Paperboard-based cover with spoon holder and spoon

Abstract

A closure for an infant formula package is disclosed. The package may include a container having an access opening to an interior space for receiving an infant formula. The closure is arranged for selectively closing the access opening, and comprises a lid and a spoon holder on an underside of the lid to retain the spoon, where the spoon holder comprises an perforated plate having an perforated portion through which a hole is perforated to receive at least a portion of the spoon, and where the closure is arranged for selectively closing the access opening, and where the spoon holder is positioned on an underside of the lid to retain the spoon. Both the lid and the spoon holder are formed from a paperboard-based material.

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for a container, the lid being provided with a spoon holder for retaining a spoon, particularly in the context of a package for containing and dispensing infant nutritional powder or formula or similar sensitive products. Background Art

[0002] Powdery substances, such as infant formula, have been sold in various packaging forms for many years. Initially, metal cans were the preferred containers because they were relatively easy and inexpensive to produce and could be sealed for long-term storage. This sealing was achieved by means of an aluminum foil covering the mouth of the container, which was removed at first use. Since a single container would be used over a relatively long period of time, these containers were provided with a re-closable plastic lid which was snapped onto the outer rim of the can. The container usually included a measuring spoon either separately packaged or packaged within the can itself.

[0003] Recently, alternative packaging forms have become available which improve on the existing cans. These packaging forms include a plastic and foil laminated container body and a hinged lid assembly which has the function of receiving and retaining a measuring spoon. In particular, it has been found desirable for the spoon not to be included within the product containment space, as this may require more stringent requirements for the production of the spoon and there is no need to introduce the spoon at a later production stage. One such package is described in US2008041861, which has a seal for initially closing the package and a space between the seal and the upper edge of the container for partially receiving the spoon before use. Further developments include plastic material buckets which have a location within the lid for receiving the spoon, as shown in WO 2014 / 129903.

[0004] For infant formula packaging, it is generally intended that the spoon be placed in its spoon holder after each use in order to keep it sterile and available for the next use, rather than leaving it in the powder and requiring the user to touch the powder with their fingers in order to retrieve the spoon. However, the effective and correct use of the spoon holder depends on its being well-designed and easy to use. For existing plastic lid constructions, there is considerable flexibility in the design of the spoon holder, especially when injection molding techniques are applied. Currently, alternative closures which do not require plastic are being considered. It is desirable that such alternative closures can also be provided with a spoon holder which is acceptable to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a closure for an infant formula package, the package including a container having an access opening leading to an interior space for receiving the infant formula, wherein the closure is arranged to selectively close the access opening, the closure including a lid having a spoon holder on the underside of the lid for retaining a spoon, wherein the spoon holder includes an apertured plate having an apertured portion through which apertures extend to receive at least a portion of the spoon, and wherein both the lid and the spoon holder are formed from a card-based material. By making both the lid and the spoon holder from a card-based material, improved recycling can be achieved, especially if the container is also made from a card-based material.

[0006] The card-based material can include any suitable single or multi-layer card or paper construction, including reinforced, corrugated, honeycomb and foam constructions. In this context, forming from a card-based material is intended to mean that the respective component is predominantly card and can be processed in existing recycling streams, in particular paper and cardboard waste streams. It should be understood that the exact requirements in terms of cellulose or paper content may vary from country to country and will be further detailed below. Additionally, card-based can be understood as being distinct from components made predominantly of plastic or metal.

[0007] The spoon holder can have any suitable form, especially depending on the shape of the spoon or the shape of the portion of the spoon to be gripped. The apertured plate can have any suitable shape, especially it can be disc-shaped, rectangular, square, etc. The shape can also follow the contour of the lid to which it is attached.

[0008] In an embodiment, the apertured plate includes an attachment portion that is attached to the lid and surrounds the apertured portion. In particular, the attachment portion can completely surround the apertured portion. This is especially relevant where the attachment portion forms an airtight connection with the lid. This also provides a more secure attachment to the lid. However, it is not excluded that the attachment portion only partially surrounds the apertured portion, or that the apertures are open on one side and not connected to the lid.

[0009] The spoon holder can be limited to the central region of the lid, thereby minimizing material usage. Alternatively, the spoon holder can extend substantially coextensively with the lid. This is especially convenient when other parts of the spoon holder have other functions within the package, or when it is desirable for the edges of the lid and the spoon holder to coincide for manufacturing reasons.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the shape of the hole in the apertured plate is set to match at least a portion of the outer shape of the spoon to prevent the spoon from moving in a plane parallel to the apertured plate. The profile of the hole can correspond to a portion of the outer shape of the spoon to allow the spoon to be partially inserted into the hole, thus ensuring proper placement of the spoon while minimizing movement when the closure is opened or closed. Thus, the hole can take any suitable shape to enhance the stability of the spoon, such as a semi-circular shape that is mirror-symmetric to the front half of the spoon. Alternatively, the shape of the hole can correspond to the entire outer shape of the spoon, for example, the top outer shape of the spoon, where both the bowl and the handle are substantially collinear. This further enhances the ability of the spoon holder to hold the spoon beneath the lid.

[0011] In an embodiment, the apertured portion includes a strip that spans across the hole and is connected to opposite sides of the edge of the hole to form an annular portion that extends downward from the apertured plate, thereby allowing the handle of the spoon to slide through the annular portion from beneath the apertured plate. The downwardly extending annular portion serves as a vertical restraint when the package is closed, preventing the spoon from falling downward, which is crucial for preventing the spoon from accidentally falling into the baby formula and ensuring its hygiene. The annular portion further ensures the placement of the spoon when the closure is opened or closed. One or more strips can be used to restrain the spoon, and their positions can be varied according to the physical characteristics of the spoon, such as its size, weight, shape, etc. Preferably, when the spoon is in the spoon holder, the strip crosses the hole in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spoon, which minimizes material usage. Alternatively, the strip crosses the hole in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spoon, which allows one or more annular portions to restrain the spoon along the length of the spoon.

[0012] If the strip crosses the hole in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spoon, the shape of the annular portion can be set to surround a section of the handle of the spoon. In other words, the cross-section of the annular portion can correspond to the cross-section of the handle of the spoon, but with a slightly larger area to allow the handle to pass through easily. These cross-sections preferably have flat sides or portions to maximize contact between the handle and the lid when the spoon is in the spoon holder. However, various handle and spoon shapes are permissible as the annular portion secures the handle with sufficient tightness.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the shape of the apertured portion is set to project downward beyond the plane of the attachment portion, whereby the hole is spaced apart from the underside of the lid. Thus, the spoon holder can have the form of a shallow dish or plate, where the attachment portion is attached to the underside of the lid and the hole passes through the bottom of the dish. Thus, the plane of the attachment portion can correspond to the plane of the underside of the lid.

[0014] The spoon holder can also include a transition portion between the attachment portion and the apertured portion. The transition portion spaces the apertured portion from the underside of the lid. In an embodiment, the hole can at least partially extend into the transition portion. This ensures that the hole is not planar but has a three-dimensional profile.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the hole is in an I-shaped configuration, and the crossbar of the I-shape is located in the transition portion. The vertical bars of the I-shape can cross the opening portion. In the case of a circular opening portion, the vertical bars of the I-shape can bisect the diagonal of the opening portion. Although the I-shaped configuration is mentioned, it should be understood that it can also be in an H-shaped configuration, depending on the relative sizes of the respective branches. Thus, the edges of the hole in the opening portion can form fins that can engage the handle of the spoon when the spoon is inserted by sliding along the axis of the I-shape. For this reason, it can be preferred that the vertical bars of the I-shape have a sufficient length to provide sufficient support for the spoon.

[0016] In an embodiment, the length of the hole is between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm. The spoon holder can also be arranged to grip the handle of the spoon over a length between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm.

[0017] Above, the spoon holder is an opening plate attached to the underside of the lid. However, it should be understood that the lid itself can be provided with a downwardly curved portion that is provided with a hole, thereby forming the spoon holder. The integrity of the lid can then be maintained by providing a lid piece on the curved portion of the lid, thereby sealing above the hole.

[0018] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the spoon holder is arranged to extend outwards to an extent that it can engage with the container, preferably sealingly closing the access opening. Thus, the spoon holder can provide or participate in a sealing function. This is particularly important for baby formula containers where a high degree of re-closure is required after the first opening of the package to prevent degradation of the contents or intrusion of harmful substances or organisms. The outer peripheral edge can be arranged to float at or adjacent to its end.

[0019] The outer peripheral edge of the opening plate can also extend downwards away from the lid or at least away from the central portion of the lid where the hole is located. The outer peripheral edge of the opening plate can extend downwards to a position below the height at which the opening portion is located. In this context, downwards is intended to refer to the normal orientation of the lid in its closed state. It should be understood that the lid may flip once opened. It can also be understood that the central portion of the lid can also be considered to extend upwards relative to the outer peripheral edge. From any perspective, a space is created below the lid in which the spoon can be located.

[0020] The closure can be completely removed from the container. In a preferred embodiment, the closure can further include a hinge that pivotally connects the lid to the container. The hinge can also be formed of cardboard or paper-based material and is preferably in the form of a living hinge, which relies on the folding ability of the paper-based material. The hinge can be formed with a collar that attaches to the upper edge of the container around the access opening. During manufacture, the collar can be considered part of the closure, but for the purposes of this disclosure, once attached to the container, the collar can be considered part of the container and can also participate in the closure function by interacting with the outer peripheral edge of the lid or the apertured panel.

[0021] In an embodiment, the hinge is aligned with the aperture such that the spoon can be retained in a position aligned with the hinge.

[0022] According to the present invention, the closure can be formed of cardboard-based material. This is intended to mean that all elements of the closure are cardboard-based, including the lid, the apertured panel, and the hinge. The spoon itself does not need to be cardboard-based, although a cardboard-based spoon can also be provided if not excluded. The overall packaging can include elements that are not entirely made of cardboard, some of which can be removed prior to use. In particular, there can be barrier layers and connecting or joining parts using other materials (not excluding metals or polymers). In this context, cardboard-based material means a material formed from cellulose-based pulp, which can further include one or more layers of non-cellulose materials such as barrier layers, sealant layers, adhesive layers, and decorative layers. It can include any suitable single or multi-layer cardboard or paper construction, including reinforced, corrugated, honeycomb, molded, and foam constructions. The cardboard-based material can also have inclusions such as fillers, pigments, inks, etc. It is well known that different definitions and requirements can apply to the manufacture and handling of paper and cardboard, and when percentages of paper are mentioned below, these include all paper components, including cellulose fibers, mineral fillers, bound water, paper additives, sizing agents, volume pigments, and latex adhesives. The non-paper percentages will apply to all other layers that are not normally considered paper, including printed layers, varnish layers, and non-water-soluble adhesive layers, as well as barrier layers as mentioned elsewhere.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cardboard-based material consists of at least 85 wt% paper or at least 90 wt% paper, preferably at least 95 wt% paper, and more preferably at least 98 wt% paper or even at least 99 wt% paper. The exact amount can also be adjusted according to local regulations regarding recycling.

[0024] It should be understood that the values of the paper content described above can be applied to each of the individual components respectively, and the paper-based material of the lid can have a different paper content from that of the spoon holder and / or the container. In an embodiment, the overall packaging in the use state can have a total paper content of at least 85 wt% paper or at least 90 wt% paper, preferably at least 95 wt% paper, and more preferably at least 98 wt% paper or even at least 99 wt% paper.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a spoon holder for integration into a closure as described above or below, and to a combination of a spoon and such a spoon holder. In particular, the spoon can include a handle having a cross-sectional profile in the shape of a T. For the case where the spoon holder includes a hole in the shape of an I-beam as described above, the handle can be inserted into the hole, where the crossbar of the T is located in the crossbar of the I-beam, and the vertical bar of the T extends beyond the vertical bar of the I-beam. A particular advantage of the hole configuration is that the spoon can be inserted from either side, making it suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users.

[0026] The spoon can have any suitable size for measuring infant formula. In particular, the spoon can have a bowl with a volume between 2 ml and 20 ml, preferably between 6 ml and 20 ml, and especially between 8 ml and 14 ml.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a packaging that includes a container and a closure as described above or below, particularly where the container is also substantially composed of a paper-based material.

[0028] The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a spoon holder. In the method, the method includes: providing a plate-like portion of a paper-based material; cutting a hole in the plate to form an open plate, thereby deforming the plate into a disk shape with an edge, where the hole is located at the bottom of the disk; and attaching the open plate to the lower side of the lid at least through its edge. In an alternative method, the method includes: providing a plate-like portion of a paper-based material; cutting a hole in the plate to form an open plate, where the hole is cut to match at least a part of the outer shape of the spoon; attaching the open plate to the lower side of the lid at least through its edge; connecting a strip across the hole; and attaching the strip to opposite sides of the edge of the hole, thereby forming a ring portion extending downward from the open plate.

[0029] Both providing the plate and cutting the hole can be carried out by die-cutting, and both steps can be carried out in a single action. Attaching the open plate to the lower side of the lid can be carried out by any suitable means, including welding, heat sealing, etc. Preferably, an adhesive, particularly an adhesive suitable for paper-based products, is used. Description of the Drawings

[0030] The features and advantages of the present invention will be understood by reference to the drawings of the following multiple exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0031] Figure 1A Shows a perspective view of a spoon holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A a top view of the spoon holder.

[0033] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the spoon holder along the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0034] Figure 2A Shows a top view of a spoon holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of the spoon holder along the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0036] Figure 2C Shows a perspective view of a spoon holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2D Shows Figure 2C a top view of the spoon holder.

[0038] Figure 2E Shows Figure 2C a perspective view of the spoon holder holding a spoon.

[0039] Figure 2F Shows Figure 2C a perspective view of the other side of the spoon holder.

[0040] Figure 3A Shows a perspective view of a cardboard-based closure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A a partial exploded view of the closure.

[0042] Figure 3C Shows Figure 3A a cross-sectional view of the closure along the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0043] Figure 4A Shows a perspective view of a cardboard-based package for infant formula according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A a partial exploded view of the package.

[0045] Figure 4C Shows Figure 4ACross-sectional view of the package along the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0046] Figure 4D Shows Figure 4A A close-up of a part of the connection between the closure and the container of

[0047] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4A Front view of the package of , where the closure is open.

[0048] Figure 6A Perspective view of a spoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6B Shows Figure 6A Side view of the spoon of .

[0050] Figure 7 Shows a cross-section of the central region of the closure, where the spoon holder is holding the spoon.

[0051] The drawings are only meant for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope or protection defined by the claims. Detailed description

[0052] Figure 1A Perspective view of a spoon holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spoon holder 10 has a longitudinal axis X-X, through which a transverse plane X-Y and a sagittal plane X-Z can be defined. Hereinafter, upper, lower, top, bottom, etc. are given with reference to the spoon holder 10 being in an upright state (axis X-X is vertically arranged).

[0053] The spoon holder 10 includes a plate 12 having an outer peripheral plate edge 13. The spoon holder is formed of die-cut cardboard and is shaped to bend upward in the central region, such that the spoon holder 10 adopts the shape of an inverted shallow dish with a height of h1 and a transition angle of α (also see Figure 1C ).

[0054] The central region of the spoon holder 10 has a planar attachment portion 14 that surrounds an opening portion 16 defined by a hole edge 15 located in the middle of the plate 12. The opening portion 16 includes a die-cut hole 18 passing through the plate 12, which has an I-shaped configuration with a crossbar 20 and vertical bars 22, as Figure 1B shown. In the presented embodiment, the vertical bars 22 of the I-shape traverse the opening portion 16, thereby forming flaps 26 that can engage the handle of a spoon inserted along the axis of the I-shape, as described below with reference to Figure 7 . The width of the vertical bars 22 of the hole 18 is W1.

[0055] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1ACross-sectional view of the spoon holder along the sagittal plane X-Z. The spoon holder 10 includes a transition portion 28 at the opening portion 16, and an I-shaped crossbar 20 is located in this transition portion, such that the hole 18 has a three-dimensional contour. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral section 17 of the plate edge 13 bends downward away from the central portion of the plate 12. This configuration allows the outer peripheral section 17 to flex, such that the plate 12 has an elastic plate edge 13, the degree of elasticity being such that the plate edge can engage with a container. Further details regarding the engagement of the spoon holder with the container are described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0056] The length of the hole 18 can be between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm. The spoon holder 10 can also be arranged to grip the handle of the spoon over a length between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm. The above dimensions are optimized such that a spoon suitable for measuring infant formula is reliably held. However, it should be understood that the size of the hole 18 can be adapted to other spoon sizes that may require holes larger than 30 mm or smaller than 10 mm.

[0057] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Shows a spoon holder 10' according to a second embodiment. In this case, the perforated plate 12 is completely flat, and the area covered by its attachment portion 14 is smaller than that in the previous embodiment, such that the perimeter of the plate edge 13 is smaller.

[0058] Figures 2C to 2F Shows a spoon holder 10'' according to a third embodiment. Here, the opening portion 16 includes a hole 18 and an annular portion 19 that spans across the hole 18 and is connected to opposite sides of the edge of the hole. In this embodiment, the shape of the hole 18 corresponds to the top profile of the spoon 80'. Thus, the spoon 80' can be partially inserted into the hole 18 to prevent the spoon 80' from moving in a plane parallel to the perforated plate (see Figure 2E ). This helps to properly laterally position (in the YZ plane) the spoon 80' when the closure 50 is opened, closed, or when the package 100 is moved around. When the closure is in the closed position, the annular portion 19 extends downward (-X direction). In this way, the annular portion 19 serves as a vertical restraint to prevent the spoon from accidentally falling into the infant formula during use of the package 100. The annular portion 19 is made of a strip of card-based material that can be connected to the edge of the hole 18 by any suitable means, including welding, heat sealing, or an adhesive suitable for card-based products. As Figure 2FAs shown, the strip can also be connected to the plate 12 by attaching opposite end portions of the strip to the attachment portion 14 (i.e., to the upper side of the plate 12). In the depicted embodiment, the strip is folded to produce a square cross-section that surrounds the spoon handle portion, which is also square and is sized to be nearly the same as the square cross-section. Since the annular portion 19 completely surrounds the portion of the handle, this annular portion further fixes the spoon 80' on the axis Z-Z.

[0059] Figure 3A A perspective view of a cardboard-based closure 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spoon holder 10 is located on the lower side of the closure 50 such that the transition portion 28 of the spoon holder projects downward.

[0060] Figure 3B Shown is Figure 3A A partially exploded view of the closure 50. The closure 50 includes a frame 54, a lid 52, a locking element 71, and a spoon holder 10. The lid 52 is formed as a die-cut cardboard sheet that is shaped generally the same as the spoon holder 10 and is also bent upward in the central region 51.

[0061] Figure 3C Shown is Figure 3A A sectional view of the closure 50 along the sagittal plane X-Z. The plate 12 and the lid 52 extend together and are adhesively attached to each other through their surfaces, thereby providing a double-layer closure with a durable and robust construction. The lid 52 is connected to the frame 54 by a folding seam that forms an upwardly extending lid rim 55 at the top of the lid 52 and a cavity C having a height h2 corresponding to the height of the frame 54. The frame 54 extends downward to a closure skirt 53 that is slightly larger in cross-section than the lid rim 55. The outer peripheral section 17 of the plate rim 13 floats relative to the edge of the lid 52. This configuration allows the outer peripheral section 17 to flex when pressure is applied to the upper surface of the plate 12.

[0062] Between the lid rim 55 and the cavity C, a locking element (in this case, a latch 71) is pivotally mounted through the lid 52 and the plate 12. The upper portion 73 of the latch 71 extends upward from the lid 52, while the lower portion 74 has a slit 75 and extends downward under the plate 12. A lid piece 76 is adhesively connected to the upper portion 73 to retain it to the lid 52. In Figure 3C the view, it can be seen that the hole 18 is offset downward from the lower side of the lid 52, so that together with the cavity C, it is provided for storing and holding the spoon under the closure 50.

[0063] Figure 4A A perspective view of a cardboard-based package 100 for infant formula according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The package 100 includes a container 60 and a closure 50 as described above, and the container 60 is also substantially composed of a cardboard-based material.

[0064] Figure 4B shows Figure 4A a partially exploded view of the package of, showing the scoop 80 between the closure 50 and the container 60. The container 60 includes a collar 62 having an upper peripheral closure edge 64 at the top, which defines an access opening O leading to an internal space for receiving infant formula P . Thus, in this embodiment, the closure 50 is arranged to selectively close the access opening O P .

[0065] Figure 4C shows Figure 4A a cross-sectional view of the package along the sagittal plane X-Z. The container 60 is made of a cardboard blank that is joined to itself in a longitudinal seam (not shown) to form a side wall 63 in the form of a tube, which has a constant or nearly constant outer cross-section. The base 61 of the container 60 and the side wall 63 are joined together at its bottom by a folding seam that closes the lowest part of the container 60. The material of the base 61 can also meet the same requirements as the side wall 63 and can be different, for example, only due to the absence of markings or trademarks. A seal 68 is attached to the upper outer peripheral edge of the container 60, which ensures a proper airtight seal before use. The collar 62 is connected to the container 60 by a snap-fit connection formed between a flange 66 and a circumferentially extending groove 67. Additionally, the collar 62 can be glued to the upper outer peripheral edge of the container 60 to ensure a proper permanent seal

[0066] In this embodiment, the container 60 includes an insert 69 formed from a die-cut board of cardboard material, which has a hole corresponding to the package access opening O P and includes a spatula 65 and a latching member 72. The insert 69 is folded to form the spatula 65 and is folded upwards out of the plane in the lateral region and folded into a triangular or prismatic shape to form the latching member 72

[0067] The insert 69 is connected to the collar 62 by a folding seam to form the upper peripheral closure edge 64, which has a slightly smaller outer cross-section than the rest of the collar 62, as Figure 4DAs shown. In the closed position of the closure 50, the closure skirt 53 covers the outer circumferential surface of the upper outer closure edge 64, thereby forming a connection between the lid 52 and the collar 62. The folded seam between the closure skirt 53 and the upper outer closure edge 64 of the container 60 ensures that these components are relatively rigid and can form a tight interference fit. Importantly, high manufacturing tolerances can be achieved, ensuring that any gap is less than 70 microns, thus ensuring sufficient insect-proof sealing. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral section 17 acts as a gasket and flexes to engage with the upper outer closure edge 64. The outer peripheral section 17 also extends to meet the closure skirt 53, thereby providing additional support for the lid 52 and further enhancing the gasket function.

[0068] In Figure 4D the enlarged view of, it can be seen that the lid 52 of the closure 50 is locked to the collar 62. The engaging member 72 is located in the slit 75 of the latch 71, thereby effectively retaining the lid 52. To unlock the lid 52, the upper part 73 of the latch 71 is pushed radially outward, acting as a lever arm, causing the slit 75 to release the engaging member 72. The upward pulling movement on the lid 52 allows the user to open the package 100.

[0069] Figure 5 Shown is Figure 4A the front view of the package 100 of, where the closure is open. The package 100 includes a living hinge 56 formed of a cardboard-based material, which pivotally connects the closure 50 to the collar 62. The hinge 56 is aligned with the hole 18 such that the spoon 80 can be retained in a position aligned with the hinge 56.

[0070] Figure 6A Shown is a perspective view of a spoon according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spoon 80 is made of bioplastic, which means it is biodegradable as it does not use petroleum as a raw material. The spoon 80 includes a handle 82 and a bowl 81, the handle having a cross-sectional profile in the shape of a T, and the bowl having a top opening to receive baby formula. The bowl 81 has a cylindrical shape with a flat front side 89 and a longitudinal axis X-X extending from the top to the bottom of the cylinder, and its opening O B is substantially circular to easily dispense baby formula into a baby bottle or other container with a narrow opening without spilling. The front side 89 of the bowl 81 has a planar surface extending perpendicular to the opening O B to provide a spatula function for the spoon 80 to scrape the last bit of baby formula from the container 60.

[0071] The handle 82 has a first end 85 connected to the rear of the bowl 81, a free second end 86, and an intermediate section 88. The handle 82 includes a planar top portion 84 (T-shaped top) that extends from the upper edge of the bowl 81 and extends at the same level as the bowl opening O B to provide a flat top surface for the spoon 80 to easily slide under the plate 12 of the spoon holder 10. The width of the top portion 84 decreases in the intermediate section 88, and its width W2 is slightly less than the width W1 of the hole 18 of the spoon holder 10.

[0072] The handle 82 includes a web 83 (forming the vertical bar of the T-shape) that extends vertically downward from the top portion 84. As Figure 6B shown, the web 83 has an intermediate section 87 whose height h3 facilitates the user's grasping of the handle 82. At the first end 85, a stop 90 is formed between the top portion 84 and the web 83. The second end 86 of the handle 82 slopes downward at an angle similar to the transition angle α. This shape guides the user regarding the correct position of the spoon 80 relative to the plate 12 and laterally fixes the spoon when the spoon 80 is held by the spoon holder 10. The spoon 80 can have any suitable size for baby formula dosing. In particular, the spoon can have a bowl 81 with a volume between 2 ml and 20 ml, preferably between 6 ml and 20 ml, and especially between 8 ml and 14 ml. The typical mass of a spoon formed of bioplastic will be in the range of 1.9 g to 2.4 g depending on its volume.

[0073] Figure 7 A cross-section through the central region of the closure 50 is shown, where the spoon holder 10 holds the spoon 80. The connection of the spoon 80 to the spoon holder 10 is made by inserting the intermediate section 88 through the vertical bar 22 of the hole 18. During this movement, the user can grasp the intermediate section 87 of the web 83. Then, the spoon 80 slides laterally inside the hole 18 until the stop 90 abuts against the end of the flap 26. This prevents further movement of the spoon 80 and ensures that the wider first end 85 of the top portion 84 is retained within the hole. In Figure 7 it, the top portion 84 of the handle 82 of the spoon 80 is located within the hole 18 of the plate 12, where the T-shaped crossbar is located within the I-shaped crossbar 20, and the web 83 extends downward through the I-shaped vertical bar. The spoon 80 is held in a stable position by supporting the narrow intermediate section 88 of the handle 82 and abutting against the flap 26 of the stop 90.

[0074] Accordingly, the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that various modifications and alternative forms well known to those skilled in the art can be readily made to these embodiments. In addition to those described above, many modifications can be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A closure for infant formula packaging, the packaging comprising a container having an access opening leading to an interior space for receiving the infant formula, wherein, The closure is arranged to selectively close the access opening and comprises a lid having a spoon holder on its lower side for holding a spoon, wherein the spoon holder comprises an apertured plate having an apertured portion through which apertures extend to receive at least a portion of the spoon, and wherein both the lid and the spoon holder are formed of a cardboard-based material.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein, The apertured plate comprises an attachment portion that is attached to the lid and surrounds the apertured portion.

3. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spoon holder extends substantially coextensively with the lid.

4. The closure according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The shape of the apertures is configured to match at least a portion of the profile of the spoon to prevent movement of the spoon in a plane parallel to the plane of the apertured plate.

5. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The apertured portion comprises a strip that spans across the apertures and is connected to opposite sides of the edges of the apertures to form an annulus extending downwardly from the apertured plate, thereby allowing the handle of the spoon to slide through the annulus from beneath the apertured plate.

6. The closure according to claim 5, wherein, The shape of the annulus is configured to surround a section of the handle of the spoon.

7. The closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The apertured portion projects downwardly beyond the plane of the attachment portion, whereby the apertures are spaced from the lower side of the lid.

8. The closure according to claim 7, wherein, The spoon holder comprises a transition portion between the attachment portion and the apertured portion, and the apertures extend at least partially into the transition portion.

9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein, The apertures are in the shape of a capital I, and the crossbar of the capital I is located in the transition portion.

10. The closure according to claim 8, wherein, The edges of the apertures in the apertured portion form flanges that are able to engage the handle of the spoon inserted along the axis of the capital I.

11. The closure according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The outer peripheral edge of the apertured plate is arranged to engage with the container and preferably to seal the access opening.

12. The closure according to claim 11, wherein, The outer peripheral edge of the apertured plate extends downwardly to a position below the height at which the apertured portion is located.

13. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A hinge that pivotally connects the lid to the container and is formed of a cardboard-based material.

14. A spoon holder for integration in a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 13.

15. A spoon holder for integration in a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or claims 7 to 13.

16. A combination of a spoon with the spoon holder according to claim 14 or with a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 13.

17. A combination of a spoon with the spoon holder according to claim 15 or with a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or claims 7 to 13.

18. The combination according to claim 17, wherein The spoon comprises a handle having a cross-sectional profile in the shape of a T.

19. The combination according to claim 18, wherein, The spoon holder comprises apertures in the shape of a capital I, and the handle is inserted into the apertures from either direction, wherein the crossbar of the T is located in the crossbar of the capital I and the stem of the T extends beyond the stem of the capital I.

20. The combination according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein, The lid is connected to the container by a hinge, and the spoon handle is aligned with the hinge.

21. A package comprising a container and a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or claims 7 to 13 or a combination according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

22. A package comprising a container and a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 13 or a combination according to claim 16.

23. The package according to claim 22, wherein, The container is formed of a cardboard-based material.

24. A method of manufacturing a spoon holder, the method comprising: Provide a plate-like portion of a cardboard-based material; Cut holes in the plate to form a perforated plate, and attach the perforated plate to the lower side of the lid at least through its edges.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The holes are cut to match at least a part of the shape of the spoon.

26. The method according to claim 24 or claim 25, further comprising: Connect strips across the holes, and attach the strips to opposite sides of the edges of the holes, thereby forming an annular portion extending downward from the perforated plate.

27. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: Deform the plate into a disk shape with an edge, where the holes are located at the bottom of the disk.

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