CHILD-PROOF CONTAINER AND PROCESS FOR MAKING THE SAME

Abstract

A child-proof container including a storage having a lateral wall, a closure system of the storage, a first coupling portion carried by the closure system, a second coupling portion carried by the storage and configured for cooperating with said first coupling portion for locking the container in a closed condition. The second coupling portion includes a tab from the lateral wall of the storage. The container includes a spacer interposed between the tab of the second coupling portion and the lateral wall.

Claims

1. A child-proof container comprising: a storage defining a compartment and including a lateral wall defining a passage opening delimited by a free edge, said passage opening being configured to place the compartment in communication with an outside environment, a closure system movable with respect to the storage at least between: a closed condition where the closure system prevents communication between the compartment and the outside environment, an open condition where the closure system allows the communication between the compartment and the outside environment, at least one first coupling portion carried by the closure system, at least one second coupling portion carried by the storage and configured for cooperating with said first coupling portion, wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are configured to engage each other in the closed condition of the container to define a locking condition where said first coupling position and said second coupling portion prevent the closure system from passing from the closed condition to the open condition, wherein the second coupling portion comprises at least one tab outside the compartment and defining at least one undercut configured to engage the first coupling portion of the closure system to define said locking condition, wherein the container comprises at least one spacer at least partly interposed between the tab of the second coupling portion and the lateral wall of the storage, wherein the tab of the second coupling portion, in the closed condition, is movable at least between: a first operative position where the tab is configured to engage the first coupling portion to define said locking condition, a second operative position where the tab is configured to disengage the first coupling portion to allow the passage of the closure system from the closed condition to the open condition.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lateral wall of the storage comprises at least one panel, wherein the spacer is at least partly interposed between the tab of the second coupling portion and the panel of the lateral wall.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein at least one part of said tab of the second coupling portion emerges with respect to the panel outside the compartment to define said undercut, and wherein the spacer, in the closed condition, is configured to space at least said part of the tab of the second coupling portion from the panel of the lateral wall.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises an auxiliary tab integrally joined with the tab of the second coupling portion, and wherein the auxiliary tab is folded with respect to said tab of the second coupling portion.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer defines a return element which, in the second operative position, is configured to force the tab of the second coupling portion to maintain the first operative position

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the spacer, in the closed condition, is spaced from the free edge of the storage.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tab of the second coupling portion is at least partly delimited by a grip edge which, in the first operative position, is configured to define at least part of said undercut suitable for engaging the first coupling portion, wherein the grip edge, in the first operative position, is spaced from the panel.

8. The container according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer is glued to the tab of the second coupling portion, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer is configured to move together with the tab of the second coupling portion between the first operative position and the second operative position.

9. The container according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer, in the open condition, extends parallel to the tab of the second coupling portion.

10. The container according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer is carried directly by the panel of the lateral wall and folded with respect to said panel towards the tab of the second coupling portion.

11. The container according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer defines, with the tab of the second coupling portion, a single tab having, in the closed condition of the container, a “V” shape configured to force the tab of the second coupling portion to maintain the first operative position.

12. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lateral wall of the storage comprises a first panel facing and engaging a second panel, wherein the first panel defines at least one part of an internal surface delimiting a part of the compartment of the storage, and the second panel defines at least one part of an external surface of the storage, and wherein the tab of the second coupling portion comprises an attachment edge integrally joined with the second panel.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the second panel comprises a seat delimited by a perimeter edge, wherein said spacer is at least partly arranged in said seat, the tab of the second coupling portion facing the seat, and wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer, at least in the second operative position, is arranged at least in part in the seat, wherein the auxiliary tab is configured for obstructing the insertion of the tab of the second coupling portion in the seat of the second panel.

14. The container according to claim 12, wherein the tab of the second coupling portion, in the closed condition, is movable close to and away from the first panel, wherein the spacer is configured for maintaining the tab of the second coupling portion spaced from the first panel.

15. A child-proof container comprising: a storage defining a compartment and including a lateral wall defining a passage opening delimited by a free edge, said passage opening configured to place the compartment in communication with an outside environment, a closure system movable with respect to the storage at least between: a closed condition where the closure system prevents the communication between the compartment and the outside environment, an open condition where the closure system allows the communication between the compartment and the outside environment, at least one first coupling portion carried by the closure system, at least one second coupling portion carried by the storage and configured for cooperating with said first coupling portion, wherein the first coupling position and the second coupling portion are configured to for engaged each other in the closed condition of the container to define a locking condition where said first coupling position and the second coupling portion prevent the closure system from passing from the closed condition to the open condition, wherein the second coupling portion comprises at least one tab outside the compartment and defining at least one undercut configured for engaging the first coupling portion of the closure system to define said locking condition, wherein the container comprises at least one spacer at least partly interposed between the tab of the second coupling portion and the lateral wall of the storage, and wherein the spacer comprises an auxiliary tab in a single piece with and glued to the tab of the second coupling portion.

16. The container according to claim 15, wherein the spacer, in the closed condition, is spaced from the free edge of the storage.

17. The container according to claim 15, wherein the tab of the second coupling portion is movable at least between: a first operative position where the tab is configured to engage the first coupling portion to define said locking condition, and a second operative position where the tab is configured to disengage the first coupling portion to allow the passage of the closure system from the closed condition to the open condition.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer is configured to moved with the tab of the second coupling portion between the first operative position the second operative position.

19. The container according to claim 15, wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer, in the open condition, extends parallel to the tab of the second coupling portion.

20. The container according to claim 15, wherein the lateral wall of the storage comprises at least one panel, wherein the spacer is at least partly interposed between the tab of the second coupling portion and the panel of the lateral wall, and wherein the auxiliary tab of the spacer is carried directly by the panel of the lateral wall and folded with respect to said panel.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Several embodiments and several aspects of the finding will be described herein below with reference to the enclosed drawings, provided only as a non-limiting example in which:

[0066] FIG. 1 shows a blank for making a wall of a container according to the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall of a container according to the present invention, made by means of the blank of FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 3 is a sectional detailed view of the wall of FIG. 2;

[0069] FIG. 4 is a sectional detailed view of a container according to the present invention, arranged in a locking condition;

[0070] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention comprising the wall of FIG. 2;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a closure system of a container according to the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention;

[0073] FIG. 8 shows a further blank for making at least one wall of a container according to the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a wall of a container according to the present invention, made by means of the blank of FIG. 8;

[0075] FIG. 10 is a sectional detailed view of the wall of FIG. 9;

[0076] FIG. 11 is a sectional detailed view of a further container according to the present invention, arranged in a locking condition;

[0077] FIG. 12 shows a further blank for making at least one wall of a container according to the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wall of a container according to the present invention, made by means of the blank of FIG. 12;

[0079] FIG. 14 is a sectional detailed view of the wall of FIG. 12;

[0080] FIG. 15 shows a further blank for making at least one wall of a container according to the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a wall of a container according to the present invention, made by means of the blank of FIG. 12; and

[0082] FIG. 17 is a sectional detailed view of the wall of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] In the present detailed description, corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated with the same numeric references. The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by means of representations that are not in scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures relative to the object of the invention might only regard schematic representations.

[0084] With the term “product” it is intended an article or a compound of articles of any kind. For example, the product may also be intended as a package, e.g. a blister, carrying a plurality of articles. The product may comprise: drugs, cosmetic products, capsules for dishwashers and washing machines, products for cleaning the home and linen (e.g. detergents), foods and cigarettes.

[0085] With the term “paper material” it is intended paper or cardboard, optionally having at least 50% by weight, optionally at least 70% by weight, of organic material comprising one or more from among cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin derivatives. The paper material may be made of sheet material having a basis weight comprised between 100 g/m.sup.2 and 500 g/m.sup.2. The paper material in question extends between a first and a second main extension surface. The paper sheet material employed for making the container may, in one embodiment variant thereof, be covered for at least one part of the first and/or second main extension surface by means of a plastic material covering, e.g. biodegradable. In the event in which the covering is arranged so as to at least partly cover the first main extension surface, the same covering will come to define an internal surface of the container. On the other hand, in the event in which the covering is arranged on the second main extension surface, the same covering will come to define an external surface of the container. The covering may also be employed to define a kind of water and/or moisture barrier useful for preventing the weakening and the loss of structure of the constituent paper material. The covering may be applied to the paper material (as specified above on the internal and/or external side of the support) in the form of a so-called “coating” or lacquer deposited as a solution or sprayed whose thickness is generally comprised, in a non-limiting manner, between 0.2 μm and 10 μm. Alternatively, the covering may comprise a plastic film, for example a polyethylene coating, applicable by means of a rolling process, on one or both sides (internal and/or external side) of the paper material defining the container. In the event in which the covering is applied by means of rolling, the values of the plastic film (covering) may for example vary between 10 μm and 400 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 200 μm, still more in particular between 10 μm and 80 μm, of covering material (i.e. polythene). The plastic covering material may be selected, by way of example, from among the following materials: PP, PE (HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE), EVA, polyesters (including PET and PETg), PVdC.

[0086] The term “blank” refers to a flat semi-finished product made of sheet material, e.g. made of paper sheet material, foldable on itself for making the wall and/or the package. The blank may be made of a single piece and obtainable by means of die cutting of a single sheet.

[0087] With the expression “folded configuration of the blank” it is intended a configuration in which the blank was folded to form the container.

[0088] With the term “sheet material” it is intended a material that has two dimensions, e.g. length and width, considerably greater than a third dimension, such as for example the thickness.

[0089] With the term “panel” it is intended a laminar body of monolithic type having a substantially constant thickness which may be constituted by a single panel (mono-layer) of sheet material or by a multi-layer defined by a plurality of mono-layer sheets coupled together in thickness. The panel may, in a non-limiting manner, be extended flatwise or follow a progression that is at least partly undulated.

[0090] With the term “opening device” it is intended any one tool usable by a user for opening the package. For example, the opening device may comprise at least one selected from the following group: a body made of sheet material (e.g. a payment card, a loyalty card or a suitable key), an elongated body (e.g. a pen or a suitable key).

[0091] With the term “manually intervening” it is intended a manual action carried out by the user without the aid of tools, for example an opening device defined by a predefined key, a card. With manual action it is therefore intended the intervention of the user by means of his/her hands directly on the container.

[0092] Container 1

[0093] Reference number 1 overall indicates a container usable in the field of packaging for products of various type, for example drug products, cosmetics, cleaning products (detergents for linen and dishware), foods and tobacco-based products (cigars and cigarettes).

[0094] The container 1 comprises a storage 2 (FIG. 5) made of sheet material, for example paper material, defining a compartment 3 for housing products. The storage 2 comprises at least one lateral wall 4 defining at least one passage opening delimited by a free edge 6. The storage 2 may have a substantially prismatic shape, e.g. rectangular prismatic (it is possible to make a storage 2 having different shape, e.g. having square section, with a trapezium or cylindrical shape).

[0095] In detail, the storage 2 may comprise a front wall 4a and a rear wall 4b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b are connected to each other by means of a first and a second lateral wall 4c, 4d, also facing and parallel to each other. The front wall 4a is spaced and opposite the rear wall 4b; the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d are also spaced and opposite from each other. The front, rear and lateral walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) define the passage opening, delimited by the free edge 6.

[0096] The storage 2 also comprises a bottom wall 4f from which the following emerge, starting from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall 4f itself: the front wall 4a, the rear wall 4b and the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d. The storage 2 thus comprises a single passage opening defined opposite the bottom wall 4f. In detail, the front wall 4a, the rear wall 4b, the first lateral wall 4c and the second lateral wall 4d, in cooperation with the bottom wall 4f, delimit the compartment 3.

[0097] The front wall 4a, the rear wall 4b, the first lateral wall 4c and the second lateral wall 4d emerge starting from the bottom wall 4f for a predetermined extension: such extension defines the height of the storage 2 which may be greater than 30 mm, optionally greater than 50 mm, still more optionally greater than 60 mm. The compartment 3 may have a volume greater than 40 cm.sup.3, optionally greater than 100 cm.sup.3 as a function of the products to be contained. For example, in the event in which the container 1 is used for containing average-sized products, the compartment 3 may have a volume comprised between 800 and 1.400 cm.sup.3. For large-sized products, the volume of the compartment 3 may reach 10,000 cm.sup.3.

[0098] The lateral wall 4 of the storage 2 (optionally at least one of said walls 4a-4d) comprises a flat panel 41 emerging from the bottom wall 4f and at least partly delimiting the compartment 3. In particular, at least one of said walls 4a-4d may be constituted by a single panel, i.e. by a single sheet of paper material. Alternatively, at least one of said walls 4a-4d of the storage 2 may comprise a first panel 41 and a second panel 42 facing and engaged with each other. The first and second panels 41, 42 may be integrally joined at a folding edge 6a (FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16 and 17) to define a folded portion; the first and second panels 41, 42 are partly in contact and constrained with each other, for example by means of gluing. In detail, the first panel 41 defines at least one part of an internal surface delimiting a part of the compartment 3 of the storage 2, while the second panel 42 defines at least one part of an external surface of the storage 2, opposite an internal surface delimiting the compartment 3 of the storage 2.

[0099] In FIGS. 5 and 7 the front wall 4a of the storage 2 has, in a non-limiting manner, said first and second panels 41, 42; it is possible to provide for a rear wall 4b also comprising said panels 41, 42. Furthermore, each wall 4a-4d may have the configuration with internal panel (first panel 41) and external panel (second panel 42) described above. Illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16 and 17 is, in a non-limiting manner, a lateral wall 4 comprising said first and second panels 41, 42; nevertheless it is possible that each lateral wall 4a, 4b, 4c 4d have the first and second panels 41, 42.

[0100] In detail, the storage 2 may be substantially identical to the container of the package as described in the patent application PCT No. WO 2021/044266 A1 from page 14, line 26, to page 15, line 7.

[0101] The container 1 may comprise a closure system 7 made of sheet material, optionally paper, configured for essentially defining an element for closing the storage 2. In detail, the closure system 7 is movable, at least partly, relative to the storage 2 at least between: a closed condition where the closure system 7 prevents the communication between compartment 3 of the storage 2 and the outside environment, and an open condition where the closure system 7 allows the communication between the compartment 3 and the outside environment.

[0102] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the closure system 7 and the storage 2 are, in a non-limiting manner, elements that are distinct and completely separable from each other. In particular, closure system 7 and storage 2 are relatively movable with respect to each other at least between: the closed condition where the closure system 7 obstructs the passage opening of the storage 2, and the open condition where the closure system 7 is separated from the storage and allows the communication between the compartment 3 and the outside environment.

[0103] The closure system 7 comprises a predetermined number of lateral walls defining at least one access delimited by a free edge 7b configured for allowing the passage of the storage 2. The predetermined number of lateral walls of the closure system 7 emerges from a top wall 7a which delimits, in cooperation with said lateral walls, an internal volume 7f configured for receiving at least part of the storage 2; actually, the access is configured for placing the internal volume 7f in communication with the outside environment, as well as to allow the insertion and the removal of the storage 2 from said internal volume 7f.

[0104] The relative movement between closure system 7 and storage 2 may be obtained by moving both parts, i.e. both the closure system 7 and the storage 2 or it may be obtained by means of the movement of only one of the parts.

[0105] In detail, the storage 2, in the closed condition (schematized for example in FIGS. 4 and 11), is arranged at least partly in the internal volume 7f: the closure system 7, in such condition, prevents the insertion and the pick-up of products from the storage 2. In the open condition, the closure system 7 is completely separated (spaced) from the storage 2 as is visible for example in FIG. 7. During the passage from the closed condition to the open condition, and vice versa, storage 2 and closure system 7 slide relative to each other close to or away from each other: during such relative movement, the bottom wall 4f of the storage 2 and the top walls 7a of the closure system 7 are moved close to or away from each other. In order to allow such relative movement, the closure system 7 has a size slightly greater than the storage 2, sufficient for allowing the insertion of the storage in the internal volume 7f.

[0106] The closure system 7 has a structure at least partly countershaped with respect to the storage 2 in a manner such that, in the closed condition, the closure system 7 is fit outside the storage 2. In detail, the closure system 7 comprises a front wall 8a and a rear wall 8b opposite each other and connected by means of a first and a second lateral wall 8c and 8d, also spaced and opposite each other. In detail, also the closure system 7 has a rectangular prismatic shape: the front wall 8a and the rear wall 8b (with square or rectangular shape) are facing and parallel to each other and connected together by means of the first and of the second lateral wall 8c, 8d (with square or rectangular shape), also facing and parallel to each other. In the closed condition: the front walls 4a, 8a, respectively of the storage 2 and of the closure system 7, are directly facing each other, the rear walls 4b, 8b, respectively of the storage 2 and of the closure system 7 are directly facing each other, the first lateral walls 4c, 8c, respectively of the storage 2 and of the closure system 7, are directly facing each other, and the second lateral walls 4b, 8d, respectively of the storage 2 and of the closure system 7, are directly facing each other.

[0107] It is also possible to make a closure system 7 having different form, for example having a section with trapezium shape.

[0108] Alternatively, in a second embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the closure system 7 may be engaged with the free edge 6 of the storage and be movable via rotation relative to said free edge between the open condition and the closed condition. Also in the second embodiment, the closure system 7 comprises a predetermined number of lateral walls defining at least one access delimited by a free edge 7b configured for allowing the insertion of the storage 2. The predetermined number of lateral walls of the closure system 7 emerges from a top wall which delimits, in cooperation with said lateral walls, the internal volume of the closure system configured for receiving at least part of the storage 2. The relative movement via rotation between closure system 7 and storage 2 may be obtained by moving both parts, i.e. both the closure system 7 and the storage 2 or it may be obtained by means of the movement of only one of the parts. In detail, the closure system 7 may be substantially identical to the casing of the package as described in the patent application PCT No. WO 2021/044266 A1 from page 15, line 8, to page 16, line 17.

[0109] The container 1 also comprises: at least one first coupling portion 12, optionally made of paper material, carried by the closure system 7, and at least one second coupling portion 13, also optionally made of paper material, carried by the storage 2 and configured for cooperating with the first coupling portion 12.

[0110] The first and second coupling portions 12, 13 are configured for being engaged with each other in the closed condition to define a locking condition of the container in which the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 prevent the closure system 7 from passing from the closed condition to the open condition.

[0111] The first coupling portion 12, shown in FIG. 6, is carried by at least one lateral wall of the closure system 7. The first coupling portion 12 comprises at least one tab 12a defining an undercut delimited by at least one grip edge 12b: such edge 12b is placed in the internal volume 7f, distinct and spaced from the free edge 7b of the closure system, hence being interposed between the top wall 7a and the free edge 7b of the closure system 7. In detail, the first coupling portion 12 may be integrally joined with a lateral wall of the closure system by means of a folding edge to define a folded portion in the internal volume 7f of the same closure system.

[0112] The first coupling portion 12 may comprise at least one tab 12a directly integrally joined with at least one lateral wall by means of a folding edge to define a folded portion. Indeed, the tab 12a is made of a single piece with a lateral wall in a manner such that said tab 12a is at least partly overlapped and facing the lateral wall to which said tab 12a is directly connected (integrally joined). In such configuration, the folding edge which joins the tab 12a and the lateral wall, defines at least part of the free edge 7b of the closure system 7. Even if the tab 12a is integrally joined with the lateral wall, only a part thereof defines the undercut suitable for cooperating with the second coupling portion 13.

[0113] The grip edge 12b may have a shape at least partially countershaped with respect to the second coupling portion 13.

[0114] The grip edge 12b of the tab 12a may be, at least for a section, tilted with respect to the free edge 7b of the access, optionally by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°. In detail, the tab 12a extends along a plane and directly faces the lateral wall of the closure system 7 directly carrying the tab 12a. The tab 12a may be tilted with respect to the lateral wall directly carrying the tab 12a by an angle lower than 40°, optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 30°. Such angle is measured between the surface of the tab 12a directly facing the lateral wall of the closure system 7 and the same lateral wall of the closure system 7 directly carrying (directly integrally joined) the tab 12a. Alternatively, the tab 12a may be substantially parallel to the lateral wall of the closure system 7 directly carrying said tab 12a. Indeed, the tab 12a of the first coupling portion 12 is entirely facing and overlapped to the lateral wall of the closure system 7 directly carrying the tab 12a.

[0115] The first coupling portion 12 may comprise two tabs 12a spaced and facing each other (condition not illustrated). The tabs 12a may be engaged at the same lateral wall of the closure system 7 and be substantially identical to each other in shape and size: the two tabs 12a are symmetric to each other and have respective grip edges 12b facing each other. The grip edges 12b of the two tabs 12a are spaced from each other and entirely positioned in the internal volume 7f, spaced from the free edge 7b: the grip edges 12b of the two tabs 12a may thus define a substantially “V” shape whose concavity is directed on the opposite side with respect to the access of the closure system 7. The grip edges 12b are facing the lateral wall of the closure system directly carrying (directly integrally joined) the tab 12a, spaced both from the free edge 7b and from the top wall 7a. In detail, the first coupling portion 12 may be substantially identical to the first coupling portion of the package, as described in the patent application PCT No. WO 2021/044266 A1 from page 16, line 18, to page 18, line 4.

[0116] In detail, the container may comprise at least one of: at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the front wall 8a of the closure system 7, at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the rear wall 8b of the closure system 7, at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the first lateral wall 8c of the closure system 7, and at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the second lateral wall 8d of the closure system 7.

[0117] In the enclosed figures the first coupling portion 12 is carried, in a non-limiting manner, by the front wall 8a (FIGS. 4 and 8) or by the rear wall 8b (FIG. 6) of the closure system 7. It is also possible to arrange one or more first coupling portions 12 on the same lateral wall and/or at least one first coupling portion 12 for each lateral wall of the closure system 7.

[0118] Alternatively, the first coupling portion 12 may be fixed with respect to the closure system 7 (condition illustrated in the enclosed figures) or it may be defined on a selector carried by the lateral wall but movable with respect to said lateral wall. For example, the first coupling portion 12 may be identical to the first coupling portion of the package as described in the patent application PCT No. WO 2021/0442668 A1 from page 20, line 9, to page 21, line 2, as well as from page 22, line 7, to page 23, line 28.

[0119] As is visible for example in FIGS. 6 and 7, the closure system 7 may also comprise a depression 18 defined at the edge 7b; such depression is configured for allowing a user, in the closed condition of the container, to grip the storage 2.

[0120] As mentioned above, the container comprises at least one second coupling portion 13 configured for cooperating with one or more of the first coupling portions 12 to define the locking condition. Alternatively, the container may comprise a second coupling portion 13 for each first coupling portion 12. The second coupling portion 13 is carried by at least one lateral wall of the storage 2 and emerges outside the compartment 3 of the storage 2, distinct and spaced from the free edge 6. Indeed, the first and second coupling portions, in the locking condition, are engaged outside the compartment 3 of the storage 2 and inside the internal volume 7f of the closure system 7.

[0121] The second coupling portion 13 comprises a respective tab 13a projecting from the panel 41 of the lateral wall of the storage 2 to define an undercut delimited by at least one grip edge 13b placed outside the compartment 3, distinct and spaced from the free edge 6 of the passage opening.

[0122] The tab 13a may be joined by means of a folding edge to a lateral wall 4 of the storage to define a folded portion. The tab 13a may thus face and at least partly overlapped to the panel 41 of the lateral wall of the storage with which said tab 13a is directly integrally joined. As shown in the enclosed figures, the tab 13a is made directly on a lateral wall of the storage 2 by means of a through cut a lateral wall itself: the tab 13a thus defines at least part of the lateral wall of the storage 2 to which the same tab 13a is integrally joined. The tab 13a may thus be spaced from the free edge 6 of the storage 2.

[0123] The undercut defined by the panel 13a of the second coupling portion 13, in the closed condition of the container, is configured for being engaged to the undercut of the tab 12a of the first coupling portion 12 to define the locking condition. At least one section of the grip edge 13b of the tab 13a may be tilted with respect to the free edge 6 by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°.

[0124] The tab 13a may have a substantially rectangular or triangular shape, or substantially a trapezium shape or substantially “V” or “C” shape, wherein the grip edge 13b has at least one section, optionally two rectilinear sections, tilted with respect to the free edge 6, optionally by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°. In more detail, the grip edge 13b of the tab 13a has a substantially “V” or “C” shape whose concavity is directed towards the free edge 6 of the storage 2. In detail, the tab 13a extends on a plane directly facing the panel 41 of the lateral wall of the storage directly carrying said tab 13a. The tab 13° may be tilted with respect to the lateral wall 4 with which it is engaged, by an angle lower than 40°, optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 30°, measured between the surface of the tab 13a directly facing the lateral wall and the same lateral wall of the storage 2 directly carrying (directly integrally joined) the panel 13a.

[0125] Each second coupling portion 13 comprises one and only one tab 13a suitable for cooperating with the first coupling portion 12. As mentioned above, the container may comprise at least one second coupling portion 13. In detail, the container may comprise at least one of: at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the front wall 4a of the storage 2, at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the rear wall 4b of the storage 2, at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the first lateral wall 4c of the storage 2, and at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the second lateral wall 4c of the storage 2.

[0126] In the enclosed figures the container comprises, in a non-limiting manner, a second coupling portion 13 carried by the front wall 4a and a second coupling portion carried by the rear wall 4b. It is possible to arrange two or more second coupling portions that are distinct and spaced from each other, located on the same lateral wall and/or at least one first coupling portion for each lateral wall 4 of the container.

[0127] In more detail, the tab 13a emerges with respect to the panel 41 outside the compartment 3 starting from an attachment portion 13c, joined to the panel 41, up to an end portion, opposite said attachment portion 13c; the tab 13a is made of sheet material and is movable with respect to the lateral wall 4. In more detail, the tab 13a is movable at least between: a first operative position where at least the end portion of the tab 13a is spaced from the panel 41 of the lateral wall 4. Such end portion defines the undercut suitable to be engaged with the first coupling portion, which is delimited by said grip edge 13b. The grip edge 13b, in the first operative position, is configured for engaging the first coupling portion 12 to define said locking condition, and a second operative position where at least the end portion of the tab 13a is arranged at a distance from the panel 41 lower than a distance present between said panel 41 and said end portion, when the tab 13a is placed in the first operative position. The undercut, delimited by the grip edge 13b, in the second operative position, is configured for disengaging the first coupling portion 12 to allow the passage of the closure system 7 from the closed condition to the open condition.

[0128] As is visible from the enclosed figures, the tab 13a emerges with respect to the panel 41 away from the free edge 6 of the storage 2 and is configured for being moved, in the closed condition of the container (optionally in the closed condition and in the locking condition of the container) close to and away from the panel 41 of the lateral wall 4 directly carrying said second coupling portion 13. The tab 13a has a substantially elastic structure given by the sheet material, which allows normally maintaining the tab 13a itself a distance (emerging) from the panel 41, i.e. in the first operative position; indeed, the tab 13a: the tab, due to the elastic structure, is movable in a manner such that at least the grip edge 13b (optionally the end portion of the tab 13a opposite the attachment edge 13c) may be moved close to and away from the panel 41 (first and second operative positions).

[0129] In more detail, the tab 13a is integrally joined with the second panel 42 of the lateral wall 4 (FIG. 4) at an attachment edge 13c, spaced from the free edge 6 of the storage 2: the tab 13a emerges from the second panel 42 away from the first panel 41 and away from the free edge 6. The tab 13a is movable between the first and the second operative position substantially around the attachment edge 13c, close to and away from the first panel 41.

[0130] The tab 13a, both in the first and in the second operative position, projects from the lateral wall 4 to which said tab 13a is integrally joined, according to a sense exiting from the compartment 3. In detail, the tab 13a, both in the first and in the second operative position, projects from the second panel 42 to which said tab 13a is integrally joined, according to a sense exiting from the compartment 3. Furthermore, the tab 13a, both in the first and in the second operative position, is tilted with respect to the panel (optionally both to the first and to the second panel); for example, the tab 13a, in the second operative position is tilted with respect to the first panel 41 by an angle greater than 1°, optionally comprised between 2° and 15°. In detail, the tab 13a, in the first operative position, is tilted with respect to the first panel 41 by an angle greater than an angle subtended by the same first panel 41 and by the same tab 13a when said tab 13a is in the second operative position.

[0131] The tab 13a may be made directly on the second panel 42 (FIGS. 2 and 5), for example making a through notch on the same second panel 42; the notching action allows delimiting the tab 13a and defining on the same at least one seat 43 delimited by a perimeter edge 44. The tab 13a thus faces the seat 43 and is configured for emerging from said seat along a direction exiting the storage. The seat 43 may have a surface extension greater than a surface extension of the tab 13a (FIGS. 1-7). In particular, the surface extension of the seat 43 is greater than a quantity comprised between 10% and 50% of the surface extension of the tab 13a. The perimeter edge 44 of the seat 43 is thus greater than the grip edge 13b of the second coupling portion 13.

[0132] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8-17, the seat 43 has an extension surface extension substantially equal to the surface extension of the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13.

[0133] It is possible to make a lateral wall 4 carrying said second coupling portion 13 comprising only one panel 41 from which the tab 13a emerges (condition not illustrated).

[0134] The container 1 also comprises at least one spacer 30, also made of sheet material, optionally paper, interposed between the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 and the panel 41 of the lateral wall 4. The spacer 30 is at least partly facing the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 and is configured for opposing the contact between the end portion of the tab 13a and the panel, in particular preventing the contact between the grip edge 13b and the panel 41 (optionally the first panel 41). In other words, the spacer 30 is configured for maintaining a predetermined distance between said panel 41 of the lateral wall and the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13, optionally between the first panel 41, and the end portion of the tab 13a (optionally the grip edge 13b) of the second coupling portion 13.

[0135] The spacer 30 is configured for maintaining the tab 13a tilted with respect to the panel 41 (optionally al first panel 41), also in the second operative position of the tab 13a. In this manner, the spacer only allows a minimum displacement of the tab 13a, preventing undesired excessive deformations of the tab, such to compromise the operation thereof; in addition, the spacer 30 allows forcing the tab 13a to maintain the first operative position in which said tab 13a engages the first coupling portion; in this manner, the spacer is capable of ensuring the correct engagement of the first and second coupling portions such to render the container highly effective against opening by children.

[0136] The spacer 30 comprises at least one tab 31 made of sheet material, optionally paper, directly carried by at least one between the panel of the lateral wall 4 and the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13. The auxiliary tab 31 is at least partly facing the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 to essentially define a kind of counter-thickness suitable for maintaining at a distance, in any one operative condition of the second coupling portion, the grip edge 13b (optionally, more generally, an end portion of the tab 13a opposite the attachment edge 13c) of the tab 13a with the panel 41, optionally with the first panel 13a.

[0137] In a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 and 7, the auxiliary tab 31 of the spacer 30 is integrally joined with the tab 13a at the grip edge 13b; the auxiliary tab 31 is overlapped to the tab 13a, in particular is folded above the tab 13a starting from the grip edge 13b: in such embodiment, the auxiliary tab 31 may be constrained to the tab 13a, for example by means of gluing in a manner such that said auxiliary tab 31 may be extended substantially parallel to the section of the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 directly facing said auxiliary tab 31. In such configuration, the auxiliary tab 31 defines a kind of counter-thickness carried directly by the tab 13a of the second coupling portion: the auxiliary tab 31, in the first operative position, is spaced from the first panel 41 while in the second operative position is configured for contacting the first panel 41 to prevent the grip edge 13b from contacting said first panel 41, obstructing the complete folding of the tab 13a.

[0138] It is possible to make an auxiliary tab 31 constrained to the grip edge 13 of the tab 13a, movable with respect to said tab (condition not illustrated). For example, the auxiliary tab 31 may be folded with respect to the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 at the grip edge 13b to define a return element, for example of elastic type configured for contacting the panel (in particular the first panel 41) to push the tab 13a in the first operative position. Actually, the auxiliary tab 31 is configured for forcing the tab 13a to maintain the first operative position. The auxiliary tab 31 of the spacer 30 is integrally joined with the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 and defines, with said tab 13a, a single tab configured for normally maintaining a substantially “V”-shaped conformation adapted to force the movement of the tab 13a in the first operative position.

[0139] In FIGS. 9-11, 16 and 17, a second embodiment is shown of the spacer 30 carried directly by the panel (optionally by first panel 41) of the lateral wall. In detail, the auxiliary tab 31 may be integrally joined with the panel 41 and folded with respect to said panel towards the tab 13a. In such embodiment, the auxiliary tab 31 defines a counter-thickness carried directly by the first panel 41 which is configured for contacting the tab 13a of the second coupling portion in the second operative position to maintain the end portion (optionally the grip edge 13b) of the tab 13a at a distance from the first panel 41, thus preventing an excessive folding of the tab 13a in the seat 43. The auxiliary tab 31 may be extended along a plane parallel to a lying plane of the first panel 41 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0140] Alternatively, the auxiliary tab 31 may be integrally joined with the panel 41 and folded with respect to said panel to define a return element, e.g. of elastic type. In such configuration, the auxiliary tab 31 defines a single body with said first panel 41, configured for normally maintaining a substantially “V”-shaped conformation suitable for forcing the first operative position of the tab 13a. The defined return element of the auxiliary tab 31, at least in the second operative position of the second coupling portion 13, is configured for contacting the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 to push said tab 13a in the first operative position: the auxiliary tab 31 is thus configured for forcing the tab 13a to maintain the first operative position.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 17, the spacer 30 may comprise a first and a second auxiliary tab 31a, 31b overlapped to each other and both engaged with the first panel 41; the first and second auxiliary tabs 31a, 31b may be joined together by means of gluing to define a kind of double thickness: the first and second auxiliary tabs 31a, 31b may then lie on respective ideal planes that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0142] Alternatively, the auxiliary tab 31 of the spacer 30 may be carried by an intermediate panel interposed between the first and second panels (FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0143] In any one embodiment, the spacer 30 is at least partly arranged in the seat 43 of the second panel 42. The auxiliary tab 31, at least in the second operative position of the tab 13a, is arranged at least in part in the seat 43 and configured for obstructing the insertion of said tab 13a in the seat 43 of the second panel 42.

[0144] In fact, the tab 13a is configured for being moved with respect to the lateral wall 4 of the storage, at least in the closed condition (optionally also in the locking condition) of the container; such movement allows a safe closure of the container 1 and simultaneously allows a user to execute a quick and easy opening of the same. The spacer 30 is configured for preventing, in the closed and/or locking condition of the container, the tab 13a of the second coupling portion from being locked in the second operative position, thus preventing the locking of the container 1 in the closed condition, and it prevents undesired deformations in the tab 13a which may damage the structure thereof, e.g. reducing the elastic return properties of the same.

[0145] The container 1 may also comprise an unlocking portion 60 configured for defining at least one through access 61 on the closure system (optionally on a lateral wall of the closure system), at the first and second coupling portions 12, 13; the unlocking portion 60 is configured for allowing a user, at least in the locking condition and from outside the container, to access at least one of said first and second coupling portions 12, 13 to allow the disengagement thereof.

[0146] In detail, the unlocking portion 60 is configured for allowing a user, at least in the locking condition and from outside the container, to intervene (e.g. manually and/or by means of an opening device insertable through the through access 61) on the tab 13a of the second coupling portions 13.

[0147] The unlocking portion 60 may comprise, in a non-limiting manner, a through access 61 defined on at least one lateral wall of the closure system 7. Alternatively, the unlocking portion 60 may comprise a deformable portion (not shown in the enclosed figures) placed, in the locking condition, in front of the first and second coupling portions 12, 13: in such configuration, the unlocking portion 60 essentially comprises a thrust portion configured for being moved (manually by the user or by means of an opening device) between a thrust condition and a rest condition. In the rest condition, the thrust portion is spaced from at least one of said first and second coupling portions (optionally by both coupling portions), while in the thrust condition the thrust portion operates on the at least one of said first and second coupling portions 12, 13 to allow the disengagement thereof. Indeed, the thrust portion may act functionally as a button. The push of a user's finger on the thrust portion according to a direction entering the container allows the thrust portion to come into contact with the second coupling portion 13, disengaging it from the undercut of the first coupling portion 12. The thrust portion may be reversibly movable between the thrust condition and the rest condition. For such purpose, the thrust portion may be elastically deformable between the thrust condition and the rest condition.

[0148] If multiple second coupling portions are present, the container may comprise only one unlocking portion 60 suitable for allowing the intervention by the user on the plurality of second coupling portion or it may comprise a dedicated unlocking portion 60 for each second coupling portion 13.

[0149] Process

[0150] Also forming the object of the present invention is a process of making a container 1 according to the description reported above and/or according to any one of the enclosed claims.

[0151] The process comprises a step of arranging the storage 2; such step may provide for the die cutting of a flat sheet in paper material to define a blank which, due to subsequent steps of folding and gluing, defines said storage 2.

[0152] The blank 50 used for making the storage 2 comprises: at least one central sheet, at least one first lateral sheet 52 integrally joined with and emerging from the central sheet, at least one second lateral sheet 53 integrally joined with the first lateral sheet 52 and emerging from said first lateral sheet on the opposite side with respect to the central sheet, and at least one auxiliary sheet 54 integrally joined directly to the first or to the second lateral sheet 52, 53, in which said auxiliary sheet 54 is spaced from the central sheet.

[0153] The process comprises the steps of: folding the first and second lateral sheets 52, 53 with respect to the central sheet to define respectively the second and the first panel 42, 41 of the storage 2, in which the central sheet, following the folding step, defines the bottom wall 4f of the storage 2, and folding the auxiliary sheet 54 with respect to at least one between the first and second lateral sheets 52, 53 to define the spacer 30.

[0154] In the enclosed figures, for the sake of simplicity, only a part of the blank used for making only a lateral wall 4 was illustrated. For example, the entire blank 50 may be substantially identical to the blank used for making the container of the package as described in the patent application PCT WO 2021/044266 A1 from page 23, line 27, to page 24, line 33. In addition to the blank of the patent application PCT No. WO 2021/044266 A1, the blank of the present invention comprises the auxiliary sheet employed for making the spacer. In detail, the blank 50 of FIG. 1, when folded is configured for defining the wall illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The blank 50 of FIG. 8, when folded, is configured for defining the lateral wall 4 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The blank 50 of FIG. 12, when folded, is configured for defining the lateral wall 4 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The blank 50 of FIG. 15, when folded, is configured for defining the lateral wall 4 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0155] In detail, to make the container of FIG. 5, the blank 50 may comprise central sheet having rectangular shape from which a blank portion emerges for each side, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 8, 12 and 15; in particular, the container 1 of FIG. 5 was made by means of the blank 50 of FIG. 1, in detail by means of four blanks according to FIG. 1, each emerging from a flat central sheet having rectangular shape.

[0156] As is visible, the first lateral sheet 52 may comprise a first portion 52a suitable for defining the second panel 42 of the lateral wall of the storage 2 and at least one second portion 52b configured for defining the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13. The first portion 52a of the first lateral wall 52 comprises a notch 56 suitable for defining the seat 44 of the second panel 42 and from which the second portion 52b is obtained.

[0157] The second lateral sheet 53 comprises a single portion 53a configured for defining the first panel 41 of the lateral wall of the storage 2. The auxiliary sheet 54 comprises at least one first portion 54a integrally joined with at least one between: the first portion 52a of the first lateral sheet 52, the second portion 52b of the first lateral sheet 52, the second lateral sheet 53. The auxiliary sheet 54 comprises a first and a second portion 54a, 54b that are integrally joined; the process comprises a step of folding the blank 50 in a manner such that said first and second portions 54a, 54b of the auxiliary sheet 54 may define the first and second auxiliary tabs 31a, 31b of the spacer 30.

[0158] The present invention involves advantages with respect to the solutions of the state of the art. The tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13 is movable with respect to the closure system; it is indicated that an excessive folding of the tab 13a and/or a prolonged use of the container can damage the second coupling portion 13, for example reducing the capacity thereof to maintain the first operative position. The spacer 30 allows, also following an extended use, to support the tab 13a in a manner such that the same may correctly define the first operative position in which it engages the first coupling portion 12. In addition, the spacer 30 prevents the tab 13a from being locked in an undesired manner against the lateral wall, for example in the seat 43. Finally, it is indicated that several containers of the state of the art require the folding of elastic return portions according to a direction orthogonal to an extension direction of the fibers of the paper sheet material (so-called counter-fiber folding), thus constraining the production process of the container. The spacer 30 allows overcoming such limitation; indeed, the spacer 30 allows supporting and structuring the tab 13a such that the same may correctly maintain the first operative position (position in which the tab 13a is configured for engaging the first coupling portion 12) independent of the folding carried out; in such condition, the tab 13a may be easily obtained both by means of a counter-fiber folding action and by means of a folding according to the fiber (i.e. by means of a folding along a direction parallel to the extension direction of the fibers of the paper sheet material), with considerable increase of the container production flexibility.

[0159] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both, unless the this application states otherwise. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.