to two lateral walls 4 of the compartment 2, opposite and facing each other. The attached figures illustrate in a preferred embodiment of the invention the stop element 80 extending between and directly connected to the front wall 4a and rear wall 4b of the compartment.
[0311] Advantageously, the stop element 80 is arranged at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2, spaced from the passage opening 5.
[0312] De facto, the stop element 80 is interposed between the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d but spaced from these latter.
[0313] The stop element 80 includes a tab 81 of sheet material, particularly of paper sheet material, which extends along a plane parallel to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2. In particular, the tab 81 of the stop element 80 extends along a plane substantially parallel to the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d of the compartment 2.
[0314] The tab 81 exhibits a predetermined extension along said longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2; the ratio of a predetermined longitudinal extension of the compartment 2—defined by a maximum distance between the first and second end portions 2a, 2b—to the predetermined longitudinal extension of the stop element 80, particularly of the tab 81, is greater than 2, particularly greater than 3, still more particularly included between 3 and 10.
[0315] Figures from 1 to 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the container 1 including a single stop element 80 arranged in proximity of the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment 2. The stop element 80 is near, but spaced from the lateral wall 4c. The stop element 80 exhibits a minimum distance from the first lateral wall 4c less than a minimum distance from the second lateral wall 4d. However, it is not excluded the possibility of making a single stop element 80 placed in proximity of the single second lateral wall 4d (condition not illustrated in the attached figures).
[0316] In a second embodiment of the container 1, the same exhibits a single stop element 80 arranged at a transversal mid portion of the compartment 2 defined between the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d (see Figures from 5 to 7).
[0317] In a third embodiment of the container 1, the same exhibits a first stop element 80 defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment 2, and a second stop element 180 defined at and spaced from the second lateral wall 4d of the compartment 2 (see
[0318] Moreover, the package 100 includes at least one wrapping 101 housed at least partially inside the compartment 2 and holding one or more products P. The wrapping 101 including a base portion 102 of sheet material, for example of plastic material, substantially extending along a plane transversal, particularly perpendicular, to the development (extension) plane of the tab (81 and/or 181) of the stop element. Advantageously, the development plane of the base portion 102 is substantially parallel to the front and rear walls of the compartment 2.
[0319] The base portion 102 includes a plurality of reliefs 103 emerging from the development plane of the portion 102 itself; each relief 103 defines a seat adapted to contain at least one product P. Moreover, the package 101 includes at least one covering portion 104 of sheet material, arranged to close the seats containing the products P. The package 101 is configurable between a first operative position wherein the package 101 is completely housed in the compartment 2 of the container 1 (see
[0320] The attached figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of the package 101 which includes a blister back housing a plurality of products P; advantageously but not in a limiting way, the package 100 includes a plurality of wrappings 101 and particularly of blister packs.
[0321] As illustrated in
[0322] In a first embodiment of the package 101, the same exhibits an abutment element 105 including a projection 105a laterally emerging from the base portion 102 towards the first lateral wall 4c. The projection 105a of the abutment element 105, in the second operative position of the package 101, is configured for abutting against the stop element 80 defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment 2 as illustrated in
[0323] In particular, and as illustrated in
[0324] As hereinbefore described, the container 1 includes a stop element 80 which, in the second embodiment, is interposed and substantially equidistant from the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d. Such stop element 80 is configured for cooperating with a package in a second embodiment thereof as illustrated in
[0325] De facto, the package 101, in the second embodiment thereof, includes a base portion 102 having a first and second longitudinal bodies 102a, 102b spaced and parallel to each other. The first and second longitudinal bodies 102a, 102b are arranged parallel to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2 and parallel to the front and rear walls of the compartment. The first and second longitudinal bodies 102a, 102b are engaged with each other at a longitudinal end portion, by a connecting body 102c facing the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2 (see
[0326] As hereinbefore described, the container 1 includes a first and second stop elements 80, 180 spaced from each other and placed respectively in proximity of the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d of the compartment; in such configuration, the base portion 102 is interposed between the first and second stop elements 80, 180 (see
[0327] The package 100 described in the present preferred embodiment therefore provides a safety device 11 arranged at the first passage opening 5 of the compartment which is adapted to define a child-proof system: the closure system 7 of the container is indeed openable only under determined conditions and particularly upon inserting the device 14 into the slot 15 (or slots 15).
[0328] Moreover, the same package 100 carries an occluding system 207 placed at the second passage opening 205; the occluding system 207 is configured for irreversibly preventing the passage from the opening 205 following a first closure condition of the system 207 itself. The occluding system therefore ensures a stable closure of the second opening for preventing the extraction of the products from this latter.
[0329] Moreover, the same package 100 carries one or more stop elements adapted to cooperate with at least one abutment element 105 of the package 101 for preventing this latter from being completely extracted from the container 1. De facto, once the package has been opened, the package 101 can be extracted only fora determined distance for withdrawing one or more products P; in this way the wrapping and the associated products are prevented from being left outside the container.
1.2 Second Embodiment of a Package 100
[0330] Figures from 1 to 3, from 5 to 7, 13, 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a package according to the present invention. Such package 100, in the second embodiment thereof, includes a compartment 2 as described in the preferred embodiment of the above mentioned package 100. The package 100, in the second embodiment, further includes a closure system 7 defined at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2 as hereinbefore described, while at the second end portion 2b, the compartment 2 includes at least one bottom wall 2c adapted to occlude the second passage opening 205 of the compartment (see
[0331] As an alternative, the package 100, in the second embodiment thereof, includes, at the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2, an occluding system 207 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
[0332] As illustrated in Figures from 1 to 3, from 5 to 7, 13, 14, the package further includes at least one stop element as described in the preferred embodiment of the package 100 (in an embodiment, the first and second stop elements 80, 180 are present) as described with reference to
[0333] De facto, in the second embodiment thereof, the package 100 includes a container 1 including the compartment 2, occluding system 7, at least one stop element 80 and a bottom wall 2c (optionally, the occluding system 207). Further, the package 100 includes at least one wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
[0334] In contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package, the same in the second embodiment thereof, does not have the safety device 11 and opening device 14. The package 100, in the second embodiment thereof, is configured for preventing the extraction of the second passage opening 205 by the presence of a bottom portion 2c or occluding system 207; further, the same package is configured for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted in order to prevent the package and the associated products from being left outside the container 1.
1.3 Third Embodiment of a Package 100
[0335]
[0336] The package, in the third embodiment thereof, includes a safety device 11 and an opening device as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
[0337] The package, in the third embodiment thereof, further includes at least one stop element as described in the preferred embodiment of the package 100 (in an embodiment, the first and second stop elements 80, 180 are present).
[0338] De facto, in the third embodiment thereof, the package 100 includes a container 1 including the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety device 11, at least one stop element 80, and a bottom wall. Further, the package 100 includes at least one opening device 14 and at least one wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
[0339] In contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package, the same in the third embodiment thereof, does not have the occluding system 207.
[0340] The package 100, in the third embodiment thereof, is configured for defining a child-proof system by the presence of the safety device 1 and opening device 14: the closure system 7 of the container 1 is de facto openable only under predetermined conditions and particularly after inserting the device 14 in the slot 15 (or slots 15). The package 100, in the third embodiment thereof, is configured for preventing the wrapping from being extracted from the second passage opening 205 thanks to the presence of one or more bottom walls adapted to occlude the second opening 205; the same package 100 is further configured for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the opening 5 for preventing the wrapping and the associated products from being inadvertently left outside the container 1.
1.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Package
[0341] The package 100, according to a fourth embodiment, includes a compartment 2 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the above mentioned package 100. The package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, further includes the closure system 7 as hereinbefore described defined at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2: such system 7 defines a first occluding system 7 of the container 1.
[0342] The container 1, in the fourth embodiment of the package 100, further includes a second closure system 307 (as illustrated in
[0343] Advantageously, the second closure system 307 is identical to the system 7 defined at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2. More particularly, the system 307 includes at least one tab 308 exhibiting a closing portion 309 directly engaged with and joined in one piece to the free edge 206 of the compartment 2: the closing portion 309 embodies the component of the tab 308 configured for preventing the passage through the opening 205 in the closed configuration of the system 307 itself. The closing portion 309 substantially includes a flat body of sheet material countershaped to the free edge 206 of the opening 205. The attached figures schematically show a preferred configuration of the closing portion 309 exhibiting a rectangular shape completely counter shaped to the free edge 206.
[0344] Moreover, the tab 308 exhibits at least one inserting portion 310 (see
[0345] The inserting portion 310 further includes an actuating portion 322, which is configured to be actuated for enabling to open the container 1.
[0346] As illustrated in the attached figures, the free edge 206 exhibits a recess 323 defining substantially a depression of the free edge 206 itself. The recess 323 exhibits an open outline exhibiting, in a non-limiting way, a concavity having a substantially “C” shape. The recess 323 is configured for enabling to see and grip at least part of the inserting portion 310 in the closed configuration of the system 307. Particularly, in the closed configuration of the system 307, the concavity of the recess 323 of the free edge 206 leaves exposed the actuating portion 322 of the inserting portion 310, which therefore can be accessed from the outside of the container 1 and is suitably movable.
[0347] The closing portion 309 and inserting portion 310 exhibit an interconnection edge opposite to the free edge 206 of the compartment 2 with respect to the closing portion 309 itself: the inserting portion 310 is movable by rotation with respect to the closing portion 9 around said reciprocal connecting edge. The inserting portion 310, in the closed configuration of the system 307, is configured for defining, along a cross-section and cooperatively with the closing portion 309, a substantially “L” shape: under such condition, the inserting portion 310 extends substantially parallel to wall 4a of the compartment 2.
[0348] The second closure system 307 further includes at least one slot 315, which enables the communication between the inner volume of the compartment 2, and the outer environment. The slot 315 can be defined at the inserting portion 310; alternatively, the slot 315 can be defined at the closing portion 309 or develop at both the inserting 310 and closing portions 309. As illustrated in the attached figures, the slot 315 can be defined at a folding line substantially interposed between the inserting portion 310 and closing portion 309. In the closed configuration of the closure system 307, the slot 315 is arranged at the free edge 206 of the compartment 2.
[0349] The closure system 307 can exhibit, in a non-limiting way, two slots 315, an abutment edge 321 being interposed between them. The abutment edge 321, as it will be described in the following, is configured to cooperate with the opening device 14.
[0350] The slots 315 can exhibit the same dimensions or, alternatively, different dimensions. From the dimensional point of view, each slot 315 can exhibit a width between 3 and 200 mm, particularly between 5 and 50 mm.
[0351] The slot 315 substantially consists of a cutout 315a carried by the system 307. The cutout 315a is carried by the system 307 and particularly is defined at the inserting portion 310 of the closure system 307 and, in the closed configuration, is arranged at the free edge 206. By folding the inserting portion 310 with respect to the closing portion 309, the cutout 315a enables to rotationally move a flap of the closing portion 309 defined by the cutout 315a itself and to expose a space or aperture forming just said slot 315. The cutout 315a exhibits a substantially “U” shape and the obtained slot 315 exhibits a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the cutout 315a can consist in an aperture defined between the inserting portion 310 of the closure system 307 and a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2.
[0352] As illustrated in
[0353] More particularly, the abutment portion 324 is constrained to the free edge 206 in order to be able to engage, in the closed configuration of the container 1, at least part of the inserting portion 310 and/or closing portion 309 for firmly holding the tab 308 in the closed configuration.
[0354] Advantageously, the container 1 includes two abutment portions 324 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 308, which is interposed between the two abutment portions 324 (
[0355] Advantageously, the system 307 is made of a paper material sheet and is obtained by folding it; particularly, the closure system 307 is made in one piece with compartment 2 and by the same paper material sheet.
[0356] The container 1 of the package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, further includes at least one further safety device 311 made of a sheet material, particularly a paper sheet material; the further safety device 311 has a shape and/or size substantially identical to the ones of the safety device 11.
[0357] In particular, the device 311 includes at least one first hooking portion 312 carried by the tab 308, and at least one second hooking portion 313 engaged to the compartment 2. The first and second hooking portions 312, 312 are configured for firmly engaging with each other in the closed configuration of the system 307. In the closed configuration of the system 307, the container 1 is substantially in a safety condition in which the container 1 is prevented from being opened by the engagement between the first and second hooking portions 312, 313. As illustrated in
[0358] The first hooking portion 312 is engaged, particularly directly carried, with the tab 308 of the system 307. Advantageously, the first hooking portion 312 is carried only, but not in a limiting way, by the inserting portion 310 of the tab 308: the two portions 312 and 310 are advantageously joined in one piece for forming a single body of paper material. De facto, the first hooking portion 312 includes a flat sheet body emerging, particularly without interruption, from the inserting portion 310 opposite to the closing portion 309: the inserting portion 310 therefore is interposed between the closing portion 309 and the first hooking portion 312. The first hooking portion 312, in the closed configuration of the system 307, and therefore when inserting the inserting portion 310 in the compartment 2, is configured for being also inserted in the inner volume 3.
[0359] The body of sheet material of the first hooking portion 312 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 312a, 312b (
[0360] the first surfaces 310a, 312a extend without interruption between them and directly face a same lateral wall 4 (the front wall 4) of the compartment 2 opposite to the lateral wall 4 directly connected to the system 307 (rear wall 4b). The second surfaces 310b, 312b extend also without interruption between them and face the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2.
[0361] More particularly, the first hooking portion 312 exhibits at least one undercut 316 configured for firmly engaging the second hooking portion 313 arranged inside the compartment 2 in the closed configuration of the system 307. The undercut 316 is distinct and spaced from the free edge 206 of the compartment 2. The undercut 316 includes at least one hook 320 having a seat 320a provided with a concavity.
[0362] Preferably, the first hooking portion 312 includes two hooks 320 having respective seats 320a, the concavities thereof face away from each other. The undercut 316 is configured for engaging the second hooking portion 313.
[0363] The second hooking portion 313 is engaged, in a non-limiting way, to a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall 4a) directly facing, in the closed configuration of the system 307, the inserting portion 310.
[0364] The sheet material body of the second hooking portion 313 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 313a, 313b (
[0365] The second hooking portion 313 exhibits in turn at least one undercut 317 arranged inside the compartment 2 and configured for engaging the undercut 316 of the hooking portion 312 at least in the closed configuration of the system 307. The undercut 317 exhibits a gripping edge 317a distinct and spaced from the free edge 206 of the compartment 2. The undercut 317 exhibits at least one hook 318 defining a seat 319. The seat 319 exhibits a substantially “C” shape. Moreover, the seat 319 exhibits a concavity facing a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall) and is configured for housing and engagingly holding the first hooking portion 312. In other words, in the closed configuration of the system 307, the first hooking portion 312 is engaged inside the seat 319 and the undercuts 316, 317 are engaged with each other. Under the safety condition (in other words in the closed configuration of the system 307), the concavity of the seat 319 of the hook 318 of the second hooking portion 313 faces the concavity of the seat 320a of the hook 320.
[0366] The package in the fourth embodiment thereof further includes an opening device 14 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The opening device 14 is configured for being inserted into the slots 15, 315 of the devices 11 and 311 for respectively enabling to open the first closure system 7 and second closure system.
[0367] The container 1, in the fourth embodiment of the package 100, includes a first stop element 80 arranged inside the compartment 2 in the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2; the first stop element 80 is further spaced from, but arranged in proximity of the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment. The first stop element exhibits a structure as described for the stop element 80 of the first embodiment of the package 100.
[0368] As illustrated in
[0369] As illustrated in
[0370] More particularly, the wrapping 101 is configurable between: [0371] a first operative position wherein the wrapping 101 is completely housed inside the compartment of the container 1, [0372] a second operative position wherein part of the wrapping 101 is arranged outside the inner volume of the compartment 2 through the first passage opening 5, the wrapping 101, in the second operative position, exhibiting at least one portion housed in the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2, [0373] a third operative position wherein part of the wrapping 1 is placed outside the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2 through the second passage opening 205, the wrapping 101, in the third operative position, exhibiting at least one portion housed in the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2.
[0374] The first abutment element 105, in the second operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against the first stop element 80 of the container 1 for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the container through the first passage opening 5. The second abutment element 150, in the third operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against the second stop element 180 of the container 1 for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the container 1 through the second passage opening 205.
[0375] The first abutment element 105 of the wrapping 101 includes a projection 105a emerging laterally from the base portion 102 towards the first lateral wall 4c; the projection 105a of the first abutment element 105, in the second operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against said first stop element defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall of the compartment 2. The second abutment element 150 includes a respective projection 150a emerging laterally from the base portion 102 towards the second lateral wall 4d; the projection 150a, in the third operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against the second stop element 180 defined at and spaced from the second lateral wall of the compartment 2.
[0376] The projection, respectively of the first and second abutment elements 105, 150, includes a tab joined in one piece to the base and/or closing portions of the wrapping. In particular, each projection 105a, 150a of the package, according to the fourth embodiment, exhibits a tab structure identical to the projection of the package as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package and therefore as illustrated in
[0377] De facto, the package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, includes a container 1 including the compartment 2, closure system 7, a second closure system 307 (analogous to the system 7), the safety device 11, a safety device (analogous to the device 11), a first and second stop elements 80, 180 (analogous to the stop element 80 as described with reference to the first embodiment of the package).
[0378] In contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package, the same, in the fourth embodiment of the package does not exhibit the occluding system 207.
[0379] The package 100, the in the third embodiment thereof, is configured for defining a child-proof system due to the presence of the safety devices 11 and 311 and opening device 14: the closure systems 7 and 307 of the container 1 are indeed openable only under determined conditions and particularly after inserting the device 14 in the slot 15 or 315. The package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, is further configured for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the passage openings 5, 205, in this way the wrapping and the associated products are prevented from being inadvertently left outside the container 1.
2. Container
[0380] Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container 1 which can find an advantageous application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics field.
2.1 First Embodiment of the Container
[0381] In a first embodiment, the container 1 includes a compartment 2, a closure system 7, a safety device 11, an opening device 14, an occluding system 207 and at least one stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. As described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package, the container can include a single stop element—as illustrated in Figures from 1 to 3, from 5 to 7—or a first and second stop elements 80 as illustrated in
2.2 Second Embodiment of the Container
[0382] In a second embodiment, the container 1 includes a compartment 2 and a closure system 7 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the second embodiment, further includes at least one stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. As described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container can include a single stop element—as illustrated in Figures from 1 to 3, from 5 to 7—or a first and second stop elements 80 as illustrated in
2.3 Third Embodiment of the Container
[0383] In a third embodiment, the container 1 includes; the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety device 11, and opening device 14 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the third embodiment, further includes at least one stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. As described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container can include a single stop element—as illustrated in Figures from 1 to 3, from 5 to 7—or a first and second stop elements 80 as illustrated in
2.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Container
[0384] In a fourth embodiment, the container 1 includes the compartment 2, closure system 7 and occluding system 207 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the fourth embodiment, does not comprise—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the safety device 11, opening device 14, stop element 80 (particularly the first and second stop elements) and wrapping 101.
2.5 Fifth Embodiment of the Container
[0385] In a fifth embodiment, the container 1 includes the compartment, closure system 7, occluding system 207 and at least one stop element as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the fifth embodiment, does not include—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the safety device 11, opening device 14 and wrapping 101.
2.6 Sixth Embodiment of the Container
[0386] In a sixth embodiment, the container 1 includes the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety device 11 and opening device 14 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. Moreover, the container includes the second closure system and the further safety device as described with reference to the fourth embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the sixth embodiment, does not include—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the stop element, occluding system 207 and wrapping 101.
2.7 Seventh Embodiment of the Container
[0387] In a seventh embodiment, the container 1 includes the compartment 2, occluding system 207 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the seventh embodiment thereof, further includes a further occluding system analogous to the system 207 which is however arranged at the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2. In such configuration, the first and second openings 5, 205 of the container are irreversibly occluded respectively by the occluding system 207 and by the further occluding system. The container 1, in the seventh embodiment, does not include—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the closure system 7, stop element, safety device, opening device occluding and wrapping 101.
3. Process for Making a Package
3.1 Preferred Embodiment of the Process
[0388] Moreover, the present invention refers to a process for making a package according to the above described preferred embodiment, and particularly, according to one or more of the attached claims.
[0389] The process includes a step of making the container 1 obtainable from a single blank 500, such as a sheet material. The blank 500 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces adapted to define respectively an inner and outer surfaces of the container 1. The process can include a step of engaging a film of plastic material on at least part of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces of the blank 500.
[0390] First of all, the process includes providing the compartment 2 which, as hereinbefore described, is made of sheet material, optionally a paper sheet.
[0391] The step of providing the compartment 2 includes providing at least one first sheet 51 including at least one first and one second portions 52, 54 interconnected by a central connecting portion 53. Moreover, the first sheet 51 includes at least one first and one second lateral connecting portions 55, 56. As illustrated in
[0392] In a preferred but non limiting arrangement of the invention, the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51 exhibits a rectangular shape with a perimeter delimited by a lower edge 52a, a first and second lateral edges 52b, 52c and an upper edge 52d. Analogously, the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 exhibits a rectangular shape with a perimeter delimited by a lower edge 54a, a first and second lateral edges 54b, 54c and an upper edge 54d. Advantageously, the first and second portions 52, 54 include a sheet having substantially the same shape and size.
[0393] The central portion 53 and lateral connecting portions 55, 56 exhibit also a rectangular shape; such portions exhibit substantially the same shape and/or size and are joined in one piece to the portions 52 and 54 of the first sheet 51 at the lateral edges.
[0394] The step of providing the compartment 2 includes a step of folding the first sheet 51 at the lateral edges of the portions 52 and 54.
[0395] The step of forming the compartment 2 can include folding a lateral connecting portion, for example the portion 55, with respect to the first portion 52 and approaching it to the second portion 54: for example, it is possible to provide folding the lateral connecting portion 55 so that this latter can define, cooperatively with the first portion 52, a substantially “L” shape. Then, the process provides, for example, folding the central portion 53 with respect to a first portion 52 and approaching it to the already folded portion 55: for example, it is possible to provide the step of folding the central portion 53 so that this latter can define, cooperatively with the first portion 52, a substantially “L” shape. Still in the following, it is for example possible to provide the step of folding the second portion 54 with respect to the central portion 53 and approaching it to the first portion 52: for example, it is possible to provide the step of folding the second portion 54 so that this latter can define, cooperatively with the central portion 53, a substantially “L” shape. For a complete formation of the compartment 2, the process provides folding the remaining lateral connecting portion, for example the portion 56, with respect to the second portion 54 so that it is possible to join said lateral connecting portions 55, 56. The process, for holding the compartment 2 in the folded three-dimensional shape, can provide, in a non-limiting way, applying a predetermined quantity of paste on the lateral connecting portions 55, 56 adapted to abut against each other: joining said portions 55, 56 enables to hold the compartment 2 in the folded configuration.
[0396] In a preferred embodiment of the compartment 2, the process provides firstly folding the portions 53, 54 and 56 above the portions 52 and 55; particularly the portions 53 and 54 are overlapped on the portions 52 and 55 (
[0397] Moreover, the process includes providing the closure system 7. Such step includes providing at least one second sheet 57, advantageously, joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the first end edge of the first portion 52 of the first sheet. The second sheet 57 includes at least one first and second portions 58, 59 joined in one piece to each other: the first portion 58 of the second sheet 57 is connected to the first sheet 51 so that said first portion 58 is interposed between the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57, and the first sheet 51.
[0398] The step of providing the closure system 7 includes, before folding the portions of the first sheet 51, folding the first and second portions 58, 59 of the second sheet 57 for respectively forming the closing portion 9 and inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7.
[0399] Further, the step of providing the second sheet 57 includes a step of forming one or more slots 15 made at the first and/or second portions 58, 59 and configured to enable to insert the opening device 14. According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of forming one or more slots 15 provides making one or more cutouts 15a at the first and/or second portions 58, 59. Particularly, to each made cutout 15a corresponds a respective slot 15.
[0400] Moreover, the process includes a step of providing at least one stop element 80; such step includes at least one step of providing at least one first lateral sheet 90 connected to a longitudinal edge of the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51. The first lateral sheet 90 is joined in one piece to the first sheet 51 and is opposite to the first portion 52 of the first sheet with respect to the first lateral connecting portion 55. The first lateral sheet 90 includes at least one first, one second and one third portions 91, 92, 93 (
[0401] Before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, the process provides folding the first lateral sheet 90 on the first sheet 51 so that at least the second and third portions of the first lateral sheet 90 are overlapped on and in contact with the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51 (
[0402] At this point of the process, it is possible to constrain, for example by pasting, the first portion 91 of the first lateral sheet 90 to the second portion of the first sheet 51, and the second lateral connecting portion 56 to the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet.
[0403] Only after that, the first sheet 51 is folded along the longitudinal edges of the portions of the first sheet itself: when folding the first sheet 51, the same enables to fold the with respect to each other portions 91, 92, 93 of the first lateral sheet 90. After the step of folding the first sheet 51, this latter defines the compartment 2, while the first lateral sheet 90 defines the stop element 90 inside the compartment 2.
[0404] As illustrated in
[0405] As hereinbefore described, the package can provide a first and second stop elements 80, 180. Therefore, the process can further include a step of providing a second lateral sheet 94 connected to a longitudinal edge of the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet. The second lateral sheet 94 is joined in one piece to the first sheet 51 and is opposite to the first portion 52 of the first sheet itself with respect to the first lateral connecting portion 55. The second lateral sheet 94 includes at least one first, one second and one third portions 95, 96, 97 joined in one piece to each other: the first portion 95 is joined in one piece to the first lateral connecting portion 55, while the second portion 96 is interposed between the first 95 and third portions 97. The first portion 95 of the second lateral sheet 94 is arranged at least partially around an outer perimeter of the first lateral sheet 90.
[0406] Before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, the process includes folding the second lateral sheet 94 on the first sheet 51 so that the second and third portions of the second lateral sheet 94 are overlapped on and in contact with the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51. Then, the process includes a step of constraining, for example by pasting, the third portion 97 of the second lateral sheet 90 to the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51. Only after the connecting central portion 53 and second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 are folded above the first portion of the first sheet 51 and above the second lateral sheet 94.
[0407] At this point of the process, it is possible to constrain, for example by pasting, a first portion 95 of the second lateral sheet 94 to the second portion of the first sheet 51 and the second lateral connecting portion 56 to the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51.
[0408] Only after the first sheet 51 is folded along the longitudinal edges of the portions of the first sheet 51 itself: when folding the first sheet 51, the same enables to fold, with respect to each other, the portions 95, 96, 97 of the second lateral sheet 90. After the step of folding the first sheet 51, this latter defines the compartment 2 while the second lateral sheet 90 defines the stop element 180 inside the compartment 2. Moreover, the process includes providing the safety device 11. Such step includes providing at least one first and one second upper sheets 60, 63.
[0409] The first upper sheet 60 is advantageously joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the first end edge of the second portion 54 of the first sheet. The first upper sheet 60 includes a first portion 61 and second portion 62; the first portion 61 is configured to form the second hooking portion 13. The first upper sheet 60, before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, is folded on the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 and is advantageously joined in one piece, at least partially. The process can provide, in a non-limiting way, the application of a predetermined quantity of paste on the second portion 62 of the second upper sheet 60 and/or on a part of the second portion 64 of the first sheet 51 adapted to abut against each other: joining said portions enables to constrain at least partially the first upper sheet to the first sheet; then, the process provides a step of folding the first portion 61 of the first upper sheet 60 with respect to said second portion 62 of the same end sheet away from the first sheet for defining the second hooking portion 13 of the safety device 11. As illustrated in
[0410] On the contrary, the second upper sheet 63 is joined in one piece to the second sheet 57, particularly at an end edge of the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57. The second upper sheet 63 includes a portion 64 joined in one piece to the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57. The portion 64 substantially forms the first hooking portion 12 of the safety device 11; particularly, the portion 64 includes at least one shaped portion 64a adapted to define the undercut 16 of the first hooking portion 12. Advantageously, the second upper sheet 63 is joined in one piece to the second sheet 57 for defining a single sheet; particularly, also the second upper sheet 63 is made of paper material, particularly of a paper material sheet having substantially the same characteristics of the first sheet 51, second sheet 57 and of the first upper sheet 60.
[0411] Moreover, the process can include a step of providing at least one third upper sheet 65. The third upper sheet 65 is advantageously joined in one piece to the central connecting portion 53 and/or to the second lateral connecting portion 56. The third upper sheet 65 includes a portion 66, which is configured to form an abutment portion 24. The attached figures illustrate an example but non limiting configuration of the invention wherein two third upper sheets 65 respectively engaged to the first end edge of the portions 53 and 56 of the first sheet 51 are provided. The upper sheets 65 are laterally arranged with respect to the first upper sheet 60: the first upper sheet 60 is interposed between the portions 66 of the sheets 65 (
[0412] Moreover, the process includes a step of providing the opening device 14; such step includes a step of defining, on the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51, a cutout or weakening line 55a defining a third lateral sheet 67: the third lateral sheet 67 is shaped in order to define a single portion 68 defining the gripping portion 30 from which the appendage 26 of the opening device 14 emerges. The step of providing said device 14 further provides defining a through opening 56a at the longitudinal edge of the second lateral portion 56 in contact with a second portion 54 of the first sheet 51: the through opening 56a is adapted to define a pocket 14a on the lateral wall of the compartment, adapted to enable to extract the opening device 14. De facto, the pocket 14a after the step of defining the compartment 2, enables to reach the third lateral sheet 67 and tear such sheet for defining the device 14.
[0413] In a preferred but non limiting embodiment of the invention, the step of providing the device 14 further includes the following steps: [0414] providing a further lateral sheet 67a in a flat configuration and joined in one piece to the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51, the first lateral sheet 67a includes a first and second portions 67b, 67c joined in one piece to each other, the first portion 67b of the fourth sheet 67a being joined in one piece to the first connecting portion 55 of the first sheet and being interposed between the second portion of the fourth lateral sheet 67a and the first connecting portion 55 of the first sheet, [0415] folding the fourth lateral sheet 67a, before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, in order to overlap the first portion 67b of the fourth lateral sheet on the portion 55 of the first sheet 51, [0416] providing the second portion 67c of the fourth lateral sheet above and in contact with the first portion of the fourth lateral sheet 67a itself, [0417] then, folding the portions of the first sheet 51 for bringing in contact the second lateral connecting portion 56 of the first sheet 51 with the first lateral connecting portion 55, [0418] then, constraining, particularly by pasting, the second lateral connecting portion 56 of the first sheet 51 to the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51.
[0419] After folding the first sheet 51, the fourth lateral sheet 67a is configured for defining a kind of case adapted to contain the opening device 14 (
[0420] Moreover, the process includes providing the occluding system 207. Such step includes providing at least one third sheet 57a, advantageously, joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the second end edge of the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51. The third sheet 57a includes at least one first and one second portions 58a, 59a joined in one piece to each other: the first portion 58a is connected to the first sheet 51 so that said first portion 58a is interposed between the second portion 59a of the third sheet 57a and the first sheet 51. The third sheet is arranged oppositely to the second sheet 57 with respect to the first sheet 51 (see
[0421] The first lower sheet 98 is advantageously joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the second end edge of the second portion 54 of the first sheet. The first lower sheet 98 includes a first portion 98a and second portion 98b; the first portion 98a is configured to form the second hooking portion 213. The first lower sheet 98, before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, is folded on the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 and advantageously is at least partially joined to it. The process can provide, in a non-limiting way, the application of a predetermined quantity of paste on the second portion 98b of the first lower sheet 98 and/or on a part of the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 adapted to abut against each other: joining said portions enables to at least partially constrain part of the first lower sheet to the first sheet; then the process provides a step of folding the first portion 98a of the first lower sheet 98 with respect to said second portion 98b of the same sheet away from the first sheet 51 for defining the second hooking portion 213 of the occluding system. As illustrated in
[0422] On the contrary, the second lower sheet 99 is joined in one piece to the third sheet 57a, particularly at an end edge of the second portion 59a. The second lower sheet 99 includes a portion 99a joined in one piece to the second portion 59a of the third sheet 57a. The portion 99a substantially forms the first hooking portion 212 of the system 207; in particular, the portion 99a includes at least one shaped portion 99b adapted to define the undercut 17 of the first hooking portion 212. Advantageously, the second lower sheet 99 is formed in a single piece with the third sheet 57a for defining a single sheet; particularly, also the second lower sheet 99 is made of paper material, particularly of a paper material sheet having substantially the same characteristics of the first sheet 51, second sheet 57, third sheet 57a, first upper sheet 60 and second upper sheet 63.
[0423] The third sheet 57a and second lower sheet 99 are joined in one piece for defining a single body and, in contrast to the second sheet 57, are devoid of through openings. Particularly, the third sheet 57a and second lower sheet 99 delimit a single closed outer perimeter: the third sheet 57a and second lower sheet 99 are devoid of openings crossing the thickness of the sheet inside said closed outer perimeter.
[0424] After folding the sheet 51, the second portion 59a of the third sheet 57a is folded with respect to the first portion 58a which is then rotated with respect to the free edge 206 for enabling to insert the second lower sheet 99 of the compartment 2 in order to define a first closure condition of the occluding system. During such step, the hooking portions 212, 213 are irreversibly engaged.
[0425] Moreover, the process can include a step of providing at least one third lower sheet 65a. The third lower sheet 65 is advantageously joined in one piece to the central connecting portion 53 and/or second lateral connecting portion 56. The third upper sheet 65 includes a portion 66, which is configured to form an abutment portion 24. The attached figures illustrate an example but non limiting configuration of the invention wherein two third upper sheets 65 respectively engaged to the first end edges of the portions 53 and 56 of the first sheet 51, are provided. The upper sheets 65 are laterally arranged with respect to the upper sheet 60; the first upper sheet 60 is interposed between the portions 66 of the sheets 65 (
[0426] The process includes a step of providing at least one wrapping 101.
[0427] Moreover, the process provides the following steps: [0428] defining the compartment 2 wherein the first and second passage openings 5, 205 enable the communication between the inner volume 3 of the compartment and the outer environment, [0429] completely inserting the wrapping 101 into the inner volume of the compartment through the second passage opening 205, [0430] providing the closure system 7 in the closed configuration, [0431] defining the occluding system 207 adapted to irreversibly close the second passage opening 205.
3.2 Second Embodiment of the Process for Making a Package
[0432] In a second embodiment, the process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, stop element 80 and wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process. Particularly, the process of the second embodiment thereof provides only the step of providing a blank 500 exhibiting: the first sheet 51, second sheet 57, first lateral sheet 90, optionally the third sheet 57a, and optionally the second lateral sheet 94 (see
3.3 Third Embodiment of the Process for Making a Package
[0433] In a third embodiment, the process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, stop element, safety device 11, opening device 14, wrapping 101 and optionally the occluding system 107 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process. Particularly, the process of the third embodiment thereof provides only the step of providing a blank 500 exhibiting: the first sheet 51, second sheet 57, first lateral sheet 90, first upper sheet 61, second upper sheet 63 (see
[0434] After defining the compartment 2, the process provides inserting the wrapping into the inner volume 3.
3.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Process for Making a Package
[0435] In a fourth embodiment, the process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, safety device 11, opening device 14, wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process.
[0436] In the fourth embodiment thereof, the process provides making a further safety device 311 as hereinbefore described with reference to the fourth embodiment of the package. The further safety device is provided by providing and folding the first and second lower sheets 98, 99 as described with reference to the embodiment of the process. In the fourth embodiment of the process, the first and second lower sheets 98, 99 are identical to the first and second upper sheets and define therefore a first hooking portion 312, a second hooking portion 313 and one or more slots 315.
[0437] After defining the compartment 2, the process provides inserting the wrapping into the inner volume 3.
4. Process for Making a Container
[0438] It is a further object of the present invention a process for making a container 1 according to one or more of the attached claims and/or according to one or more of the attached aspects.
4.1 First Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0439] In a first embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described first embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, safety system 11, opening device 14, occluding system 207, stop element as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
4.2 Second Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0440] In a second embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described second embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, stop element, optionally the occluding system 207, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
4.3 Third Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0441] In a third embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described third embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, safety system 11, opening device 14, stop element as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
4.4 Fourth Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0442] In a fourth embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described fourth embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, occluding system 207, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
4.5 Fifth Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0443] In a fifth embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the fifth above described embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, occluding system 207, stop element, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
4.6 Sixth Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0444] In a sixth embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described sixth embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety system 11, opening device 14, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100. Moreover, such process includes the step of providing the second closure system 307 and the further safety device 311 as described in the fourth embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
4.7 Seventh Embodiment of a Process for Making a Container
[0445] In a seventh embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described seventh embodiment. Such process includes only the step of providing the compartment 2, occluding system 207, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100. Moreover, such process includes providing a further occluding system identical to the occluding system 207, defined at the first longitudinal end portion 2a of the compartment 2.