Tamper-evident container

Abstract

The invention relates to a tamper-evident container (1) comprising a reservoir (2) for containing at least one product, a closure system (7) disposed at a passage opening (5) of the reservoir (2) and configured to block said passage opening to define a closed state of the container (1). The closure system comprises an insertion portion (10) that engages and at least partially faces a first coupling portion (12) that can be coupled to a second coupling portion (13) to lock the container. At least one of the closure system, the storage portion, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion includes a weakening portion configured to allow the first coupling portion and / or the second coupling portion to break.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tamper-evident container and a process for manufacturing the tamper-evident container. The container can be used in industries related to product packaging and where a certain level of security is required to display evidence of any tampering with the packaging. For example, the container can be used in the packaging, communication (e.g., for postal services), food, transportation, and logistics industries. Background Art

[0002] Tamper-evident containers made of paper sheet materials are known in the packaging industry. A first example described in patent application No. WO2015 / 170203 A1 shows a tamper-evident container having a storage portion that can be closed by a closure system. The container includes a first coupling portion defined on the closure system and a second coupling portion disposed in the storage portion: the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are configured to engage during a first closed state of the container. The second coupling portion is defined with a removable coupling portion that is configured to separate from the container during a first open state of the container after the first closed state. A through-opening is positioned on the storage portion to allow the display of the removable portion. A second example described in patent application No. EP3 461 756A1 shows an additional tamper-evident container having a storage portion that can be closed by a closure system and first and second coupling portions carried by the closure system and the storage portion respectively. The second coupling portion is removable and is directly hinged to the outer lateral wall of the storage portion. A third example described in patent application No. EP 3 560854A1 also shows a tamper-evident container having a storage portion that can be closed by a closure system. The container includes a first coupling portion defined by two overlapping and glued tabs configured to engage a second coupling portion defined on the storage portion in a closed state of the container. The second coupling portion is defined by two folded opposing panels that close the top opening of the storage portion. A fourth example described in patent application No. US 5,236,122A shows an anti-theft container having a storage portion that can be closed by means of a closure system and first and second coupling portions carried by the closure system and the storage portion respectively. The first coupling portion is defined by a tab carrying two opposing folded flaps, while the second coupling portion includes a tab defined by a notch in the outer lateral wall of the storage portion. Additional containers are described in patent applications No. DE 20 2010014299U1 and No. WO 2013 / 007306 A1.

[0003] A fifth example described in patent application No. EP 2 003 061 A1 shows an additional container having a storage portion that can be enclosed by a closure system and a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion carried by the closure system and the storage portion, respectively. The second coupling portion is defined by a panel disposed in the storage portion, while the first coupling portion includes a removable panel carried by the closure system.

[0004] Although the aforementioned known containers are currently used to define anti-tamper or anti-theft solutions, the applicant has noticed that these anti-tamper or anti-theft solutions can still be improved in various aspects.

[0005] Object of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to substantially solve at least one of the drawbacks and / or limitations of the aforementioned solutions.

[0007] A first object of the present invention is to provide a container with a simple structure that can be easily manufactured using existing equipment and that can effectively give evidence of a tampering attempt at the same time; in particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an anti-tamper container that can be manufactured inexpensively and that does not require modification of the existing equipment used to manufacture standard containers. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an anti-tamper container that can be easily and correctly closed to prevent damage to the components of the container designed to prevent tampering.

[0008] One or more of the above objects are substantially achieved by an anti-tamper container according to one or more of the appended claims and a process for manufacturing the anti-tamper container, and these objects will become more apparent in the following description. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect, there is provided a container (1) comprising:

[0010] - a storage portion (2) defining an internal volume (3) configured to receive at least one product, the storage portion (2) having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining at least one access opening (5) bounded by a free edge (6), the access opening (5) being configured to put the internal volume (3) in communication with the external environment,

[0011] - at least one closure system (7), the closure system (7) including a closure portion (9) joined to the storage portion (2) and an insertion portion (10) extending from the closure portion (9).

[0012] In one aspect according to the previous aspect, the closure system (7) is movable at least between the following states:

[0013] - The closed state of the container, in which:

[0014] ○ The closing part (9) is configured to at least partially block the passage opening (5) to prevent communication between the internal volume (3) of the storage part (2) and the external environment.

[0015] ○ The insertion part (10) is at least partially received in the internal volume (3) of the storage part (2)

[0016] and

[0017] - The open state of the container, in which the closing system (7) is configured to allow communication between the internal volume (3) and the external environment.

[0018] In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the container includes at least a first coupling part (12) and at least a second coupling part (13), the at least first coupling part (12) being carried by the closing system (7), the at least second coupling part (13) being carried by the storage part (2) and configured to cooperate with the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the first coupling part (12) and the second coupling part (13) are configured to engage with each other in a first closed state of the container (1) to define the locked state of the container. In an aspect according to any one of the two foregoing aspects, at least one of the closing system (7), the storage part (2), the first coupling part (12), and the second coupling part (13) includes a weakening part (14) configured to allow breakage and / or separation of at least one of the first coupling part (12) and the second coupling part (13) after a first open state of the container (1) to give evidence of tampering with the container (1). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the first open state is after the first closed state.

[0019] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the closure system (7) is made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the closure system (7) is arranged at the access opening (5) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the closure system (7) is directly joined at the free edge (6) of the storage part. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the closure system (7) is hinged to the free edge (6) of the storage part. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the closure system (7) is movable by rotating between a closed state and an open state relative to the storage part (2), and conversely, the storage part (2) is movable by rotating between a closed state and an open state relative to the closure system (7). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the closure system (7) cooperates with the storage part (2) to define a compartment of the container in the closed state. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the compartment is configured to receive at least one product.

[0020] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the thickness of the closure part (9) extends between the inner surface and the outer surface. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the inner surface of the closure part (9) defines at least a part of the compartment in the closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the outer surface of the closure part (9) is configured to define at least a part of the outer surface of the container in the closed state.

[0021] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the inner surface of the insertion part (10) faces the inner volume (3) of the storage part, optionally the central region of the inner volume of the storage part, in the closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the outer surface of the insertion part (10) faces at least partially the lateral wall of the storage part (2) and is at least partially in contact with the lateral wall of the storage part (2) in the closed state of the container.

[0022] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the outer surface of the closure part (9) is seamlessly connected to the outer surface of the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the inner surface of the closure part (9) is seamlessly connected to the inner surface of the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the inner surface of the closure part (9) and the inner surface of the insertion part (10) define at least a part of the compartment in the closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) is at least partially received in the inner volume of the storage part (2) in the closed state.

[0023] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the passage opening (5) of the storage part (2) is configured to allow at least one product to pass through. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the passage opening (5) is the only opening that allows at least one product to pass through in the use state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the storage part (2) is made of sheet material, optionally made of paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the storage part having a predetermined number of side walls is made of sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the storage part (2) having a predetermined number of side walls is made of a single paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the thickness of the storage part (2) having a predetermined number of side walls extends between the inner surface and the outer surface. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the inner surface of the storage part (2) defines the internal volume (3) in the closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the outer surface of the storage part (2) at least partially defines the outer surface of the container.

[0024] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the inner surface of the storage part (2) is seamlessly connected to the inner surface of the closing part (9). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the outer surface of the storage part (2) is seamlessly connected to the outer surface of the closing part (9).

[0025] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the predetermined number of side walls includes at least one front wall (4a) and at least one rear wall (4b). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the front wall (4a) and the rear wall (4b) face each other. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the front wall (4a) and the rear wall (4b) are substantially parallel to each other.

[0026] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the front wall (4a) and the rear wall (4b) are connected to each other by a first connecting wall (4c) and a second connecting wall (4d) that face each other and are parallel. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the front wall (4a) and the rear wall (4b) are spaced apart by the first connecting wall (4c) and the second connecting wall (4d). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing four aspects, the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall are spaced apart from each other by the front wall and the rear wall.

[0027] In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing five aspects, the storage part (2) is defined by a hollow tubular body having two opposite passage openings (5). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing six aspects, the front wall (4a), the rear wall (4b), the first connecting wall (4c) and the second connecting wall (4d) define a hollow tubular body having two opposite passage openings (5). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the container includes a closing system (7) for each passage opening (5). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, a predetermined number of side walls include a front wall (4a) and a rear wall (4b) that are directly joined to each other. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the front wall (4a) and the rear wall (4b) overlap. In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing two aspects, the rear wall (4b) is folded over the front wall (4a) to define an enclosure. In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the predetermined number of side walls further includes:

[0028] a first connecting wall (4c) that is integrally connected to at least one of the front wall and the rear wall,

[0029] a second connecting wall (4d) that is integrally connected to at least one of the front wall and the rear wall,

[0030] Optionally, the first connecting wall (4c) and the second connecting wall (4d) are interposed between the front wall and the rear wall. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the first connecting wall (4c) and the second connecting wall (4d) are integrally connected to the front wall (4a) and are folded over the front wall (4a).

[0031] In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) is joined to the closing part (9) at a folding edge (9a) opposite to the free edge (6) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the insertion part (10) is integrally connected to the closing part (9) through the folding edge (9a). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) is defined by a peripheral edge (10a). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the closing part (9) is constrained to a section of the free edge of the storage part (2) defined by the rear wall (4b). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the closing part (9) is hinged to the rear wall (4b). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) directly faces the front wall (4a) of the storage part (2) in the closed state. In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) is at least partially in contact with the front wall (4a) of the storage part (2) in the closed state.

[0032] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) defines a coupling portion that can engage with the second coupling portion (13) in a first closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is made of a sheet material, optionally made of a paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is integrally connected to the closing system (7). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is directly integrally connected to the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) and the insertion portion (10) are defined as an optionally flat single sheet.

[0033] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) includes a tab (12a). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion is made of a sheet material, optionally made of a paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the tab (12a) defines the coupling portion of the first coupling portion (12).

[0034] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) projects from the closing system (7). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) projects from the insertion portion (10), optionally from the side opposite to the closing portion (9). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the insertion portion (10) is interposed between the first coupling portion (12) and the closing portion (9). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) extends seamlessly from the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the insertion portion (10) lies. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) lies in a plane that coincides with the plane in which the insertion portion (10) lies. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) defines an extension of the insertion portion (10).

[0035] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the thickness of the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12) extends between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the insertion portion (10) extends seamlessly from the first surface of the first coupling portion (12), and wherein the second surface of the insertion portion (10) extends seamlessly from the second surface of the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12) includes at least one hook portion (120), the at least one hook portion (120) being configured to define a joint portion of the first coupling portion and optionally configured to engage the second coupling portion (13) in a first closed state of the container.

[0036] In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the at least one hook portion is bounded by a gripping edge (120'). In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the gripping edge (120') bounding the hook portion (120) of the first coupling portion has a generally "C-shaped" shape. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the concave surface defined by the "C-shaped" shape of the hook portion (120) of the first coupling portion (12) faces at least one of the first connecting wall (4c) and the second connecting wall (4c) of the storage portion (2) in the closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the at least one hook portion (120) of the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12) includes at least one first hook portion and at least one second hook portion. In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, each of the hook portions of the tab (12a) is configured to define a joint portion of the first coupling portion (12) and optionally configured to engage the second coupling portion (13) in a first closed state of the container. In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, each of the first hook portion and the second hook portion is bounded by an edge (120'). In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the edge (120') bounding each of the first hook portion and the second hook portion of the first coupling portion (12) has a generally "C-shaped" shape. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the concave surface defined by the "C-shaped" shape of the first hook portion faces away from the concave surface defined by the "C-shaped" shape of the second hook portion. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the concave surface defined by the "C-shaped" shape of the second hook portion faces a direction opposite to that of the concave surface defined by the "C-shaped" shape of the first hook portion.

[0037] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12) includes a central body (125) that supports at least one hooked portion (120) of the tab (12a). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the at least one hooked portion (120) is laterally joined to the central body (125) of the tab. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the central body (125) is interposed between the first hooked portion and the second hooked portion of the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12) includes an insertion portion (127) spaced apart from the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the insertion portion (127) of the tab (12a) is optionally arranged opposite to the insertion portion (10) of the closure system with respect to the central portion of the tab (12a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the insertion portion (127) of the tab is configured to contact the second coupling part (13) and guide the insertion of the first coupling part (12) into engagement with the second coupling part (13) during the transition from the open state of the container to the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the insertion portion (127) is defined on the central body (125) of the tab (12a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing four aspects, the insertion portion (127) is optionally bounded by a peripheral edge (127') on the side opposite to the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, at least one section of the peripheral edge (127') of the insertion portion (127) has a generally conical shape. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the conical shape of the peripheral edge (127') of the insertion portion (127) has a tapered configuration facing the insertion portion (10).

[0038] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling part (12) faces at least partially towards the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling part (12) faces at least partially towards the insertion portion (10) at least before and during the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling part (12) overlaps the insertion portion (10) at least before and during the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the thickness of the insertion portion (10) extends between an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first coupling part (12) engages at least partially with at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the insertion portion (10) at least before and during the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling part (12) is joined to at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the insertion portion (10) by means of glue.

[0039] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is joined to the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is integrally connected to the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is joined to the insertion portion (10) at a portion of the peripheral edge (10a) opposite the folding edge (9a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is joined to the insertion portion (10) corresponding to at least one lateral segment of the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion portion (10) that is transverse to the folding edge (9a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is folded over the insertion portion (10) relative to a segment of the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is glued to the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) is glued to the inner surface of the insertion portion (10).

[0040] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) includes a panel made of a sheet material, optionally a paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) is made of a single paper sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the thickness of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) extends between the inner surface and the outer surface. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the surface area of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) is substantially equal to or less than the surface area of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the ratio between the surface area of the insertion portion (10) and the surface area of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) is included between 1 and 5.

[0041] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling part (12) includes at least one restraint part (12c) that engages with the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the restraint part (12c) is directly glued to the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the restraint part (12c) has a surface area that is smaller than the surface area of the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the ratio between the surface area of the insertion part (10) and the surface area of the restraint part (12c) is included between 1.3 and 5, optionally included between 2 and 5. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the restraint part (12c) lies in a plane parallel to the plane in which the insertion part (10) lies. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the restraint part (12c) has a polygonal shape, such as a triangle, a square shape, or has a trapezoidal shape.

[0042] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling part (12) includes at least one tab (12a), the tab (12a) being in a plane transverse to the plane in which the insertion part (10) is located. In an aspect according to the foregoing aspect, the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12) defines a joint part adapted to restrain the second coupling part (13) in the closed state. In an aspect according to the foregoing aspect, the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12) has a surface area, and the ratio between the surface area of the tab (12a) and the surface area of the restraint part (12c) is included between 0.5 and 5. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) is adjacent to the restraint part (12c). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) is integrally connected to the restraint part (12c). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling part (12) includes two tabs (12a) spaced apart by the restraint part (12c). In an aspect according to the foregoing aspect, the restraint part (12c) is interposed between the two tabs (12a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, each tab (12a) has a gripping edge (12b). In an aspect according to the foregoing aspect, the gripping edge (12b) is spaced apart from the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the gripping edge (12b) is spaced apart from the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12) is inclined at an angle included between 1° and 20°, optionally included between 1° and 15°, with respect to the plane in which the insertion part (10) is located. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) is disposed in the internal volume of the storage part (2) in the closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) defines, in cross-section and in cooperation with the insertion part (10), a generally "V-shaped" profile, the concave surface of which has a direction away from the storage part (2) in the closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) has a polygonal profile, such as a square or rectangular shape, or has a trapezoidal shape.

[0043] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) includes at least one spacer engaging a tab of the same first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the spacer faces the tab of the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the spacer is at least partially shaped corresponding to the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the spacer overlaps the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the spacer is constrained to, optionally glued to, the tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the spacer is interposed between the tab (12a) and the insertion portion (10).

[0044] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) includes a plurality of tabs (12a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, two tabs (12a) are spaced apart relative to the constraint portion (12c). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) has at least one notch (46) interposed between the constraint portion (12c) and the tab (12a). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the notch (46) at least partially separates the constraint portion (12c) from the tab (12a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the notch (46) passes through the panel of the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the notch (46) extends transversely, optionally orthogonally, to the gripping edge (12b) of the tab (12) of the first coupling portion (12).

[0045] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) includes a plurality of notches (46). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the notches (46) are different and spaced apart from each other. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the notches (46) have a length along a transverse direction, optionally orthogonal to the gripping edge (12b), wherein the ratio between the height of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) and the length of the notch (46) is included between 1.1 and 4. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the height of the panel is measured parallel to the extending direction of the notch (46). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the notches (46) are parallel to each other. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the ratio between the length of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) measured along the folding edge (9a) and the distance between two adjacent notches (46) is included between 1.5 and 8. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) includes:

[0046] The first constraint portion (12c’),

[0047] The first gripping tab (12a’), which is integrally connected to the first constraint portion (12c’) and is located on the side of the first constraint portion (12c’),

[0048] The second constraint portion (12c”), which is spaced apart from the first constraint portion (12c’),

[0049] The second gripping tab (12a”), which is integrally connected to the second constraint portion (12c”) and is located on the side of the second constraint portion (12c”),

[0050] wherein the second gripping tab (12a”) is also spaced apart from the first constraint portion and the first gripping tab (12a’).

[0051] In one aspect according to the previous aspect, the first constraint portion (12c’) is interposed between the first gripping tab (12a’) and the second constraint portion (12c”). In one aspect according to any one of the foregoing two aspects, the second constraint portion (12c”) is interposed between the first constraint portion (12c’) and the second gripping tab (12a”).

[0052] In one aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) has a notch (46) between the first constraint portion (12c’) and the first gripping tab (12a’). In one aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) has a notch (46) between the second constraint portion (12c”) and the second gripping tab (12a”).

[0053] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, only the restraining portion (12c) of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) is glued to the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the restraining portion (12c) engages at the central region of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) is disposed at the lateral region of the insertion portion. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the first coupling portion (12) includes two tabs (12a) respectively disposed at the lateral regions of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the two tabs (12a) of the first coupling portion (12) are opposite each other with respect to the central region of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) is constrained to, optionally directly glued to, the inner surface of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the restraining portion (12c) of the first coupling portion (12) is directly glued to the inner surface of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) directly faces the inner surface of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the insertion portion (10) is at least partially disposed between the front wall (4a) of the storage portion (2) and the tab (12a) in the closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) directly faces the inner surface of the insertion portion (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the tab (12a) of the panel of the first coupling portion (12) is at least partially disposed between the front wall (4a) of the storage portion (2) and the insertion portion (10) in the closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel of the first coupling portion (12) includes a support tab (12f) superimposed on the restraining portion (12c). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the support tab (12f) is configured to contact the second coupling portion (13) in the first closed state of the container (1) to impede the insertion of the closing portion (9) of the closing system (7) into the inner volume of the storage portion (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the support tab (12f) and the restraining portion (12c) are integrally connected by corresponding folding edges. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the support tab (12f) is folded over the restraining portion (12c) of the panel of the first coupling portion (12).

[0054] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the second coupling part (13) includes a locking tab (13a) configured to engage the first coupling part (12), optionally to engage a tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is defined by at least one through-notch (13c). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) defines a gripping edge (13b) configured to engage the first coupling part (12), optionally directly engage the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through-notch (13c) is formed directly in the lateral wall of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) and the lateral wall cooperate to define an internal volume (3). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is defined by a section of the free edge (6) of the storage part (2) and at least one through-notch (13c) present in the lateral wall of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the through-notch (13c) defines a through-entry adapted to cross-receive the first coupling part (12), and optionally the insertion part (10), for engaging the tab (12a) with the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the through-notch (13c) includes a single section spaced apart from the free edge (6) of the storage part. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the single section of the through-notch (13c) is at least partially parallel to the section of the free edge (6) of the storage part (2) defined by the lateral wall of the storage part directly supporting the second coupling part (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through-notch (13c) may be defined by a peripheral edge having a closed profile. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through-notch (13c) may optionally define a through-entry (40) defined by a peripheral edge having a closed profile in a state where the locking tab (13a) lies in a plane parallel to the lateral wall of the storage part directly carrying the second coupling part (13).

[0055] In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the gripping edge (13b) of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13) is spaced apart from the free edge (6) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the gripping edge (13b) of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13) is offset with respect to the free edge (6) of the storage part (2), optionally with respect to the central part of the locking tab (13a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, at least a part of the gripping edge (13b) defines the peripheral edge of the through-entry (40).

[0056] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) substantially defines a hook portion (130) configured to engage with a tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12), optionally with at least one hook portion (120) of the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the gripping edge (13b) has a generally "C-shaped" profile. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the gripping edge (13b) has a central section (13b') and two opposite end sections (13b"). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the central section (13b') is substantially straight. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the central section is substantially parallel to the section of the free edge (6) defined by the side wall directly supporting the second coupling part (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the end sections (13b") are inclined with respect to the central section (13b'). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the end sections (13b") are inclined with respect to the section of the free edge (6) of the storage part (2) defined by the side wall directly supporting the second coupling part (13) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the through notch (13c) has:

[0057] a central through notch adapted to define a through inlet (40),

[0058] a first lateral through notch and a second lateral through notch, the first lateral through notch and the second lateral through notch being opposite and spaced apart with respect to the central through notch.

[0059] In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the first lateral through notch and the second lateral through notch are connected to the free edge (6) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) defines the hook portion of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13).

[0060] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the length of the lateral through notch (13c) extends at least a part, optionally the entire width, of the width of the side wall in which the through notch (13c) is defined.

[0061] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, at least one section of the gripping edge (13b) of the locking tab (13a) is parallel to the section of the lateral wall of the storage part that directly bears the second coupling part, optionally parallel to the section of the free edge 6 of the lateral wall in which the second coupling part of the storage part 2 is defined. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the gripping edge (13b) of the locking tab (13a) is completely parallel to the section of the lateral wall of the storage part that directly bears the second coupling part, optionally parallel to the section of the free edge 6 of the lateral wall in which the second coupling part of the storage part 2 is defined.

[0062] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) has a height defined by the minimum distance between the gripping edge (13b) of the second coupling part (13) itself and the free edge (6) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the height of the locking tab (13a) is greater than 2 mm, which height is optionally between 3 mm and 30 mm, and even more optionally between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0063] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is formed by an upper notch and a lower notch defined in the wall of the storage part, optionally the front wall 4a. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the upper notch and the lower notch are spaced apart from each other and from the free edge of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the lower notch defines a passage adapted to cross-receive the insertion part (10) and the first coupling part (12) for engaging the first coupling part (12) with the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13), optionally with the gripping edge (13b) of the second coupling part (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is disposed at a distance greater than 2 mm from the free edge, optionally at a distance between 3 mm and 15 mm. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) has a height substantially defined by the minimum distance between the lower notch and the upper notch. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the height of the locking tab (13a) is greater than 2 mm, optionally between 3 mm and 30 mm, and even more optionally between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0064] In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the upper notch and the lower notch are parallel to each other. In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the upper notch and the lower notch are directly defined on the front wall (4a) of the storage part (1). In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the lower notch and the upper notch pass through the front wall (4a) of the storage part. In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the upper notch and the lower notch extend substantially parallel to the section of the free edge defined by the front wall (4a). In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the lower notch has a length equal to or less than the width of the lateral through notch of the storage part (optionally, the front wall 4a) on which the lower notch is formed. In one aspect according to the previous aspect, the length of the lower notch is measured along a direction parallel to the section of the free edge of the lateral wall on which the lower notch is formed (optionally, the section of the free edge defined by the front wall 4a). In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the length of the upper notch is measured along a direction parallel to the section of the free edge of the lateral wall on which the lower notch is formed (optionally, the section of the free edge defined by the front wall 4a). In one aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the lengths of the lower notch and the upper notch are measured along the same direction, and the width of the lateral wall (optionally, the front wall 4a) on which the lower notch is formed is measured along this direction.

[0065] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is defined on the front wall (4a) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) extends at least a part of the width of the front wall (4a) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) extends across the width of the front wall (4a) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) starts at the first connecting wall (4c) and extends to the second connecting wall (4d) and extends across the entire width of the front wall (4a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) extends along the length of the front wall (4a), wherein the ratio between the width of the front wall (4a) and the length of the through notch (13c) is included between 0.2 and 1. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) extends at least a part along a straight direction, optionally parallel to the section of the free edge (6) defined by the front wall (4a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) has an arcuate shape. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the concave surface defined by the through notch (13c) faces a direction opposite to the passage opening (5). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is directly defined on the lateral wall of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is located in the same plane as the lateral wall (optionally, the front wall (4a) of the storage part (2) directly supporting the second coupling part (13)). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) of the first coupling part (12) partially overlaps with the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13) in the first closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the insertion part (10) is at least partially inserted between the locking tab (13a) and the lateral wall 4 of the storage part (2) in the first closed state of the container.

[0066] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the container (1) includes at least one support element (19) that is at least partially, optionally completely, received within the internal volume (3) of the storage portion (2). In an aspect according to the foregoing aspect, the support element (19) is configured to contact the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) at least during the transition of the container from the open state to the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is defined by the locking tab (13a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is made of sheet material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is integral with the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is directly constrained to the locking tab (13a) at a portion of the locking tab spaced from the gripping edge (13b). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is constrained to, optionally at least partially glued to, the lateral wall of the storage portion that directly supports the second coupling portion (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) includes a single sheet made of paper material. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is interposed between the support element (19) and the insertion portion (10) of the closure system (7) at least during the first closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the support element (19) is constrained to, optionally at a region of the support element (19) opposite the free edge (6), optionally at least partially glued to, the inner surface of the storage portion (2) that bears the second coupling portion (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is hinged to the free edge (6) and folded into the internal volume of the storage portion. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is hinged to the locking tab (13a), optionally to a section of the free edge (6) defined by the locking tab (13a).

[0067] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is only optionally constrained to the lateral wall of the storage portion (2) that directly supports the second coupling portion (13) by glue. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) is spaced from the free edge (6) of the storage portion (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) faces the through-notch (13c). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element extends between:

[0068] Base portion (19'), which is constrained to the lateral wall of the storage part directly bearing the second coupling part (13), and

[0069] Top portion (19"), which faces the through notch (13c).

[0070] In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the top portion (19") of the support element (19) is configured to contact the central portion of the hook-shaped portion defined by the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any one of the two previous aspects, the top portion (19") of the support element (19) is spaced apart from the free edge (6) of the storage part (2). In an aspect according to any one of the three previous aspects, the height of the hook-shaped portion (130) of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13) extends between the gripping edge (13b) and the opposite top edge. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the top portion (19") of the support element (19) is at least partially spaced apart from the top edge of the hook-shaped portion (130) of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13). In an aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the top portion (19") of the support element (19) is substantially interposed between the base portion (19') and the top portion (19") of the support element (19). In an aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the support element includes a protrusion (19c) extending from the top portion (19"). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the protrusion (19c) of the support element faces the panel (13a) of the second coupling part (3). In an aspect according to any one of the two previous aspects, the protrusion (19c) has an arcuate shape. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the protrusion is bounded by a peripheral edge, the concave surface of which faces the base portion (19') of the support element. In an aspect according to any one of the three previous aspects, the protrusion (19c) is disposed above the notch (13c), optionally above the through inlet (40). In an aspect according to any one of the four previous aspects, the protrusion (19c) is spaced apart from the gripping edge (13b) of the second coupling part (13).

[0071] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the top portion (19”) is integrally connected to the base portion (19’) of the same support element. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the support element (19) includes at least one lateral through notch defined to be interposed between the base portion and the top portion of the support element. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the at least one notch (19d) is configured to allow relative movement of the top portion with respect to the base portion, and is optionally configured to suitably support the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch has a length included between 1 mm and 15 mm. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) is connected to the storage portion through at least one weakening portion, wherein the through notch on the support element (19) is defined to be located near the weakening portion of the second coupling portion. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the through notch on the support element (19) faces the weakening portion of the second coupling portion.

[0072] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the second coupling portion (13) is at least partially received within the internal volume (3) of the storage unit. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the second coupling portion (13) is directly joined to the storage unit (2) within the internal volume (3). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the second coupling portion (13) is directly joined to the lateral wall of the storage unit. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the second coupling portion (13) is joined to the front lateral wall (4a) of the storage unit (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the second coupling portion (13) has a base body (35) whose inner surface is constrained to the support locking tab (13a) of the storage unit (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is disposed at the free edge (6) of the storage unit (2), while the gripping edge (13b) is fully disposed within the internal volume (3) of the storage unit (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the gripping edge (13b) of the locking tab is spaced apart from the free edge (6). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the base body (35) is at least partially glued to the inner surface of the storage unit. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) is defined by at least one through notch (13c) present on the base body (35). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (13c) defines a passage adapted to cross-receive the insertion portion (10) and the first coupling portion (12) for engaging the first coupling portion (12) with the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion and optionally with the gripping edge (13b) of the second coupling portion (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the gripping edge (13b) of the locking tab (13a) is parallel to the free edge of the lateral wall of the storage unit that directly supports the second coupling portion.

[0073] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the container (1) comprises at least one through-control opening (24) defined in at least one of the storage part (2) and the closure system (7). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the control opening (24) is carried by the insertion part (10) and faces at least one of the first coupling part (12) and the second coupling part (13) in a first closed state of the container (1). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) comprises at least one protrusion that protrudes from the container in the first closed state for tactile perception. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the control opening (24) is defined in the closure system, wherein the control opening is configured to allow the protrusion to pass through the storage part (2) and thereby protrude from the storage part (2) during the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the lateral wall, optionally the front wall (4a), to which the second coupling part (13) is joined has at least one cutout (27) configured to define a drip-shaped portion defining a free edge (6). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the cutout defines an open peripheral profile having a "C-shaped", "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" shape. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the cutout (27) allows at least one of the first coupling part (12) and the second coupling part (13) to be visible in a first closed state of the container.

[0074] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the container includes at least one lateral tab (8) carried by at least one of the first connecting wall (4b) and the second connecting wall (4d). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the container includes two lateral tabs carried by the first connecting wall (4b) and the second connecting wall (4d) respectively. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, at least one lateral tab folds into the inner compartment of the container at least during the first closed state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, at least one lateral tab (8) faces the closing part (9) at least during the first closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, at least one lateral tab (8) faces the closing part (9) at least partially at least in the first closed state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, at least one lateral tab defines a second coupling part (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, a weakening portion (14) is defined on the connecting wall carrying the at least one tab (8) to allow the at least one lateral tab (optionally defining the second coupling part) to separate from the container during the first open state. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is defined on the closing system (7). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is defined at the central region of the insertion part (10). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is interposed between a section of the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion part that is integrally connected to the closing part (9) and a section of the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion part that is integrally connected to the second coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is configured to allow the breaking of the closing system (7) during the first open state of the container to give proof of an attempt to break into the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the weakening portion (14) is configured to allow the separation of the closing system (7) of the first coupling part (12) and the part of the insertion part that is integrally connected to the same first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the weakening portion (14) surrounds a section of the peripheral edge (10a) of the insertion part that is integrally connected to the first coupling part (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing four aspects, the weakening portion (14) extends along a trajectory having an open profile, optionally conforming to a "U-shaped", "V-shaped" or "L-shaped" trajectory.

[0075] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is defined between the lateral wall directly supporting the second coupling portion (13) and the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion (13). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the weakening portion (14) is configured to allow the locking tab (13a) to break and / or separate during the first opening state of the container. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is configured to allow the hook portion (130) defined by the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion to connect to the storage portion (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the hook portion (130) defined by the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) is connected to the lateral wall of the storage portion directly carrying the second coupling portion (13) only through the weakening portion (40). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) includes at least one incision extending transversely, optionally orthogonally, to the free edge (6). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is defined at the central region of the locking tab (13a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the weakening portion (14) is interposed between the gripping edge (13b) and the free edge (6) of the storage portion (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the weakening portion (14) extends from the through notch (13c) to the free edge (6) for the entire height of the locking tab (13a). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) extends from the through notch (13c) in the direction of the free edge (6). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the weakening portion (14) is spaced apart from the free edge (6). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) includes two weakening portions (14), each of the two weakening portions (14) being transverse to, optionally orthogonal to, a section of the free edge (6). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the two weakening portions (14) are interposed between the through notch (13c) and a section of the free edge (6) of the storage portion (2). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the two weakening portions (14) extend from the through notch (13c) to the free edge (6). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing four aspects, the two weakening portions (14) are symmetric with respect to the central plane of the front wall (4a) that is orthogonal to the section of the free edge (6) defined by the front wall (4a) itself. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing five aspects, each weakening portion (14) is inclined with respect to the through notch (13c) at an angle included between 5° and 50°, optionally included between 8° and 45°. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, each weakening portion includes one or more through notches.

[0076] In one aspect, a process for manufacturing a container (1) according to any one of the foregoing aspects is provided. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the process at least includes the following steps:

[0077] Arrange a storage part (2),

[0078] Arrange a closing system (7),

[0079] Wherein, the step of providing the storage part (2) at least includes the following sub-steps:

[0080] Arrange a first sheet (51), which at least includes a first part (52) and a second part (54) connected to each other through a central connecting part (53). The first sheet (51) further includes at least one first lateral connecting part (55) and at least one second lateral connecting part (56). The second part (54) is inserted between the first lateral connecting part (55) and the central connecting part (53), and the second lateral connecting part (56) can be connected to the first lateral connecting part (55) or the first part (52). Each of the said parts (52, 53, 54, 55, 56) at least includes two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite end edges. The parts (52, 54), the central connecting part (53), and the first lateral connecting part (55) and the second lateral connecting part (56) are connected along the longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connecting direction.

[0081] Fold the first sheet (51) along the said longitudinal edges so as to arrange the lateral connecting parts at the first part (52).

[0082] Wherein, the step of arranging the closing system (7) includes at least the sub-step of arranging a second sheet (57) to be connected to the end edge of the first part (52). The second sheet (57) includes a first part (58) and a second part (59) connected to each other as a whole. The first part (58) of the second sheet (57) is inserted between the first part (52) of the first sheet (51) and the second part (59) of the second sheet (57).

[0083] In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing three aspects, the step of arranging the storage part (2) further includes the sub-step of connecting the second lateral connecting part (56) to the first part (52) or the first lateral connecting part (55) by gluing to define the storage part. In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects of the process, the first sheet (51) and the second sheet (52) are connected as a whole to form a single body. In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects of the process, the first sheet (51) and the second sheet (57) are obtained by die-cutting a single flat sheet optionally made of paper material.

[0084] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the process includes disposing an auxiliary sheet (61) integrally connected to the central connecting portion (53) and the second lateral connecting portion (56) at respective sections adjacent to a first portion (58) of the second sheet (57).

[0085] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects of the process, the process further includes disposing at least a third sheet (62), wherein the third sheet (62) is integrally connected to a second portion (59) of the second sheet (57), and wherein the third sheet is configured to define a first coupling portion (12) carried by a closed system. In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the third sheet (62) includes a panel (62a) directly integrally connected to the second portion (59) of the second sheet (57). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing two aspects, the process includes the step of constraining the panel (62a) of the third sheet (62) to the second coupling portion (59) of the second sheet (57) by gluing to define the first coupling portion (12). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing three aspects, the process includes the step of grooving (optionally making a through notch 62’) the panel (62a) of the third sheet (62) to define a constrained portion (12c) and a gripping tab (12a) of the first coupling portion (12).

[0086] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the process may include a through-cutting step (80) of a second portion (54) of the first sheet to define a second coupling portion (13), optionally a panel (13a) of the second coupling portion (13), on the second portion.

[0087] In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing four aspects, the process can include the step of arranging a fourth sheet (63) to be integrally connected to a second portion (54) of the first sheet (51) and to project laterally from the second portion (54) of the first sheet (51), wherein the fourth sheet is foldable relative to the second portion (54) of the first sheet (51) to define a second connection portion (13). In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the fourth sheet (63) includes at least one portion (63a) that is integrally connected to the second portion (54) of the first sheet (51) and projects laterally from the second portion (54) of the first sheet (51). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing two aspects, the process includes the step of constraining the fourth sheet (63) to the second connection portion (54) of the first sheet (51) by gluing and defining the second connection portion (13). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing three aspects, the process includes the step of grooving (optionally making at least one through notch 63') a first portion (63a) of the fourth sheet (63) to define a gripping edge (13b) of a locking tab (13a) of the second connection portion (13). In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the through notch (63') in the fourth sheet defines a base body (35) and a panel (13a) of the second connection portion (13).

[0088] In an aspect according to any one of the foregoing aspects, the process includes the step of making a weakened section (82), optionally a through notch, on at least one of a second portion (59) of the second sheet (57), a second portion (54) of the first sheet (51), and the fourth sheet (63) to optionally define the weakening (14).

[0089] In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the process involves the step of making a notch (69) on at least one of the second part (54) of the first sheet (51), the first part (58) of the second sheet (57), the second part (59) of the second sheet (57), the panel (62a) of the third sheet (62), and one or more auxiliary sheets (61) to define a control opening (24). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the process involves arranging an additional panel (83) to be integrally connected to the second part (54) of the second sheet (57). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the additional panel (83) is folded and constrained relative to the second part (54) of the second sheet (57), for example, by gluing, to define a support element (19). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the process involves making an additional through-notch (81) on the second part (54) of the first sheet (51) that is connected to a through-notch (80) also defined on the second part (54) to define a notch (13c), optionally a through-notch (40), of the second connecting portion (13). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the additional panel (83) is integrally connected to the second part (54) of the first sheet through a weakening portion, such as a notch segment. In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the additional panel (83) includes a drip-shaped portion (83') that at least partially corresponds to the shape of the second and third sheets (62). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the drip-shaped portion (83') of the additional panel (83) has a generally "C-shaped" contour, the concave surface of which faces in a direction opposite to that of the second part (54) of the first sheet, and the additional panel is integrally connected to the second part (54). In an aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects of the process, the first sheet, the second sheet, the third sheet, and the fourth sheet are integrally connected to define a single flat blank obtained by die-cutting a single flat sheet optionally made of paper material.

[0090] In one aspect, a flat die-cut sheet including at least two blanks (50) is provided according to one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the third sheet of the blank (50) is at least partially received in the drip-shaped portion (83') of an adjacent blank (50). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Some embodiments and some aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are therefore non-limiting. In the drawings:

[0092] - Figure 1 is a blank that can be used to manufacture a tamper-evident container;

[0093] - Figures 2 to 5Is a detailed view of the wall of the storage section that defines the second connection portion of the container;

[0094] - Figures 6 to 12 Is a perspective view of several embodiments of a tamper-evident container;

[0095] - Figure 13 Is a blank that can be used to manufacture variants of a tamper-evident container;

[0096] - Figure 14 and Figure 15 Is a perspective view of a container manufactured using the blank of Figure 13 ;

[0097] - Figure 16 and Figure 17 Is a detailed view of another embodiment of a tamper-evident container;

[0098] - Figure 18 Is a blank that can be used to manufacture variants of a tamper-evident container;

[0099] - Figure 19 Is a detailed view of a container manufactured using the blank of Figure 18 ;

[0100] - Figure 20 Is a blank that can be used to manufacture variants of a tamper-evident container;

[0101] - Figure 21 and Figure 22 Is a detailed view of a container manufactured using the blank of Figure 20 ;

[0102] - Figure 23 Is a blank that can be used to manufacture variants of a tamper-evident container;

[0103] - Figure 24 and Figure 25 Is a detailed view of a container manufactured using the blank of Figure 23 ;

[0104] - Figure 26 Is a blank that can be used to manufacture variants of a tamper-evident container;

[0105] - Figure 27 and Figure 28 Is a detailed view of a container manufactured using the blank of Figure 23 ;

[0106] Definitions and Conventions

[0107] Note that, in this detailed description, corresponding parts illustrated in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings may illustrate the subject matter of the present invention by means of diagrams that are not drawn to scale; thus, the parts and components illustrated in the drawings related to the subject matter of the present invention may be related only to schematic illustrations.

[0108] The term product means an article or a compound of articles of any nature. The term product may also be used to mean a package, for example a package containing a plurality of items.

[0109] The term paper material means paper or cardboard optionally having at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, of organic material, the organic material including one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin derivatives. The paper sheet material that can be used to manufacture the container may have a weight between 50 g / m 2 and 500 g / m 2 optionally between 150 g / m 2 and 400 g / m 2 The paper sheet material under discussion extends between a first major extensible surface and a second major extensible surface. The paper sheet material used to manufacture the container may be covered, for at least a portion of the first major extensible surface and / or the second major extensible surface, by a plastic coating, such as a film, for the purpose of strengthening the paper material. The coating may also be used to define a water and / or moisture barrier that is useful in preventing the weakening and loss of the structure of the joining system and the container (optionally a strap or an encapsulation), which would otherwise result in uncontrolled deformation of the paper material forming the container components. The coating may be applied to the paper material in the form of a so-called "coating" or lacquer laid by solution or spraying, the thickness of which is generally but not limited to between 0.2 μm and 10 μm. Alternatively, the coating may include a plastic film, such as a poly coating that can be applied to one or both sides of the paper material by a lamination process. Where the coating is applied by lamination, the value of the plastic film (coating) made of the coating material (i.e., polyethylene) may vary, for example, between 5 μm and 400 μm, optionally between 10 μm and 200 μm, and even more optionally between 10 μm and 100 μm. The plastic coating material may be selected, by way of example, from the following materials: PP, PE (HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE), EVA, polyester (including PET and PETg), PVdC.

[0110] The term "first closed state" refers to the state in which the closure system is first arranged to block the access opening of the storage section to allow the engagement between the first coupling part and the second coupling part. In the first closed state, the first coupling part and the second coupling part define a locked state of the container that blocks the access opening of the storage section. In the locked state, the first coupling part and the second coupling part are intact (undamaged) and prevent the access of the container from changing from the first closed state to the first open state.

[0111] The term "first open state" means that the access of the container enters the open state for the first time after it has been arranged in the first closed state (for the first time). In fact, the first open state is defined when the container is arranged in the open state for the first time after the first coupling part and the second coupling part have defined the locked state. Detailed Description

[0112] Container

[0113] The tamper-evident container made of a sheet material, such as a paper material, for containing and / or wrapping a product is identified by 1.

[0114] Container 1 includes: a storage section 2 made of a sheet material, optionally a paper material, with a thickness extending between an outer surface and an inner surface, and the outer surface and the inner surface respectively defining at least a part of the outer surface of the container; and an internal volume 3 configured to accommodate one or more products. The storage section 2 includes at least one lateral wall that wraps around itself and is joined at a longitudinal section. The lateral walls can be joined by means of a gluing portion, optionally by one or more gluing points, such as heat gluing or cold gluing. Alternatively, the lateral walls can be glued by means of a gluing portion defined by one or more layers of adhesive material, optionally an adhesive strip, or a similar attachment method.

[0115] The storage section 2 defines a tubular body with a closed outer shape, which can have a generally prismatic shape with a base such as a polygon, rectangle, trapezoid, or circle.

[0116] As shown in the drawings, the storage section 2 can include a front wall 4a and a rear wall 4b that face each other and are parallel: the front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b are connected to each other by a first connecting wall 4c and a second connecting wall 4d that also face each other and are parallel. The front wall 4a is spaced apart from and opposite to the rear wall 4b; the first connecting wall 4c is also spaced apart from and opposite to the second connecting wall 4d. The front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b have the same rectangular profile (the shape and dimensions of the walls are the same), and similarly, the connecting walls 4c, 4d have the same rectangular profile (the shape and dimensions of the walls are the same). Thus, in the closed state of the container, the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d are between the front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b.

[0117] The front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b are integrally connected to the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d, and the surface areas of the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d are smaller than the surface areas of the front wall 4a and the rear wall 4b. In fact, the ratio between the surface area of the front wall 4a or the rear wall 4b and the surface area of the first connecting wall 4c or the second connecting wall 4d is included between 1.5 and 15.

[0118] The front wall, the rear wall and the connecting walls (walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) define two passage openings 5 that are opposite to each other and are defined by corresponding free edges 6 at opposite longitudinal ends. Each passage opening 5 defines a corresponding part of the container 1 that is adapted for the product to pass through during use, that is, adapted for taking out the product from the container 1 and / or putting the product into the container 1. The storage part 2 may include only one passage opening 5 and may have at least one of the side wall and the rear wall, and the side wall and the rear wall are stably blocked and joined to each other through a gluing part.

[0119] Alternatively, the storage part 2 may be generally shaped as an enclosure, that is, the storage part 2 has a front wall 4a folded on the rear wall 4b to directly contact the same rear wall 4b.

[0120] The front wall 4a may include a cut defined at the free edge 6, and the cut is configured to define the fall of the free edge 6 so as to facilitate holding the closing system 7 (described below), thereby allowing the container 1 to be opened. Optionally, the front wall 4a may include a cut defined at each passage opening 5. The cut may have a generally "C-shaped", "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" shape.

[0121] As mentioned above, the container 1 further includes at least one closing system 7 made of a sheet material, optionally a paper material. The closing system 7 is provided at each passage opening 5 of the storage part 2 and is configured to close the corresponding passage opening to define the closed state of the container 1. In particular, the closing system cooperates with the storage part to define the internal volume 3 of the container. The closing system 7 is also capable of moving relative to the storage part 2 at least between the closed state and the open state of the container. In the closed state of the container, the closing system 7 prevents the product from passing through the passage opening 5, and in the open state of the container, the closing system 7 allows the product to pass through the passage opening 5. In fact, the closing system 7 is defined as the lid of the container for managing the passage of the product through the passage opening 5 during use.

[0122] The closing system 7 includes a closing part 9 that engages at the free edge 6 and is capable of moving relative to the storage part 2 optionally by rotation. For example, as Figure 7 shown, in the closed state of the container, the closing part 9 prevents the communication between the internal volume 3 and the external environment, thereby preventing the product from passing through the passage opening 5, while in the open state (for example, seeFigure 10 ) The closing part 9 allows communication between the internal volume 3 and the external environment, thus allowing the product to pass through the passage opening 5.

[0123] The closing part 9 is made of a sheet material, optionally a paper material, and the thickness of the closing part 9 extends between an inner surface that is seamlessly connected to the inner surface of the storage part 2 and defines a part of the internal volume 3 and an outer surface that is seamlessly connected to the outer surface of the storage part 2 and defines a part of the outer surface of the container. The closing part 9 has a polygonal shape that corresponds exactly to the free edge 6, for example, having a rectangular or square profile.

[0124] In a variant of the container 1 having two passage openings 5, the container 1 has two closing systems 7, and these two closing systems 7 include corresponding closing parts 9 joined at the longitudinally opposite free edges 6 of the storage part 2. Thus, the closing systems 7 are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the storage part 2 itself in the form of a tubular body. Each closing system 7 can be integrally joined to the storage part 2 through the closing part 9, joined to the free edge 6, and can be moved by rotating around the free edge 6. Alternatively, the closing system 7 can be removably joined to the storage part 2. For example, the closing system 7 can have a plurality of side walls that define a compartment corresponding in shape to the passage opening 5, and is configured to at least partially accommodate the storage part 2 and prevent the product from being put into and taken out of the storage part.

[0125] The closing system 7 includes an insertion part 10 configured to be at least partially inserted into the internal volume 3 in the closed state, and the insertion part 10 is joined to the closing part 9 at a folding edge 9a opposite to the free edge 6. The insertion part 10 extends from the closing part 9 and is positioned in the internal volume 3 of the storage part 2 in the closed state. The insertion part 10 is also made of a flat paper material, and the thickness of the insertion part 10 extends between an inner surface that is seamlessly connected to the inner surface of the closing part 9 facing the central region of the internal volume in the closed state of the container and an outer surface that is seamlessly connected to the outer surface of the closing part 9 facing the front wall 4a of the storage part 2 and at least partially contacting the front wall 4a of the storage part 2.

[0126] The insertion part 10 can be defined by a peripheral boundary 10a having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle, a square, or a trapezoidal shape.

[0127] The insertion part 10 is seamlessly joined to the closing part 9 at a folding edge 9a opposite to the free edge 6 of the storage part 2, and the insertion part 10 can be moved by rotating around the folding edge 9a. The insertion part 10 can cooperate with the closing part 9 to define a generally "L-shaped" profile (for example, see Figures 7 to 10 、 Figure 24 and Figure 27) and the section delimited by the rear wall 4b that is constrained to the free edge 6.

[0128] The container 1 may include at least one control opening 24 defined in a closure system 7 or in a storage part 2, to allow a user to verify the presence and / or engagement between a first coupling part 12 and a second coupling part 13 (which will be better described hereinafter) of the container, before a first open state (the state after a first closed state) of the container. The control opening 24 is at least partially delimited by a peripheral edge, which may have a closed profile, such as a polygonal or circular configuration, or may have an open profile.

[0129] If the control opening 24 is defined in the closure system 7 (e.g., see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), the control opening 24 may be fully formed on the insertion part 10, extending from the folding edge 9a towards the central region of the insertion part 10, thus defining the depth of the control opening 24. Alternatively, the control opening 24 may be fully defined on the closure part 9, extending from the folding edge 9a towards the central region of the closure part 9 (towards the section delimited by the rear wall 4b of the free edge 6), thus defining the depth of the control opening 24.

[0130] If the control opening 24 is defined in the storage part (as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 ), the control opening 24 may be present on the front wall 4a of the storage part 2 and face the first coupling part 12 in the closed state.

[0131] As mentioned above, the container 1 includes at least a first coupling part 12 carried by a closure system 7, optionally by an insertion part 10, and at least a second coupling part 13 carried by a storage part 2, the first coupling part 12 and the second coupling part 13 being configured to engage with each other during a first closed state of the container (e.g., see Figures 7 to 9 , Figures 14 to 17 ). In the first closed state, the first coupling part 12 is fully contained within the internal volume 3 of the storage part 2 and is spaced apart from the free edge 6, thus allowing engagement with the second coupling part 13 that is fully placed within the internal volume 3 of the storage part 2.

[0132] The drawings show two embodiments of the first coupling part 12. In, for example Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 19 , Figure 22In the first embodiment shown, the first coupling portion 12 includes a panel made of a single sheet of paper material, which is integrally connected to the insertion portion 10 at a lateral section of the peripheral edge 10a that is transverse to the folding edge 9a. The surface area of the panel of the first coupling portion 12 is substantially equal to or less than the surface area of the insertion portion 10; in fact, the ratio between the surface area of the insertion portion 10 and the surface area of the panel of the first coupling portion 12 is included between 1 and 5.

[0133] The thickness of the panel of the first coupling portion 12 extends between an outer surface that is seamlessly connected to the outer surface of the insertion portion 10 and an inner surface that is seamlessly connected to the inner surface of the insertion portion 10, so that the panel of the first coupling portion 12 is folded and overlaps the insertion portion, such that the corresponding inner surfaces of the panel of the first coupling portion 12 and the insertion portion 10 face each other. Then, the insertion portion 10 is arranged in an intermediate position between the front wall of the storage portion 2 and the gripping tab 12a in the closed state of the container. The inner surface of the panel of the first coupling portion 12 can be joined to the inner surface of the insertion portion 10 and, for example, joined to the inner surface of the insertion portion 10 by means of an adhesive element, such as a glue point or a label, to define at least one restraint portion 12c, the surface area of the restraint portion 12c being less than the surface area of the insertion portion. In particular, the ratio between the surface area of the insertion portion 10 and the surface area of the restraint portion 12c is included between 1.3 and 5, optionally between 2 and 5. The restraint portion 12c can be located in a plane parallel to the plane in which the insertion portion 10 is located and has a polygonal shape, such as a triangle, a square shape, or a trapezoidal shape.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the first coupling part 12 may further include at least one coupling part 12a adjacent to and integrally connected with the restraint part 12c. The coupling part 12a is adapted to cooperate with the second coupling part 13 to determine the locked state of the container. The gripping tab 12a has a polygonal profile, such as a square, a rectangle or a trapezoidal shape, and faces the inner surface of the insertion part 10 like the restraint part 12c, so as to be spaced from at least part of the insertion part 10. In fact, the gripping tab 12a is located in a plane transverse to the plane in which the insertion part 10 lies. In other words, the gripping tab 12a of the first coupling part 12 is inclined at an angle included between 1° and 20°, optionally between 1° and 15°, with respect to the plane in which the insertion part lies, optionally with respect to the inner surface of the insertion part. The gripping tab 12a and the insertion part 10 are cooperatively defined as having a generally "V" - shaped or "U" - shaped configuration, the concave surface of which has a direction outward from the storage part 2 in the closed state of the container. The predetermined surface area of the gripping tab 12a is smaller than the predetermined surface area of the panel of the first coupling part 12, but larger than the predetermined surface area of the restraint part 12c; in fact, the ratio between the surface area of the gripping tab 12a and the surface area of the restraint part 12c is included between 0.5 and 5.

[0135] The gripping tab 12a may have a gripping edge 12b spaced from the insertion part 10 and thus from the peripheral edge 10a of the same insertion part, and the gripping edge 12b is configured to abut against a corresponding undercut of the second coupling part 13.

[0136] As shown in the figure, the first coupling part 12 according to the first embodiment may include a plurality of gripping tabs 12a spaced apart from each other by the restraint part 12c. The plurality of gripping tabs 12a may be identical to each other and have the same shape and size. In particular, the first coupling part 12 may include two coupling tabs 12a spaced apart from each other by the restraint part 12c. Each gripping tab 12a may have a corresponding gripping edge 12b, and the gripping edge 12b is spaced from the insertion part 10 and is configured to engage different segments of the same undercut of the second coupling part 13 or two different coupling parts.

[0137] The first coupling portion 12 according to the first embodiment may include at least one notch 46 defined in the panel of the first coupling portion 12 and interposed between the restraint portion 12c and the gripping tab 12a, the notch 46 effectively separating the restraint portion 12c and the gripping tab 12a. The notch 46 may be a notch 46 that passes through the panel of the first coupling portion 12 and whose length extends transversely, optionally orthogonally, to the gripping edge 12b of the gripping tab 12a of the first coupling portion 12. It should also be noted how the notch 46 is spaced from the gripping edge 12b of the panel of the first coupling portion 12 at one longitudinal end such that the gripping tab 12a is spaced from the surface of the insertion portion 10.

[0138] Figure 22 A variant of the first coupling portion 12 according to the first embodiment is shown; the first coupling portion 12 includes:

[0139] - A first restraint portion 12c', which is optionally adhesively joined to the inner surface of the insertion portion 10,

[0140] - A first gripping tab 12a', which is integrally connected to the first restraint portion 12c' and is located on the side of the first restraint portion 12c',

[0141] - A second restraint portion 12c", which is spaced from the first restraint portion 12c",

[0142] - A second gripping tab 12a", which is integrally connected to the second restraint portion 12c' and is located on the side of the second restraint portion 12c', wherein the second gripping tab 12a" is spaced from both the first restraint portion 12c' and the first gripping tab 12a'.

[0143] Thus, the first restraint portion 12c' is interposed between the first gripping portion 12a' and the second restraint portion 12c", while the second restraint portion 12c" is interposed between the first restraint portion 12c' and the second gripping tab 12a". The panel of the first coupling portion 12 may also have a notch 46 interposed between the first restraint portion 12c' and the first gripping tab 12a' to allow the same first gripping tab 12a' to be spaced apart from the insertion portion 10. In other words, the first restraint portion 12c' and the second restraint portion 12c" engage at the central or inner region of the insertion portion 10, while the first gripping tab 12a' and the second gripping tab 12a" are arranged at the outer region of the insertion portion 10 with respect to the first restraint portion 12c' and the second restraint portion 12c", resulting in the first gripping tab 12a' and the second gripping tab 12a" being opposite to each other. In this variant, the closure system 7 may have a through-opening defined in a part of the panel of the insertion portion and the second coupling portion 12, which separates the first restraint portion 12c' and the second restraint portion 12c".

[0144] In another variant of the first coupling portion 12 according to the first embodiment, the first coupling portion 12 may include at least one spacer portion 12d joined to the panel of the first coupling portion 12. The spacer portion 12d may be defined by an additional tab that is integrally connected to the tab 12a of the second coupling portion 12 and folded with respect to the tab 12a of the second coupling portion 12 such that it faces the inner surface of the panel of the second coupling portion 12. The spacer 12d is at least partially correspondingly shaped and overlapped with the tab 12a so as to be interposed between the same tab 12a and the insertion portion 10. The spacer portion 12d may also be glued to the tab 12a to increase its thickness.

[0145] The first coupling portion 12 according to the first embodiment may also include a support tab 12f( Figure 16 and Figure 17 ), which is integrally connected to the restraint portion 12c of the second coupling portion 12 and faces the outer surface of the panel itself. In the closed state of the container, the support tab 12f faces the second coupling portion 13 such that the second coupling portion 13 is interposed between the support tab 12f and the panel of the second coupling portion 12. In this way, if a user attempts to pry open the container by moving the coupling portion 9 towards the inner volume of the storage portion 2, the support tab 12f forces a weakening portion 14 (described below) defined, for example, on the second coupling portion 13 to break. In other words, the support tab 12f prevents the closed portion 9 of the closure system 7 from being inserted without the weakening portion 14 breaking.

[0146] In fact, in the above-described first embodiment, the first coupling portion 12 is defined by a panel that is superimposed on the insertion portion, and the panel defines a joint portion that is adapted to be constrained to the second coupling portion 13 in the first closed state of the container.

[0147] In Figure 24 , Figure 25 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 In the second embodiment shown in, the first coupling portion 12 projects from the closed system 7: the first coupling portion 12 projects from the insertion portion 10, optionally projects from the side opposite to the insertion portion 9, and does not overlap with the insertion portion 10. In this configuration, the insertion portion 10 is interposed between the first coupling portion 12 and the closing portion 9. In other words, the first coupling portion 12 according to the second embodiment extends seamlessly from the insertion portion 10 and lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the insertion portion 10 lies: the first coupling portion 12 lies in a plane that coincides with the plane in which the insertion portion 10 lies.

[0148] Also in the second embodiment, the first coupling portion 12 has a tab 12a. In this embodiment, the tab 12a includes at least one hooked portion 120, and the hooked portion 120 is configured to define a joint portion of the first coupling portion 12, and the joint portion is configured to be joined to the second coupling portion 13 in the first closed state of the container. The at least one hooked portion is defined by a gripping edge 120' that may have a substantially "C-shaped" shape. The concave surface defined by the "C-shaped" shape of the hooked portion 120 faces at least one of the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4c of the storage portion 2 in the closed state of the container. The at least one hooked portion 120 of the tab 12a may include at least one first hooked portion and at least one second hooked portion, and each of the first hooked portion and the second hooked portion is defined by a corresponding gripping edge 120' having a relative concave surface. Specifically, each of the first hooked portion and the second hooked portion of the first coupling portion has a profile of a substantially "C-shaped" shape. The concave surface defined by the profile of the "C-shaped" shape of the first hooked portion faces in a direction opposite to that of the second hooked portion, while the concave surface defined by the profile of the "C-shaped" shape of the second hooked portion faces in a direction opposite to that of the first hooked portion.

[0149] More specifically, the tab 12a includes a central body 125, and the central body 125 supports at least one hooked portion 120 that is laterally joined to the central body. Specifically, as shown in Figure 24 and Figure 27 , the central body 125 is interposed between the first hooked portion and the second hooked portion of the first coupling portion 12a.

[0150] The tab 12a of the first connection part 12 includes an insertion part 127 spaced apart from the insertion part 10: Optionally, the insertion part 127 is disposed opposite to the insertion part 10 with respect to the central part of the tab 12a. The insertion part 127 of the tab is configured to contact the second connection part 13 during the transition of the container from the open state to the first closed state and guide the first connection part 12 to be inserted into the second connection part 13 in an engaging manner. Specifically, the insertion part 127 is defined on the central body 125 of the tab 12a and is optionally bounded by a peripheral edge 127' having a generally conical shape on the side opposite to the insertion part 10; the conical shape of the peripheral edge 127' has a tapered configuration facing the insertion part 10.

[0151] The second connection part 13 includes a locking tab 13a, which is coplanar with the plane where the front wall 4a of the storage part 2 is located and is configured to cooperate with the side wall to define the internal volume 3 of the storage part. As shown in the drawings, the container includes a through notch 13c, which can be directly defined on the side wall of the storage part that supports the second connection part 13 and is configured to define the locking tab 13a below, and then the locking tab 13a is inserted between the section of the free edge 6 and the through notch 13c. The through notch 13c can extend from the first connection wall 4c to the second connection wall 4d across the entire width of the front wall 4a along a direction parallel to the section of the free edge defined by the front wall 4a (for example, see Figure 2 ). Alternatively, the through notch 13c can extend over most of the width of the front wall 4a, thus being spaced from the first connection wall 4c and the second connection wall 4d (for example, see Figure 4 ). The ratio between the width of the front wall 4a and the length of the through notch 13c can be included between 0.2 and 1.

[0152] The through notch 13c is also defined with:

[0153] a gripping edge 13b of the locking tab 13a, which can be parallel and spaced apart from the free edge 6 of the storage part and is configured to engage the first connection part 12,

[0154] a channel, which is designed to cross-accept the insertion part 10 and the first connection part 12 to allow the insertion part 10 and the first connection part 12 to engage with the second connection part 13.

[0155] The locking tab 13a can have a predetermined height defined by the minimum distance between the gripping edge 13b and the free edge 6 of the storage part 2, and the predetermined height is greater than 2 mm, optionally included between 3 mm and 30 mm, and even more optionally included between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0156] In the drawings, the through-notch 13c is defined in a non-limiting manner on the front wall 4a. The through-notch 13c may include a single section spaced apart from the free edge 6; the single section of the through-notch 13c may be at least partially parallel to a section of the free edge 6 of the storage part 2. In addition, the through-notch 13c may be defined by a peripheral edge with a closed profile to define a through-inlet 40 under the condition that the locking tab 13a located therein lies in a plane parallel to the lateral wall of the direct support second coupling part 13 of the storage part, and the through-inlet 40 is bounded by a peripheral edge with a closed profile (for example, see Figure 25 ). The through-notch 13c defines a gripping edge 13b spaced apart from the free edge 6 of the storage part 2: the gripping edge 13b is offset relative to the free edge 6 of the storage part 2 and optionally relative to the central part of the locking tab 13a. At least one section of the gripping edge 13b defines the peripheral edge of the through-inlet 40.

[0157] The locking tab 13a substantially defines a hook portion 130, and the hook portion 130 is configured to engage with the tab 12a of the first coupling part 12 and optionally engage with at least one hook portion 120 of the tab 12a of the first coupling part 12. The gripping edge 13b has a generally "C-shaped" profile; in detail, the gripping edge 13b has a central section 13b' and two opposite end sections 13b" ( Figure 25 ): the central section 13b' may be substantially straight and optionally parallel to a section of the free edge 6 defined by the lateral wall (such as the front wall 4a) of the direct support second coupling part 13. In contrast, the end section 13b' may be inclined relative to the central section 13b' and optionally inclined relative to a section of the free edge 6 of the storage part 2 defined by the lateral wall of the direct support second coupling part 13 of the storage part 2. In detail, the through-notch 13c may have:

[0158] a central through-notch adapted to define the through-inlet 40,

[0159] a first lateral through-notch and a second lateral through-notch, the first lateral through-notch and the second lateral through-notch being opposite and spaced apart from each other relative to the central through-notch.

[0160] The first lateral notch and the second lateral notch may be connected to the free edge 6 of the storage part 2 to define, together with the central through-notch, the locking tab hook portion 13a of the second coupling part 13.

[0161] For example, Figures 2 to 5 other embodiments of the second coupling part 13 are shown, which have corresponding different structural features compared with the previously described second coupling part 13, but which also allow engagement with the previously described first coupling part 12. In particular, Figure 2The variant of the second connecting part 13 shown in [figure] has a locking tab 13a formed by means of an upper notch and a lower notch, and the upper notch and the lower notch are defined on the front wall 4a along sections that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from the free edge of the storage part 2. The upper notch 13c' and the lower notch 13c" may have the same length extending across the entire lateral occupied space of the front wall 4a, or may have a reduced length so as to space the folding edges of the front wall 4a from the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d respectively.

[0162] The lower notch 13c" defines a suitable shape for cross-receiving the insertion part 10 and the first connecting part 12 to allow the locking tab 13a of the first connecting part 12 to engage with the second connecting part 13. Then, the locking tab 13a is spaced apart from the free edge by a distance greater than 2 mm, optionally included between 3 mm and 15 mm. It should be noted that this distance is substantially consistent with the distance of the upper notch 13c' from the free edge 6, and the lower notch 13c" is spaced apart from the free edge 6 by a distance greater than 4 mm, optionally included between 6 mm and 45 mm.

[0163] The second connecting part 13 may have a protrusion that defines a protrusion protruding from the container in the first closed state of the container and can be felt by touch. In the first closed state of the container, the control opening 24 is configured to allow the protrusion to pass through and thus disengage from the storage part 2. The protrusion provides tactile information to the user rather than just visual information, and even allows blind users to verify the integrity of the container.

[0164] Alternatively, the through notch 13c may include two end sections 13e defined on the locking tab 13a, and the two end sections 13e extend laterally to the free edge 6, optionally orthogonally to the free edge 6 ( Figure 3 ). Each end section 13e is spaced apart from the free edge 6 and has a height measured along a direction orthogonal to the free edge 6, and this height is lower than the height of the locking tab 13a. The end sections 13e are opposite to each other with respect to the centerline plane, thereby defining a weakening point to facilitate the breakage / separation of the locking tab 13a after the first open state of the container.

[0165] In another variant of the second connecting part 13, the through notch 13c extends between two ends that respectively coincide with the end sections 13e. In this embodiment, the through notch 13c is spaced apart from the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d by the folding edges of the front wall 4a respectively. The control opening 24 may be formed at the side regions of the insertion part 10 and the panel of the second connecting part 12, so as to face the corresponding end sections 13e of the locking tab 13a in the first closed state of the container.

[0166] As another variant, the second coupling part 13 may have a locking tab 13a defined by a through notch 13c, the locking tab 13a having two different and aligned segments along the same direction parallel to the segment of the free edge defined by the front wall 4a. It should be noted that the minimum distance between two adjacent ends of the two segments of the through notch is less than the minimum distance between the two notches 46, the two notches 46 respectively defining a first restraint part 12c' having a first gripping tab 12a' and a second restraint part 12c'' having a second gripping tab 12a'', thus allowing the first gripping tab 12a' and the second gripping tab 12a'' to be inserted into the corresponding notches.

[0167] Another variant of the second coupling part 13 not shown in the drawings includes a through notch 13c having two pairs of parallel segments that are opposite to the central axis plane of the front wall 4a that is orthogonal to the segment of the free edge 6 defined by the same front wall 4a. In this embodiment, the segments in each pair extend along straight directions parallel to each other.

[0168] The locking tab 13a may have a height measured along a direction orthogonal to the segment of the free edge defined by the front wall 4a, the height being in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm, optionally including 30 mm to 55 mm.

[0169] In another variant of the second coupling part, the panel of the second coupling part 13 that separates the locking tab 13a from the free edge 6 has a through opening that allows the first coupling part 12 to engage within the second coupling part itself. The second coupling part 13 may also have two or more through openings defined on the panel of the second coupling part 13, the two or more through openings being different and spaced apart from each other.

[0170] As shown in the drawings, the locking tab 13a may have an inclined weakening portion 14 that is interposed between the through notch 13c and the free edge 6 and is inclined with respect to the through notch 13c by an angle included between 5° and 50°, optionally including 8° and 45°. It should also be noted that the weakening portion 14 extends over the entire height of the locking tab 13a and is symmetric with respect to the central axis plane of the front wall 4a that is orthogonal to the segment of the free edge 6 defined by the front wall 4a. The control opening 24 that may be formed at the lateral region of the insertion part 10 faces the corresponding weakening portion 14 in the first closed state of the container.

[0171] In another variant, the through notch 13c may have:

[0172] - at least one upper segment 20a that is spaced apart from the free edge 6 of the storage part 2,

[0173] - at least one lower section 20b, which is connected to the upper section and extends away from the free edge of the storage section 2.

[0174] The through-notch 13c may also have two opposite upper sections 20a, between which a lower section 20b that connects the upper sections 20a together is interposed. The upper sections 20a may extend along respective straight directions that are orthogonal to the free edge 6 of the storage section 2 and symmetric with respect to the container centerline plane, which is orthogonal to the section of the free edge 6 defined by the front wall 4a. In contrast, the lower section 20b has a convex configuration, for example having a "C-shaped" or "U-shaped" shape, which has a recess facing the free edge of the storage section 2. The locking tab 13a may be shaped corresponding to the through-notch 13c and is defined on the side opposite to the free edge 6 in the following manner:

[0175] At least one gripping section coincides with the upper section 20a of the through-notch 13c, and the gripping section defines at least a part of the gripping edge 13b, which is configured to engage the gripping tab 12a of the first connection part 12 in the first closed state of the container.

[0176] The lower section coincides with the lower section 20b of the through-notch 13c, and the lower section 20b is connected to the gripping section and extends away from the gripping section.

[0177] Since the gripping section that defines the gripping edge 13b coincides with each upper section 20a of the through-notch 13c, the locking tab 13a may have two or more gripping edges 13b shaped corresponding to the respective upper sections 20a, and each gripping edge 13b is configured to engage the corresponding gripping tab 12a of the first connection part 12. It should be noted that only the gripping edge 13b of the locking tab 13a defined by the gripping section is configured to engage the first connection part 12 in the first closed state of the container, while the lower section is spaced apart from the gripping edge 13b in the closed state of the container.

[0178] As previously mentioned, the locking tab 13a may be shaped corresponding to the through-notch 13c and is directly constrained to the storage section at least by a first attachment part 22a and a second attachment part 22b that define a weakening part 14, which is configured to break during the first opening state of the container. In particular, the locking tab 13a is constrained to a section of the free edge 6 of the storage section by the first attachment part 22a and to the front wall 4a of the storage section 2 by the second attachment part 22b.

[0179] Now turning to describe the engagement between the first coupling part 12 and the second coupling part 13, the insertion part 10 is partially inserted into the passage defined by the through-notch 13c and disposed between the front wall 4a of the storage part and the locking tab 13a. It should be noted that the insertion part 10 only partially overlaps with the locking tab 13a, so that one surface of the locking tab 13a is exposed. In other words, the insertion part 10 is spaced apart from the second insertion part 22b, wherein at least a part of the lower section 20b defines a control opening 23 together with the insertion part 10 in the first closed state of the container ( Figure 21 ), and the control opening 23 is configured to display, from the outside of the container, a part of the lower section of the locking tab connected to the side wall of the storage part by means of the second insertion part 22b.

[0180] The control opening 23 can be spaced apart from the free edge 6 to allow, after the first open state of the container, the display of the internal volume of the storage part or the damage or breakage of the weakening part 14 from the outside of the container. If the container has not been attempted to be opened illegally, the control opening 23 allows the display of the locking tab 13a, thereby allowing the user to verify the integrity of the container. To facilitate the user to verify the presence of the locking tab 13a, the area of the same locking tab 13a defined at the control opening 23 can have a color different from that of the storage part 2 or the insertion part 10.

[0181] If the container has been attempted to be opened illegally, resulting in the breakage of the locking tab 13a, the control opening 23 allows the verification of the separation of the locking tab 13a from the storage part 2, thus providing evidence of illegal opening.

[0182] In another variant, the second coupling part 13 includes a base body 35, and the base body 35 is internally engaged with the side wall of the storage part 2 inside the internal volume 3 (for example, see Figure 14 and Figure 15) In this configuration, the second connecting part 13 can be directly joined to the storage part 2, for example by means of an adhesive part, or the second connecting part 13 can be integrally joined to a section of the free edge 6 and can be folded relative to the free edge 6 inside the internal volume 3 of the storage part. It should be noted that the base body 35 of the second connecting part 13 is joined to the front wall 4a of the storage part, so as to face the first connecting part 12 at least after the first closed state of the container. The second connecting part 13 can have a locking tab 13a which, in the closed state of the container, engages the first connecting part 12, thereby defining a locked state. Contrary to what has been described previously, the locking tab 13a extends in a plane parallel to the plane in which the front wall 4a of the storage part 2 lies; thus, the locking tab 13a faces the inner surface of the storage part 2. The locking tab 13a is defined by at least one through notch 13c formed in the base body 35 of the second connecting part 13, and this through notch 13c allows the insertion part 10 and the first connecting part 12 to be received in a passage for engaging the second connecting part 13. The through notch 13c also defines a gripping edge 13b which defines the locking tab 13a below and is configured to engage the first connecting part 12. The locking tab 13a has a height defined by the minimum distance between the gripping edge 13b and the free edge 6, and this height is greater than 2 mm, optionally between 3 mm and 30 mm.

[0183] The container can also include at least one support element 19 which is located in the internal volume 3 of the storage part 2 and is configured to contact the locking tab 13a at least during the transition of the container from the open state to the first locked state. In fact, the support element 19 prevents the hook part 130 of the locking tab 13a from being bent too much laterally or even completely overturned relative to the side wall of the storage part directly supporting the second connecting part, thereby preventing engagement with the first connecting part 12. In other words, the support element 19 is configured to allow the correct relative movement of the hook part 130 of the locking tab 13a relative to the storage part, thus ensuring engagement with the first connecting part 12.

[0184] In the first embodiment, the support element 19 is directly joined to the locking tab 13a (optionally joined to the hook part) on the side opposite to the gripping edge 13b, for example by means of a weakening part (for example, see Figure 19)。The support element 19 is folded relative to the hook-shaped portion 130 inside the internal volume of the storage part 2 and is, for example, glued to the inner surface of the storage part in a region of the same support element 19 opposite the above-mentioned section of the free edge 6. It should be noted that the panel of the first coupling part 12 is interposed between the insertion part 10 and the support element 19 in the closed state of the container, and the support element 19 supports the locking tab 13a both during the insertion of the panel of the first coupling part 12 and during the extraction of the panel of the first coupling part 12, thus keeping the first coupling part 12 engaged with the second coupling part 13. In other words, the support element 19 that prevents the movement of the panel of the first coupling part 12 prevents attempts to break into the container by inserting a tool through the control opening 24.

[0185] After the first open state of the container, the weakened portion of the support element 19 is configured to break at the weakened section that coincides with the free edge 6, thus allowing the locking tab 13a to separate from the storage part.

[0186] Figure 28 A variant of the support element 19 is shown, which is optionally glued alone to the side wall of the storage part 2 that directly supports the second coupling part 13. This support element 19 is spaced apart from the free edge 6 of the storage part 2 and faces the through notch 13c. Specifically, the support element 19 extends between:

[0187] A base part 19', which is constrained to the side wall of the storage part that directly bears the second coupling part 13, and

[0188] A top part 19", which faces the through notch 13c.

[0189] In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the top part 19" of the support element 19 is configured to contact the central part of the hook-shaped portion 120 defined by the tab 12a of the first coupling part 12: the top part 19" of the support element 19 is spaced apart from the free edge 6 of the storage part 2. In fact, the height of the hook-shaped portion 130 of the locking tab 13a of the second coupling part 13 extends between the gripping edge 13b and the opposite top edge (the edge that is substantially aligned with the free edge of the side wall of the storage part that directly supports the second coupling part 13). The top part 19" of the support element 19 is spaced apart from the top edge of the hook-shaped portion 130 of the locking tab 13a: the top part 19" of the support element 19 is substantially interposed between the base part 19" and the top part 19" of the support element 19.

[0190] The support element 19 may also include a protrusion 19c having an arcuate shape extending from the top portion 19''; the protrusion 19c faces the hook portion 130 of the second coupling portion, which is located at a distance from the through notch 13c (optionally above the through inlet 40). This protrusion 19c allows the first coupling portion 12 to be intercepted during the first insertion state of the first coupling portion 12 in the storage portion, thereby preventing the tab 12a from abutting against the edge of the second coupling portion that defines the through inlet 40. In fact, the support element 19 acts as a guide for the tab 12a of the first coupling portion 12 for the correct engagement of the tab 12a of the first coupling portion 12 with the panel 13a of the second coupling portion.

[0191] For example, as can be seen from Figure 28 the support element 19 may include one or more notches 19d configured to allow relative movement of the top portion 19'' with respect to the base portion 19'', optionally properly supporting the panel 13a of the second coupling portion. Each notch 19d may be a through notch and have a length between 1 mm and 15 mm. As mentioned above, the panel 13a of the second coupling portion 13 may be connected to the storage portion by at least a weakening portion 14; the through notch 19d on the support element 19 may then be defined close to the weakening portion 14, optionally facing the weakening portion of the second coupling portion. The length of the notch 19d may vary, for example, according to the height of the hook portion 130 of the second coupling portion 13 and / or according to the movement of the panel 13a allowed during the engagement with the first coupling portion 12.

[0192] The container may also include one or more lateral tabs 8, each of which is joined to a respective one of the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d by a weakening portion. Each lateral tab 8 is folded into the compartment of the container and faces the closing portion 9 at least in the first closed state of the container. The coupling portion 8 may define a respective second coupling portion 13, which defines the locked state of the container when the coupling portion 8 is folded into the internal volume 3 and contacts the respective gripping tab 12a of the first coupling portion 12. In this embodiment, the removable portion is defined by each of the lateral tabs 8, which are configured to break and separate from the storage portion after the first open state of the container to give evidence of tampering by the user. In fact, the lateral tabs 8 are joined to the respective lateral connecting walls 4c, 4d of the storage portion 2 by the weakening portion 14 to allow each lateral tab to separate from the container during the first open state.

[0193] At least one of the closed system 7, the storage part 2, the first connection part 12, and the second connection part 13 includes a weakening part 14 which is configured to allow the breakage / or separation of at least one of the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 13 after the first open state of the container 1, so as to give evidence of an attempt to break into the container 1. For example, the weakening part 14 can be defined on the second connection part 13. In an embodiment of the container, the weakening part 14 is defined at the central region of the insertion part 10, and the weakening part 14 separates the peripheral edge section 10a which is integrally connected to the panel of the second connection part 12 from the section which is integrally connected to the peripheral edge 9a and the closed part 9 of the closed system 7. The weakening part 14 can extend along a straight direction connecting two side sections of the peripheral edge 10a of the insertion part 10, or the weakening part 14 can have a curved configuration surrounding the peripheral edge 10a and connecting the panel of the second connection part 12 and the section of the insertion part 10. Then, the weakening part 14 can extend along a track having an open profile shaped like a "U", "V", or "L" shape.

[0194] The removable part can then be defined by the part of the insertion part 10 that is integrally connected to the panel of the second connection part 12, and this part can be separated from the remaining part of the insertion part 10 that is integrally connected to the closed part 9 of the closed system 7, thus allowing evidence of an attempt to break into the container to be given after the first open state of the container.

[0195] In another variant of the container, the weakening part 14 can be located on the closed part 9. Then, the removable part is defined by the panel of the second connection part 12, the insertion part 10, and the part of the closed part 9 connected to the insertion part 10, such that after the first open state of the container, the weakening part 14 allows it to separate. In this configuration, only the part of the closed part 9 hinged to the free edge 6 is integral with the storage part. In another variant, the weakening part 14 can be completely defined on the closed part 9 and extend along a track having a closed profile shaped like a circle or a polygon shape, such as a square, a rectangular shape, or having a trapezoidal shape. The weakening part 14 thus allows the closed part 9 to break, and thus gives evidence of an attempt by the user to break into the container involving the movement of the closed wall 9 into the internal volume 3 of the container. Then, the weakening part 14 is configured to break due to a force applied to the closed part 9 towards the internal volume 3 of the storage part, thereby giving evidence of an attempt to break into the container. The weakening part 14 can be further defined on the second connection part and / or the storage part 2 such that the locking tab 13a can break and / or separate during the transition of the container from the first closed state to the first open state. Then, the second connection part 13 can have a removable connection part which is at least partially defined by the locking tab 13a and is configured to break and / or separate from the container after the first open state of the container, so as to give evidence of an attempt to break into the container.

[0196] For example, the second connecting part 13 may include at least one weakening part 14, which is defined by a notch on the locking tab 13a of the section transverse to the free edge 6 and extends over the entire height of the locking tab 13a, i.e., from the through notch 13c to the free edge 6. The weakening part 14 may be formed in the central region of the locking tab 13a and aligned with the central plane of the side wall 4 of the container that bears the second connecting part 13, so as to allow the locking tab 13a to break into two panels of equal size. However, lateral weakening parts may be provided near the corresponding folding edges between the front wall 4a and one of the first connecting wall 4c and the second connecting wall 4d.

[0197] In the first open state of the container and after the locking tab 13a of the second connecting part 13 is broken or separated accordingly, the user determines that the container has been tampered with by verifying the absence of the locking tab through the control opening 24. For example, if the container returns to the closed state, the control opening 24 will directly show the internal volume 3 of the storage part 2. Therefore, it should be noted that the control opening 24 may be formed, for example, on the insertion part 10 so as to face the locking tab 13a of the second connecting part 13 in the first closed state of the container, thereby allowing verification of its presence when the container is intact or verification of its absence when the container has been opened for the first time.

[0198] As another alternative, a weakening part may exist at the hook part 130, specifically connecting the locking tab 130 to the storage part 2. In this configuration, the entire hook part 130 of the second connecting part 13 defines a removable part of the container, which is configured to be removed during the transition of the container from the first closed state to the first open state.

[0199] Process for manufacturing the container 1

[0200] The object of the present invention also lies in providing a process for manufacturing the container 1 according to one or more of the foregoing claims and / or the specification.

[0201] This process involves arranging the storage part 2 made of sheet material, optionally made of paper material, as described above. This step involves arranging at least the first sheet 51, which at least includes a first part 52 and a second part 54 interconnected by a central connection part 53. The first sheet 51 also at least includes a first lateral connection part 55 and a second lateral connection part 56. The central connection part 53 is interposed between the first part 52 and the second part 54, the first part 52 is interposed between the second lateral connection part 56 and the central connection part 53, and the second part 54 is interposed between the first lateral connection part 55 and the central connection part 53. The first part 52 and the second part 54 have substantially the same shape and size, while the lateral connection parts 55, 56 also have substantially the same rectangular outer shape. Each of the parts 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 at least includes two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite end edges: the parts 52, 54, the central connection part 53 and the lateral connection parts 55, 56 are connected along the longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connection direction.

[0202] The step of arranging the storage part 2 involves folding the first sheet 51 at the side edges of the parts 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 into a step of connecting the lateral connection parts 55, 56 together. The first sheet wraps around itself in such a way that the lateral connection parts 55 and 56 come into contact (overlap). In order to keep the storage part 2 in the folded three-dimensional form, the process can include applying a predetermined amount of glue, such as cold glue, in a non-limiting manner to at least one of the lateral connection parts 55, 56 suitable for resting on each other: connecting these parts allows the storage part 2 to be locked into the folded configuration. In the drawings, the process including applying only a predetermined amount of glue on the lateral connection parts has been illustrated in a non-limiting manner. The possibility of applying glue to both parts 55 and 56 is not excluded.

[0203] This process also involves arranging a closing system 7. This step involves arranging at least a second sheet 57, which is integrally connected to the first sheet 51 at the end edges of the first part 52 and / or the second part 54 of the first sheet 51. The second sheet 57 includes at least a first part 58 and at least a second part 59 connected together: the first part 58 of the second sheet 57 is connected to the first sheet 51 such that the first part 58 is interposed between the second part 59 of the second sheet 57 and the first sheet 51. The preferred but non-limiting configuration of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings, where two second sheets 57 are joined to the first sheet 51 and are arranged oppositely with respect to the first sheet 51. Each second sheet 57 is connected, for example, to the corresponding end edges of the first part 52 and / or the second part 54 of the first sheet 51.

[0204] The process further includes the steps of folding a first portion 58 and a second portion 59 of the second sheet 57 to form a closed portion 9 and an insertion portion 10 of the closure system 7, respectively. The folding step of the second sheet is preferably carried out in a non-limiting manner after the joining of portions 55 and 56 of the first sheet 51.

[0205] The step of arranging the closure system 7 may further include the sub-step of arranging at least one portion 61 that is connected to at least one central connecting portion and / or lateral connecting portion of the first sheet 51 and projects from the first sheet 51 on the same side as the second sheet 57 projects.

[0206] The process may further include the step of forming at least one through-notch 69 in each second sheet 57, the through-notch 69 being defined at least on the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57, optionally interposed between the first portion 58 and the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57, and the through-notch 69 being configured to define the control opening 24. The notch 69 is substantially formed at the connecting edge between the first portion 58 and the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57.

[0207] The process may further include the step of forming a notch 80 on the second coupling portion 54 of the first sheet 51 for defining the second coupling portion 13.

[0208] The process may further include arranging a third sheet 62 that includes at least a panel 62a integrally joined to the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57. The panel 62a of the third sheet 62 is made of a sheet material, optionally made of a paper sheet material, and projects longitudinally from the opposite side of the first sheet 51 and from the second sheet 57: the panel 62a of the third sheet 62 is configured to define the first coupling portion 12 of the container 1.

[0209] The process may further include forming a notch 69 for defining the control opening 24 on at least one of the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51, the first portion 58 of the second sheet 57, the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57, the panel 62a of the third sheet 62, and one or more auxiliary sheets 61.

[0210] The process may include the step of forming at least one drip-like portion 71 on the first sheet 51, the drip-like portion 71 being located on the first portion 52 and / or the second portion 54 and being configured to define a cut. The drip-like portion 71 is substantially formed at the lower edge and / or upper edge of at least one of the portions 52, 54, defining an open profile having a generally "C-shaped", or "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" shape.

[0211] The process may include at least arranging a fourth sheet 63 which projects laterally from a first sheet 51 at the side of a second part 54 of the same first sheet 51. The fourth sheet 63 may include at least one part 63a which is directly joined integrally with the second part 54 of the first sheet 51, and the at least one part 63a is folded and constrained, for example by gluing, to the same second part 54 of the first sheet 51. The process may further include the step of forming a notch 80 for defining a second joining part 13 on the joining part 63a of the fourth sheet 63.

[0212] The process involves forming a weakened section 82 on at least one of the following: a second part 54 of the first sheet 51, a first part 58 of the second sheet 57, the fourth sheet 63. The weakened section 82 allows the weakened part 14 to be defined as described above.

[0213] In a variant, the blank may further include an additional panel 83 which is joined integrally with a second part 59 of the second sheet 57, for example by a weakened section. The additional panel 83 is folded relative to the same second part 54 of the second sheet 57 and constrained, for example by gluing, to define a support element 19. The additional panel 83 may include a drip-shaped part 83' which is at least partially correspondingly shaped with the second and third sheets 62; the drip-shaped part 83' may have a contour with a substantially "C-shaped" shape, the concave surface of which faces in a direction opposite to the second part 54 of the first sheet which is joined integrally with the additional panel.

[0214] The presence of the drip-shaped part 83' on the additional panel allows the blank 50 to be defined on an initial flat sheet, and adjacent similar blanks 50 to be arranged such that the third sheet 62 is at least partially received in the drip-shaped part 83'. In this way, a plurality of blanks 50 can be manufactured using an initial flat sheet while minimizing waste.

Claims

1. A visibly pilfered-proof container, comprising: - a storage portion (2) defining an internal volume (3) configured to receive at least one product, the storage portion (2) having a predetermined number of side walls defining at least one access opening (5) bounded by a free edge (6), the access opening (5) being configured to put the internal volume (3) into communication with the external environment; - at least one closing system (7), the closing system (7) including a closing portion (9) joined to the storage portion (2) and an insertion portion (10) extending from the closing portion (9), wherein the closing system (7) is movable between at least the following states: ○ a closed state of the container, in which: ■ the closing portion (9) is configured to at least partially block the access opening (5) to prevent communication between the internal volume (3) of the storage portion (2) and the external environment; ■ the insertion portion (10) is at least partially received in the internal volume (3) of the storage portion (2); and ○ an open state of the container, in which the closing system (7) is configured to allow communication between the internal volume (3) and the external environment; - at least a first coupling portion (12) carried by the closing system (7); - at least a second coupling portion (13) carried by the storage portion (2) and configured to cooperate with the first coupling portion (12); wherein the first coupling portion (12) and the second coupling portion (13) are configured to engage with each other in a first closed state of the container (1) to define a locked state of the container, wherein at least one of the closing system (7), the storage portion (2), the first coupling portion (12) and the second coupling portion (13) includes a weakening portion (14) configured to allow at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to break due to a first open state of the container after the first locked state; wherein the second coupling portion (13) includes a locking tab (13a) configured to engage the first coupling portion (12), wherein the locking tab (13a) is defined by at least one lateral through notch (13c) formed directly in the side wall of the storage portion (2) carrying the second coupling portion (13); wherein the container (1) includes at least one support element (19) at least partially, optionally completely, received in the internal volume (3) of the storage portion (2), wherein the support element (19) is configured to contact the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling portion (13) at least during a transition of the container from the open state to the first closed state.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein The support element (19) is constrained to the locking tab (13a).

3. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support element (19) is directly constrained to the locking tab (13a) at a portion of the tab spaced apart from the gripping edge (13b).

4. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support element (19) is constrained, optionally glued, to the lateral wall of the storage part that directly bears the second coupling part (13).

5. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support element (19) comprises a single sheet made of paper material, wherein the locking tab (13a) is interposed between the support element (19) and the insertion part (10) of the closing system (7) at least during the first closed state of the container.

6. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support element (19) is hinged to the free edge (6), and the support element (19) is folded within the internal volume of the storage part.

7. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support element (19) is hinged to the locking tab (13a), optionally to a section of the free edge (6) defined by the locking tab (13a).

8. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support element extends between: a base portion (19’), which is constrained to the lateral wall of the storage part that directly bears the second coupling part (13), and a top portion (19”), which faces the through notch (13c).

9. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein, The top portion (19”) of the support element (19) is configured to contact the central portion of the hook-shaped portion defined by the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12).

10. The container according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein, The locking tab (13a) defines a gripping edge (13b) configured to engage the first coupling part (12), and the locking tab substantially comprises a hook-shaped portion (130) configured to engage the tab (12a) of the first coupling part (12). Wherein, the height of the hook-shaped portion (130) of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13) extends between the gripping edge (13b) and the opposite top edge, and wherein the top portion (19”) of the support element (19) is spaced apart from the top edge of the hook-shaped portion (130) of the locking tab (13a) of the second coupling part (13).

11. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking tab (13a) extends in the plane of the lateral wall of the storage part (2). Wherein, the locking tab (13a) is bounded at the upper part by a section of the free edge (6), the section of the free edge (6) being defined by the lateral wall of the storage part (2) that bears the second coupling part (13), and the locking tab (13a) is bounded at the lower part by a gripping edge (13b) spaced apart from the free edge (6) of the storage part (2), the gripping edge (13b) being configured to engage the first coupling part (12).

12. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein, The second connecting part (13) includes a through-notch (13c) which is adapted to define a passage for crosswise receiving at least the first connecting part (12) for engaging the locking tab (13a) of the first connecting part with the second connecting part and optionally for engaging the gripping edge (13b) of the second connecting part (13).

13. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The through-notch (13c) is defined by a peripheral edge having a closed outer shape, wherein the through-notch (13c) optionally defines a through-entry (40) defined by a peripheral edge having a closed outer shape in a state where the locking tab (13a) lies in a plane parallel to the lateral wall of the storage part directly carrying the second connecting part (13).

14. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The through-notch (13c) includes: a central through-notch which is adapted to define the through-entry (40), a first lateral through-notch and a second lateral through-notch which are opposite and spaced apart with respect to the central through-notch.

15. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein, The first lateral through-notch and the second lateral through-notch are connected to the free edge (6) of the storage part (2), wherein the through-notch (13c) defines the hook portion of the locking tab (13a) of the second connecting part (13).

16. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The weakening part (14) is configured to connect the locking tab of the second connecting part (13) to the lateral wall of the storage part directly carrying the second connecting part (13).

17. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first connecting part (12) includes a tab (12a) made of a sheet material, optionally made of a paper sheet material, wherein the first connecting part (12) projects from the insertion part (10). Wherein the tab (12a) of the first connecting part (12) includes at least one hook portion (120) which is configured to engage the first connecting part (12) and optionally to engage the second connecting part (13) in the first closed state of the container.

18. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein, The at least one hook portion (120) of the first connecting part (12) is defined by a gripping edge (120') having a generally "C-shaped" shape.

19. The container according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The tab (12a) of the first connecting part (12) includes a central body (125) supporting the at least one hook portion (120) of the tab (12a), wherein the at least one hook portion (120) is laterally engaged to the central body (125) of the tab, wherein the tab (12a) of the first connecting part (12) includes an insertion part (127) defined on the central body (125) of the tab (12a) and spaced apart from the insertion part (10), wherein the insertion part (127) is optionally defined by a peripheral edge (127') having a generally conical shape on the opposite side of the connecting part (10).

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