COUPLING SYSTEM, PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAME, CHILD-PROOF CONTAINER AND CHILD-PROOF PACKAGE

Abstract

A coupling system (1) including a first (93) and a second (94) wall, relatively movable with respect to each other between a close condition and a distanced condition. The coupling system also includes a first coupling portion (12) carried by the first wall, a second coupling portion (13) carried by the second wall, and a selector (90) movable between a first and a second operative position in which, in the close and distanced conditions. The selector allows and prevents the engagement between the first and second coupling portions. The coupling system may be employed in a container, or a package.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is a coupling system and a process for making the same employable for making containers and/or child-proof packages. Also forming the object of the present invention is a container and a child-proof package and a process for making the latter, as well as a method for closing and opening the package and the container. The present invention can be employed for packaging products of various kind, such as: drugs, cosmetics, cleaning products (detergents for linens/sheets and dishes), foods and tobacco-based products (cigars and cigarettes).

STATE OF THE ART

As is known, containers are available on the market that show tampering, configured for showing an attempted opening of the container itself; one type of tamper-proof container is for example described in the patent application PCT No. WO 2015/170203 A1. Such container has a coupling portion configured for being broken during an attempted opening of the container in order to give clear proof of an attempted opening of the latter.

Also known are child-proof packages employed for preventing young children from coming into contact with products that are potentially harmful for them. A first type of known packages is described in the following patents: US 2005/0173291 A1; EP 2 808 265 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,211 B1; WO 2005/068304 A2; US 2014/262839 A1; EP 2 810 885 A1; US 2012/234701 A1; CN 204 642 380 U; WO 2012/112538 A1; WO 2009/038219 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 1,253,489 A. Such packages have a locking system which allows maintaining such packages in a closed condition; the packages can be opened by means of intervention from outside by the user on the locking system: the intervention is allowed due to the presence of a through access defined on a lateral wall of the package. The Applicant has however detected that such known packages have a complex structure and a locking system that can be easily circumvented: such packages are not able to provide a suitable level of safety and prevent children younger than 5 from opening the package.

A second type of package is described in the patent application No. WO 2017/216662 A1. The package comprises a container for housing products recloseable by means of a case; the container and the case comprise respective coupling portions configured for being engaged with each other following a closing of the package in order to allow the locking of the container within the case and consequently preventing the removal of products. The disengagement between the case and the container occurs following the insertion of an opening device in interposition between said coupling portions. Even if the package described in the application No. WO 2017/216662 A1 is improved with respect to the packages of the first type since it is simpler structurally and more effective in terms of safety, the Applicant has also detected that such package can be improved with regard to several aspects.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Object of the present invention is therefore that of substantially resolving at least one of the drawbacks and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.

One objective of the present invention is that of providing a wall made of sheet material that is flexible in use, employable in order to define walls of packages or containers of child-proof type. A further objective of the present invention is that of providing a wall made of sheet material having a structure that is compact and simultaneously extremely strong. One objective of the present invention is that of providing a package having a highly effective safety system capable of preventing the opening of the package by children but which at the same time can be easily openable by an adult. Another object of the present invention is to provide a package having a simple and compact structure, attainable in a quick and inexpensive manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide a package having a stable structure capable of ensuring the integrity thereof following multiple openings and closings of the same. These and still other objects, which will be clearer from the following description, are substantially attained by a wall, a package, a process for making the wall and the package as well as a method for closing and opening the package in accordance with that expressed in one or more of the enclosed claims and/or with any one of the further aspects or characteristics described hereinbelow.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a coupling system (1) is provided comprising:

• • at least one first wall (93), optionally made of sheet material,
  • at least one second wall (94), optionally also made of sheet material,
  • at least one first coupling portion (12) carried by the first wall (93),
  • at least one second coupling portion (13) carried by the second wall (94) and configured for cooperating with said first coupling portion (12),
    in which the first and second walls (93, 94) are relatively movable with respect to each other at least between:
  • a close condition in which the first and second walls (93, 94) are at least partly facing each other,
  • a distanced condition in which the first and second walls (93, 94) are separated from each other,
    in which the coupling system also comprises at least one selector (90) carried by at least one between the first and second walls (93, 94), said selector (90), at least in the close condition, being movable with respect to at least one between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) at least between:
  • a first operative position in which said selector (90) allows the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) to be stably engaged with each other to define a locking condition in which said first and second coupling portions (12, 13) prevent the first and second walls (93, 94) from switching from the close condition to the distanced condition,
  • a second operative position in which the selector (90) prevents the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) from being engaged with each other in a manner such that the first and second walls (93, 94) can switch from the close condition to the distanced condition.

In one aspect according to the preceding aspect the coupling system comprises at least one pusher (92) carried by at least one selected between the first and second walls (93, 94), said pusher (92), at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), being configured for moving the selector (90) from the second to the first operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which:

• • the pusher (92) is carried by the first wall (93) while the selector (90) is carried by the second wall (94), or
  • the pusher (92) is carried by the second wall (94) while the selector (90) is carried by the first wall (93).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is carried by the second wall (94).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) comprises a thrust portion (91b) configured for contacting, at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second wall, the pusher (92) and allowing the movement of said selector from the second to the first operative position.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the thrust portion (91b) of the selector is, at least in the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), directly abutted against the pusher (92). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is configured for acting thrustingly, at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), on the thrust portion (91b) of the selector (90) by moving the latter from the second to the first operative position.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) comprises a maneuvering portion (91a) configured for allowing a user, at least during the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), to act on said maneuvering portion (91a) and to move the selector (90) between the first and second operative positions, optionally in order to allow the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) comprises at least one tab substantially triangular or trapezoidal form.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first wall (93) comprises at least one opening configured for allowing a user, in the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), to reach the maneuvering portion (91a) (optionally allowing the user to intervene on the maneuvering portion) in order to allow the movement of the selector from the first to the second operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first wall (93) comprises at least one outer panel (10a) and one inner panel (10b), the selector (90) being at least partly interposed between said outer and inner panels of the second wall.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first wall (93) comprises at least one opening configured for allowing the pusher (92), at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), to contact and act thrustingly on the thrust portion (91b) and move said selector (90) from the second to the first operative position.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the at least one opening of the first wall (93) comprises a first through opening (48a) passing through said at least the outer panel (10a). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects said first through opening (48a) is configured for allowing a user, in the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), to reach the maneuvering portion (91a) (optionally allowing the user to intervene on the maneuvering portion) in order to move the selector from the first to the second operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the at least one opening of the first wall (93) comprises a second through opening (48b) passing through the inner panel (10b). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second through opening (48b) is configured for allowing the pusher (92), at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls (93, 94), to contact and act thrustingly on the thrust portion (91b) and move said selector (90) from the second to the first operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first and the second through opening are at least partly facing and configured for defining a single passage.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the maneuvering portion (91a), at least in the first operative position of the selector, is directly facing said at least one opening (optionally the first through opening 48a) of the first wall (93). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the thrust portion (91b), at least in the second operative position of the selector, is directly facing the at least one opening (48a) (optionally the first through opening 48a) of the first wall (93).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which, in the first operative position of the selector, only the maneuvering portion (91a) of the selector faces the at least one opening (optionally the first through opening 48a) of the first wall (93). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which, in the second operative position of the selector, only the thrust portion (91b) of the selector faces the at least one opening (optionally the first through opening 48a) of the first wall (93).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92), in the first operative position of the selector (90), is configured for being abutted against the thrust portion (91b) of said selector in order to prevent the movement thereof from the first to the second operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92), in the first operative position of the selector (90), is configured for defining a stop element of the pusher. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is movable relative to the second wall at least between:

• • a stop position in which the pusher (92), in the close condition of the first and second wall, is abutted against the thrust portion of the selector in order to maintain the latter in the first operative position,
  • a release position in which the pusher (92), in the close condition of the first and second wall, is distanced from the thrust portion (91b) of the selector in order to allow the movement of said selector from the first to the second operative position.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second wall (94) is extended substantially along a plane, in which the pusher—at least in the stop condition—is extended along a plane that is tilted with respect to the plane of extension of the second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the development plane of the pusher (92) is tilted with respect to the development plane of the second wall (94) by an angle comprised between 1° and 40°, optionally between 1° and 30°, still more optionally between 1° and 20°. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second wall (94) is extended substantially along a plane, in which the pusher (92) at least partly emerges from said second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is integrally joined to the second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is obtained by means of a through cut of the same second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is extended from an attachment portion engaged with the second wall and an apex distanced from the attachment portion, in which during the movement of the pusher from the stop position to the release position, the apex is configured for being moved close to the second wall (94).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the outer panel (10a) lies on a plane, the selector lying substantially on a plane parallel to the lying plane of the outer panel (10a). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is movable, between the first and second operative positions, and vice versa, along a movement trajectory, optionally curvilinear, substantially parallel to the lying plane of the outer panel (10a) of the first wall (93). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is at least partly interposed between the inner panel (10b) and the outer panel (10a) of the first wall.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the coupling system comprises at least one intermediate panel (63) interposed between the outer panel (10a) and the inner panel (10b), in which the intermediate panel (63) on one side faces the outer panel (10a) and on an opposite side faces the inner panel (10b), in which the intermediate panel (63) comprises a groove (95) suitable to receive the selector (90). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the groove (95) of the intermediate panel (63), together with the inner panel (10b) and with the outer panel (10a) of the first wall, delimit a housing seat (49) within which the selector (90) is movable.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the intermediate panel (63) is on one side directly integrally joined to the outer panel (10a) by means of a first connection edge and on an opposite side is directly integrally joined to the inner panel (10b) by means of a second connection edge opposite the first connection edge. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the outer panel (10a), the inner panel (10b) and the intermediate panel (63) are joined in a single piece.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the groove (95) is delimited by a perimeter edge, optionally closed, in which the selector (90) is at least partly countershaped with respect to the perimeter edge of said groove (95). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the perimeter edge of the groove (95) defines a guide at least for selector (90). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the guide is configured for defining the movement of the selector (90) from the first to the second operative position, and vice versa, along a movement trajectory.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the groove (95) defines a passage area passing through the thickness of the intermediate panel (63). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is entirely contained in the groove (95) of the intermediate panel (63). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the intermediate panel (63) is extended along a development plane substantially parallel to at least one of the development planes of the outer and inner panels (10a, 10b). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the passage area of the groove (95) of the intermediate panel (63) is greater than a surface area of the selector (90) in a manner such to allow the movement of the selector (90) within the groove (95) between the first and second operative positions. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the surface area of the selector (90) and the passage area of the groove (95) are sized with respect to the development plane of the intermediate panel (63). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the ratio between the passage area of the groove (95) and the surface area of the selector (90) is greater than 1.05, optionally equal to or comprised between 1.1 and 5, still more optionally equal to or comprised between 1.1 and 3.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is extended along a development plane parallel to the development plane of the outer panel (10a) and of the inner panel (10b). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects at least one between the intermediate panel (63), the outer panel (10a) and the inner panel (10b) of the first wall (93) comprises at least one first and one second end stop element configured for limiting the movement of the selector (90) between the first and second operative positions.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the intermediate panel (63) comprises at least one weakening portion (69) configured for connecting the selector (90) with the groove (95). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the weakening portion (69) is configured for being broken following a stress applied on the selector (90), optionally on the maneuvering portion (91a) of the selector (90), in order to allow the detachment of the selector (90) from the groove (95) and thus allow the movement of the selector (90) between the first and second operative positions, and vice versa.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first and second walls (93, 94), in the close position, are brought close to each other, optionally at least partly in contact with each other. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), in the second operative position, is at least partly interposed between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the close condition of the first and second walls and during said second operative condition, is configured for disengaging said first and second coupling portions (12, 13).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), in the second operative position, is configured for acting thrustingly on the second coupling portion (13) in order to move said second coupling portion (13) away from the first coupling portion (12). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is carried by the first wall (93).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) comprises an opening passing through the thickness of the selector itself. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the through opening of the selector (90), in the first operative position of the latter, faces the first and second coupling portions (12, 13). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the through opening of the selector (90), in the first operative position of the latter, is configured for allowing the second coupling portion (13) to cross the selector (90) and be coupled to the first coupling portion (12) in order to define said locking condition. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the through opening of the selector (90), in the first operative position of the latter, is aligned with the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) according to a direction orthogonal to a lying plane of the selector (90).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is defined on at least one between the inner panel (10b) and the intermediate panel (63) of the first wall (93). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) comprises at least one tab (12a) defining an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge (12b). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the gripping edge (12b) of the tab (12a) has a substantially “V” or “C” shape. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the undercut of the first coupling portion (12) is defined by a through cut executed on at least one between the inner panel and the intermediate panel of the first wall.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) comprises at least one panel (13a) engaged with the second wall (94) and emerging from the latter. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) defines an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge (13b). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the undercut defined by the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13), in the close condition of the first and second wall and in the first operative position of the selector, is stably engaged with the undercut of the first coupling portion (12) to define said locking condition. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), when arranged in the first operative position, defines said through passage configured for allowing the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) to engage the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector, in the second operative condition, is directly interposed between the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) and the undercut defined by the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is arranged alongside the second coupling portion (13) on the same second wall (94). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion has a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) is integrally joined to the second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) is extended along a development plane that is tilted with respect to a development plane of the second wall (94), optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 40°, still more optionally between 1° and 20°.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second wall (94) is extended substantially along a plane, in which the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion emerges at least partly from said second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13a) is made by means of a through cut of the same second wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13a) is extended from an attachment portion engaged with the second wall and an apex distanced from the attachment portion, in which during the movement of the selector from the first to the second operative position, said selector is configured for moving the apex of the panel (13a) close to the second wall in order to allow the disengagement of the panel (13a) from the first coupling portion (12).

In one aspect, a process is provided for making a coupling system (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the process comprises the following steps:

• • preparing a first flat blank (80) made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material, comprising:
    • a first flat sheet (81) comprising at least one through notch (81a),
    • second flat sheet (82) comprising at least one through notch (82a, 82a″),
    • a third flat sheet (83) comprising at least one through notch (83a),
  • superimposing the first and second flat sheets (81, 82) in a manner such that the same are substantially parallel to each other such that they can respectively define the outer panel (10a) and the inner panel (10b) of the first wall (93),
  • positioning the third sheet (83) in interposition between the first and second sheets, superimposed in a manner such that said third sheet defines said selector (90).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises a step of preparing a second flat blank (80′) made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material, distinct from the first blank (80), said second blank (80′) comprising at least one first and one second tab configured for respectively defining the second coupling portion (13) and the pusher (92).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the process also comprises a step of constraining the first and second sheets (81, 82) e.g. by means of gluing. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises a step of cutting the first and second sheets (81, 82), in order to define on the latter sheets through notches (81a, 82a) adapted to define the at least one opening (optionally the first and second through openings 48a, 48b) of the outer and inner panels (10a, 10b). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the process also comprises the following steps:

• • preparing a fourth sheet integrally joined to at least one between the first and second sheets of the first blank,
  • cutting the fourth sheet in a manner such to obtain, on said fourth sheet, the intermediate panel (63), together with the groove of the latter panel, and the third sheet (83) suitable to define the selector.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion is obtained by means of making a through notch (81a′) of the second blank (80′). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is obtained by means of making a further through notch (82a′) of the second blank (80′). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises a step of cutting the second sheet (82) of the first blank (80), in order to define on the same the through notch (82a″) suitable to define the first coupling portion (12) of the first wall (93).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which the first sheet (81), the second sheet (82) and the fourth sheet (84) are joined in a single piece. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises a step of die-cutting a single flat precursor sheet during which the first, the second, the third and the fourth sheet are simultaneously obtained, in which the die-cutting step defines creases at least at connection edges of said first, second and fourth sheet.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which the process, following the die-cutting step, comprises the step of folding said first flat blank (80) so as to prepare the third sheet (83) in interposition between the first and second sheets (81, 82) to define the selector (90) interposed between the outer panel (10a) and the inner panel (10b) of the coupling system (1).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises a step of cutting the second blank (80′) to define on the same a first through notch (81a′) suitable to define the gripping edge (13b) of the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) of the second wall (94) and a second through notch (82a′) suitable to define the pusher (92).

In one aspect, a child-proof container (1000) is provided, comprising a coupling system according to any one of the preceding aspects. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the container comprises:

• • at least one storage (2) defining a compartment (3) configured for housing at least one product, the storage (2) having a predetermined number of lateral walls (4) defining at least one opening (5) delimited by a free edge (6) and configured for placing the compartment (3) of the storage (2) in communication with the external environment,
  • a closure system (7) engaged with the storage (2), said closure system (7) and said storage (2) being relatively movable, optionally via rotation, with respect to each other at least between:
    • a closed condition in which the closure system (7) itself prevents the communication between the compartment (3) of the storage (2) and the external environment,
    • an open condition in which the closure system (7) itself allows the communication between the compartment (3) and the external environment,
  • in which the closure system (7) comprises:
    • a top wall (9) configured for obstructing the opening (5) of the storage (2) in said closed condition,
    • at least one lateral wall (10) emerging from the top wall (9) and configured for being arranged within the storage (2) at least in said closed condition,
  • at least one coupling system according to any one of the preceding aspects, in which the first wall (93) defines at least one part of a lateral wall (4) of the storage (2) while the second wall (94) of the coupling system defines at least one part of the lateral wall (10) of the closure system (7).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which the first coupling portion (12) is carried by the storage (2) while the second coupling portion (13) is carried by the closure system (7). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first and second coupling portions are configured for being stably engaged with each other in the closed condition of the storage and the closure system to define a locking condition of the latter in which said first and second coupling portions (12, 13) prevent the closure system (7) and the storage (2) from switching from the closed condition to the open condition. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) of the coupling system (1) is carried by at least one selected between the closure system (7) and the storage (2), said selector (90), at least in the closed condition of the closure system (7) and the storage (2), being relatively movable with respect to at least one between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13), at least between:

• • the first operative position in which said selector (90) allows the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) to be stably engaged with each other to define said locking condition,
  • the second operative position in which the selector (90) prevents the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) from being engaged with each other in a manner such that the closure system (7) and the storage (2) can switch from the closed condition to the open condition.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is carried by at least one selected between the closure system (7) and the storage (2). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92), at least during switching between the open condition and the closed condition of the closure system (7) and the storage (2), is configured for moving the selector (90) from the second to the first operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which:

• • the pusher (92) is carried by the storage (2) while the selector (90) is carried by the closure system (7), or
  • the pusher (92) is carried by the closure system (7) while the selector (90) is carried by the storage (2).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is carried by the closure system (7). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) is carried by the closure system. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is placed on the side of the second coupling portion (13).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the thrust portion (91b) of the selector, at least in the closed condition of the storage and the closure system, is directly abutted against the pusher (92).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the maneuvering portion (91a) is configured for allowing a user, at least during the closed condition of the storage and the closure system, to act on said maneuvering portion (91a) and to move the selector (90) between the first and second operative positions so as to allow the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the storage comprises a front wall (4a) and a rear wall (4b) which are opposed and joined by means of a first and a second lateral wall (4c, 4d) of the storage, in which the first wall (93) of the coupling system defines at least part of the front wall of the storage. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the closure system (7) is engaged, optionally hinged, with the rear wall of the storage. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second wall (94) of the coupling system defines at least one wall of the lateral wall of the closure system which, in the closed condition of the system (7) and of the storage, directly faces the first wall (93) of the coupling system (namely the front wall 4a of the storage).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the outer panel (10a) defines at least one wall of an outer wall of the storage, optionally of the front wall. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the inner wall (10b) defines at least one part of an inner surface of the storage. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the at least one through opening (optionally the first through opening 48a) defined on the outer panel (10a) of the first wall is configured for allowing a user, from outside the container, to intervene on the maneuvering portion (91a) in order to allow the movement of the selector from the first to the second operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the at least one through opening (optionally the second through opening 48b) defined on the inner panel (10b) of the first wall is configured for allowing the pusher (92), at least during switching from the open condition to the closed condition of the storage and of the closure system, to act thrustingly on the thrust portion (91b) of the selector (90) in order to allow the movement of the latter from the second to the first operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector is movable, between the first and second operative positions and vice versa, along a movement trajectory, optionally curvilinear, substantially parallel to the development plane of the first wall, optionally to a development plane of the front wall of the storage. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), in the second operative position, is configured for acting thrustingly on the second coupling portion (13) carried by the closure system. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the selector, during the movement between the first and second operative positions, is configured for pushing the second coupling portion (13) close to the compartment (3) of the storage (2) in order to allow the disengagement of the panel (13a) from the first coupling portion (optionally from the tab 12a).

In one aspect, a child-proof package (100) is provided comprising a coupling system according to any one of the preceding aspects. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the package comprises:

• • at least one container (1a) defining a compartment for housing at least one product, said container (1a) having at least one lateral wall (4) defining an opening (5) delimited by a free edge (6), said opening (5) being configured for allowing the insertion and the removal of the product from the container (1a),
  • at least one case (102) having at least one lateral wall (104) defining at least one access (105) delimited by a free edge (106) configured for allowing the passage of the container (1a), said at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102) delimiting an inner volume (103) configured for insertingly receiving at least part of the container (1a), in which the case (102) and the container (1a) are relatively movable with respect to each other at least between:
    • a closed condition in which the case (102) obstructs the opening of the container (1a), in which the container (1a), in said closed condition, is arranged at least partly in the inner volume (103),
    • an open condition in which the case (102) allows the communication between the compartment and the external environment,
  • at least one coupling system (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, in which the first wall (93) defines at least part of the at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102) while the second wall (94) of the coupling system (1) defines at least part of the at least one lateral wall (4) of the container (1a).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is carried by the case (102) and arranged at least partly in the inner volume (103) while the second coupling portion (13) is carried by the container (1a) and arranged outside the compartment. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is carried by at least one selected between the container (1a) and the case (102). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), at least in the closed condition of the container and the case, is movable with respect to at least one between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13), at least between:

• • the first operative position in which said selector (90) allows the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) to be stably engaged with each other to define said locking condition in which said first and second coupling portions (12, 13) prevent the case and the container from switching from the closed condition to the open condition,
  • the second operative position in which the selector (90) prevents the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) from being engaged with each other in a manner such that the case and the container can switch from the closed condition to the open condition.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is carried by at least one selected between the container (1a) and the case (102). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92), at least during switching between the open condition and the closed condition of the container (1a) and the case (102), is configured for moving the selector (90) from the second to the first operative position.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which:

• • the pusher (92) is carried by the container (1a) while the selector (90) is carried by the case (102), or
  • the pusher (92) is carried by the case (102) while the selector (90) is carried by the container (1a).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is carried by the container (1a) and arranged outside the compartment. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher is arranged alongside the second coupling portion (13).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first wall (93) defined on the case, in the closed condition of the case and the container, faces and is configured for cooperating with the second wall defined on the container. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the outer panel (10a) defines at least one outer part of a wall of the case while the inner panel (10b) delimits at least part of the inner volume (103) of the case.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the thrust portion (91b) is, at least in the closed condition of the case and the container, directly abutted against the pusher (92). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pusher (92) is configured for acting thrustingly, at least during switching between the open condition to the closed condition of the container (1a) and the case (102), on the thrust portion (91b) of the selector (90) by moving the latter from the second to the first operative position. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the maneuvering portion (91a) is configured for allowing a user, at least during the closed condition of the container and the case, to act on said maneuvering portion (91a) and to move the selector (90) between the first and second operative positions so as to allow the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the outer panel (10a) of the first wall (93) defines at least part of a lateral wall of the case (102), in which said outer panel has the at least one through opening (optionally the first through opening 48a) configured for allowing a user, in the closed condition of the case (102) and the container (1a) and from outside the package, to intervene on the maneuvering portion (91a) of the selector (90) in order to allow the movement thereof from the first to the second operative position.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the maneuvering portion (91a), at least in the first operative position of the selector, is directly facing the through opening (48a) defined on the case (102). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector is movable, between the first and second operative positions and vice versa, along a movement trajectory, optionally curvilinear, substantially parallel to the lying plane of the outer panel (10b) of the case (102).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects at least one between the intermediate panel (63), the outer panel (10a) and the inner panel (10b) of the case comprise a first and a second end stop element configured for limiting the movement of the selector (90) between the first and second operative positions.

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), in the second operative position, is at least partly interposed between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13) in order to prevent the engagement thereof. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), in the second operative position, is configured for acting thrustingly on the second coupling portion (13). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the movement between the first and second operative positions, is configured for pushing the second coupling portion (13) close to the compartment of the container.

In one aspect, a process is provided for making a package according to any one of the preceding aspects. In one aspect according to the preceding aspect the process comprises:

• • the process for preparing the coupling system (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects,
  • preparing the first blank (80) comprising:
    • a central sheet (51),
    • a predetermined number of lateral sheets (52) integrally joined to the central sheet (51) and emerging from the latter starting from a perimeter edge,
  • in which the first flat sheet (81) of the first blank is integrally joined to the central sheet (51), in which the second sheet (82) is opposite the central sheet (51) of the first blank on the side opposite the first sheet (81),
    said process also comprising the following steps:
  • folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets (52) together with the first and second sheets (81, 82) in order to define the at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102) comprising the first coupling portion (12),
  • positioning the third sheet (83) in interposition between the first and second sheets, superimposed in a manner such that said third sheet defines said selector (90),
  • preparing the second flat blank (80′) made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material, distinct from the first blank (80), said second blank (80′) comprising:
    • a central sheet (71),
    • a predetermined number of lateral sheets (72) integrally joined to the central sheet (71) and emerging from the latter starting from a perimeter edge,
      in which at least one between said predetermined number of lateral sheets (72) of the second blank comprises at least one first and one second tab configured for respectively defining the second coupling portion (13) and the pusher (92), the process also comprising a step of folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets (72) in order to define the at least one lateral wall (4) of the container (1a) comprising the second coupling portion (13) and the pusher (92). In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects in which the step of cutting the second blank (80′) to define on the same the first through notch (81a′) and the second through notch (82a′) is executed on at least one lateral sheet (72) of the second blank (80′).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first blank (80) is obtained by means of one or more steps of die-cutting a single flat precursor sheet. In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the second blank (80′) is obtained by means of one or more steps of die-cutting a single flat precursor sheet.

In one aspect, a method is provided for closing a package (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, said closing method comprising the following steps:

• • positioning the case (102) outside the container (1a) in a manner such that the latter can be at least partly housed in the inner volume of the case (102),
  • moving the case (102) and the container (1a) in the closed position in a manner such that the pusher (92) can guide the selector from the second to the first operative position in order to allow defining the locking condition.

In one aspect, a method is provided for opening a package (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, said opening method comprising the following steps:

• • moving, in the locking condition and from outside the package (100), the selector (90) in the first operative position, optionally in interposition between the first and second coupling portions (12, 13), so as to disengage said first and second coupling portions (12, 13),
  • following the disengagement of the first and second coupling portions (12, 13), relatively moving away the container (1a) and the case (102) up to reaching the open condition of the case (102).

In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, before the movement of the selector (90), the method comprises the movement of the pusher (92) away from the thrust portion (91b) of the selector in a manner such that said pusher can allow the movement of the selector from the first to the second operative position.

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:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a blank for making a coupling system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coupling system according to the present invention in a close condition of a first and a second wall of the coupling system;

FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate a blank for making a container and a blank for making a case of a package according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package according to the present invention arranged in an open condition;

FIG. 7 illustrates a blank for making a container according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective view of a container according to the present invention illustrated in two different operative conditions;

FIG. 10 is a perspective side section view of a container according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a further perspective view of a container according to the present invention arranged in an open condition.

DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS

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

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

With the term “paper material” it is intended paper or cardboard, e.g. having at least 50% by weight, optionally at least 70% by weight, of organic material comprising one or more from among cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin derivatives. The paper material can be made of sheet material having a basis weight comprised between 100 and 500 g/m². The paper sheet material can be covered at least partly by means of a coating made of plastic material, e.g. a film, whose object is that of: reinforcing the paper sheet material, defining a water and/or moisture barrier. The coating can have a thickness variable between 10 and 50 μm and can be made with one or more of the following materials: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE.

The term “blank” refers to a flat semifinished product made of sheet material, for example made of paper sheet material, foldable on itself in order to make the wall and/or the package. The blank can be made of a single piece and obtainable by means of die cutting a single sheet.

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

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

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

With the term “manually intervening” or “manual intervention” referred to the user, it is intended a manual action performed by the user without the aid of tools, such as an opening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Coupling System 1

Reference number 1 indicates a coupling system made of sheet material, e.g. paper, associable with packs of various kind—e.g. packages, bags or containers also made of sheet material—for containing products.

As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling system 1 can comprise at least one first wall 93 and at least one second wall 94 that are relatively movable with respect to each other at least between a close condition, in which the first and second walls 93, 94 are at least partly brought close and facing each other (condition shown in FIG. 3), and a distanced condition in which the first and second walls 93, 94 are separated from each other.

The first wall 93 comprises an inner panel 10b and an outer panel 10a, both lying on respective development planes that are parallel to each other. The outer panel 10a has a rectangular shape delimited by an outer perimeter edge. The first wall 93 comprises at least one through opening at least said outer panel 10a and configured for allowing, in the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, an intervention by a user on a selector 90. In detail, the at least one opening comprises a first through opening 48a passing through the inside thickness of the outer panel 10a and arranged entirely within the outer perimeter edge of the panel 10a: the through opening 48a is delimited by perimeter edge of closed profile type.

The inner panel 10b has a rectangular shape delimited by an outer perimeter edge: the outer and inner panels are essentially identical in shape and size. Analogously, the at least one opening also comprises a second through opening 48b passing through the inner panel 10b configured for allowing, at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, at least one pusher 92 to contact and push the selector 90 (the pusher and the selector will be better described hereinbelow). The second through opening 48b is arranged entirely within the outer perimeter edge of the panel 10b: the through opening 48b is delimited by perimeter edge of closed profile type. The second through opening 48b can have a dimension greater than the dimensions of the first through opening 48a. The first and the second through opening are at least partly facing and configured for defining a single through opening the first wall 93.

The coupling system 1 comprises a first coupling portion 12 carried by the first wall 93 and a second coupling portion 13 carried by the second wall 94: the first and second coupling portions 12, 13, are configured for being stably engaged with each other at least in the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, to define a locking condition in which the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 prevent the first and second walls 93, 94 from switching from the close condition to the distanced condition.

The first coupling portion 12 is carried by the inner panel 10b and is delimited by a gripping edge, optionally countershaped with respect to the second coupling portion 13. The first coupling portion 12 comprises an undercut configured for allowing the stable engagement between the first and second coupling portions at least during the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94.

The second coupling portion 13 is at least partly engaged with the second wall 94, and such second coupling portion 13 emerges at least partly from the second wall 94. The second coupling portion 13 comprises at least one panel 13a projecting from the second wall 94 and adapted to define an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge 13b that is tilted with respect to the same second wall 94, optionally by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°. In detail, the panel 13a is extended along a plane tilted with respect to the second wall 94 directly carrying said panel 13a by an angle smaller than 40°, optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 30°.

The first wall 93 can further comprise an intermediate panel 63 extended along a development plane substantially parallel to at least one of the development planes of the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b. The intermediate panel 63 is interposed between the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b; in particular, the intermediate panel 63 on one side faces the outer panel 10a and on an opposite side faces the inner panel 10b. The intermediate panel 63 is thus on one side directly integrally joined to the outer panel 10a by means of a first connection edge, and on an opposite side is directly integrally joined to the inner panel 10b by means of a second connection edge opposite the first connection edge: in other words the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b are joined in a single piece by means of the intermediate panel 63.

The intermediate panel 63 comprises a groove 95, which, together with the inner panel 10b and with the outer panel 10a, delimits a housing seat 49 adapted to receive the selector 90, the latter movable within the groove 95. The groove 95 defines a passage area passing through the thickness of the intermediate panel 63, in which the passage area is delimited by a perimeter edge closed. The intermediate panel 63 can further comprise at least one weakening portion 69 configured for connecting the selector 90 with the groove 95, in which the weakening portion 69 is configured for being broken following a stress applied on the selector 90 to allow the detachment of the selector 90 from the same groove 95. The intermediate panel 63 can finally comprise at least one first and one second end stop element configured for limiting the movement of the selector 90 within the groove 95.

As mentioned above, the coupling system 1 comprises at least one selector 90 made of sheet material, optionally paper, carried by the first wall 93 and movable at least between a first and a second operative position. In the first operative position the selector 90 allows, in the close condition of the first and second walls, the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 to be stably engaged with each other to define the locking condition in which the first and second coupling portion 12, 13 prevent the first and second walls 93, 94 from switching from the close condition to the distanced condition. Vice versa, in the second operative position the selector 90 prevents the first and second coupling portions 12, 13, at least in the close condition, from being engaged with each other in a manner such that the first and second walls 93, 94 can switch from the close condition to the distanced condition. In detail, the selector 90 can be configured for being interposed, in the second operative position, at least partially between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13. Alternatively, the selector 90 can be configured for acting thrustingly on at least one between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 (in the enclosed figures the selector 90 acts, in a non-limiting manner, thrustingly on the second coupling portion 13) in a manner such to distance such portions from each other and prevent the engagement thereof; in fact, in the second operative position, the selector 90 is configured for separating the first and second coupling portions in a manner such that the gripping edge 13b of the panel 13a of the second coupling portion 13 can reach the undercut of the first coupling portion 12 in order to prevent the definition of the locking condition. In more detail, the selector 90 comprises a respective opening passing through the thickness of the selector 90 itself which, in the first operative position of the latter, faces the first and second coupling portions 12, 13: the through opening of the selector 90, in the first operative position of the latter, is configured for allowing the second coupling portion 13 to cross through the selector 90 and be coupled to the first coupling portion 12 in order to define said locking condition. The through opening of the selector 90, in the first operative position of the latter, is aligned with the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 according to a direction orthogonal to a lying plane of the selector 90. Vice versa, in the second operative position, the through opening of the selector is offset with respect to the first and second coupling portion 12, 13 in a manner such that the body itself of the selector can act thrustingly (or even be interposed) on at least one between said first and second coupling portions in order to prevent the coupling thereof.

The selector 90 can be entirely engaged in the groove 95 and is movable at its interior, in particular within the housing seat 49. In detail, the selector 90 is at least partly countershaped with respect to the perimeter edge of the passage area of the groove 95 in which the same selector 90 is movable. The selector 90 can be arranged along a main development plane substantially parallel to the development plane of the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b, in interposition between the latter. The selector 90 has a surface area smaller than the passage area of the groove 95 so that the movement of the selector 90 is allowed within the groove 95 between the first and second operative positions, and vice versa. In particular, the surface area of the selector 90 and the passage area of the groove 95 are sized with respect to the development plane of the intermediate panel 63, in which the ratio between the passage area of the groove 95 and the surface area of the selector 90 is greater than 1.05, optionally equal to or comprised between 1.1 and 5, still more optionally equal to or comprised between 1.1 and 3.

The selector 90 can also comprise a maneuvering portion 91a directly facing the first through opening 48a of the first wall 93 and configured for allowing a user, at least during the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, to act on the maneuvering portion 91a and to move the selector 90 between the first and second operative positions so as to allow the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13. The selector 90 is thus movable between the first and second operative positions along a movement trajectory, optionally curvilinear, substantially parallel to the main development plane of the outer panel 10b of the first wall 93. In particular, the movement trajectory of the selector 90 is essentially defined by the guide of the groove 95. The selector 90 can thus be movable along a curvilinear, optionally circular, trajectory defined by the guide of the groove 95, between the first and the second end stop element of the first wall 93.

It is worth noting that the selector 90, at least during the movement between the first and second operative positions, is at least partly interposed between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 in order to prevent the engagement thereof, allowing the passage of the first and second walls 93, 94 from the close condition to the distanced position. In detail the selector 90, in the second operative position, is configured for acting thrustingly on the second coupling portion 13 in interposition between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13.

The selector 90 can further comprise a thrust portion 91b which is, at least in the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, directly faces the second through opening 48b of the inner panel 10b of the first wall 93. The thrust portion 91b of the selector 90, at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, is configured for being intercepted and thrust by a pusher 92 carried by the second wall 94 in order to move the selector 90 from the first to the second operative position.

In detail, the pusher 92, at least in the close condition of the first and second wall, directly faces the second through opening 48b of the second panel 10b. The pusher 92 is configured for moving the selector 90 from the second to the first operative position at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94. The pusher 92 can then be configured for acting thrustingly, at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls 93, 94, on the thrust portion 91b of the selector 90 by moving the latter from the second to the first operative position to allow the engagement between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13. The pusher 92, at least during switching from the distanced condition to the close condition, is configured for moving the selector 90 along the movement trajectory thereof along a direction that is opposite that followed by the selector 90 in order to allow switching from the close condition to the distanced condition of the first and second walls 93, 94.

The pusher 92 comprises a kind of tab emerging of the second wall 94; the pusher 92 is integrally joined to the second wall 94 and is extended starting from an attachment portion engaged with the second wall to an apex distanced from the attachment portion. During the movement of the first and second wall, the pusher 92 is configured for contacting the thrust portion 91b of the selector at least at the apex: the apex, during such movement, is abutted against the thrust portion 91b of the selector 90 in a manner such that said selector can be guided from the second to the first operative position. The pusher has, in a non-limiting manner, a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape.

The pusher 92 is elastically deformable and in particular movable relative to the second wall itself at least between:

• • a stop position in which the pusher 92, in the close condition of the first and second walls, is abutted against the thrust portion of the selector in order to maintain the latter in the first operative position,
  • a release position in which the pusher 92, in the close condition of the first and second walls, is distanced from the thrust portion 91b of the selector in order to allow the movement of said selector from the first to the second operative position. In the release position, the apex of the pusher is configured for being moved close to the second wall so to be able to release (disengage) the thrust portion of the selector.

In fact, the pusher—at least in the stop condition—is extended along a plane tilted with respect to the plane of extension of the second wall: the development plane of the pusher 92 is tilted with respect to the development plane of the second wall 94 by an angle comprised between 1° and 40°, optionally between 1° and 30°, still more optionally between 1° and 20°. In still other words, the pusher 92, at least in the stop position emerges at least partly from said second wall so as to define a stop element of the selector configured for being abutted against the thrust portion (91b) in order to prevent the movement of the selector from the first to the second operative position.

As is visible from the enclosed figures, the pusher, analogous to the second coupling portion 13, is integrally joined to the second wall 94 and can be obtained by means of a through cut of the same second wall. In fact, the pusher 92 has the double function of:

• • allowing the movement of the selector from the second to the first operative position in a manner such that, during the movement of the first and second wall 93, 94, the pusher can allow the “re-arming” of the coupling system, during which the selector allows the first and second coupling portions to be engaged to each other,
  • defining a stop element capable of blocking the movement of the selector. In this manner, the pusher 92 essentially defines a further safety element for separating the first and second walls 93, 94.

Process for Making the Coupling System 1

Also forming the object of the present invention is a process for making a coupling system 1 in accordance with the above-reported description and/or in accordance with the enclosed claims. The process comprises the steps of:

• • preparing a first flat blank (80) made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material comprising:
    • a first flat sheet (81) comprising at least one through notch (81a),
    • second flat sheet (82) comprising at least one through notch (82a, 82a″),
    • a third flat sheet (83),
  • superimposing the first and second flat sheets (81, 82) in a manner such that the same are substantially parallel to each other such that they can respectively define the outer panel (10a) and the inner panel (10b) of the first wall (93),
  • positioning the third sheet (83) in interposition between the first and second sheets, superimposed in a manner such that said third sheet defines said selector (90),
  • preparing a second flat blank (80′) made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material, distinct from the first blank (80), said second blank (80′) comprising at least one first and one second tab configured for respectively defining the second coupling portion (13) and the pusher (92).

Following the step of superimposing the first and second sheets, the process can comprise a step of constraining said sheets, for example by means of gluing in a manner such to be able to stably maintain the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b (formed by the first and second sheets superimposed) engaged with each other and arranged parallel to each other.

The process, following the superimposition of the first and the second sheets 81, 82, can comprise the step of cutting the latter sheets to define the through notches 81a, 82a in order to respectively define the through openings 48a, 48b of the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b of the coupling system 1.

The process can also comprise a step of preparing a fourth sheet and a subsequent step of executing, on the same, a through notch 84a in a manner such that the fourth sheet 84 can define the intermediate panel 63 from which it is possible to obtain the third sheet 83 (defining the selector 90) and the groove 95 carrying said selector. As is visible in FIG. 5, the third sheet can comprise an opening adapted to define the through opening of the selector 90.

Furthermore, the process can comprise a step of cutting the second sheet, in order to define on the same the through notch 82a″ adapted to define the first coupling portion 12 of the first wall 93. As is visible for example in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first sheet 81, the second sheet 82 and the fourth sheet 84 are integrally joined; the process comprises a step of die-cutting a single flat precursor sheet during which the first sheet 81, the second sheet 82, the fourth sheet 84 are simultaneously obtained; still during the die-cutting step it is possible to make the through notches 81a, 82a and 84a for obtaining the first coupling portion and the third sheet (obtained from the fourth sheet). The die-cutting step defines—at the connection edges of the first, second and fourth sheets—creases for the folding of the first blank 80. The process, following the die-cutting step, comprises the step of folding said flat blank 80 so as to prepare the third and the fourth sheet 83, 84 in interposition between the first and second sheets 81, 82 to define the intermediate panel 63 carrying the selector 90 interposed between the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b of the first wall 93. The process further comprises a step of cutting the second blank 80′ to define on the same a first through notch 81a′ adapted to define the gripping edge 13b of the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13, and a second through notch 82a′ adapted to define the pusher 92.

Package 100

Reference number 100 overall indicates a child-proof package for containing products which has application in all the fields that require, for safety reasons, preventing children from opening the same package; for example, the package 100 can be employed for containing: drugs, cosmetics, cleaning products (detergents for linens/sheets and dishes), foods and tobacco-based products (cigars and cigarettes).

As is visible in FIG. 6, the package 100 comprises a container 1a made of sheet material, e.g. made of paper material, defining a compartment for housing at least one product. The container 1a has a predetermined number of lateral walls 4 defining at least one opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the opening 5 is configured for allowing the insertion and the removal of the product from the container 1a.

The container 1a can have a quadrangular prismatic form as illustrated in the enclosed figures, though it is possible to make a container 1a having different form, e.g. square, trapezoidal or cylindrical. In detail, the container 1a can comprise a front lateral wall 4a and a rear lateral wall 4b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b are connected to each other by means of a first and a second lateral wall 4c, 4d, also facing and parallel to each other. The front wall 4a is distanced and opposite from the rear wall 4b; the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d are also distanced and opposite each other. The ends of the front, rear and lateral walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) define the opening 5, delimited by the free edge 6.

The container 1a also comprises a bottom wall 9 having rectangular shape, from which the following emerge, starting from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall 9: the lateral walls 4 and in particular the front wall 4a, the rear wall 4b and the first and second lateral part 4c, 4d. The container 1a then comprises a single opening 5 defined opposite the bottom wall 9. It is however possible to make a container 1a having two or more openings 5.

The package 100 also comprises a case 102, and it too can be made of sheet material, e.g. paper, and having a predetermined number of lateral walls 104 defining at least one access 105 delimited by a free edge 106 configured for allowing the passage of the container 1a. The predetermined number of lateral walls 104 of the case 102 delimits an inner volume 103 configured for receiving at least part of the container 1a; in fact, the access 105 is configured for placing the inner volume 103 in communication with the external environment, as well as allowing the insertion and the removal of the container 1a from said inner volume 103.

The case 102 and the container 1a are defined by elements that are distinct from each other and completely separatable, as schematized in FIG. 6. In particular, the case 102 and the container 1a are relatively movable with respect to each other at least between:

• • a closed condition in which the case 102 obstructs the opening 5 of the container 1a, and
  • an open condition in which the case 102 allows the communication between the compartment and the external environment.

The relative movement between the case and the container can be obtained by moving both parts, i.e. both the case and the container, or it can be obtained by means of the movement of only one of the parts: for example, it is possible to maintain the container fixed and only move the case relative to the container.

In detail, the container 1a, in the closed condition, is arranged at least partly in the inner volume 103: the case 102, in such condition, prevents the insertion and the removal of products in/from the container. In the open condition, the case 102 is completely separated (distanced) from the container 1a. During switching from the closed condition to the open condition, and vice versa, the container 1a and the case relatively slide with respect to each other, close to or away from each other: during such relative movement, the container is placed at least partly within the case and relatively translates (via movement of at least one between said container and case) in a manner such that the bottom wall 9 of the container 1a and the top walls 109 of the case 102 are moved close to or away from each other.

The case 102 has a structure at least partly countershaped with respect to the container 1a in a manner such that, in the closed condition, the case 102 is fit outside the container 1a. In detail, the case 102 comprises a front wall 104a and a rear wall 104b that are opposite each other and connected by means of a first and a second lateral wall 104c and 104d, also distanced from and opposite each other. In detail, also the case 102 has a rectangular prismatic form: the front wall 104a and the rear wall 104b (with square or rectangular shape) face and are parallel to each other, and are connected to each other by means of the first and second lateral walls 104c,104d (with square or rectangular shape), also facing and parallel to each other. In the closed condition.

• • the front walls 4a, 104a, respectively of the container and of the case, directly face each other,
  • the rear walls 4b, 104b, respectively of the container and of the case, directly face each other,
  • the first lateral walls 4c, 104c, respectively of the container and of the case, directly face each other,
  • the second lateral walls 4b, 104d, respectively of the container and of the case, directly face each other.

It is however possible to make a case 102 having different form, e.g. with trapezoidal section.

As is visible for example from the enclosed figures, the case 102 also comprises a top wall 109 having rectangular shape and from which the following emerge, starting from a perimeter edge of the top wall 109: the lateral walls 104 and in particular the front wall 104a, the rear wall 104b and the first and second lateral part 104c, 104d. The case 102 then comprises a single access 105 defined opposite the top wall 109. It is however possible to make a case 102 having two or more accesses 105; for example the case 102 could have an access 105 on at least one of the lateral walls 104c, 104d of the same case 102. The top wall 109 is configured for being abutted, in the closed condition, against the free edge 6 of the opening 5 in order to obstruct the latter.

As mentioned above, the case 102 is countershaped with respect to the container 1a. The countershaped configuration of the container 1a and the case 102 allows the lateral walls of the case 102 to (relatively) slide externally side-by-side the lateral walls 4 of the container 1a during switching from the closed condition to the open condition and vice versa. In order to allow such relative movement, the case 102 has a slightly greater size than the container 1a, sufficient for allowing the insertion of the latter in the inner volume 103.

The package 100 can also comprise at least one coupling system 1 according to that described above, in which the first wall 93 corresponds to at least one lateral wall 104 of the case 102 and in which the second wall 94 corresponds with at least one lateral wall 4 of the container 1a. In particular, the lateral wall 104, on which the first wall 93 is defined, faces the lateral wall 4 on which the second wall 94 is defined. Analogous to that described above, the coupling system 1 thus allows the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions, defined respectively on the first and on the second walls 93, 94, in a manner such to allow the passage of the container 1a and the case 102 from the closed condition to the open condition. In detail, the selector 90, in the first operative position, is configured for allowing the verification of the locking condition in which the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 are stably engaged with each other to prevent switching from the closed condition to the open condition of the container and the case. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the selector 90 arranged in the second operative position allows the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13, by acting in interposition between the two and thus allowing the container 1a and the case 102 to switch from the closed condition to the open condition. In accordance with that described above, the pusher 92, defined on the lateral wall 4 of the container 1a, is thus configured, at least during switching from the open condition to the closed condition of the case 102 and the container 1a, for moving the selector 90 from the second to the first operative position to allow the stable engagement between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13.

As is visible, the second coupling portion 13 carried by the second wall 94 emerges from the compartment 3 of the container together with the pusher 92. In the enclosed figures the first wall 93 defines at least part of the front wall of the container 1a. The first coupling portion 12 is instead defined inside the inner volume of the case, on a wall configured for cooperating with the wall of the container on which the second coupling portion 13 is defined. In the enclosed figures the first wall 93 of the coupling system 1 at least partly defines the front wall 104a of the case 102. The selector 90 is thus housed between the inner and outer panel of the first wall 93; during switching of the case and the container from the open condition to the closed condition, the pusher 92 is configured for intercepting the thrust portion 91b of the selector carried by the first wall 93 in order to move the selector in the first operative position: in particular, the pusher 92 is configured for at least partly crossing the second through opening 48b defined on the inner panel 10b in order to move the selector. Once the closed position is reached, the maneuvering portion 91a of the selector faces the first through opening 48a defined on the outer panel 10a of the first wall 93. In fact, due to the first through opening 48a, the user is able to contact—during the closed condition and from outside the package—the maneuvering portion 91a in order to allow the movement of the selector 90 from the first to the second operative position.

Process for Making a Package 100

Also forming the object of the present invention is a process for making a package 100 in accordance with one or more of the enclosed claims and/or in accordance with the above-reported description.

The process provides for the preparation of the case 102 attainable by means of the first flat blank 80 made of sheet material, optionally paper. The first blank 80 comprises:

• • a central sheet 51,
  • a predetermined number of lateral sheets 52 integrally joined to the central sheet 51 and emerging from the latter starting from a perimeter edge.

The central sheet 51 has a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. From each side of the central sheet 51, a lateral sheet 52 is extended which also has a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square.

The preparation of the case 102 comprises the sub-step of folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets 52 according to that described above, in order to define the predetermined number of lateral walls 104 of the case 102. In detail, the lateral sheets 52 are folded with respect to the central sheet 51 in a manner such that from the flat blank, a case can be obtained having three-dimensional shape. The lateral sheets 52 can be constrained by means of peripheral sheets 53 in a manner such that the case 102 can maintain its three-dimensional form; the peripheral sheets 53 can be constrained to the lateral sheets 52 by means of glue or any one adhesive materials. In detail, the peripheral sheet 53 is integrally joined to at least one lateral sheet 52; the peripheral sheet 53 of the first blank 80 emerges from a perimeter edge of at least one lateral sheet 52 of the first blank 80 itself on the side opposite the central sheet 51 of the first blank. The central sheet 51, the lateral sheets 52 and the peripheral sheets 53 are integrally joined.

The process for making the package 100 also comprises the process for making the above-described coupling system 1 in a manner such that the first wall 93 can define at least one lateral wall 104. As is visible from FIG. 5, the first flat sheet 81 is integrally joined to the central sheet 51 of the first blank 80: the second sheet 82 is opposite the central sheet 51 of the first blank on the side opposite the first sheet 81.

The process comprises the step of positioning the third sheet 83 in interposition between the first and second sheets, superimposed in a manner such that said third sheet defines said selector 90. After the step of superimposing the first and second sheets, the process can comprise a step of constraining said sheets, e.g. by means of gluing in a manner such to be able to stably maintain the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b (formed by the first and second sheets superimposed) engaged with each other and arranged parallel to each other.

The process, following the superimposition of the first and of the second sheet 81, 82, can comprise the step of cutting the latter sheets to define the through notches 81a, 82a in order to define respectively the through openings 48a, 48b of the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b of the coupling system 1.

The process can also comprise a step of cutting the fourth sheet 84 to define on the same the through notch 84a adapted to define, following the definition of the intermediate panel 63 interposed between the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b, the groove 95 of the intermediate panel 63 and simultaneously obtain the selector 90. In addition the process can comprise a step of cutting the second sheet to define on the same the through notch 82a″ adapted to define the first coupling portion 12 of the first wall 93.

As is visible for example in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first sheet 81, the second sheet 82 and the fourth sheet 84 are integrally joined to define the flat blank 80; the process comprises a die-cutting step during which the through notches of the first, second, third and fourth sheets are simultaneously executed: the die-cutting step defines—at the connection edges of the first, second and third sheets—creases for the folding of said sheets. The process, following the die-cutting step, comprises the step of folding said first flat blank 80 so as to prepare the third sheet 83 in interposition between the first and second sheets 81, 82 to define the intermediate panel 63 interposed between the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b of the first wall 93.

The case 102 is therefore obtainable by means of steps of folding and gluing the first blank 80 obtained by means of one or more steps of die-cutting a single precursor sheet.

The process provides for the preparation of the container 1a attainable by means of a second flat blank 70 made of sheet material, optionally paper. The first blank 70 comprises:

• • a central sheet 71,
  • a predetermined number of lateral sheets 72 integrally joined to the central sheet 71 and emerging from the latter starting from a perimeter edge.

The central sheet 71 has a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. From each side of the central sheet 71, a lateral sheet 72 is extended, also having a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. The preparation container 1a comprises the sub-step of folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets 72 in order to define the predetermined number of lateral walls 4 of the container 1a. In detail, the lateral sheets 72 are folded and constrained to each other with respect to the central sheet 71 in a manner such that from the second flat blank 70, a container 1a can be obtained having three-dimensional shape. In detail, the lateral sheets 72 can be constrained to each other by means of peripheral sheets 73 integrally joined to one or more peripheral sheets by means of glue or any one adhesive materials.

The process for making the package also comprises the process for making the second wall 94 as described above, to define at least one wall 4. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the central sheet 81′ of the blank 80′ is integrally joined to the central sheet 71 of the second blank 70.

The process further comprises the step of cutting the second blank 80′ to define on the same a first through notch 81a′ adapted to define the gripping edge 13b of the tab 13a of the second coupling portion 13, and a second through notch 82a′ adapted to define the pusher 92. The container 1a is thus obtainable by means of steps of folding and gluing a single blank sheet (second flat blank 70). The second blank 70 can be obtained by means of one or more steps of die-cutting a single precursor sheet. The first and second blank 80, 70—even if obtainable by means of a step of die-cutting a single sheet—are distinct and separate pieces, separately machinable in order to obtain a case 102 separated from the container 1a.

Method for Closing a Package 100

Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for closing a package 100 in accordance with one or more of the enclosed claims and/or in accordance with the above-reported description.

The method comprises a first step of positioning the case 102 outside the container 1aa in a manner such that the latter can be at least partly housed in the inner volume of the case 102. Before the step of positioning the case 102 outside the container 1aa-said case and container are completely separate and distinct from each other.

Hereinbelow, the method provides for the step of moving the case 102 and the container 1aa relatively with respect to each other so as to define the closed condition. The relative movement of the case 102 and the container 1aa in the closed condition allows carrying the first coupling portion 12 to the second coupling portion 13 so that such portions can be engaged with each other. The relative movement provides for the relative translation of the case 102 outside the container 1aa with the lateral walls 104 of the case 102 strictly facing the lateral walls 4 of the container 1aa. The relative movement provides for the relative translation of the case 102 with respect to the container 1aa up to an end stop position in which the top wall 109 of the case 102 is abutted against the free edge 6 of the container 1aa; in the end stop position, the free edge 106 of the case 102 is arranged at the bottom wall 9 of the container 1aa.

The step of relatively moving the case 102 and the container 1aa in the closed position allows the pusher 92 to guide the selector from the second to the first operative position in order to allow defining the locking condition.

In the end stop position, the free edge 6 of the container is abutted against the top wall 109 of the case 102 and prevents a further relative approaching between the bottom wall 9 of the container 1aa and the top wall of the case 102. In the end stop position, the first coupling portion 12 is situated facing the second coupling portion 13 of the container 1a and is ready to engagingly receive the latter.

Indeed, once such portions (12, 13) coincide with each other (e.g. in the end stop position), the engagement of the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 is obtained in order to define the locking condition. With relative movement of the case with respect to the container, it is intended the movement of both parts, i.e. the case and the container, or the movement of only one of said parts (only the case 102 or only the container), maintaining the other of the two parts stopped (maintaining the case 102 or the container fixed) in a manner such that a relative motion is defined therebetween (between the case and the container).

Method for Opening a Package 100

Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for opening a package 100 in accordance with one or more of the enclosed claims and/or in accordance with the above-reported description.

Before the execution of the method for opening the package 100, the latter of situated in the locking condition of the coupling system.

The opening method comprises a step of contacting the maneuvering portion 91a and a step of moving the selector 90 in interposition between the first and second operative positions so as to disengage the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 arranged in the locking condition before the step of contacting the maneuvering portion 91a.

The contacting step can comprise at least one between the following sub-steps:

• • inserting at least one opening device through the through opening 48a of the outer panel 10a,
  • manually and directly contacting the maneuvering portion 91a of the selector 90, for example by means of insertion of a user's finger through the through opening 48a of the outer panel 10a,

Following the disengagement of the first and second coupling portions 12, 13, the opening method provides for a step of relative moving-away movement of the container 1a and the case 102 (condition illustrated in FIG. 6) up to attaining the open condition of the case 102. The relative movement can be obtained by moving both the container and the case or it can be executed by maintaining stopped said container or said case and only moving the other between said container and said case.

Container 1000

Reference number 1000 overall indicates a child-proof container for containing products which can have application in all the fields that require, for safety reasons, preventing children from opening the same container; for example, the container 1000 can be employed for containing: drugs, cosmetics, cleaning products (detergents for linens/sheets and dishes), foods and tobacco-based products (cigars and cigarettes).

As is visible from FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, the container comprises a storage 2 made of sheet material, e.g. of paper material, defining a compartment 3 for housing at least one product. The storage 2 has a predetermined number of lateral walls 4 defining at least one opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the opening 5 is configured for allowing the insertion and the removal of the product from the storage 2.

The storage 2 can have a quadrangular prismatic form as illustrated in the enclosed figures, though it is possible to make a storage 2 having different form, e.g. square, trapezoidal or cylindrical. In detail, the storage 2, in its quadrangular prismatic form, can comprise a front lateral wall 4a and a rear lateral wall 4b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b are connected to each other by means of a first and a second lateral wall 4c, 4d, also facing and parallel to each other. The front wall 4a is distanced from and opposite the rear wall 4b; the first and second lateral wall 4c, 4d are also distanced from and opposite each other. The ends of the front, rear and lateral walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) define the opening 5, delimited by the free edge 6.

The storage 2 can also comprise a bottom wall having rectangular shape, from which the following emerge, starting from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall: the lateral walls 4 and in particular the front wall 4a, the rear wall 4b and the first and second lateral walls 4c, 4d. The storage 2 then comprises a single opening 5 defined opposite the bottom wall. It is however possible to make a storage 2 having two or more openings 5. The container also comprises a closure system 7, and it too can be made of sheet material, e.g. paper, and engaged with the storage 2 in particular at the free edge 6. The closure system 7 comprises a top wall 9 directly connected to the free edge 6; from such top wall 9, a lateral wall 10 emerges, starting from a perimeter edge of the latter.

The closure system 7 and the storage 2 are relatively movable with respect to each other, around the free edge of the storage 6, at least between:

• • a closed condition in which the closure system 7 itself prevents the communication between the compartment 3 of the storage 2 and the external environment, and
  • an open condition in which the closure system 7 itself allows the communication between the compartment 3 and the external environment.

The relative movement between the closure system 7 and the storage 2 can be obtained by moving both parts, i.e. both the closure system 7 and the storage 2, or it can be obtained by means of the movement of only one of the parts: for example it is possible to maintain the storage fixed and only move the closure system relative to the storage, and vice versa.

In detail, the lateral wall 10, in the closed condition, is arranged at least partly in the compartment 3: the closure system 7, in such condition, prevents the insertion and the removal of products from the storage 2. In particular, as is visible for example in FIG. 7, the top wall 9 is configured for being abutted, in the closed condition, against the free edge 6 of the opening 5 in order to obstruct the latter.

In the open condition, the closure system 7 is always engaged with the storage 2 (in particular with the free edge 6) but arranged in a manner such to not obstruct the opening 5, as is visible for example in FIG. 8.

The container 1000 illustrated in the enclosed figures has, in a non-limiting manner, only one closure system 7 configured for cooperating with the single opening 5 of the storage. As mentioned above, it is possible to provide for two or more openings of the storage 2 and hence an equal number of closure systems 7 configured for cooperating with each of said openings 5.

The container 1000 can also comprise at least one coupling system 1 according to that previously described above, in which the first wall 93 corresponds with the lateral wall 10 of the closure system 7 and in which the second wall 94 corresponds with at least one lateral wall 4 of the container 1000. In particular, the lateral wall 10, on which the first wall 93 is defined, faces the front wall 4a of the container 1000 on which the second wall 94 is defined. Analogous to that described above, the coupling system 1 thus allows the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions, respectively defined on the wall 10 of the closure system and on a lateral wall 4 of the storage, in a manner such to allow the storage 2 and the closure system 7 to switch from the closed condition to the open condition. In detail, the selector 90, in the first operative position, is configured for allowing the verification of the locking condition in which the first and second coupling portions 12, 13 are stably engaged with each other to prevent switching from the closed condition to the open condition of the storage 2 and the closure system 7. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the selector 90 arranged in the second operative position allows the disengagement between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13, acting in interposition between the two and thus allowing the storage 2 and the closure system 7 to switch from the closed condition to the open condition. In accordance with that described above, the pusher 92, defined on the lateral wall 4 of the storage 2, is thus configured, at least during switching from the open condition to the closed condition of the storage 2 and the closure system 7, for moving the selector 90 from the second to the first operative position to allow the stable engagement between the first and second coupling portions 12, 13.

Process for Making a Container 1000

Also forming the object of the present invention is a process for making a container 1000 in accordance with the above-reported description. The process provides for the preparation of a single flat blank obtainable by means of die-cutting a single flat precursor sheet. The single flat blank 80 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7.

As is visible from FIG. 7, the single blank 80 essentially has the same configuration as the first blank 80 of FIG. 5 for making the case 102 of the package 100. In detail, the single blank 80 comprises the central sheet 51 from which three lateral sheets 52 emerge in accordance with the above-reported description relative to the first blank of the case. The single blank 80 also comprises the first, the second, the third and the fourth sheets (81, 82, 83 and 84) in accordance with the above-described sheets of the first blank 80. As is visible from FIG. 7, the central sheet 51, the first sheet 81, the second sheet 82, the third sheet 83 and the fourth sheet 84 are integrally joined and aligned along a single connection direction; the first sheet is directly interposed between the central sheet 51 and the second sheet 82 while the second sheet 82 is directly interposed between the first sheet 81 and the fourth sheet 84. As with the first blank described above in relation to the case 102, the fourth sheet carries the third sheet 83: the fourth sheet defines the intermediate panel while the third sheet defines the selector 90.

The single blank 80, unlike the first blank of the case 102, also has a first and a second head sheet 54, 55 engaged with the lateral sheet 52 arranged along the connection direction and emerging from the latter on the side opposite the central sheet 51 of the single blank 80. The first head sheet 54 is directly connected to the lateral sheet 52, arranged along the connection direction, and positioned in interposition between said lateral sheet 52 and the second head sheet 55 as is visible in FIG. 7.

The central sheet 51 has a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. From each side of the central sheet 51, a lateral sheet 52 is extended, it too having a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square.

The preparation of the container 1000 comprises the sub-step of folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets 52, in order to define the predetermined number of lateral walls 4 of the storage 2. In detail, the lateral sheets 52 are folded with respect to the central sheet 51 in a manner such that from the single flat blank, a storage can be obtained having three-dimensional shape. The lateral sheets 52 are constrained to each other by means of peripheral sheets 53 (FIG. 7) in a manner such that the storage 2 can maintain its three-dimensional form; the peripheral sheets 53 can be constrained to the lateral sheets 52 by means of glue or any one adhesive materials.

The process for making the container 1000 comprises the process for making the above-described coupling system 1 in a manner such that the first wall 93 can define at least one lateral wall 4 of the storage 2 and that the second wall 94 can define at least the wall 10 of the closure system 7. As is visible from FIG. 7, the first flat sheet 81 is integrally joined to the central sheet 51 of the first blank 80: the second sheet 82 is opposite the central sheet 51 of the first blank on the side opposite the first sheet 81.

The process comprises the step of positioning the third sheet 83 in interposition between the first and second sheets, superimposed in a manner such that said third sheet defines said selector 90. Following the step of superimposing the first and second sheets, the process can comprise a step of constraining said sheets, for example by means of gluing in a manner such to be able to stably maintain the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b (formed by the first and second sheets superimposed) engaged with each other and arranged parallel to each other. The process, following the superimposition of the first and of the second sheet 81, 82, can comprise the step of cutting the latter sheets to define the through notches 81a, 82a in order to respectively define the through openings 48a, 48b of the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b of the coupling system 1. The process can also comprise a step of cutting the third sheet to define on the same the through notch 83a adapted to define, following the definition of the intermediate panel 63 interposed between the outer and inner panels 10a, 10b, the groove 95 of the intermediate panel 63 and simultaneously obtain the selector 90. Furthermore the process can comprise a step of cutting the second sheet to define on the same the through notch 82a″ adapted to define the first coupling portion 12 of the first wall 93.

The first sheet 81, the second sheet 82 and the fourth sheet 84 are integrally joined to define the single flat blank 80; the process comprises a die-cutting step during which the through notches of the first, second and fourth sheets are simultaneously executed: the die-cutting step defines—at the connection edges of the first, second and fourth sheets—creases for the folding of said sheets. The process, following the die-cutting step, comprises the step of folding said single flat blank 80 so as to prepare the third sheet 83 in interposition between the first and second sheets 81, 82 to define the intermediate panel 63 interposed between the outer panel 10a and the inner panel 10b of the first wall 93. The process further comprises a step of folding the first and the second head sheet 54, 55 along the abovementioned perimeter edge and relative to each other, to define the top wall 9 and the wall 10 of the closure system 7. The process further comprises a first step of cutting the second head sheet 55 to define the through notch 55a defining the second coupling portion 13 of the coupling system 1, as well as a second step of cutting the same second head sheet 55 to define the through notch 55b defining the pusher 92.

The container 1000 can therefore be obtained by means of steps of folding and gluing a single blank sheet obtained by means of one or more steps of die-cutting a single precursor sheet.

Claims

1.-23. (canceled)

24. A child-proof container comprising:

a storage defining a compartment configured to house a product, the storage having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining an delimited by a free edge and configured to place the compartment of the storage in communication with an external environment,

a closure system engaged with the storage, said closure system and said storage being relatively movable with respect to each other between: (i) a closed condition in which the closure system prevents the communication between the compartment of the storage and the external environment, and (ii) an open condition in which the closure system allows the communication between the compartment and the external environment,

wherein the closure system comprises: (i) a top wall configured to obstruct the opening of the storage in said closed condition, and (ii) a lateral wall emerging from the top wall and configured to be arranged within the storage in said closed condition, and

at least one coupling system comprising: a first wall made of a sheet material, a second wall made of the sheet material, a first coupling portion carried by the first wall, a second coupling portion carried by the second wall and configured to cooperate with said first coupling portion,

wherein the first wall and the second wall are relatively movable with respect to each other between: (i) a close condition in which the first wall and the second wall are at least partly facing each other, and (ii) a distanced condition in which the first wall and the second wall are separated from each other,

wherein the coupling system further comprises a selector carried by at least one of the first wall and the second wall, said selector, at least in the close condition, is movable with respect to at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion between: (i) a first operative position in which said selector allows the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to be stably engaged with each other to define a locking condition in which said first coupling portion and said second coupling portion prevent the first wall and the second wall from switching from the close condition to the distanced condition, and (ii) a second operative position in which the selector prevents the first and the second coupling portions, at least in said close condition, from being engaged with each other in a manner such that the first and second walls can switch from the close condition to the distanced condition,

wherein the first wall defines at least one part of a lateral wall of the storage while the second wall of the coupling system defines at least one part of a lateral wall of the closure system, wherein: (i) the first coupling portion is carried by the storage, and (ii) the second coupling portion is carried by the closure system,

wherein the first and second coupling portions are configured to stably engaged each other in the closed condition of the storage and the closure system to define a locking condition of the latter in which said first and second coupling portions prevent the closure system and the storage from switching from the closed condition to the open condition,

wherein the selector of the coupling system is carried by at least one of the closure system and the storage, said selector, at least in the closed condition of the closure system and the storage, being relatively movable with respect to at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion between: (i) the first operative position in which said selector allows the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to be stably engaged with each other to define said locking condition, and (ii) the second operative position in which the selector prevents the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion from engaging to allow the closure system and the storage to switch from the closed condition to the open condition.

25. The child proof container according to claim 24, wherein the coupling system comprises at least one pusher carried by at least one of the closure system and the storage, said pusher, at least during the switch between the open condition and the closed condition of the closure system and the storage, is configured to move the selector from the second operative position to the first operative position.

26. The child proof container system according to claim 25, wherein the selector comprises a thrust portion directly abutted against the pusher, at least in the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, and

said pusher is configured to act thrustingly, at least during the switch from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first and second walls, on the thrust portion of the selector by moving the latter from the second to the first operative position.

27. The child proof container according to claim 24, wherein the selector comprises a maneuvering portion configured to allow a user, at least during the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, to act on said maneuvering portion and to move the selector between the first operative position and the second operative position to allow the disengagement of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

28. The child proof container according to claim 25, wherein the first wall comprises an outer panel and one inner panel,

wherein the outer panel has a through opening configured to allow, in the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, intervention on the maneuvering portion of the selector in order to allow the movement thereof from the first to the second operative position,

wherein the inner panel has at least one through opening configured for allowing the pusher, at least during the switch from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, to act thrustingly on the thrust portion of the selector.

29. The child proof container according to claim 28, wherein the outer panel lies on a plane, the selector lying on a plane parallel to the plane of the outer panel, and

wherein the selector is movable, between the first operative position and the second operative position, along a movement trajectory parallel to the plane of the outer panel.

30. The child proof container according to claim 28, comprising an intermediate panel interposed between the outer panel and the inner panel, wherein the intermediate panel on one side faces the outer panel and on an opposite side faces the inner panel,

wherein the intermediate panel comprises a groove configured to receive the selector, and

wherein the groove of the intermediate panel, together with the inner panel and with the outer panel, delimit a housing seat within which the selector is movable.

31. The child proof container according to claim 30, wherein the groove is delimited by a closed perimeter edge, wherein the selector is at least partly counter-shaped with respect to the perimeter edge of said groove, and

wherein the perimeter edge of the groove defines a guide at least partly parallel to the movement trajectory of the selector, wherein the guide is configured for defining the movement of the selector between the first operative position to the second operative position along said movement trajectory.

32. The child proof container according to claim 24, wherein the selector, in the second operative position, is:

at least partly interposed between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to prevent the engagement thereof, and/or

configured to act thrustingly on at least one of the first coupling and the second coupling portion to move away and keep separated said first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to prevent the engagement thereof.

33. A child proof package comprising:

a container defining a compartment to house a product, said container having at least one lateral wall defining an opening delimited by a free edge, said opening configured to allow insertion and removal of the product from the container,

a case having at least one lateral wall defining an access delimit by a free edge configured to allow passage of the container, said at least one lateral wall of the case delimiting an inner volume configured to receive at least part of the container, wherein the case and the container are relatively movable with respect to each other between: (i) a closed condition in which the case obstructs the opening of the container, wherein the container, in said closed condition, is arranged at least partly in the inner volume, and (ii) an open condition in which the case allows communication between the compartment and an external environment,

at least one coupling system comprising: a first wall made of sheet material, a second wall made of the sheet material, a first coupling portion carried by the first wall, a second coupling portion carried by the second wall and configured to cooperate with said first coupling portion, wherein the first wall and the second wall are relatively movable with respect to each other between: (i) a close condition in which the first wall and the second wall are at least partly facing each other, and (ii) a distanced condition in which the first wall and the second wall are separated from each other,

wherein the coupling system further comprises a selector carried by at least one of the first wall and the second wall, said selector, at least in the close condition, movable with respect to at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion between: (i) a first operative position in which said selector allows the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to be stably engaged with each other to define a locking condition in which said first coupling portion and the second coupling portion prevent the first wall and the second wall from switching from the close condition to the distanced condition, and (ii) a second operative position in which the selector prevents the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, at least in said close condition, from engaging with each other in a manner to allow the first wall and the second wall to switch from the close condition to the distanced condition,

wherein the first wall of the coupling system defines at least one part of the at least one lateral wall of the case while the second wall of the coupling system defines at least part of the at least one lateral wall of the container, wherein: the first coupling portion is carried by the case and arranged at least partly in the inner volume, the second coupling portion is carried by the container and arranged outside the compartment,

wherein the selector of the coupling system is carried by at least one of the container and the case, said selector, at least in the closed condition of the container and the case, being relatively movable with respect at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion between: (i) the first operative position in which said selector allows the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to be stably engaged with each other to define said locking condition in which said first coupling portion and the second coupling portion prevent the case and the container from switching from the closed condition to the open condition, and (ii) the second operative position in which the selector prevents the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion from being engaged with each other to allow the case and the container to switch from the closed condition to the open condition.

34. The child proof package according to claim 33, wherein the coupling system comprises a pusher carried by at least one of the container and the case, said pusher, during switching between the open condition and the closed condition of the container and the case, is configured to move the selector from the second operative position to the first operative position.

35. The child proof package according to claim 34, wherein the pusher is carried by the container and arranged outside the compartment, the pusher being placed on the side of the second coupling portion, wherein the selector is carried by the case.

36. The child proof package according to claim 33, wherein the selector comprises a maneuvering portion configured to allow a user, at least during the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, to act on said maneuvering portion and move the selector between the first operative position and the second operative position to allow the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to disengage.

37. The child proof package according to claim 36, wherein the first wall comprises an outer panel and an inner panel,

wherein the outer panel has at least one through opening configured to allow, in the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, intervention on the maneuvering portion of the selector to allow the movement thereof from the first to the second operative position, and

wherein the inner panel has at least one through opening configured to allow the pusher, during the switch from the distanced condition to the close condition of the first wall and the second wall, to act thrustingly on the thrust portion of the selector.

38. The child proof package according to claim 37, wherein the outer panel lies on a plane, the selector lying on a plane parallel to the lying plane of the outer panel,

wherein the selector is movable, between the first and second operative positions and vice versa, along a movement trajectory parallel to the main development plane of the outer panel of the first wall.

39. The child proof package according to claim 37, further comprising at least one intermediate panel interposed between the outer panel and the inner panel, wherein the intermediate panel on one side faces the outer panel and on an opposite side faces the inner panel,

wherein the intermediate panel comprises a groove suitable to receive the selector, and

wherein the groove of the intermediate panel, together with the inner panel and with the outer panel, delimit a housing seat within which the selector is movable.

40. The child proof package according to claim 39, wherein the groove is delimited by a closed perimeter edge, wherein the selector is at least partly counter-shaped with respect to the perimeter edge of said groove,

wherein the perimeter edge of the groove defines a guide at least partly parallel to the movement trajectory of the selector, wherein the guide is configured to define the movement of the selector between the first operative position to the second operative position along said movement trajectory.

41. The child proof package according to claim 33, wherein the selector, in the second operative position, is:

at least partly interposed between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to prevent the engagement thereof, and/or

configured to acting thrustingly on at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to move away and keep separated said first coupling portion and said second coupling portion to prevent the engagement thereof.

42. The child proof package according to claim 37, wherein the selector comprises a thrust portion which directly abuts the pusher, at least in the close condition of the first wall and the second wall,

said pusher being configured to act thrustingly, at least during the switch from the distanced condition to the close condition, on the thrust portion of the selector by moving the selector from the second operative position to the first operative position,

wherein the outer panel defines at least one outer part of a wall of the case while the inner panel delimits at least part of the inner volume of the case,

wherein the first through opening defined on the outer panel is configured to allow a user to contact the maneuvering portion of the selector to allow the movement of the selector from the first operative position to the second operative position, and

wherein the second through opening defined on the inner panel is configured to allow the pusher to contact the thrust portion of the selector to allow the movement of the selection from the second operative position to the first operative position, during switching of the case and the container from the open condition to the closed condition.

43. The child proof package according to claim 33, wherein the selector, during the movement between the first operating position and the second operative position, is configured to push the second coupling portion close to the compartment of the container to allow the disengagement of said second coupling portion from said first coupling portion and movement of the case and the container from the closed condition to the open condition.