Container

Abstract

A container formed of paperboard or like folding material, the container comprising: a latching mechanism arranged, in a latched condition, to selectively restrict relative movement in at least one direction of first and second substantially planar walls arranged in a face-contacting relationship when in a first position, the latching mechanism comprising: a tab defined by a cut line extending around a partial perimeter edge thereof and being pivotably connected to the first planar wall by a residual uncut portion, and a recess in the second wall defining a perimeter abutment surface and being arranged to receive a portion of the perimeter edge and restrict the movement, the tab being manually disengagable from the recess by a user so as to release the latching mechanism and permit relative movement of the walls from the first position to a second position, wherein the tab is arranged proximate to a fold line delimiting an edge of the first wall and the cut line is arranged such that a first end thereof extends at least up to the fold line and a second end terminates at a non-zero distance from the fold line.

Description

CONTAINERFIELD

[0001] The present teachings relate to a container, in particular, but not exclusively, for storing a plurality of small articles or the like. The teachings also relate to a blank for forming the container.BACKGROUND

[0002] Potentially hazardous products can sometimes be attractive for children, who may even try to eat them. Therefore, containers for such products must meet certain safety standards and be provided with a child-resistant latching mechanism. However, such a latching mechanism should not hinder smooth repeated opening / closure cycles during normal operation by those who are intended to operate it.

[0003] A child-proof container is disclosed in previous application GB2605825 (DS Smith PLC). This container has an effective arrangement for helping to prevent children access the contents stored inside. However, there is a demand for packaging to be mono-material for ease of recycling, and for the use of plastics to be minimised or avoided altogether due to the perceived environmental benefits of doing so.

[0004] An object of the teachings is to overcome, or at least mitigate, the problems of the prior art.SUMMARY

[0005] A first aspect of the present teachings relates to a container formed of paperboard or like folding material. The container comprises a latching mechanism arranged, in a latched condition, to selectively restrict relative movement in at least one direction of first and second substantially planar walls arranged in a face-contacting relationship when in a first position. The latching mechanism comprises a tab defined by a cut line extending around a partial perimeter edge thereof and being pivotably connected to the first planar wall by a residual uncut portion, and a recess in the second wall defining a perimeter abutment surface and being arranged to receive a portion of the perimeter edge and restrict the movement. The tab is manually disengagable from the recess by a user so as to release the latching mechanism and permit relative movement of the walls from the first position to a second position. The tab is arranged proximate to a fold line delimiting an edge of the first wall. The cut line is arranged such that a first end thereof extends at least up to the fold line and a second end terminates at a non-zero distance from the fold line.

[0006] Advantageously this arrangement of the tab proximate the fold line naturally creates a tension in the tab which causes it to lift out of the plane of the first wall and engagethe abutment surface thereby forming the latched connection. The asymmetric arrangement of the cut lines results in the pivot axis of the latch being at a non-zero angle to the fold line. This enables lifting of the tab to be adjusted so that during movement of the first and second walls towards the latching position there is a reduced risk of the tab fouling on part of the second wall.

[0007] The first and second walls may be mounted for arcuate face-contacting movement.

[0008] Advantageously the non-zero pivot axis may be effective at reducing risk of fouling when motion is arcuate.

[0009] The non-zero distance may be located closest to a free edge of the second wall when in the first position.

[0010] Advantageously, this arrangement may be most beneficial for reducing fouling.

[0011] The second wall may comprise a first layer of folding material defining the recess.

[0012] The second wall may comprise a second layer of folding material. The second layer may define a release formation.

[0013] The release formation may be a through aperture.

[0014] Advantageously this arrangement provides a visual cue for where release of the latching mechanism can be achieved without, for example, printing indicia on the second wall.

[0015] The release formation may be a button.

[0016] Advantageously, this provides a way of efficiently constructing the latching mechanism and allows for a smooth outer surface of the second wall. In addition, the presence of a button enables the user to depress the tab and then pivot the lid with the same finger, for ease of opening.

[0017] The button may be formed from the second layer of folding material. The second button may be pivotally connected to the second layer of folding material.

[0018] Advantageously, this provides a way of efficiently constructing the button.

[0019] The axis of the pivotal connection may be orientated such that motion from the first position to the second position promotes the pivoting of the button into a coplanar relationship with the second layer of folding material.

[0020] Advantageously this reduces the risk of the button itself catching and blocking motion if it is over-pushed.

[0021] The button may be laterally offset from the recess at least in the region of the perimeter abutment surface.

[0022] Advantageously this may improve retention of the tab in a corner formed by the recess in the first layer and the second layer.

[0023] The tab may be provided in a first layer of the first wall. The first wall may further comprise a second layer of folding material behind the tab which is contiguous at least in the region behind the tab.

[0024] Advantageously, the second layer provides support for the tab and helps to avoid damage to the tab when it is manually disengaged from the recess. For example, over-pushing could lead to tearing or even separation of the tab but can be substantially avoided due to the support of the second layer. The second layer also provides a barrier to restrict material passing through the first wall.

[0025] The cut line may define a clearance between the tab and surrounding material.

[0026] Advantageously, this allows the tab to pivot freely without friction due to contact with surrounding material. This also has manufacturing benefits, as such a cut line can require a minimum amount of material to be removed for an efficient process, which is achieved by the clearance.

[0027] The perimeter edge of the tab may be arranged to conform to the shape of the abutment surface.

[0028] Advantageously this provides a larger contact surface between the tab and the abutment surface, resulting in a more robust and durable latching mechanism.

[0029] The tab may have a thickness of at least 1mm.

[0030] The recess may have a depth of at least 1mm.

[0031] The tab and the recess may have a substantially equal depth and thickness respectively.

[0032] This helps to ensure strong engagement of the tab in the recess.

[0033] The tab may be formed from corrugated board. The tab may be formed from micro-fluted corrugated board.

[0034] One of the first and second walls may form part of a body of a container. The other of the first and second walls may form part of a lid of the container.

[0035] The lid may be pivotally mounted to the body.

[0036] An axis about which the lid pivots may be located below an upper extent of the body.

[0037] Advantageously this may make the container less susceptible to being tampered with by attempting to separate the lid and body transverse to their respective planes.

[0038] The axis about which the lid pivots may be substantially aligned with a lower extent of the lid in a closed position.

[0039] This may further make the container less susceptible to being tampered with by attempting to separate the lid and body transverse to their respective planes.

[0040] The first and second walls may be side walls of the lid and body.

[0041] The tab may be on an external face of the body. The release formation may be on an external face of the lid.

[0042] The latching mechanism may be a first latching mechanism. The container may further comprise a second latching mechanism having the features of the first latching mechanism.

[0043] Advantageously this may provide increased resistance to release e.g. by children.

[0044] The second latching mechanism may be provided on an opposing side wall to the first latching mechanism.

[0045] The cut line may be arranged such that the second end of the cut line terminates at a distance of 3mm to 20mm from the fold line. The second end of the cut line may terminate at a distance of 3.5mm to 16.5mm from the fold line.

[0046] It has been found that this range of spacing from the fold line is particularly optimal for helping to reliably ensure sufficient tension is created in the tab to cause it to lift out of the plane of the first wall but not foul on the part of the second wall.

[0047] The first end of the cut line may terminate in a tapered wedge-shape.

[0048] This enables the tab to have additional material in relation to if the first end terminated in an edge parallel to the fold line. This additional material provides increased stability of the tab as well as a reduced risk of tearing of the tab, as there is an increased extent of the tab in contact with the fold line. The wedge shape also helps to ensure that there is only a relatively small single point in contact with the fold line, which aids the folding of the blank during assembly of the container.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second end of the cut line terminates in a rounded-off shape.

[0050] This rounded shape reduces stress-points, which can help to prevent tearing, for example when the cut line is produced during manufacture.

[0051] A second aspect of the present teachings provides one or more blanks for forming a container according to the first aspect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 shows a top view of a blank for forming a container according to an embodiment of the present teachings;

[0054] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container formed by the blank of Figure 1, with a lid of the container in an open position;

[0055] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the container formed by the blank of Figure 1, with the lid of the container in a partially-closed position;

[0056] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the container formed by the blank of Figure 1, with the lid of the container in a fully-closed position;

[0057] Figure 5 shows a detail view of the container in the open position as shown in Figure 2, illustrating how a latching tab of the container projects from a side wall of the container;

[0058] Figures 6A and 6B are plan views of a two-part blank for forming a container according to another embodiment of the present teachings;

[0059] Figures 7 to 9 show perspective views of the container formed from the blanks of Figures 6A and 6B in open, partially-closed and fully-closed positions respectively;

[0060] Figures 10A and 10B are plan views of a two-part blank for forming a container according to a further embodiment of the present teachings;

[0061] Figures 11 to 13 show perspective views of the container formed from the blanks of Figures 10A and 10B in open, partially-closed and fully-closed positions respectively.

[0062] Figure 14 is a plan view of a blank for forming a container according to a further embodiment of the present teachings;

[0063] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the container formed by the blank of Figure 14, with a lid of the container in an open position;

[0064] Figure 16 is a plan view of a blank for forming a container according to a further embodiment of the present teachings;

[0065] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the container formed by the blank of Figure 16, with a lid of the container in an open position;

[0066] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 17, with the lid of the container in a partially closed position; and

[0067] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 18, with the lid of the container in a closed position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0068] Figure 1 shows a blank 8. As will be described in more detail below, the blank 8 is for forming a container 2 according to the present teachings. As best shown in Figures 2 to 4, the container 2 has a body 4 that acts as a receptacle for storing a consumer product and a lid 6 for closing off an opening in the body 4. At least one latching mechanism is included that is arranged to, in a latched condition, restrict relative movement of the lid 6 and the body 4. The latching mechanism can be released to permit relative movement of the lid 6 and body 4 and enable access to the interior of the body 4.

[0069] In this embodiment, the blank 8 is made of corrugated board. In an example, the corrugated board may be micro-fluted and have a thickness in the range of 1.2 to 2.2mm. In other embodiments, other suitable folding material, e.g. fibrous cellulosic based material, such as paperboard or cardboard may be used.

[0070] In this embodiment, the blank 8 is substantially rectangular, with a longitudinal direction indicated by the axis A-A and the flutes of the corrugated board extend transverse to the axis A-A for reasons described below. The blank 8 has a series of longitudinal fold lines Ila to llj and a series of transverse fold lines 13a to 13e. In this embodiment, the portion of the blank 8 shown in Figure 1 to the right of the fold line 13d defines the lid 6 of the container 2. The portion of the blank 8 shown in Figure 1 to the left of the fold line 13d defines the body 4 of the container 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the body 4 and the lid 6 are both formed from the same blank 8. In alternative embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the body 4 and the lid 6 could each be formed from a separate blank and fixed together in any suitable way to define the container 2.

[0071] In this embodiment, when erected, the body 4 has a first side wall defined by a first (outer) side panel 10, a first reinforcing side panel 28, and a first base tab 16 located inwardly of the first side panel 10 and the first reinforcing side panel 28. It can be seen that the fold lines Ila, 11b and 11c are slightly staggered to facilitate this. Other fold lines are similarly staggered to facilitate construction of similar multi-layer wall arrangements. The body 4 also has an opposing second side wall defined by a second side panel 12, a second reinforcing side panel 30, and a second base tab 18 arranged as a mirror image of the respective first side panel 10, first reinforcing panel 28 and first base tab 16.

[0072] A transverse cut 10a is provided between the first side panel 10 and the first base tab 16, a transverse cut 10b is provided between the first base tab 16 and the first reinforcing side panel 28, a transverse cut 10c is provided between the second side panel 12 and the second base tab 18, and a transverse cut lOd is provided between the second base tab 18 and the second reinforcing panel 30. The transverse cuts 10a to lOd enable free relative movement of the first side panel 10, the first reinforcing side panel 28, and the first base tab 16, as well as the second side panel 12, second reinforcing side panel 30, and second base tab 18. This free relative movement helps the first and second side walls of the container 2 to be formed, as described in more detail below. In this embodiment, a free end of the first base tab 16 is narrowed relative to where the base tab 16 joins the fold line 11b, and a free end of the second base tab 18 is narrowed relative to where the base tab 18 joins the fold line 11g. This narrowing of the first and second base tabs 16, 18 creates a wider clearance at the transversely outer openings of the cuts 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd, which makes it easier to form the first and second side walls of the body 4 without interference between the first side panel 10, the first reinforcing side panel 28, and the first base tab 16, or interference between the second side panel 12, second reinforcing side panel 30, and second base tab 18.

[0073] The first base tab 16 is connected to the second base tab by a base panel 14. As will be described in more detail below, the base panel 14 acts as a base of the body 4 of the container 2, e.g., when the container 2 is in the orientation shown in Figures 2 to 4. The base panel 14 is longitudinally located between a front panel 20 and a rear panel 48. Between the base panel 14 and the front panel 20 is the transverse fold line 13b. Between the base panel 14 and the rear panel 48 is the transverse fold line 13c. Between the rear panel 48 and the first side panel 10 is the longitudinal fold line 11c. Between the rear panel 48 and the second side panel 12 is the longitudinal fold line llh.

[0074] The longitudinal length of the front panel 20 is less than the longitudinal length of each of the adjacent first reinforcing side panel 28 and second reinforcing side panel 30. The front panel 20 includes a flap 22 at a longitudinal end opposite the base panel 14. The flap 22 is defined by the transverse fold line 13a. The flap 22 has rounded corners at each transverse end that, together with corresponding adjacent chamfered corners of the first and second reinforcing side panels 28, 30 define first and second recessed portions 24, 26.

[0075] Between the front panel 20 and the first reinforcing side panel 28 is the longitudinal fold line Ila. Between the front panel 20 and the second reinforcing side panel 30 is the longitudinal fold line Ilf. As will be described in more detail below, when the container 2 is formed, the front panel 20 and front flap 22 define a front wall of the body 4 of the container 2. The recessed portions 24, 26, in combination with the reduced longitudinal length of the front panel 20 relative to the first and second reinforcing side panels 28, 30, have the effect that the front wall has a reduced height relative to the first and second side walls. This helps to ensure that the lid 6 of the container 2 can close without clashing with the body 4. Typically, when the lid 6 of the container is closed, the front flap 22 is free to pivot about the fold line 13a to help ensure that the lid 6 Is not blocked and can pivot smoothly into the closed position. The rear panel 48 defines a rear wall of the body 4 of the container 2. As described in more detail below, in this embodiment, the lid 6 is connected to the rear wall via the transverse fold line 13d and can pivot about the fold line 13d to close the lid 6.

[0076] The first side panel 10 includes a cut line 32. The cut line 32 defines a first latching tab 44. In this embodiment, the cut line 32 is substantially U-shaped to define a substantially rectangular latching tab 44 with a partial perimeter edge. The cut line 32 defines a longitudinally-extending outer edge 71 of the latching tab 44, which is connected to a transversely-extending top edge 70 of the latching tab 44 and a transversely-extending bottom edge 72 of the latching tab 44. An inner edge of the latching tab 44 is not cut such that a residual uncut portion 45 is defined. The latching tab 44 is arranged proximate to the fold line 11c. The cut line 32 has a first end 34 and a second end 36. Both the first end 34 and the second end 36 are located substantially proximate the fold line 11c. However, the first end 34 extends at least up to the fold line 11c and the second end 36 terminates at a non-zero distance from the fold line 11c. In other words, the first end 34 of the cut line 32intersects the fold line 11c and the second end 36 of the cut line 32 is spaced from the fold line 11c by a distance x.

[0077] As described in more detail below and shown best in Figure 5, this asymmetric arrangement of the first end 34 and second end 36 of the cut line 32 in combination with the proximity of the fold line 11c naturally creates a tension in the first latching tab 44 which causes it to lift out of the plane of the first side wall, when the container 2 is formed, to define a spacing 78 (Figure 5), but not to lift excessively. The cut line 32 defines a clearance between the latching tab 44 and the surrounding material of the first side panel 10. This allows the latching tab 44 to pivot freely without friction due to contact with the surrounding material. The distance x between the second end 36 of the cut line 32 and the fold line 11c is typically in the range of 3mm and 20mm. Preferably, the distance x between the second end 36 of the cut line 32 and the fold line 11c is in the range of 3mm and 20mm. It has been found that this range of spacing from the fold line has been found to reliably ensure sufficient tension is created in the tab to cause it to lift out of the plane of the first wall but not foul on the part of the second wall, at least for micro-fluted material of this embodiment. This tension may be increased by the flutes extending transverse to the fold line 11c.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first end 34 of the cut line 32 terminates in a tapered wedge-shape. This enables the tab 44 to have additional material in relation to if the first end terminated in an edge parallel to the fold line 11c. This additional material provides increased stability of the tab as well as a reduced risk of tearing of the tab, as there is an increased extent of the tab in contact with the fold line 11c. The wedge shape also helps to ensure that there is only a relatively small single point in contact with the fold line 11c, which aids the folding of the blank during assembly of the container. In this embodiment, the second end 36 of the cut line 32 terminates in a rounded-off shape. This rounded shape reduces stresspoints, which can help to prevent tearing, for example when the cut line 32 is produced during manufacture. In addition the rounded shape may further assist in the motion of the lid 6 over the side walls.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second side panel 12 also includes a cut line 38, with a first end 40 and a second end 42. A second latching tab 46 is defined by the cut line 38. The first end 40 of the cut line 38 intersects the fold line llh and the second end 42 is spaced from the fold line llh by a distance y. The arrangement of the cut line 38 and second latching tab 46 is, in this embodiment, a mirror-image of the arrangement of the cut line 32 and first latching tab 44, so will not be described in any more detail.

[0080] In this embodiment, the lid 6 has a first side wall. The first side wall includes a first recess 62 and a release formation in the form of a first release button 66. The first recess 62 is located within a first recess side panel 54 and the first release button 66 is located within a first release button side panel 58. The first side wall of the lid 6 is substantially planar anddefined by the first recess side panel 54 and the first recess side panel 58. The lid 6 further comprises a lid top panel 50 and a lid front panel 52. The lid top panel 50 defines a top wall of the lid 6 of the container 2 and the lid front panel 52 defines a front wall of the lid 6 of the container 2. In this embodiment, the lid top panel 50 is connected to the rear panel 48 of the body 4 of the container 2. The transverse fold line 13d is between the lid top panel 50 and the rear panel 48 of the body 4. The lid front panel 52 is connected to the lid top panel 50 via the transverse fold line 13e. In this embodiment, the first recess side panel 54 is connected to the lid top panel 50 via the longitudinal fold line lid. In this embodiment, the first release button side panel 58 is connected to the lid front panel 52 via the longitudinal fold line lie. In this embodiment, the first recess side panel 54 is located between the first side panel 10 of the body 4 and the first release button side panel 58 of the lid 6. However, the first recess side panel 54 is separated from the first side panel 10 of the body 4 by a transverse cut lOe and separated from the first release button side panel 58 of the lid 6 by a transverse cut 10g.

[0081] The lid 6 also has a second side wall including, in this embodiment, a second recess 64 and a second release button 68. The second recess 64 is located within a second recess side panel 56 and the second release button 68 is located within a second release button side panel 60. The second side wall of the lid 6 is substantially planar and defined by the second recess side panel 56 and the second release button side panel 60. In this embodiment, the second recess side panel 56 is connected to the lid top panel 50 via the longitudinal fold line Hi. In this embodiment, the second release button side panel 60 is connected to the lid front panel 52 via the longitudinal fold line llj. In this embodiment, the second recess side panel 56 is located between the second side panel 12 of the body 4 and the second release button side panel 60 of the lid 6. However, the second recess side panel 56 is separated from the second side panel 12 of the body 4 by a transverse cut lOf and separated from the second release button side panel 60 of the lid 6 by a transverse cut lOh.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first recess 62 is a substantially rectangular void that is cut through the entire depth of the first recess side panel 54. The first recess 62 includes a transversely-extending top edge 74, a transversely-extending bottom edge 76, and a longitudinal edge 75 connecting the top edge 74 and bottom edge 76. As described in more detail below, when the lid 6 covers the opening of the body 4 of the container, the first latching tab 44 will locate within the first recess 62. If a user tries to move the lid 6 to an open position, the bottom edge 72 of the first latching tab 44 will engage the longitudinal edge 75 of the first recess 62 and restrict relative movement of the body 4 and the lid 6 of the container 2. In other words, the bottom edge 72 of the first latching tab 44 is arranged to conform to the shape of the longitudinal edge 75 of the first recess 62, such that the longitudinal edge 75 acts as an abutment surface for the first latching tab 44. The transverse direction of the flutes may also be advantageous in providing a more robust abutment surface to edge 75 for engagement with the latching tab 44. The arrangement of the second recess 64 and secondrecess side panel 56 are, in this embodiment, identical to the arrangement of the first recess 62 and first recess side panel 54, with equivalent top and bottom edges 77, 79 and longitudinal edge 81, so will not be described in any more detail.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first release button 66 is rounded, with a perimeter having a cut-portion 66a that extends around approximately 75% of the perimeter of the first release button 66. The perimeter also has a perforated portion 66b that extends around approximately 25% of the perimeter of the first release button 66. In this embodiment, the perforated portion 66b is substantially linear and faces an intersection point of the lid first recess side panel 54, the lid top panel 50 and the lid front panel 52. In this embodiment, the perforated portion 66b defines a fold line that the first release button 66 is free to pivot about relative to the remainder of the first release button side panel 58.

[0084] As will described in more detail below, when the container 2 is formed, the first release button 66 will overlie the first recess 62. When the lid 6 is in the closed position, the first latching tab 44 is located in the first recess 62. Therefore, when the first release button 66 is actuated (depressed inwardly), the latching tab 44 is disengaged from the first recess 62 and the lid 6 is free to pivot relative to the body 4 of the container 2. Due to the shape of the first release button 66 and the first recess 62, when they are overlying one another, the first release button 66 is laterally offset from the first recess 62 in at least in the region of the perimeter abutment surface, e.g. at the intersection of the recess longitudinal edge 75 and the top edge 74. This can help improve retention of the first latching tab 44 in a corner formed by the first recess 62.

[0085] In addition, as the perforated portion 66b faces the intersection point of the lid first recess side panel 54, the lid top panel 50 and the lid front panel 52, when the first release button 66 pivots about the perforated portion 66b, the risk of the first release button 66 becoming caught on an edge defining the cut line 32 is reduced, if it is depressed with excessive force.

[0086] The arrangement of the second release button 68 is, in this embodiment, identical to the arrangement of the first release button 66 and so will not be described in any more detail.

[0087] An example method of forming the container 2 from the blank 8 will now be described. In this embodiment, the surfaces shown on the blank 8 in Figure 1 define internal surfaces of the container 2. To form the body 4 of the container 2, the body front panel 20 is pivoted about the fold line 13b into a substantially vertical position to form the front wall of the body 4 of the container 2. The body rear panel 48 is pivoted about the fold line 13c into a substantially vertical position to form the rear wall of the body 4 of the container 2. The first side panel 10 is pivoted about the fold line 11c, the first base tab 16 is pivoted about thefold line 11b and the first reinforcing side panel 28 is pivoted about the fold line Ila to form the first side wall of the body 4 of the container, which is substantially perpendicular to both the front wall and the rear wall of the body 4 of the container. In this embodiment, the first side panel 10, first base tab 16 and first reinforcing side panel 28 all overlie one another, with the first base tab 16 innermost a, the first side panel 10 defining the external surface of the body 4 of the container, and the first reinforcing side panel 28 defining an intermediate layer. In this embodiment, the first side panel 10, first reinforcing side panel 28 and the first base tab 16 are fixed together, for example with a suitable adhesive, ensuring that the latching tab 44 is clear of adhesive and is therefore able to pivot. The first side panel 10 defines a first layer of the first side wall and the first reinforcing side panel 28 defines a second layer of the first side wall. As the first latching tab 44 is provided in the first side panel 10, the second layer locates behind the latching tab 44 and is contiguous at least in the region behind the tab. This provides support for the latching tab 44 and also provides a barrier to restrict material passing through the first side wall.

[0088] The second body side wall is formed in a similar way to the first body side wall, with the second side panel 12, the second base tab 18 and the second reinforcing side panel 30, so will not be described in more detail.

[0089] To form the lid 6 of the container 2, the first recess side panel 54 is pivoted about the fold line lid such that it is substantially perpendicular to the lid top panel 50. The first button side panel 58 is pivoted about the fold line lie such that it is substantially perpendicular to the lid front panel 52. The lid front panel 52 is then pivoted about the fold line 13e such that it is perpendicular to the lid top panel 50. As the lid front panel is pivoted about the fold line 13e, the first button side panel 58 will overlie the first recess side panel 54. The first button side panel 58 is fixed to the first recess side panel 54, for example with a suitable adhesive applied to one or both of the first button side panel 58 and the first recess side panel 54. In this embodiment, the first recess side panel 54 defines an internal surface of the lid 6 of the container 2 and the first button side panel 58 defines an external surface of the lid 6 of the container. In other words, the first recess side panel 54 is a first layer of the first lid side wall and the first button side panel 58 is a second layer of the first lid side wall. The second lid side wall is formed in a similar way to the first lid side wall with the second recess side panel 56 and the second button side panel 58, so will not be described in more detail.

[0090] This forms a container 2 as shown in Figure 2, where the lid 6 is in an open position relative to the body 4. It can be understood that, together, the first latching tab 44, the first recess 62 and the first release button 66 define a first latching mechanism and, in this embodiment, the second latching tab 46, the second recess 64 and the second release button 68 define a second latching mechanism. The first latching mechanism has a latched condition where the first latching tab 44 engages the first recess 62. The second latching mechanismhas a latched condition where the second latching tab 46 engages the second recess 64. In Figure 2 however, both the first and second latching mechanisms are not in the latched condition. A free edge of the lid 6 is denoted 80.

[0091] Figure 3 shows the lid 6 being pivoted about the fold line 13d towards a closed position. In other words, the first side wall of the body 4 and the first side wall of the lid 6 are mounted for arcuate face contacting movement relative to one another. In this embodiment, the second side wall of the body 4 and the second side wall of the lid 6 are also mounted for arcuate face contacting movement relative to one another. As the lid 6 is pivoted towards the closed position, the first latching tab 44 moves into the first recess 62 and the second latching tab 46 moves into the second recess 64.

[0092] Therefore, in the closed position shown in Figure 4, the bottom edge 72 of the first latching tab 44 engages the longitudinal edge 75 of the first recess 62 such that relative movement of the lid 6 and the body 4 are restricted. In other words, relative movement of the contacting faces of the first side wall of the body 4 of the container 2 and the first side wall of the lid 6 of the container 2 is restricted by the first latching mechanism. The second latching mechanism performs the same function between the second side wall of the body 4 of the container 2 and the second side wall of the lid 6 of the container 2.

[0093] As illustrated in Figure 5, due to the asymmetric arrangement of the first end 34 and second end 36 of the cut line 32. the first latching tab 44 has a pivot axis that is at a non-zero angle a to the fold line 11c. This enables lifting of the latching tab 44 to be adjusted such that when the lid 6 is moved to the closed position, there is a reduced risk of the latching tab 44 fouling on the lowermost edge 80 of the first side wall of the lid 6. In other words, if viewed from above, the top edge 70 of the latching tab 44 defines a first angle with the first side wall of the body 4 and the bottom edge 72 defines a second angle with the first side wall of the body 4, and the second angle is greater than the first angle. This results in the spacing 78 between the latching tab 44 and the plane of the first side wall of the body 4 being greater at the bottom than at the top. In other words, the risk of the first side wall of the lid 6 colliding with the latching tab 44 during the closing of the lid 6 is reduced as the free edge 80 of the side wall of the lid 6 slides more freely over the top edge 70 of the latching tab 44 and the latching tab 44 is progressively pressed in an inward direction against the reinforcing side panel 28, until the longitudinal edge 75 of the recess 62 is below the bottom edge 72 of the tab 44 and the tab can pivot outwards away from the reinforcing side panel 28. Although the angles vary depending on the shape and size of the tabs in other embodiments, it may be desirable that the tab is configured so free end of the top edge 70 lifts by a maximum of twice the thickness of the material. The second latching mechanism is provided with a similar configuration.

[0094] To open the lid, a user is required to simultaneously press both buttons 66, 68, which in turn pushes both tabs 44 and 46 back into alignment with their underlying reinforcing side panels 28, 30, thus unlatching the lid 6 from the body 4 and enabling it to pivot open. It will be appreciated that such simultaneous movement requires a level of dexterity that younger children lack the ability to achieve.

[0095] Figures 6A to 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the present teachings. In this embodiment, similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, but with the addition of the prefix "1". Only those parts which differ from the first embodiment are discussed in detail.

[0096] In this embodiment, the body 104 and lid 106 are formed from separate blanks 108a and 108b respectively. The fluting in this embodiment runs parallel to axis A-A for the blank 108a, prioritising a robust edge 172 to the tab 144, whereas for the blank 108b it runs transverse to the axis A-A to prioritise a robust abutment surface of the edges 175a and 181a. Construction of the body 104 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the lid comprises an additional rear panel 149a hinged to the top panel 150 and to a glue flap 149b along its opposing longitudinal edge. The glue flap 149b is secured during the erection process at hatched location G on the reverse of the rear panel 148 of the blank 108a.

[0097] The rear panel 149a permits additional recess side panels 154b and 156b to be hinged to transverse edges thereof. This enables a double thickness of recess 162a, 162b and 164a, 164b to be provided and thereby provide a more secure engagement of the tabs 144 and 146 in the respective recesses. Further, in this embodiment, the recesses 162b and 164b closest to the side panels 110 and 112 may be larger in at least some dimensions than the recesses 162a, 164a further from the side panels. On the one hand this allows full engagement by the tabs with the respective recesses, whilst maximising the glue area between panels 154a, 158 and 156a, 160.

[0098] Figures 10A to 13 illustrate a third embodiment of the present teachings. In this embodiment, similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, but with the addition of the prefix "2". Only those parts which differ from the first embodiment are discussed in detail.

[0099] In this embodiment, the body 204 and lid 206 are formed from separated blanks 208a and 208b respectively. Figure 10A shows the blank 208a and Figure 10B shows the blank 208b. The fluting in this embodiment runs parallel to axis A-A for both blanks 208a, and 208b providing a robust edge 272 to the tab 244 and tension to in the fold line adjacent to the tabs. For the blank 208b this orientation provides a robust abutment surface of the edges 276 and 279. Looking firstly at Figure 10A, construction of the body 204 is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but, as described below, the first and secondreinforcing panels 228, 230 are arranged differently, the front wall of the body 204 is formed from first, second and third front panels 220a, 220b and 220c, and the rear wall of the body 204 is formed from first, second and third rear panels 248a, 248b and 248c.

[0100] The first reinforcing panel 228 is hinged to a longitudinal edge of the first side panel 210. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, in this embodiment, the first reinforcing panel 228 is arranged to overlie and be adhesively fixed to the first side panel 210 when the container 202 is erected to define an internal surface of the body 204 of the container 202. Accordingly, the longitudinal edge where the first side panel 210 is hinged to the first reinforcing panel 228 defines an upper edge of the first side wall of the body 204 of the container 202 when erected. The first reinforcing panel 228 helps to create the necessary tension for the latching tab 244 to project from the first side wall. The second reinforcing panel 230 is hinged to a longitudinal edge of the second side panel 212. Similarly to the first side wall of the body 204, in this embodiment, the longitudinal edge where the second side panel 212 is hinged to the second reinforcing panel 230 defines an upper edge of the second side wall of the body 204 of the container 202 when erected.

[0101] The first and second latching tabs 244, 246 are arranged adjacent the first and second reinforcing panels 228, 230 such that they are located at the upper edges of the first and second walls of the body 204 of the container 202 when erected, and extend downwardly in this embodiment, rather than forward as in the first and second embodiments. As the first and second reinforcing panels 228, 230 are adhesively fixed to the internal surfaces of the first side panel 210 and second side panel 212 respectively, the first and second reinforcing panels 228, 230 locate behind the first and second latching tabs 244, 246 and are contiguous at least in the region behind the first and second latching tabs 244, 246. This provides support for the first and second latching tabs 244, 246 and also provides a barrier to restrict material passing through the first and second side walls.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first, second and third front panels 220a, 220b and 220c all overlie one another to form the front wall of the body 204 of the container. In this embodiment, the third front panel 220c, which is hinged to the base panel 214, is innermost and defines an inner layer of the front wall of the body 204. The first front panel 220a, which is hinged to the first side panel 210, defines an outer layer of the front wall of the body 204 and the external front surface of the body 204 of the container 202. The second front panel 220b, which is hinged to the second side panel 212, defines an intermediate layer of the front wall of the body 204. In this embodiment, the first, second and third front panels 220a, 220b and 220c are fixed together, for example with a suitable adhesive.

[0103] In a similar way, in this embodiment, the first, second and third rear panels 248a, 248b and 248c all overlie one another to form the rear wall of the body 204 of the container 202. In this embodiment, the third rear panel 248c, which is hinged to the base panel 214, isinnermost and defines an inner layer of the rear wall of the body 204. The first rear panel 248a, which is hinged to the first side panel 210, defines an outer layer of the rear wall of the body 204 and the external rear surface of the body 204 of the container 202. The second rear panel 248b, which is hinged to the second side panel 212 defines an intermediate layer of the rear wall of the body 204. In this embodiment, the first, second and third rear panels 248a, 248b and 248c are fixed together, for example with a suitable adhesive.

[0104] Looking at Figure 10B, the blank 208b for forming the lid 206 of the container includes a rear panel 249a, a front panel 252 and a top panel 250 longitudinally arranged between the rear panel 249a and the front panel 252. The rear panel 249a is hinged to the top panel 250 at one longitudinal edge and to a glue flap 249b along its opposing longitudinal edge. The glue flap 249b is secured to the body 204 during the erection process at hatched location G (see Figure 10A) part-way down on the reverse of the first rear panel 248a of the blank 208a. First and second lid reinforcing panels 282, 284 are each hinged to the rear panel 249a at its opposing transverse ends, which act to reinforce the first and second side walls of the lid 206 when the lid 206 is erected.

[0105] Hinged to the top panel 250 at its opposing transverse ends are first and second release button panels 258, 260. The first release button panel 258 includes a release formation in the form of a first release button 266. The second release button panel 260 includes a release formation in the form of a second release button 268. In this embodiment, the first release button 266 is defined by a plurality of rounded cut portions 266a. The first release button 266 also includes a perforated portion 266b. In this embodiment, the perforated portion 266b is substantially linear and faces the first transverse edge of the top panel 250, where the first release button panel 258 is hinged to the top panel 250. In this embodiment, the perforated portion 266b defines a fold line that the first release button 266 is free to pivot about relative to the remainder of the first release button side panel 258. In this embodiment, the plurality of cut portions 266a are distributed such that they partially overlap one another to define the general shape of the first release button 266. This helps the first release button 266 to maintain its integrity as the surrounding first release button panel 258 supports the first release button 266 and limit the amount the first release button 266 can pivot, to help avoid the release button 266 being over-actuated and blocking opening or closing of the lid 206. The second release button 268 is arranged in a similar way to the first release button 266, so will not be described in more detail.

[0106] Hinged to the front panel 252 at its opposing transverse ends are first and second recess panels 254, 256. The first recess panel 254 is substantially L-shaped and arranged such that a substantially rectangular recess 262 is defined between a transversely-extending part of the first recess panel 254 and the first release button panel 258. When the lid 206 is erected, the first release button panel 258 overlies the first recess panel 254 such that the first recess panel 254 is fixed to an internal surface of the first release button panel 258 anddefines an inner layer of the first side wall of the lid 206. An engaging edge 276 of the first recess panel 254 locates adjacent the first release button 266 and is configured to conform to a bottom surface of the first latching tab 244. The second recess panel 256 is substantially L-shaped and arranged such that a substantially rectangular recess 264 is defined between a transversely-extending part of the second recess panel 256 and the second release button panel 260. When the lid 206 is erected, the second release button panel 260 overlies the second recess panel 256 such that the second recess panel 256 is fixed to an internal surface of the second release button panel 260 and defines an inner layer of the second side wall of the lid 206. An engaging edge 279 of the second recess panel 256 locates adjacent the second release button 268 and is configured to conform to a bottom surface of the second latching tab 246.

[0107] When the container 202 is formed, the first release button 266 will overlie the first recess 262. When the lid 206 is in the closed position, the first latching tab 244 is located in the first recess 262 and the lid 206 cannot be moved to the open position due to the engagement of the bottom surface of the first latching tab 244 and the engaging edge 276 of the first recess panel 254. When the first release button 266 is actuated (depressed inwardly), the first latching tab 244 is disengaged from the first recess 262 and the lid 206 is free to pivot relative to the body 204 of the container 202.

[0108] Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the risk of the first side wall of the lid 206 colliding with the latching tab 244 during the closing of the lid 206 is reduced as the lowermost edge 280 of the side wall of the lid 206 slides more freely over the top part of the first latching tab 244 and the first latching tab 244 is progressively pressed in an inward direction against the reinforcing side panel 228, until the engaging edge 276 of the recess 262 is below the bottom edge 272 of the first latching tab 244 and the first latching tab 244 can pivot outwards away from the reinforcing side panel 228. This is also the case for the second latching mechanism, with the second latching tab 244 and the second recess 264.

[0109] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present teachings. In this embodiment, similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, but with the addition of the prefix "3". Only those parts which differ from the first embodiment are discussed in detail.

[0110] In this embodiment, the body 304 and lid 306 are formed from a single blank 308. Looking firstly at Figure 14, construction of the body 304 and lid 306 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but, as described below, in this embodiment the lid 306 is arranged to fit inside the body 304 when the container is closed. In addition, the first and second latching tabs 344, 346 are arranged on the lid 306 and the first release button 366, second release button 368, first recess 362 and second recess 364 are arranged on the body 304.

[0111] The front wall of the body 304 is formed from front panel 320 and tab 322, which is hinged to a free end of the front panel 320 and arranged to overlie and be adhered to front panel 320 when the container is erected (see Figure 15). The rear wall of the body 304 is formed from rear panel 348.

[0112] On the lid 306, a first side panel 310 includes the cut line 332 which defines the first latching tab 344. The first latching tab 344 is arranged proximate to a fold line 311a that bisects the first side panel 310, with a first end extending at least up to the fold line 311a and a second end terminating at a non-zero distance from the fold line 311a, similarly to previous embodiments.

[0113] A second side panel 312 of the lid includes the cut line 338 which defines the second latching tab 346. The arrangement of the cut line 338 and second latching tab 346 is, in this embodiment, a mirror-image of the arrangement of the cut line 332 and first latching tab 344, so will not be described in any more detail.

[0114] During assembly of the container 302, the first side panel 310 is configured to be folded about fold line 311a such that the portion of the panel 310 without the cut line 338 overlies and is adhered to the portion of the panel 310 with the cut line 338 to act as a reinforcing panel and innermost layer of the first side wall of the lid 306.

[0115] The second side panel 312 is configured in the same way, in this embodiment, to define the second side wall of the lid 306, along with tab 312a.

[0116] The top wall of the lid is defined by lid top panel 350 and the front wall of the lid 306 is defined by lid front panel 352. First and second tabs 310a, 312a are connected to the first and second side panels 310, 312 respectively. The first and second tabs 310a, 312a are adhered to the lid front panel 352 to secure the first and second side walls of the lid 306 to the front wall of the lid 306.

[0117] In this embodiment, the lid top panel 350 is hinged to the rear panel 348 of the body 304 of the container 302. In other embodiments, however, the lid top panel 350 could be adhered to the rear panel 348 of the body 304 of the container 302.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first side wall of the body 304 includes the first recess 362 and the first release button 366. The first recess 362 is located within first recess side panel 354 and the first release button 366 is located within first release button side panel 358. The first side wall of the body 304 is substantially planar and defined by the first recess side panel 354 and first release button side panel 358, along with first base tab 316.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first base tab 316 is an innermost layer of the first side wall of the body 304, the first recess side panel 354 is an intermediate layer of the first sidewall of the body 304 and the first release button side panel 358 is an outermost layer of the first side wall of the body 304.

[0120] The second side wall of the body 304 is arranged in a similar way, in this embodiment, with the second base tab 318, second recess side panel 356 and second release button side panel 360 defining the second side wall of the body 304.

[0121] When the lid 306 is inserted into the opening of the body 304 of the container, the first latching tab 344 will locate within the first recess 362, similar to previous embodiments. If a user tries to move the lid 306 to an open position, the bottom edge of the first latching tab 344 will engage the longitudinal edge of the first recess 362 and restrict relative movement of the body 304 and the lid 306 of the container 302. The second latching tab 346 and second recess 364 will interact in a similar way and will not be described in any more detail.

[0122] As in previous embodiments, when the container 302 is formed, the first release button 366 will overlie the first recess 362. When the lid 306 is in the closed position, the first latching tab 344 is located in the first recess 362. Therefore, when the first release button 366 is actuated (depressed inwardly), the latching tab 344 is disengaged from the first recess 362 and the lid 306 is free to pivot relative to the body 304 of the container 302.

[0123] The arrangement of the second release button 368 is, in this embodiment, identical to the arrangement of the first release button 366 and so will not be described in any more detail.

[0124] Similarly, to the previous embodiments, the risk of the edge 380 of the first side wall of the body 304 colliding with the latching tab 344 during the closing of the lid 306 is reduced as the uppermost edge of the first side wall of the body 304 slides more freely over the bottom part of the first latching tab 344.

[0125] Figures 16 to 19 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present teachings. In this embodiment, similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, but with the addition of the prefix "4". Only those parts which differ from the first embodiment are discussed in detail.

[0126] As can be seen in Figure 16, in this embodiment, a blank 408 is provided that will form a container 402 as shown in Figures 17 to 19. The blank 408 is similar to the blank 308 of Figure 14, with minor differences as described.

[0127] Firstly, it can be seen that cut lines 432, 438 are provided to define first and second latching tabs 444, 446. In the embodiment of Figure 14, the cut lines 432 438 are substantially C-shaped, with three substantially linear sides defining first ends intersectingthe fold lines 411a, 411b and second ends at a non-zero distance from the fold lines 411a, 411b as in the other embodiments.

[0128] In the embodiment of Figure 16, the cut lines 432, 438 also define first ends intersecting the fold lines 411a, 411b and second ends at a non-zero distance from the fold lines 411a, 411b. However, in this embodiment, each cut line 432, 438 has a curved portion 432a, 438a located between the two ends and substantially parallel with the fold lines 411a, 411b. The curved portion 432a of the first cut line 432 defines a projecting semi-circular tongue 444a on the first latching tab 444 and the curved portion 438a of the second cut line 438 defines a projecting semi-circular tongue 446a on the second latching tab 446.

[0129] Also differing in this embodiment are the first and second recesses 462, 464, which are a different shape to the recesses 362, 364. In this embodiment, the first and second recesses 462, 464 are shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the first and second latching tabs 444, 446. More specifically, the first and second recesses 462, 464 are each elongate rectangles in shape but with a semi-circular cut on a side closest to the first and second side panels 410, 412, before the blank 408 is cut to form the container 402. The semicircular cut of the first recess 462 defines a first recess tongue 462a and the semi-circular cut of the second recess 464 defines a second recess tongue 464a.

[0130] In this embodiment, there are no release buttons. Instead, first and second release openings 466, 468 are provided. In this embodiment, the first and second release openings 466, 468 are each substantially circular through-cuts to define substantially circular openings in release opening panels 458, 460.

[0131] When the lid 406 is inserted into the open end of the body 404, as shown in three stages in Figures 17 to 19, the first and second latching tabs 444, 446 will locate in the first and second recesses 462, 464. The tongues 444a, 446a of the first and second latching tabs 444, 446 will locate in the first and second recess tongues 462a, 464a of the first and second recesses 462, 464, to retain the lid 406 within the body 404 of the container 402.

[0132] When the user wishes to move the lid 406 back to the open position, they can contact the first and second latching tabs 444, 446 through the first and second release openings 466 468, for example by inserting a finger through each opening 466,468. By moving the first and second latching tabs 444, 446 inwardly, the first and second latching tabs 444, 446 will be released from the first and second recesses 462, 464 and the lid 406 of the container 402 will be free to open.

[0133] Similarly, to the previous embodiments, the risk of the edge 480 of the first side wall of the body 404 colliding with the latching tab 444 during the closing of the lid 406 is reduced as the uppermost edge of the first side wall of the body 404 slides more freely over the bottom part of the first latching tab 444. The same will happen on the second side.

[0134] Figures 14 to 19 describe embodiments where the lids 306, 406 and bodies 304, 404 are formed from single blanks 308, 408. In alternative embodiments, however, the lids 306, 406 and bodies 304, 404 may be formed from separate blanks, as described in more detail in previous embodiments.

[0135] Where the word 'or' appears this is to be construed to mean 'and / or' such that items referred to are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be used in any appropriate combination.

[0136] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0137] For example, in these embodiments, the first and second latching mechanisms are defined between the body side walls and lid side walls, but in alternative embodiments, one or more latching mechanisms could be provided between the front wall of the lid and the front wall of the body, for example. Further, the embodiments described have first and second latching mechanisms, but in alternative embodiments, there could be only a single latching mechanism or more than two latching mechanisms. Advantageously, having more than one latching mechanism spaced from one another reduces the risk of a child being able to open the container, which can be beneficial if the container is used to store a potentially hazardous product.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container formed of paperboard or like folding material, the container comprising: a latching mechanism arranged, in a latched condition, to selectively restrict relative movement in at least one direction of first and second substantially planar walls arranged in a face-contacting relationship when in a first position, the latching mechanism comprising: a tab defined by a cut line extending around a partial perimeter edge thereof and being pivotably connected to the first planar wall by a residual uncut portion, and a recess in the second wall defining a perimeter abutment surface and being arranged to receive a portion of the perimeter edge and restrict the movement, the tab being manually disengagable from the recess by a user so as to release the latching mechanism and permit relative movement of the walls from the first position to a second position, wherein the tab is arranged proximate to a fold line delimiting an edge of the first wall and the cut line is arranged such that a first end thereof extends at least up to the fold line and a second end terminates at a non-zero distance from the fold line.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first and second walls are mounted for arcuate facecontacting movement.

3. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the non-zero distance is located closest to a free edge of the second wall when in the first position.

4. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second wall comprises a first layer of folding material defining the recess.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the second wall comprises a second layer of folding material, the second layer defining a release formation.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the release formation is a through aperture.

7. The container of claim 5, wherein the release formation is a button.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the button is formed from and is pivotally connected to the second layer of folding material.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the button is laterally offset from the recess at least in the region of the perimeter abutment surface.

10. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the tab is provided in a first layer of the first wall, and the first wall further comprises a second layer of folding material behind the tab which is contiguous at least in the region behind the tab.

11. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the cut line defines a clearance between the tab and surrounding material.

12. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the perimeter edge of the tab is arranged to conform to the shape of the abutment surface.

13. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the tab has a thickness of at least 1mm.

14. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the recess has a depth of at least 1mm.

15. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the tab is formed from corrugated board.

16. The container of any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second walls forms part of a body of a container and the other of the first and second walls forms part of a lid of the container.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the lid is pivotally mounted to the body.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein an axis about which the lid pivots is located below an upper extent of the body.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the axis about which the lid pivots is substantially aligned with a lower extend of the lid in a closed position.

20. The container of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first and second walls are side walls of the lid and body.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the tab is on an external face of the body and the release formation is on an external face of the lid.

22. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the latching mechanism is a first latching mechanism and the container further comprises a second latching mechanism having the features of any preceding claim.

23. The container of claim 22, when dependent upon claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the second latching mechanism is provided on an opposing side wall to the first latching mechanism.

24. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the cut line is arranged such that the second end of the cut line terminates at a distance of 3mm to 20mm from the fold line, optionally at a distance of 3.5mm to 16.5mm from the fold line.

25. One or more blanks for forming a container according to any preceding claim.

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