U.S. patent application number 15/523802 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for packaging container comprising a locking arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to &R Carton Lund Aktiebolag. The applicant listed for this patent is &R Carton Lund Aktiebolag. Invention is credited to Henrik Herlin, Simon Holka, Lennart Larsson, Eva Sunning.
Application Number | 20170334614 15/523802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55909495 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170334614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herlin; Henrik ; et
al. |
November 23, 2017 |
PACKAGING CONTAINER COMPRISING A LOCKING ARRANGEMENT
Abstract
A packaging container for bulk solids includes a container body,
a container lid and a locking arrangement. The container body
comprises a container wall that defines a container opening and an
inner compartment. The container lid comprises a peripheral portion
at a peripheral edge of the container lid. The container lid is
joined by a hinged connection to the container body at a rear edge
portion of the container opening. The locking arrangement comprises
at least one locking tab permanently joined to the container body
at a front edge portion of the container opening and/or at an
opposing side edge portion of the container opening. The locking
tab comprises a free end portion extending in the height direction.
The free end portion of the locking tab comprises a first locking
element arranged to mate with a second locking element arranged on
the peripheral portion of the container lid.
Inventors: |
Herlin; Henrik;
(Kristianstad, SE) ; Holka; Simon; (Staffanstorp,
SE) ; Sunning; Eva; (Lund, SE) ; Larsson;
Lennart; (Malmo, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
&R Carton Lund Aktiebolag |
Lund |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
&R Carton Lund
Aktiebolag
Lund
SE
|
Family ID: |
55909495 |
Appl. No.: |
15/523802 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 2, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2015/051151 |
371 Date: |
May 2, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/22 20130101;
B65D 2313/02 20130101; B65D 2313/04 20130101; B65D 2251/0093
20130101; B65D 51/20 20130101; B65D 43/169 20130101; B65D 2251/0018
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16; B65D 43/22 20060101 B65D043/22; B65D 51/20 20060101
B65D051/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 3, 2014 |
SE |
1451308-9 |
Claims
1. A paperboard packaging container (1, 101, 201) for bulk solids,
said container comprising a container body (2, 102, 202) comprising
a container wall (3, 103, 203) extending from a container bottom
(4, 104, 204) to a container opening (5, 105, 205) in a height
direction of said container (1, 101, 201), said container wall (3,
103, 203) and said container bottom (4, 104, 204) delimiting an
inner compartment (6, 106, 206), said container opening (5, 105,
205) having a front edge portion (5', 105', 205'), a rear edge
portion (5'', 105'', 205'') and two opposing side edge portions
(5*, 105*, 205*), a container lid (7, 107, 207) being arranged to
close said container opening (5, 105, 205), said container lid
comprising a peripheral portion (15, 115, 215) at a peripheral edge
of said container lid (7, 107, 207), said container lid (7, 107,
207) being joined by a hinged connection (14, 114, 214) to said
container body (2, 102, 202) at said rear edge portion (5'', 105'',
205'') of said container opening (5, 105, 205), and a locking
arrangement (8, 108, 208) for locking said container lid (7, 107,
207) in a closed position at said container opening (5, 105, 205),
characterized in that said locking arrangement (8, 108, 208)
comprises a locking tab (9, 109, 209), said locking tab (9, 109,
209) being permanently joined to said container body (2, 102, 202)
at said front edge portion (5', 105', 205') of said container
opening (5, 105, 205) and/or at said side edge portion (5*, 105*,
205*) of said container opening (5, 105, 205) and having a free end
portion (10, 110, 210) extending upward in said height direction,
said free end portion (10, 110, 210) of said locking tab (9, 109,
209) comprising a first locking element (11, 111, 211), said first
locking element (11, 111, 211) being arranged to mate with a second
locking element (12, 112, 212) on said peripheral portion (15, 115,
215) of said container lid (7, 107, 207) in a locked position of
said locking tab, said locking tab extending parallel with said
container wall in said locked position of said locking tab.
2. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 1,
wherein said peripheral portion (15, 115, 215) of said container
lid (7, 107, 207) is a peripheral flange (15, 115, 215) extending
at a peripheral edge of said container lid (7, 107, 207) downward
towards said container bottom (4, 104, 204) in said height
direction.
3. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein said locking arrangement (1, 108, 208) comprises at least
two locking tabs (9, 109, 209) being permanently joined to said
container body (2, 102, 202).
4. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 3,
wherein said locking arrangement (1, 108, 208) comprises two
locking tabs (9, 109, 209) being permanently joined to said
container body (2, 102, 202) at said front edge portion (5', 105',
205') of said container opening (5, 105, 205) and/or at said
opposing side edge portions (5*, 105*, 205*) of said container
opening (5, 105, 205).
5. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said locking arrangement (8, 108, 208) is
a snap-fit locking arrangement such as a snap-in locking
arrangement or a snap-on locking arrangement.
6. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said locking tab (9, 109, 209) comprises
a hinge portion.
7. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said container (1, 101, 201) comprises an
inner peelable or tearable sealing gastight membrane forming a
cross-sectional seal between an inner compartment (6, 106, 206) in
said container body (2, 102, 202) and said container opening (5,
105, 205).
8. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein an edge rim (13, 113, 213), such as a
plastic rim, is applied to an end edge of said container body (2,
102, 202) being located at said container opening (5, 105,
205).
9. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 8,
wherein said container lid (7, 107, 207) is arranged to engage with
said rim (13, 113, 213) to form a closure on said container (1,
101, 201).
10. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 8 or 9,
wherein said container lid (7, 107, 207) is attached by a hinged
connection (14, 114, 214) to said edge rim (13, 113, 213).
11. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of
claims 8 to 10, wherein said locking tab (9, 109, 209) is arranged
on said rim (13, 113, 213) and is permanently attached to said rim
(13, 113, 213) or is integrally formed with said rim (13, 113,
213).
12. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said locking tab (9, 109, 209) is
provided with a tamper evidence arrangement.
13. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 12,
wherein said tamper evidence arrangement comprises a breakable
connection between said locking tab (9, 109, 209) and said
container body (2, 102, 202).
14. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to claim 13,
wherein said breakable connection between said locking tab (9, 109,
209) and said container body (2, 102, 202) is a connection between
said locking tab (9, 109, 209) and a plastic edge rim (13, 113,
213), which is permanently attached to an end edge of said
container body (2, 102, 202).
15. A packaging container (1, 101, 201) according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said packaging container (1, 101, 201) is
a cuboid or near-cuboid container, said container wall (3, 103,
203) comprising a front wall portion, a rear wall portion and two
side wall portions, said wall portions being connected at container
body edge portions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging container for
bulk solids, the container comprising a container body comprising a
container wall extending from a container bottom to a container
opening in a height direction of the container, the container wall
and the container bottom delimiting an inner compartment, the
container opening having a front edge portion, a rear edge portion
and two opposing side edge portions, a container lid being arranged
to close the container opening, the container lid comprising a
peripheral flange extending at a peripheral edge of the container
lid downward towards the container bottom in the height direction,
the container lid being joined by a hinged connection to the
container body at the rear edge portion of the container opening,
the container lid having an outer lid surface facing away from the
inner compartment and an inner lid surface facing towards the inner
compartment when the container lid is closed, and a locking
arrangement for locking the container lid in a closed position at
the container opening.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Consumer goods, in particular bulk solids, are often
packaged in relatively rigid packaging containers which protect the
bulk solids during transport and storage at the manufacturer and
retailer end and during storage and dispensing at the consumer end.
One of the important factors in the area of the packaging
containers is safe and secure storage of the bulk solids inside the
packaging container both at the retailer end prior to use and the
consumer end between the dispensing occasions. Further, it is
desirable to provide a packaging container which is perceived as
hygienic and reliable by the consumer.
[0003] Hence, there remains a need for a packaging container for
consumer gods in the form of bulk solids, which container provides
an improved protection of the bulk solids during transport, storage
and dispensing, and which is reliable and hygienic.
SUMMARY
[0004] The above objects may be achieved with a packaging container
as disclosed herein.
[0005] As set out herein, there is offered a paperboard packaging
container in accordance with claim 1. Further embodiments are set
out in the dependent claims.
[0006] A packaging container for pulverulent bulk solids according
to the present invention comprises a paperboard container body
having a container wall extending from a container bottom to a
container opening in a height direction of the container. The
container wall and the container bottom delimit an inner
compartment in the packaging container. The container opening has a
front edge portion, a rear edge portion and two opposing side edge
portions. A container lid is arranged to close the container
opening, and comprises a peripheral portion at a peripheral edge of
the container lid. The container lid is joined by a hinged
connection to the container body at the rear edge portion of the
container opening. The container lid has an outer lid surface
facing away from the inner compartment and an inner lid surface
facing towards the inner compartment when the container lid is
closed.
[0007] The packaging container further comprises a locking
arrangement for locking the container lid in a closed position at
the container opening. The locking arrangement comprises a locking
tab being permanently joined to the container body at the front
edge portion and/or at a side edge portion of the container
opening. The locking tab has a free end portion extending in the
height direction of the packaging container. The free end portion
of the locking tab comprises a first locking element being arranged
to mate with a second locking element arranged on the peripheral
portion of the container lid in a locked position of the locking
tab. When the locking tab is in the locked position, the locking
tab extends parallel with the container wall.
[0008] The peripheral portion of the lid may be a peripheral flange
or a side wall extending at the peripheral edge of the container
lid downward towards the container bottom in the height direction.
The peripheral flange or side wall may extend as a continuous
structure around the periphery of the container lid or may extend
only along a portion of the periphery of the container lid.
[0009] The container body of the packaging container of the present
invention may be formed from any suitable material, such as
plastics, metal or paperboard sheet material.
[0010] A locking tab, as used herein and as shown in the appended
drawings is a generally flat element, i.e. an element having its
main extension in a plane and having a thickness perpendicular to
the plane which is considerably smaller than the planar extension.
A flat element may also be referred to as a "two-dimensional" or
"sheet-shaped" element. As set out herein, a locking tab may have
any suitable shape in the plane, including simple geometrical
shapes such as rectangular, oval, circular, triangular, etc. as
well as complex shapes such as a drop-shape, leaf-shape,
flower-shape, etc. The locking tab may be made of a resiliently
flexible material and may act as a leaf spring when opening and
closing the locking tab and/or may be provided with a designated
hinge portion to facilitate movement of the locking tab between an
open position and a locked position, also referred to as a closed
position. A designated hinge portion may e.g. be formed as a live
hinge in the locking tab material, as set out herein.
[0011] The locking tabs disclosed herein offer the advantage of
closely conforming to the outer shape of the packaging container
when the locking tab is in the closed position with the first
locking element on the locking tab mating with the second locking
element on the peripheral portion of the container lid. When in the
closed position, the generally two-dimensional plate-shaped locking
tab extends parallel with the container wall and has no practical
influence on the outer shape of the packaging container. As the
thickness of the locking tab is small, and may be in the order of
0.5-2.5 mm the closed locking flap does not build outwardly on the
container wall to any appreciable extent, whereby the disposable
packaging containers disclosed herein can be packed and stacked for
transport and storage in a space-saving and efficient manner. As
set out herein, any negative influence of the locking tab on the
outer contour of the packaging container may be further reduced by
arranging the locking tab in a recess such that the locking tab is
inset from the outer wall of the packaging container. The recess
may be arranged to shield the locking tab and prevent the free end
edge of the locking tab from being inadvertently brought to the
open position. The recess may be formed in any or all of the
container wall, an edge rim, and the lid.
[0012] The locking tabs as disclosed herein may be made from any
suitable material, such as polymeric materials, with thermoplastic
polymeric materials being generally preferred. The locking tabs may
be provided as a separate pre-shaped element which is permanently
attached to the container body wall or to an edge rim by adhesive
or by welding or may be provided as an integral part of an edge rim
e.g. by injection molding. As set out herein, a locking tab may be
provided with features facilitating handling such as friction
enhancing elements, one or more grip facilitating aberrations such
as knobs, ridges, recesses, etc. As used herein, the term
"paperboard packaging container" means a container wherein at least
the container body is formed from paperboard sheet material. By a
paperboard material as used herein is implied a sheet material
which is predominantly made from paper fibers. The paperboard
material may be a single ply or multi ply material and may be a
laminate comprising one or more layers of other materials such as
polymeric materials, metal, etc. The paperboard material may be
coated, printed, embossed, etc. and may comprise fillers, pigments,
binders and other additives as known in the art. The paperboard
materials as disclosed herein may also be referred to as cardboard
or carton materials.
[0013] A paperboard container may be formed in any manner known in
the art, e.g. by bending the paperboard sheet material into a
tubular shape and longitudinally closing the tube by joining
overlapping or abutting side edges of the sheet material. The joint
between the side edges may be covered by a sealing strip. The
container bottom may be formed from a separate bottom plate which
is attached at one end of the container body cylinder or may be
formed by folding an end portion of the container body tube.
[0014] The container body may have any shape suitable for the
purpose, such as a cube, a cuboid, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal
prism, a cylinder, an elliptic cylinder or the like. Preferably,
the packaging container is a cuboid container.
[0015] As used herein, the term cuboid refers to a polyhedron
having rectangular or generally rectangular faces. A cuboid
packaging container may have rounded or beveled edges. Although
details of a cuboid packaging such as a lid, a rim, corner
portions, locking members, etc. may cause the shape of the
packaging container to deviate from a perfect rectangular cuboid
shape, the overall impression of the container shape is that of a
rectangular cuboid.
[0016] The container wall of the packaging container may comprise a
front wall portion, a rear wall portion and two side wall portions,
wherein the wall portions are connected at container body edge
portions. The front wall portion may have an outwardly curved
shape. Thus, the container body may have a generally D-shaped
cross-section. The outwardly curved front wall portion has the
advantage of providing a relatively large and perceptible surface
that may be used for a display function, e.g. for printing brand
names, illustrations or instructions. Moreover, the container body
having a generally D-shaped cross-section is space-saving, since it
may be positioned close up to e.g. a kitchen wall or a cupboard
wall.
[0017] The corner portions of the packaging container may be curved
corner portions.
[0018] As used herein, an "edge portion" is a section of the edge
of the container opening, which section may be a straight, broken
or curved line, depending on the cross-sectional shape of the
container opening. The cross-sectional shape of the container
opening depends on the shape of the container body, as described
above. Thus, the container opening may be square, rectangular,
D-shaped, pentagonal, hexagonal, circular, oval, etc.
[0019] As used in the context of the present application, two items
being "joined" to each other are either attached to each other
directly, or are connected to each other indirectly, i.e. via an
intermediate item. By way of example, the locking tab may be
directly attached to the container body or may be indirectly
attached to the container body e.g. by means of being directly
attached to an edge rim which, in turn, is directly attached to the
container body around the opening edge.
[0020] As used in the context of the present application, two items
being "permanently attached" to each other cannot be separated
without damaging or breaking one or both of the items.
[0021] One of the advantages of the packaging container according
to the present invention is the fact that for accessing the inner
compartment of the packaging container, the first and the second
locking elements of the locking arrangement are first disengaged
allowing the locking tab to be opened in a direction away from the
edge portion at which the locking tab is arranged, i.e. away from
the front edge portion or the side edge portion. Thereafter, the
container lid is opened in a direction towards the rear edge
portion, at which the container lid hinge is arranged. Thus,
opening of the locking tab or locking tabs, and the subsequent
opening of the container lid will be performed sequentially in two
different steps, and in two different directions. If the locking
tab is placed at the front edge portion of the container opening,
opening of the lid will take place in the opposite direction from
the locking tab opening direction and if the locking tab is placed
at a side edge portion of the container opening, opening of the lid
will take place in a direction perpendicular to the opening
direction of the locking tab. In this way, the risk that the
packaging container is unintentionally opened is minimized, as
opening of the packaging container requires two distinct opening
operations to be performed. First a user has to release the locking
tab by moving it in a first opening direction, whereafter the
container lid may be opened by moving it in a second opening
direction which is different from the first opening direction. Such
an opening pattern provides a packaging container which is
perceived by users as being of high quality and which provides an
extremely secure and tight closure of the packaging container.
[0022] The bulk solids as disclosed herein may be pulverulent
consumer goods, including alimentary or consumable products such as
infant formula, tea, coffee, cocoa, sugar, flour, tobacco, etc., as
well as house-hold chemicals such as detergents and dishwasher
powder. The pulverulent products which are suitable for packaging
in the packaging containers as disclosed herein are flowable, which
means that a desired amount of the product may be poured or scooped
out of the packaging container.
[0023] By a pulverulent material as used herein is implied any
material in the form of particles, granules, grinds, plant
fragments, etc.
[0024] The locking arrangement of the present invention may
comprise one or several locking tabs, such as 2-10 locking tabs,
arranged at the front edge portion and/or opposing side edge
portions of the container opening. When the locking arrangement
comprises only one locking tab, the locking tab is preferably
joined to the container body at the front edge portion, such that
the opening of the locking tab and the subsequent opening of the
container lid are performed in opposite directions. The locking
arrangement may comprise two or more locking tabs arranged at the
front edge portion of the container opening for providing
additional security to the locking arrangement. Alternatively, or
in addition to one or more locking tab placed at the front edge
portion, the locking arrangement may comprise one or more locking
tabs arranged at one or both of the side edge portions of the
container opening. If a locking tab is arranged at a side edge
portion of the container opening, the locking tabs will be opened
in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the
container lid is opened.
[0025] The locking arrangement of the present invention provides a
packaging container showing a superior security compared to the
containers previously known in the art. As the locking tab and the
lid are opened in two distinct opening steps carried out in
different directions, the locking arrangement as disclosed herein
considerably reduces the risk that the container lid is opened,
even if the locking tab is released by mistake. By way of example,
the risk that the container becomes opened when the container is
accidentally dropped, turned upside down, or when the user needs to
transport the container between dispensing occasions is much less
than for conventional locking arrangements relying on a locking tab
which is opened in the same direction as the opening direction for
the container lid. Accordingly, the locking arrangement as
disclosed herein provides the advantage of more securely keeping
the container lid in the closed position, thus preventing
unintentional opening of the lid and spilling of the contents of
the container.
[0026] Further, the locking arrangement may contribute to providing
a tight sealing between the lid and the container body, which keeps
air and/or moisture sensitive bulk solids that may be contained in
the inner compartment of the container from contact with the
ambient air, thus preserving the bulk solids for a longer period of
time.
[0027] Moreover, the locking arrangement as disclosed herein
provides a higher level of child safety than a conventional locking
arrangement which is opened in the same direction as the container
lid. The two-step locking arrangement as disclosed herein, requires
more manipulation to open the container and generally requires that
the person opening the container shifts the grip of the hand which
is used to open the container.
[0028] The locking arrangement may be a snap-fit locking
arrangement such as a snap-in locking arrangement or a snap-on
locking arrangement.
[0029] By "snap-fit" is meant a locking arrangement in the form of
a mechanical joint system where part-to-part attachment is
accomplished by means of a constraint member and a flexible or
resilient locking member. Joining requires the locking member to
reversibly deform for engagement with the mating constraint member,
followed by return of the locking member toward its original
configuration to accomplish the interference required to latch the
locking member and the constraint member together.
[0030] In the snap-in locking arrangement the locking member may be
in the form of one or more flexible male members such as flexible
hooks or other protruding locking members such as knobs or ridges
that are inserted into one or more corresponding female receiving
members. A female receiving member may e.g. take the form of an
opening, a cavity, a grove, an eye, etc. When the snap-in locking
arrangement is closed, the male locking members are anchored in the
female receiving members. The male locking member may be the first
locking element or the second locking element according to the
above.
[0031] The locking arrangement may be a hook and eye locking
arrangement, wherein the hook is inserted into the eye when the lid
is in the closed position. Analogous to the above, the hook may be
the first locking element or the second locking element.
[0032] A hook and eye locking arrangement may be on a macro scale
with a single hook element and a corresponding eye or loop or may
be on a micro scale with one of the locking elements being in the
form of a hook material carrying multiple male engagement elements
and the other locking element being in the form of a loop
material.
[0033] In should be noted that it is conceivable to use other kinds
of locking arrangements together with the packaging container of
the present invention. Thus, the locking arrangement may comprise
magnets, or may comprise ridges, or knobs which are arranged to
mate with grooves or cavities.
[0034] As disclosed herein, the locking arrangement is placed at
the periphery of the lid, which means that the locking arrangement
is placed at a side of the lid and of the container body with no
portion of the locking arrangement extending in over the upper lid
surface. In this manner, a packaging container as disclosed herein
may have a large upper lid surface available for display purposes.
An upper lid surface without irregularities is also beneficial for
reasons of stackability. For this reason, it is also generally
preferred that no portion of the locking tab protrudes in the
height direction above an upper edge of the container.
[0035] The locking elements are preferably designed to allow
repeated opening and closing of the locking arrangement.
Manipulation of the locking arrangement may be facilitated by means
of gripping devices such as finger grips, friction enhancing
elements, etc.
[0036] The locking tab may comprise a hinge portion in order to
facilitate closing of the locking means. Such a hinge portion may
be advantageous when the locking tab is manufactured from a rigid
material, which may be difficult to bend when the locking
arrangement is about to be brought into the closed position. The
hinge may be a live hinge, i.e. a bendable connection between two
parts of the locking tab. A live hinge may be formed integrally
with the parts of the locking tab, or may be a separately formed
element which is attached to the parts of the locking tab.
Alternatively, the hinge may be a two-part hinge, with a first
hinge part arranged on the first part of the locking tab, and a
second hinge part arranged on the second part of the locking
tab.
[0037] The packaging container may comprise an inner peelable or
tearable sealing membrane forming a cross-sectional seal between
the inner compartment in the container body and the container
opening.
[0038] By a "peelable or tearable sealing membrane" is meant a
membrane that may be removed by a user in order to provide access
to the inner compartment of the packaging unit either by breaking
the joint between the sealing membrane and the inner surface of the
container wall, or by breaking the sealing membrane itself.
[0039] The peelable or tearable sealing membrane may be gastight or
gas-permeable. A gastight membrane may be manufactured from any
material suitable for providing a gastight sealing of a compartment
delimited by the sealing membrane, such as aluminium foil,
silicon-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. A
gastight membrane may be particularly useful when the bulk solids
stored in the packaging container are sensitive to air and/or
moisture, and it is desirable to avoid contact between the bulk
solids and the ambient air prior to opening of the packaging
container.
[0040] A rim, such as a plastic rim, may be applied to the edge of
the container opening. The rim may extend around the full periphery
of the container opening and may be affixed to the container body
along the opening edge e.g. by adhesive.
[0041] The container lid may be arranged to engage with the rim.
The closure between the container lid and the rim is preferably
liquid-tight and may also be gastight or at least substantially gas
tight. A tight closure between the container lid and the rim may be
accomplished by mating contours on the lid and on the rim and may
include snap-fit features such as interengaging ridges and tracks,
protrusions and holes/cavities, etc. Further, a sealing material,
such as rubber or silicone, may be arranged at the periphery of the
rim and/or the lid.
[0042] The container lid is attached to the container body or to
the rim by means of a hinge at the rear edge portion of the
container opening. The hinge may be a live hinge, i.e. a bendable
connection between the lid and the container body or between the
lid and the rim. A live hinge may be formed integrally with the lid
and/or a rim or upper rear edge portion of a container body or may
be a separately formed element which is attached to the container
lid and to the container body or rim. Alternatively, the hinge may
be a two-part hinge, with a first hinge part arranged on the
container lid and a second hinge part arranged on the container
body or on a rim.
[0043] The locking tab may be arranged on the rim instead of being
directly attached to the container body. The locking tab may be
permanently attached to the rim or may be integrally formed with
the rim.
[0044] The locking tab may be provided with a tamper evidence
arrangement. The tamper evidence arrangement may comprise a
breakable connection between the locking tab and the container
body. By a "breakable connection" as used herein is meant a
connection which can be broken or ruptured by manual force. The
breakable connection is destroyed when it is broken and cannot be
restored. The breakable connection may be provided as one or more
neck portions between the connected parts, as one or more welds,
glue dots, bridging strips, etc. Breakable connections may also be
in the form of tear lines between the connected parts, such as a
line of perforations, a thinned line, or a partial cut through a
material from which the connected parts are formed.
[0045] The breakable connection between the locking tab and the
container body is arranged to break when the locking tab is opened
for the first time. It may be preferred that the locking tab is
provided with at least two breakable connections to the container
body, such as with 2-10 breakable connections. By way of example
breakable connections may be arranged along opposite side edges of
the locking tab. It may be preferred that at least one pair of
breakable connections are arranged opposite each other at opposite
side edges of the locking tab.
[0046] The at least one breakable connection between the locking
tab and the container body may be a connection between the locking
tab and a plastic edge rim, which has been permanently attached to
an end edge of the container body. A breakable connection of this
kind may be formed simultaneously with forming the locking tab and
the edge rim, e.g. in an injection molding process, or may be
formed separately. In the latter case, the connection may be formed
in any suitable manner such as by welding, by gluing, by a
connection member, etc.
[0047] The packaging container may comprise print and/or a relief
pattern in order to provide logos, brand names, informative
illustrations or eye-catching pictures or text. The print and/or
relief pattern may be arranged on the outer or the inner surface of
the packaging container, on the lid, on the sealing membrane, or
any combinations thereof.
[0048] The outer lid surface may comprise a slanted lid surface,
such that the outer lid surface and the slanted lid surface each
has a projected surface in the plane of the opening. The projected
surface of the slanted lid surface may constitute 40%-100% of the
projected surface of the outer lid surface. The slanted lid surface
is slanted such that when the container lid is in a closed position
at the container opening, a front end edge of the slanted lid
surface is located lower than a rear end edge of the slanted lid
surface in the height direction of the container.
[0049] Accordingly, the slanted portion of the outer lid surface is
slanted in a downward direction from the rear of the packaging
container towards the front of the packaging container, implying
that the lid has a greater thickness at the rear rim than at the
front rim. The slanted lid surface on the packaging container
provides the container with an increased display surface,
especially when the packaging container is viewed from the front of
the container. In addition, the slanted lid surface gives the
packaging container a distinctive shape and appearance allowing a
user to quickly and easily identify the packaging container
visually or by touching it and to distinguish it from other
packaging containers, e.g. on a shop shelf or when placed in a
cupboard.
[0050] The slanted lid surface on the packaging container as
disclosed herein may be planar or generally planar. A planar or
generally planar slanted surface may be preferred for displaying
printed graphics such as printed information and/or decorative
patterns, logotypes, or the like, as mentioned above. Such printed
graphics may be applied directly to the outer lid surface or may be
printed on a label which is attached to the outer lid surface.
[0051] Furthermore, the outer lid surface may have a decorative
and/or informative relief pattern formed in the lid itself and may
be provided with any useful combination of printed graphics and
relief patterns.
[0052] The slanted lid surface of the packaging container as
disclosed herein may be arranged at an angle of slant to the plane
of the container opening of from 2.degree. to 25.degree., such as
from 3.degree. to 20.degree., from 4.degree. to 15.degree. or from
5.degree. to 10.degree..
[0053] The slant angle is preferably selected to be relatively
small, so that the packaging container is perceived as having a
generally cuboid shape. A cuboid shape may be optimal for efficient
transport and storage of the packaged goods, as mentioned above. A
small slant angle is also desirable for making the packaging
containers as disclosed herein stackable.
[0054] The packaging container as disclosed herein may comprise
mating stacking members for allowing two or more of the packaging
containers to be arranged in a stacked configuration. The mating
stacking members are arranged at the container bottom and at the
container opening. A stacking member or stacking members at the
container opening may be arranged on the container lid and/or on a
rim surrounding the opening in the packaging container. The
container lids may be provided with mating stacking members
arranged on the outer lid surface and on the inner lid surface of
each lid, making the lids separately stackable before being applied
to a packaging container, e.g. in a process for producing the
packaging containers as disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The present invention will be further explained hereinafter
by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the
appended drawings wherein:
[0056] FIG. 1A shows a packaging container of the present invention
comprising a locking arrangement according to the invention;
[0057] FIG. 1B shows a detail of the locking arrangement in FIG.
1A;
[0058] FIG. 2A depicts a cross-section of the packaging container
shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane II-II;
[0059] FIG. 2B-2F show different embodiments of locking
elements;
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a packaging container of the present invention
comprising two locking tabs;
[0061] FIG. 4 shows the packaging container of FIG. 1A when the lid
is open;
[0062] FIG. 5 shows a rim and a container lid to be used with a
packaging container according to the present invention;
[0063] FIGS. 6A-6B show different shapes of the container body;
and
[0064] FIG. 7 shows a packaging container comprising a slanted
lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and
that individual components, such as layers of material are not
necessarily drawn to scale. The packaging containers and locking
arrangements shown in the figures are provided as examples only and
should not be considered limiting the invention. Accordingly, the
scope of the invention is determined solely by the appended claims.
A height direction of a packaging container as disclosed herein is
the vertical direction of the packaging container when standing
with its bottom placed on a horizontal surface. Accordingly, the
height direction is perpendicular to the horizontal direction which
may also be referred to as the transverse direction of the
packaging container.
[0066] FIGS. 1A, and 4 illustrate a packaging container 1 for bulk
solids. The locking arrangement of the packaging container in FIG.
1A differs somewhat from the locking arrangement of the packaging
container in FIG. 4. The packaging container 1 shown in FIGS. 1A
and 4 comprises a container body 2 having a container wall 3
extending from a container bottom 4 to a container opening 5 in a
height direction of the container 1. The container opening 5
comprises a front edge portion 5', a rear edge portion 5'', and two
opposing side edge portions 5*. The container wall 3 and the
container bottom 4 delimit an inner compartment 6 of the packaging
container 1. A container lid 7 is arranged to close the container
opening 5, and has a peripheral flange 15 extending centrally from
a front peripheral edge portion 16 of the container lid 7 downward
towards the container bottom 4 in the height direction of the
packaging container 1. The container lid 7 is joined by a hinged
connection 14 to the container body 2 at the rear edge portion 5''
of the container opening 5. The connection between the container
lid 7 and the container body 2 is an indirect connection in that
the lid 7 is hingedly joined to an edge rim 13 which is attached
around the container opening 5.
[0067] The container lid 7 has an outer lid surface 7' facing away
from the inner compartment 6 and an inner lid surface 7'' facing
towards the inner compartment 6 when the container lid 7 is closed.
The packaging container 1 further comprises a locking arrangement 8
for locking the container lid 7 in a closed position at the
container opening 5. The locking arrangement 8 which is depicted in
FIG. 1A and in FIG. 1 B comprises one locking tab 9 which is
permanently joined to the container body 2 at the front edge
portion 5' of the container opening 5.
[0068] The locking tab 9 has a free end portion 10 extending
upwards in the height direction of the container 1. The free end
portion 10 of the locking tab 9 is shown in FIG. 1 to terminate in
the plane of the container lid 7 with an edge grip in the form of a
small flange 19 along the free end portion 10 of the locking tab 9.
As set out herein, for reasons of stackability, it is generally
preferred that the edge portions of the upper surface of the
container be without irregularities such as a protruding part of
the locking tab. However, a small gripping tab or ridge on the
locking tab which protrudes above the upper surface of the
container lid 7 may be compensated for by arranging one or more
stacking members which protrude past the locking tab in the height
direction. By way of example only, and with reference to FIG. 1,
the edge rim 13 may serve as a stacking member and may be arranged
to protrude beyond the free end portion 10 of the locking tab
9.
[0069] In the shown example, the locking tab 9 is formed as an
integral part of the edge rim 13 and is joined to the container
body 2 together with the edge rim 13. The locking tab 9 is shown to
be of generally rectangular shape and to be arranged in a frame 20
which is formed in the edge rim 13 and is placed at the front of
the packaging container 1. The join between the edge rim 13 and the
locking tab 9 is constituted by a live hinge 21 placed opposite the
free end portion 10 of the locking tab 9. It is to be understood
that the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 1 with the locking
tab being arranged in a frame on an edge rim should not be
considered limiting to the invention. Accordingly, the locking tab
9 may alternatively be separately formed and/or be arranged on the
edge rim 13 in the manner shown in FIG. 4 or may be directly
attached to the container body 2. Furthermore, the locking tab 9
need not have a well-defined hinge 21, as shown in FIGS. 1A and
FIG. 1B. Instead, the locking tab may be made of a material which
is sufficiently flexible to allow the locking tab to be bent by
manual force. The shape of the locking tab may be different from
the shapes shown in the figures. Accordingly, the locking tab may
have any suitable shape including simple geometrical shapes such as
oval, circular, triangular, etc. as well as complex shapes such as
drop-shape, leaf-shape, flower-shape, etc.
[0070] The free end portion 10 of the locking tab 9 comprises a
first locking element 11 which is configured to mate with a second
locking element 12 which is arranged on the peripheral flange 15 of
the container lid 7. For reasons of stackability the shown
arrangement wherein the locking tab 9 does not extend past the
upper edge of the container lid 7 may be preferred. However, as set
out above, it is not excluded that a small portion of the locking
tab 9 may protrude above the outer surface of the container lid
7.
[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the locking arrangement
may be provided with a tamper evidence arrangement such as two
breakable connections 22 which are arranged between the locking tab
9 and the frame 20 in the edge rim 13. The breakable connections 22
are shown to be arranged opposite each other at the side edges of
the locking tab 9. Such symmetrical configuration of breakable
connections may be preferred as it provides for a more even force
distribution when pulling at the locking tab. However, a
symmetrical configuration of two or more breakable connections may
not always be desired or even possible to accomplish if the locking
tab itself has a non-symmetrical configuration.
[0072] As set out herein, two or more pairs of breakable
connections may be arranged opposite each other at opposite side
edges of the locking tab.
[0073] The breakable connections shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be
formed simultaneously with forming the locking tab 9 and the edge
rim 13, e.g. in an injection molding process, or may be formed
separately. In the latter case, the connection may be formed in any
suitable manner such as by welding, by gluing, by a connection
member, etc.
[0074] When the locking tab is formed as a separate component which
is attached to an edge rim or directly to the container body, one
or more breakable connections between the locking tab may be formed
in any suitable manner such as by welding, by gluing, by a
connection member, etc.
[0075] The breakable connections 22 between the locking tab 9 and
the container body 2 are optional features of the invention and may
be omitted.
[0076] As mentioned above, when the user wishes to access the inner
compartment 6 of the packaging container 1, the first and the
second locking elements 11, 12 of the locking arrangement 8 are
disengaged and the locking tab 9 is opened by moving the free end
portion 10 in a direction A as indicated in FIG. 1A, i.e. away from
the front edge portion 5' at which the locking tab 9 is arranged.
At the same time as the locking elements 11, 12 are disengaged for
the first time, the breakable connections 22 between the locking
tab 9 and the edge rim 13 on the container body 2 are broken, as is
illustrated in FIG. 1B. Then, the container lid 7 is opened in a
direction B indicated in FIG. 1A towards the rear edge portion 5'',
at which the container lid 7 is arranged. Thus, the opening of the
locking tab 9 and the subsequent opening of the container lid 7
constitute two different and distinct opening steps which are
performed sequentially by moving the locking tab 9 and the lid 7 in
opposite directions. The risk of unintentional opening of the
container lid is thus minimized, as set out herein.
[0077] As the locking arrangements disclosed herein require two
separate manipulations to be carried out in different directions,
the likelihood is considerably increased that the container lid
remains in the closed position even if the locking tab has
mistakenly been disengaged from the container lid. Accordingly, the
risk of unintentional opening of the lid and spilling of the
contents of the container in case the container is accidentally
dropped, turned upside down or when the user needs to transport the
container 1 between dispensing occasions is reduced in a container
provided with a locking arrangement as disclosed herein. Further,
the locking arrangement contributes to providing a tight sealing
between the lid and the container body, which keeps the air and/or
moisture sensitive bulk solids that may be contained in the inner
compartment of the container away from contact with the ambient
air, thus preserving the bulk solids for a longer period of time.
The locking arrangements 8 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B and FIG. 4 are
snap-in locking arrangements, allowing repeated opening and closing
of the locking arrangements 8.
[0078] Alternative locking arrangements for the packaging container
shown in FIG. 1A are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2A-2F, which
are cross-sectional views of the packaging container shown in FIG.
1A taken along the plane II-II. As may be seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D,
the first locking element 11 which is arranged at the free end
portion 10 of the locking tab 9 may be in the form of a flexible
protrusion, and the second locking element 12 which is arranged on
the peripheral flange 15 of the container lid 7 is in the form of
an indentation. The indentation or second locking element 12 is
shaped and configured such that it can retain the flexible
protrusion on the locking tab 9 in the indentation and such that
the flexible protrusion can be repeatedly received in the
indentation and released therefrom in order to close and open the
locking tab 9. Accordingly, when the lid 7 is locked in its closed
position by means of the locking arrangement 8, the first locking
element 11 is anchored in the second locking element 12. Further,
as seen in FIG. 2B, the first locking element 11 may be in the form
of an aperture, while the second locking element 12 may be in the
form of a protrusion. Also, other embodiments of the locking
elements 11, 12 are conceivable. Thus, FIG. 2E depicts locking
elements 11, 12 in the form of hook-and-loop, while FIG. 2F shows
locking elements 11, 12 in the form of magnets.
[0079] The packaging container 101 shown in FIG. 3 comprises two
locking tabs 109, which are permanently attached to the container
body 102 at the opposing side edge portions 105* of the container
opening 105. The locking tabs 109 are provided with first locking
elements 111 which are configured to mate with corresponding second
locking elements 112 arranged on a peripheral flange 115. The FIG.
3 packaging container 201 is provided with a peripheral flange 115
extending downwardly in the height direction of the packaging
container around the full periphery of the container lid 107.
Analogous to the above, when the user wishes to access the inner
compartment 106 of the packaging container 101, the first and the
second locking elements 111, 112 of the locking arrangement 108 are
disengaged and the locking tabs 109 are opened in a first direction
A as indicated in FIG. 3, i.e. away from the opposing side edge
portions 105* at which the locking tabs 109 are arranged. Then, the
container lid 107 is opened in a second direction B, perpendicular
to the first direction A, towards the rear edge portion 105'', at
which the container lid 107 is arranged. Hence, the opening of the
locking tabs 109 and the subsequent opening of the container lid
107 is performed in two different steps and in perpendicular
directions, thus minimizing the risk of unintentional opening of
the container lid 107. The first and second locking elements 111,
112 shown in FIG. 3 are attracting magnets. However, it is to be
understood that any other type of locking elements may be used
instead, as set out above.
[0080] A lid component comprising a rim 13 and a container lid 7
connected by a hinge 14 is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. The rim 13 is
applied to the edge of the container opening 5. The rim 13 extends
around the full periphery of the container opening 5 and is affixed
to the container body 2 along the opening edge.
[0081] The container lid 7 has a circumferentially extending
peripheral flange 15 and is arranged to engage with the rim 13. The
closure between the container lid 7 and the rim 13 is preferably
liquid-tight and may also be gastight or at least substantially gas
tight. A tight closure between the container lid 7 and the rim 13
is accomplished by mating contours on the lid 7 and on the rim 13,
as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0082] The container lid 7 is attached to the rim 13 by means of an
integral live hinge 14. The locking tab 9 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5
to be indirectly attached to the container body 2 by being arranged
on the rim 13 instead of being directly attached to the container
body 2. The locking tab 9 may be integrally formed with the rim 13,
but may alternatively be separately formed and permanently attached
to the rim 13 such as by welding or by adhesive.
[0083] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate different shapes of the container
body 2. In FIG. 6A, the front wall portion and the rear wall
portion of the container body have an outwardly curved shape with a
radius of curvature of 150 mm, while the side wall portions are
substantially planar. The corner portions of the container body
shown in FIG. 6A have a radius of curvature of 20 mm.
[0084] In FIG. 6B a container body having a generally D-shaped
cross-section is depicted. The front wall portion has an outwardly
curved shape, while the side wall portions and the rear wall
portion are substantially planar. The corner portions adjacent to
the front wall portion have a radius of curvature of 25 mm, while
the other two corner portions have a radius of curvature of 20 mm.
The advantages of a packaging container having a container body
with a D-shaped cross-section have been mentioned above.
[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates a packaging container 201 comprising a
slanted lid 207. The container lid 207 has a front lid edge 217'
which is adapted to be positioned at a front edge of the container
opening 205 and a rear lid edge 217'' which is adapted to be
positioned at a rear edge of the container opening 205. Further,
the container lid 207 comprises two side lid edges 217* which are
adapted to be positioned at corresponding side edges of the
container opening 205 such that the outer lid surface 207' is
delimited by the lid edges 217', 217'', 217*. A peripheral flange
215 extending downwardly in the height direction of the packaging
container 201 is arranged at the front lid edge 217' and is
provided with a second locking element 212 cooperating with a first
locking element 211 provided on a locking tab 209 which is attached
to the container body 202. A recess 218 is arranged in the
peripheral flange 215 to facilitate gripping of the free end
portion 210 of the locking tab 209 when disengaging the locking tab
209 from the peripheral flange 215.
[0086] The outer lid surface 207' comprise a slanted lid surface
207*, such that the outer lid surface 207' and the slanted lid
surface 207* each has a projected surface in the plane of the
container opening. The projected surface of the slanted lid surface
207* constitutes 95% of the projected surface of the outer lid
surface 207'. The slanted lid surface 207* is slanted such that
when the container lid 207 is in a closed position at the container
opening 205, a front end edge 217' of the slanted lid surface 207*
is located lower than a rear end edge 217'' of the slanted lid
surface 207* in the height direction of the container 201.
Accordingly, the slanted portion of the outer lid surface 207' is
slanted in a downward direction from the rear of the packaging
container 201 towards the front of the packaging container 201,
thus providing the container 201 with an increased display surface,
especially when the packaging container 201 is viewed from the
front of the container 201. The slant angle of the lid 207 shown in
FIG. 7 is relatively small, so that the packaging container 201 is
perceived as having a generally cuboid shape. A cuboid shape may be
optimal for efficient transport and storage of the packaged goods,
as mentioned above. A small slant angle is also desirable for
making the packaging containers as disclosed herein stackable.
[0087] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognise that changes may be made without departing from the scope
of the invention. It is intended that the detailed description be
regarded as illustrative and that the appended claims including all
the equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention.
In particular, it is to be understood that the locking arrangements
shown in the figures may be freely combined with features of the
disclosed packaging containers such as an upper rim attached to the
body of the packaging container, a slanted lid, a lid flange
extending along only a part of the peripheral edge of the lid as
shown in FIGS. 1A and 7 or a lid flange extending all the way along
the peripheral edge of the lid as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The shown
packaging containers may be provided with more than one locking
arrangement arranged along the same portion of the container
opening edge. Furthermore, any combination of locking arrangements
as disclosed herein may be used, such as one or more locking
arrangements placed at a front edge portion of the container
opening in combination with one or more locking arrangements placed
at one or two side edge portions of the container opening. The free
end portion of the locking tab as disclosed herein may be provided
with a gripping member such as the curve shaped end portion shown
in FIG. 7 or the gripping ridge shown in FIG. 1A.
* * * * *