Polygonal box

Abstract

A polygonal box comprises faces (1, 2, 3), a lid (7) provided with a tab (8) suitable for arranging in a folded position against a first face (1) of the box, and a flap (9) that can be folded down around an edge (29) shared with a second face (2) of the box, the flap (9) having a zone (10) of mechanical weakening that is inclined relative to said edge (29). The inclined zone (10) of weakening does not tear when the box is packed industrially and shows up first opening of the box by tearing-away of a surface (12) of the flap at the time of said first opening (FIG. 2).

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of French Patent Application No. 03 / 12,708, filed Oct. 30, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a polygonal box for use as packaging, for example for products to be consumed or for medicinal products. [0004] 2. Description of the Art [0005] A polygonal box of this invention includes faces, an apical surface and a base surface. Conventionally, the box may include four faces, possibly three or more than four, depending on the model. [0006] With reference to FIG. 1, a brief description will be given of a known box of this type having four faces 1, 2, 3, 4, the faces 3 and 4 not being clearly visible from the perspective of the figure. The apical 5 and basal 6 surfaces are generally similar and often differ only in terms of the printing on the box, which indicates the direction in which the product has bee...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, precisely because of the absence of apparent modifications occurring during opening and closure, it is possible for these boxes to be tampered with, with the aim, for example, of replacing the contents of the box with an undesirable product.

This solution is, however, easy to get around in terms of unauthorized first opening, it being possible for the seal to be repositioned or replaced by someone tampering with malicious intent.

Furthermore, production and affixing of the seal increase the production price of the box.

This tearing-away cannot be repaired, and first opening of the box is thus detected by the tearing of a flap surface.

However, it has been observed that such boxes may be damaged when the product is packed within the context of industrial packaging: the machines used have mechanical arms for bearing on the flaps in order to fold them down over the apical (and base) surface before folding down the lid.

In point of fact, these mechanical arms give rise to tearing of the zone of weak mechanical strength when they bear on the flap.

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