CONTAINER, PACKAGE, AND PROCESS OF MAKING

Abstract

A container including a storage configured for housing a product and defining a passage opening, a closing system configurable between a closed condition and opening condition of the storage, and a safety device associated with the closing system and with the storage configured for defining a safety condition wherein the same device prevents the closing system from passing from the closed condition to the open one. The container includes a passage configured for enabling the insertion of at least one opening device adapted to enable the passage of the closing system from the closed condition to the open one. The opening device includes an unpleasant taste material, at least partly defining an external surface of the same opening device, and configured for preventing the ingestion of said opening device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Italian Patent Application No. 102017000075652, filed Jul. 5, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a container, a package, and processes for making the container and package. In particular, the container and the package are suitable for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. The container and the package may have application in the food field for packaging foods and confectionary products as well as in the cigar and cigarette field. The container and the package can be applied in all those fields which require, for safety reasons, preventing the opening by children.

BACKGROUND

Packages are available on the market that are employed for containing a vast range of products, such as: drugs, cosmetics, food products (e.g. confectionary products), cigars and cigarettes. Generally, such packages include a container made of paper material with box-like shape having two accesses that are longitudinally opposite each other. At each access, the container comprises a tongue movable between an open condition, in which the tongue is spaced from the access, and a closed condition, in which the tongue is inserted in the container and obstructs the access.

The container can include one or more packs—insertable and extractable from the container—within which the products are arranged (the pack can for example include a blister beating a plurality of products of pharmaceutical type); the products are alternatively housed directly in the container without pack.

The known packages are easily openable by children, who can thus come into contact with elements that are potentially harmful for them. It also must be indicated that such known packages enable the total extraction of the product from the container (e.g. blisters for containing drugs, plastic tubes for cosmetics, etcetera): once the product is extracted, there can be the risk that the same be forgotten/left outside the container, with the consequent risk that children can come into contact with elements that are potentially harmful for them.

Further known packages include a casing made of paper material, within which a plastic tray is housed which at its interior constrains one or more blisters intended to contain a plurality of products therein. The casing has a classic opening and closing mechanism (movable L-shaped tongue which is useless in the container).

Unlike the preceding solutions, such package has, at opposite longitudinal lateral walls of the container, two slits arranged along a diagonal of the casing itself. The tray comprises two projections adapted to be inserted in the respective slits of the casing: in the condition in which the tray is housed in the casing, the engagement of the projections with the slits prevents the extraction of the same tray by means of an action of only pulling thereof. If it is desired to extract the tray from the container, it is necessary to press on the projections to push them towards the interior of the container and cause the disengagement thereof from the slits.

The latter solution has an opening mechanism that requires a complex manipulation of the container, a condition that makes it difficult for children to open the same.

However, even the just-described container does not lack limitations and drawbacks. Indeed, it should be indicated that the structure of the container is rather complex, a condition that negatively affects the production and product costs: in order to be able to correctly function, the container in fact requires the shaped tray made of plastic material. In addition, the structure of the tray requires a substantial modification of the already-existing packaging plants, employed for making packages of standard type; such modification requires the insertion of a new closure line, the addition of suitable machinery for forming the tray with considerable increase of the processing costs and hence costs of the final product.

SUMMARY

An object is therefore that of substantially resolving at least one of the drawbacks and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.

A first objective is to provide a container having a simple and compact structure which simultaneously can: effectively prevent the access to children, prevent the total extraction of the products housed at its interior and which reduces the risk that a child can ingest parts of the container itself.

Another object is to provide a child-resistant container having a stable structure capable of ensuring its own integrity following multiple opening and closing operations of the container itself. A further objective is to provide a relative container that can be quickly made with low production costs. In particular, an object of the finding is to make a container that does not require modifying the already-existing plants employed for making packages of standard type, in order to adapt them for making the container.

Another object is to provide a process for making a container that is quick and highly flexible which can thus reduce the production costs to a minimum.

An additional objective is to attain a container that can clearly indicate a possible tampering at a first opening of the container itself, even for blind people.

These objects and still others, which will be clearer from the following description, are substantially attained by a container and a relative production process in accordance with that expressed in one or more of the enclosed claims and/or of the following aspects, taken separately or in any one combination with each other or in combination with any one of the enclosed claims and/or in combination with any one of the further aspects or characteristics described hereinbelow.

In a 1st aspect a container (1) is provided, said container including:

• • a storage (2), optionally made of sheet material, defining an internal volume (3) configured for housing a product, the storage (2) having a predetermined number of lateral walls (4) defining at least one passage opening (5) configured for putting in communication the internal volume (3) of the storage (2) with the external environment,
  • a closing system (7) configured for defining at least one closed condition in which the system itself interdicts the communication between the internal volume (3) of the storage (2) and the external environment, the closing system (7) also being configured for defining an open condition in which the system itself enables the communication between the internal volume (3) and the external environment,
  • at least one safety device (11), optionally made of sheet material associated with the closing system (7) and with the storage (2), said safety device (11) being configured for defining a safety condition in which the same device prevents the closing system (7) from passing from the closed condition to the open one, in which the container (1) includes at least one passage configured for enabling, at least in the safety condition, the insertion of at least one opening device (14) adapted to enable the passage of the closing system (7) from the closed condition to the open one, in which the opening device (14) includes an unpleasant taste material, at least partly defining an external surface of the same opening device (14), configured for preventing the ingestion of said opening device (14).

In a 2nd aspect according to the 1st aspect the safety device (11) includes:

• • at least one first coupling portion associated with the closing system,
  • at least one second coupling portion engaged with the storage (2) and configured for cooperating with said first coupling portion,
    the first and the second coupling portion being configured for being stably engaged with each other in the closed condition of the closing system (7) to define said safety condition, said first and second coupling portion, in the safety condition, are configured for preventing the closing system (7) from passing from the closed condition to the open one.

In a 3rd aspect according to the preceding aspect the opening device (14) is configured for enabling the disengagement between the first and the second coupling portion and thus enabling the passage of the closing system (7) from the closed condition to the open one, the safety device (11) also being configured for enabling the first and the second coupling portion to reversibly pass, following the open condition of the closing system, to the safety condition.

In a 4th aspect according to the 2nd or 3rd aspect the opening device (14)—in the closed condition of the closing system (7)—is configured for being interposed between the first and the second coupling portion of the safety device in order to enable the disengagement of said first and second coupling portion and the consequent passage of the closing system from the closed condition to the open one.

In a 5th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 2nd to the 4th the second coupling portion is arranged within the storage.

In a 6th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 2nd to the 5th the second coupling portion is entirely arranged within the storage, optionally the second coupling portion—in the safety condition—is arranged entirely within the internal volume of the storage spaced from the passage opening (5), in particular spaced from a free edge delimiting said passage opening.

In a 7th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 2nd to the 6th the second coupling portion is stably, optionally entirely, housed in the internal volume (3) of the storage (2).

In an 8th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 2nd to the 7th the first coupling portion—in the closed condition of the closing system (7)—is entirely arranged within the storage engaged with the second coupling portion of the safety system.

In a 9th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 2nd to the 8th the first coupling portion—in the safety condition—is entirely arranged within the storage together with the second coupling portion spaced from the passage opening (5) of the storage, optionally at a distance from a free edge delimiting the passage opening (5) of the storage.

In a 10th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 2nd to the 9th the first and second coupling portion of the safety device (11)—in the closed condition of the closing system (7)—are both housed in the internal volume (3) of the storage (2) preferably spaced from a free edge delimiting the passage opening (5) of the same storage (2).

In an 11th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the passage of the container defines a slit.

In a 12th aspect according to the preceding aspect said slit includes:

• • an interspace defined between the closing system (7) and at least one lateral wall (4) of the storage (2), or
  • a through opening defined on the same closing system (7).

In a 13th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the opening device (14) is made of sheet material.

In a 14th aspect according to the preceding aspect the opening device is extended in thickness between two faces, the opening device (14) includes, on at least one face of said sheet material, a partial or total coating of said face, including the at least one layer of said unpleasant taste material.

In a 15th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the unpleasant taste material includes at least one of a bitter material and a spicy material.

In a 16th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the unpleasant taste material includes:

• • i) a composition including a film-forming polymer, and
  • ii) a bitter or spicy substance.

In a 17th aspect according to the preceding aspect the film-forming polymer of composition i) is selected between plastic polymers and natural resins, preferably it is selected between: polyesters, polyolefins and (meth)acrylic polymers, colophony and rosin.

In an 18th aspect according to the 16th or 17th aspect the composition includes a paint or an ink.

In a 19th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the unpleasant taste material includes at least one substance selected between: denatonium benzoate, capsicum extract, quassia amara extract and mixtures thereof.

In a 20th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the unpleasant taste material includes 90 to 160 ppm, preferably 100 to 140 ppm, preferably 130 ppm of said substance, preferably denatonium benzoate.

In a 21st aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 15th to the 19th the composition of the unpleasant taste material is planarly overlapped on a central layer (14a) of the opening device (14).

In a 22nd aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 14th to the 21st the unpleasant taste material, in particular a bitter and/or spicy material, is present on both the faces defining in thickness said opening device (14).

In a 23rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the unpleasant taste material, optionally the bitter or spicy material, has an onset time for the perception of the unpleasant taste, preferably bitter or spicy taste, of less than 1 second from the moment of contact of said material with the oral mucous membrane.

In a 24th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the opening device (14) is removably joined to the body of said container (1) at one side thereof, optionally the opening device is divisible from the container by means of the exercise of a force exerted with respect to said body of the container (1) such to cause the breakage of a joining portion.

In a 25th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the opening device (14) includes a central body (14a) made with at least one selected between: paper material, plastic material.

In a 26th aspect according to the preceding aspect the unpleasant taste material includes an ink or a paint and is applied to the exterior of the central body (14a) by means of a printing process.

In a 27th aspect a process of making a container (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects is provided, said process including:

• • a step for arranging the storage (2) starting from a precursor sheet of foldable material, in which said step for arranging the storage includes one or more steps of folding said precursor sheet in order to define a folded body having a predetermined number of lateral walls (4) defining at least one passage opening (5) and defining said internal volume (3) configured for housing a product, said passage opening (5) being configured for putting in communication the internal volume (3) of the storage (2) with the external environment,
  • a step for arranging the closing system (7) starting from a precursor sheet of foldable material,
  • a step for arranging the safety device (11), optionally made of sheet material, associated with the closing system (7) and with the storage (2), said safety device (11) being configured for defining a safety condition in which the same device prevents the closing system (7) from passing from the closed condition to the open one,
  • a step for arranging an opening device (14) configured for being inserted within at least one passage defined on the container following the arrangement of the storage and of the closing system, the opening device (14) being adapted to enable the passage of the closing system (7) from the closed condition to the open one, in which the opening device (14) includes an unpleasant taste material, at least partly defining an external surface of the same opening device (14), configured for preventing the ingestion of said opening device (14).

In a 28th aspect according to the preceding aspect the arrangement of the opening device (14) includes the following sub-steps:

• • arranging a body made of sheet material,
  • applying, on at least one portion of an external surface of said opening device (14), at least one layer of unpleasant taste material, in particular a bitter or spicy material, including:
    • i) a composition including a film-forming polymer or monomers capable of generating a film-forming polymer when activated, and
    • ii) a bitter or spicy substance, capable of causing the perception of a bitter or itching/burning taste when placed in contact with portions of the oral cavity.

In a 29th aspect according to the 27th or 28th aspect the step of applying the unpleasant taste material includes a step of printing the opening device by means of at least one of the following processes: digital printing, silk-screen printing, rotogravure printing, ink-jet printing.

In a 30th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 27th to the 29th the step of applying the unpleasant taste material includes a step of coating at least one between the first or the second face (14s, 14t) of the central layer (14a) of the opening device made of sheet material.

In a 31st aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 27th to the 30th in which the container is made by folding a single semi-finished product made of flat sheet material; optionally in which said opening device (14) is obtained by means of a step of cutting from said semi-finished sheet product.

In a 32nd aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 27th to the 31st in which the unpleasant taste material includes:

• i) a composition including a film-forming polymer, and
• ii) a bitter or spicy substance.

In a 33rd aspect according to the preceding aspect the film-forming polymer of composition i) is selected between plastic polymers and natural resins, preferably is selected between: polyesters, polyolefins or (meth)acrylic polymers, colophony and rosin.

In a 34th aspect according to the 32nd or 33rd aspect the composition of the unpleasant taste material includes a paint or an ink.

In a 35th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 27th to the 34th said unpleasant taste material, in particular said composition i), includes at least one substance between: denatonium benzoate, capsicum extract, quassia amara extract and mixtures thereof.

In a 36th aspect a package is provided, said package including:

a casing made of sheet material defining an internal volume, the casing having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining at least one passage opening delimited by a free edge, said casing including at least one engagement portion emerging, starting from at least one lateral wall, within the internal volume of the casing itself to define a projection,

at least one container made of sheet material separate from the casing and configured for housing at least one product, said container having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining at least one respective passage opening delimited by a respective free edge, said passage opening of the container being configured for enabling the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container, said container being at least configurable between:

• • a first operating position in which the same container is at least partly housed in the casing, in the first operating position the passage opening of the latter is at least partly defined within the internal volume of the casing which—in such first operating position—interdicts the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container,
  • a second operating position in which the same container is at least partly arranged outside the internal volume of the casing, in the second operating position the passage opening of the latter is defined outside the casing and is adapted to enable the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container, the container—at least in the second operating condition, defines a slit in cooperation with the casing,
  • wherein the container includes—at least one lateral wall—at least one abutment element configured for being abutted, in the first operating position, against the engagement portion of the casing in order to prevent the passage of the container from the first to the second operating position,

an opening device insertable, at least in the first operating position of the container, through said slit, said opening device being configured for acting on the engagement element of the casing and on the abutment element of the container in order to enable the passage of the container from the first to the second operating position, the opening device including unpleasant taste material, at least partly defining an external surface of the same opening device, configured for preventing the ingestion of said opening device, in which said unpleasant taste material includes at least one substance between: denatonium benzoate, capsicum extract, quassia amara extract and mixtures thereof.

In a 37th aspect according to the preceding aspect the opening device, when inserted in the slit, is configured for being interposed between the abutment element of the container and the engagement portion of the casing in order to enable the disengagement of the latter.

In a 38th aspect according to the 36th or 37th aspect the engagement portion is integral with the casing and is extended in the internal volume of the latter, the abutment element, in the first operating position of the container, being entirely placed within the casing.

In a 39th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 36th to the 38th the slit includes an interspace defined between a lateral wall of the container and a lateral wall of the casing.

In a 40th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 36th to the 39th the opening device is made of sheet material and includes, on at least one face of said sheet material, a partial or total coating of said face including the unpleasant taste material.

In a 41st aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 36th to the 40th the unpleasant taste material includes at least one of a bitter material and a spicy material; in which said unpleasant taste material includes:

• i) a composition including a film-forming polymer, and
• ii) a bitter or spicy substance.

In a 42nd aspect according to the preceding aspect the film-forming polymer of composition i) is a paint or an ink.

In a 43rd aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 36th to the 42nd the composition of the unpleasant taste material is planarly overlapped on a central layer of the opening device, said unpleasant taste material is present on both the faces defining in thickness said opening device.

In a 44th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 36th to the 43rd the container is of the type in accordance with any one of the aspects from the 1st to the 26th.

In a 45th aspect according to the preceding aspect the abutment element is defined on at least one lateral wall of the storage of the container which, in the first operating position, faces the lateral wall of the casing directly bearing the engagement portion.

The container and the package include a safety device adapted to prevent the opening thereof except by means of use of the opening device, which is overly complex for a child to use: this makes the container and the package child-resistant. Such characteristic in combination with the fact that the opening device includes a material (e.g., a coating) such to cause the perception of an unpleasant taste, e.g. spicy and/or bitter, when placed in contact with portions of the oral cavity, makes the container and the package highly safe even if handled by a child; indeed, the child—in addition to not being able to open said container and package—cannot ingest the opening device 14 (smallest part of the container) due to the structure of the latter configured for causing disgust/aversion and substantially immediate rejection in case of contact with the oral cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 schematically represents a piece of material for making a container;

FIG. 2 shows a container during an open condition;

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate steps for closing the container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2C is a detail of a cross-section of the container of FIG. 2 illustrating a safety device of the container;

FIGS. 2D to 2H schematically show steps for opening the container by means of an opening device;

FIG. 2I is a top detailed view of the container;

FIG. 3 shows a package;

FIGS. 4 to 6 are schematic views of the package in different operating conditions;

FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically show steps for opening the package by means of an opening device;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a container of the package;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a casing of the package;

FIGS. 11 to 14 are schematic sectional views of an opening device employable for opening the container and the package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is known that in the present detailed description, corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated with the same numeric references. Figures could illustrate the features by means of representations that are not in scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures might exclusively regard schematic representations.

With the term product, it is intended an article or a composite of articles of any nature. For example, the product can be a drug or medicine in solid or liquid state or in gel form, or in the form of one or more of the aforesaid aggregation states. The product can also comprise: food products (e.g. confectionary products), cigarettes or cigars. With the term product, it can also be intended: a pack, e.g. a blister, bearing a plurality of articles; one or more bottles of articles for cosmetics;

one or more medicine bottles.

With the term paper material it is intended paper or cardboard. The sheet material usable for making the container can have a basis weight comprised between 100 and 500 g/m², optionally comprised between 200 and 400 g/m². The paper material in question is extended between a first and a second main extension surface.

The paper sheet material employed for making the container can, in one embodiment variant thereof, be covered for at least one part of the first and/or second main extension surface by means of a coating whose object is that of reinforcing the container. If the coating is arranged in a manner so as to cover an external surface of the container, this can also be employed for defining a water and/or moisture barrier useful for preventing the weakening and the loss of structurality of the container with consequent deformation of the paper material constituting the latter.

The paper sheet material employed for making the container is, in a second embodiment variant thereof, covered for at least one part of the first and/or second main extension surface by means of a printing ink, in order to enable having graphical solutions on the container.

The paper sheet material employed for making the container is, in a third embodiment variant thereof, covered for at least one part of the first and/or second main extension surface by means of a first layer constituted by a printing paint and by a second layer constituted by a printing ink.

The coating entirely covers both sides (first and second main extension surface) of the paper material defining the container; the thickness of the coating can have values that can vary between 5 and 300 μm, in particular between 10 and 200 μm, still more particularly between 10 and 100 μm.

With the term unpleasant taste material or substance, it is intended a material or a substance that when placed in contact with the oral cavity of a subject, stimulates a defense reaction against the ingestion of said material or substance. By bitter material or substance it is intended a material or a substance that, when placed in contact with the taste buds of the tongue of a subject, cause the perception if a bitter taste. By spicy material or substance, it is intended a material or a substance that when placed in contact with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity of a subject, causes a burning sensation through the stimulation of the heat receptors present thereon.

With the term printing ink it is intended a composition including a pigment and charge substances such as: binder, solvent and additives. The pigments can be inorganic (generally metal oxides) or organic and thus be a summary. The binder is constituted by a resin which can be synthetic or natural. The additives are lubricating, drying and anti-oxidant, and the latter serve to prevent, by means of oxidation, the drying of the ink before being used.

With the term printing paint it is intended a typically fluid material which can be extended on top of a surface and which after drying forms a thin, strong and elastic film.

Paints and inks can be used that were selected from among those commercially available for the off-set printing or for flexographic printing and known to the man skilled in the art. The paint and/or a printing ink preferably have acrylic base (such as for example the paint Suncoat 2012 sold by SunChemical Group SpA) or rosin base (such as for example the inks INT09, INT24, INT 38 and INT39 sold by SunChemical Group SpA). The paint and/or the printing ink can alternatively contain monomers that can be polymerized under UV, such as for example the paint 13HC166 Fast Cure Gloss and the inks USL25, USL26, USL27, USL46), all sold by SunChemical Group SpA.

Container

Reference number 1 indicates a child-resistant container including a type of closure that enables the opening of the container 1 itself only in specific conditions. Such closure was designed and ideated in order to prevent children from being able to open the container itself. The container 1 can be applied in many different fields which require, for safety reasons, preventing the opening by children. For example, the container 1 can be applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics fields.

The container 1 includes a storage 2 made of sheet material defining an internal volume 3 configured for housing products, e.g. blisters. The storage 2 includes a predetermined number of lateral walls 4 defining at least one passage opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the passage opening 5 is configured for putting in communication the internal volume 3 of the storage 2 with the external environment. In the enclosed figures, a storage 2 is illustrated with two passage openings 5 opposite each other: the storage 2 defines a duct or tube laterally delimited by said walls 4 and open at longitudinal ends. Nevertheless, it may also be possible to make a storage 2 with a single passage opening 5 or a number of openings 5 that is greater than two.

In the enclosed figures, a storage 2 is illustrated with a rectangular prismatic shape (flat lateral walls 4 having rectangular shape). Nevertheless, it may also be possible to make a storage 2 having different shape, e.g. square, trapezoidal or cylindrical.

As illustrated in the enclosed figures, the storage 2 can have a groove 23 defining a lower section of the free edge 6 itself (the storage can provide for a groove 23 for each free edge 6). The groove 23 has an open profile having a substantially C-shaped concavity. As better described hereinbelow, the groove 23 has the function of facilitating the opening of the container 1.

The size of the storage 2 is tied to the size and quantity of the products to be contained. The container 1 can have small size or have a storage 2 with an internal volume 3 greater than 20,000 mm³, optionally comprised between 40,000 and 200,000 mm³. Nevertheless, the container 1 can also be used for packaging products of average size: the storage 2 can have an internal volume 3 greater than 500,000 mm³, optionally comprised between 800,000 and 1,400,000 mm³. And it may also be possible to employ the container 1 for packing large-size products: the storage 2 could have an internal volume 3 greater than the above-specified volumes, e.g. greater than 10,000 cm³.

The storage 2 can be made of sheet material, e.g. paper, and obtainable for folding one or more sheets. In FIG. 1, a container 1 has been schematized in a partially open (extended) condition obtainable by means of folding a single sheet, for example made of paper material. Nevertheless, it may also be possible to make the storage 2 in plastic or metal sheet.

The container 1 also includes at least one closing system 7, also made of sheet material, engaged at the free edge 6 and movable via rotation relative to the storage 2. The closing system 7 is configured for defining at least one closed condition in which the system 7 itself interdicts the communication between the internal volume 3 of the storage 2 and the external environment; the closing system 7 is also configured for defining at least one open condition in which the system 7 itself enables the communication between the internal volume 3 and the external environment. The closed condition of the closing system 7 substantially defines a safety condition of the container 1. In the safety condition, the container 1 is configured for not passing from the closed condition to the open condition. Indeed, the system 7 represents a cover adapted to cooperate with the storage 2 in order to manage the access to the internal volume 3. The container 1 includes a closing system 7 for each passage opening 5 of the storage 2. In the enclosed figures, a container 1 is illustrated that has two passage openings 5 and two respective closing systems 7 engaged with the respective free edges 6 of the storage 2: the systems 7 are arranged opposite each other with respect to the storage itself. The closing system 7 is integrally joined to the storage 2, in particular to the free edge 6, and is movable via rotation around the latter between at least the closing and opening conditions.

In more detail, the closing system 7 includes at least one tongue 8 which has a closing portion 9 directly engaged and integrally joined to the free edge 6 of the storage 2: the closing portion 9 represents the component of the tongue 8 configured for interdicting the passage through the opening 5 in the closed condition of the system 7 itself. As is visible in the enclosed figures, the closing portion 9 includes a flat body made of sheet material counter-shaped with respect to the free edge 6 of the opening 5. In the enclosed figures, a closing portion 9 is schematized, having a rectangular shape entirely counter-shaped with respect to the free edge 6. The tongue 8 also has at least one connection portion 10 configured for being inserted, in the closed condition of the system 7, within the volume 3 of the storage 2. The connection portion 10 is integral with the closing portion 9 and emerges from the latter on the side opposite the storage 2: the connection portion 10 represents an extension of the closing portion 9 adapted to be inserted, in the closed condition of the system 7, within the storage 2. In the closed condition of the system 7 the connection portion 10 is positioned completely within the volume 3 of the storage 2. As is visible from the enclosed figures, also the connection portion 10 includes a flat body made of sheet material having rectangular shape. The connection portion 10 is extended between a first and a second main extension surface respectively directed towards the outside (directly facing a lateral wall 4 of the storage 2) and towards the internal volume 3 of the storage 2. In the closed condition of the system 7 at least one portion of the first extension surface of the connection portion directly faces, optionally contacts, a part of a lateral wall 4 of the storage 2: the surface is at least partly extended parallel to a wall 4 of the storage 2, optionally to a front wall of the storage 2 opposite the wall directly connected with the system 7 (also definable as rear lateral wall of the storage 2). The connection portion 10 also includes an actuation portion 22 (FIG. 2) configured for enabling the opening of the container 1. The actuation portion represents the part of connection portion 10 defined at the groove 23 of the storage 2: the groove 23 enables uncovering and hence making accessible the actuation 22 during the closed condition of the system 7 in a manner such that the user can grip said portion 22 in order to move the closing system from the closed condition to the open one.

The closing portion 9 and the connection portion 10 have an edge of mutual connection opposite the free edge 6 of the storage 2 with respect to the closing portion 9 itself: the connection portion 10 is movable via rotation with respect to the closing portion 9 around said edge of mutual connection. The connection portion 10, in the closed condition of the system 7, is configured for defining, according to a cross section and in cooperation with the closing portion 9, substantially an L-shape: in such condition the connection portion 10 is extended parallel to a lateral wall 4 of the storage 2.

The closing system 7 also includes at least one slit 15 (FIGS. 1 and 2), which enables the communication between the internal volume 3 of the storage 2 and the external environment. The slit 15 can be defined at the connection portion 10; alternatively, the slit 15 can be defined at the closing portion 9 or extended at both connection 10 and closing 9 portions. As is visible in FIG. 1, the slit 15 can be defined at a folding line substantially interposed between the connection portion 10 and the closing portion 9. In the closed condition of the closing system 7, the slit 15 is arranged at the free edge 6 of the storage 2.

The closing system 7 can have two slits 15, between which an abutment edge 21 (FIG. 21) is interposed. The slits 15 can have the same size or, alternatively, different sizes. In the embodiment in which two passage openings 5 are provided, opposite each other with respect to the storage 2 and respective closing systems 7, the slits 15 can be provided at the connection portions 10 or at the closing portions 9 of both closing systems 7. Each slit 15 is constituted by a through notch. By folding the connection portion 10 with respect to the closing portion 9, the notch enables the movement via rotation of a flap of the closing portion 9 defined by the first notch itself and the freeing of a space or opening constituting said slit 15.

As is visible from FIGS. 1 and 2, the closing system 7 can also include at least one abutment portion 24 engaged with the free edge 6 of the storage 2 adjacent to the tongue 8: the abutment portion 24, in the closed condition, is configured for being interposed between the internal volume 3 and the tongue 8 in a manner such to cooperate with the latter in order to stably maintain it in said closed condition. The abutment portion 24 includes a flat tongue made of sheet material integrally joined to the free edge 6 of the storage 2 adjacent to the closing portion 9. The abutment portion 24 has rectangular or trapezoidal shape. Also the abutment portion 24 is configured for rotating around the free edge 6 in order to be directed, at least in the closed condition of the container 1, towards the interior of the storage 2. In more detail, the abutment portion 24 is constrained to the free edge 6 in a manner such to be able to engage, in the closed condition of the container 1, at least part of the connection portion 10 and/or of the closing portion 9 in order to stably maintain the tongue 8 in said condition.

Also, the closing system 7 can be made of paper sheet material and obtained via folding; in particular, the closing system 7 is integrally made with the storage 2 and by means of the same sheet of paper material.

The container 1 also includes at least one safety device 11, made of sheet material, which has at least one first coupling portion 12, borne by the tongue 8 and at least one second coupling portion 13 engaged with the storage 2 (FIG. 2). The first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 are configured for being stably engaged with each other during a closed condition of the closing system 7 (FIG. 2C). In the closed condition of the closing system 7, the container 1 is in a safety condition in which the opening of the container 1 is prevented by the engagement itself between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 (FIG. 2C).

As is visible in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, the second coupling portion 13 is arranged within the storage 2 and lies in a plan substantially parallel to one of the lateral walls 4. The second coupling portion 13 is extended completely within the volume 3 (it is entirely arranged within the internal volume of the storage 2) of the storage 2 both in the closed condition and in the open condition of the closing system 7. With regard to the first coupling portion 12, in the closed condition of the system 7, this is configured for being inserted in the internal volume 3 in order to be stably engaged with the second coupling portion 13. In the closed condition of the closing system 7 the first coupling portion 12 is entirely contained within the volume 3 and is spaced from the free edge 6 of the storage 2 (FIG. 2C): in the closed condition of the closing system 7, the engagement between the second coupling portion 13 and the first coupling portion 12 is completely defined within the volume 3 of the storage 2.

The first coupling portion 12 is engaged, optionally directly borne, by the tongue 8 of the closing system 7. The first coupling portion 12 is exclusively but not only borne by the connection portion 10 of the tongue 8: the two portions 12 and 10 are integrally joined to form a single body. The first coupling portion 12 includes a flat sheet body emerging without interruption from the connection portion 10 opposite the closing portion 9: the connection portion 10 is thus interposed between the closing portion 9 and the first coupling portion 12. The first coupling portion 12, in the closed condition of the system 7 and hence during the insertion of the connection portion 10 in the storage 2, is also configured for being inserted in the internal volume 3.

In detail, the first coupling portion 12 has at least one undercut 16 configured for being stably engaged to the second coupling portion 13 arranged within the storage 2. The undercut 16, in the closed condition of the system 7 and hence in the condition in which the first coupling portion 12 is entirely housed in the internal volume 3, is separate and spaced from the free edge 6 of the storage 2. The undercut 16 includes at least one hook 20 having a seat 20a provided with a concavity (FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, a first coupling portion 12 is illustrated, including two hooks 20 have respective seats 20a whose concavities are directed on opposite sides with respect to each other.

As mentioned above, the second coupling portion 13 is engaged with a lateral wall 4 of the storage 2, and such wall directly faces, in the closed condition of the closing system 7, the connection portion 10. The second coupling portion 13 in turn has at least one undercut, which is arranged within the storage 2 and is configured for being engaged to the undercut of the first coupling portion 12. The undercut has a gripping edge separate and spaced from the free edge 6 of the storage 2. The undercut defines a hook 18 delimiting a seat 19 having C-shape; the seat 19 has a concavity directed towards the interior of the storage, optionally directed towards a lateral wall 4 of the storage 2: the hook 18 is configured for housing and retaining engaged a first coupling portion 12 in the closed condition of the container. In other words, in the closed condition of the system 7, the first coupling portion 12 is engaged within the seat 19. In the safety condition (i.e. in the closed condition), the concavity of the seat 19 of the hook 18 of the second coupling portion 13 faces the concavity of the seat 20a of the hook 20.

The engagement between first and second coupling portion 12, 13 is of reversible type. After having reached the open condition of the closing system 7, the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 can be reversibly engaged in order to once again define the closed condition of the closing system 7 and hence a new safety condition of the safety device 11. Indeed, due to the possibility of disengaging the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 (the mode of disengagement will be better described hereinbelow) it is possible to pass from the closed condition to the open condition without damaging the safety device 11. The first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 are in fact not removed or separated, respectively from the connection portion 10 and from the storage 2 during the passage from the closed condition to the open condition.

The first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 are stably constrained (optionally integrally) to the storage 2 and to the closing system 7 and configured for preventing the “easy” opening of the container 1; as will be better described hereinbelow the container 1 is only openable due to an opening device 14. In the absence of the closing device, the coupling portions 12, 13 of the safety device 11 are capable of preventing the opening of the container 1 due to their stable engagement with the storage and with the connection portion. Between the first coupling portion 12 and the storage 2, as well as between the second coupling portion and the connection portion, weakening portions are not present which could cause the separation of such portions and the undesired opening of the container.

As briefly mentioned above, in order to be able to open the container 1, the same is provided with an opening device 14 (or key). The opening device 14 is configured for being inserted within the slit 15 (o slits 15) of the container 1 and acting on the coupling of the first and second coupling portion 12, 13 of the safety device in order to enable the disengagement and hence the passage of the closing system 7 from the closed condition (safety condition of the container 1) to the open condition. In particular, it is indeed the sheet form that enables the opening device 14 to be inserted through the notch 15a defining the slit 15 defined on the closing system and to reach the safety device 11. Still due to the sheet form, the opening device 14 can be interposed with the coupling portions 12, 13 (FIG. 2G); during the interposition the hooks of such portions 12, 13 are uncoupled in a manner such that the first coupling portion 12 can translate with respect to the second coupling portion 13 and enable the extraction of the connection portion 10 from the storage 2 (passage of the system 7 from the closed condition to the open one).

The opening device 14 can be at least partly made of paper material (paper or cardboard), plastic or metal material or any one combination of these materials. The paper sheet material used can be the same as that used for making the storage 2 and the closing system 7. For example, the opening device 14 can be integrally made with the container 1 and can be constituted by a portion of the container 1 intended to be ripped or separated from the container 1 itself upon first opening of the container 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The opening device 14 is extended along an extension direction between a first and a second longitudinal portion; the opening device 14 has a width—defined by the maximum distance between said longitudinal portions—substantially equal to the extension of the container 1 defined by the maximum distance between the first and the second end portion.

In FIGS. 2A-2C, the steps for closing the container 1 are schematized. The system 7 passes from the open condition (FIG. 2A) to the closed one (2C) in which the coupling portions 12, 13 are stably engaged with each other. Instead, FIGS. 2D to 2H show the steps for opening the container 1, which provide for the insertion of the device 14 through the slit 15, the uncoupling of the coupling portions 12, 13 and the passage of the system 7 from the closed condition to the open one (FIG. 2H). The closing device 14 has a layer of unpleasant taste material capable of causing, immediately upon introduction in the oral cavity, a repulsion against ingestion due to the foul taste of the device 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the opening device 14 can include a central layer 14a of paper material which has a preferred extension direction aimed to identify an upper face 14s or first face and a lower face 14t or second face of the central layer 14a. The first and the second face lie on two parallel planes. At the upper face 14s, or likewise at the lower face 14t, such central layer is coated with a layer 14b having a composition that includes a film-forming polymer, e.g. a printing paint; the polymer can be selected from among plastic polymers (e.g. (meth)acrylic polymers and natural resins (e.g. colophony or rosin). The layer 14b can for example be a paint easily applicable by means of a printing process of the device 14. The layer 14b is advantageously conceived with the double function of strengthening the central layer 14a, so as to increase the resistance to breakage thereof, and with the function of reducing the quantity of moisture that is transferred to the paper material from the first external environment. Such layer 14b also contains an unpleasant taste substance, as described above; therefore, in addition to the mechanical strengthening characteristic, the layer 14b adds a function of reducing the risk of ingestion, which operates in synergy with the previously-described effects.

A further embodiment of the closing device 14 is illustrated in FIG. 12. Also, for such embodiment, the closing device 14 includes a central layer 14a of paper material which has a preferred extension direction aimed to identify an upper face 14s or first face and a lower face 14t or second face of the central layer 14a. The first and the second face lie on two parallel planes. At the upper face 14s and at the lower face 14t, such central layer is coated with a layer 14b of material including an unpleasant taste substance, as described above. The central layer 14a is therefore placed in a sandwich between two coating layers which substantially completely isolate it from the first external environment.

A further embodiment of the safety device 14 is depicted in FIG. 13. In such embodiment, the closing device 14 includes a central layer 14a of paper material which has a preferred extension direction aimed to identify an upper face 14s or first face and a lower face 14t or second face of the central layer 14a. The first and the second face preferably lie on two parallel planes. At the upper face 14s and at the lower face 14t, such central layer is coated with a coating layer or film 14b of film-forming polymer material, e.g. a printing paint. Unlike the preceding embodiments, the layer 14b only accomplishes mechanical strengthening and chemical protection functions for the central layer 14a, leaving the function of reducing the risk of ingestion of the safety device 14 to a further layer of printing ink 14c including an unpleasant taste substance as described above which at least partly covers the layer 14b below this. In the embodiment of the FIG. 13, such layer of printing ink 14c, lies on top of the layer 14b of the upper face 14s of the opening device, but without altering the functions obtained it could likewise be arranged at the lower face of the same. In this case, therefore, it is the layer of printing ink 14c that contains an unpleasant taste substance.

Finally, a further embodiment of the safety device 14 is represented in FIG. 14. In such embodiment, the closing device 14 includes a central layer 14a of paper material which has a preferred extension direction aimed to identify an upper face 14s or first face and a lower face 14t or second face of the central layer 14a. The first and the second face lie on two parallel planes. At the upper face 14s such central layer is coated with a layer 14b of film-forming polymer material, e.g. a printing paint.

The layer 14b only accomplishes mechanical strengthening and chemical protection functions for the central layer 14a. On the lower part, the lower face 14t of the closing device 14 is at least partially coated with a layer of printing ink 14c, containing an unpleasant taste substance as described above.

Independent of the number of layers that coat the central layer 14a of paper material, at least one of the faces of such central layer 14a is coated in a manner such to have, on the outermost surface or in any case on the surface immediately accessible to contact, a layer of unpleasant taste material, as described above.

In FIGS. 1 to 2G, an opening device 14 is illustrated, having a gripping portion 30 from which one or more appendages 26 emerges. The appendages 26 can have a polygonal shape, e.g. substantially square or rectangular or trapezoidal. The appendages 26 are configured and sized for being inserted within the slit 15 in a manner such to place, in the closed condition of the system 7, the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 in contact and disengage them. The opening device 14 could also include a plurality of appendages 26 or further projections or depressions intended for alternative functions with respect to that of disengagement of the first and of the second coupling portion 12, 13; for example, such appendages or projections or depressions can contribute to determining the control of the position of the opening device 14 upon its insertion within the slit 15. In FIGS. 1 to 2G, an opening device 14 is illustrated, having two appendages 26 adapted to cross the slits 15 of the closing system 7 as schematized in FIG. 21. The appendages 26 are extended away from an abutment edge 27 defined interposed therebetween. In accordance with such embodiment, the opening device 14 has a substantially C, H or A shaped conformation. Upon insertion of the opening device 14 within the slits 15, the abutment edge 27 of the opening device 14 abuts against the abutment edge 21 of the closing system 7 in a manner such to limit the advancement of the opening device 14 within the slits themselves and thus prevent that this can completely enter within the volume 3.

Process of Making the Container

A process of making the container 1 in accordance with the above-reported description and in accordance with any one of the enclosed claims is described.

The process includes a step for arranging a flat material including:

a first sheet having a first and a second portion interconnected by a central connection portion, the first sheet also including a first and a second connection lateral portion, the first portion being interposed between the first lateral connection portion and the central connection portion, the second portion being interposed between the central connection portion and the second lateral connection portion, each of said portions including at least one first and one second longitudinal edge opposite each other and one first and second end edge opposite each other, the first end edges of the portions of the first sheet defining a first end edge of said first sheet, the second end edges of the portions of the first sheet defining a second end edge of said first sheet, said portions, central connection portion and said lateral connection portions, being joined along the longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connection direction;

at least one second sheet connected and integrally joined to the first end edge of the second portion of the first sheet;

at least one third sheet connected and integrally joined to first end edge of the first portion of the first sheet.

• The process includes the steps of:

folding the second sheet on the second portion of the first sheet to define said second coupling portion;

folding the first sheet along the longitudinal edges of the portions of the same central sheet to define the storage 2 having at least the opening. Such step provides for constraining, e.g. by means of gluing, the first and second lateral connection portions.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the piece of material, in which the second sheet is folded on the second portion of the first sheet and a first sheet is being folded. In FIG. 2, the storage is instead visible, formed following the folding and gluing of the first sheet. Then, the third sheet is folded in order to define the closing system 7.

As is visible in FIG. 1, the third sheet supplements the first coupling portion 13 which is extended as an extension from the connection portion 10.

The process also provides for a step for making the opening device 14 by means of the notch of a flat precursor sheet made of paper material. In particular, in order to ensure that such opening device, separatable with respect to the rest of the container 1, can accomplish the above-described functions of reducing the risk of injection, the process for making the opening device includes, after or before the notch of said flat precursor sheet, a step for depositing at least one layer 14b of unpleasant taste material on at least part of an upper face or first face 14s or of a lower face or second face 14t of the precursor sheet. After each execution of such step, the precursor sheet becomes the previously-described central layer 14a.

If the embodiment provides for—as in the case of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12 and in FIG. 13—two coating layers for the central layer, then the step is performed for depositing such layer of unpleasant taste material 14b on at least part of both faces of the central layer. If the opening device 14 does not add a further layer of printing ink, at least one of the layers 14b present on the upper or lower face 14s, 14t contains an unpleasant taste substance, bitter or spicy, in particular denatonium benzoate. Otherwise, if the safety device 14 also integrates a layer of printing ink 14c, it will be the latter to contain the aforesaid unpleasant taste substance.

If the central layer is coated on both the faces with a layer 14b of film-forming polymer material, e.g. a printing paint, then either on the upper face or on the lower face there is also a step for depositing a further layer of printing ink 14c, including an unpleasant taste substance as described above such that such layer of printing ink is—at least on said one upper or lower face—the outermost layer, below which the coating film 14b is extended. If instead the central layer is coated on only one face with a layer 14b, then either on the face coated with the layer 14b or on the face not coated with such layer, there is a step for depositing the layer of printing ink 14c, including an unpleasant taste substance as described above. If the container has graphical representations, typically the layer of printing ink is the layer which can be the most external. Hence it is convenient to coat the latter with respect to the underlying layer 14b, since in such a manner there is a greater assurance of obtaining an immediate sensation of unpleasant taste; the area covered by the layer of printing ink can be nearly all of the area of the upper or lower face 14s, 14t, therefore the greatest contact area is indeed that of the ink layer. If however the layer of film-forming polymer material is the outermost layer—hence covering the layer of printing ink—the aforesaid unpleasant taste substance, e.g. denatonium benzoate, would be comprised in said layer of film-forming polymer material.

The layers of film-forming polymer material, e.g. made of printing ink or paint, can be deposited with uniform thickness, in particular if the deposit occurs over the entire surface of the first or second upper and lower face 14s, 14t, such to have a surface which, as much as possible—depending on the surface roughness of the paper material constituting the central layer 14a—is uniform and smooth. The dispersion of the composition within the plastic material or of the printing ink occurs in a manner such to be uniform. In this manner, following the deposition of the layers on the central layer of paper material 14a, there are no areas characterized by a greater incidence of unpleasant taste with respect to others. The uniformity of the sensation of the unpleasant taste is therefore optimized. Finally, it is clear that additions, modifications or variations can be made that are obvious for the man skilled in the art, without departing from the protective scope provided by the enclosed claims.

Package

A package 100 (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6) for containing products is described. The package 100 includes a casing 102 made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material, defining an internal volume 103. The casing 102 includes a predetermined number of lateral walls 104 defining at least one passage opening 105 delimited by a free edge 106: the passage opening 105 is configured for putting in communication the internal volume 103 with the external environment. In the enclosed figures, a casing 102 is illustrated, having two passage openings opposite each other in a manner such that the casing 102 can substantially define a duct or tube laterally delimited by said walls and open at longitudinal ends. In more detail, the casing 102 is extended between a first and a second longitudinal end portion 102a, 102b along a longitudinal extension direction of the casing 102 itself; the lateral walls 104 thus define:

a first passage opening 105 delimited by a free edge 106 and placed at the first longitudinal end portion 102a,

a second passage opening 205 delimited by a respective free edge 206 and placed at the second longitudinal end portion 102b.

The casing 102 has a rectangular prismatic shape (flat lateral walls 104 having rectangular shape). The casing 102 indeed has a front wall and a rear wall facing and parallel to each other: the front wall and the rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and a second lateral wall which are also facing and parallel to each other. The casing 102 has, according to a section transverse to the lateral walls, a parallelogram shape, e.g. square or rectangular. Nevertheless, it may also be possible to make a casing 102 having different shape, e.g. square, trapezoidal.

The second passage opening 205 of the casing 102 can be obstructed by means of one or more tongues made of sheet material glued together: at the second end portion 102b, it essentially has a bottom wall adapted to interdict the access to the internal volume 3.

The casing 102 includes, at the first end portion 102a, an engagement portion 107 emerging, starting from at least one lateral wall 104, within the internal volume 103 to define a projection. The engagement portion 107 is directly constrained, optionally integrally joined, to the free edge 106 of the passage opening 105: the engagement portion 107 emerges starting from the free edge 106 according to a direction entering into the internal volume 103 i.e. in the direction of the second passage opening 205 of the casing 102. In more detail, the engagement portion 107 is constrained to the front lateral wall of the casing 102. The engagement portion 107 is movable relative to the lateral walls 104 via rotation around the free edge 6 to which it is constrained. In particular, the engagement portion 107 is integral with the front lateral wall and is movable via rotation relative to the latter. The engagement portion 107 is made of sheet material, optionally of paper material (the same as the casing 102).

FIG. 10 illustrates an engagement portion 107 including a tongue longitudinally extended between a base portion 311 and a head portion 312. Such engagement portion includes, at the base portion 311, at least one lateral hook 309 configured for defining an undercut element for engaging to a pack or container 1. The engagement portion 107 can include two opposite lateral hooks 309 (FIG. 10) and also one or more auxiliary lateral hooks 309a defined at the head portion 312 whose function is always that of defining an undercut element for the engagement of the pack or container 1. The package 100 is configured for receiving, within the casing 102, a pack or container 1 set to contain one or more products. In fact, the casing 102 constitutes the external shell of the package adapted to contain a container 1 insertable into/extractable from the first casing 102: the container 1 defines the element adapted to directly receive the products.

The container 1 can be of the above-described type and additionally includes—at a rear lateral wall 4b—at least one seat 93 delimited by at least one abutment wall 94: the abutment wall 94 at least partly delimiting the seat 93 defines at least one abutment element 90 which, as will be better described hereinbelow, is adapted to cooperate with the engagement portion 107 of the casing 102. As is visible in FIG. 4, the abutment wall 94 is defined by a portion of the rear wall 4b of the container 1. FIG. 9 illustrates an abutment element 90 defined by a movable tongue 319 obtained on the lateral wall 4 of the container 1; the tongue 319 defines the abutment wall 94 adapted to be constrained to the engagement portion 107 and prevent the extraction of the container 1 from the first casing 102. In particular, the tongue 319 is configured for being coupled to the lateral hooks 309 and 309a of the engagement portion 107. As is visible in FIG. 9, the abutment element 90 includes a pocket 314 counter-shaped with respect to the tongue 319 and which is adapted to enable the passage of the engagement portion 107.

The container 1 of the package 100 is configurable between:

a first operating position in which the container 1 is at least partly housed in the casing 102. In the first operating position, the access to the products contained in the container 1 is prohibited due to the internal position thereof in the casing 102. the passage opening 5 of the container 1 is at least partly defined within the internal volume 103 of the casing 102 which—in such first operating position—interdicts the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container 1;

a second operating position in which the container 1 is at least partly arranged outside the internal volume 103 of the casing 102 and accessible for the picking up of the products. In the second operating position, the passage opening 5 of the container or pack 1 is defined outside the casing 102 and is adapted to enable the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container 1.

In more detail, in the first operating position, the front and rear lateral wall 4a, 4b of the container 1 are respectively facing the rear and front wall 104b, 104a of the casing 102. As described above, on the rear lateral wall 4b of the container 1, the abutment element 90 is defined which is configured for being abutted, in the first operating position, against the engagement portion 107 of the casing 102 in order to prevent the passage of the container 1 from the first to the second operating position.

During an attempt of extraction of the container 1 from the first casing 102, the engagement portion 107, optionally the lateral hook 309, abuts against the abutment element 90, e.g. the tongue 319, of the container 1 as schematized for example in FIG. 5: the joining of the engagement portion 107 with the abutment element 90 prevents the pack or container 1 from exiting from the first casing 102 and hence from uncovering the passage opening 5 of the container 1 with consequent impossibility of picking up products from the container 1.

Alternatively, the container 1 of the package 100 can be of the above-described type without however having the safety device 11; in fact, the container can be a container of standard type, i.e. only having a storage 2 and a closing system 7. Furthermore, the container 1 in its standard configuration includes at least one abutment element 90 as described above.

The package 100 includes at least one slit 150—defined between at least one lateral wall 104 of the casing 102 and at least one lateral wall 4 of the container 1—configured for enabling, at least in the first operating position, the insertion of at least one opening device 14 adapted to enable the disengagement of the abutment element 90 of the container 1 from the engagement portion 107 of the casing 102 in order to enable the passage of the container 1 from the first to the second operating position.

The container 1 includes an opening device 14 of the above-described type, i.e. having unpleasant taste material. In FIGS. 7 and 8, an opening device 14 is illustrated that has a rectangular shape, e.g. defining a card.

The opening device is insertable through the slit 150 in order to enable the disengagement of the abutment element 90 of the container 1 and the engagement portion 107 of the casing 2 (FIG. 6). The slit 150 is defined between the lateral wall 104 of the casing 102 directly bearing the engagement portion 102 and the lateral wall of the container 1 on which the abutment element 90 is defined. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the slit 150 can be defined between the rear lateral wall 4b of the container 1 and the front lateral wall 104a of the casing 102. The slit 150 is extended for the entire extension of the lateral wall 104 of the casing 102, directly bearing the engagement portion 107. FIG. 6 shows an operating condition for inserting the opening device 14 which is interposed between the abutment element 90 and the engagement portion 107 in order to enable the disengagement thereof: after the disengagement between element 90 and portion 107, the container 1 can pass from the first to the second operating position (it can be extracted from the first casing 102).

In the embodiment of the package 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container 1 includes an auxiliary seat 96 defined on the same lateral wall 4 on which the abutment element 90 is defined; the auxiliary seat 96 is delimited by an edge which defines an auxiliary abutment element 95, it too configured for cooperating with the engagement portion 107 of the casing 102. In more detail, the auxiliary abutment portion 95—in the first operating portion of the container 1—is spaced from the opening 105 in a manner such that the abutment element 90 is interposed between said passage opening 105 and the auxiliary abutment portion 95 (see for example FIG. 4). The auxiliary abutment portion 95 is configured for being abutted against the engagement portion 107 of the casing 102 in order to prevent the total extraction of the container 1 from the first casing 102 following the insertion of the opening device 14 through the opening and the consequent disengagement between the abutment element 90 and the engagement portion 107. In fact, if one attempted to further extract the container 1 from the first casing 102—starting from the second operating position of the container—the engagement portion 107 is configured for being inserted in the seat 96 and abutted against the edge 97 (FIG. 7), thus preventing the total extraction of the container 1 of the casing 102. Alternatively, the container 1 can exclusively include the abutment element 90 while the engagement portion 107 can include the lateral hooks 309 and the auxiliary lateral hooks 309a; in this configuration, it is the auxiliary lateral hooks which—after the disengagement of the hooks 309 from the first abutment element 90 performed by means of the opening device 14—are configured for being coupled to the latter device in order to prevent the total extraction of the pack or container 1 from the first casing 102.

The impossibility of completely extracting the pack or container 1 bearing the products eliminates or reduces the risk that the pack 1 can be inadvertently forgotten/left outside the first casing 102 with the consequent danger that children can reach and ingest products that are damaging for them.

Process of Making the Package

A process of making the package 100 as described above and in accordance with any one of the enclosed claims is disclosed.

The process provides for a step for arranging the casing 102 which is obtained via folding of a first flat semi-finished product made of sheet material, in particular made of paper sheet material. The first semi-finished product includes:

a first sheet including a first and a second portion interconnected by a central connection portion, the first sheet also including at least one first and one second lateral connection portion, the first portion being interposed between the first lateral connection portion and the central connection portion, the second portion being interposed between the central connection portion and the second lateral connection portion, each of said portions including at least one first and one second longitudinal edge that are opposite each other and a first and second end edge that are opposite each other, the first end edges of the portions of the first sheet defining a first end edge of said first sheet, the second end edges of the portions of the first sheet defining a second end edge of said first sheet, said portions, central connection portion and said lateral connection portions, being joined along the longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connection direction;

a second sheet connected to and integral with the first end edge of the second portion of the first sheet.

• The process includes the steps of:

folding the second sheet on the second portion of the first sheet to define said engagement portion,

folding the first sheet along the longitudinal edges of the portions of the same central sheet to define the casing 102 having at least the opening. Such step provides for the constraining, e.g. by means of gluing, of the first and second lateral connection portions.

The process also includes the step for making the container 1 insertable in the casing 102. The process for making the container is of the above-described type.

The process also provides for a step for making the opening device 14 which is identical to the above-described process for making the device 14 of the container 1.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a storage made of sheet material and defining an internal volume for housing a product, the storage having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining a passage opening configured for putting in communication the internal volume of the storage with an external environment;

a closing system configured for defining a closed condition in which the system itself interdicts the communication between the internal volume of the storage and the external environment, the closing system also being configured for defining an open condition in which the system itself enables the communication between the internal volume and the external environment;

a safety device made of sheet material associated with the closing system and with the storage, said safety device being configured for defining a safety condition wherein the same device prevents the closing system from passing from the closed condition to the open condition;

an opening device insertable, in the safety condition, through a passage defined in correspondence with at least one of the storage and the closing system, said opening device being configured for acting on the safety device and enabling the passage of the closing system from the closed condition to the open condition, the opening device comprising unpleasant taste material, at least partly defining an external surface of the opening device, configured for preventing the ingestion of said opening device.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the safety device comprises:

a first coupling portion associated with the closing system; and

a second coupling portion engaged with the storage and configured for cooperating with said first coupling portion,

the first and the second coupling portion being configured for being stably engaged with each other in the closed condition of the closing system to define said safety condition, said first and second coupling portion, in the safety condition, are configured for preventing the closing system from passing from the closed condition to the open condition, and

the opening device being configured for enabling the disengagement between the first and the second coupling portion and thus enabling the passage of the closing system from the at least one closed condition to the open condition.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the opening device is configured for crossing the passage defined in correspondence with at least one of the storage and the closing system and being interposed, in the safety condition, between the first and the second coupling portion in order to enable the disengagement thereof.

4. The container according to claim 2, wherein the first coupling portion is integral with the closing system and the second coupling portion is integral with the storage.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein weakening portions are absent between the first coupling portion and the closing system and between the second coupling portion and the storage.

6. The container according to claim 2, wherein the second coupling portion is arranged within the storage, and the first coupling portion, in the closed condition of the closing system, is arranged entirely within the storage engaged with the second coupling portion.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the passage, through which the opening device is insertable, comprises:

an interspace defined between the closing system and at least one of the predetermined number of lateral walls of the storage, or

a through opening defined by the closing system.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the opening device is made of sheet material and comprises, on a face of said sheet material, a partial or total coating of said face, comprising the unpleasant taste material.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the unpleasant taste material comprises:

a film-forming polymer; and

a bitter or spicy substance.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises a paint or an ink.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the unpleasant taste material is planarly overlapped on a central layer of the opening device, and said unpleasant taste material is present on both faces defining in thickness said opening device.

12. A package comprising:

a casing made of sheet material defining an internal volume, the casing having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining a passage opening delimited by a free edge, said casing comprising an engagement portion emerging, starting from at least one of the predetermined number of lateral walls, within the internal volume of the casing itself to define a projection;

a container made of sheet material separate from the casing and configured for housing a product, said container having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining a respective passage opening delimited by a respective free edge, said passage opening of the container being configured for enabling the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container, said container being configurable between: a first operating position wherein the container is at least partly housed in the casing, in the first operating position the passage opening of the latter is at least partly defined within the internal volume of the casing which, in such first operating position, interdicts the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container, and a second operating position wherein the container is at least partly arranged outside the internal volume of the casing, in the second operating position the passage opening of the latter is defined outside the casing and is adapted to enable the insertion and the picking up of the product from the container, and the container, at least in the second operating condition, defines a slit in cooperation with the casing,

wherein the container comprises, in correspondence with at least one of the predetermined number of lateral walls, at least one abutment element configured for being abutted, in the first operating position, against the engagement portion of the casing to prevent passage of the container from the first to the second operating position; and

an opening device insertable, at least in the first operating position of the container, through said slit, said opening device being configured for acting on the engagement element of the casing and on the abutment element of the container in order to enable the passage of the container from the first to the second operating position, the opening device comprising unpleasant taste material, at least partly defining an external surface of the same opening device, configured for preventing the ingestion of said opening device.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein the opening device, when inserted in the slit, is configured for being interposed between the abutment element of the container and the engagement portion of the casing to enable the disengagement of the latter.

14. The package according to claim 12, wherein the engagement portion is integral with the casing and is extended in the internal volume of the latter, and the abutment element, in the first operating position of the container, being entirely placed within the casing.

15. The package according to claim 12, wherein the slit comprises an interspace defined between a lateral wall of the container and a lateral wall of the casing.

16. The package according to claim 12, wherein the opening device is made of sheet material and comprises, on at least one face of said sheet material, a partial or total coating of said face, comprising the unpleasant taste material.

17. The package according to claim 12, wherein the unpleasant taste material comprises:

a film-forming polymer; and

a bitter or spicy substance.

18. The package according to claim 17, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises a paint or an ink.

19. The package according to claim 12, wherein the unpleasant taste material is planarly overlapped on a central layer of the opening device, and said unpleasant taste material is present on both the faces defining in thickness said opening device.

20. The package according to claim 17, wherein the bitter or spicy substance comprises at least one of denatonium benzoate, capsicum extract, and quassia amara extract.