Consumer product and operation method thereof

Abstract

To provide a consumer product that includes a container and a detergent product contained therein.SOLUTION: The container, which is a consumer product 100, includes a box 104 and a lid 106. A lock 108 maintains the lid 106 in a closed position. The lock 108 includes an actuator 130 that is releasably engaged with the lid. The actuator 130 can be operated by applying an operation pressure to an operation area 126. A top flap 190 is hinged at an upper portion of the side wall 111 with a distal edge 192 spaced apart from a second side wall 112 by a clearance 194. Upon applying operation pressure, the distal edge 192 comes in contact with the second side wall 112 to provide a reciprocal feedback force or haptic feedback to a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a container for a detergent product. Such a container for containing a detergent product is a consumer product present in a consumer's home, particularly in rooms such as a kitchen, a laundry room or a bathroom, and these tend to create a moist environment. It is important to configure the container so as to appropriately protect the detergent product from deterioration due to excessive exposure to such moisture or humidity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002]

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[0003] Detergent products are sensitive to moisture. They should be housed in specially designed containers, particularly containers that can be properly locked or closed before and after use to prevent the detergent composition from being overly exposed to environmental moisture. At the same time, the container should be easy to operate for adult consumers. Thus, the opening and closing mechanism should reliably prevent accidental opening while providing a secure unlocking / locking operation for adult consumers. In addition, the amount of material used to manufacture the container should be minimized for environmental reasons while protecting the detergent product from moisture and ensuring its mechanical robustness. The container should also be reliable throughout its life, including in the case of multiple-use packages (e.g., reusable, refillable containers). To ensure the reliable operation of the locking system, the container should be prevented from deforming beyond the point where the lock no longer functions properly.

[0004] As described below, the particular configurations described in the present disclosure enable reliance on a particular human gesture called a "precision pinch." A precision pinch is a particular human hand gesture in which a person pinches an object between their thumb and at least one or more other fingers of the same hand. A person has been found to be particularly accurate when performing such a movement. Precision can be explained in this regard by considering the alignment of the direction of the force applied by the thumb and the direction of the force applied by one or more other fingers of the same hand. When applying a precision pinch, the thumb generates a first force on a first side of the pinch, and one or more other fingers generate a second (resultant) force on a second side of the pinch. Generally speaking, the first force and the second force are in opposite directions along substantially the same axis. The gist of the precision pinch is that when there is a mutual feedback response between the thumb and one or more other fingers of the same hand, the first force and the second force naturally align with each other. As described below, the proposed configuration enables such mutual feedback and leads to reliance on the precision that enables reliable unlocking of a robust locking mechanism otherwise. As described below, particular dimensions enable such a configuration, particularly corresponding to an adult hand. In this description, it should be actually understood that the hand corresponds to an adult human hand.

[0005] Detergent products are products that can be relatively heavy, for example when a container for such a product carries the full weight of such a detergent product, especially when the consumer product has been recently acquired and thus holds a significant amount of detergent product. Some consumers can carry such a consumer product by holding the base of the box that contains such a detergent product, but such carrying can also occur by holding the lid of such a consumer product, rather than holding the base. In such a case, the lid may come off under the gravity of the detergent product, opening the box, which may fall and possibly spill its contents. Such a situation should be avoided. Besides avoiding such unintentional unlocking of the lid, the structure of the consumer product's container should preserve or improve opening ergonomics and prevent or reduce permanent sidewall deformation due to excessive or repeated forces applied to the consumer product, for example when it is dropped or subjected to external pressure against other objects in a grocery bag during carrying. At the same time, the container may be elaborated for environmental conservation. The consumer product according to the present disclosure aims to take these different aspects into account.

[0006] A consumer product should be understood in this disclosure as, inter alia, a product that is provided to an end consumer. Such consumer products can be purchased, for example, in a supermarket, and the end consumer can store such consumer products in their home. Consumer products may be provided in large quantities, whereby environmental issues should be taken into account when designing the product. Consumer products should also be designed with transportation to a retail store in mind. Consumer products should also be robust to withstand transportation as part of an e-commerce shipment. Consumer products should also be designed with shelf storage at a retail store in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with transportation from a retail store to a consumer's home in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with storage at the end consumer's home in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with use of the consumer product at the end consumer's home in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with disposal in mind.

[0007] Consumer products according to the present disclosure include detergent products. Detergent products should be understood in the present disclosure as products containing surfactants. Detergent products may also contain bleaches or other ingredients. Exemplary detergent product compositions are described in more detail below herein. In some embodiments, the detergent product includes unit dose detergent pouches, preferably water-soluble unit dose detergent pouches, more preferably flexible water-soluble unit dose detergent pouches. Exemplary unit dose detergent pouches are described in more detail below herein. It should be noted that in some cases, the containers according to the present disclosure may also be suitable for contents other than detergent products, particularly contents with perishable properties such as food or unstable chemicals.

[0008] In the present disclosure, the detergent product may be in direct contact with the container. In some embodiments, the detergent product is a powder or granular detergent. In some embodiments, the detergent product is composed of unit doses each made from a water-soluble pouch enclosing a powder. When the detergent product is a powder, at least some of the powder particles contact the sidewall, base, or cover of the container. When the detergent product is a detergent unit dose, the water-soluble pouch enclosing the active product forms part of the detergent product, and at least some of the water-soluble pouches are in contact with the sidewall, base, or cover of the container. In other words, no intermediate (such as a film, insert, layer, or material) separates the contents of the container from the container.

[0009] In fact, a further advantage of the present disclosure is that no additional elements (films, inserts, clips, opening strips) are required to properly conceal the detergent product. In particular, there is no need for opening strips, which may be provided to enable the end user to separate two parts of the container and open the container. Opening strips and other clips make recycling of the container more cumbersome, and their absence is beneficial for the environment.

[0010] The consumer product according to the present disclosure further includes a container. The container should be understood in the present disclosure as an object that houses the contents, for example, within the cavity of the container. The container facilitates the protection, transportation, storage, access, and disposal of the consumer product.

[0011] In the present disclosure, the container includes a box. The box should be understood as a three-dimensional object having a substantially parallelepiped, barrel-shaped, cylindrical, circular, elliptical, or cubic shape that defines a cavity. The volume of the box can range from 500 mL to 7000 mL, and in some embodiments, from 800 mL to 4000 mL. The box can have a maximum width of 10 cm to 35 cm, a depth of 5 cm to 13 cm, and a height of 8 cm to 40 cm. The use of a parallelepiped box can facilitate storage and transportation by enabling the stacking of boxes in a space-efficient manner. In some embodiments, the box may be a parallelepiped with some rounded tapered trapezoids or chamfered edges. The box according to the present disclosure contains a detergent product. It should be understood that the detergent product is directly contained or stored in the box, that is, there is no intermediate layer or intermediate packaging separating the detergent product from the inner cavity of the box. When the detergent product is a detergent single-dose, the water-soluble pouch enclosing the active product forms part of the detergent product, that is, there is no intermediate layer or intermediate packaging separating the water-soluble pouch from the box.

[0012] The box according to the present disclosure includes a base and side walls. The base according to the present disclosure should be understood as a wall on which the container can lie when the container is placed on a support surface such as a shelf or a floor. The base can be made from a plurality of flaps folded with respect to the side walls, and these flaps forming the base are in a substantially same plane or in substantially parallel planes. In some embodiments, the base is flat. In some embodiments, the base is rectangular. In some embodiments, the base is oval or circular. In some embodiments, the base has an embossed outer shape that is recessed within the relief. During the filling process of the container, and / or during shipping, and / or during storage, the container may be placed upside down, i.e., the base may be at the upper part of the container. The container may also be placed sideways, i.e., one of the side walls is at the upper part and / or one of the side walls is at the bottom part.

[0013] The side walls according to the present disclosure should be understood as extending from the base. In some embodiments, the side walls are perpendicular to the base. In some embodiments, the base is rectangular and has four side walls, the four side walls extend vertically from the base, each side wall is rectangular, each side wall is connected to the side of the base by a side wall surface, and is connected to the other two side walls among the four side walls by two other side wall surfaces. In some embodiments, the base is oval or circular, and the side walls form a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the base in a normal or perpendicular direction with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the side walls have a shape corresponding to one of a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a polygon, a cross-section of a sphere, a cross-section of an ovoid, or a cross-section of an ellipsoid. The characters provided on the side walls of the box are, in some embodiments, readable horizontally when the box is in the position where it is used. The side walls and the base can form an inner cavity in which a detergent product is received.

[0014] The side walls of the present disclosure each have an upper edge. The upper edge should be understood as an edge defining the end of each side wall, and this end is at the upper part of the side wall when the container is placed in the normal position with its base at the bottom.

[0015] On the side opposite the base, the container is provided with an opening that allows access to the cavity defined by the side wall and the base. In some embodiments, the opening has an area of at least 10 cm2, preferably at least 20 cm2. The span of such an opening may allow a finger, and even a hand, to be inserted to reach inside the box. In some embodiments where the detergent contains water-soluble unit-dose articles, the opening has an area that is 1.1 to 10 times the maximum cross-sectional area of the water-soluble unit-dose article. In some preferred embodiments, the opening has an area that is 1.5 to 5 times the maximum cross-sectional area of the water-soluble unit-dose article received within the container.

[0016] The container may further comprise at least one upper flap hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls. The upper flap can take at least two orientations, namely a closed orientation in which the upper flap covers at least part of the opening, and an open orientation in which the upper flap pivots upwards away from the opening, thereby not restricting access to the cavity and the detergent product received therein. The upper flap has a distal edge on the side opposite the hinge, and the distal edge is spaced apart from the second side wall that is opposite the first side wall. The distance or clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the second side wall is sufficient to allow the upper flap to move freely between the closed and open orientations. The clearance is also sufficient for the operation of the lock. As will be explained in more detail below, the clearance is less than a given threshold to prevent excessive deformation of the side wall when actuating the lid lock actuator. In fact, in order to ensure that the lock functions properly throughout the life of the container, such deformation beyond the elastic deformation of the side wall should be avoided. The upper limit of the clearance is also determined by the need to provide tactile feedback to the user. The clearance can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper flap is formed integrally with the side wall and extends from the upper edge of the side wall. In some embodiments, the upper flap comprises a main portion hinged to a proximal flap portion connected to (e.g., adhered to, sewn to, or integrated with) the first side wall. In some embodiments, the upper flap (or its main portion) is offset relative to the upper edge when in the closed orientation. In some embodiments, the offset is in the direction of the base, and the upper flap in the closed orientation is closer to the base than the upper edge of the side wall.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distal flap is hinged and projects from the distal edge. In some embodiments, the distal flap is substantially parallel to the second side wall when the upper flap is in the closed orientation. The distal flap may be folded towards the upper edge of the second side wall or towards the base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the movement of the upper flap is restricted by at least one abutment and / or at least one stopper. In some embodiments, the stopper prevents the upper flap from moving further downward after the upper flap has reached its closed orientation. In some embodiments, the abutment restricts upward movement of the upper flap when the upper flap is in the closed orientation. In some embodiments, the abutment is disposed on the second side wall, e.g., on the upper edge or inner surface of the second side wall. In some embodiments, the abutment is a cutout portion of the second side wall. In some embodiments, the stopper is a recess disposed on the inner surface of the second side wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distal edge of the upper flap includes a recess or notch. In some embodiments, the recess or notch is aligned or centered relative to a particular actuator. In some embodiments, when an operating pressure is applied, the second sidewall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap at at least two contact positions, and the at least two contact positions are not adjacent and may be separated from each other by a recess or notch. The distance separating the two contact positions may occupy 5% to 30% of the width of the container. In some embodiments, more than two recesses are envisioned. In some embodiments, the distal edge has a wave or waveform outer shape formed by a series of recesses spaced regularly or irregularly from each other. In some embodiments, the recess or notch extends from the distal end to the first sidewall, thereby enabling the upper flap to be made from two independently hinged portions. In other words, more than two upper flaps are provided.

[0021] In some embodiments, more than two upper flaps are provided and are hinged to the same upper portion of the first sidewall or at least one of the more than two upper flaps is hinged to the upper portion of the second sidewall on the opposite side of the first sidewall. Each of the more than two upper flaps may include the features listed in the previous paragraph. In some embodiments, the more than two upper flaps are spaced apart to allow a human hand to pass through the opening between the upper flaps to grip a detergent product housed within the box.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the upper flap is in the closed orientation, the upper flap is hinged to the first sidewall such that the resistance torque included in the fold from 0.5 N·m / m to 5 N·m / m resists its movement out of the closed orientation. The resistance torque can be a combination of hinge resistance (which may result from bending resistance that may be reduced by the remaining springback after folding the upper flap with a fold), and at least one of the aforementioned abutment or stopper. The springback torque of the upper flap may be considered. In some embodiments, the upper flap is made of a paper-based material having flutes. The flutes may be of type B (1 / 8 inch), E (1 / 16 inch), or F (1 / 32 inch). In some embodiments, the folding torque may be included in the fold from 0.5 to 5 Nm / m, preferably may be included in the fold from 1 to 3.5 Nm / m, and the springback torque (after 15 seconds) may be included in the fold from 0.4 to 2 Nm / m, preferably from 0.7 to 1.25 Nm / m. These values can be measured according to the Tappi T577 standard, using samples of 100×100 mm (folds perpendicular to the flutes), a folding speed of 12° / s, and a folding angle of 90°. Based on the width of the box described above, this means that the folding torque of the upper flap can be from 0.1 Nm to 1.75 Nm, and the springback torque of the upper flap can be from 0.07 Nm to 0.6125 Nm. The stopper and / or abutment may provide a resistance torque from 0.57 Nm to 5.6125 Nm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first sidewall has a width, and the upper flap has a minimum width that occupies 20% to 99% of the width of the first sidewall. The width of the first sidewall may correspond to the length of the upper edge of the first sidewall.

[0024] In some embodiments, the upper flap comprises at least one through-hole that enables an adult finger to fold the upper flap to open it. In some embodiments, the hole has a surface area of 0.5 cm 2 ~15 cm 2 in area.

[0025] In some embodiments, in the closed orientation, the upper flap is angled with respect to the second side wall at an angle between 70 degrees and 110 degrees.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper flap comprises a main flap portion and an inclined flap portion angled downward with respect to the main portion. In some embodiments, the inclined flap portion has an inclined edge adjacent to the distal edge to facilitate insertion of the upper flap through the opening into the cavity when the upper flap is folded downward. In some embodiments, the inclined flap portion comprises a straight edge that abuts the first side wall when the upper flap is in the closed orientation. This prevents the upper flap from being pushed deeply inside the box.

[0027] The upper flap may have an upper surface that is visible to the user when the lid is open. Product information or usage instructions may be provided on this upper surface by printing or labeling. The upper flap may then form the lid and / or the base in addition to the side walls to further support advertising, usage instructions, or other regulatory or informational displays. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial for some information to be provided directly to the user when the user opens the box and views its contents. The upper flap may include a perforation at the hinge point so that the consumer can tear it off (e.g., at the end of its life). In some embodiments, the upper flap may be printed with a sales promotion instruction or barcode such that the torn upper flap becomes a coupon or sales promotion card for further purchases by the user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the actuator is formed by cutting out at least a portion of the upper flap, folding this at least a portion to a position parallel to the first side wall, and adhering the at least a portion to the outer surface of the first side wall.

[0029] The container includes a lid for the box. The lid according to the present disclosure should be understood as an element that enables the repeated closing or opening of the box opening. In some embodiments, the lid can be connected to the box, for example, by a hinge, or can be separated from the box. The lid according to the present disclosure includes an upper or lid top and sides or lid sides. It should be understood that the upper part of the lid is intended to cover the box opening when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the upper part of the lid is rectangular. In some embodiments, the upper part of the lid is circular, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or elliptical, and structures such as circular or elliptical are approximated, for example, by increasing some side panels and lid flaps. In some embodiments, the lid includes a chamfered edge. In some embodiments, the upper part of the lid is a rectangle with a rounded edge. Although named "upper", it should be understood that the upper part of the lid can be arranged in different orientations. Regarding the lid sides, the sides according to the present disclosure are elements that are connected to the upper part of the lid and extend from the lid to engage (e.g., partially cover) one or more side walls of the box, and each side has an extension along the corresponding side wall between the connection to the upper part of the lid and the distal end of the side. The sides are involved in placing the upper part of the lid over the opening. In some embodiments, the sides extend vertically from the upper part of the lid. In some embodiments, the sides surround the entire perimeter of the upper part of the lid. In some embodiments, the sides partially surround the entire perimeter of the upper part of the lid, and there are no sides along, for example, the hinge between the lid and the box in the case of a hinged lid, at a part of the upper part of the lid. When the upper part of the lid covers the opening, at least a part of the sides can cover at least a specific part of a specific side wall of the box side walls. The movement of the lid may be restricted by a connection to the box such as a hinge or a flexible connector (strap, rope, etc.), or the lid may be completely removable, for example, to improve access to the contents of the box or to make the lid or the container independently reusable. The box and the lid cooperate to play the role of the container for storing and transporting the contents of the container and facilitating access to the contents of the container.

[0030] The container according to the present disclosure includes a lock. The lock should be understood in the present disclosure as a mechanism that prevents or reduces the possibility of the container accidentally opening. The lock according to the present disclosure is intended to maintain the lid in the closed position. It should be understood that the lock according to the present disclosure is expected to function under normal use of the container. For example, it should be understood that the lock may not fulfill its function when the box is used in an abnormal state or when the box is in an abnormal state. According to the present disclosure, the lock includes a specific actuator that is movable from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to a specific actuator when the lid is in the closed position. The specific actuator should be understood in the present disclosure as a mechanical structure that follows a movement during actuation by an external force or an operating pressure, and such a movement results in the unlocking of the lock when such a movement is performed. In some embodiments, the specific actuator according to the present disclosure is elastic and has a default position, such a default position corresponding to the lid remaining closed, and the elasticity is canceled by an external force or an operating pressure to open the lid. In some embodiments, the specific actuator is elastic in the sense that the specific actuator includes a flexible element, the flexible element has a default position corresponding to the lid remaining closed, the flexible element is pressed to open the lid, and the flexible element springs back to the default position when the pressure is released. It should be understood that pressure is generated by applying a force to the surface. The specific actuator according to the present disclosure has at least two positions, namely the open position and the locked position, whereby the open position corresponds to a position that allows displacement (opening) of the lid, and the locked position prevents the opening of the lid or reduces the possibility of accidental opening of the lid.

[0031] A specific actuator according to the present disclosure is connected to a specific portion of a specific sidewall of a box sidewall that is at least partially covered by at least a portion of a side when the lid is in a closed position, and this specific portion may be a specific portion that is at least partially covered by at least a portion of a side when the lid is in a closed position. The specific actuator, for example, abuts against a lock tab on the side when in a locked position, and the specific actuator, for example, is held away from the lock tab when in an open position. The specific actuator, for example, can be displaced by an unlocking displacement distance in a direction normal to a specific portion of the sidewall by an operating pressure. The connection to the specific portion may be, for example, a fold line at the end of the sidewall away from the base. The connection of the specific actuator to a specific portion of the sidewall involves the specific actuator in enabling the locking or unlocking of the specific portion of the sidewall from a part of the side covering the specific portion of the sidewall, thereby enabling the lid to be released from the box. The side can include a lock tab. The lock tab should be understood as a mechanical element that interlocks with the specific actuator. In some embodiments, the lock tab extends away from the side, and in the form of an expansion, a bulge, an emboss, or an additional material layer protruding from the side of the lid towards a specific portion of the sidewall so that the specific actuator can abut against the tab when in the locked position to prevent the specific portion of the sidewall from separating from the side within the region of the specific actuator. In some embodiments, the lock tab is included in the side itself, and the lock tab is formed, for example, by an aperture in the side. The abutment according to the present disclosure should be understood as the contact between the specific actuator or a part of the specific actuator and the tab, and such contact prevents the opening of the lid. In some embodiments, the specific actuator is held away from the lock tab when in an open position to release the lock tab. Such release of the lock tab enables the lid to open.The displacement or movement of a particular actuator from a locked position to an open position is obtained by (directly or indirectly) applying an operating pressure or force to the particular actuator such that the particular actuator is displaced in a direction normal to a particular portion of the sidewall by a distance corresponding to the displacement distance, a distance sufficient for the particular actuator to contact the locking tab. Due to the particular dimensional configuration according to the present disclosure, the force or pressure that causes the displacement takes a particular direction defined by a precision knob, and it should be understood that such a particular direction contributes to the displacement in a direction normal to a particular portion of the sidewall. Such a force or pressure may also include a minor component that can be parallel to the sidewall due to the fact that the hand is a human hand and does not necessarily perfectly align the force even when applying a precision knob. However, the actuation is caused by a component of such a force or pressure that is normal to a portion of the sidewall. The presence of such a component that is normal to a portion of the sidewall is involved in the role of the lock in avoiding accidental opening, but the desired opening occurs when the consumer "pushes" on the particular actuator and applies a unlocking force or pressure that enables the lid to open.

[0032] To provide precision in positioning the finger and obtain a precise knob, the side includes a specific operating area on a specific side, and the operating area faces a specific actuator. The fact that such an operating area faces a specific actuator actually enables the thumb or one or more of the other fingers to be accurately positioned over the area where the unlocking force is to be applied. The operating area should be understood as defining a discontinuity on a specific side, whereby the user or consumer can perceive such a discontinuity to accurately position the thumb or one or more other fingers and apply a precise knob. Such a discontinuity may include one or more of an operating aperture, an operating flap, an operating slit, or an operating membrane. In some embodiments, the operating area means either one or both of a specific or additional operating area, a specific part, or an additional part, and includes a visual indication indicating the position of the operating area. In some embodiments where the operating area is an aperture, the specific part and each additional part include a visual indication visible through the aperture and each aperture when the lid is closed. The visual indication may be printed on the outer surface of the side, and may include one or more arrows or one or more areas printed in a prominent color or specific text that provides an instruction such as "push here to open" or any combination of such indications to further improve the precision of the knob. The operating area is configured to be able to displace a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position. To appropriately arrange the thumb or one or more other fingers, the specific operating area preferably ranges from less than 8 cm2 and more than 0.2 cm2. It has been found that if the area is large, the precision of finger placement may be insufficient, and if the area is small, it may be difficult for the user or consumer to identify the position of the operating area. In some embodiments, the specific operating area has a circular shape to facilitate positioning. Other shapes may be considered, such as an ellipse, an oval, a square, a triangle, a square with rounded corners, a triangle with rounded corners, other polygons, or other polygons with rounded corners.Alternatively, a shape important to the contents held in the container may be used.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lock comprises a second actuator provided opposite the first actuator. Thereby, the user can simultaneously operate the specific actuator and the second actuator with two fingers. In some embodiments, the lock comprises at least a further actuator that can be actuated simultaneously with three or more fingers of the user's hand. For example, the first actuator may be arranged on one side of the box so as to be actuated by the thumb, and two to four actuators may be arranged on the opposite side of the box so as to be actuated by two to four fingers other than the thumb. The actuators do not have to be aligned opposite each other.

[0034] As described above, in order to achieve the appropriate precision in the precision knob, the thumb should perceive the reaction force from one or more fingers of the same hand, and those one or more fingers should perceive the reaction force from the thumb. This mutual feedback leads to the matching of the forces generated between the precision knobs that lead to the unlocking. Such feedback should be transmitted by some structure that directly or indirectly connects a particular operating region to the side facing the particular side. It has been found that the role of such a structure for transmitting the feedback force can be fulfilled by the upper flap described above. When the actuator is displaced by the unlocking displacement distance, the second side wall deforms and the clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the second side wall decreases. The clearance is sufficient to allow the actuator to be displaced by the unlocking displacement distance. When the user applies an operating pressure, the side wall is further deformed until the second side wall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap. Thus, the force applied by the user is transmitted from the first finger to the actuator, to the distal edge of the upper flap, to the first side wall, and to another finger of the user. The relative positioning of the particular region and the upper flap allows for this force transmission. In some embodiments, the thumb and one or more other fingers simultaneously contact opposite side walls connected via a particular actuator and upper flap.

[0035] A specific operating area may define a specific center of gravity, which corresponds to, for example, the geometric center of the operating area or the arithmetic mean position of all points included in the specific operating area. To achieve proper mutual feedback transmission through the upper flap, the specific center of gravity is separated by less than 5 cm and more than 0.5 cm from the upper part of the lid, and the specific center of gravity is separated by more than 0.5 cm from the distal end of the specific side. The distal end should be understood as the end of the side away from the upper part of the lid along the direction of the box side wall. In some preferred embodiments, to facilitate pinching across the upper part of the lid, the upper part of the lid extends less than 13 cm and more than 6 cm along the normal direction with respect to a specific part at the specific center of gravity. It has been found that a large span makes pinching difficult, and a small span may make it difficult to access the detergent contained in the box. The precision pinch is considered to provide an appropriate balance between the force and precision aimed at opening the lock according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the upper part of the lid extends less than 12 cm and more than 7 cm along the normal direction with respect to a specific part at the specific center of gravity. In some embodiments, the upper part of the lid extends less than 11 cm and more than 8 cm along the normal direction with respect to a specific part at the specific center of gravity. In some embodiments, the upper part of the lid extends less than 10 cm and more than 9 cm along the normal direction with respect to a specific part at the specific center of gravity.

[0036] In some embodiments, to properly transmit the mutual feedback pinching force, the upper flap has a minimum width of at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 20% of the length of the upper edge of the first side wall or the second side wall. The width of the upper flap may be 99% or less, less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, more preferably less than 50% of the length of the upper edge of the first side wall or the second side wall, thereby limiting the amount of material used (environmentally friendly) and providing access to the product (or visually showing the product) even when the upper flap is in the closed orientation.

[0037] The unsealing indication sticker may lock the lid to the box. In some embodiments, the unsealing indication sticker is adhered to the lid and the box, such that the unsealing indication sticker should be broken, torn, or perforated upon first opening to indicate to the consumer that the container has not been tampered with prior to purchase. The unsealing indication sticker may be, for example, paper or plastic.

[0038] In some embodiments, the container is made from a corrugated material that includes flutes extending in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the vertical direction of the sidewalls in the normal position of the container. This may provide a snap-back memory effect to the upper flap and assist in opening the upper flap.

[0039] In some embodiments, the box of the present disclosure is made from a box blank. The box blank can be made from one of the materials or laminated materials discussed herein. The blank (or die cut) is a substantially flat object that is specifically designed to be supplied to a machine that can perform various operations such as folding and adhering to obtain a container. The blank may be made from a single piece of one of the materials described above, or may comprise several pieces attached to each other. The blank has a thickness that is substantially smaller than its full width or length. The thickness may be uniform throughout the blank, or the thickness may vary. The blank may be composed of one or more panels and one or more flaps separated from each other by score lines. The score lines should be understood as straight segments of the blank that have withstood the scoring process to provide distinct folding lines, and the score lines facilitate the folding operation and provide the conditions for the container to obtain its intended shape and function.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lid is made from a lid blank. The lid blank may comprise panels configured to construct the top and sides of the lid. The lid blank may be separate from the box blank and may be detached from the box blank. In such cases, the lid blank may be made from the same paper-based material or from a separate paper-based material. In particular, the lid blank may be of a different color or may be made from a multi-layer blank having a different number of layers than the single or multi-layer box blank.

[0041] In some embodiments where the lid is hinged to the box, the lid blank may be made integrally with the blank configured to form the box.

[0042] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the container described above. The first method is for the purpose of opening a consumer product. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying an operating pressure to a specific activation area when the lid is in the closed position to displace a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position, where the clearance is such that the second side wall contacts the distal end by applying the operating pressure, displacing, pulling the lid in a direction opposite to the base, and folding the upper flap to enable access to the detergent product. The second method is for the purpose of closing the consumer product by performing the same steps in reverse order.

[0043] In some embodiments, when the operating pressure is applied by an adult hand, the second side wall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the upper flap has sufficient rigidity or bending resistance to stop the further bending of the second side wall under the operating pressure applied by an adult hand.

[0044] The present disclosure also relates to a method of packaging a detergent product to obtain the consumer product described above. In some embodiments, the method includes setting the top flap to an open orientation, positioning the opening of the box under the dispensing system when the top flap is in the open orientation, dispensing the detergent product into the box when the box is under the dispensing system, folding the top flap to a closed orientation when the detergent product is in the box, and closing the box with a lid in response to folding the top flap. The top flap may assist in packaging the container by providing an additional wall (similar to part of a funnel) that prevents the detergent product from spilling or being damaged.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] The figures present various aspects of the consumer product. Each distinct aspect presented in one of the figures can be combined with aspects presented in other drawings, unless the present document explicitly excludes such combinations.

[0046] Figure 1 shows an exemplary consumer product 100 that includes a detergent product (not shown) and a container 102. The container includes a box 104 for containing the detergent product, a lid 106 for the box 104, and a lock 108 for maintaining the lid 104 in a closed position. In this figure, the lid 106 is shown in an open position away from the box 104. Also, in this figure, the lid 106 is removable from the box 104. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 106 is hinged to the box 104. The box includes a base 110, side walls 111-114, an opening 180 on the side opposite the base 110, and an upper flap 190 that partially covers the opening 180 here (when in the closed orientation). The opening 180 is defined by the upper edges 111.1, 112.1, 113.1, and 114.1 of the four side walls 111-114. The upper flap 190 is hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall 111. The distal edge 192 on the side opposite the first side wall is adjacent to the second side wall 112. A gap 194 or clearance separates the distal edge 192 from the second side wall 112 when the upper flap 190 is in the closed orientation. The clearance 194 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The distal edge 192 has a length 196 that can correspond to the maximum width of the upper flap 190. The length 196 may occupy 5% (preferably 20%) to 99% (preferably 60% or 70%) of the width 116 of the box 104.

[0047] The lid 106 includes an upper part 120 and side parts 121 to 124. When the lid 106 is in the closed position, the upper part 120 covers the opening, and the side parts 121 to 124 cover at least a specific part of a specific side wall among the side walls 111 to 114 of the box 104. The lock 108 includes a specific actuator 130. The specific actuator 130 is movable from the locked position to the released position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator 130 when the lid 106 is in the closed position. The specific actuator 130 is connected to a specific part. The side parts 121 to 124 include a specific operating area 126 in a specific side part 122. When the lid 104 is in the closed position, the operating area 126 faces the specific actuator 130, and applying an operating pressure in the specific operating area 126 enables displacement of the specific actuator 130 from the locked position to the released position.

[0048] In exemplary consumer product 100, box 104 has a rectangular base 110 and lid 106 has a rectangular top 120. The side walls and sides are also rectangular. In this embodiment, the lid is shown in the open position for visualizing the various elements. In this embodiment, activation area 126 is a circular aperture having a diameter of 2.4 cm that defines a specific activation area of approximately 4.5 cm2. Activation area 126 defines a specific center of gravity corresponding to the center of the circular aperture. In this embodiment, the center of the aperture is approximately 20 mm away from the top of the lid as indicated by a distance 150 which is the shortest distance between the specific center of gravity and a point included in the top of the lid, and the distance is in this case along a direction perpendicular to the top of the lid and along side 122 where aperture 126 is cut out. The specific center of gravity or the center of circular activation area 126 is in this embodiment 50 mm away from the distal end of a specific side as indicated by a distance 151 which is the shortest distance between the specific center of gravity and a point included in the distal end of side 122 of the lid, and the distance is in this case along a direction perpendicular to the top of the lid and along side 122 where aperture 126 is cut out. In this embodiment, the top of the lid extends 94 mm along a direction normal to a specific portion at the specific center of gravity as indicated by distance 152, and the distance is in this case parallel to the top of the lid and normal to specific side 122 where the specific activation area is located. In this embodiment, lock 108 includes a flap 130 that can be pushed through aperture 126 when the lid is in the closed position. Lid 106 may be removed by placing either the thumb or another finger of a first adult hand on activation area 126 and placing one or more fingers on the opposite side 121 of the specific side of the same adult hand on the opposite side of the specific side, whereby the first adult hand pinches the lid 106 across its top 120 and presses it towards flap 130, and while holding box 104 with the other adult hand, lifts and opens the lid when flap 130 is pressed against a specific portion of second side wall 112.

[0049] When a first adult's hand pinches the lid 106, an interactive feedback response is transmitted during the pinching through the upper panel 190 of the box, specifically through the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 190 that contacts the second sidewall 112. Such an interactive feedback response contributes to facilitating unlocking, particularly by increasing the rigidity of the box structure at the level of the upper flap. It provides tactile feedback to a user who naturally and intuitively understands that the lock is released and that they can pull the lid upward. In this particular example, when the second sidewall 112 (and optionally also the first sidewall 111) deforms under the application of operating pressure, the upper flap joins at least a portion of the specific (first) sidewall 111 to at least a portion of the second sidewall 112. Such a configuration provides additional rigidity and robustness and facilitates the transmission of the interactive feedback response. The upper flap 190 is conveniently aligned with a specific actuator 130. The upper flap 190 may or may not be centered with respect to the width direction of the container.

[0050] The clearance 194 between the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 190 and the second sidewall 112 is large enough to allow the actuator 130 to be released from the lock tab of the lid. The clearance 194 is small enough to allow good tactile force feedback. Also, the clearance 194 is small enough to avoid the sidewalls 111, 112 being deformed beyond their elastic deformation (otherwise, these sidewalls would be permanently deformed, which could change the proper functioning of the lock or the smooth opening and closing process of the container).

[0051] Figure 2 shows an example of a consumer product 200 having a container 202 made of a box 204 and a lid 106. Various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figure can be applied. In this example, the upper flap is indicated at 290. The upper flap 290 is made from a proximal flap portion 291 connected to the first sidewall 111. The proximal flap portion 291 can be integral with the first sidewall. Alternatively, the proximal flap portion can be adhered to the inner surface of the first sidewall 111. The proximal flap portion 291 may be aligned with the upper edge of the first sidewall 111 or may be offset downward in the direction of the base 110. The main flap portion 293 is hinged to the proximal flap portion 291. The main flap portion 293 can be pivoted from a closed orientation (as shown) to an open orientation, and the main flap portion 293 may be substantially perpendicular and / or substantially parallel to the proximal portion 291. In this figure, the distal end of the upper flap 290 is hidden behind the second sidewall 112. The main flap portion 293 is offset by a distance 295 from the upper edge of the sidewall. This offset ensures that, even when the upper flap is not completely horizontal when in the closed orientation, the distal end still contacts the second sidewall under operating pressure to provide the mutual feedback force described above. The offset distance 295 can be in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the offset distance 295 is such that when the main portion is in the open orientation, the main portion extends above the upper edge of the sidewall by a height that is at least half the height of the lid, and thus will be noticed by a user attempting to close the container by returning the lid onto the box without first folding the upper flap 290.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an example of a consumer product 300 having a container 302 made of a box 304 and a lid 106. Various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figure can be applied.

[0053] In this embodiment, the box 304 includes an abutment portion 312 that is intended to limit upward movement of the upper flap 390 away from the closed orientation. As shown in a cross-sectional view in the vertical plane P, the abutment portion 312 may be a cutout portion of the side wall 112, which may be made from a two-layer folded sheet, and a portion of the two-layer sheet may be cut out at the upper edge of the side wall 112.

[0054] The upper flap 190 of FIG. 1, particularly the distal edge 192, can cooperate with the abutment portion 312. However, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the upper flap 390 includes a distal flap 397 that cooperates with the abutment portion 312. In some embodiments, the distal flap 397 is hinged to the distal edge 192 and extends from the main flap portion 293. The distal flap 397 extends upwardly at an angle perpendicular to the main flap portion 293 or closer to the second side wall 112 than the distal edge 192 of the flap 390.

[0055] In some embodiments, two or more abutment portions 312 are provided at the upper edge of the side wall 112. The abutment portions 312 may be centered and / or symmetrically arranged with respect to the upper flap 390. These abutment portions 312 can provide a clicking sound when the upper flap is snap-fastened behind them, which, in addition to tactile feedback, gives the consumer an audible sense of reassurance of correct reclosing.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows an example of a consumer product 400 having a container 402 made of a box 404 and a lid 106. The various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figures can be applied. The box 404 is here seen in a top view.

[0057] The upper flap 490 is positioned in the closed orientation. The upper flap 490 is disposed at the distal edge 192 and preferably includes a recess 492 that is aligned with the actuator 130 (the vertical axis of FIG. 4 passes through both the recess and the actuator). The upper flap 490 has two lateral edges 493, 495 that can be angled relative to the distal edge 192 at an angle between 60° and 150°. The corners joining the lateral edges to the distal edge 192 may be rounded. These aspects are applicable to any of the upper flaps shown in the present disclosure.

[0058] The upper flap 490 further includes a recess 492. The recess 492 can assist the user in folding the upper flap upward in the opened orientation. The recess 492 may be a notch. The recess 492 has a depth (in the vertical direction of FIG. 4) that can occupy 5% to 100% of the length 494 of the upper flap 490. In other words, the dimension 498 between the upper edge 111.1 of the first sidewall and the recess occupies 0% to 95% of the length 494 of the upper flap 490. When the distance is 0%, the upper flap 490 can be considered to be formed by two upper flaps that are independently hinged to the upper part of the first sidewall.

[0059] The width 496 of the recess can occupy 10% to 50% of the maximum width 196 of the upper flap 490.

[0060] In some embodiments, the upper flap 490 includes two or more such recesses, such as two or three recesses, which can have one or more of the above-described characteristics.

[0061] The recess divides the distal edge portion 192 into a plurality of segments 497, and each segment constitutes a separate contact position with the second side wall 112 when the operating pressure is applied to the actuator 130. When two or more recesses are provided, three or more contact positions 497 may be arranged, and each of the contact positions is not adjacent to the other contact positions. Each contact position 497 is separated from the actuator 130 by a distance that occupies 5% to 30% of the width of the box (= the length of the upper edge portion 111.1 or 112.1).

[0062] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary consumer product 500 having a container 502 made of a box 504 and a lid 506. Various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figures can be applied.

[0063] In this embodiment, the consumer product 500 includes a second actuator 503 disposed on the first side wall 111. The second actuator 503 is shown with a flap similar to the flap 130 that interacts with a tab 530 disposed inside the side portion 121 to reinforce the lid lock. The second operating region 526 is disposed on the side portion 121.

[0064] The knob unlocks both the first and second actuators in this case. The tab is shown extending over a portion of the corresponding side portion 121, but the tab may extend over the entire length of the corresponding flap. A tab (not shown) is provided inside the side portion 122 and interacts with the flap 130 to contribute to the lock. The second actuator 503 is shown as being symmetrically opposed to the first actuator 130 and having the same properties and dimensions, but it should be noted that such an actuator may have different properties and dimensions in other embodiments and may not necessarily be symmetric. As described above, there may be three or more actuators that are aligned with or not opposed to each other.

[0065] Figure 5 further shows that the upper flap 590 may have a through-hole 592. The through-hole 592 may be suitable for an adult finger to assist the user in pivoting the upper flap 590 from a closed orientation (as depicted in Figure 5) to an open orientation (e.g., substantially parallel to the side wall 111).

[0066] In some embodiments, the through-hole has a dimension (such as diameter, diagonal, etc.) of less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm. In some embodiments, the shape of the through-hole is smaller than the contents of the container (e.g., a unit dose) to prevent any material from passing through the through-hole or clogging within the through-hole. Alternatively, the through-hole may be substantially larger than the contents of the container (e.g., a unit dose) such that the user can grip the unit dose through the through-hole without first having to fold the upper flap.

[0067] The through-hole 592 may have a geometric shape such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc. Alternatively, as a more complex shape, it may be formed as a comb-shaped handle having a wavy outer shape that matches the outer shape of four fingers of a human hand, for example. The through-hole 592 may be positioned closer to the distal edge of the upper flap than the first side wall 111 to provide a lever effect.

[0068] Figure 6 shows these various options regarding the shape of the through-hole 592. Figure 6 also shows that two or more through-holes can be provided in the upper flap 690.

[0069] Figure 7 shows the upper flap 290 in the closed orientation. The various aspects of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied. The closed orientation may be the default equilibrium position of the upper flap 290, i.e., the equilibrium position between gravity and the elasticity of the hinge. In some embodiments (see Figure 3), the abutment determines the equilibrium position. The angle α between the upper flap 290 (or the main flap portion 293 if shown) and the second side wall 112 can range from 70° to 110°. This means that mutual feedback forces can be generated even when the closed orientation of the upper flap 290 is not horizontal or vertical with respect to the side wall.

[0070] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of an example of the box. The various aspects of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied. The upper flap 390 may conform to any of the previously presented embodiments. In this example, the second side wall 812 is made from at least partially folded sheets. As discussed below, the sheets may be made of paper-based materials. The first outer layer 814 is folded at the upper edge to form the inner layer 816. Some or all of the inner layer 816 may be folded to form one or more stopper tabs 818. The stopper tabs 818 project into the box from the inner surface of the second side wall 812. As shown in Figure 8, the upper flap 390 may be on the stopper tabs 818, particularly in the vicinity of the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 390. Thus, the stopper tabs 818 prevent the user from pushing the upper flap beyond the closed orientation. In fact, when the upper flap 390 is pushed downward, mutual feedback forces may not be generated properly if the user attempts to apply an operating pressure. The stopper tabs 818 may extend along the full width of the box or at least 30% of this width. In some embodiments, two or more stopper tabs 818 are arranged and formed from cutouts in the inner layer 816.

[0071] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the stopper. The various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figures can be applied. In this embodiment, the box 904 has an upper flap 990 with a distal flap 992 bent upward from the main flap portion. The distal flap 992 includes at least one, preferably two or more cutouts 994 that form a protruding tab 996, and the protruding tab engages with the stopper recess 912.1 of the second side wall 912 when the upper flap 990 is in the closed orientation. Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which two protruding tabs 996 engage with their respective recesses 912.1. For example, other configurations where two or more protruding tabs 996 engage with a single recess 912.1 may be envisioned. The stopper recess 912.1 may be a notch, through-hole, or cavity formed across the entire thickness of the second side wall 912 or formed in the inner layer of the material (see 816 in Figure 8). The recess 912.1 may not be visible to the user from the outside of the box. The cooperation between the protruding tab 996 and the recess 912.1 generates a resistance force that prevents the upper flap 990 from accidentally moving from the closed orientation. The stopper recess 912.1 generates a tactile feedback and / or an audible click sound for the user when the protruding tab 996 engages therein. Thus, the user physically perceives by hand the information that the upper flap is properly positioned in the closed orientation. The recess 912.1 also prevents the user from further pushing down the upper flap 990, similar to the stopper 818 in Figure 8 that can be combined with it.

[0072] With respect to Figures 8 and 9, it should be noted that the stopper does not necessarily prevent the possibility of further downward movement beyond the closed orientation of the upper flap, but generates a resistance force that prevents the user from further pushing the upper flap downward in the event that the upper flap can bend further downward even when the user applies sufficient force.

[0073] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a box 1004. The various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figures can be applied.

[0074] This figure shows that two or more upper flaps may be provided.

[0075] The upper flaps 1090a, 1090b are directly hinged at the upper edge 111.1 of the first side wall 111. The upper flaps 1090a, 1090b may be integral with the side walls, i.e., formed from the same sheet of material. The upper flaps 1090a, 1090b comprise a main flap portion 1092 and an inclined flap portion 1094. The inclined flap portion is angled with respect to the main flap portion 1092. The inclination angle can be in the range of 20 degrees to 90 degrees. The inclined flap portion 1094 increases the rigidity of the upper flap and enables a higher degree of mutual feedback force.

[0076] The inclined flap portion 1094 has an edge 1095 at the distal side of the flap. This edge can be aligned with the distal edge 192 to provide some support against the side wall 112. The corners between the edges of the inclined flap portion may be rounded to facilitate the insertion of the inclined flap portion into the box when the upper flap is folded. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 1095 is angled with respect to the distal edge 192. When the upper flap 1094 is folded, the edge 1095 can contact the upper edge 112.1 of the second side wall (since the second side wall can be deformed), and the angle of the edge 1095 helps the upper flap 1094 to penetrate into the cavity of the box.

[0077] The inclined flap portion 1094 further has an edge 1097 that abuts against the first side wall 111. This contact prevents the upper flap 1090 from being pushed further downward beyond the closed orientation.

[0078] There may be sufficient space between the two upper flaps 1090a, 1090b for a user to grip the detergent product by hand. This makes the opening of the upper flap optional for a user who wishes to remove the detergent product from the box. The space between the upper flaps may have a V-shape.

[0079] FIG. 10 shows two upper flaps 1090a, 1090b, but the reader will understand that three or more upper flaps may be arranged.

[0080] Also, the position of the inclined portion with respect to the main portion may be changed. For example, the upper flap 1090b can be changed to have an inclined portion closer to the fourth side wall 114.

[0081] It should also be understood that each of the upper flaps 1090a, 1090b can be provided with a second inclined portion of the same or different shape.

[0082] In one embodiment, one or both of the upper flaps 1090 can extend from the second side wall 112 instead of from the first side wall 111. A clearance 194 small enough to allow the upper flap to be folded and to allow mutual feedback force is arranged between the upper flap and the first side wall 111 in such a case.

[0083] The clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the corresponding side wall may be equal to or different from the clearance between the distal edge of another upper flap and the corresponding side wall.

[0084] FIG. 11 shows a blank that can correspond to the box of FIG. 10. This blank shows that in some embodiments, the entire box can be made from a single sheet of material (e.g., a paper-based material). In this embodiment, the second actuator 1103 is formed directly by a tab protruding from the first side wall 111, and the specific (first) actuator 130 is formed directly by a tab protruding from the second side wall 112. In this figure, the upper flaps 1090a, 1090b extend directly from the first side wall 111 and are separated from the first side wall 111 by the fold line 111.1. Thus, in this embodiment, the upper flaps are not intended to be made separately from the box and then adhered to the box. The inclined flap portion 1094 is separated from the main portion 1092 by a fold line. The inclined flap portion 1094 is not connected to the first side wall 111 so as to allow an inclination with respect to the main portion 1092 when the main portion 1092 is folded along the fold line 111.1.

[0085] In this embodiment, since the actuators 130, 1103 and the upper flaps are integral with the side walls and the base, the box blank is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness. This is beneficial for the process because the blanks can be stacked on top of each other to form a stack of blanks that are more easily formed, and the stack can be transported stably and safely.

[0086] As described above, the position and number of the actuators (130, 1103) may be changed. Also, as described above, the number and position of the upper flaps 1090 may be changed.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows a lid blank 1206 designed to form a lid suitable for cooperating with a box made from the box blank of FIG. 11. For ease of understanding the drawings, the same numbers as those shown for the lid in FIG. 5 are used for the panels or flaps of the blank shown in this figure. The lid blank 1206 includes an upper panel 120 configured to make the upper part 120 of the lid, and side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 configured to make the sides of the lid. The operating regions 126, 526 are disposed on the panels 121, 122. The tabs 530 extend from the panels 121, 122, are folded into the lid, and are configured to cooperate with the actuators 130, 1103. FIG. 12 shows that the tabs 530 may have various shapes and are at least the same width as the respective actuators 130, 1103. The lid blank 1206 also includes side flaps 1208 intended to be covered with an adhesive to enable the lid to form a substantially parallelepiped shape. Other positions of the side flaps 1208 are similarly possible (e.g., they can extend from the panels 121, 122).

[0088] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a box 1304. Various aspects of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied.

[0089] In this embodiment, the upper flap 1390 extends directly from the side wall 111. In this embodiment, the actuator (a particular actuator or a second actuator) 1303 can be formed by a tab that is folded and optionally adhered to the side wall 111. The actuator 1303 is formed by tearing a precut line (or a weak line) disposed on the upper flap 1390. In other words, a recess 1392 is formed in the upper flap 1390, and the material torn from the upper flap constitutes the actuator 1303. Thereby, the recess and the actuator have complementary shapes.

[0090] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a box 1404. Various aspects of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied.

[0091] In this embodiment, a single upper flap 1490 has two recesses 1492a, 1492b created by tearing material from the upper flap 1490 to form two actuators 1403a, 1403b. Thus, the two actuators 1403a, 1403b are constituted by tabs that are folded and optionally adhered to the side wall 111. The two actuators 1403a, 1403b may be close to each other such that they can be unlocked by actuation in a single operating area, or may be separated such that they can be unlocked by actuation of pressure in two separate operating areas.

[0092] The reader will understand that the number of actuators may be more than two.

[0093] Also, the reader will understand that FIG. 14 shows two actuators formed by tearing material from a single upper flap, but two or more actuators may be formed from two or more upper flaps (i.e., one or more actuators per upper flap).

[0094] As described above, the upper flap may extend from the opposing side walls, and thus each upper flap may be used to form an actuator disposed on the opposing sides of the box.

[0095] FIG. 14 also shows that the inclined tab portion 1494 can be optionally arranged in combination with the fact that a single upper flap extends directly from the side wall 111.

[0096] FIG. 15 shows a front view of the box 1504. Various aspects of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied.

[0097] In this embodiment, the (specific or second) actuator 1503 is formed by two tabs 1504, 1506 surrounded by a cutout region 1507. The sheet of material forming the box 1504 is folded along line 112.1 of the second sidewall 112 and has a distal edge indicated by the dotted line 1508. Thus, the back side of the folded portion (ending at edge 1508) is visible through the cutout 1507.

[0098] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a consumer product 1600 having a container 1602 made of a box 1604 and a lid 1606. The various aspects of the box and lid discussed in connection with the previous figures can be applied.

[0099] In this embodiment, the lid includes one actuation region 526 disposed on the first side 1621 of the lid 1606 and two actuation regions 1626 disposed on the second side 1622 of the lid 1606 opposite the first side 1621. As described in connection with FIG. 5, the tab 530 of the lid cooperates with the actuator 503 protruding from the first sidewall 111, and the actuation region 526 enables the release of the engagement between the tab 530 and the actuator 503. Similarly, the two actuators 1630 disposed on the second sidewall 112 are intended to cooperate with the tabs 530 of the lid disposed inside the side 1622. The two actuation regions 1626 are intended to face the two actuators 1630 such that two fingers of an adult user's hand can release the engagement of the tab 530 from the actuator 1630.

[0100] FIG. 16 also shows that, as discussed in connection with FIG. 4, the upper flap may (but need not) be provided with a recess.

[0101] Figure 17 shows two embodiments of an upper flap that can be used in combination with the embodiments of the two actuators of Figure 16. On the left side, the upper flap 490 has a recess 492 positioned between the two actuators 1630 (in the horizontal direction of Figure 17). Two contact positions 497 (contacts under the application of operating pressure) between the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 490 and the second side wall 112 face the actuator 1630. The right side is an alternative design where the upper flap 1790 has two recesses 1792 facing the actuator 1630, and three contact positions 1797 are offset with respect to the actuator 1630. In some embodiments, the three contact positions 1797 have different widths. For example, the central contact position 1797 may be wider or thinner than the other two contact positions 1797. In some embodiments, there may be respective clearances 194 between the separate contact positions 1797 and the side wall 112. For example, the clearance 194 between the central contact position 1797 and the second side wall 112 may be larger than the clearances 194 between the other two contact positions 1797 and the side wall 112. In other words, some of the contact positions 1797 may be offset (in the vertical direction of Figure 17) with respect to some of the other contact positions.

[0102] As described above, the number of recesses in the upper flap, the number of contact positions, and the number of actuators / operating regions on each side of the box may be appropriately changed. For example, considerations such as robustness, side wall thickness, or container size may affect the number of these articles.

[0103] Figure 18 shows a method 1800 of operating a consumer product having any of the aspects described above. In a first step 1810, when the lid is in the closed position, an operating pressure is applied to a specific operating region to displace a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position. This results in a deformation of at least one of the side walls, whereby the clearance 194 is reduced until the second side wall 112 contacts the distal end 192.

[0104] When the second side wall 112 contacts the distal end 192, a tactile feedback (mutual feedback force) is generated. Thus, the user can intuitively understand that they can proceed to the next step 1820, i.e., pull the lid in a direction opposite to the base.

[0105] The rigidity of the upper flap may be sufficient to stop the second side wall from bending further under the operating pressure applied by an adult hand. Thus, an adult will not misunderstand that the lock has been released regardless of their strength.

[0106] After removing the lid from the opening by pivoting the lid or separating the lid from the box, the user may want to access the detergent product inside the box. In some embodiments, accessing the detergent product requires a step 1830 of folding the upper flap.

[0107] In particular, as shown in relation to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the user can access the detergent product without having to fold the upper flap.

[0108] The present disclosure also relates to a closing method comprising folding the upper flap and sliding (or pivoting) the lid downward until the lock is engaged. The lock is automatically engaged when the actuator bounces back to the locked position. A sound (click) can be perceived by the user and constitutes an audible feedback indicating proper engagement of the lock.

[0109] In some embodiments, the consumer product can optionally include instructions on the outer surface of the container indicating how to operate the actuator to open and close the container. Other useful regulatory or advertising information can be provided as well. In some embodiments, some or all of the information may be drawn, printed, or labeled on one or more of the top flaps. One or more top flaps may be configured to be torn (e.g., near the hinge of the side wall, e.g., by a score line or perforation). In some embodiments, the torn top flap may function as a promotional coupon.

[0110] FIG. 19 shows a method of packaging a detergent product in a box to obtain a consumer product as described above. Method 1900 includes setting the top flap to an open orientation 1910, positioning the opening of the box under the dispensing system when the top flap is in the open orientation 1920, dispensing the detergent product into the box when the box is under the dispensing system 1930, folding the top flap to a closed orientation 1940 when the detergent product is in the box, and closing the box with a lid 1950 in response to folding the top flap. Optionally, an opening disclosure sticker may be placed to connect the lid to the box.

[0111] Machines and methods as discussed in European Patent Application Publication No. 4224116 (A1) can be used.

[0112] The material constituting the container As described in detail below, the containers of the present disclosure can be made partially or entirely from paper materials such as paperboard, cardboard, or materials selected from laminates including at least one paperboard or cardboard layer. Paperboard or cardboard includes cellulose fiber materials or mixtures thereof. The materials used to make the containers may include other components such as colorants, protective varnishes, surface strengthening coatings, barrier coatings, preservatives, recycled fiber materials, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, oxygen barriers, fragrance barriers, and moisture barriers, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the length of the cellulose fibers ranges from 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably from 1 to 3 mm, to provide the desired tear resistance and strength. In some embodiments, the cellulose fibers are supplied from various sources such as fresh softwood or hardwood, hemp, grass, corn, bagasse, sugarcane, bamboo or others, and / or from post-manufacture or post-consumer recycled paper and cardboard. The containers may include printed areas, either external or internal. The containers may be made, for example, by cardboard manufacturing. Suitable container manufacturing processes may include, but are not limited to, tube formation from a flat sheet of cardboard or paperboard by an adhesive process, folding, or combinations thereof. The containers may be opaque, for example, to protect the contents from external light, or may filter some specific wavelengths. In some embodiments, the containers are at least partially, and in some specific examples entirely, composed of paper-based materials. Paper-based materials are meant herein to mean materials that include paper. Without being bound by theory, "paper" should be understood as a material made from cellulosic pulp. Paperboard may be made from a paper-based material having a thickness and rigidity such that it does not collapse under its own weight. Paperboard should be understood to include a single layer of material, while cardboard should be understood to include multiple layers of paper-based materials. In some embodiments, the paper-based material includes paperboard, cardboard, or mixtures thereof, and preferably, cardboard includes paperboard, corrugated board, or mixtures thereof. Corrugated board includes a series of flutes. Each flute can be understood as a channel. The flutes extend parallel to each other, and the direction of the flutes is the direction that progresses along each channel.Further details of the material forming the container are given further below.

[0113] The paper-based material may be a laminate including paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the cardboard includes paperboard, corrugated cardboard, or a mixture thereof, and in some embodiments, includes at least another material. In some embodiments, the at least another material includes a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes polyethylene, more specifically Low-Density PolyEthylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes a copolymer starting from ethylene and vinyl alcohol, or EVOH. As the at least another material, a barrier material may be used. The barrier material may be biaxially oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof. The at least another material may include wax, a cellulose material, polyvinyl alcohol, silica dioxide, a casein-based material, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the paper-based laminate includes a paper-based laminate of a fiber-based material of more than 50% by weight, preferably more than 85% by weight, more preferably more than 95% by weight. In some embodiments, the barrier material may include a plastic material having a thickness of 10 microns to 60 microns. In some embodiments, the barrier material may include a plastic material having a thickness of 10 microns to 35 microns. The paper-based material may be a laminate.

[0114] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the container comprises paperboard, cardboard, or a mixture thereof, and in certain embodiments, the cardboard comprises a laminate of paperboard, corrugated board, polyethylene, particularly LDPE, or a mixture thereof, and in some embodiments, the outer surface of the container comprises at least another material. Alternatively, the at least another material may also be laminated between two paper-based material layers such as a paperboard or cardboard layer according to the present disclosure. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this at least another material may act as a barrier to leaked liquid absorbed by the paper-based material facing the inside of the container, preventing or reducing the flow of contaminants through the walls of the container. Other structures may be found to be effective in avoiding leakage from the contents or protecting the contents from external fluids, such as from a shower, sink, or from handling the container with wet hands. Contamination of the walls of the container can be objectionable to the consumer or can contaminate the storage area.

[0115] In some embodiments, the container is made of a paper-based material that includes at least another material laminated between two corrugated board layers.

[0116] In some embodiments, the materials used for the container include a core corrugated flute material sandwiched between two planar cardboard (or paperboard) layers and a polyethylene laminate.

[0117] The paperboard or cardboard layer according to the present disclosure may be made of or include recycled materials or recycled cellulose fibers. The outer surface of the container may include a coating or varnish. Such a coating or varnish may help make the paperboard water-repellent or may help protect the contents, such as an enclosed detergent composition, from UV light. The coating or varnish may also help protect the outer surface of the lid, box, or container from contamination by the contents, such as an enclosed detergent composition, in the event of leakage of a water-soluble unit-dose detergent enclosing a liquid detergent composition.

[0118] The coating or varnish on the inner surface can prevent the contents from adhering to the inner surface, or can help prevent ink, colorants, fragrances, non-ionic substances, oils, greases and other components from moving from the contents into the cardboard or from the cardboard onto the contents, or prevent ink or additives from moving from the cardboard onto the contents. In some embodiments, a detergent-resistant varnish or coating can be applied to the area exposed to the contents.

[0119] As described above, the container can actually be made of paper or cardboard material, particularly rigid cardboard material, flexible cardboard material, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the material forming the container or cover has a wall thickness of more than 220 microns and less than 3 mm. In some embodiments, the material forming the container has a thickness of more than 1 mm and less than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the material forming the container is folded onto itself, for example, to reinforce part or all of a box or cover. The container can be made of paper material, bio-based material, bamboo fiber, cellulose fiber, cellulose-based or fiber-based material, or a mixture thereof. The container can be made of a material containing recycled material, for example, recycled cellulose fiber-based material. In some embodiments, for ease of opening, the cover may be completely separated from the box when opened, and the cover has a weight of less than 200 g, preferably less than 100 g, more preferably less than 80 g, and more than 10 g, more preferably more than 30 g, even more preferably more than 40 g to obtain a sufficiently robust cover structure.

[0120] In some embodiments, the container is made of a corrugated layer, the corrugated layer includes flutes, and the flutes preferably extend parallel to the vertical direction (for the side walls and the corresponding directions of the upper flap and the base respectively). The flutes reinforce the strength of the container.

[0121] Detergent composition In some embodiments, the consumer product includes at least one water-soluble unit dose article and a container. The consumer product may be sold "as is", in other words, the consumer product is a product that a consumer picks up from the shelf. Alternatively, the consumer product may be housed as one unit of a multi-component product. For example, two or more consumer products may be housed within an outer package, or multiple packaged consumer products may be sold together in a single purchase. The consumer product may include aesthetic elements, such as a shrink sleeve or a label affixed to the container. Alternatively, the container may be colored or may have beneficial printed matter, such as aesthetic elements or usage instructions, printed thereon.

[0122] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit dose article includes at least one water-soluble film adapted to create at least one unit dose internal compartment, and the at least one unit dose internal compartment contains a detergent composition. The water-soluble film and the detergent composition will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the consumer product includes at least one water-soluble unit dose article, optionally at least two water-soluble unit dose articles, optionally at least ten water-soluble unit dose articles, optionally at least twenty water-soluble unit dose articles, optionally at least thirty water-soluble unit dose articles, optionally at least forty water-soluble unit dose articles, optionally at least forty-five water-soluble unit dose articles. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit dose article is in the form of a pouch. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit dose article contains a unit dose of the composition as a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in the end use. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit dose article includes one water-soluble film shaped such that the unit dose article includes at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The at least one compartment contains a cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed so that the cleaning composition does not leak from the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor. The unit dose article may include more than one compartment, at least two compartments, or at least three compartments, or at least four compartments, or at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a stacked orientation, i.e., one on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be arranged in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., adjacent to each other. The compartments may be oriented in a "tire and rim" configuration, i.e., the first compartment is positioned adjacent to the second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In some embodiments, the unit dose article includes at least two compartments, and one of the compartments is smaller than the other compartment.In some embodiments, when the unit dose article includes at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and in some embodiments, the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartment. The superimposed compartments are, in some embodiments, oriented side by side. In some embodiments, each individual unit dose article may have a weight of 10 g to 40 g, or even 15 g to 35 g. The water-soluble film may be soluble or dispersible in water. Before being formed into the unit dose article, the water-soluble film has, in some embodiments, a thickness of 20 to 150 micrometers, in other embodiments 35 to 125 micrometers, in further embodiments 50 to 110 micrometers, and in still further embodiments about 76 micrometers. Examples of water-soluble film materials include polymer materials. The film material can be obtained, for example, by casting, blowing, extrusion or coextrusion of the polymer material. In some embodiments, the water-soluble film includes a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, for example, a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, for example, the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, for example, the water-soluble composition includes a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or alternatively a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers. Alternatively, the polyvinyl alcohol in the water-soluble film consists of an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, particularly a carboxylated polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. In some embodiments, the water-soluble film is supplied by Monosol under the product reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310. In some embodiments, the film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include printed areas. The printed areas can be obtained using techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. The film may include an aversion agent, for example a bittering agent.Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, sodium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary levels of the aversion agent include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000 ppm, 100 to 2500 ppm, or 250 to 2000 ppm. The water-soluble film or water-soluble unit-dose article or both may be coated with a lubricant. In some embodiments, the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.

[0123] In some embodiments, the container includes a first portion, and the first portion includes a first compartment in which at least one water-soluble unit-dose article is contained. In some embodiments, the first compartment includes at least two water-soluble unit-dose articles. The first compartment may include 1 to 80 water-soluble unit-dose articles, 1 to 60 water-soluble unit-dose articles, 1 to 40 water-soluble unit-dose articles, or 1 to 20 water-soluble unit-dose articles. The volume of the first compartment may be 500 mL to 5000 mL, and in some embodiments 800 mL to 4000 mL.

[0124] In some embodiments, the detergent product includes a detergent composition. The detergent composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition may include a solid, a liquid, or a mixture thereof. The term "liquid" includes gels, solutions, suspensions, pastes, or mixtures thereof. The solid may be a powder. As used herein, "powder" means that the detergent composition may contain solid particles or may be a single homogeneous solid. In some embodiments, the powder detergent composition contains particles. In this case, in contrast to the solid being a single homogeneous solid, the powder detergent composition means containing individual solid particles. The particles may be free-flowing or compressed. The laundry detergent composition can be used for hand washing fabric operations or for automatic fabric machine washing operations, for example, it is used in automatic fabric machine washing operations. Exemplary laundry detergent compositions include non-soap surfactants, and the non-soap surfactants include anionic non-soap surfactants and nonionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition contains 10 wt% to 60 wt%, or 20 wt% to 55 wt% of non-soap surfactants of the laundry detergent composition. Exemplary weight ratios of non-soap anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants are 1:1 to 20:1, 1.5:1 to 17.5:1, 2:1 to 15:1, or 2.5:1 to 13:1. Exemplary non-soap anionic surfactants include linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary weight ratios of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates to alkyl sulfates are 1:2 to 9:1, 1:1 to 7:1, 1:1 to 5:1, or 1:1 to 4:1. Exemplary linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are C 10 ~C 16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or C 11 ~C 14It is an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. In this specification, "linear" means that the alkyl group is linear. Exemplary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants may include alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants include ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants. Exemplary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants may include ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants having a molar average ethoxylation degree of 1 to 5, 1 to 3, or 2 to 3. Exemplary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants may include non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, and the molar average ethoxylation degree of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is 1 to 5, 1 to 3, or 2 to 3. Exemplary alkyl fractions of alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants are derived from fatty alcohols, oxo-synthesized alcohols, gelva alcohols, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition comprises 10 wt% to 50 wt%, 15 wt% to 45 wt%, 20 wt% to 40 wt%, or 30 wt% to 40 wt% of a non-soap anionic surfactant in the laundry detergent composition. In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant is selected from alcohol alkoxylates, oxo-synthesized alcohol alkoxylates, gelva alcohol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alcohol alkoxylates, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition comprises 0.01 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.01 wt% to 8 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 6 wt%, or 0.15 wt% to 5 wt% of a nonionic surfactant in the liquid laundry detergent composition.In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition comprises 1.5 wt% to 20 wt%, 2 wt% to 15 wt%, 3 wt% to 10 wt%, or 4 wt% to 8 wt% of soap in the laundry detergent composition. In some embodiments, fatty acid salts. In some embodiments, amine-neutralized fatty acid salts. In some embodiments, the amine is selected from alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, it is monoethanolamine. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition. In some embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains less than 15 wt%, or less than 12 wt% of water in the liquid laundry detergent composition. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition containing a non-aqueous solvent selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 10 wt% to 40 wt%, or 15 wt% to 30 wt% of non-aqueous solvent in the liquid laundry detergent composition. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition contains a fragrance. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition contains auxiliary components selected from the group consisting of enzymes, citrates, bleaching agents, bleach catalysts, dyes, hue dyes, optical brighteners, cleaning polymers containing alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimine, soil release polymers, surfactants, solvents, anti-migration agents, chelating agents, encapsulated fragrances, polycarboxylates, structuring agents, pH adjusters, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition has a pH of 6 to 10, 6.5 to 8.9, or 7 to 8, and the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured at 20 °C as a 10% product concentration in deionized water. In the case of liquids, the laundry detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. In some embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties than Newtonian liquids. More specifically, the viscosity of a non-Newtonian liquid depends on the shear rate, while a Newtonian liquid has a constant viscosity regardless of the applied shear rate.The decrease in viscosity upon shear application of non-Newtonian liquids is thought to further promote the dissolution of liquid detergents. The liquid laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any suitable viscosity depending on factors such as the ingredients incorporated and the purpose of the composition.

[0125] Examples of consumer products of the present disclosure In a first aspect, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance, the clearance being optionally in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the upper flap, a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper portion and side portions, the upper portion covering the opening and the side portions covering a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position, a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, and when the box and / or the first side wall and / or the second side wall are deformed by the hand of an adult user, preferably while applying an operating pressure, the second side wall contacts the distal edge.

[0126] In a second aspect, considered independently from the previous aspect or in combination with the previous aspect, the consumer product comprises a lock, the lock being a particular actuator connected to a particular portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the particular actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the particular actuator, and a particular operating region disposed on a particular side of the sides, the particular operating region facing the particular actuator and enabling displacement of the particular actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the particular operating region when the lid is in the closed position, and the clearance being such that when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge.

[0127] In a third aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance, the upper flap, a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position, the lid, a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, a specific operating area arranged on a specific side of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position, the specific operating area, the lock, the upper flap comprising a proximal flap part connected to the upper part of the first side wall and a distal edge, the proximal flap part being hinged to a main flap part, the main flap part being offset from the upper edge of the side wall towards the base in the longitudinal direction of the container when the upper flap is in the closed orientation.

[0128] In a fourth aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls. The upper flap is optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side walls and is optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance. The container further includes a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box. The lid optionally includes an upper portion and side portions. When the lid is in the closed position, the upper portion covers the opening and the side portions cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall. The container also includes a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall. The specific actuator is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator. The container further includes a specific operating area disposed on a specific side portion of the side portions. The specific operating area faces the specific actuator, and applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position enables displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position. The upper flap is hinged to the distal edge and includes a distal flap adapted to be folded towards the upper edge of the second side wall when the upper flap is in the closed orientation.

[0129] In a fifth aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls. The upper flap is optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and is optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall among the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance. The container further includes a box as described above, a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally having an upper part and side parts, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, and a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating area disposed on a specific side part of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position. The upper edge of the second side wall includes at least one abutment portion that restricts the movement of the upper flap out of or into the closed orientation, and the at least one abutment portion is preferably configured within a cut-out portion of the second side wall.

[0130] In a sixth aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance; a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position; and a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating area arranged on a specific side part of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position. The distal edge of the upper flap comprises a recess, which is preferably aligned with the specific actuator along the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall.

[0131] In a seventh aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance, the upper flap; a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position; a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating area arranged on a specific side part of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position; the lock comprising the lock, and when an operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap at at least two contact positions, the at least two contact positions not being adjacent.

[0132] In an eighth aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance, the upper flap; a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position; a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating area arranged on a specific side part of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position, the lock comprising the lock; and at least two contact positions are offset from the specific actuator by a distance in the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall, the distance preferably occupying 5% to 30% of the width of the container.

[0133] In a ninth aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product and comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance, the upper flap; a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position; a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating area arranged on a specific side part of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position. When the upper flap is in the closed orientation, the upper flap is hinged to the first side wall such that a resistance torque included in the range from 0.5 N·m / m of the fold line to 5 N·m / m of the fold line opposes its movement away from the closed orientation.

[0134] In a tenth aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls. The upper flap is optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and is optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. When in the closed orientation, the upper flap covers at least a part of the opening. The upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance. The container further comprises a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box. The lid optionally comprises an upper part and side parts. When the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover specific parts of the first side wall or the second side wall. The container also comprises a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall. The specific actuator is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator. The container further includes a specific operating area disposed on a specific side of the side parts. The specific operating area faces the specific actuator. When the lid is in the closed position, applying the operating pressure to the specific operating area enables displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position. The first side wall has a width, and the upper flap has a maximum width that occupies 20% to 99% of the width of the first side wall.

[0135] In an eleventh aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance, the upper flap, a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position, the lid, a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, a specific operating area arranged on a specific side of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position, the lock, and the upper flap comprising at least one through hole enabling an adult finger to fold the upper flap to open it.

[0136] In a twelfth aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance. The container further includes a box and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box. The lid optionally includes an upper part and side parts. When the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall. The container also includes a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating area disposed on a specific side part of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position. The side walls and / or the upper flap are made of a corrugated paper-based material having flutes oriented perpendicular to the upper edge of the first side wall.

[0137] In a 13th aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, a side wall, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side wall and optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance. The upper flap and a box. A lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall. A lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating area disposed on a specific side of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area to displace the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position. The lock and a lock are provided. In the closed orientation, the upper flap is angled with respect to the second side wall at an angle of 70 degrees to 110 degrees.

[0138] In a 14th aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls. The upper flap is optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side walls and is optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance. The container further includes a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box. The lid optionally includes an upper portion and side portions. When the lid is in the closed position, the upper portion covers the opening and the side portions cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall. The container also includes a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall. The specific actuator is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator. The container further includes a specific operating area disposed on a specific side portion of the side portions. The specific operating area faces the specific actuator and, when the lid is in the closed position, enables displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area. The specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall is the first portion of the first side wall, the side portion covers the second portion of the second side wall, the specific actuator is the first actuator, the specific operating area disposed on the specific side portion is the first operating area disposed on the first side portion, the lock further includes at least one second actuator connected to the second portion of the second side wall and movable between the locked position and the open position by applying an operating pressure to the second actuator, and at least one second operating area disposed on the second side portion of the side portions, the second side portion covering the second portion of the second side wall.Each of at least one second actuation region faces a respective second actuator of at least one second actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, by applying an actuation pressure to each second actuation region, it is possible to displace each second actuator from the locked position to the open position. It further comprises at least one second actuation region.

[0139] In a 15th aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls. The upper flap is optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side walls and is optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls on the opposite side of the first side wall by a clearance. The container further includes a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box. The lid optionally includes an upper portion and side portions. When the lid is in the closed position, the upper portion covers the opening and the side portions cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall. The consumer product also includes a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall. The specific actuator is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator. The consumer product further includes a specific operating area disposed on a specific side portion of the side portions. The specific operating area faces the specific actuator, and applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position enables displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position. The consumer product further includes a stopper configured to prevent the upper flap from pivoting downward beyond the closed orientation. The stopper is at least one protruding tab of the upper flap engaging a stopper recess disposed on the inner surface of the second side wall, or a stopper tab of the second side wall protruding from the inner surface of the second side wall and on which the upper flap rests when in the closed orientation.

[0140] In a 16th aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, the box comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls, the upper flap being optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side walls and being optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance, the upper flap, a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper part and side parts, the upper part covering the opening and the side parts covering a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in the closed position, the lid, a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific part of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, a specific operating area arranged on a specific side of the side parts, the specific operating area facing the specific actuator and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position, the lock, and the upper flap comprising a main flap part and an inclined flap part angled downwardly with respect to the main part.

[0141] In a 17th aspect, considered independently of the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container. The container is a box for containing the detergent product, and includes a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, the side walls, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side walls. The upper flap is optionally hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls and is optionally foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper flap covers at least a part of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap has a distal edge separated from the second side wall of the side walls opposite the first side wall by a clearance. The container further includes a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box. The lid optionally includes an upper part and side parts. When the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover specific portions of the first side wall or the second side wall. The container also includes a lock configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position. The lock includes a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating area disposed on a specific side of the side parts. The specific operating area faces the specific actuator, and applying an operating pressure to the specific operating area enables displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position when the lid is in the closed position. The upper flap includes at least one recess having a certain shape, and the specific actuator has a shape corresponding to the shape of the at least one recess.

[0142] In an 18th aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a method for opening a consumer product, optionally according to any of the previous aspects, is to apply an operating pressure to a specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position to displace a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position, wherein the clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the side wall is such that the side wall contacts the distal end by applying the operating pressure, including displacing.

[0143] In a 19th aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a method for opening a consumer product, optionally according to any of the previous aspects, includes pulling the lid in a direction opposite to the base and / or folding the upper flap to allow access to the detergent product.

[0144] In a 20th aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a method for opening a consumer product, optionally according to any of the previous aspects, is such that when the operating pressure is applied by an adult's hand, the second side wall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the upper flap has sufficient rigidity to stop the further bending of the second side wall under the operating pressure applied by an adult's hand.

[0145] In a 21st aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a closing method includes folding the upper flap in a closed direction and sliding (or pivoting) the lid downward until the lock is engaged. The lock may automatically engage when the actuator rebounds to the locked position. A sound (click) can be perceived by the user and constitutes audible feedback indicating proper engagement of the lock.

[0146] In a 22nd aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a method for packaging a detergent product to optionally obtain a consumer product according to any of aspects 1 to 17, the method comprising optionally setting an upper flap in an open orientation, placing an opening of a box under a dispensing system when the upper flap is in the open orientation, dispensing the detergent product into the box when the box is under the dispensing system, optionally rebounding the detergent product on the upper flap, optionally folding the upper flap in a closed orientation when the detergent product is in the box, and closing the box with a lid in response to folding the upper flap.

[0147] In a 23rd aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a lid blank and / or a container blank for forming a lid and / or a box according to any of aspects 1 to 17 are provided. The lid blank may comprise a main panel intended to form an upper part and a secondary panel intended to form a side part. An operating area, i.e., a recess, notch, through-hole, etc., may be provided on the secondary panel of the lid blank. The lid blank may comprise a score line intended to facilitate folding the lid blank into a lid. The box blank may comprise a main panel intended to form a side wall of a container. The box blank may comprise a secondary panel intended to form a base and a dust flap intended to connect two side walls. The box blank may include a score line intended to facilitate folding the box blank into a box. The box blank may comprise an upper flap panel. Alternatively, the upper flap panel may be formed separately and independently from the box blank. Then, the upper flap panel can be adhered to the side wall of the blank before or after folding the blank into a box. The box blank may comprise a pre-cut line, optionally disposed on the upper flap, intended to form an actuator.

[0148] In a 24th aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a container blank is provided for forming a box, in particular a consumer product such as in aspect 16. The container blank comprises a main sidewall panel intended to form the first and second sidewalls, and a secondary sidewall panel intended to form the transverse sidewalls. The container blank further comprises at least one upper flap hinged to each respective main sidewall panel. The length of each upper flap may be less than the width of the transverse sidewall so as to provide a clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the opposite sidewall when the blank is folded into a box. At least one upper flap may each be provided with at least one wing flap extending from the side face of the upper flap. The wing flap is intended to construct an inclined flap as described in some of the above embodiments. The wing flap may have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0149] In a 25th aspect, considered independently from the previous aspects or in combination with any of the previous aspects, a method is provided for forming a lid and / or a box according to any of aspects 1 to 17. The method may include folding panels and / or flaps of a lid blank to form a lid and folding a box blank to form a box. The method may include folding an upper flap. The method may include tearing an actuator from a panel of the box blank and optionally from an upper flap.

[0150] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and the functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A consumer product (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a detergent product and a container (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), said container comprising: A box (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 904, 1004, 1304, 1404, 1504? 1604) containing the detergent product, the box comprising: A base (110); side walls (111, 112, 113, 114, 812, 912) extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge opposite the base; an opening (180) on the opposite side of said base; a top flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) hinged to an upper portion of a first one of said side walls, said top flap being foldable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, said top flap covering at least a portion of said opening when in said closed orientation, said top flap having a distal edge (192) separated from a second one of said side walls opposite said first side wall by a clearance (194), said clearance being between 0.1 mm and 5 mm; a lid (106, 506) configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid having a top (120) and a side (121-124, 1621, 1622), the top covering the opening and the side covering a particular portion of the first side wall or the second side wall when the lid is in a closed position; a lock (108) configured to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position, the lock comprising: a specific actuator (130, 1203, 1303, 1403) connected to the specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an actuation pressure to the specific actuator; a lock comprising a specific actuation area (126, 526) located on a specific one of the sides, the specific actuation area facing the specific actuator, and allowing the specific actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by application of the actuation pressure to the specific actuation area when the lid is in the closed position; The clearance is such that when the actuation pressure is applied, the second sidewall contacts the distal edge.

2. 2. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the top flap (290, 390, 590, 990) comprises a proximal flap portion (291) connected to the upper portion of the first side wall (111) and a main flap portion (293) having the distal edge (192) and hinged to the proximal flap portion (291), wherein the main flap portion is offset from the upper edge of the side wall toward the base in the longitudinal direction of the container when the top flap (290) is in the closed orientation.

3. 3. The consumer product of claim 1 or 2, wherein the top flap (390, 990) comprises a distal flap (397, 992) hinged to the distal edge and adapted to fold towards the upper edge (112.1) of the second side wall when the top flap is in the closed orientation.

4. 4. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper edge of the second side wall comprises at least one abutment (312) limiting movement of the top flap out of or into the closed orientation, the at least one abutment preferably being configured within a cut-out portion of the second side wall.

5. A consumer product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distal edge of the top flap (490, 1790) comprises a recess (492, 1792), said recess preferably being aligned with said particular actuator along the direction of the top edge of the second side wall.

6. 6. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein upon application of the actuation pressure, the second side wall contacts the distal edge of the top flap at at least two contact locations (497, 1797), the at least two contact locations being non-adjacent.

7. 7. The consumer product of claim 6, wherein the at least two contact locations (497, 1797) are offset from the particular actuator by a distance in the direction of the top edge of the second side wall, the distance preferably accounting for 5% to 30% of the width of the container.

8. 8. Consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when said top flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) is in said closed orientation, said top flap is hinged to said first side wall such that a resisting torque contained in a fold of between 0,5 N.m / m and 5 N.m / m opposes movement thereof out of said closed orientation.

9. 9. The consumer product of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first side wall has a width (116) and the top flap has a maximum width (196) that occupies between 20% and 99% of the width of the first side wall.

10. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top flap (590, 690) comprises at least one through hole (592) that allows an adult's finger to fold the top flap open.

11. 11. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the side wall (111-114, 812, 912) and / or the top flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) are made from a corrugated paper type material having flutes oriented perpendicular to the top edge of the first side wall.

12. The consumer product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed orientation, the top flap is angled relative to the second side wall (112, 812, 912) at an angle (α) between 70 degrees and 110 degrees.

13. the particular portion of the first side wall or the second side wall is a first portion of the first side wall, the side portion covers a second portion of the second side wall, the particular actuator is a first actuator, the particular actuation area located on the particular side is a first actuation area located on the first side, and the lock is at least one second actuator connected to the second portion of the second sidewall, the at least one second actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by application of an actuation pressure to the second actuator; 13. The consumer product of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one second actuation area arranged on a second one of the sides, the second side covering the second portion of the second side wall, each of the at least one second actuation area facing a respective second actuator of the at least one second actuator, and enabling application of the actuation pressure to the respective second actuation area to displace the respective second actuator from the locked position to the open position when the lid is in the closed position.

14. 14. The consumer product of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a stopper preventing the top flap from pivoting downwardly beyond the closed orientation, the stopper being at least one protruding tab (996) of the top flap engaging a stopper recess (912.1) located on an inner surface of the second side wall (912) or a stopper tab (818) of the second side wall protruding from an inner surface (816) of the second side wall and against which the top flap rests when in the closed orientation.

15. The consumer product of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the top flap comprises a main flap portion (1092) and an angled flap portion (1094, 1494) angled downwardly relative to the main portion (1092).

16. 16. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the top flap comprises at least one recess (1392, 192a, 1492b) having a shape, and the particular actuator (1303, 1403a, 1403b) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the at least one recess (1392, 192a, 1492b).

17. A method (1800) for opening a consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: applying an actuation pressure to the particular actuation area when the lid is in the closed position to displace the particular actuator from the locked position to the open position (1810), the clearance being such that application of the actuation pressure causes the second sidewall to contact the distal end; Pulling the lid in a direction away from the base (1820); folding (1830) the top flap to allow access to the detergent product; A method comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein when the actuation pressure is applied by an adult hand, the second side wall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the top flap has sufficient rigidity to prevent the second side wall from further bending under the actuation pressure applied by the adult hand.

19. A method (1900) for packaging a detergent product to obtain a consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: configuring the top flap in an open orientation (1910); positioning the opening of the box under a dispensing system when the top flap is in the open orientation (1920); dispensing (1930) the detergent product into the box while the box is under the dispensing system; folding (1940) the top flap into the closed orientation while the detergent product is within the box; closing the box with the lid (1950) in response to folding the top flap; and A method comprising:

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