Patent Grant
10106305
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Italian Patent Application No. 102016000026091 filed on Mar. 11, 2016. The contents of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The object of the present invention is a package, an associated container, a process of making said container and said package. The package, object of the present invention, can for example find an advantageous application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Further, the package and the associated container, object of the present invention, can find an application in all the fields requiring, for safety reasons, to prevent children from opening the package itself.
As it is known, packages for containing drugs are available on the market. Generally, such packages comprise a container of paper material having a box shape exhibiting two openings longitudinally opposite to each other. At each opening, the container comprises a tab rotatively movable with respect to the container itself between an open condition wherein the tab is spaced from the opening and a closure condition wherein the tab is inserted in the container and occludes the opening. The tab, in the closure condition of the container, exhibits a “L” shape wherein an inserting portion of the same tab inside the container, faces and contacts a front wall of this latter. Generally, the package comprises one or more blister packs housed inside the container and housing a plurality of products.
However, it is to be noted that such known types of packages enable to completely extract the product (a blister pack containing drugs, plastic tubes for cosmetics, etcetera, for example) from the package; the product, once extracted, can be inadvertently left outside the package, so that children are at risk of coming in contact with elements potentially harmful to them.
A currently available solution enabling to solve such problem refers to a package comprising a container defining a housing of paper material having a box shape; a tray of plastic material constraining inside it one or more blister packs destined to contain a plurality of products, is housed inside the container.
The container exhibits a standard opening/closing mechanism (a “L” shaped movable tab insertable in the package); under a closure condition of the package, an inserting portion of the tab extends parallelly to a front wall of the container itself. At this front wall, the container exhibits a locking tab projecting from such wall in order to define a projection; the projection is only connected to the front wall of the container and projects from a free edge delimiting the opening to the container: the tab is slightly sloped with respect to the front wall itself in order to define only on the front wall a small-sized undercut.
As hereinbefore specified, the discussed package comprises a tray of plastic material received in the container; the tray is disposed below and faces the projection. The tray exhibits, at a longitudinal end, a respective projection emerging perpendicularly from a bottom of the tray itself. The tray projection is configured for engaging one or more blister packs and is configured for contacting the projection of the container during the step of extracting the tray.
De facto, during the step of extracting the tray, the projections, respectively of the container and tray itself, are configured for coming in contact with each other in order to prevent the tray from being completely extracted from the container.
The above described solution prevents a complete extraction of the tray and therefore of the blister packs, avoiding the same from being forgotten outside the package.
However, the Applicant has noted that also the above described package is not devoid of limitations and disadvantages. De facto, it is noted that the structure of the package is somewhat complicated, this aspect negatively affects the manufacturing and product costs; indeed, there are different elements cooperating for preventing the blister packs from being completely extracted, present in the package: indeed the package, for correctly operating, requires a tray made of plastic material. Moreover, the peculiar structure of the tray requires a substantial adaptation of the already existent packaging plants used for making standard-type packages; particularly, such adaptation requires to insert a new closing line, to insert equipment suitable for forming the tray and forming special blister packs, consequently the processing costs and therefore the final product costs are substantially exacerbated.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to substantially solve at least one of the disadvantages and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.
A first object of the present invention consists of providing a package and an associated container exhibiting a simple and compact structure which simultaneously can effectively prevent a complete extraction of the products housed inside it. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a package and an associated container exhibiting a structure having a highly flexible use.
A further object of the present invention consists of providing a package and an associated container exhibiting a stable structure capable of ensuring its integrity following multiple openings and closures of the container itself.
An additional object of the present invention consists of providing a container and an associated package which can be rapidly manufactured at a low manufacturing cost. Particularly, it is an object of the invention to manufacture a container which does not require to modify the already existent plants used for manufacturing standard-type containers, for adapting them to manufacture the container object of the present invention; in addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container which, further, does not require to modify the existent packaging plants for making the package object of the present invention. Then it is an object of the invention to provide a container which does not require to use different materials for manufacturing it; for example, the container can be made of paper material, optionally a biodegradable one.
Then, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rapid and highly flexible process for making a container and package which can consequently reduce at the minimum the manufacturing costs.
These objects and others, which will better appear in the following description, are substantially met by a container, process for making the same, a package and process of making said package according to one or more of the attached claims and/or of the following aspects, considered separately or by any combinations of them or by a combination with anyone of the attached claims and/or by a combination with anyone of the further aspects or characteristics described in the following.
The aspects of the invention are described in the following.
In a 1st aspect, it is provided a container (1) comprising a compartment (2) of sheet material defining an inner volume (3) configured for housing at least one product (P), the compartment (2) having a predetermined number of lateral walls (4) defining a passage opening (5) delimited by a free edge (6), the compartment (2) extending, along a longitudinal development direction, between a first and second longitudinal end portions (2a, 2b), said passage opening (5) being defined at said first longitudinal end portion (2a).
In a 2nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, wherein the passage opening (5) of the compartment (2) defines a first passage opening (5), the lateral walls of the compartment (2) further defining at least one second passage opening (205) delimited by a respective free edge (206) and placed at the second longitudinal end portion (2b) of the compartment (2).
In a 3rd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (1) comprises at least one occluding system (207) of sheet material engaged at the free edge of at least one passage opening of the compartment (2), said occluding system (207) being configured for irreversibly closing said opening, said occluding system (207) being configured for preventing to gain access from the outside to the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2) through said second opening.
In a 4th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the container (1) comprises at least one occluding system (207) of sheet material engaged at the free edge (206) of the second passage opening (205) of the compartment (2), said occluding system (207) being configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening (205), said occluding system (207) being configured for preventing to gain access from the outside to the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2) through said passage opening (205).
In a 5th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (1) being openable only at the first passage opening (5) of the compartment (2).
In a 6th aspect according to the aspect 4 or 5, the occluding system (207) is configured for:
In a 7th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 4 to 6, the occluding system (207) comprises at least one tab (208) having a closing portion (209) engaged to the free edge (206) of the compartment (2) and at least one inserting portion (210) inserted inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2),
the occluding system (207) further comprising:
In an 8th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first and second hooking portions (212, 213) are configured for stably engaging with each other during a first-time closure condition of the occluding system (207), the first and second hooking portions (212, 213) of the occluding system (207), following the first-time closure condition, being irreversibly coupled to each other.
In a 9th aspect according to the aspect 7 or 8, the closing portion (209) of the tab (208) of the occluding system (207) exhibits a shape delimited by a closed outer perimeter countershaped and substantially identical to the second passage opening (205) of the compartment (2), the closing portion (209) of the occluding system (207) completely covering the second passage opening of the compartment (2).
In a 10th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 9, the closing portion of the occluding system (207) is devoid of through openings.
In an 11th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 10, the closing portion (209) is joined in one piece to the inserting portion (210), the closing portion (209) and inserting portion (210) defining a body of sheet material exhibiting a substantially “L” shape, said closing portion (209) and said inserting portion (210) defining a single continuous body delimited by a closed outer single perimeter devoid of through openings defined inside said closed outer perimeter.
In a 12th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 11, the first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207) extends in continuity with the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207) itself oppositely to the closing portion (209), the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) being interposed between the closing portion (209) and first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207) itself.
In a 13th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 12, the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) faces and is at least partially in contact with the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207).
In a 14th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 13, the first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207) exhibits at least one undercut (216) stably engaged, particularly irreversibly, with at least one respective undercut (217) of the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207).
In a 15th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the undercut (217) of the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) comprises at least one hook (218) defining a seat (219) the concavity thereof faces the lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2), particularly the front wall (4a) of the compartment (2).
In a 16th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207) is stably, particularly irreversibly, engaged inside the seat (219) of the hook (218) of the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207).
In a 17th aspect according to the aspect 15 or 16, the undercut (216) of the first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207) comprises at least one respective hook (220) defining a seat (220a) the concavity thereof faces a concavity of the seat (219) of the hook (218) of the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) itself.
In an 18th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 17, the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) substantially develops parallelly to a lateral wall (4) of the container (1), particularly develops parallelly to the lateral wall of the compartment (2) directly facing the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207).
In a 19th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 20, the first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207) is directly carried and joined in one piece to the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207) itself.
In a 20th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 19, the first hooking portion (212) is placed oppositely to the closing portion (209) of the tab (208) with respect to said inserting portion (210).
In a 21st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 20, the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) is directly engaged to a lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2), particularly is directly engaged to the lateral wall of the compartment (2) directly facing the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207).
In a 22nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 21, the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) completely develops inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2), particularly the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) is completely contained inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In a 23rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 22, the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207) is completely positioned inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In a 24th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 23, the first hooking portion (212) is completely contained inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2), optionally said first hooking portion (212) is placed completely inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2) and is spaced from the free edge (206) of the second passage opening of the compartment.
In a 25th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 24, the first and second hooking portions (212, 213) are spaced from the free edge (206) of the second passage opening (205), particularly the first and second hooking portions (212, 213) are interposed between the free edge (6) of the first opening (5) and the freed edge (206) of the second passage opening (205).
In a 26th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 25, the engagement between the second hooking portion (213) and the first hooking portion (212) of the same occluding system (207) is completely defined inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In a 27th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 26, the inserting portion (210) of the occluding system (207) is interposed between a lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2) directly facing said inserting portion (210) and the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) itself.
In a 28th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 7 to 27, the second hooking portion (213) comprises a tab of sheet material extending along a development plane, the tab of said hooking portion (213) comprises a body exhibiting a substantially “C” shape the concavity thereof faces away from the closing portion (209) of the occluding system (207).
In a 29th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the tab of the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) is sloped with respect to the inserting portion (210) facing said second hooking portion (213).
In a 30th aspect according to the aspect 28 or 29, the tab of the second hooking portion (213) of the occluding system (207) has an angle of inclination with respect to the inserting portion (210) facing said second hooking portion (213) less than 20°, optionally less than 10°.
In a 31st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 28 to 30, the tab of the second hooking portion (213) exhibits a substantially “C” shape, the concavity thereof defines the seat (219) of the undercut (217) of the second hooking portion (213) itself.
In a 32nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 31, the container comprises at least one closure system (7) also made of sheet material, engaged at the free edge (6) of the first passage opening (5), said closure system (7) being movable, particularly by rotation, with respect to the compartment (2), the closure system (7) being configured for defining at least one closure condition in which the closure system (7) itself substantially occludes the first passage opening (5) of the compartment (2) and prevents the communication between the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2) and the outer environment, the closure system (7) being further configured for defining an open condition, in which the system (7) itself enables the communication between the inner volume (3) and outer environment.
In a 33rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the closure system (7) is opposite to the occluding system (207) with respect to the compartment (2).
In a 34th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (1) further comprises an occluding system (7) substantially identical to the occluding system (207) engaged at the second opening (205) of the compartment (2), said further occluding system (207) being engaged at the free edge (6) of the first passage opening (5) and being configured for irreversibly closing the first passage opening (5), said further occluding system (207) being configured for preventing the access from the outside to the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2) through said passage opening (5).
In a 35th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 33, the container (1) comprises:
In a 36th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the stop element (80) is arranged at the first longitudinal end portion (2a) of the compartment (2), particularly at the passage opening (5) of the compartment (2).
In a 37th aspect according to the aspect 35 or 36, the stop element (80) exhibits a predetermined extension along the longitudinal development direction of the compartment (2), the compartment (2) exhibiting a predetermined longitudinal extension defined by a maximum distance between the first and second end portions (2a, 2b) and wherein the ratio of the predetermined longitudinal extension of the compartment (2) to the predetermined longitudinal extension of the stop element (80) is greater than 2, particularly greater than 3, still more particularly comprised between 3 and 10.
In a 38th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 37, the stop element (80) of the container (1) comprises a tab (81) of sheet material extending along a plane parallel to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment (2).
In a 39th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 38, the stop element (80) extends from a lateral wall (4) of the compartment to an opposite lateral wall (4), the stop element (80) being connected, particularly directly connected and integrally joined, to two lateral walls (4) of the compartment (2), opposite to and facing each other.
In a 40th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 39, the compartment (2), along a section perpendicular to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment (2) itself, exhibits a parallelogram shape, particularly a rectangular or square shape.
In a 41st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 40, the compartment (2) comprises a front wall (4a) and a rear wall (4b) opposite and parallel to each other, the front wall and rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) also opposite and parallel to each other.
In a 42nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 41, the stop element (80) is interposed between the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 43rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 42, the stop element (80) is spaced from the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 44th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 38 to 42, the tab (81) of the stop element (80) extends along a plane substantially parallel to the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 45th aspect according to the aspect 42 or 43 or 44, the stop element (80) is directly connected, at a side, to the front wall (4a) and, at an opposite side, to the rear wall (4b) of the compartment (2).
In a 46th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 42 to 45, the container comprises:
In a 47th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 46, the stop element (80) arranged at the first end portion of the compartment (2) defines a first stop element (80),
and wherein the container (1) further comprises at least one second stop element (180) arranged at the second end portion (2b) of the compartment (2),
the first stop element (80) being spaced and arranged in proximity of the first lateral wall, while the second stop element (180) being spaced and arranged in proximity of the second lateral part (4a) of the compartment (2).
In a 48th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the second stop element (180) is arranged at the second passage opening (205) of the compartment (2).
In a 49th aspect according to the aspect 47 or 48, the second stop element (180) exhibits a predetermined extension along the longitudinal development direction defined by a maximum distance between the first and second end portions (2a, 2b), and wherein the ratio of the predetermined longitudinal extension of the compartment (2) to the predetermined longitudinal extension of the second stop element (180) is greater than 2, particularly greater than 3, still more particularly comprised between 3 and 10.
In a 50th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 49, the second stop element (180) of the container (1) comprises a tab (181) of sheet material extending along a plane parallel to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment (2).
In a 51st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 50, the second stop element (180) extends from a lateral wall (4) of the compartment to an opposite lateral wall (4), the second stop element (180) being connected, particularly directly connected and joined in one piece to two lateral walls (4) of the compartment (2) opposite to and facing each other.
In a 52nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 51, the second stop element (180) is interposed between the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 53rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 52, the second stop element (180) is spaced from the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 54th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 50 to 53, the tab (181) of the stop element (180) extends along a plane substantially parallel to the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 55th aspect according to the aspect 52 or 53 or 54, the second stop element (180) is directly connected, at one side, to the front wall (4a) and, at an opposite side, to the rear wall (4d) of the compartment (2).
In a 56th aspect according to the aspect 32 or 33 or to anyone of the aspects from 34 to 55, the closure system (7) comprises at least one tab (8) having a closing portion (9) engaged to the free edge (6) of the opening (5) of the compartment (2), and movable, particularly by rotation, with respect to this latter, the tab (8) further exhibiting at least one inserting portion (10) configured for being inserted, under the closure condition of the closure system (7), inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2),
and wherein the container (1) comprises at least one safety device (11) of sheet material exhibiting:
In a 57th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the container comprises at least one opening device (14) configured for being inserted, at least under the safety condition, at least partially through the slot (15) of the container (1) for enabling to disengage from each other the first and second hooking portions (12, 13) and for enabling the closure system (7) to switch from the closure condition to the open one, particularly wherein the opening device (14) being configured for being inserted, at least under the safety condition, inside the compartment (2) between the first and second hooking portions (12, 13) in order to enable the disengagement.
In a 58th aspect according to the aspect 56 or 57, the closure system (7) is configured for switching from the closure condition to the open one only when the opening device (14) is interposed between said first and second hooking portions (12, 13).
In a 59th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 58, the first hooking portion (12) exhibits at least one undercut (16) configured for abutting, under the safety condition, against at least one respective undercut (17) of the second hooking portion (13).
In a 60th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the undercut (17) of the second hooking portion (13) comprises at least one hook (18) defining a seat (19) the concavity thereof faces a lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2), particularly faces the front wall (4a) of the compartment (2), and wherein the first hooking portion (12) of the safety device (11) is configured for stably engaging inside the seat (19) of the hook (18) of the second hooking portion (13) under the closure condition of the system (7).
In a 61st aspect according to the aspect 59 or 60, the undercut (16) of the first hooking portion (12) comprises at least one respective hook (20) defining a seat (20a), the concavity thereof, under the safety condition, faces the concavity of the seat (19) of the hook (18) of the second hooking portion (13).
In a 62nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 61, the slot (15) of the container (1) is defined by:
In a 63rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 62, the second hooking portion (13) develops substantially parallel to a lateral wall (4) of the container (1), particularly develops parallelly to the lateral wall of the compartment (2) directly facing, under the closure condition of the closure system (7), the inserting portion (10).
In a 64th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 63, the first hooking portion (12) is directly carried by and joined in one piece to the inserting portion (10), particularly the first hooking portion (12) is arranged oppositely to the closing portion (9) of the tab (8) with respect to the inserting portion (10).
In a 65th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 64, the second hooking portion (13) is directly engaged to a lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2), particularly is directly engaged to the lateral wall of the compartment (2) directly facing, under the closure condition of the closure system (7), the inserting portion (10).
In a 66th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 65, the opening device (14) comprises a sheet element exhibiting a gripping portion (30) from which at least one appendage (20) emerges, configured for being inserted at least partially inside the slot (15), said appendage (26) being configured for being interposed, at least under the safety condition, between the first and second hooking portions (12, 13) of the safety device (11).
In a 67th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 66, the second hooking portion (13) develops completely inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2), particularly the second hooking portion (13) is completely received inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In a 68th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 67, the inserting portion (10), under the closure condition of the closure system (7), is completely placed inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2), particularly the first hooking portion (12), under the closure condition of the closure system (7), is completely received inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In a 69th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 68, the first hooking portion (12), under the closure condition of the closure system (7), being arranged completely inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2) and spaced from the free edge (6) of the compartment (2).
In a 70th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 69, the engagement of the second hooking portion (13) with the first hooking portion (12) is completely defined inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In a 71st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 70, the container (1) comprises:
In a 72nd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the opening device (14) is configured for being inserted, at least under the safety condition, at least partially through the slot (315) of the second closure system (307) of the container (1) for enabling to disengage from each other the first and second hooking portions (312, 313) of the further safety device (311), and for enabling the second closure system (307) to switch from the closure condition to the open one, particularly wherein the opening device (14) being configured for being inserted, at least under the safety condition, inside the compartment (2) between the first and second hooking portions (312, 313) of the further safety device in order to enable the disengagement.
In a 73rd aspect according to the aspect 71 or 72, the second closure system (307) is configured for switching from the closure condition to the open one only when the opening device (14) is interposed between said first and second hooking portions (312, 313) of the further safety device (311).
In a 74th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 73, the first hooking portion (312) of the further safety device (311) exhibits at least one undercut (316) configured for abutting, under the safety condition, against at least one respective undercut (317) of the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311).
In a 75th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the undercut (317) of the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311) comprises at least one hook (318) defining a seat (319) the concavity thereof faces a directly connected lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2), and said second hooking portion of the further safety device.
In a 76th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first hooking portion (312) of the further safety device (311) is configured for stably engaging inside the seat (319) of the hook (318) of the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311) under the closing condition of the second closure system (7).
In a 77th aspect according to the aspect 75 or 76, the undercut (316) of the first hooking portion (312) of the further safety device (311) comprises at least one respective hook (320) defining a seat (320a) the concavity thereof, under the safety condition, faces the concavity of the seat (319) of the hook (318) of the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311).
In a 78th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 77, the slot (315) of the second closure system is defined by:
In a 79th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 78, the second hooking portion (313) substantially develops parallelly to a lateral wall (4) of the container (1).
In an 80th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 79, the second hooking portion (313) develops parallelly to the lateral wall of the compartment (2), directly facing, under the safety condition of the second closure system (307), the inserting portion (310) of this latter.
In an 81st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 80, the first hooking portion (312) of the further safety device (311) is directly carried by and joined in one piece to the inserting portion (310) of the second closure system (307), particularly the first hooking portion (312) is arranged oppositely to the closing portion (309) of the tab (308) with respect to the inserting portion (310) of the second closure system (307).
In an 82nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 81, the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311) is directly engaged to a lateral wall (4) of the compartment (2), particularly is directly engaged to the lateral wall of the compartment (2) directly facing, under the closure condition of the second closure system (307), the inserting portion (310) of this latter.
In an 83rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 82, the opening device (14) comprises a sheet element exhibiting a gripping portion (30) from which emerges at least one appendage (26) configured for being inserted at least partially inside the slot (315) of the second closure system, said appendage (26) being configured for being interposed, at least under the safety condition, between the first and second hooking portions (312, 313) of the further safety device (311).
In an 84th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 83, the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311) develops completely inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2), particularly said second hooking portion (313) is completely received inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2), and wherein the inserting portion (310) of the closure system (307), under the closure condition of this latter, is placed completely inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2), particularly the first hooking portion (312) of the further safety device (311), under the closure condition of the second closure system (307), is completely received inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In an 85th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 84, the first hooking portion (312), under the closure condition of the second closure system (307), is completely arranged inside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2), and spaced from the free edge (206) of the second passage opening (205) of the compartment (2), particularly wherein the engagement between the second hooking portion (313) with the first hooking portion (312) of the further safety device (311) is completely defined inside the volume (3) of the compartment (2).
In an 86th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 87, the second hooking portion (313) of the further safety device (311) develops substantially parallelly to the extension plane of the base portion (102) of the package (101).
In an 87th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the compartment is made of paper material, particularly is completely made of paper material.
In an 88th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the occluding system (207) is made of paper material, particularly is completely made of paper material.
In an 89th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the occluding system (207) is joined in one piece to the compartment (2), particularly the compartment and occluding system are made in one piece.
In a 90th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 32 to 89, the closure system (7) is made of paper material, particularly completely made of paper material.
In a 91st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 32 to 90, the closure system (207) is joined in one piece to the compartment (2), particularly the compartment and closure system are made in one piece.
In a 92nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 91, the stop element (80) is made of paper material, particularly completely made of paper material.
In a 93rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 35 to 92, the stop element (80) is joined in one piece to the compartment (2), particularly the compartment and stop element (80) are made in one piece.
In a 94th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 93, the second stop element (180) is made of paper material, particularly completely made of paper material.
In a 95th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 94, the second stop element (180) is joined in one piece to the compartment (2), particularly the compartment and second stop element (80) are made in one piece.
In a 96th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 95, the safety device (11) is made of paper material, particularly completely made of paper material.
In a 97th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 47 to 96, the safety device (11) is joined in one piece to the compartment (2), particularly the compartment and safety device (11) are made in one piece.
In a 98th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 97, the further safety device (311) is made of paper material, particularly completely made of paper material.
In a 99th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 71 to 98, the further safety device (311) is joined in one piece to the compartment (2), particularly the compartment and further safety device (311) are made in one piece.
In a 100th aspect, a package (100) comprising a container according to anyone of the preceding aspects, is provided.
In a 101st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the package comprises at least one wrapping (101) housed at least partially inside the compartment (2) containing at least one product (P), the wrapping (101) being configurable between a first operative position wherein the wrapping (101) itself is completely housed in the compartment (2) of the container (1), and a second operative position wherein part of the wrapping (1) is arranged outside the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2), the wrapping (101), in the second operative position, exhibiting at least one portion housed in the inner volume (3) of the compartment (2),
the wrapping (101) comprising at least one abutment element (105) directly connected to a portion of the wrapping (101) directly carrying the product (P), said abutment element (105), in the second operative position of the wrapping (101), being configured for abutting against the stop element (80) of the container (1) for preventing the wrapping (101) from being completely extracted from the container (1).
In a 102nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the wrapping (101) comprises a base portion (102) of sheet material extending substantially along a plane and exhibiting a plurality of relieves (103), each relief (103) defining a seat adapted to contain at least one product (P), said wrapping (101) comprising at least one covering portion (104) of sheet material arranged for closing the seat containing said products (P), the abutment element (105) being directly carried by the base portion (102) and/or the covering portion (104).
In a 103rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the abutment element (105) comprises at least one projection (105a) directly connected to and emerging laterally from the base portion (102) and/or from the covering portion (104) of the wrapping (101), particularly the projection (105a) being made in one piece with the base portion (102) and/or the covering portion (104) of the wrapping (101).
In a 104th aspect according to the aspect 102 or 103, the extension plane of the tab (81) of the stop element (80) is transversal, particularly perpendicular, to the extension plane of the base portion (102) of the wrapping (101).
In a 105th aspect according to the aspect 102 or 103 or 104, the extension plane of the tab (181) of the second stop (180) is transversal, particularly perpendicular, to the extension plane of this portion (102) of the wrapping (101).
In a 106th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 102 to 105, the wrapping (101) comprises a blister pack, the abutment element (105) being directly defined on the blister pack directly carrying one or more products (P).
In a 107th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 103 to 106, the container (1) comprises at least one stop element (80) defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall (4c) of the compartment (2), the base portion (102) of the compartment (101) being interposed between said stop element (80) and second lateral wall (4d) of the compartment (2),
the projection (105a) emerges laterally from the base portion (102) towards the first lateral wall (4c), said projection (105a) of the abutment element (105), in the second operative position of the wrapping (101), being configured for abutting against said stop element (80) defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall of the compartment (2) for preventing the wrapping (101) from being completely extracted from the container (1).
In a 108th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 102 to 106, the container (1) comprises a first stop element (80) defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall of the compartment (2) and a second stop element (180) defined at and spaced from the second lateral wall of the compartment (2), the base portion (102) of the wrapping being interposed between said first and second stop elements, and wherein the abutment element (105) of the wrapping (101) comprises a first and second projections (105a) emerging laterally from the base portion (102) respectively towards the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d), said first and second projections of the abutment element (105), being opposite to each other with respect to the base portion (102) of the wrapping (101),
said first and second projections of the abutment element (105), in the second operative position of the wrapping (101), being configured for abutting respectively against said first and second stop elements for preventing the wrapping (101) from being completely extracted from the container (1).
In a 109th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 103 to 108, the projection of the abutment element (105) comprises a tab joined in one piece to the base portion (102) and/or to the closing portion (104) of the wrapping (101), particularly the projection is joined in one piece to the base portion (102) directly carrying said products (P).
In a 110th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 103 to 109, the projection of the abutment element (105) comprises a first portion emerging from an outer perimeter of the base portion (102) and a second portion joined in one piece to the first portion of said abutment element (105), the second portion of the projection of the abutment element emerging from said first portion in order to define a body having a substantially “L” shape,
the stop element (80) of the container (1), in the second operative position of the wrapping, being:
In a 111th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 102 to 110, the base portion (102) of the wrapping (101) comprises a first and second longitudinal bodies (102a, 102b) spaced from and parallel to each other, said first and second longitudinal bodies (102a, 102b) being placed parallelly to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment (2), said first and second longitudinal bodies (102a, 102b) being engaged with each other, at one longitudinal end portion, by means of a connecting body (102c) facing the second end portion (2b) of the compartment (2),
the first longitudinal body (102a), the second longitudinal body (102b) and the connecting body (102c) integrally defining a base portion (102) in one piece exhibiting a substantially “C” shape,
the container (1) comprising a stop element (80) arranged at a transversal mid portion of the compartment (2) arranged between the first and second lateral walls (4c, 4d) of the compartment (2), said stop element (80) being interposed between the first and second longitudinal bodies (102a, 102b),
the connecting body (102c) defining said abutment element (105c), configured for abutting, in the second operative position of the wrapping (101), against said stop element (80) interposed between the first and second longitudinal bodies (102a, 102b) for preventing the wrapping (101) from being completely extracted from the container (1).
In a 112th aspect, the process for making a container according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 111, is provided.
In a 113th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the process comprises the following steps:
In a 114th aspect according to the preceding aspect, wherein the step of folding the first sheet (51) defines, by means of the opposite end edges of the first sheet itself the first and second passage openings (5, 205) of the compartment (2).
In a 115th aspect according to the aspect 113 or 114, the process comprises the following steps:
In a 116th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 113 to 115, the process comprises the following steps:
In a 117th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the portion (99a) of the second lower sheet (99) defines the first hooking portion (212) of the occluding system (207).
In a 118th aspect according to the aspect 116 or 117, the third sheet (57a) and second lower sheet (99) are integrally joined in order to define a single body, the third sheet (57a) and/or second lower sheet (99) being devoid of openings crossing the sheet itself.
In a 119th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 116 to 118, the step of folding the first lower sheet (98) with respect to the first sheet (51) comprises at least the following sub-steps:
In a 120th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 116 to 119, following the step of folding the first lower sheet (98), the process comprises the following steps:
In a 121st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 112 to 120, the process further comprises a step of:
In a 122nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of making the stop element (80) comprises at least the following sub-steps:
In a 123rd aspect according to the aspect 121 or 122, the step of making the stop element (80) further comprises at least the following sub-steps:
In a 124th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 112 to 123, comprising a step of providing the safety device (11), which provides at least the following sub-steps:
In a 125th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of providing the safety device (11) further comprises a step of providing a second upper sheet (63) having a flat configuration, which comprises at least one portion (64) joined in one piece to the second portion (59) of the second sheet (57), the second portion (64) of the second upper sheet (63) being configured for defining the first hooking portion (12) of the safety device (11).
In a 126th aspect according to the aspect 124 or 125 comprising a step of providing the open device (14), which provides at least the following sub-steps:
In a 127th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the inner sheet (67) is joined in one piece to the first lateral connecting portion (55) of the first sheet.
In a 128th aspect according to the aspect 126 or 127, the step of providing the opening device (14) provides a step of separating the inner sheet (67) from the first sheet (51) in order to define said opening device (14) distinct and separable from the compartment.
In a 129th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 112 to 128, the process comprises at least the following steps:
In a 130th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 115 to 129, the step of providing the second sheet (57) provides making at least one cutout (15a) on the same sheet in order to define the slot (15) of the container (1).
In a 131st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the cutout (15a) is made on the first and/or second portions (58, 59) of the first end sheet (57).
In a 132nd aspect according to the aspect 130 or 131, the cutout (15a) is made at a delimiting transversal edge between the first and second portions (58, 59) of the second sheet (57), the slot (15) being configured for being crossed at least partially by said opening device (14).
In a 133rd aspect, a process for making a package (100) according to anyone of the aspects from 100 to 111 is provided, said process comprising at least the following sub-steps:
In a 134th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the compartment comprises the first and second passage openings (5, 205), the container (1) exhibiting, at the first passage opening, the closure system (7) and, at the second passage opening (205), the occluding system (207), said process comprising the following steps: defining the compartment (2) wherein the first and second passage openings (5, 205) enable the communication between the inner volume (3) of the compartment and the outer environment,
Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the attached drawings, given only in an indicative and therefore non limiting way, wherein:
The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by not in scale views; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures in relation to the object of the invention, could only indicate schematic views.
Instead, the term product means an article or a compound of articles of any type. For example, the product can be a drug or medicament at the solid, liquid or gel state, in other words in a state of two or more of the cited aggregation states. Further, the product can mean a package, for example a blister pack, receiving a plurality of articles. The term product can further mean at least one selected in the group of: one or more bottles of cosmetics articles, one or more bottles of drugs.
The container 1 can be at least partially made of a paper sheet material. The term paper material means paper or paperboard: specifically, the sheet material useable for making the container can exhibit a grammage comprised between 100 and 500 g/m2, particularly comprised between 200 and 400 g/m2. The relevant paper material extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces. The sheet paper material used for making the container can, in an embodiment variant thereof, be covered, for at least part of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces, by a coating of plastic material, for example a film, whose aim consists of reinforcing the container. When the coating is placed in order to cover an outer surface of the container, this can be further used for defining a water and/or moisture barrier useful for avoiding the weakening and the structurality loss of the container with the consequent deformation of the paper material making this latter component. Advantageously but in a non in a limiting way, the coating could comprise a plastic film adapted to completely cover both the sides (first and second prevalent development surfaces) of the paper material defining the container; the thickness of coating film can have values varying between 5 and 300 μm, particularly between 10 and 200 μm, still more particularly between 10 and 100 μm. The plastic material of the coating can be for example selected among the following materials: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE.
100 generally indicates a package for example usable for containing pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic products. In a preferred but non limiting embodiment of the invention, the package can find application in all the fields requiring, for safety reasons, to prevent children from opening the package itself.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a package 100 as illustrated in
The container 1 comprises a compartment 2 made of sheet material, particularly of paper sheet material, defining an inner volume 3 configured for housing at least one product P. The compartment 2 substantially is the recess adapted to house the product (particularly a plurality of products P). Particularly, the compartment 2 comprises a predetermined number of lateral walls 4 defining at least one passage opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the passage opening 5 is configured for putting into communication the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2 with the outer environment. The attached figures illustrate, in a non limiting way, a configuration of the compartment 2 exhibiting two passage openings opposite to each other with respect to the compartment itself so that this latter can define substantially a conduit or tube laterally delimited by said walls 4 and open at the longitudinal ends. Still more particularly, the compartment extends between a first and second longitudinal end portions 2a, 2b along a longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2 itself; the lateral walls 4 therefore define:
The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non limiting configuration of the compartment 2 which exhibits a rectangular prismatic shape (flat lateral walls 4 having a rectangular shape). De facto, the compartment exhibits a front wall 4a and a rear wall 4b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall and rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d also facing and parallel to each other. The front wall 4a is spaced from the rear wall 4b; the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4b of the compartment 2 are also spaced from each other.
However, it is not excluded the possibility of making a compartment 2 with a different shape, for example a square, trapezoidal shape.
The invention provides a small-sized container 1, the compartment 2 thereof defines an inner volume 3 substantially greater than 20,000 mm3, particularly comprised between 40,000 and 200,000 mm3. However, the container 1 object of the present invention, can be used for packaging medium-sized products; under such condition, the compartment 2 can exhibit an inner volume 3 greater than 500,000 mm3, particularly comprised between 800,000 and 1,400,000 mm3. However, it is not excluded the possibility of using the container 1 object of the present invention, for packaging large-sized products; under such condition, the compartment 2 thereof exhibits an inner volume 3 greater than the above mentioned volumes, for example greater than 10,000 cm3 and anyway in a non limiting way.
Moreover, the container 1 comprises at least one closure system 7 (as illustrated in
More particularly, the closure system 7 exhibits a closing portion 9 directly engaged with and joined in one piece to the free edge 6 of the compartment 2: the closing portion 9 embodies the component of the tab 8 configured for preventing the passage through the opening 5 under the closure condition of the system 7 itself. As it is visible in the attached figures, the closing portion 9 substantially comprises a flat body of sheet material countershaped to the free edge 6 of the opening 5. The attached figures schematically show a preferred configuration of the closing portion 9 exhibiting a rectangular shape completely countershaped to the free edge 6. Moreover, the tab 8 exhibits at least one inserting portion 10 (
Moreover, the inserting portion 10 comprises an actuating portion 22 (
As illustrated in the attached figures, the free edge 6 exhibits a recess 23 substantially a depression of the free edge 6 itself (
The closing portion 9 and inserting portion 10 exhibit an interconnection edge opposite to the free edge 6 of the compartment 2 with respect to the closing portion 9 itself: the inserting portion 10 is rotatively movable with respect to the closing portion 9 around said reciprocal connection edge. The inserting portion 10, under the closure condition of the system 7, is configured for defining, along a cross-section and in cooperation with the closing portion 9, a substantially “L” shape: under such condition, the inserting portion 10 substantially extends parallelly to the wall 4a of the compartment 2.
As it is visible in
According to the embodiment shown in
The slots 15 can exhibit the same dimensions or, alternatively, different dimensions. From the dimensional point of view, each slot 15 can exhibit a width comprised between 3 and 200 mm, particularly comprised between 5 and 50 mm.
The slot 15 is substantially formed by a cutout 15a carried by the closure system 7. The cutout 15a is carried by the closure system 7 and, particularly, is defined at the inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7 and, under the closure condition, is arranged at the free edge 6. By folding the inserting portion 10 with respect to the closing portion 9, the cutout 15a enables to rotatively move a flap of the closing portion 9 defined by the cutout 15a itself and open a space or aperture forming, as stated, said slot 15. The cutout 15a exhibits a substantially “U” shape and the slot 15, obtained by it, exhibits a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the cutout 15a can be formed by an aperture defined between the inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7, and a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2.
As it is visible for example in
More particularly, the abutment portion 24 is constrained to the free edge 6 in order to engage, under the closure condition of the container 1, at least part of the inserting portion 10 and/or of the closing portion 9 for stably holding the tab 8 in said condition. Advantageously, the container 1 comprises two abutment portions 24 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 8: this latter is interposed between the two abutment portions 24 (
As it is visible in
The first hooking portion 12 is engaged, particularly directly carried, by the tab 8 of the closure system 7. Advantageously, the first hooking portion 12 is only carried, but non in a limiting way, by the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8: the two portions 12 and 10 are advantageously joined in one piece in order to form a single body, particularly a single paper material sheet. De facto, the first hooking portion 12 comprises a flat sheet body emerging, particularly without interruptions, from the inserting portion 10 opposite to the closing portion 9: the inserting portion 10 is so therefore interposed between the closing portion 9 and first hooking portion 12. The first hooking portion 12, under the closure condition of the system 7 and therefore during the insertion of the inserting portion 10 into the compartment 2, is configured for being also inserted into the inner volume 3.
The sheet material body of the first hooking portion 12 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 12a, 12b (
More particularly, the first hooking portion 12 exhibits at least one undercut 16 configured for stably engaging the second hooking portion 13 arranged inside the compartment 2 under the closure condition of the system 7. The undercut 16 is distinct and spaced from the free edge 6 of the compartment 2. As illustrated in
The sheet material body of the second hooking portion 13 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 13a, 13b (
The second hooking portion 13 exhibits in turn at least one undercut 17, which is arranged inside the compartment 2 and is configured for engaging the undercut 16 of the first hooking portion 12 at least in the closure condition of the system 7. As illustrated in
For being capable of opening the container 1, the same is provided with an opening device (or key) 14. The opening device 14 is configured for enabling the system 7 to switch from the closure condition (safety condition of the container 1) to the open condition and to therefore ensure to open the container 1.
The opening device 14 exhibits a gripping portion 30 from which one or more appendages 20 (
The opening device 14 could further comprise a plurality of appendages 26 or further projections or valleys which can be destined to functions alternative to the one of disengaging the first and second hooking portions 12, 13. For example, such appendages or projections or valleys can contribute to determine the control of the position of the opening device 14 upon inserting it inside the slot 15. Moreover, the opening device 14 can be configured (by its shape) for preventing other devices having a different shape from being used as a substitute for determining the opening of the container 1.
The attached figures illustrate, in a non limiting way, a preferred embodiment of the opening device 14 exhibiting two appendages 26 projecting from the gripping portion 30 (see
Upon inserting the opening device 14 inside the slots 15, the abutment edge 27 of the opening device 14 abuts against an abutment edge 21 of the closure system 7 in order to limit the advancement of the opening device 14 inside the slots themselves and therefore for preventing it from completely entering inside the volume 3 of the compartment 2. If the opening device 14 is completely inside the volume 3 of the compartment 2, opening the container 1 could be difficult because it would be impossible for the user operating on the opening device 14 itself for opening the container 1. The abutment edge 21 is preferably defined on the closing portion 9 between the slots 15.
The opening device 14 is made of sheet material, particularly of paper sheet material. The opening device 14 can be made of the same material as the compartment 2 or container 1. The opening device 14 can be made in one piece with the container 1 and can be formed by a portion destined to be teared or separated from the container 1.
Advantageously, the container 1 can further comprise a case provided with a housing seat adapted to receive and support the opening device 14 under non operative conditions of this latter. The case is engaged outside the volume 3 of the compartment 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the case is made of a paper material sheet.
In the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container 1 further comprises a second passage opening 205 arranged at the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2. At the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2, the container 1 comprises an occluding system 207 (as illustrated in
Therefore, the occluding system 207 is defined versus the closure system 7 and the associated safety device 11 with reference to the compartment 2. The occluding system 207 is configured for irreversibly closing the second passage opening 205 and therefore preventing from gaining access from the outside of the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2 through said second passage opening 205. In the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container 1 is openable only at the first passage opening 5 of the compartment 2.
Specifically, the occluding system is configured for preventing the access to the inner volume 3 of the compartment, through the opening 205, following a first-time closure condition of the occluding system 207. De facto, the system 207 following a first condition of the same, is configured for irreversibly blocking and therefore preventing the same from being reopened.
In order to a better understand the structure of the occluding system 207,
As it is visible in
The tab 208 comprises an inserting portion 210 (
The closure condition 209 and inserting portion 210 exhibit an interconnection edge opposite to the free edge 206 of the compartment 2 with reference to the closing portion 209 itself. The inserting portion 210 is configured for defining, along a cross-section and in cooperation with the closing portion 209, a substantially “L” shape. More particularly, the closing portion 209 of the tab 208 of the occluding system 207 exhibits a shape delimited by an outer closed perimeter countershaped and substantially identical to the second passage opening 205 of the compartment 2: the closing portion 209 of the occluding system 207 covers completely the second passage opening 205 of the compartment 2. As it is visible in
As it is for example visible in
More particularly, the abutment portion 224 is constrained to the free edge 206 in order to be able to engage at least partially the inserting portion 210 and/or a closing portion 209 for stably holding the tab 208 in said condition. Advantageously, the container 1 comprises two abutment portions 224 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 208: this latter is interposed between the two abutment portions 224 (
More specifically as it is visible in
The second hooking portion 213 develops completely inside the volume 3 (is completely arranged inside the inner volume of the compartment 2) of the compartment 2. The first hooking portion 212 is also arranged completely inside the inner volume 3 of the compartment 2. Specifically, the first hooking portion 212 is completely received inside the volume 3 of the compartment 2 and is spaced from the free edge 206 of the second passage opening: the engagement between the second hooking portion 213 and first hooking portion 212 is completely defined inside the inner volume 3. The engagement between the first and second hooking portions 12, 13 is of an irreversibly type; in other words, after reaching the first-time closure condition of the occluding system, the first and second hooking portions 212, 213 cannot be disengaged anymore and therefore define an open condition of the container 1. This is possible because the closing portion 209 and inserting portion 210 comprise, as hereinbefore described, solid bodies devoid of openings, configured for covering the engagement between the portions 212 and 213: in this way, there is no way for reaching the hooking portions 212 and 213 from the outside and therefore cannot be unhooked in any way.
More particularly, the first hooking portion 212 is engaged, particularly directly carried by, the tab 208 of 207. Advantageously, the first hooking portion 212 is only carried, but not in a limiting way, by the inserting portion 210 of the tab 208: the two portions 212 and 210 are advantageously joined in one piece for forming a single body, particularly a single paper material sheet. De facto, the first hooking portion 212 comprises a flat sheet body emerging, particularly without interruption, from the inserting portion 210 opposite to the closing portion 209: the inserting portion 210 is therefore interposed between the closing portion 209 and first hooking portion 212. The body of sheet material of the first hooking portion 212 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 212a, 212b (
More particularly, the first hooking portion 212 exhibits at least one undercut 216 stably engaged to the second hooking portion 213 arranged inside the compartment 2. The undercut 216 is distinct and spaced from the free edge 206 of the compartment 2. As illustrated in
The second hooking portion 213 is engaged, in a non limiting way, to a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall 4a) directly facing the inserting portion 210. The sheet material body of the second hooking portion 213 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 213a, 213b (
The second hooking portion 213 exhibits in turn at least one undercut 217, which is arranged inside the compartment 2 stably (irreversibly) engaged to the undercut 216 of the first hooking portion 212. As illustrated in
The package 100 of the preferred embodiment of the invention exhibits a container 1 comprising at least one stop element 80. Possible variants of the stop element are illustrated in a non limiting way in
The stop element 80 is placed inside the compartment 2 between the passage opening 5 and a longitudinal mid portion of the compartment 2 defined between the first and second end portions 2a, 2b of the compartment 2: the stop element 80 emerges, from at least one lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2, inside this latter in order to define a projection. Still more particularly, the stop element 80 extends from a lateral wall 4 of the compartment to a lateral wall 4 opposite to the compartment itself. The stop element 80 is connected, particularly directly connected, and joined in one piece, to two lateral walls 4 of the compartment 2, opposite and facing each other. The attached figures illustrate in a preferred embodiment of the invention the stop element 80 extending between and directly connected to the front wall 4a and rear wall 4b of the compartment.
Advantageously, the stop element 80 is arranged at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2, spaced from the passage opening 5.
De facto, the stop element 80 is interposed between the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d but spaced from these latter.
The stop element 80 comprises a tab 81 of sheet material, particularly of paper sheet material, which extends along a plane parallel to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2. Specifically, the tab 81 of the stop element 80 extends along a plane substantially parallel to the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d of the compartment 2.
The tab 81 exhibits a predetermined extension along said longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2; the ratio of a predetermined longitudinal extension of the compartment 2—defined by a maximum distance between the first and second end portions 2a, 2b—to the predetermined longitudinal extension of the stop element 80, particularly of the tab 81, is greater than 2, particularly greater than 3, still more particularly comprised between 3 and 10.
In a second embodiment of the container 1, the same exhibits a single stop element 80 arranged at a transversal mid portion of the compartment 2 defined between the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d (see
In a third embodiment of the container 1, the same exhibits a first stop element 80 defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment 2, and a second stop element 180 defined at and spaced from the second lateral wall 4d of the compartment 2 (see
Moreover, the package 100 comprises at least one wrapping 101 housed at least partially inside the compartment 2 and holding one or more products P. The wrapping 101 comprising a base portion 102 of sheet material, for example of plastic material, substantially extending along a plane transversal, particularly perpendicular, to the development (extension) plane of the tab (81 and/or 181) of the stop element. Advantageously, the development plane of the base portion 102 is substantially parallel to the front and rear walls of the compartment 2.
The base portion 102 comprises a plurality of reliefs 103 emerging from the development plane of the portion 102 itself; each relief 103 defines a seat adapted to contain at least one product P. Moreover, the package 101 comprises at least one covering portion 104 of sheet material, arranged to close the seats containing the products P. The package 101 is configurable between a first operative position wherein the package 101 is completely housed in the compartment 2 of the container 1 (see
The attached figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of the package 101 which comprises a blister back housing a plurality of products P, advantageously but non in a limiting way, the package 100 comprises a plurality of wrappings 101 and particularly of blister packs.
As it is for example visible in
In a first embodiment of the package 101, the same exhibits an abutment element 105 comprising a projection 105a laterally emerging from the base portion 102 towards the first lateral wall 4c. The projection 105a of the abutment element 105, in the second operative position of the package 101, is configured for abutting against the stop element 80 defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment 2 as illustrated in
Specifically, and as it is visible in
As hereinbefore described, the container 1 comprises a stop element 80 which, in the second embodiment, is interposed and substantially equidistant from the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d. Such stop element 80 is configured for cooperating with a package in a second embodiment thereof as illustrated in
De facto, the package 101, in the second embodiment thereof, comprises a base portion 102 having a first and second longitudinal bodies 102a, 102b spaced and parallel to each other. The first and second longitudinal bodies 102a, 102b are arranged parallelly to the longitudinal development direction of the compartment 2 and parallelly to the front and rear walls of the compartment. The first and second longitudinal bodies 102a, 102b are engaged with each other at a longitudinal end portion, by a connecting body 102c facing the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2 (see
As hereinbefore described, the container 1 comprises a first and second stop elements 80, 180 spaced from each other and placed respectively in proximity of the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d of the compartment; in such configuration, the base portion 102 is interposed between the first and second stop elements 80, 180 (see
The package 100 described in the present preferred embodiment therefore provides a safety device 11 arranged at the first passage opening 5 of the compartment which is adapted to define a child-proof system: the closure system 7 of the container is indeed openable only under determined conditions and particularly upon inserting the device 14 into the slot 15 (or slots 15).
Moreover, the same package 100 carries an occluding system 207 placed at the second passage opening 205; the occluding system 207 is configured for irreversibly preventing the passage from the opening 205 following a first-time closure condition of the system 207 itself. The occluding system therefore ensures a stable closure of the second opening for preventing the extraction of the products from this latter.
Moreover, the same package 100 carries one or more stop elements adapted to cooperate with at least one abutment element 105 of the package 101 for preventing this latter from being completely extracted from the container 1. De facto, once the package has been opened, the package 101 can be extracted only for a determined distance for withdrawing one or more products in this way the wrapping and the associated products are prevented from being left outside the container.
As an alternative, the package 100, in the second embodiment thereof, comprises, at the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2, an occluding system 207 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
As it is visible in
De facto, in the second embodiment thereof, the package 100 comprises a container 1 comprising the compartment 2, occluding system 7, at least one stop element 80 and a bottom wall 2c (optionally, the occluding system 207). Further, the package 100 comprises at least one wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
In contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package, the same in the second embodiment thereof, does not have the safety device 11 and opening device 14. The package 100, in the second embodiment thereof, is configured for preventing the extraction of the second passage opening 205 by the presence of a bottom portion 2c or occluding system 207; further, the same package is configured for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted in order to prevent the package and the associated products from being left outside the container 1.
The package, in the third embodiment thereof, comprises a safety device 11 and an opening device as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
The package, in the third embodiment thereof, further comprises at least one stop element as described in the preferred embodiment of the package 100 (in an embodiment, the first and second stop elements 80, 180 are present).
De facto, in the third embodiment thereof, the package 100 comprises a container 1 comprising the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety device 11, at least one stop element 80, and a bottom wall. Further, the package 100 comprises at least one opening device 14 and at least one wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
In contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package, the same in the third embodiment thereof, does not have the occluding system 207.
The package 100, in the third embodiment thereof, is configured for defining a child-proof system by the presence of the safety device 1 and opening device 14: the closure system 7 of the container 1 is de facto openable only under predetermined conditions and particularly after inserting the device 14 in the slot 15 (or slots 15). The package 100, in the third embodiment thereof, is configured for preventing the wrapping from being extracted from the second passage opening 205 thanks to the presence of one or more bottom walls adapted to occlude the second opening 205; the same package 100 is further configured for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the opening 5 for preventing the wrapping and the associated products from being inadvertently left outside the container 1.
The package 100, according to a fourth embodiment, comprises a compartment 2 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the above mentioned package 100. The package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, further comprises the closure system 7 as hereinbefore described defined at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2: such system 7 defines a first occluding system 7 of the container 1.
The container 1, in the fourth embodiment of the package 100, further comprises a second closure system 307 (as illustrated in
Advantageously, the second closure system 307 is identical to the system 7 defined at the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2. More particularly, the system 307 comprises at least one tab 308 exhibiting a closing portion 309 directly engaged with and joined in one piece to the free edge 206 of the compartment 2: the closing portion 309 embodies the component of the tab 308 configured for preventing the passage through the opening 205 under the closure condition of the system 307 itself. The closing portion 309 substantially comprises a flat body of sheet material countershaped to the free edge 206 of the opening 205. The attached figures schematically show a preferred configuration of the closing portion 309 exhibiting a rectangular shape completely countershaped to the free edge 206.
Moreover, the tab 308 exhibits at least one inserting portion 310 (see
The inserting portion 310 further comprises an actuating portion 322, which is destined to be actuated for enabling to open the container 1.
As illustrated in the attached figures, the free edge 206 exhibits a recess 323 defining substantially a depression of the free edge 206 itself. The recess 323 exhibits an open outline exhibiting, in a non limiting way, a concavity having a substantially “C” shape. The recess 323 is configured for enabling to see and grip at least part of the inserting portion 310 under the closure condition of the system 307. Particularly, under the closure condition of the system 307, the concavity of the recess 323 of the free edge 206 leaves exposed the actuating portion 322 of the inserting portion 310, which therefore can be accessed from the outside of the container 1 and is suitably movable.
The closing portion 309 and inserting portion 310 exhibit an interconnection edge opposite to the free edge 206 of the compartment 2 with respect to the closing portion 309 itself: the inserting portion 310 is movable by rotation with respect to the closing portion 9 around said reciprocal connecting edge. The inserting portion 310, under the closure condition of the system 307, is configured for defining, along a cross-section and cooperatively with the closing portion 309, a substantially “L” shape: under such condition, the inserting portion 310 extends substantially parallelly to wall 4a of the compartment 2.
The second closure system 307 further comprises at least one slot 315, which enables the communication between the inner volume of the compartment 2, and the outer environment. The slot 315 can be defined at the inserting portion 310; alternatively, the slot 315 can be defined at the closing portion 309 or develop at both the inserting 310 and closing portions 309. As illustrated in the attached figures, the slot 315 can be defined at a folding line substantially interposed between the inserting portion 310 and closing portion 309. Under the closure condition of the closure system 307, the slot 315 is arranged at the free edge 206 of the compartment 2.
The closure system 307 can exhibit, in a non limiting way, two slots 315, an abutment edge 321 being interposed between them. The abutment edge 321, as it will be described in the following, is destined to cooperate with the opening device 14.
The slots 315 can exhibit the same dimensions or, alternatively, different dimensions. From the dimensional point of view, each slot 315 can exhibit a width comprised between 3 and 200 mm, particularly comprised between 5 and 50 mm. The slot 315 substantially consists of a cutout 315a carried by the system 307. The cutout 315a is carried by the system 307 and particularly is defined at the inserting portion 310 of the closure system 307 and, under the closure condition, is arranged at the free edge 206. By folding the inserting portion 310 with respect to the closing portion 309, the cutout 315a enables to rotatively move a flap of the closing portion 309 defined by the cutout 315a itself and to expose a space or aperture forming just said slot 315. The cutout 315a exhibits a substantially “U” shape and the obtained slot 315 exhibits a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the cutout 315a can consist in an aperture defined between the inserting portion 310 of the closure system 307 and a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2.
As it is visible in
More particularly, the abutment portion 324 is constrained to the free edge 206 in order to be able to engage, under the closure condition of the container 1, at least part of the inserting portion 310 and/or closing portion 309 for stably holding the tab 308 in said condition.
Advantageously, the container 1 comprises two abutment portions 324 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 308: this latter is interposed between the two abutment portions 324 (
Advantageously, the system 307 is made of a paper material sheet and is obtained by folding it; particularly, the closure system 307 is made in one piece with compartment 2 and by the same paper material sheet.
The container 1 of the package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, further comprises at least one further safety device 311 made of a sheet material, particularly a paper sheet material; the further safety device 311 has a shape and/or size substantially identical to the ones of the safety device 11.
Specifically, the device 311 comprises at least one first hooking portion 312 carried by the tab 308, and at least one second hooking portion 313 engaged to the compartment 2. The first and second hooking portions 312, 312 are configured for stably engaging with each other under the closure condition of the system 307. Under the closure condition of the system 307, the container 1 is substantially in a safety condition in which the container 1 is prevented from being opened by the engagement between the first and second hooking portions 312, 313. As it is visible in
The first hooking portion 312 is engaged, particularly directly carried, with the tab 308 of the system 307. Advantageously, the first hooking portion 312 is carried only, but non in a limiting way, by the inserting portion 310 of the tab 308: the two portions 312 and 310 are advantageously joined in one piece for forming a single body of paper material. De facto, the first hooking portion 312 comprises a flat sheet body emerging, particularly without interruption, from the inserting portion 310 opposite to the closing portion 309: the inserting portion 310 therefore is interposed between the closing portion 309 and the first hooking portion 312. The first hooking portion 312, under the closure condition of the system 307, and therefore when inserting the inserting portion 310 in the compartment 2, is configured for being also inserted in the inner volume 3.
The body of sheet material of the first hooking portion 312 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 312a, 312b (
More particularly, the first hooking portion 312 exhibits at least one undercut 316 configured for stably engaging the second hooking portion 313 arranged inside the compartment 2 under the closure condition of the system 307. The undercut 316 is distinct and spaced from the free edge 206 of the compartment 2. The undercut 316 comprises at least one hook 320 having a seat 320a provided with a concavity. Preferably, the first hooking portion 312 comprises two hooks 320 having respective seats 320a, the concavities thereof face away from each other. The undercut 316 is configured for engaging the second hooking portion 313.
The second hooking portion 313 is engaged, in a non limiting way, to a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall 4a) directly facing, under the closure condition of the system 307, the inserting portion 310.
The sheet material body of the second hooking portion 313 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces 313a, 313b (
The second hooking portion 313 exhibits in turn at least one undercut 317 arranged inside the compartment 2 and configured for engaging the undercut 316 of the hooking portion 312 at least under the closure condition of the system 307. The undercut 317 exhibits a gripping edge 317a distinct and spaced from the free edge 206 of the compartment 2. The undercut 317 exhibits at least one hook 318 defining a seat 319. The seat 319 exhibits a substantially “C” shape. Moreover, the seat 319 exhibits a concavity facing a lateral wall 4 of the compartment 2 (the front wall) and is configured for housing and engagingly holding the first hooking portion 312. In other words, under the closure condition of the system 307, the first hooking portion 312 is engaged inside the seat 319 and the undercuts 316, 317 are engaged with each other. Under the safety condition (in other words under the closure condition of the system 307), the concavity of the seat 319 of the hook 318 of the second hooking portion 313 faces the concavity of the seat 320a of the hook 320.
The package in the fourth embodiment thereof further comprises an opening device 14 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The opening device 14 is configured for being inserted into the slots 15, 315 of the devices 11 and 311 for respectively enabling to open the first-time closure system 7 and second closure system.
The container 1, in the fourth embodiment of the package 100, comprises a first stop element 80 arranged inside the compartment 2 in the first end portion 2a of the compartment 2; the first stop element 80 is further spaced from, but arranged in proximity of the first lateral wall 4c of the compartment. The first stop element exhibits a structure as described for the stop element 80 of the preferred embodiment of the package 100.
As it is visible in
As it is visible in
More particularly, the wrapping 101 is configurable between:
The first abutment element 105, in the second operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against the first stop element 80 of the container 1 for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the container through the first passage opening 5. The second abutment element 150, in the third operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against the second stop element 180 of the container 1 for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the container 1 through the second passage opening 205. The first abutment element 105 of the wrapping 101 comprises a projection 105a emerging laterally from the base portion 102 towards the first lateral wall 4c; the projection 105a of the first abutment element 105, in the second operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against said first stop element defined at and spaced from the first lateral wall of the compartment 2. The second abutment element 150 comprises a respective projection 150a emerging laterally from the base portion 102 towards the second lateral wall 4d; the projection 150a, in the third operative position of the wrapping 101, is configured for abutting against the second stop element 180 defined at and spaced from the second lateral wall of the compartment 2.
The projection, respectively of the first and second abutment elements 105, 150, comprises a tab joined in one piece to the base and/or closing portions of the wrapping. Specifically, each projection 105a, 150a of the package, according to the fourth embodiment, exhibits a tab structure identical to the projection of the package as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package and therefore as illustrated in
De facto, the package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, comprises a container 1 comprising the compartment 2, closure system 7, a second closure system 307 (analogous to the system 7), the safety device 11, a safety device (analogous to the device 11), a first and second stop elements 80, 180 (analogous to the stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package).
In contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package, the same, in the fourth embodiment thereof, does not exhibit the occluding system 207.
The package 100, the in the third embodiment thereof, is configured for defining a child-proof system due to the presence of the safety devices 11 and 311 and opening device 14: the closure systems 7 and 307 of the container 1 are indeed openable only under determined conditions and particularly after inserting the device 14 in the slot 15 or 315. The package 100, in the fourth embodiment thereof, is further configured for preventing the wrapping 101 from being completely extracted from the passage openings 5, 205, in this way the wrapping and the associated products are prevented from being inadvertently left outside the container 1.
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention a container 1 which can find an advantageous application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics field.
In a first embodiment, the container 1 comprises a compartment 2, a closure system 7, a safety device 11, an opening device 14, an occluding system 207 and at least one stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. As described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package, the container can comprise a single stop element—as illustrated in
In a second embodiment, the container 1 comprises a compartment 2 and a closure system 7 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the second embodiment, further comprises at least one stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. As described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container can comprise a single stop element—as illustrated in
In a third embodiment, the container 1 comprises; the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety device 11, and opening device 14 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the third embodiment, further comprises at least one stop element 80 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. As described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100, the container can comprise a single stop element—as illustrated in
In a fourth embodiment, the container 1 comprises the compartment 2, closure system 7 and occluding system 207 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the fourth embodiment, does not comprise—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the safety device 11, opening device 14, stop element 80 (particularly the first and second stop elements) and wrapping 101.
In a fifth embodiment, the container 1 comprises the compartment, closure system 7, occluding system 207 and at least one stop element as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the fifth embodiment, does not comprise—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the safety device 11, opening device 14 and wrapping 101.
In a sixth embodiment, the container 1 comprises the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety device 11 and opening device 14 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. Moreover, the container comprises the second closure system and the further safety device as described with reference to the fourth embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the sixth embodiment, does not comprise—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the stop element, occluding system 207 and wrapping 101.
In a seventh embodiment, the container 1 comprises the compartment 2, occluding system 207 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the package 100. The container 1, in the seventh embodiment thereof, further comprises a further occluding system analogous to the system 207 which is however arranged at the second end portion 2b of the compartment 2. In such configuration, the first and second openings 5, 205 of the container are irreversibly occluded respectively by the occluding system 207 and by the further occluding system. The container 1, in the seventh embodiment, does not comprise—in contrast to the preferred embodiment of the package: the closure system 7, stop element, safety device, opening device occluding and wrapping 101.
Moreover, the present invention refers to a process for making a package according to the above described preferred embodiment, and particularly, according to one or more of the attached claims.
The process comprises a step of making the container 1 obtainable from a single blank 500, preferably of sheet material. The blank 500 extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces adapted to define respectively an inner and outer surfaces of the container 1. The process can comprise a step of engaging a film of plastic material on at least part of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces of the blank 500.
First of all, the process comprises providing the compartment 2 which, as hereinbefore described, is made of sheet material, optionally a paper sheet.
The step of providing the compartment 2 comprises providing at least one first sheet 51 comprising at least one first and one second portions 52, 54 interconnected by a central connecting portion 53. Moreover, the first sheet 51 comprises at least one first and one second lateral connecting portions 55, 56. As it is visible in
In a preferred but non limiting arrangement of the invention, the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51 exhibits a rectangular shape perimetrally delimited by a lower edge 52a, a first and second lateral edges 52b, 52c and an upper edge 52d. Analogously, the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 exhibits a rectangular shape perimetrally delimited by a lower edge 54a, a first and second lateral edges 54b, 54c and an upper edge 54d. Advantageously, the first and second portions 52, 54 comprise a sheet having substantially the same shape and size.
The central portion 53 and lateral connecting portions 55, 56 exhibit also a rectangular shape; such portions exhibit substantially the same shape and/or size and are joined in one piece to the portions 52 and 54 of the first sheet 51 at the lateral edges.
The step of providing the compartment 2 comprises a step of folding the first sheet 51 at the lateral edges of the portions 52 and 54.
The step of forming the compartment 2 can comprise folding a lateral connecting portion, for example the portion 55, with respect to the first portion 52 and approaching it to the second portion 54: for example, it is possible to provide folding the lateral connecting portion 55 so that this latter can define, cooperatively with the first portion 52, a substantially “L” shape. Then, the process provides, for example, folding the central portion 53 with respect to a first portion 52 and approaching it to the already folded portion 55: for example, it is possible to provide the step of folding the central portion 53 so that this latter can define, cooperatively with the first portion 52, a substantially “L” shape. Still in the following, it is for example possible to provide the step of folding the second portion 54 with respect to the central portion 53 and approaching it to the first portion 52: for example, it is possible to provide the step of folding the second portion 54 so that this latter can define, cooperatively with the central portion 53, a substantially “L” shape. For a complete formation of the compartment 2, the process provides folding the remaining lateral connecting portion, for example the portion 56, with respect to the second portion 54 so that it is possible to join said lateral connecting portions 55, 56. The process, for holding the compartment 2 in the folded three-dimensional shape, can provide, in a non limiting way, applying a predetermined quantity of paste on the lateral connecting portions 55, 56 adapted to abut against each other: joining said portions 55, 56 enables to hold the compartment 2 in the folded configuration.
In a preferred embodiment of the compartment 2, the process provides firstly folding the portions 53, 54 and 56 above the portions 52 and 55; particularly the portions 53 and 54 are overlapped on the portions 52 and 55 (
Moreover, the process comprises providing the closure system 7. Such step comprises providing at least one second sheet 57, advantageously, joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the first end edge of the first portion 52 of the first sheet. The second sheet 57 comprises at least one first and second portions 58, 59 joined in one piece to each other: the first portion 58 of the second sheet 57 is connected to the first sheet 51 so that said first portion 58 is interposed between the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57, and the first sheet 51.
The step of providing the closure system 7 comprises, before folding the portions of the first sheet 51, folding the first and second portions 58, 59 of the second sheet 57 for respectively forming the closing portion 9 and inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7.
Further, the step of providing the second sheet 57 comprises a step of forming one or more slots 15 made at the first and/or second portions 58, 59 and destined to enable to insert the opening device 14. According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of forming one or more slots 15 provides making one or more cutouts 15a at the first and/or second portions 58, 59. Particularly, to each made cutout 15a corresponds a respective slot 15.
Moreover, the process comprises a step of providing at least one stop element 80; such step comprises at least one step of providing at least one first lateral sheet 90 connected to a longitudinal edge of the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51. The first lateral sheet 90 is joined in one piece to the first sheet 51 and is opposite to the first portion 52 of the first sheet with respect to the first lateral connecting portion 55. The first lateral sheet 90 comprises at least one first, one second and one third portions 91, 92, 93 (
Before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, the process provides folding the first lateral sheet 90 on the first sheet 51 so that at least the second and third portions of the first lateral sheet 90 are overlapped on and in contact with the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51 (
At this point of the process, it is possible to constrain, for example by pasting, the first portion 91 of the first lateral sheet 90 to the second portion of the first sheet 51, and the second lateral connecting portion 56 to the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet.
Only after that, the first sheet 51 is folded along the longitudinal edges of the portions of the first sheet itself: when folding the first sheet 51, the same enables to fold the with respect to each other portions 91, 92, 93 of the first lateral sheet 90. After the step of folding the first sheet 51, this latter defines the compartment 2, while the first lateral sheet 90 defines the stop element 90 inside the compartment 2.
As it is visible in
As hereinbefore described, the package can provide a first and second stop elements 80, 180. Therefore, the process can further comprise a step of providing a second lateral sheet 94 connected to a longitudinal edge of the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet. The second lateral sheet 94 is joined in one piece to the first sheet 51 and is opposite to the first portion 52 of the first sheet itself with respect to the first lateral connecting portion 55. The second lateral sheet 94 comprises at least one first, one second and one third portions 95, 96, 97 joined in one piece to each other: the first portion 95 is joined in one piece to the first lateral connecting portion 55, while the second portion 96 is interposed between the first 95 and third portions 97. The first portion 95 of the second lateral sheet 94 is arranged at least partially around an outer perimeter of the first lateral sheet 90. Before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, the process comprises folding the second lateral sheet 94 on the first sheet 51 so that the second and third portions of the second lateral sheet 94 are overlapped on and in contact with the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51. Then, the process comprises a step of constraining, for example by pasting, the third portion 97 of the second lateral sheet 90 to the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51. Only after the connecting central portion 53 and second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 are folded above the first portion of the first sheet 51 and above the second lateral sheet 94.
At this point of the process, it is possible to constrain, for example by pasting, a first portion 95 of the second lateral sheet 94 to the second portion of the first sheet 51 and the second lateral connecting portion 56 to the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51.
Only after the first sheet 51 is folded along the longitudinal edges of the portions of the first sheet 51 itself: when folding the first sheet 51, the same enables to fold, with respect to each other, the portions 95, 96, 97 of the second lateral sheet 90. After the step of folding the first sheet 51, this latter defines the compartment 2 while the second lateral sheet 90 defines the stop element 180 inside the compartment 2. Moreover, the process comprises providing the safety device 11. Such step comprises providing at least one first and one second upper sheets 60, 63.
The first upper sheet 60 is advantageously joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the first end edge of the second portion 54 of the first sheet. The first upper sheet 60 comprises a first portion 61 and second portion 62; the first portion 61 is destined to form the second hooking portion 13. The first upper sheet 60, before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, is folded on the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 and is advantageously joined in one piece, at least partially. The process can provide, in a non limiting way, the application of a predetermined quantity of paste on the second portion 62 of the second upper sheet 60 and/or on a part of the second portion 64 of the first sheet 51 adapted to abut against each other: joining said portions enables to constrain at least partially the first upper sheet to the first sheet; then, the process provides a step of folding the first portion 61 of the first upper sheet 60 with respect to said second portion 62 of the same end sheet away from the first sheet for defining the second hooking portion 13 of the safety device 11. As it is visible in
On the contrary, the second upper sheet 63 is joined in one piece to the second sheet 57, particularly at an end edge of the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57. The second upper sheet 63 comprises a portion 64 joined in one piece to the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57. The portion 64 substantially forms the first hooking portion 12 of the safety device 11; particularly, the portion 64 comprises at least one shaped portion 64a adapted to define the undercut 16 of the first hooking portion 12. Advantageously, the second upper sheet 63 is joined in one piece to the second sheet 57 for defining a single sheet; particularly, also the second upper sheet 63 is made of paper material, particularly of a paper material sheet having substantially the same characteristics of the first sheet 51, second sheet 57 and of the first upper sheet 60.
Moreover, the process can comprise a step of providing at least one third upper sheet 65. The third upper sheet 65 is advantageously joined in one piece to the central connecting portion 53 and/or to the second lateral connecting portion 56. The third upper sheet 65 comprises a portion 66, which is destined to form an abutment portion 24. The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non limiting configuration of the invention wherein two third upper sheets 65 respectively engaged to the first end edge of the portions 53 and 56 of the first sheet 51 are provided. The upper sheets 65 are laterally arranged with respect to the first upper sheet 60: the first upper sheet 60 is interposed between the portions 66 of the sheets 65 (
Moreover, the process comprises a step of providing the opening device 14; such step comprises a step of defining, on the first lateral connecting portion 55 of the first sheet 51, a cutout or weakening line 55a defining a third lateral sheet 67: the third lateral sheet 67 is shaped in order to define a single portion 68 defining the gripping portion 30 from which the appendage 26 of the opening device 14 emerges. The step of providing said device 14 further provides defining a through opening 56a at the longitudinal edge of the second lateral portion 56 in contact with a second portion 54 of the first sheet 51: the through opening 56a is adapted to define a pocket 14a on the lateral wall of the compartment, adapted to enable to extract the opening device 14. De facto, the pocket 14a after the step of defining the compartment 2, enables to reach the third lateral sheet 67 and tear such sheet for defining the device 14.
In a preferred but non limiting embodiment of the invention, the step of providing the device 14 further comprises the following steps:
After folding the first sheet 51, the fourth lateral sheet 67a is configured for defining a kind of case adapted to contain the opening device 14 (
Moreover, the process comprises providing the occluding system 207. Such step comprises providing at least one third sheet 57a, advantageously, joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the second end edge of the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51. The third sheet 57a comprises at least one first and one second portions 58a, 59a joined in one piece to each other: the first portion 58a is connected to the first sheet 51 so that said first portion 58a is interposed between the second portion 59a of the third sheet 57a and the first sheet 51. The third sheet is arranged oppositely to the second sheet 57 with respect to the first sheet 51 (see
The first lower sheet 98 is advantageously joined in one piece to the first sheet 51, particularly at the second end edge of the second portion 54 of the first sheet. The first lower sheet 98 comprises a first portion 98a and second portion 98b; the first portion 98a is destined to form the second hooking portion 213. The first lower sheet 98, before the step of folding the portions of the first sheet 51, is folded on the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 and advantageously is at least partially joined to it. The process can provide, in a non limiting way, the application of a predetermined quantity of paste on the second portion 98b of the first lower sheet 98 and/or on a part of the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 adapted to abut against each other: joining said portions enables to at least partially constrain part of the first lower sheet to the first sheet; then the process provides a step of folding the first portion 98a of the first lower sheet 98 with respect to said second portion 98b of the same sheet away from the first sheet 51 for defining the second hooking portion 213 of the occluding system. As it is visible in
On the contrary, the second lower sheet 99 is joined in one piece to the third sheet 57a, particularly at an end edge of the second portion 59a. The second lower sheet 99 comprises a portion 99a joined in one piece to the second portion 59a of the third sheet 57a. The portion 99a substantially forms the first hooking portion 212 of the system 207; specifically, the portion 99a comprises at least one shaped portion 99b adapted to define the undercut 17 of the first hooking portion 212. Advantageously, the second lower sheet 99 is formed in a single piece with the third sheet 57a for defining a single sheet; particularly, also the second lower sheet 99 is made of paper material, particularly of a paper material sheet having substantially the same characteristics of the first sheet 51, second sheet 57, third sheet 57a, first upper sheet 60 and second upper sheet 63.
The third sheet 57a and second lower sheet 99 are joined in one piece for defining a single body and, in contrast to the second sheet 57, are devoid of through openings. Particularly, the third sheet 57a and second lower sheet 99 delimit a single closed outer perimeter: the third sheet 57a and second lower sheet 99 are devoid of openings crossing the thickness of the sheet inside said closed outer perimeter.
After folding the sheet 51, the second portion 59a of the third sheet 57a is folded with respect to the first portion 58a which is then rotated with respect to the free edge 206 for enabling to insert the second lower sheet 99 of the compartment 2 in order to define a first-time closure condition of the occluding system. During such step, the hooking portions 212, 213 are irreversibly engaged.
Moreover, the process can comprise a step of providing at least one third lower sheet 65a. The third lower sheet 65 is advantageously joined in one piece to the central connecting portion 53 and/or second lateral connecting portion 56. The third upper sheet 65 comprises a portion 66, which is destined to form an abutment portion 24. The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non limiting configuration of the invention wherein two third upper sheets 65 respectively engaged to the first end edges of the portions 53 and 56 of the first sheet 51, are provided. The upper sheets 65 are laterally arranged with respect to the upper sheet 60; the first upper sheet 60 is interposed between the portions 66 of the sheets 65 (
The process comprises a step of providing at least one wrapping 101.
Moreover, the process provides the following steps:
In a second embodiment, the process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, stop element 80 and wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process. Particularly, the process of the second embodiment thereof provides only the step of providing a blank 500 exhibiting: the first sheet 51, second sheet 57, first lateral sheet 90, optionally the third sheet 57a, and optionally the second lateral sheet 94 (see
In a third embodiment, the process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, stop element, safety device 11, opening device 14, wrapping 101 and optionally the occluding system 107 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process. Particularly, the process of the third embodiment thereof provides only the step of providing a blank 500 exhibiting: the first sheet 51, second sheet 57, first lateral sheet 90, first upper sheet 61, second upper sheet 63 (see
After defining the compartment 2, the process provides inserting the wrapping into the inner volume 3.
In a fourth embodiment, the process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, safety device 11, opening device 14, wrapping 101 as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process.
In the fourth embodiment thereof, the process provides making a further safety device 311 as hereinbefore described with reference to the fourth embodiment of the package. The further safety device is provided by providing and folding the first and second lower sheets 98, 99 as described with reference to the embodiment of the process. In the fourth embodiment of the process, the first and second lower sheets 98, 99 are identical to the first and second upper sheets and define therefore a first hooking portion 312, a second hooking portion 313 and one or more slots 315. After defining the compartment 2, the process provides inserting the wrapping into the inner volume 3.
It is a further object of the present invention a process for making a container 1 according to one or more of the attached claims and/or according to one or more of the attached aspects.
In a first embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described first embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, safety system 11, opening device 14, occluding system 207, stop element as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
In a second embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described second embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, stop element, optionally the occluding system 207, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
In a third embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described third embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, safety system 11, opening device 14, stop element as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
In a fourth embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described fourth embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, occluding system 207, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
In a fifth embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the fifth above described embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, occluding system 207, stop element, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
In a sixth embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described sixth embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, closure system 7, safety system 11, opening device 14, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100. Moreover, such process comprises the step of providing the second closure system 307 and the further safety device 311 as described in the fourth embodiment of the process for making the package 100.
In a seventh embodiment, it is provided a process for making a container 1 according to the above described seventh embodiment. Such process comprises only the step of providing the compartment 2, occluding system 207, as hereinbefore described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the process for making the package 100. Moreover, such process comprises providing a further occluding system identical to the occluding system 207, defined at the first longitudinal end portion 2a of the compartment 2.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102016000026091 | Mar 2016 | IT | national |
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