Box, use, and opening method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a box comprising a container body (2) and a lid body (4). The container body (2) delimits a container compartment (6) for housing articles and a first access opening (8) for access to the container compartment (6), and the lid body (4) delimits a lid compartment (10) and a second access opening (12) for access to the lid compartment (10). The lid compartment (4) is movable relative to the container body (2) between a closed position and an open position of the container compartment (6). The container body (2) comprises first engagement elements (14) at its outer surface (16) opposite to the container compartment (6), and the lid body (4) delimits a pair of through-holes (18) through a thickness thereof and comprises locking flaps (20) arranged in the lid compartment (10) at the first engagement elements (14). Each locking flap (20) comprises at least one second engagement element (22) and is constantly forced, by elastic means (24), from a disengagement configuration, in which the second engagement element (22) is distanced from the first engagement element (14) so as to allow the movement of the lid body (4) into the open position, towards an engagement configuration, in which the second engagement element (22) is arranged so as to intercept the first engagement element (14). Each locking flap (20) comprises an actuating portion (26) for actuating said locking flap (20) towards the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means (24), said actuating portion (26) protruding from the lid compartment (10) through the through-hole (18).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the sector of boxes for packaging articles, in particular boxes for articles which are intended for large-scale distribution.Prior art

[0002] It is known to use containers with safety openings for storing given products, for example detergents, so as to make them inaccessible or difficult to access for children. In fact, such products could be dangerous, with potentially serious consequences, for children in the case of ingestion, inhalation, skin contact or eye contact.

[0003] One of the main drawbacks of known containers with safety openings is that they are made of plastic materials, the production and disposal of which generate increasing environmental concerns. In fact, nowadays attention is being increasingly directed towards developing technical solutions which are more eco-sustainable and which may be included in a circular economy.

[0004] WO 2021 / 044266 A1 discloses a container according to the prior art.

[0005] The Applicant, after long and in-depth R&D activity, has developed a box which is able to provide a suitable response to the existing limitations, drawbacks, and problems.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a box having the features as defined in the attached claims.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of said box having the features as defined in the attached claims.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of opening said box having the features as defined in the attached claims.Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] The aforementioned objects are achieved by means of a box 1 comprising a container body 2 and a lid body 4; wherein the container body 2 delimits a container compartment 6 for housing articles and a first access opening 8 for access to the container compartment 6 and wherein the lid body 4 delimits a lid compartment 10 and a second access opening 12 for access to the lid compartment 10; wherein the lid body 4 is movable relative to the container body 2 between a closed position and an open position of the container compartment 6; wherein the container body 2 comprises first engagement elements 14 at its outer surface 16 opposite to the container compartment 6 and wherein the lid body 4 delimits a pair of through-holes 18 through a thickness thereof and comprises locking flaps 20 which are arranged in the lid compartment 10 and which, in the closed position, are located at the first engagement elements 14; wherein each locking flap 20 comprises at least one second engagement element 22 and is constantly forced, by the elastic means 24, from a disengagement configuration towards an engagement configuration: in the engagement configuration, the second engagement element 22 being arranged so as to intercept the first engagement element 14 and thereby prevent a movement of the lid body 4 into the open position; in the disengagement configuration, the second engagement element 22 being distanced from the first engagement element 14 so as to allow the movement of the lid body 4 into the open position; wherein each locking flap 20 comprises an actuating portion 26 for actuating said locking flap 20 towards the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means 24, said actuating portion 26 protruding from the lid compartment 10 through the through-hole 18.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a use of said box 1 in order to store articles so that they cannot be accessed by a child, wherein - during said use - said articles are contained inside the container compartment 6 and the lid body 4 is in the closed position.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method of opening said box, wherein said method comprises - preferably in sequence - the following steps: (I) by means of the actuating portion 26 protruding through the through-hole 18, moving (for example pulling outwards) each locking flap 20 from the engagement configuration into the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means 24; (II) moving the lid body 4 relative to the container body 2 from the closed position into the open position of the container compartment 6; (III) optionally extracting one or more articles from the container compartment 6.

[0013] The invention offers the following advantages.

[0014] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention allows the lid body to be placed in the open position only by means of a complex movement which involves, on the one hand, moving the locking flaps 20 from the engagement configuration into the disengagement configuration and, on the other hand, moving the lid body away from the container body.

[0015] This separating movement may be preferably assisted by means of a force applied by the fingers such that this operation requires the combined use of both hands that is a capacity which a child - especially during the early years of life - does not have.

[0016] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention has a structure and comprises components specifically designed so that they may be produced automatically by means of punching, gluing and bonding operations.

[0017] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention comprises tamper-evident means by means of which alterations or tampering with the box or its contents can be made evident.

[0018] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention may be repeatedly opened and closed again, each new opening operation requiring the movement of the locking flaps towards the disengaged configuration for each of them.Preferred embodiments

[0019] Preferably, said box 1 is substantially entirely, or mainly, made of a paper material, more preferably cardboard.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said box 1 has a polygonal base, preferably a polygonal base with four sides, which is for example square or rectangular.

[0021] In accordance with other embodiments: in the closed position, the container body 2 is at least partially (for example: mainly) housed inside the lid compartment 10 of the lid body 4; and / or in the open position, the lid body 4 is distanced from the container body 2 so that the container compartment 6 is accessible through the first access opening 8.

[0022] In accordance with another embodiment, the actuating portion 26 is slidable through the through-hole 18 between the engagement configuration and the disengagement configuration of the locking flap 20.

[0023] Preferably, the actuating portion 26 comprises a strip of material. More preferably, said strip of material has a rounded or pointed free end.

[0024] In accordance with one embodiment, at least one first engagement element 14 is formed by a first extension 28, folded outside the container compartment 6, of a first side wall 30 of the container body 2. Said first extension 28 is preferably glued or attached to the first side wall 30, for example to an outer surface 16 of the container body 2.

[0025] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first engagement element 14 is at least partly formed by a step which corresponds to a thickness of the first side wall 30 folded outside the container compartment 6.

[0026] More preferably, at least two first side walls 30 of the container body 2 - for example two first side walls 30 situated opposite each other - each comprise at least two first engagement elements 14 spaced from each other.

[0027] Even more preferably, said two first engagement elements 14 are separated by a shaped area 32 which receives at least partly the actuating portion 26 in the closed position of the lid body 4. By way of example, the shaped area 32 receives the rounded or pointed free end of the strip of material in a condition of first use of the box 1.

[0028] In accordance with one embodiment, the locking flap 20 is formed by a second extension 34 - which is folded internally (namely inside the lid compartment 10) - of a second side wall 36 of the lid body 4. Preferably, the actuating portion 26 is formed by a third extension 38 of the locking flap 20, said third extension 38 being folded through the through-hole 18.

[0029] Preferably, the elastic means 24 comprise a creasing line 40 between the second side wall 36 and the locking flap 20. In accordance with another embodiment, the elastic means 24 could comprise a spring or an elastic material located so as to exert a pushing force between an inner surface of the lid body 4 and said locking flap 20.

[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, in a condition of first use of said box 1, at least one through-hole 18 (for example each through-hole 18) is only partially or at least partially closed by a tamper-evident seal 42 of the lid body 4, said tamper-evident seal 42 being connected to the lid body 4 by means of one or more tearable weakening lines 44 which preferably extend along a closed-loop path.

[0031] The actuating portion 26 is made inaccessible or immovable by said tamper-evident seal 42. Movement of or access to the actuating portion 26 is permitted only when the tamper-evident seal 42 is torn (or detached) from the lid body 4, by breaking portions of material which connect the tamper-evident seal 42 and the lid body 4 along the weakening line(s).

[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the container body 2 and the lid body 4 are independent bodies, not hinged to each other.

[0033] In accordance with another embodiment (not shown), the container body 2 and the lid body 4 are hinged at a lateral end thereof by means of a creasing line.

[0034] Preferably, the box 1 is of the re-closable type, namely can be opened and closed several times. The locking flap 20 is therefore configured to return - automatically and in each closed position of the lid body 4 - into the engagement configuration by means of the elastic means 24.

[0035] In accordance with one embodiment, the articles comprise at least one irritating, corrosive, toxic or harmful substance, for example a cleaning or descaling substance or a drug. More preferably, said articles comprise at least one cleaning substance in solid tablet form.

[0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said use is in compliance with the A.I.S.E. (International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products) test protocol for re-closable packages designed to prevent opening by young children, as stipulated by (EU) Commission Regulation No. 1297 / 2014.

[0037] Preferably, said child is between 12 and 36 months old.

[0038] The advantages of the invention will emerge even more clearly from the detailed description given below based on the attached figures provided by way of example and therefore of a non-limiting nature.Description of the figures

[0039] Fig. 1 is a perspective view, from above, of a possible embodiment of a box according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view, from above, of a container body which can be used in the box according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view, from below, of a lid body which can be used with the container body according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are plan views of punched blanks for making a container body and for making a lid body, respectively, in accordance with possible embodiments of the present invention. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the box according to the invention

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a box comprising a container body 2 and a lid body 4. The container body 2 and the lid body 4 are independent bodies, namely are not hinged together.

[0041] The container body 2 comprises a bottom wall 46 and first side walls 30, 50 which are connected to, and extend from, the bottom wall 46 in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to delimit a container compartment 6 with the bottom wall 46. The bottom wall 46 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The first side walls 30, 50 are connected together and each comprise a first free edge 48 at an end thereof opposite to the end connected to the bottom wall 46. The first free edges 46 together circumscribe a first access opening 8 for access to the container compartment 6, all these components being clearly visible in Fig. 2.

[0042] At least two first side walls 30 each comprise at least one first engagement element 14 at its outer surface 16, opposite to an inner surface 52 which faces the container compartment 6. Said first engagement element 14 is formed by a first extension 28 - folded outside the container compartment 6 - of the respective first side wall 30. The first side walls 30 comprising the engagement elements 14 are situated opposite each other.

[0043] Still with reference to Fig. 1, the lid body 4 comprises a top wall 54 and second side walls 36, 56 which are connected to, and extend from, the top wall 54 in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to delimit a lid compartment 10 with said top wall 54. The second side walls 36, 56 are connected together and each comprise a second free edge 48 at an end thereof opposite to the end connected to the top wall 54. The second free edges 60 together circumscribe a second access opening 12 for access to the lid compartment 10, these latter components being shown in Fig. 3.

[0044] A pair of second side walls 36 each delimit a through-hole 18 through its thickness. Each second side wall 36 of said pair comprises a movable locking flap 20, located on an inner surface 58 thereof facing the lid compartment 10. Said locking flap 20 is formed by a second extension 34 - folded internally (namely inside the lid compartment 10) - of the respective second side wall 36. Each locking flap 20 comprises a second engagement element 22 and an actuating portion 26 which can be accessed through the through-hole 18.

[0045] The lid body 4 is movable relative to the container body 2 between a closed position and an open position.

[0046] In the closed position, the container body 2 is at least partially housed inside the lid compartment 10 of the lid body 4 so that the lid body 4 is arranged to close the first access opening 8 of the container body 2. In the open position, the lid body 4 is distanced from the container body 2, without contact with the container body 2, so that the container compartment 6 is accessible through the first access opening 8.

[0047] In the closed position, the second side walls 36 comprising the through-holes 18 and the locking flaps 20 are located at the first side walls 30 comprising the first engagement elements 14, so that the first engagement elements 14 are located at the second engagement elements 22.

[0048] Each locking flap 20 is movable between an engagement configuration and a disengagement configuration, where said locking flap 20 is constantly forced towards the engagement configuration by elastic means 24 comprising, in the embodiment shown, a creasing line 40.

[0049] In the engagement configuration, the second engagement elements 22 are in contact with the first engagement elements 14 or are arranged so as to intercept the first engagement elements 14 during a movement of the lid body 4 from the closed position towards the open position. Therefore, in the engagement configuration, the lid body 4 is kept in the position closing the first access opening 8 by means of cooperation, in particular contact, between the first engagement elements 14 and the second engagement elements 22. Consequently, the lid body 4 cannot be moved towards the open position for as long as the locking flaps 20 remain in the engagement configuration.

[0050] Each locking flap 20 is movable from the engagement configuration into the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means 24, by acting, for example manually, on the actuating portion 26. The actuating portion 26 may be pulled outwards from the lid compartment 10 by acting through the through-hole 18 so as to distance the second engagement element 22 from the first engagement element 14 or so as to move the second engagement element 22 so that said second engagement element 22 no longer intercepts (namely lies outside the path of) the first engagement element 14 during the movement of the lid body 4 from the closed position towards the open position.

[0051] In the disengagement configuration, the second engagement element 22 is distanced from the first engagement element 14 such that the lid body 4 may be moved with respect to the container body 2 from the closed position into the open position without hindrance.Detailed description of a second preferred embodiment of the container punched blank and the lid punched blank for obtaining said box according to the invention

[0052] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show, respectively, a punched blank 62 for a container and punched blank 64 for a lid in an extended or flattened configuration.

[0053] A folded or three-dimensional configuration of the container punched blank 62 and the lid punched blank 64 provides the container body 2 and the lid body 4 as described above. Therefore, identical or corresponding components are indicated by the same reference numbers.

[0054] The container punched blank 62 comprises a bottom wall 46 with a square or rectangular shape, from which four first side walls 30, 50, extend, i.e. one for each side. The first side walls 30, 50 are connected to the bottom wall by means of creasing lines 66, 68.

[0055] Two first side walls 30 comprise a first extension 28 delimited by a creasing line 70. First gluing walls 72 extend from the other two first side walls 50, i.e. one for each side of the respective first side wall 50. The first gluing walls 72 are connected to the respective first side wall 50 by means of creasing lines 74.

[0056] Each first side wall 50 comprises an optional fourth extension 78 connected to the first side wall 50 by means of a creasing line 76. In the three-dimensional configuration, said fourth extension 78 is folded internally (namely inside the container compartment 6) so as to thicken the respective first free edge 48.

[0057] The lid punched blank 64 comprises a top wall 54 with a rectangular shape, from which four second side walls 36, 56, extend, i.e. one for each side. The second side walls 36, 56 are connected to the top wall 54 by means of creasing lines 82, 84.

[0058] Two second side walls 36 comprise a second extension 34 delimited by a creasing line 24. A third extension 38 extends from the second extension 34, said second extension 34 and third extension 38 being separated by a creasing line 88. Said second side walls 36 comprise a tamper-evident seal 42. Said tamper-evident seal 42 is connected to the respective first side wall 36 by means of one or more weakening lines 44 which extend along a closed-loop path.

[0059] Second gluing walls 80 extend from the other two second side walls 56, i.e. one for each side of the respective second side wall 56. The second gluing walls 80 are connected to the respective second side wall 56 by means of creasing lines 86.

[0060] Each second side wall 56 comprises an optional fifth extension 88 connected to the second side wall 56 by means of a creasing line 90. In the three-dimensional configuration, this fifth extension 88 could be folded internally (namely inside the lid compartment 10) so as to thicken the respective second free edge 60.

[0061] Even though not previously specified, a person skilled in the art may, drawing on the typical expertise in the sector, vary or replace some of the aspects indicated above with other technically equivalent elements.

[0062] These variation or replacements also fall within the scope defined by the following claims.

[0063] Moreover, any alternative illustrated in relation to a particular embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0064] 1box 2container body 4lid body 6container compartment 8first access opening 10lid compartment 12second access opening 14first engagement element 16outer surface 18through-hole 20locking flap 22second engagement element 24elastic means 26actuating portion 28first extension 30first side wall 32shaped area 34second extension 36second side wall 38third extension 40creasing line 42tamper-evident seal 44weakening line 46bottom wall 48first free edge 50first side wall 52inner surface 54top wall 56second side wall 58inner surface 60second free edge 62container punched blank 64lid punched blank 66creasing line 68creasing line 70creasing line 72first gluing wall 74creasing line 76creasing line 78fourth extension 80second gluing wall 82creasing line 84creasing line 86creasing line 88fifth extension 90creasing line

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040]Fig. 1 shows a box comprising a container body 2 and a lid body 4. The container body 2 and the lid body 4 are independent bodies, namely are not hinged together.

[0041]The container body 2 comprises a bottom wall 46 and first side walls 30, 50 which are connected to, and extend from, the bottom wall 46 in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to delimit a container compartment 6 with the bottom wall 46. The bottom wall 46 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The first side walls 30, 50 are connected together and each comprise a first free edge 48 at an end thereof opposite to the end connected to the bottom wall 46. The first free edges 46 together circumscribe a first access opening 8 for access to the container compartment 6, all these components being clearly visible in Fig. 2.

[0042]At least two first side walls 30 each comprise at least one first engagement element 14 at its outer surface 16, opposite to an inner surface 52 which faces the container compartment 6. Sa...

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the sector of boxes for packaging articles, in particular boxes for articles which are intended for large-scale distribution.Prior art

[0002] It is known to use containers with safety openings for storing given products, for example detergents, so as to make them inaccessible or difficult to access for children. In fact, such products could be dangerous, with potentially serious consequences, for children in the case of ingestion, inhalation, skin contact or eye contact.

[0003] One of the main drawbacks of known containers with safety openings is that they are made of plastic materials, the production and disposal of which generate increasing environmental concerns. In fact, nowadays attention is being increasingly directed towards developing technical solutions which are more eco-sustainable and which may be included in a circular economy.

[0004] WO 2021 / 044266 A1 discloses a container according to the prior art.

[0005] The Applicant, after long and in-depth R&D activity, has developed a box which is able to provide a suitable response to the existing limitations, drawbacks, and problems.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a box having the features as defined in the attached claims.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of said box having the features as defined in the attached claims.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of opening said box having the features as defined in the attached claims.Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] The aforementioned objects are achieved by means of a box 1 comprising a container body 2 and a lid body 4; wherein the container body 2 delimits a container compartment 6 for housing articles and a first access opening 8 for access to the container compartment 6 and wherein the lid body 4 delimits a lid compartment 10 and a second access opening 12 for access to the lid compartment 10; wherein the lid body 4 is movable relative to the container body 2 between a closed position and an open position of the container compartment 6; wherein the container body 2 comprises first engagement elements 14 at its outer surface 16 opposite to the container compartment 6 and wherein the lid body 4 delimits a pair of through-holes 18 through a thickness thereof and comprises locking flaps 20 which are arranged in the lid compartment 10 and which, in the closed position, are located at the first engagement elements 14; wherein each locking flap 20 comprises at least one second engagement element 22 and is constantly forced, by the elastic means 24, from a disengagement configuration towards an engagement configuration: in the engagement configuration, the second engagement element 22 being arranged so as to intercept the first engagement element 14 and thereby prevent a movement of the lid body 4 into the open position; in the disengagement configuration, the second engagement element 22 being distanced from the first engagement element 14 so as to allow the movement of the lid body 4 into the open position; wherein each locking flap 20 comprises an actuating portion 26 for actuating said locking flap 20 towards the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means 24, said actuating portion 26 protruding from the lid compartment 10 through the through-hole 18.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a use of said box 1 in order to store articles so that they cannot be accessed by a child, wherein - during said use - said articles are contained inside the container compartment 6 and the lid body 4 is in the closed position.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method of opening said box, wherein said method comprises - preferably in sequence - the following steps: (I) by means of the actuating portion 26 protruding through the through-hole 18, moving (for example pulling outwards) each locking flap 20 from the engagement configuration into the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means 24; (II) moving the lid body 4 relative to the container body 2 from the closed position into the open position of the container compartment 6; (III) optionally extracting one or more articles from the container compartment 6.

[0013] The invention offers the following advantages.

[0014] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention allows the lid body to be placed in the open position only by means of a complex movement which involves, on the one hand, moving the locking flaps 20 from the engagement configuration into the disengagement configuration and, on the other hand, moving the lid body away from the container body.

[0015] This separating movement may be preferably assisted by means of a force applied by the fingers such that this operation requires the combined use of both hands that is a capacity which a child - especially during the early years of life - does not have.

[0016] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention has a structure and comprises components specifically designed so that they may be produced automatically by means of punching, gluing and bonding operations.

[0017] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention comprises tamper-evident means by means of which alterations or tampering with the box or its contents can be made evident.

[0018] Advantageously, the box according to the present invention may be repeatedly opened and closed again, each new opening operation requiring the movement of the locking flaps towards the disengaged configuration for each of them.Preferred embodiments

[0019] Preferably, said box 1 is substantially entirely, or mainly, made of a paper material, more preferably cardboard.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said box 1 has a polygonal base, preferably a polygonal base with four sides, which is for example square or rectangular.

[0021] In accordance with other embodiments: in the closed position, the container body 2 is at least partially (for example: mainly) housed inside the lid compartment 10 of the lid body 4; and / or in the open position, the lid body 4 is distanced from the container body 2 so that the container compartment 6 is accessible through the first access opening 8.

[0022] In accordance with another embodiment, the actuating portion 26 is slidable through the through-hole 18 between the engagement configuration and the disengagement configuration of the locking flap 20.

[0023] Preferably, the actuating portion 26 comprises a strip of material. More preferably, said strip of material has a rounded or pointed free end.

[0024] In accordance with one embodiment, at least one first engagement element 14 is formed by a first extension 28, folded outside the container compartment 6, of a first side wall 30 of the container body 2. Said first extension 28 is preferably glued or attached to the first side wall 30, for example to an outer surface 16 of the container body 2.

[0025] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first engagement element 14 is at least partly formed by a step which corresponds to a thickness of the first side wall 30 folded outside the container compartment 6.

[0026] More preferably, at least two first side walls 30 of the container body 2 - for example two first side walls 30 situated opposite each other - each comprise at least two first engagement elements 14 spaced from each other.

[0027] Even more preferably, said two first engagement elements 14 are separated by a shaped area 32 which receives at least partly the actuating portion 26 in the closed position of the lid body 4. By way of example, the shaped area 32 receives the rounded or pointed free end of the strip of material in a condition of first use of the box 1.

[0028] In accordance with one embodiment, the locking flap 20 is formed by a second extension 34 - which is folded internally (namely inside the lid compartment 10) - of a second side wall 36 of the lid body 4. Preferably, the actuating portion 26 is formed by a third extension 38 of the locking flap 20, said third extension 38 being folded through the through-hole 18.

[0029] Preferably, the elastic means 24 comprise a creasing line 40 between the second side wall 36 and the locking flap 20. In accordance with another embodiment, the elastic means 24 could comprise a spring or an elastic material located so as to exert a pushing force between an inner surface of the lid body 4 and said locking flap 20.

[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, in a condition of first use of said box 1, at least one through-hole 18 (for example each through-hole 18) is only partially or at least partially closed by a tamper-evident seal 42 of the lid body 4, said tamper-evident seal 42 being connected to the lid body 4 by means of one or more tearable weakening lines 44 which preferably extend along a closed-loop path.

[0031] The actuating portion 26 is made inaccessible or immovable by said tamper-evident seal 42. Movement of or access to the actuating portion 26 is permitted only when the tamper-evident seal 42 is torn (or detached) from the lid body 4, by breaking portions of material which connect the tamper-evident seal 42 and the lid body 4 along the weakening line(s).

[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the container body 2 and the lid body 4 are independent bodies, not hinged to each other.

[0033] In accordance with another embodiment (not shown), the container body 2 and the lid body 4 are hinged at a lateral end thereof by means of a creasing line.

[0034] Preferably, the box 1 is of the re-closable type, namely can be opened and closed several times. The locking flap 20 is therefore configured to return - automatically and in each closed position of the lid body 4 - into the engagement configuration by means of the elastic means 24.

[0035] In accordance with one embodiment, the articles comprise at least one irritating, corrosive, toxic or harmful substance, for example a cleaning or descaling substance or a drug. More preferably, said articles comprise at least one cleaning substance in solid tablet form.

[0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said use is in compliance with the A.I.S.E. (International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products) test protocol for re-closable packages designed to prevent opening by young children, as stipulated by (EU) Commission Regulation No. 1297 / 2014.

[0037] Preferably, said child is between 12 and 36 months old.

[0038] The advantages of the invention will emerge even more clearly from the detailed description given below based on the attached figures provided by way of example and therefore of a non-limiting nature.Description of the figures

[0039] Fig. 1 is a perspective view, from above, of a possible embodiment of a box according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view, from above, of a container body which can be used in the box according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view, from below, of a lid body which can be used with the container body according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are plan views of punched blanks for making a container body and for making a lid body, respectively, in accordance with possible embodiments of the present invention. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the box according to the invention

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a box comprising a container body 2 and a lid body 4. The container body 2 and the lid body 4 are independent bodies, namely are not hinged together.

[0041] The container body 2 comprises a bottom wall 46 and first side walls 30, 50 which are connected to, and extend from, the bottom wall 46 in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to delimit a container compartment 6 with the bottom wall 46. The bottom wall 46 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The first side walls 30, 50 are connected together and each comprise a first free edge 48 at an end thereof opposite to the end connected to the bottom wall 46. The first free edges 46 together circumscribe a first access opening 8 for access to the container compartment 6, all these components being clearly visible in Fig. 2.

[0042] At least two first side walls 30 each comprise at least one first engagement element 14 at its outer surface 16, opposite to an inner surface 52 which faces the container compartment 6. Said first engagement element 14 is formed by a first extension 28 - folded outside the container compartment 6 - of the respective first side wall 30. The first side walls 30 comprising the engagement elements 14 are situated opposite each other.

[0043] Still with reference to Fig. 1, the lid body 4 comprises a top wall 54 and second side walls 36, 56 which are connected to, and extend from, the top wall 54 in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to delimit a lid compartment 10 with said top wall 54. The second side walls 36, 56 are connected together and each comprise a second free edge 48 at an end thereof opposite to the end connected to the top wall 54. The second free edges 60 together circumscribe a second access opening 12 for access to the lid compartment 10, these latter components being shown in Fig. 3.

[0044] A pair of second side walls 36 each delimit a through-hole 18 through its thickness. Each second side wall 36 of said pair comprises a movable locking flap 20, located on an inner surface 58 thereof facing the lid compartment 10. Said locking flap 20 is formed by a second extension 34 - folded internally (namely inside the lid compartment 10) - of the respective second side wall 36. Each locking flap 20 comprises a second engagement element 22 and an actuating portion 26 which can be accessed through the through-hole 18.

[0045] The lid body 4 is movable relative to the container body 2 between a closed position and an open position.

[0046] In the closed position, the container body 2 is at least partially housed inside the lid compartment 10 of the lid body 4 so that the lid body 4 is arranged to close the first access opening 8 of the container body 2. In the open position, the lid body 4 is distanced from the container body 2, without contact with the container body 2, so that the container compartment 6 is accessible through the first access opening 8.

[0047] In the closed position, the second side walls 36 comprising the through-holes 18 and the locking flaps 20 are located at the first side walls 30 comprising the first engagement elements 14, so that the first engagement elements 14 are located at the second engagement elements 22.

[0048] Each locking flap 20 is movable between an engagement configuration and a disengagement configuration, where said locking flap 20 is constantly forced towards the engagement configuration by elastic means 24 comprising, in the embodiment shown, a creasing line 40.

[0049] In the engagement configuration, the second engagement elements 22 are in contact with the first engagement elements 14 or are arranged so as to intercept the first engagement elements 14 during a movement of the lid body 4 from the closed position towards the open position. Therefore, in the engagement configuration, the lid body 4 is kept in the position closing the first access opening 8 by means of cooperation, in particular contact, between the first engagement elements 14 and the second engagement elements 22. Consequently, the lid body 4 cannot be moved towards the open position for as long as the locking flaps 20 remain in the engagement configuration.

[0050] Each locking flap 20 is movable from the engagement configuration into the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means 24, by acting, for example manually, on the actuating portion 26. The actuating portion 26 may be pulled outwards from the lid compartment 10 by acting through the through-hole 18 so as to distance the second engagement element 22 from the first engagement element 14 or so as to move the second engagement element 22 so that said second engagement element 22 no longer intercepts (namely lies outside the path of) the first engagement element 14 during the movement of the lid body 4 from the closed position towards the open position.

[0051] In the disengagement configuration, the second engagement element 22 is distanced from the first engagement element 14 such that the lid body 4 may be moved with respect to the container body 2 from the closed position into the open position without hindrance.Detailed description of a second preferred embodiment of the container punched blank and the lid punched blank for obtaining said box according to the invention

[0052] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show, respectively, a punched blank 62 for a container and punched blank 64 for a lid in an extended or flattened configuration.

[0053] A folded or three-dimensional configuration of the container punched blank 62 and the lid punched blank 64 provides the container body 2 and the lid body 4 as described above. Therefore, identical or corresponding components are indicated by the same reference numbers.

[0054] The container punched blank 62 comprises a bottom wall 46 with a square or rectangular shape, from which four first side walls 30, 50, extend, i.e. one for each side. The first side walls 30, 50 are connected to the bottom wall by means of creasing lines 66, 68.

[0055] Two first side walls 30 comprise a first extension 28 delimited by a creasing line 70. First gluing walls 72 extend from the other two first side walls 50, i.e. one for each side of the respective first side wall 50. The first gluing walls 72 are connected to the respective first side wall 50 by means of creasing lines 74.

[0056] Each first side wall 50 comprises an optional fourth extension 78 connected to the first side wall 50 by means of a creasing line 76. In the three-dimensional configuration, said fourth extension 78 is folded internally (namely inside the container compartment 6) so as to thicken the respective first free edge 48.

[0057] The lid punched blank 64 comprises a top wall 54 with a rectangular shape, from which four second side walls 36, 56, extend, i.e. one for each side. The second side walls 36, 56 are connected to the top wall 54 by means of creasing lines 82, 84.

[0058] Two second side walls 36 comprise a second extension 34 delimited by a creasing line 24. A third extension 38 extends from the second extension 34, said second extension 34 and third extension 38 being separated by a creasing line 88. Said second side walls 36 comprise a tamper-evident seal 42. Said tamper-evident seal 42 is connected to the respective first side wall 36 by means of one or more weakening lines 44 which extend along a closed-loop path.

[0059] Second gluing walls 80 extend from the other two second side walls 56, i.e. one for each side of the respective second side wall 56. The second gluing walls 80 are connected to the respective second side wall 56 by means of creasing lines 86.

[0060] Each second side wall 56 comprises an optional fifth extension 88 connected to the second side wall 56 by means of a creasing line 90. In the three-dimensional configuration, this fifth extension 88 could be folded internally (namely inside the lid compartment 10) so as to thicken the respective second free edge 60.

[0061] Even though not previously specified, a person skilled in the art may, drawing on the typical expertise in the sector, vary or replace some of the aspects indicated above with other technically equivalent elements.

[0062] These variation or replacements also fall within the scope defined by the following claims.

[0063] Moreover, any alternative illustrated in relation to a particular embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0064] 1box 2container body 4lid body 6container compartment 8first access opening 10lid compartment 12second access opening 14first engagement element 16outer surface 18through-hole 20locking flap 22second engagement element 24elastic means 26actuating portion 28first extension 30first side wall 32shaped area 34second extension 36second side wall 38third extension 40creasing line 42tamper-evident seal 44weakening line 46bottom wall 48first free edge 50first side wall 52inner surface 54top wall 56second side wall 58inner surface 60second free edge 62container punched blank 64lid punched blank 66creasing line 68creasing line 70creasing line 72first gluing wall 74creasing line 76creasing line 78fourth extension 80second gluing wall 82creasing line 84creasing line 86creasing line 88fifth extension 90creasing line

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040]Fig. 1 shows a box comprising a container body 2 and a lid body 4. The container body 2 and the lid body 4 are independent bodies, namely are not hinged together.

[0041]The container body 2 comprises a bottom wall 46 and first side walls 30, 50 which are connected to, and extend from, the bottom wall 46 in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to delimit a container compartment 6 with the bottom wall 46. The bottom wall 46 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The first side walls 30, 50 are connected together and each comprise a first free edge 48 at an end thereof opposite to the end connected to the bottom wall 46. The first free edges 46 together circumscribe a first access opening 8 for access to the container compartment 6, all these components being clearly visible in Fig. 2.

[0042]At least two first side walls 30 each comprise at least one first engagement element 14 at its outer surface 16, opposite to an inner surface 52 which faces the container compartment 6. Sa...

Claims

1. A box (1) comprising a container body (2) and a lid body (4); wherein the container body (2) delimits a container compartment (6) for housing articles and a first access opening (8) to the container compartment (6), and wherein the lid body (4) delimits a lid compartment (10) and a second access opening (12) to the lid compartment (10); wherein the lid body (4) is movable relative to the container body (2) between a closed position and an open position of the container compartment (6); wherein the container body (2) comprises first engagement elements (14) at its own outer surface (16) opposite to the container compartment (6), and wherein the lid body (4) delimits a pair of through holes (18) through a thickness thereof and comprises locking flaps (20) positioned in the lid compartment (10) and which, in the closed position, are located at the first engagement elements (14); wherein each locking flap (20) comprises at least one second engagement element (22) and is constantly forced by elastic means (24) from a disengagement configuration to an engagement configuration: - in the engagement configuration, the second engagement element (22) being arranged to intercept the first engagement element (14) and, thereby, prevent a movement of the lid body (4) into the open position; - in the disengagement configuration, the second engagement element (22) being distanced from the first engagement element (14) to allow movement of the lid body (4) in the open position; said box (1) being characterized in that each locking flap (20) comprises an actuating portion (26) of said locking flap (20) towards the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means (24), said actuating portion (26) protruding from the lid compartment (10) through the through-hole (18).

2. The box (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating portion (26) is slidable through the through-hole (18) between the engagement configuration and the disengagement configuration of the locking flap (20).

3. The box (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first engagement element (14) is made by a first extension (28), folded outside the container compartment (6), of a first side wall (30) of the container body (2).

4. The box (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least two first side walls (30) of the container body (2) - for example, two mutually opposite first side walls (30) - each comprise at least two first engagement elements (14), said two first engagement elements (14) being separated by a shaped area (32) housing at least in part the actuating portion (26) in the closed position of the lid body (4).

5. The box (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking flap (20) is made by an internally folded second extension (34) of a second side wall (36) of the lid body (4), and wherein the actuating portion (26) is made by a third extension (38) of the locking flap (20) folded through the through-hole (18); preferably wherein said elastic means (24) comprises a creasing line (40) between the second side wall (36) and the locking flap (20).

6. The box (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - in a condition of first use of said box (1) - at least one through-hole (18) is partially closed by a tamper-evident seal (42) connected to the lid body (4) by one or more tearable weakening line(s) (44), the actuating portion (26) being made inaccessible or immovable by said tamper-evident seal (42).

7. The box (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container body (2) and lid body (4) are independent bodies, not hinged to each other.

8. The box (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in being a re-closable box (1), where said locking flap (20) is configured to return - automatically and at each closing position of the lid body (4) - in the engagement configuration through said elastic means (24).

9. A use of the box (1) according to any of the preceding claims to store items out of the availability of a child, wherein - in said use - said items are contained in the container compartment (6) and the lid body (4) is in the closed position; said use being in accordance with the A.I.S.E. (International Association of Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products) test protocol for re-closable packages designated as impeding the opening by young children, as required by Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1297 / 2014; preferably wherein said items comprise at least one irritant, corrosive, toxic or harmful substance, such as a cleaning or descaling substance or a drug.

10. A method of opening the box according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein said method comprises - in sequence - the following steps: (I) by means of the actuating portion (26) protruding through the through-hole (18) pulling each locking flap (20) outwardly from the engagement configuration to the disengagement configuration against the action of the elastic means (24); (II) moving the lid body (4) relative to the container body (2) from the closed position to the open position of the container compartment (6); (III) optionally extracting one or more articles from the container compartment (6).

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