TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure in general relates to a field of packaging. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a packaging container. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a tamper proof packaging container for packaging perishable goods such as food.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In recent years, door step delivery of various consumer products is in rise. There are numerous logistical companies which are into door step delivery' of the consumer products. Delivery of goods is not limited to only non-perishable goods, but also extended to perishable goods as well. Further, packaging and delivery of perishable products such as food items, vegetables, meat and the like, have been increasing rapidly. Generally, packaging containers made of food grade materials such as hard cardboard paper and the like, are extensively used to meet the deliver requirements, which impart optimum quality and hygiene. Usually, the packaging containers are insulated, sealed and made tamper proof to avoid possible damage or misuse of the products placed within the packaging container.

Conventionally, packaging containers are either glued or bonded using adhesives to make the packaging containers tamper proof. Usage of glue or adhesive in manufacturing the packaging containers demand for use of expensive equipments and thus, increases the overall production costs of the packaging container. Further, chemicals present in glue or adhesive may not be eco-friendly or of food grade. Some of these chemicals are not even biodegradable, even though the material used for the packaging containers may be biodegradable. Moreover, usage of glue and adhesive creates a permanent bond in the packaging container, which needs to be broken by tearing or shearing the bonded part. Once the bonded part is tom or sheared the packaging container may not be used again i.e. the packaging container cannot be resealed.

Further, it is also necessary to make the packaging container tamper evident, to enable the user to visually recognize any possible tampering to the packaging container. One such example of tamper evident structure is a plastic locking ring connected to a cap such as those utilized in bottles. When the cap is unfastened by the user, the plastic ring disconnects or shears from the cap and thus provides a visual indication to the user, that the bottle has been tampered.

Considering the above, several attempts have been made to replicate the use of tamper evident in packaging containers apart from bottles. One such development includes, providing a sealing tape around the outer surface of the packaging container. In such an arrangement, opening of the packaging box may be achieved by damaging or removing the sealing tope. However, providing this sealing tape involves an additional manufacturing step as the sealing tape is not an internal configuration of the packaging container. Moreover, the sealing tape itself acts as a locking member, which in turn limits the packaging container for a single use.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or mote limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional packaging containers are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the packaging container as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure a packaging container is disclosed. The packaging container comprises a storage portion defined by a base and a plurality of walls, extending from periphery of the base. Further, the packaging container comprises a first flap extending from each of at least two opposite walls of the plurality of walls, wherein the first flap is defined with at least one slot. Furthermore, the packaging container comprises a second flap extending from a wall adjacent to one of the at least two opposite walls of the plurality of walls. The second flap comprises at least one protrusion and is configured to reside within the at least one slot defined in each of the first flap, to connect the second flap with each of the first flaps. Additionally, the packaging container comprises a third flap extending from a wall of the plurality of walls, which is opposite to the wall of the second flap. The third flap is configured to connect with the second flap. The first flap, the second flap and the third flap forms a closure to enclose the storage portion. In an embodiment, each of die plurality of walls are connected by a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured to fold inwardly, towards the storage portion.

In an embodiment the at least one slot in the first flap is configured to rupture upon access of the storage portion through one of the at least two opposite walls.

In an embodiment, the second flap is configured with at least one slit and the third flap is configured with at least one notch., wherein the notch facilitates in seeming the third flap with the second flap.

In an embodiment, the at least one notch facilities in seeming the third flap with the second flap.

In an embodiment, a free end of the third flap is configured with a tear strip, which bonds the third flap over the second flap.

In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion provided on the second flap seats within the corresponding at least one slot provided on each of the first flaps.

In an embodiment, at least one notch in the third flap resides within the corresponding at least one slit provided in the second flap.

In an embodiment, an included angle at ends of the at least one slot, ranges from 40 degrees to 50 degrees.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a blank for a packaging container is disclosed. The blank comprises a base configured with a plurality of first fold lines at periphery of the base. A plurality of walls are formed by folding at each of the plurality of first fold fines. A plurality of connecting portions are provided at adjoining portions of each of the plurality of walls and each of the plurality of connecting portions is defined with a second fold fine. Each of the plurality of connecting portions fold inwardly at the second fold fine. Further, the blank comprises a third fold line defined at an end of the at least two opposite walls of the plurality of walls. A first flap is formed by folding at the third fold fine and the first flap is configured with at least one slot. Furthermore, the blank comprises a fourth fold line defined at an end of a wall adjacent to one end of the at least two opposite walls of the plurality of walls. A second flap is formed by folding at the fourth fold line and the second flap is configured with at least one slit. Additionally, the blank comprises a fifth fold line defined at an end of a wall of the plurality of walls which is opposite to the wall of the second flap. A third flap is formed by folding at the fifth fold fine, and the third flap is configured with at least one notch. Also, a free end of the third flap is defined with a tear line.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a packaging container from a blank is disclosed. The method comprises of folding at each of the plurality of first fold lines at a periphery of the base and each of a second fold line in each of a connecting portion, to form a storage portion. Once, the storage portion is formed, a first flap is formed by folding at a third fold line wherein, the first flap is configured with at least one slot. Further, a second flap is formed by folding at a fourth fold line, wherein the second flap is configured with at least one slit. The at least one protrusion in a second flap with at least one slot in each of the first flap, to connect the second flap with each of the first flap. A third flap is formed by folding at a fifth fold line. A tear strip in the third strip is bonded with the second flap, to connect the third flap with the second flap, to form a packaging container.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a blank for a packaging container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging container in assembled condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging container of Figure 2, in a partially open condition.

Figure. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging container of Figure. 2 after cutopening the tear seal.

Figure. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging container, in accordance of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging container, in accordance of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various constructions of the packaging container. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly. In other words, one or more elements in the assembly proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Embodiments of the disclosure disclose a packaging container. Generally, the packaging containers may be made tamper proof with the aid of glue or adhesive bonding. However, usage of glue or adhesive in manufacturing the packaging container, demands for automated production lines, which may lead to high capital and production cost. Moreover, the chemicals present in the glue or the adhesive hinders the packaging container from being eco- friendly or of food grade, which may be undesirable for certain conditions for packaging of perishable goods such as food. Further, using glue or adhesive, may not provide flexibility for resealing the packaging container and hence, may limit the usability of the packaging container for a single use.

According!)', embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a packaging container comprising a storage portion. The storage portion may be defined by a base and a plurality of walls extending from periphery of the base. Further, the packaging container comprises a first flap, extending from each of at least two opposite walls of the plurality of walls. In an embodiment, the first flap may be defined with at least one slot. Furthermore, the packaging container comprises a second flap extending from a wall adjacent to one end of the at least two opposite walls of the plurality of walls. In an embodiment, the second flap comprises at least one protrusion, configured to reside within the at least one slot defined in each of the first flaps. In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion residing within the at least one slot, facilitates in connecting the second flap with each of the first flaps. Additionally, tire packaging container comprises a third flap extending from a wall of the plurality of walls which is opposite to the wall of the second flap. In an embodiment, a free end of the third flap is configured with a tear strip, which facilitates in bonding the third flap with the second flap. Further, the third flap is configured with at least one notch. The at least one notch may be configured to secure within at least one slit of the second flap, to connect the third flap with the second flap, in order to reseal the packaging container, post tearing or cut-opening the tear strip. In an embodiment, configuration of the first flap, the second flap and the third flap forms a closure to enclose the storage portion of the packaging container and thus making the packaging container tamper proof.

In some embodiments, the configuration of the first flap, the second flap and the third flap upon assembly facilitates the packaging container to be tamper proof without the aid of glue or adhesive. This results in reducing the production cost, semi-automating the assembly line and assists in manufacturing eco-friendly packaging containers. In an embodiment, the at least one slot in the first flap is configured to rapture upon access of the storage portion through one of the at least two opposite walls. Rupture to the at least one slot in the first flap facilitates in identifying tamper or tampering caused to the packaging container.

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference of accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a blank (100) for forming a packaging container (200), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure. 1, the blank (100) may broadly comprise a base (110) configured with a plurality of first fold lines (111) at periphery' of the base (110). In an embodiment, a plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be formed/erected by folding at each of the plurality of first fold lines (111). Further, the blank (100) comprises a plurality of connecting portions (109) provided at adjoining portions of each of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115). Each of the connecting portions (109) is defined with a second fold line (116), and each of the connecting portions (109) are folded inwardly at the second fold line (116). In an embodiment, the base (110), the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115) and the connecting portions (109) when formed/erected defines a storage portion. Furthermore, the blank (100) comprises a third fold line (117) defined in at least two opposite walls (112, 113) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115), wherein a first flap (101) is formed by folding at the third fold line (117) and the first flap (101) is configured with at least one slot (104). A fourth fold line (118) may be defined in a wall (115) adjacent to one end of the at least two opposite walls (112, 113) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 1 14, 115), wherein a second flap (102) may be formed by folding at the fourth fold line (118), and the second flap (102) is configured with at least one protrusion (105) and at least one slit (106). Additionally, the blank (100) comprises a fifth fold line (119) defined in a wall (114) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115) which is opposite to the wall ( 115) of the second flap (102), wherein a third flap (103) may be formed by folding at the fifth fold line (119), and the third flap (103) is configured with at least one notch (107). A free end of the third flap (103) is defined with a tear strip (108).

In an embodiment, the plurality of first fold lines (111), the second fold line (116), the third fold line (117), fourth fold line (118) and the fifth fold line (119) are weakened portions in the blank (100) and provide a reference for the user to fold the blank (100) at desired portions, during a process of assembling the packaging container (200).

Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a packaging container (200), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure. 2, the packaging container (200) comprises a storage portion, defined by the base (110) and the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115) extending upwardly from the base (110). In an embodiment, the storage portion defines a cavity for accommodating commodities/goods [i.e. both perishable and non-perishable goods]. As an example, the storage portion may resemble any of the geometrical shape, but not limiting to rectangular, square and the like. Each of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115) are connected by the connecting portion (109), wherein the connecting portion (109) may be configured to fold inwardly, to provide effective sealing between each of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115). Further the packaging container (200) comprises the first flap (101) extending from each of the at least two opposite walls (112, 113) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115). In an embodiment, the first flap (101) extending from each of the each of the at least two opposite walls (112, 113) is defined with at least one slot (104). Further, ends of the at least one slot (104) is provided with an included angle ranging from 40 degrees to 50 degrees. Further, shape of the at least one slot (104) may be designed to accommodate the at least one protrusion (105) in a close tolerance fit. Furthermore, the packaging container (200) comprises the second flap (102) extending from the wall (115) adjacent to one end of the at least two opposite walls (112, 113) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The second flap (102) is configured with at least one protrusion (105), wherein the at least one protrusion

(105) is configured to reside within the at least one slot (104) defined in each of the first flap (101). The at least one protrusion (105) in the second flap (102) resides in the at least one slot (104) in the first flap (101), which facilitates in connecting the second flap (102) with the first flap (101). In an embodiment, the second flap (102) may be configured with at least one slit

(106). As an example, the at least one protrusion (105) may be configured on either side of an end of the second flap (102).

Additionally, the packaging container (200) comprises a third flap (103) extending from the wall (114) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 115), which is opposite to the wall of the second flap (102). A free end of the third flap (103) may be configured with the tear strip (108), which facilitates in bonding the third flap ( 103) over the second flap (102) (best seen in Figure. 3). In an embodiment, the tear strip (108) may be tom or cut open by an user to access the storage portion of the packaging box (200). As an example, the one end of the tear strip (108) may be provided with tear member (120). In an embodiment, the tear member (120) may be rectangular, square, circular and the like in configuration. The tear member (120) may be raptured by the user initially to tear or cut-open the entire tear strip (108) thereafter. In an embodiment, the tear member (120) may act as a barrier and hinders from tearing the tear strip (108), without rupturing the tear member (120). This may facilitate in identifying tampering done to the packaging container (200). Additionally, the third flap (103) may be configured with at least one notch (107), wherein the at least one notch (107) may be configured to reside within the at least one slit (106) in the second flap (102). Once the tear strip (108) is removed or cut-open, the at least one notch (107) may reside inside the at least one slit (106), to enclose the storage portion and hence, facilitates in retaining the initial configuration of the packaging container (200) i.e. resealing of the package container (best seen in Figure. 4), post tearing or cut-opening the tear strip (108).

In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging container (200) (as seen in Figure. 2) may be assembled by the blank (100) as disclosed in Figure 1. Initially, the storage portion may be formed by folding at each of the plurality of first fold lines (111) at the periphery of the base (110) and the second fold line (116) in each of the connecting portions (109). Once, the storage portion is formed, the first flap (101) may be formed by folding at the third fold line (117) in each of the opposite walls (112) of the plurality of walls (112, 113, 114, 1 15). Upon, formation of the first flap (101), the second flap (102) may be formed by folding at the third fold line (117). In an embodiment, the at least protrusion (105) in the second flap (102) is secured within the at least one slot (104) in each of the first flap (101), to form partial covering to the storage portion. Further, the third flap (103) may be formed by folding at the fifth fold line (119). The third flap (103) may be seemed to the second flap (102) via the tear strip (108), which bonds the third flap (103) over the second flap (102), thus forming the packaging container (200).

Further, the configuration of the packaging container (200) facilitates in making the packaging container (200), tamper evident i.e. an ultimate user may identify or detect any tampering or change in structural configuration of the packaging container (200). As an example, when the storage portion of the packaging container (200) is accessed through one of the at least two opposite walls (112, 113), the at least one slot (104) defined in the first flap

(101) may rupture. Rupture of the at least one slot (104) may result in releasing the at least one protrusion (105) of the second flap (102), which results in disconnecting the second flap

(102) from the first flap (101). In an embodiment, the ruptured slot (104) may not provide further provision for the at least one protrusion (105) of the second flap (102) to reside within the at least one slot (104). This prevents from re-assembling the packaging container (200) to its original configuration. This facilitates in easy identification of tamper/tampering of the packaging box (200) and hence, making the packaging container (200) tamper evident.

Figure. 5, illustrates the packaging container (200), comprising at least one fourth flap (121), extending from a base end of the second flap. The at least one fourth flap (121) may be configured to extend through a slit (not shown in figures) configured at a tip end of the third flap (103). The at least one fourth flap (121) along with the tear strip (108), facilitates in securing the packaging box and making the packaging container (200) tamper-proof and tamper evident.

Figure. 6, illustrates tire packaging container (200), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second flap (102), may include a plurality of provisions (122) on a top surface. A binding thread (123) of pre-determined length, extends from a side end of the packaging container (200). Each of the plurality of provisions (122) are configured to receive the binding thread (123). The binding thread (123) binds over the third flap (103), within the plurality of provisions (122) and depicts a stitching arrangement. Thus, the binding thread (123) along with the tear strip (110) facilitates in making packaging container (200) tamperproof and tamper evident.

In an embodiment, the packaging container (200) may be made of bio-degradable food grade material such as but not limiting to hard paper board, cyberXL and the like.

In an embodiment, the packaging container (200) eliminates the use of adhesive or glue, which makes the packaging container (200) chemical free and eco-friendly.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or mote" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.