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TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of containers (or boxes or cases) for example for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic products, in particular made of paper material (cardboard or paperboard). More particularly, it relates to a container with a bottom resistant to opening for containing, for example, a bottle or a heavy jar (for example made of glass) for a pharmaceutical product, a cosmetic product, a supplement or the like.

PRIOR ART

According to the present state of the art containers made of paper material having a bottom resistant to opening for containing products such as, for instance, pharmaceutical products, cosmetic products or supplements are known. These containers are used for the packaging, for example, of phials (or small bottles or jars) containing medical products in liquid form or perfumes or other types of cosmetics, where generally the bottom must support the weight of the product in order to prevent the phial from accidentally coming out of its package.

For example, Italian Patent No. 01307433, entitled "Scatola con fondo resistente all’apertura" describes a box with a bottom resistant to opening, made with a sheet of paperboard or other flexible material, having formed therein first portions arranged side-by-side and separated by folding lines, forming the main panel, second portions, situated at the end of two of the first portions, which form the bottom and the lid of the box, covering flaps, situated at the end of the first portions which, when the box is closed, overlap each other inside the bottom or the lid, a tab arranged on the side of the first portions, which, again when the box is closed, is glued to the opposite end of the first portions, and two folding flaps projecting from the ends of the two second portions and intended to be inserted and retained underneath the opposite main panel, when the box is packaged and closed. Moreover, the box has on the folding flap associated with the second portion forming the bottom and along its folding line one or more incisions, which define one or more slits and one or more corresponding first tabs which, when the box is closed, project from the said bottom and the side wall, and also has on a side edge of at least one of the two covering flaps associated with the bottom at least one second projecting tab which, when the box is closed, is firstly inserted inside the aforementioned corresponding slit and then overlaps the aforementioned corresponding first tab, the second tab also projecting form the said bottom and the side wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Applicant has pursued the object of providing a container for a pharmaceutical product comprising a bottom having an improved strength than that of the box described in Italian patent No. 01307433.

This object is achieved by a container with a bottom resistant to opening having a locking closure system for the bottom, the system comprising a locking slot and a pair of coupling tabs, wherein:

the locking slot is formed on a closing tab of the bottom and is suitable for being engaged, when the container is closed, by the pair of coupling tabs;

the coupling tabs are formed on one edge of two bottom closing flaps of the container; and

the two bottom closing flaps of the container are suitable for overlapping at least partially when the container is closed.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the two bottom closing flaps are folded over so as to partially overlap one another, the two coupling tabs are overlapping. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the two bottom closing flaps further comprise, on the edge opposite to the coupling tabs, two contrasting tabs which act as an abutment for the coupling tabs and keep them in position so that they engage stably inside the locking slot when the container is closed.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a container with a reinforced bottom resistant to opening comprising a locking closure system for its bottom, the locking closure system comprising a locking slot and a pair of coupling tabs, wherein:

the locking slot is formed on a closing tab of the bottom of the container and is suitable for being engaged, when the container is closed, by the pair of coupling tabs;

the coupling tabs are formed on one edge of two bottom closing flaps of the container; and

the two bottom closing flaps of the container are suitable for overlapping at least partially so as to close the container at the bottom.

Preferably, the two bottom closing flaps are suitable for overlapping each other along a portion equal to between about 40% and about 80% of a length of said bottom closing flaps.

Preferably, the coupling tabs are suitable for overlapping one another at least partially when the bottom closing flaps are at least partially overlapping.

Preferably, the bottom closing flaps comprise, on an edge opposite to said edge on which the coupling tabs are formed, two contrasting tabs suitable for acting as an abutment for the coupling tabs against a crease line of the bottom.

Preferably, the contrasting tabs are suitable for being placed side-by- side when the bottom closing flaps are at least partially overlapping.

Preferably, the bottom closing tab comprises, on a free edge thereof, a an inlet in the shape of a lunette. Preferably, the container comprises, along an edge of a panel thereof opposite to the bottom, a notch suitable for receiving the coupling tabs so that an end portion of the coupling tabs protrudes from the edge of the panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, provided purely by way of a non-limiting example, to be read with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 a shows the plan-view layout of a sheet of paper material which can be used to form the container according to the present invention;

Figure 1 b is an exploded view of the sheet of Figure 1 a; and

Figures 2-6 show the successive stages for closing the bottom of the container according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 a and 1 b show a punched sheet 1 of paper material which can be used to form a container for a pharmaceutical product according to embodiments of the present invention. The container according to the present invention comprises a locking closure system for the bottom which advantageously ensures high strength to said bottom and prevents the content from accidentally falling, as will be clarified below. The reference number 1 will be used to indicate indifferently both the sheet shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b and the container according to the present invention.

In the present description and the claims, the expression "paper material" will be understood as meaning cardboard or paperboard. "Cardboard" is understood as meaning a material formed by a central corrugated paper layer and two flat lateral paper sheets. "Paperboard" is understood as meaning a material formed by a paper sheet with a large thickness and/or high gram weight, preferably of between about 200 g/m ² and about 500 g/m ² ("stiff paperboard").

The sheet 1 may be shaped, as is known, by means of a punch. The punched shape may be flat or cylindrical.

The sheet 1 comprises a central portion comprising in turn a first panel 2, a second panel 3, a third panel 4 and a fourth panel 5 which are adjacent to each other and separated, respectively, by means of a first crease line 6a, a second crease line 6b and a third crease line 6c. As is known, a crease line defines a folding line of the sheet. The panels 2, 3, 4 and 5 have a rectangular shape and are configured to be folded so as to form the container which has four outer faces which may have on them illustrations and/or writing containing information for the user. The first panel 2 and the third panel 4 define, respectively, an operating face and a main face while the second panel 3 and the fourth panel 5 define side faces.

The first panel 2 and the fourth panel 5 are located at the ends of the sheet 1. The central portion further comprises a lateral gluing tab 7 which is connected to the first panel 2 by means of a fourth crease line 8. During assembly of the container according to the present invention, the gluing tab 7 is glued to the fourth panel 5 on the inside of the container.

At the first panel 2, at one end corresponding to one of the short sides of the said panel, the sheet 1 comprises a first closing portion 9a. A second closing portion 9b is provided at one end of the third panel 4, at a short side of said panel which is located in the opposite position to that of the short side of the first panel 2 from which the first closing portion 9a extends. A fifth crease line 10a is present between the first closing portion 9a and the first panel 2. Similarly, a sixth crease line 10b is present between the second closing portion 9b and the third panel 4. When the container is formed by folding the panels 2, 3, 4, 5 and the gluing tab 7 (along the crease lines 6a, 6b, 6c and 8) and folding the portions 9a, 9b along the crease lines 10a, 10b described above, the first closing portion 9a forms the bottom of the container 1 while the second closing portion 9b forms the lid of the container 1.

Moreover, the first closing portion 9a is connected, at its end opposite to the fifth crease line 10a, to a first closing tab 11 a. Similarly, the second closing portion 9b is connected, at its end opposite to the sixth crease line 10b, to a second closing tab 11 b. The side edges of these closing tabs 11 a and 11 b are preferably rounded. Both the first closing tab 11 a and the second closing tab 11 b are separated from the first closing portion 9a and from the second closing portion 9b, respectively, by a corresponding seventh crease line 12a and eighth crease line 12b. Preferably, each of said seventh and eighth crease lines 12a, 12b comprises, at its two ends along the edges of the sheet, two incisions.

During closing of the container according to the present invention, the first closing tab 11 a and the second closing tab 11 b are folded and inserted into the container, each one opposing the inner end portion of the third panel 4 and of the first panel 2, respectively, as will be explained in more detail below.

The sheet 1 further comprises, at the two opposite ends of the second panel 3, a first bottom closing flap 13a and first lid closing flap 13b. Similarly, the sheet 1 comprises, at the two opposite ends of the fourth panel 5, a second bottom closing flap 14a and a second lid closing flap 14b. Each closing flap 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b is separated from the respective panel 3, 5 by a corresponding ninth crease line 15a, tenth crease line 15b, eleventh crease line 15c, and twelfth crease line 15d. When forming the container according to the present invention, the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a are folded so as to overlap at least partially on one another inside the container, therefore overlapping the bottom 9a. Similarly, the two closing flaps 13b and 14b are folded so as to overlap one another at least partially inside the container in the proximity of the lid. Preferably, the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a have a length L (see Figure 1 a) and are such that they overlap each other along a portion equal to between about 40% and about 80% of this length L. For example, the length L of the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a may be about 45 mm and when the two flaps are folded onto each other they overlap each other along about 30 mm of this length L.

According to the present invention, the first closing tab 11 a preferably comprise, along the seventh crease line 12a which connects it to the first closing portion 9a, a locking slot 16. The locking slot 16 is preferably positioned centrally along the seventh crease line 12a which separates the first closing tab 11 a from the first closing portion 9a.

Moreover, the first closing tab 11 a preferably comprises, on its free edge, in an almost central position along this edge, an inlet 17 in the shape of a lunette.

The first bottom closing flap 13a preferably has a first side edge 17a and a second side edge 17b, as well as a free edge 18 in an opposite position to the ninth crease line 15a which separates the closing flap 13a from the panel 3.

The first side edge 17a is situated in a position adjacent to a side edge of the first closing portion 9a in the plan-view layout of the sheet 1 shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b. The first side edge 17a is preferably shaped. In particular, the first side edge 17a preferably has a recessed part with an inclined profile which defines, in proximity of the end of the first side edge 17a at the free edge 18 of the closing flap 13a, a first contrasting tab 19. More preferably, the first contrasting tab 19 is situated on the end of the first side edge 17a at the free edge 18 of the closing flap 13a. The first side edge 17a is preferably inclined inwards. Moreover, as shown for example in Figures 1 a and 1 b, the first contrasting tab 19 has, at the free edge 18 of the closing flap 13a, a chamfered corner. As can be seen in Figure 1 a, the first contrasting tab 19 preferably does not project with respect to an edge of the second panel 3 as defined by the first crease line 6a. More preferably, the first contrasting tab 19 is aligned with the edge of the second panel 3, as defined by the first crease line 6a. Finally, preferably, the first contrasting tab has a length, along the first side edge 17a, equal to about at least one third of a total length of said first side edge 17a.

The second side edge 17b is situated on the opposite side of the flap with respect to the first side edge 17a. The second side edge 17b is also preferably shaped. In particular, it has, at its end close to the crease line 15a, a first relief 20a. The second side edge 17b also has a first coupling tab 21 projecting from said edge 17b in a position preferably close to the other end of the second side edge 17b. Preferably, when the container is formed and the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a are folded onto each other, the middle of the first coupling tab 21 is at a distance from the ninth crease line 15a which corresponds substantially to half the distance between the ninth crease line 15a and the eleventh crease line 15c. Moreover, when the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a are folded onto each other, the middle of the first coupling tab 21 is situated substantially halfway along the crease line 12a, in a position corresponding to the position of the locking slot 16.

The first lid closing flap 13b preferably has a first side edge 22a and a second side edge 22b, as well as a free edge 23 in an opposite position to the tenth crease line 15b which separates the first closing flap 13b from the second panel 3.

The first side edge 22a is situated at the side of the second panel 3 separated from the first panel 2 by the first crease line 6a. The first side edge 22a is preferably shaped. In particular, the first side edge 22a preferably has an inclined profile and, at its end close to the tenth crease line 15b, a second relief 20b. The second side edge 22b is also shaped, and in particular has a profile slightly inclined from the tenth crease line 15b towards the free edge 23. In this way, when the closing flap of the lid 13b is folded towards the inside of the container, this edge is situated at a distance of a few mm from the eighth crease line 10b of the second portion 9b.

The second bottom closing flap 14a preferably has a first side edge 24a and a second side edge 24b, as well as a free edge 25 in an opposite position to the eleventh crease line 15c which separates the second bottom closing flap 14a from the fourth panel 5.

The first side edge 24a is situated at the side of the fourth panel 5 separated from the third panel 4 by the third crease line 6c. The first side edge 24a is preferably shaped. In particular, the first side edge 24a preferably has, at its end close to the eleventh crease line 15c, a first relief 26a. The first side edge 24a also has a second coupling tab 27 projecting from said edge 24a in a position preferably close to the other end of the first side edge 24a. Preferably, when the container is formed and the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a are folded onto each other, the middle of the second coupling tab 27 is situated at a distance from the eleventh crease line 15c which corresponds substantially to half the distance between the ninth crease line 15a and the eleventh crease line 15c. Moreover, when the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a are folded onto each other, the middle of the second coupling tab 27 is situated substantially halfway along the crease line 12a, in a position corresponding to the position of the locking slot 16.

The second side edge 24b is situated on the opposite side of the second bottom closing flap 14a with respect to the first side edge 24a. The second side edge 24b is also preferably shaped. In particular, it has a recessed part with an inclined profile which defines, at the end of the second side edge 24b at the free edge 25 of the second closing flap 14a, a second contrasting tab 28. More preferably, the second contrasting tab 28 is situated on the end of the second side edge 24b at the free edge 25 of the second closing flap 14a. The second side edge 24b is preferably inclined inwards. Moreover, as shown for example in Figures 1 a and 1 b, the second contrasting tab 28 has, at the free edge 25 of the second closing flap 14a, a chamfered corner. As can be seen in Figure 1 a, the second contrasting tab 28 preferably does not project with respect to an edge of the fourth panel 5. More preferably, the second contrasting tab 28 is aligned with the edge of the fourth panel 5. Finally, preferably, the second contrasting tab 28 has a length, along the second side edge 24b, equal to about at least one third of a total length of said second side edge 24b.

The second lid closing flap 14b preferably has a first side edge 29a and a second side edge 29b, as well as a free edge 30 in an opposite position to the twelfth crease line 15c which separates the second lid closing flap 14b from the panel 5.

The first side edge 29a is situated facing the second closing portion 9b and is shaped. In particular, it has a profile which is slightly inclined from the crease line 15d towards the free edge 30. In this way, when the lid closing flap 14b is folded towards the inside of the container, this edge is situated at a distance of a few mm from the eighth crease line 10b of the second closing portion 9b. The second side edge 29b is located at the free side of the fourth panel 5. The second side edge 29b is preferably shaped. In particular, the second side edge 29b preferably has an inclined profile and, at its end close to the twelfth crease line 15d, a second relief 26b.

Preferably, the position of the first coupling tab 21 and the second coupling tab 27 along, respectively, the second side edge 17b of the first bottom closing flap 13a and the first side edge 24a of the second bottom closing flap 14a is such that the coupling tabs 21 and 27 overlap one another at least partially when the bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a are folded towards the inside of the container so as to be at least partially overlapping.

According to the present invention, the third panel 4 preferably comprises a notch 31 on its free edge situated opposite to the edge connected to the second closing portion 9b. The notch 31 is preferably situated halfway along the free edge of the third panel 4.

Figures 2-6 show the stages of assembly of the container according to the present invention and in particular the stages of closing the bottom of the container by means of the locking system described above, which will be illustrated more clearly below.

Figure 2 shows the container according to the present invention, partially assembled. In particular, in the container shown in Figure 2, the panels 2, 3, 4 and 5 have been folded along the crease lines 6a, 6b, 6c, and the gluing tab 7 has been folded along the crease line 8 and glued inside the fourth panel 5. In this Figure it is possible to see the bottom of the container, formed by the first closing portion 9a with the corresponding closing tab 11 a and the bottom closing flaps 13a, 14a.

In Figure 3, the two bottom closing flaps 13a, 14a have been folded along the crease lines 15a, 15c towards the inside of the container and overlap each other. The two bottom closing flaps 13a, 14a are thus partially overlapping. In particular, the two coupling tabs 21 , 27 present on the edge of the two bottom closing flaps 13a, 14a overlap one another at least partially in a position corresponding to the position of the notch 31 on the free edge of the third panel 4. When the two bottom closing flaps 13a, 14a are folded onto each other the overlapping coupling tabs 21 , 27 are engaged inside the notch 31. The presence of the notch 31 allows the end portion of the coupling tabs 21 , 27 to protrude outside of the third panel 4 so as to allow the tabs 21 , 27 to be inserted inside the locking slot 16 of the first closing tab 11 a.

Figure 3 also show the two contrasting tabs 19, 28. Once the two bottom closing flaps 13a, 14a are folded towards the inside of the container and partially overlapped, the two contrasting tabs 19, 28 are situated side-by-side and abut against the fifth crease line 10a which connects the first closing portion 9a to the first panel 2. The two contrasting tabs 19, 28 help keep the two coupling tabs 21 , 27 in position.

Figure 4 shows the first closing tab 11 a folded along the crease line 12a. Figure 4 shows the locking slot 16 inside which the two coupling tabs 21 , 27 are inserted once the container is closed. In order to close the bottom of the container, the first closing portion 9a is moved close to the edge of the third panel 4 such that the first closing tab 11 a may be inserted inside the container in contact with the third panel 4, as shown in Figure 5. The inlet 17 facilitates the insertion of the first closing tab 11 a at the edge of the third panel 4. Moreover, the incisions present at the ends of the crease line 12a which connects the first closing tab 11 a to the first closing portion 9a engage with the first reliefs 20a and 26a of the two bottom closing flaps 13a and 14a.

Figure 6 shows the container closed and in particular the bottom of the container with the locking closure system of the present invention correctly engaged.

Advantageously, the locking closure system according to the present invention allows the formation of a bottom having a high strength which prevents the bottle present inside the container from accidentally falling out. The two bottom closing flaps, when folded towards the inside of the container along the corresponding crease lines, overlap one another at least partially and overlap the bottom of the container, thus ensuring that the thickness of the container at the bottom is greater compared to a box in which the closing flaps are simply arranged side-by-side after being folded towards the inside of the container. Moreover, the locking closure system comprising the locking slot and the pair of coupling tabs ensures that the bottom remains closed even when a fairly heavy bottle is present. The coupling tabs in fact engage stably with the locking slot, ensuring a strong locking action which prevents accidental opening of the bottom.

Moreover, advantageously, compared to the known boxes, the presence of the contrasting tabs on the closing flaps of the container according to the present invention further increases the strength of the bottom. In the known boxes, when they are closed, the edge of the flaps is situated usually at a distance of a few mm from the crease line of the portion. In this case, instead, the contrasting tabs act as an abutment, on the opposite edge and against the crease line of the portion, for the coupling tabs. The contrasting tabs, when the container is closed, in fact come into abutment against the crease line of the bottom portion of the container, therefore keeping the coupling tabs in position in a stable and precise manner.