Locking device for reclosable package

Abstract

Package including a receptacle (2) extending along a central axis (Z) up to a top face (23) having an opening (24), a closure system (3) including a cover (31) mounted so as to be articulated thereat between an open position and a closed position, and a locking device (4) including a locking lug (41) that is elastically deformable towards the central axis (Z) fastened to the cover (31) and furnished with a snout (43), and a gripping edge (42) secured to the receptacle (2) with which the snout (43) engages in the closed position. The cover (31) has a recess (47) in which the locking lug (41) is arranged. The locking lug has an actuation zone (41c) that can be accessed via the mouth (47a) of the recess, and a tamper-proof cap (51) is immobilized relative to the cover (31) by at least one breakable connection (52) and is arranged facing the actuation zone (41c).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a national stage application of International Application No. PCT / FR2008 / 050813, filed on May 7, 2008, which claims the benefit of French Patent Application No. 07 03395 filed on May 11, 2007, the entire contents of both applications being incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a reclosable package, designed in particular for a food product, which has a device for locking the closure system. More particularly, the invention relates to a package comprising:[0003]a container extending along a central axis from a base as far as an upper face having an opening surrounded by a perimeter extending basically in a horizontal plane;[0004]a closure system comprising a lid mounted on the container in hinged fashion between an open position and a closed position, in which latter it covers the opening; and[0005]a device for locking the lid in the closed position and compri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The integration of the locking lug into a depression in the lid implies that said locking lug and the gripping rim are arranged inside the overall external volume of the container, thereby avoiding protruding parts. Moreover, the tamperproof device consisting of the cover has dimensions corresponding at most to the open side of this depression and it is not necessary to provide breakable elements on the locking lug itself. There is thus no risk of the broken tamperproof device damaging the locking device or subsequently hampering its operation.

Problems solved by technology

This is because a locking device as described in the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,779 protrudes from the box and this, in the case of packages, requires a greater volume and risks damage occurring during transportation.

However, in the case of a large lid, this type of tear-off tamperproof strip may use up a relatively large amount of plastic and lead to the appearance of a relatively unesthetic hole in which dirt can accumulate in the course of use of the package.

However, once these bridging pieces have been broken, rough plastic protrusions remain.

These can interfere with each other during the actuation of this locking element or even come into contact with the user, causing a disagreeable sensation.

Images