FOOD PACKAGING CONTAINING AN INNER BAG

Abstract

Packaging including a container, and a closure system made up of a frame and a lid hinged to the frame and able to close the container opening in a fitted manner. An upper fitment part of the frame tightly covers the upper rim and a lower insert part is provided to protrude in the interior volume of the container. The gusset bag stored inside the container in a predetermined position unfolds from a partially open configuration to a fully open configuration due to a pressing effect of axial guiding extensions defined by the insert part and engaged through a single opening of the bag. The insert part has one or more notches defined between two of the axial guiding extensions, facilitating complete unfolding of the bag side wall.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A packaging for a food product comprising: an outer container longitudinally extending about a central axis from a bottom to an upper face having an opening, the outer container having a peripheral upper rim delimiting the opening and a sidewall defining an interior volume of a determined height, the sidewall having two opposite inner faces, a closure system comprising a frame which is annular and fixed in a removable manner to the peripheral upper rim, and a lid which closes the opening of the outer container in a closed position, the frame comprising an upper fitment part covering the upper rim; and a gusset bag filled with food product and flexible, comprising a bottom, an upper end adapted to define an opening of the bag at the opposite from the bottom, an annular side wall provided with at least one gusset, so that the bag is adapted to unfold from a partially open configuration to a fully open configuration; wherein the bag is located in a predetermined position inside the interior volume when surrounded by the sidewall of the outer container, the bag having an opening facing upwardly at the opposite from the bottom in the predetermined position, and wherein the lid is hinged to the frame to allow movement of the lid between an open position and the closed position, the frame further comprising: an insert part that extends in the interior volume and is radially spaced inwardly from the sidewall of the outer container, the insert part extending annularly entirely below the upper rim, a plurality of axial guiding extensions that belong to the insert part and configured to engage the bag through the opening of the bag to hold open the bag, the insert part having a notch defined between two of the axial guiding extensions, along one of said two opposite inner faces.

19. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the two opposite inner faces) is formed by a panel in contact with the upper fitment part and extends between two connections that each define an angle between two adjacent panels of the sidewall of the outer container.

20. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the sidewall of the outer container is defined by four panels interconnected at respective connections that extend each rectilinearly from the bottom to an angle of the peripheral upper rim, while the annular side wall of the bag is provided with four edges and has a predetermined periphery sized and shaped so that each of the edges is at less than 3 mm from one of the connections when the bag is stored in the interior volume and the upper rim is engaged into a groove of the upper fitment part.

21. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the notch extends between two planar portions of two axial extensions that are angled to have each a L-shape section when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

22. The packaging according to claim 21, wherein the insert part comprises four bridge portions each tapering toward the bottom with a deviation angle as compared to the central axis, the deviation angle being inferior or equal to 10?, and wherein each of the four bridge portions comprises: a notch extending between two axial guiding extensions; an arched section that extends above the notch, between the two axial guiding extensions.

23. The packaging according to claim 22, wherein the insert part has four planar outer faces, each arched section defining a midsection of said outer faces of the insert part.

24. The packaging according to claim 21, wherein the insert part comprises four axial guiding extensions.

25. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the insert part has a maximum height lower than the determined height, the following relation being satisfied:
HH2<5 mm<H1 where H1 is the maximum height of the insert part, H2 is a height of the flexible gusset bag in the fully open configuration, and H is the determined height of the interior volume, measured between the bottom of the outer container and the opening of the outer container.

26. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the bag and the outer container have each a polygonal shape, the axial guiding extensions being provided each with an angled free edge in order to guide each upper edges of the bag in a peripheral upper area that is defined between the insert part and an upper part of the outer container, entirely above the angled free edges in a fitted configuration of the upper fitment part.

27. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the insert part is provided with a first notch and a second notch at the opposite from the first notch, each of the first notch and the second notch being wider than high, the bag comprising two opposite gussets that unfold by engaging through the first notch and the second notch, respectively.

28. The packaging according to claim 27, further comprising: a measuring utensil having a cup and a handle; and a retaining device for storing the measuring utensil in a storage position, in which the handle extends entirely above the insert part, wherein the first notch is at least partly adjacent to the cup in the storage position, the retaining device being connected to a first side of the frame, the second notch extending proximate to a second side of the frame which is parallel to the first side of the frame.

29. The packaging according to claim 27, wherein the bag has an inner face provided with at least one initially energized annular elastic tape in a folded configuration of the gussets when the opening of the bag is closed by a detachable closing band, the elastic tape extending transversally with respect to the gussets and being configured to deform radially outwards when the closing band is detached so that the bag automatically unfolds from an initial partially open configuration to another configuration that is close or identical to the fully open configuration.

30. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the frame comprises an annular transition part between the insert part and the upper fitment part, the transition part tapering downwardly and defining a concave surface facing outwardly.

31. The packaging according to claim 30, wherein the frame comprises a retaining device that extends perpendicular to the central axis and provided with a hole, the retaining device being directly connected to the annular transition part.

32. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the frame comprises a levelling element provided with: a rigid free edge that extends transversally to the central axis, and two opposite ends, the levelling element being adjacent to a same axial guiding extension of the axial guiding extensions at each of the two opposite ends.

33. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the lid comprises an interior skirt pressing at least partially against an inner face of the upper fitment part in the closed position to prevent food content to accumulate in a lid-frame contact area.

34. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the two opposite inner faces are less spaced in an area proximate the bottom of the outer container, so as to have less interspace between the bag and the outer container in a lower part of the interior volume.

35. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein the annular side wall of the bag is provided with two opposite gussets, the bag and the outer container having each a rectangular shape, the insert part being provided with a first notch and a second notch, each of the first notch and the second notch being: wider than high; intersected by a virtual median plane of the outer container, the central axis being included in the virtual median plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description, which is given by way of non-restrictive example with reference to the figures, in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging according to a first embodiment in accordance with the invention, showing the lid in the open position and the inner gusset bag arranged in the interior volume of the outer container;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a cross section through the upper part of the packaging of FIG. 1 showing the lid almost in the closed position and the insert part inserted through the mouth of the bag;

[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a measuring utensil that can be retained below the lid in a storage position according to the invention;

[0054] FIGS. 4a and 4b are two successive perspective views (not showing the lid for sake of simplicity) illustrating the guiding effect of the insert part when inserted through the mouth of the gusset bag;

[0055] FIG. 5 is a top view of a packaging according to a second embodiment in accordance with the invention;

[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the unopened gusset bag that can be used as a refill;

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section a stacking between two outer containers;

[0058] FIG. 8 is a cross section view through a packaging according to the invention, showing a levelling operation;

[0059] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a frame used for accommodation of a gusset bag in an outer container, in accordance to a third embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outer container and a gusset bag ready to be inserted inside the outer container, before mounting of a closure system provided with the frame shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] In the various figures, identical reference numerals designate identical or similar elements.

[0062] It should be noted that the following detailed description and illustration are directed to a packaging 1 including a box and a flexible gusset pouch or similar bag B that is not resealable (not tightly closed after removal of a top portion), the packaging being well adapted for easy retrieval of the food product contained in the bag B. A variety of products may be contained in the bag B, preferably food products such as powdered milk, dry or powdered beverages, dry soups, coffee, tea, whey powder or the like, butter milk powder, spices, and other flowable solid food products.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 7, the packaging 1 comprises a container 2 and a closure system 3. The container 2 is open on one side opposite its bottom 20 and may be parallelepiped-shaped, provided with an oval section or any shape with a bottom substantially as wide as the opening, as those skilled in the art will understand. An annular side wall 4 of the container 2 extends about a vertical central axis X to a top 2a defining a peripheral upper rim 21a. An outer collar 2c may be provided and the top 2a may be defined as an annular projection protruding upwardly from an upper face defined by the collar 2c. A wide opening 21 enclosed by a perimeter 22 is defined by the rim 21a that is rigid (the optional collar 2c increases rigidity of the rim 21a to prevent any deformation).

[0064] The cross section perpendicular to the central axis X of the container 2 may be basically rectangular with rounded corners. It ensures vertical strength of the packagings 1 when stacked. FIG. 7 shows in more detail a way of stacking the packagings 1, using a recess at the bottom 20 to at least partly house the top wall 33 of the lid 32. For reasons of convenient handling, again, the cross section is preferably inscribed in a rectangle measuring 100 to 140 mm by 80 or 90 to 125 mm. The interior volume V of the container 2 has a determined height H, which is here close to the whole height of the container 2. The bottom 20 may be provided with bearing means 20a, for example feet or an annular base that may protrude downwardly with respect to the planar wall of the bottom 20. Such bearing means 20a can reinforce the strength of the bottom 20 when configured as an additional outer layer of the container 2. The lower part 40 of the sidewall 4 may be of slightly narrower section as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0065] When the sidewall 4 of the container 2 has a rectangular cross section, two opposite inner faces F1, F2 are defined by planar panels and the distance between these inner faces F1, F2 may correspond to a width of the interior volume V. The determined height H, here measured from a planar inner face F3 of the bottom 20 to the top face is preferably between 120 and 190 mm to provide the normal volume for boxes intended to contain infant powdered milk. It is therefore a relatively deep container whose opening 21 must be made as wide as possible to avoid difficulty with extracting powder from close to the bottom 20 of the container 2. In addition, this wide opening 21 allows a measuring utensil 100 to be used to pick up the powder or similar food content 5.

[0066] Because of this basically rectangular cross section, shown in FIG. 1, the perimeter 22 of the opening 21 of the container 2 may be considered to have a first long side 22a, an opposite second long side 22b, and first and second short sides 22c, 22d connecting the long sides. Four corner portions or similar connections 6 may be defined in the sidewall 4 to prevent formation of sharp edges. Here the four panels of the sidewall 4 are provided with four connections 6 each adapted for interconnecting two adjacent panels that form an angle of about 90?.

[0067] Without implying any restriction, the container 2 may be made as a single thermally blow-moulded plastic component. The plastic is preferably a multilayer composite forming a highly effective oxygen barrier where used for a food content 5 such as powdered milk, but the container 2 could of course be produced in some other material, especially metal or a multilayer cartonboard.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4a-4b and 6, the food content 5 is stored in the bag B, which has a flexible side wall 8, a bottom 8a and a top portion defined by a closing band 10 intended to be cut or torn. Here, a front wall W1 and a rear wall W2 are interconnected by two opposite gussets 9a, 9b extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the flexible side wall 8. Welds or sealing junctions can be provided to define the bag B. The closing band 10 may be a sealed part obtained by heat sealing. The bottom 8a can be defined by flaps in an overlapped configuration with a sealing area defined between at least two flaps.

[0069] In some embodiments, the bag B can be a mono-web construction of a film. But in preferred embodiments, the front wall W1, the rear wall W2 and the bottom 8a are obtained by assembling at least two different parts. In such case, the bag B includes several seal areas to seal the parts together (e.g., with heat-sealed parts). In a particular embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6, the bottom 8a is deprived from any gusset and is typically planar. Each of the two gussets 9a, 9b has an interior edge extending between the respective inner faces of the front wall W1 and the rear wall W2 when the bag B is closed by the closing bad 10 or similar closing means.

[0070] The film material used to form the bag B can be plastic, such as low, medium or high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester (PET), polyamide or any other material that is commonly used in the packaging industry, copolymers, or blends thereof. The film material can be a single layer cast or blown film, a multi-layer coextrusion or laminate. The film material can also include one or more layers of paper, metal foil, vacuum deposited metal or inorganic layer of aluminium or silicon oxide and/or a polymer barrier layer, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol or polyvinylidene chloride. These examples are non limiting examples.

[0071] It is an important aspect that the material is flexible and capable of allowing a gusset 9a and/or 9b to be formed. Here, the two opposite gussets 9a, 9b are provided adjacent to the wide opening 11. The bag B is therefore a gusset bag. The upper end defined by the upper edges 7 is adapted to define an opening 11 substantially as wide as the bottom 8a, typically with the same shape as the bottom 8a. Besides, if the film is a multi-layer film, it is preferred that at least the inner layer of the bag B is a heat sealable layer.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, the bag B is optionally provided with a top peripheral edge and, before a cutting or tearing or peeling action to remove such top part of the bag B, the content 5 of the bag B cannot be retrieved through the single opening 11 of the bag B. The top portions of the front wall W1 and of the rear wall W2 are typically in an initial flat configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0073] In other words, the content 5 (powdered milk or other granular or powdery product for example) is perfectly preserved in the bag B until used for the first time when the top peripheral edge (here defined by the closing band 10) is removed, optionally with the aid of one or more peeling-off tongues, tearing tongues, weakened areas or the like.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, the closing band 10 or similar top portion of the bag B is preferably provided with a line of weakness (at the dash line) that extends laterally across both walls W1 and W2 in close proximity to but below the top peripheral edge. The line of weakness may be formed by, for example, perforating or scoring the front wall W1, the rear wall W2 and other optional flaps with a laser or knife either individually before these walls W1 and W2 are sealed together, or collectively after they have been sealed together. One or both ends of line of weakness may terminate with a notch (not shown), which provides a stress concentration and aids in starting a tear along the line of weakness when the bag B is opened by a consumer.

[0075] Here, as simple cut along the dash line (a rectilinear dash line in this non limiting example as shown in FIG. 6) is sufficient to provide access to the content 5 because the side wall 8 of the bag B expands in a sufficient extent so that the respective top portions of the front wall W1 and of the rear wall W2 are not in the initial flat configuration. Preferably, the upper level of the food content 5 extends at an axial distance from the upper edges 7 that extend along a cut line that corresponds to the dash line (for example, the upper level is between 25 and 90 mm below the level of the edges 7).

[0076] Inside the bag B, the initial level of the food content 5, typically powder material, corresponds to a height H3 that is significantly lower than a predetermined height H2 of the bag B when the bag B is in a fully open configuration (as shown in FIG. 4b for example). The ratio H3:H2 may be comprised between 1:2 and 4:5 in some embodiments.

[0077] Now referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 4a-4b, it can be seen that the bag B, once open, can be stored in the interior volume V of the container 2. Of course, the gusset bag B can also be stored in the container 2 and then opened by excising the closing band 10.

[0078] While the interior volume V is here illustrated as fully matching with the outer shape of the container 2, it is understood that such interior volume V can be adjusted depending on specific configuration inside the container 2. The height H2 of the bag B is inferior to the determined height H so that the upper rim 21a extends entirely above the upper edges 7 of the bag B. The annular side wall 8 of the bag B has a shape matching with the sidewall 4 of the outer container 2 so as to prevent the bag B to be eccentrically positioned inside the interior volume V. In other words, the position of the bag B with respect to the container 2 before fixing the frame 31 is a predetermined position. As clearly apparent from FIGS. 1, 4a-4b and 7 in particular, such predetermined position is due to the similar cross section shape of the bag side wall 8 as compared to the cross section shape of the sidewall 4 of the outer container 2. A natural vertical guiding of the bag B, which is initially in a full state, is obtained when having the bag side wall 8 closely surrounded by the sidewall 4.

[0079] The closure system 3 is here provided with an annular fitment part 13 that comprises a peripheral groove G, in which the upper rim 21a is fitted (the annular projection defined by the top 2a being here received in the groove G). The fitment part 13 is here configured as a top part of an annular frame 31 that surrounds the opening 21.

[0080] The closure system 3 also comprises a lid 32 hinged to the frame 31 to allow movement of the lid 32 between an open position and a closed position. The frame 31 is thus directly fixed in a removable and tight manner to the peripheral upper rim 21a, while the lid 32 closes the opening 21 of the container 2 when engaged with the fitment part 13 of the frame 31. The lid 32 comprises a top wall 33 and is provided with a circumferential side wall 34 extending from the top wall 33 and an interior skirt 36 regularly spaced from the circumferential side wall so as to define with the side wall 34 a continuous groove CG. With such configuration, the fitment part 13 may be received in the continuous groove CG. The inner face of the fitment part 13 may optionally be in radial contact with the interior skirt 36 in the closed position of the lid 32 (the interior skirt 36 pressing at least partially against such inner face of the annular fitment part), so as to prevent the food content 5 (in a powder form for example) to accumulate in a lid-frame contact area 25. Here as illustrated in FIG. 2, such contact area 25 is provided between an outer angled surface of the fitment part 13 and a sealing surface of the circumferential side wall 34. Accordingly, the lid 32 can be repeatedly closed with an efficient sealing effect.

[0081] The top wall 33 is here substantially planar to reduce the height of the lid 32. The frame 31 is provided with an insert part 35 optionally making the frame 31 higher than the lid 32. The lid 32 and the frame 31 are articulated together via a connection that allows the lid 32 to be moved with respect to the frame 31 and to the container 2 between an open position depicted in FIG. 1, in which the opening 21 is largely accessible, and a closed position, depicted in FIG. 7 for example, in which the lid 32 covers this opening 21. This then is a resealable packaging the lid 32 of which is handled on each occasion, for example for preparing baby bottles.

[0082] The connection in this instance is a hinged connection 16 (typically one or more living hinges) in which the axis of pivoting is perpendicular to the central axis X. In the embodiment depicted, it is a plastic hinge 16 formed by a fold line, which allows the lid 32 and the frame 31 to be produced as a single component. This is a component obtained by injecting a plastic, such as polypropylene for example, into a mould. However, the hinged connection 16 could of course be obtained using two separate components assembled with one another, and it is equally possible to provide some other form of connection between the frame 31 and the lid 32.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 1, the frame 31 may have substantially the same general circumference as the lid 32 and here comprises first and second short outer sides 31c, 31d defined by the fitment part 13, matching with the first and second short sides 22c, 22d.

[0084] While the depicted embodiments show a central axis X, which is a symmetry axis for the container 2 and for the frame 31, of course other configurations may be used, depending on the geometry of the container sidewall 4. The frame 31 has not necessarily the same shape has the section of the interior volume V. In optional embodiments with partitioning elements, the sidewall 4 that surrounds the interior volume V for receiving the bag B may correspond to a part of the container side periphery and includes a partitioning element used to define the upper rim 21a.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the fitment part 13 or the container 2 has a projecting member with an engagement rim 18 used for locking. Such engagement rim 18 may be integrally formed with the annular collar 2c of the container 2. The packaging 1 has here a locking device provided with a tab T that protrudes downwardly from the lid 32, here from the side wall 34. When the lid 31 is in the closed position, the tab T occupies an engagement position in which a lower catching portion 19 engages with the engagement rim 18. Unlocking is performed by actuating the tab T by hand towards a radially outward direction (typically a pulling action). In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 7, the lid 32 is adjusted and fitted so that a continuous sealing contact is obtained between the fitment part 13 and the lid 32.

[0086] Now referring to FIGS. 1-2, 4a-4b and 8, the pressing to maintain the top of the gusset bag B in a fully open configuration, thanks to an insert part 35 of the frame 31, will be described.

[0087] The bag B, filled with the food content 5, open and stored in the interior volume V, is in contact with the bottom 20 of the container 2 and cannot substantially move because of the small play between the side wall 8 and all or part of the inner faces of the sidewall 4 of the container 2. Indeed, the annular side wall 8 has here a shape matching with the sidewall 4. The bag B thus cannot be eccentrically positioned inside the interior volume V. In some options, the lower part 40 that is preferably of lower height H4 than height H3 is configured to locally reduce or suppress the small gap around the bag B (reduction of size in the lower part 90 of the interior volume V). It is thus understood that the container 2 is configured to define a predetermined position for the bag B having the opening 11 facing upwardly.

[0088] In this configuration without the closure system 3 fitted onto the upper rim 21a, the bag B is typically not in a fully open configuration. Each of the panels of the sidewall 4 extends between two connections 6 that each correspond to an angle, preferably of about 90? as shown in the depicted embodiments. When such kind of angle is defined between two adjacent panels of the container 2, it is understood that the corresponding corner portions of the bag B (stored in the interior volume V) cannot be sufficiently close to the connections 6. Indeed, significant folds or recessed parts (typically at the gussets 9a, 9b) are typically formed, as shown in FIG. 1 for example.

[0089] The flexible side wall 8, here because of the gussets 9a, 9b, can unfold from a partially open configuration to a fully open configuration, providing that the upper edges 7 are displaced (under a pressing action) and held in position away from the central axis X and along the sidewall 4 of the container 2. For this purpose, the frame 31 comprises an insert part 35 that extends in the interior volume V when the fitment part 13 is covering the upper rim 21a with a tight annular contact, and which is intended to be received inside the bag B (above the level of the food content 5). In FIG. 1, the folding in the partially open configuration is a bit exaggerated to better illustrate that the edges 7 are irregularly spaced from the sidewall 4.

[0090] The insert part 35 is radially spaced inwardly with respect to the sidewall 4 of the container 2, such spacing being here obtained because of an annular transition part 38 that interconnects the insert part 35 (interior part of the frame 31) and the fitment part 13 (exterior part of the frame 31).

[0091] The annular transition part 38 can be radially connected to the fitment part 13 as shown in FIG. 8, below the tight connection between the fitment part 13 and the upper rim 21a. Accordingly, the food content 5 cannot escape from the container 2 because of: [0092] the tight contact at the groove G; [0093] the continuous contact at the groove CG, preferably using an interior skirt 36;
and if the packaging 1 is turned upside down, the food content 5 will necessarily return inside the bag B (after, in normal position) because the powder or content particles cannot be displaced beyond the concave surface S38, due to the pressing contact between the top peripheral part of the bag B (at the upper edges 7, such top is in a stretched condition) and the frame 31 (at the continuous transition part 38 and/or at the continuous annular upper end of the insert part 35).

[0094] In order to improve the radial contact, the frame 31 may comprise at least one resilient sealing element (not shown) more flexible than the axial extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 and protruding radially outwards from the outer faces F5, below the fitment part 13. An annular gasket or similar annular resilient element, which is preferably provided near the transition part 38 (and typically entirely above the notches 61, 62, 63, 64), defines one or more radial contacts between the bag B and the frame 31. Such resilient element may be curved or angled to facilitate insertion of the insert part 35 through the opening 11.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 2, the insert part 35 extends annularly entirely below the upper rim 21a and preferably entirely below the optional annular collar 2c. The annular transition part 38 extends substantially at the same level as the collar 2c and tapers downwardly, defining a circumferential concave surface S38 facing outwardly. In the inserted configuration of the insert part 35, the transition part 38 may abut against the upper edges 7 of the flexible gusset bag B to hold these upper edges 7 in a proximal position relative to the inner face (including the opposite faces F1 and F2) of the sidewall 4. In some embodiments, the upper edges 7 are only facing such concave surface S38, without continuous or local axial contact against this transition part 38.

[0096] The insert part 35 is provided with a plurality of axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 configured to engage the bag B through the opening 11. When mounting the closure system 3 with the bag B already extending in the interior volume V, the insert part 35 is sufficiently spaced from the container sidewall 4 to allow the upper edges 7 of the bag B to completely surround the skirt-like insert part 35 with a small play. The guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 are engaging, through the opening 11, the top of the bag B at opposite inner parts (corners or opposite sides). Due to the pressing action of the guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4, in the fitted configuration of the closure system 3, these localized parts of the bag B are firstly displaced outwards and then held in a stationary and adjacent position with respect to the respective inner faces of the container 2.

[0097] The axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 are not stretching or tensing the side wall 8 of the bag B beyond a virtual cuboid that is defined by the bottom 8a of the bag B. Accordingly, when the frame 31 is in a mounted state as shown in FIG. 4b or 7, each face of the side wall 8 of the bag B may be substantially planar. With this configuration, a wide and constant section of the bag B is obtained, which is optimal to retrieve food content 5 near the bottom 8a, using a measuring utensil 100.

[0098] The axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 have a height H1 that is greater than length of the each of the two lower rectilinear edge portions defined at the free end (L-shaped free edge FE) of the guiding axial extension E1, E2, E3, E4. Such height H1 may optionally correspond to a maximum height of the insert part 31 and is typically comprised between 5 and 40 mm.

[0099] A polygonal shape with at least four angles for both the sidewall 4 and the side wall 8 of the bag B is preferred because the inner faces of the container 2 may be substantially planar and the axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 may be each provided with one planar guiding section or two planar guiding sections 28, 29 configured with a L-shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (X). The upper edges 7 defined at each side of the bag B are thus held in a substantially rectilinear position, without significant undulations in a transverse plane (no folding perceived by the user). Angle of the L-shape may be not inferior to 90?, which is of interest to provide a guiding effect in two distinct directions by a same member of the insert part 35. Each axial guiding extension E1, E2, E3, E4 is provided with a curved midsection 67 (FIG. 4a), which defines a radius of curvature much smaller than the radius of curvature at the connections 6 or at the ends of the shorts sides 31c, 31d.

[0100] The transition part 38 is longitudinally curved to be tangentially connected to the insert part 35 that has a small radial deviation as compared to the longitudinal axis X. But such small deviation is of interest to progressively increase the pressing toward the inner faces F1, F2 of the container sidewall 4. It can be seen that the axial extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 are each less slanted than the transition part 38. The higher deviation of the transition part 38 and the substantially continuous curvature (with no horizontal surface) of the transition part 38 is here advantageous to prevent powder to accumulate on the transition part 38, i.e. out of the bag B.

[0101] When the polygonal shape is a rectangular or square shape, the sidewall 4 of the container 2 is defined by four panels interconnected at the respective connections 6 that extend each rectilinearly from the bottom 20 to an angle 211, 212, 213, 214 of the peripheral upper rim 21a, as in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1. The annular side wall 8 of the bag B is provided with four edges 80 (four longitudinal edges) and has a predetermined periphery sized and shaped so that each of the edges 80 is at less than 3 mm from one of the connections 6 when the bag B is stored in the interior volume V and the upper rim 21a is engaged into a groove G of the fitment part 13. Such parallelepiped gusset bag B is of simple construction and may correspond to a conventional kind of bag.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiments, the insert part 35 may comprise four bridge portions 66 interconnected by the axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4. When the guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 have a L-shape section, the insert part 35 defines four substantially planar outer faces F5. Each of the bridge portions 66 (or similar notched part) tapers toward the bottom 20 with small deviation as compared to the direction of the central axis X. Such small deviation (see FIGS. 2 and 7 for instance) may be inferior or equal to 10?, preferably less than 4 or 5?. As the extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 protrudes downwardly more than the arched midsections AS, they may deviate slightly more at the free edge FE (but typically with the same deviation angle) where the interspace D2 with the container 2 is maximum. Such tapering is of interest because the gussets 9a and 9b can be here progressively moved toward the two opposite faces F1, F2, preferably planar, when the frame 31 is displaced proximate its fitted position and then fitted. More generally, it ensures a more progressive pressing effect in the opposite directions (toward the different sides 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of the container 2).

[0103] Each of the four bridge portions 66 here comprises: [0104] a notch 61, 62, 63, 64 extending between two axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 (for example the notch 63 extends on same side as and between the two extensions E1 and E4); and [0105] an arched section AS that extends above the notch 61, 62, 63, 64, between the two axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4.

[0106] It can be seen that each arched section AS may define a midsection of one of the respective outer faces F5 of the insert part 35. With such configuration with four notches 61, 62, 63, 64, each midsection of the upper edges 7 (here it can be seen that at least the shorter sides have a V-profile before the pressing) is pressed only at the end or nearly the end of the mounting of the frame 31 and the upper edges 7 of the bag B may be held in a substantially rectilinear position, along the planar outer faces F5 at the end of the unfolding.

[0107] In the non limiting embodiment of FIG. 1, here along the short sides 22c and 22d, a first notch 61 and a second notch 62 are located opposite each other. These notches 61, 62 are preferably wider than high and the same applies for additional notches 63, 64 that extend along the long sides 22a, 22d.

[0108] The almost vertical configuration of the axial extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 is also advantageous because the insert part 35 does not obstruct the bag access. Only the optional retaining device 60 for receiving a measuring utensil 100 protrudes toward the central axis X, as shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0109] In some options, the bag B has an inner circumference provided with an initially energized annular elastic tape 65 (shown in FIG. 4a) interfering with the gussets 9a, 9b and arranged near the upper end. When the closing band 10 is removed, such elastic tape 65 deforms radially outwards so that the bag B automatically unfolds from an initial partially open configuration to another configuration that is close or identical to the fully open configuration. This option may be used to facilitate insertion of the insert part 35 through the opening 11 of the bag B.

[0110] Now referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 7, the axial extensions E1, E2, E3, E4 have the same profile in a cross section and have respective L-shaped free edges FE that all extend substantially in a same virtual transverse plane (horizontal plane in usual position of the packaging 1). Of course a lower or higher number of such angled free edges FE could be used, depending on the geometry of the container sidewall 4. Providing at least two diametrically opposed L-shaped extensions or opposite L-shaped extensions along a virtual diagonal is of interest to define at least four distinct radially outward directions for the pressing against the inner faces of the bag B. Accordingly, the opening 11 defined by the upper edges 7 of the bag B is expanded and the edges 7 are adequately positioned at a same axial level in the peripheral upper area around the insert part 35, entirely above the angled free edges FE and above the notches 61, 62, 63, 64 in the fitted configuration of the fitment part 13.

[0111] Here, the small radial gap between the inner face of the container 2 and the upper half of the bag B is substantially constant because the upper edges 7 are not excessively stretched radially outwards. The change of geometrical conformation as illustrated at the top of FIGS. 4a and 4b occurs at constant surface for the bag (no overstretching causing deformation of bag material).

[0112] The insert part 35 has a maximum height H1, which is of course lower than the determined height H of the interior volume V, and typically inferior to 30 mm. In preferred embodiments, the following relation is satisfied:

H?H2<5 mm<H1

where H2 is the predetermined height of the flexible gusset bag B in the fully open configuration. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4b, such arrangement ensures that the upper edges 7 are in the upper part (which is narrower than the lower part with maximum radial distance D2) of the annular interspace defined between the insert part 35 and the corresponding inner face (for example the face F1 or F2) of the container 2.

[0113] When the packaging 1 is turned upside down, it is understood that a mass of food content 5 accumulates inside the volume defined by the closure system 3 and around the insert part 35. Here with a bag B having the height H2 as shown in FIGS. 4a-4b and not radially spaced more than 5 or 6 mm from the container 2 at each side, preferably not more than 2 or 3 mm, there is no sufficient empty space around the bag B (see also FIG. 7) to allow significant deformation and folding (even in a tilted position, no significant lateral bulge can be formed). Besides, as the space around the insert part 35 is small, pressure exerted by food content 5 near the edges 7 (when the packaging is turned upside down) is not sufficient to locally deform the bag B, whereby there is no substantial loss of product.

[0114] Of course, the insert part 35 may be configured with a reduced number of notches and/or have a difference in height for at least one side of the insert part 35. More generally, the insert part 35 is provided with one or two notches 61, 62, defined between two of the axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3, E4, and extending along one of the two opposite inner faces F1, F2 (here along the short sides 22c, 22d of the container 2). When having only one notch 62 and two gussets 9a, 9b, it may be easier to slightly tilt the frame 31 toward the side 31c without notch, so that this side 31c will push a first gusset 9a toward the corresponding face F1 or F2. Then the second gusset 9b that is less pressed than the first gusset 9a can unfold through the notch 62.

[0115] The notch 61, 62, 63, 64 opens downwardly and is preferably not divided into several slots or thin longitudinal notches. Such notch 61, 62, 63, 64 can be obtained when molding the frame 31 or by a cutting operation. Of course the term notch should not be interpreted in a restricted manner, as understood by one skilled in the art.

[0116] Now, the arrangement of a device for interacting with a measuring utensil 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-3, 5 and 7-8.

[0117] With regard to the measuring utensil 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, this is similar to a spoon in the embodiments shown, that is to say it has a cup 101 which defines a fixed measuring volume and is, in such option, substantially cylindrical up to the open side of this cup 101. A handle 102 extends from the cup 101 to a free end. The measuring utensil 100 thus has an elongate form and is made of plastic material or equivalent material. For a circular container 2, the length of the measuring utensil 100 must of course be less than the inside diameter of the frame 31. For a rectangular container 2, this length must be less than the inside diagonal of the frame 31. The measuring utensil 100 is a measuring device of predetermined form, preferably designed to be sold with the whole packaging 1, possibly without the gusset bag B in some options. But it is understood that the fixed measuring volume of such measuring utensil 100 is specific to the content 5 in question, here a food product such as powdered milk.

[0118] When sold with the packaging 1, the measuring utensil 100 may be initially wrapped in a bag, inside the interior volume V and/or below the top wall 33 of the lid 32 or in a separated bag fastened onto an outer surface of the container 2. At least after the first opening of the closure system 3, the measuring utensil 100 can be received through a hole 60a in a retaining device 60 that is formed on the frame 31, and preferably integrally formed with the frame 31. This hole 60a is sized to retain the cup 101. The retaining device 60 is here integrally formed with the closure system 3 and extends between at least one base portion connected to the short side 31c and at least one free edge 72 that is optionally configured as a part of a levelling element 70. The retaining device 60 here extends substantially perpendicular to the central axis X. Referring to FIG. 2, the free edge 72, which is of greater size than the opening side of the cup 101, may be either curved, or rectilinear. The rigid free edge 72 may extend between two opposite ends 73, 74 of the levelling element 70 that are connected to the inner annular face of the frame 31. The levelling element 70 may be connected to two adjacent sides of a polygonal frame (here the rectangular frame 31). The ends 73, 74 may thus be arranged each adjacent to the same axial extension E4 of the insert part 35.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 8, the base portion BP of the retaining device 60, opposite to the free edge 72, may be defined at a junction with the annular transition part 38 longitudinally extending between the fitment part 13 and the insert part 35. The free edge 72 may be provided with a lower protrusion to perform the levelling without need to tilt the measuring utensil or with a slightly tilted position. The user is thus not obliged to incline the measuring utensil 100 almost vertically which could cause some of the food content 5 to fall out and thereby lead to a mismeasurement,

[0120] In a first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-4B and 8, a stabilizing relief 60b or at least one similar projection that protrudes upwardly may be provided adjacent to the free edge 72 and as an extension at a surround 26 of the opening 60. The retaining device 60 is provided with a hole 60a, for example a circular hole, to store the measuring utensil 100 in a storage position, in which the handle 102 extends entirely above the insert part 35, substantially parallel to the top wall 33 of the lid 32. The cup 101 has a minimum height which is higher than space between the hole 60a and the top wall 33 of the lid 32, so that the measuring utensil 100 cannot escape when the closure system 3 remains in a closed position.

[0121] Here the first notch 61 is at least partly adjacent to the cup 101 in the storage position. The cup 101 may extend along an axial guiding extension E4, proximate to the junction between the sort side 22c and the long side 22b. The retaining device 60 may be connected to a first side 31c of the frame 31 and optionally to another side adjacent to the first side 31c. When the insert part 35 is provided with two opposite notches 61, 62, the second notch 62 may extend proximate to a second side 31d of the frame 31 which is parallel to the first side 31c. The handle 102 extends from the cup 101 toward such second side 31d.

[0122] In order to have the upper face of the lid 32 close to the opening plane defined by the upper rim, the lid 32 is of a substantially flat configuration and is provided with a top wall 33 defining a planar upper face, along which the measuring utensil 100 extends in the storage position. Here the levelling edge 72 is curved.

[0123] It can be seen that distance D4 between the hole 60a and the upper rim 21a is typically lower than maximum height H1 of each axial extension E1, E2, E3, E4 and lower than the characteristic size D3 (inner diameter for example) of the hole 60a. A distance D4 lower than 10 mm, preferably lower than 5 or 6 mm may be provided, which means that the interspace D2 between a free edge FE and the outer container 2 can be typically less than 3 or 4 mm. The distance D5 between the hole 60a and the central axis X may thus be of at least 20 or 30 mm, which is of interest for levelling operation (easy access and no need to tilt the measuring utensil 100 more than 45?, even when such utensil has a length similar or greater than the opening size along the short sides 22c, 22d of the container 2see FIG. 5 for example).

[0124] While FIGS. 1-4B show a retaining device 60 and/or a free edge 72 of a levelling element 70 in a corner area of a rectangular frame 31, it is understood that such kind of device for interacting with the measuring utensil 100 may be arranged differently. For example FIG. 7 shows a retaining element 60 having a free rectilinear edge 72 arranged perpendicular to the two opposite short sides, at a distance from the corners.

[0125] In the variant shown in FIG. 5, it can be seen that the retaining device 60, also formed on the frame 31, is only connected to the first side 31c and is distant from the curved portions of the frame 31. A clip 69 may be provided adjacent the cup 101 in the storage position to lock this position by engagement with a part of the handle 102. Of course, the retaining device 60 may also form a rectilinear free edge 72.

[0126] In the variant illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, attachment of the frame 31 to the container 2 is performed by engaging inner reliefs 39 of the frame 31 under the outer collar 2c and/or in outer recesses of this outer collar 2c. The inner reliefs 39 are defined in the groove G and protrude radially inwards from an outer annular wall of the frame 31. Referring to FIG. 10, the outer collar 2c may have corner portions CP each provided with a recess 82 obtained by local reduction in height. At the corners of the frame 31, the inner reliefs 39 may be defined below respective windows 37. This increase local flexibility of the frame corners and thus facilitates a snap fitting between the inner reliefs 39 that are defined in the groove G and the outer collar 2c of the container 2. It is understood that such kind of attachment of the frame 31 may apply for any of the depicted embodiments and in any other variants. The peripheral upper rim 21a may have a surface rounded in cross section, which is of interest for insertion (with progressively increasing contact forces) inside the groove G provided with the inner reliefs. With such arrangement, the frame 31 of the closure system 3 is: [0127] firmly secured to the container 2 on the one hand (and there is no particular requirement for attaching a part of the lid 32 to the container 2); [0128] easy to remove from the container by a specific pushing action simultaneously under two of the corner parts defined by the frame 31 on a same side (such pushing action releasing the corresponding inner reliefs 39 on the same side, to obtain a disengaged position), the closure system 3 being then removed by simply pivoting the frame 31 relative to the outer collar 2c of the container 2 (the other inner reliefs 39 on opposite side, typically the hinge side, being released due to the rotation effect).

[0129] As in any of the preceding depicted embodiments, an engagement rim 18 is provided for locking the closed configuration of the lid 32 (lid not shown in FIG. 9 for clarifying the viewing, such lid being already described in FIGS. 1 and 5), by retaining the tab T. But here, such engagement rim 18 is formed on the frame 31 as shown in FIG. 9. Of course, such option may apply for the preceding embodiments. This arrangement may be preferred to simplify the container 2.

[0130] The frame 31 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the frame shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and the hinge connection with the lid 32 is not shown. While the position of the hole 60a defined by the retaining device 60 is identical to the position shown in embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and 4a-4b, the insert part 35 is here slightly different. It can be seen in FIG. 9 that an axial guiding extension E4 extends between two notches 61, 63 from a base 43 adjacent to the hole 60a. The axial guiding extension E4 adjacent to the hole 60a may optionally have a C-shape or L-shape section when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis X, in the mounted configuration of the closure system 3. The base 43 may be joined to the base portion BP (FIG. 8).

[0131] Here, the notches 62 and 64 are less pronounced that the corresponding notches in the other depicted embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, the axial extensions E1, E2, E3 are slightly more slanted than in the examples of FIGS. 1-2 and 7, with exception of the axial extension E4 that is elongated and narrower than the other axial guiding extensions E1, E2, E3. This arrangement with some axial guiding extensions more slanted is of interest to have the bag B easily engaged, especially with correct positioning at the top corners of the bag B, by the consumer.

[0132] FIG. 10 illustrates the fact that the shape of the container sidewall 4 is matching with the annular side wall 8 of the bag B. Here with a length L1 of the container 2 significantly superior to the width L2, it is impossible to accommodate the open bag B in other upright position different from a predetermined position inside the interior volume V of the container 2. Here the term matching means that the shape (form) is identical or sufficiently similar to prevent any unsuitable position where the side wall 8 of the bag B does not extend along the sidewall 4 of the container 2. Such matching in shape is well-known in the art (see for example bag-in-a-box systems and similar refill systems) to accommodate an inner bag B in an outer container 2 and is clearly understood by those skilled in the art. While height H2 of the open bag B as been described as sufficient to have relation H?H2?5 mm, it is understood that the bag B has not necessarily a constant height H2 since notches or non-pronounced irregularities can be provided, preferably at a distance from the corners, without impairing correct guiding by the insert part 35. For example, such relation may be verified only at the top corners of the open bag B.

[0133] It can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5 that the hole 60a is not intersected by the central axis. The same applies for the hole 60a defined by retaining device 60 in the frame 31 shown in FIG. 9. A relatively flat configuration can be obtained for the lid 32 due to the horizontal storage position of the measuring utensil 100, such utensil being at least partly inserted in the interior volume V of the container 2.

[0134] In these different embodiments, the handle 102 is easy to catch and there is no need to touch the measuring utensil 100 at or near the cup 101. The handle 102 of the measuring utensil 100 extends in a plane of the opening 21 or above the upper rim 21a, which means that the consumer fingers will not touch the inner faces of the bag when catching the measuring utensil 100. This centered position of the handle 100, outside the bag B, is advantageous to avoid contacts that would tend to spoil the food content 5.

[0135] The packaging 1 may thus combine several features without impairing efficiency of the closure and it can be reused with a new bag B filled with content 5, after removal of the empty bag. The handling of the frame 31 of the closure system 3 is not troublesome and there is no need to place fingers inside the new bag.

[0136] Clearly, the embodiments described above are not restrictive in any way, and numerous variants as to the geometry of the parts making up the container 2 and the closure system 3 are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0137] For instance, while the closure system 3 is here described as made of a single piece of molded plastic, it is understood that an assembly of two or more elements can be used to define the closure system. More generally, it will be obvious that the use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of any other elements besides those defined in any claim.

[0138] The word a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Any reference sign in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0139] Of course, the inner circumference of the container 2 is not necessarily sized exactly as the annular side wall 8 of the bag B so as to provide a tight fit of the bag B inside the outer container. A global fit is sufficient and the inner circumference of the container 2 is, more generally, adapted to guide the annular side wall 8 of the bag B so as to locate the bag B in a predetermined position inside the interior volume V.