Sealable container and method of sealing a container

Abstract

A sealable container for at least one item, the container comprising: a body portion; a closure member for closing the body portion; at least one aperture in the closure member; at least one sealing component projecting from at least one of the side walls of the body portion; wherein, the sealing component comprises at one sealing portion located at the unfastened terminal of the sealing component; whereby, the sealable container is such that when the closure member is in a position which closes the body portion, the sealing component is of complimentary position and dimension to the aperture of the closure member; the sealing component seals the container closed when passed through the aperture of the closure member and is fastened; the sealable container is such that when sealed the sealing component forms a flat surface on top of the closure member; and where fastened, the sealing component forms a single use joint, by fastening means, which must be broken to open the sealed container.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a sealable container. More especially, this invention relates to containers for items that are for sale and that need to be transported from place to place. Yet more especially, this invention relates to a sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Containers used by retailers to post orders to their customers need to be closed and sealed in a way to offer tamper proofing to deter or detect unauthorised interfering while an item reaches the final destination. Taping using adhesive film (Sellotape, Scotch, etc.) is the conventional method used for this purpose, but increasingly the need for a better solution is emerging.

[0003] First, retailers need to ensure that their packing process is fast and efficient, saving them time and consequently money. Second, to offer the best service, retailers need to make sure that their packaging not only is easy and convenient for the recipient to open but is also designed to be completely hassle-free when customers like to send back their order. Third, as e-commerce surge in popularity so does problems related to theft of content while a parcel is in transit. Peace of mind for purchasers is paramount in ensuring trust in a retailer. Forth, the sustainability aspect is now felt much stronger by consumers and increasingly it is expected that retailers take every possible step to lessen the environmental impact when shipping orders or risk jeopardising their image and credentials, ultimately damaging their sales.

[0004] To respond to those challenges, it is here presented an invention that aims to lessen the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] First, the present invention offers a way to close and seal a container that can improve efficiency for the vendor compared to using adhesive tape, particularly for boxes having the entirety of the side walls covered from the side flaps of the lid or where the boxes consist of two pieces and are characterised by a lid and / or bottom telescoping over the body of the box. Such containers are commonly called within the packaging industry as Fefco 300 (extending to 301, 302, 303, etc.) and Fefco 759. The sealing of this type of containers typically requires applying the sealing tape in a way that overlays and connects the bottom base of the box with the side walls of the lid, which necessarily requires the lifting of the parcel (see picture enclosed) and may be inconvenient and time consuming especially if the parcel is heavy and / or of large dimensions.

[0006] The present invention lessens the above-mentioned problem by modifying the existing design of known containers to provide it with an aperture on the lid used for the passage of a fastening component that adheres and consequently connects two surfaces of the container to provide a way to close and securely seal a container with more efficiency.

[0007] Second, another problem with boxes having the entirety of the side walls covered from the side flaps of the lid or where the boxes consist of two pieces and are characterised by a lid and / or bottom telescoping over the body of the box, is that that they are unable to incorporate an opening strip, which allows for a convenient opening of the box by the receiver, nor they are able to incorporate a second adhesive strip, which allows for convenient reclosing of a box, should the end-consumer wish to return a purchase. In order to offer the best experience, merchants are increasingly using shipping containers that have pull to open strips, or other similar features, that facilitate the unfastening of the container by the receiver, avoiding thus the need to cut, using scissors or other sharp tools, through the sealing tape in order to open the shipping container. Furthermore, merchants may prefer to use containers that feature a second adhesive strip, which allows for convenient reclosing of a box, should the end-consumer wish to return a purchase, avoiding thus that the receiver needs to use their own adhesive tape to reclose a container.

[0008] The present invention lessens the above-mentioned problems by modifying the existing design of known containers to provide them with an aperture on the lid used for the passage of a fastening component connecting two surfaces of the container and additionally incorporating at least one pull to open strip to facilitate the unfastening of the container by the receiver and can also incorporate a second adhesive strip, which allows for convenient reclosing of the container. Said fastening component once is passed through the aperture on the lid can be connected to it, and consequently adhere, to its flat surface to provide a way to close and securely seal a container, which is able to incorporate features to ease opening and reclosing of the container.

[0009] Third, a sealing tape that appears have been removed or interfered with may rise suspicion of unduly interference with the parcel, but sometime a damaged sealing tape may be just the result of the handling of the container between sender and receiver. Particularly when the sealing tape needs to be applied to the bottom of the box, it is likely it will encounter significant friction during its handling, such as when it travels on conveyor belts in a sorting centre or when is moved in or out of the delivery vans, and this friction may cause damages to the adhesive tape, which may look as an unduly interference with container. By avoiding the use of sealing tape to the bottom surface of a container the present invention improves on the security of the container and prevents delays caused by excessive wear and tear of the parcel during handling.

[0010] Fourth, the present invention is yet further advantageous in that it facilitates the recyclability of fibre-based containers and other packaging. The copious use of plastics adhesive tape, particularly when applied in a non-professional manner, such as when a purchaser sends back their e-commerce order, tends to hinder the recyclability of fibre-based materials because the plastics tape is not able to be recycled. Often it is difficult to separate the plastics tape from the fibre-based packaging that it is to be recycled. The present invention reduces the amount of residue on the container, which greatly facilitates recycling of fibre-based materials.STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

[0011] A sealable container for at least one item, the container comprising: a body portion; a closure member for closing the body portion; at least one aperture in the closure member; at least one sealing component projecting from at least one of the side walls of the body portion; wherein, the sealing component comprises at one sealing portion located at the unfastened terminal of the sealing component; whereby, the sealable container is such that when the closure member is in a position which closes the body portion, the sealing component is of complimentary position and dimension to the aperture of the closure member; the sealing component seals the container closed when passed through the aperture of the closure member and is fastened; the sealable container is such that when sealed the sealing component forms a flat surface on top of the closure member; and where fastened, the sealing component forms a single use joint, by fastening means, which must be broken to open the sealed container.

[0012] Preferably, the aperture of the closure member is created by perforation, or otherwise weakened, resulting in a flap-like portion on the closure member.

[0013] Preferably, the first sealing component is manufactured separately from the body portion and is attached at a later stage.

[0014] Preferably, the sealing component is manufactured separately from the body portion and is attached at a later stage, wherein: the sealing component passes through the aperture; the emerged sealing component is bent so to be in a parallel position with the surfaces of the closure member and; the sealing component can be fastened to the surface of the closure member by an integral adhesive sealing portion, or byway of another suitable fastening means.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing component is manufactured separately from the sealable container, wherein: the sealing component comprises a first and second sealing portion at respective terminal ends of the sealing component; the sealing component seals the sealable container closed when the first sealing portion is fastened to the body portion, the sealing component is passed through the aperture of the closure member and the second sealing portion is fastened to another surface of the sealable container; and the first and second sealing strips of the sealing component fasten to the sealable container by an integral adhesive sealing portion, or byway of another suitable fastening means.

[0016] Alternatively, the sealing component comprises a first and second sealing portions located at the unfastened terminal of the sealing component and separated by a perforation traversing the horizontal plane of the sealing component; wherein, the first sealing portion seals the sealable container when first sealed by fastening to the surface of the closure member; the first sealing portion of the sealing component is rendered unusable by tearing of the perforated strip; and the second sealing portion seals the sealable container a second time, after the sealable container has been sealed once before by the first sealing portion; the sealing component can be fastened to the surface of the closure member by an integral adhesive sealing portion, or byway of another suitable fastening means.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing component is manufactured separately from the sealable container; wherein, the first and second sealing portions are locatable at the unfasted terminus of the sealing component and a third sealing portion is locatable at the alternative terminus of the sealing component; the sealing component seals the sealable container closed when the third sealing portion is fastened to the body portion, the sealing component is passed through the aperture of the closure member and the first sealing portion or second sealing portion is fastened to another surface of the sealable container; and the first, second and third sealing portions of the sealing component fasten to the sealable container by an integral adhesive sealing portion, or byway of another suitable fastening means.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of sealing a container, the container having a box form with a base, side walls and a hinged lid, and having a slot in the lid at or near a distal edge to be locatable above and beyond a side wall of the box when the lid is closed over the wall, the method comprising the step of extending a sealing strip through the slot and adhering one end to an outer surface of the lid above the slot and adhering the other end of the strip to an outer surface of a side wall beneath the slot.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place, with the sealable container being shown open;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows the sealable container of FIG. 1 in a flat assembly configuration which is required for assembly into the sealable container, having the sealing component integral to the container;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows the sealable container of FIG. 1 in a flat assembly configuration which is required for assembly into the sealable container, but having the sealing component manufactured separately from to the container and attached to it at a later stage;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a third flat assembly configuration for a third sealable container;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third sealable container produced using the flat assembly configuration shown in FIG. 4, with the sealable container being shown open;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 5 but with the sealable container closed but not sealed, having the sealing component emerging through an opening of the closure member;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 8 but with the sealable container closed and sealed;

[0027] FIG. 8 a view like FIG. 4 but having the sealing component incorporating a pull to open strip and a second adhesive strip;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a view like FIG. 4 but having the sealing component manufactured together with the blank of the container;

[0029] FIG. 10 shows a fourth flat assembly configuration for a fourth sealable container;

[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fourth sealable container produced using the flat assembly configuration shown in FIG. 10, with the sealable container being shown open and one extremity of the sealing component attached to the container;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a view like FIG. 11 but with the sealable container closed and having both extremity of the sealing component attached to the container;

[0032] FIG. 13 shows a sealing component designed and constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 14 shows a sealable container that can be sealed by the sealing component of FIG. 13;

[0034] FIGS. 15 and 16 show the method of sealing the container of FIG. 14, with the sealing component of FIG. 13;

[0035] FIG. 17 shows the container of 14 sealed; and

[0036] FIG. 18 shows a net of the container of FIGS. 15 to 17 in its unfolded state.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown a sealable container 2 for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place. The sealable container 2 comprises a body portion 6 and a closure member 4 for closing the body portion 6. The sealable container 2 is such that there is at least one aperture 8 in the closure member 4.

[0038] The body portion 6 has a sealing component 10, which is an area projecting from at least one of the side walls of container 2.

[0039] The aperture 8 is created by perforating, or otherwise weakening, the of closure member 4.

[0040] When the sealing component 10 is passed through the aperture 8, the sealing component 10 is folded to a parallel position with respect to the closure member 4. The sealing component is fastened to the surface of the closure member such that it creates a flat surface which will not interfere with the handling of the container 2 while in transit.

[0041] The operation just described improves on the typical packing process where an adhesive tape needs to be applied so to connect the closure member 4 and body portion 6, as connecting sealing component 10 with the closure member 4 can be executed quickly and efficiently and without the need to lift the container 2.

[0042] Additionally, it also improves on the security of the container 2 as the sealing tape applied to the bottom of the box is likely to encounter significant friction during its handling, such as when it travels on conveyor belts in a sorting centre or when is moved in or out of the delivery vans, and this friction may cause damages to the adhesive tape, which may look as an unduly interference with container 2.

[0043] Avoiding the use of adhesive tape is also beneficial from an environmental sustainability point of view.

[0044] The sealable container 2 in the form of the box may be produced by stamping a piece of cardboard to a flat sheet assembly configuration 14 shown in FIG. 2. This configuration is then able to be folded along the illustrated broken lines in order to form the box shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a flat sheet assembly configuration 16 which is able to be folded to produce a box as shown in FIG. 1, except that sealing component 10 is manufactured separately from the flat sheet assembly configuration 16, and is attached to it in a later stage. Sealing component 10 may be attached to the container 2 while still in its flat sheet configuration, or later when the sealable container 2 is folded and erected, ready to receive an item for transport. This is advantageous when a retailer would like to use the same container within a brick- and mortar shop and use the same container also for its e-commerce channel. When an item is purchased in a brick- and mortar shop the sealing function may not be required, but the same container can be used for postal shipping as it can be securely sealed by applying sealing component 10 to container 2.

[0046] Preferably sealing component 10 may be attached to the container 2 with a stapler, but a peel-off patch or other adhesive means could also be used.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a flat sheet assembly configuration 28 which is able to be folded to produce a third sealable container 34 comprising a box as shown in FIG. 5.

[0048] Sealable container 34 also comprises a body portion 6 having sealing component 10 and at least one aperture 8 placed within the closure member 4 for closing the body portion 6.

[0049] When the sealable container 34 is closed the sealing component 10 passes through the aperture 8. The emerged sealing component 10 is then bent so to be in a parallel position with the surfaces of closure member 4, as shown in FIG. 7, and can be connected to it by adhesive means such as a peel off patch 30, or by other means, resulting in the container 34 being sealed in a way to offer tamper proofing.

[0050] This is advantageous as it is provided a way to close and securely seal a container without the use of adhesive tape and without the need to lift the container.

[0051] In addition, as it seen in FIG. 8, sealing component 10 can be provided with a pull to open strip 38, which brings convenience in opening the sealable container 34.

[0052] Furthermore, as it can be also seen in FIG. 8, sealing component 10 can be provided with a second sealing strip 40, which can be used to close and securely seal a container a second time, and is convenient for the purchaser as the sealable container 34 can be used for another shipment.

[0053] Sealing component 10 can be manufactured separately from the flat configuration but can also be manufactured at the same time of the flat sheet assembly configuration of sealable container 34, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0054] FIG. 10 shows a fourth flat assembly configuration 44 for a fourth sealable container 46 in the form of a box, comprising the fastener means 10.

[0055] FIGS. 11 and 12 shows the fourth sealable container produced using the flat assembly configuration shown in FIG. 10.

[0056] The fastener means 10 seals the sealable container 46 closed when the first extremity of fastener means 10 is fixed to container 6 then passed through the aperture 8 of closure member 4 and then the second extremity of the fastener means 10 is fixed to another surface of container 46.

[0057] Preferably, fastener means 10 comprises two integral sealing formation 30 and 40 in the form of an adhesive sealing portion, but alternative sealing method can also be used.

[0058] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a sealable container and sealing component or strip designed and constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 15 to 17 show the method of sealing the container of this embodiment. FIG. 18 shows a net (unfolded image) of the container.

[0059] The container 50 of FIG. 14 is formed from cardboard or similar material and takes the general from of a conventional shoe box. The container 50 has a single slot 52 through which a sealing component 54 can be received to seal the container 50 in use, as will be described below.

[0060] The net of the container 50 can be seen in FIG. 18. When the net is assembled through folding the net along the fold lines shown, the slot 52 is located generally centrally near to the distal edge of the section 56 that forms the lid.

[0061] A cut out 58 is provided in the end section 60 of the box to prevent the slot 52 being blocked by the edge when the end section 60 is folded back against the neighbouring section 62 to form and strengthen the side flange 74 of the lid 56.

[0062] The sealing strip 54 is shown in FIG. 14. The strip 54 is generally T-shaped and has an adhesive layer 64 at or near the edges of the wide and narrow sections (66, 68). The adhesive layers 64 are covered by a peelable release liner.

[0063] The width of the narrow section 68 of the strip 54 is less than the length of the slot 52 to allow the section 68 be received through the slot 52, as can be seen in FIG. 16.

[0064] The slot 52 is formed in the lid section 56 and is sufficiently close to the edge, defined by the fold between the lid section 56 and neighbouring section 62, so to be located beyond the boundary of the container walls when it is assembled, such that, when the sealing strip 54 is placed through the slot 52, the narrow section 68 extends below the lid 56 outside of the container wall 70.

[0065] The wide section 66 of the strip 54 is greater than the length of the slot 52 to prevent the wide section 66 of the component from being received into and through the slot 52.

[0066] As can be seen in FIG. 17, the release liners are peeled from the adhesive layers 64 to allow the wide section 66 to be adhered to the top surface of the lid 56 and the narrow section 68 to be adhered to the outside surface of the container wall 70, to seal the container shut.

[0067] A tear strip or line of weakness 72 is provided across the strip to allow separation of the sections 66, 68 to break the seal and open the box. In this way, the strip 54 can provide evidence of tampering.

[0068] The box, once opened, can be sealed again by simply placing a new strip 54 through the slot 52 and adhering the ends of the strip to the outer surfaces of the lid 56 and side wall 70 respectively.

[0069] Accordingly, the present application also relates to a method of sealing a container as well as the container and sealing component combination.

Claims

1. A sealable container for at least one item, which sealable container comprises:I. a body portion;II. a closure member for closing the body portion;III. at least one aperture in the closure member;IV. at least one sealing component projecting from at least one of the side walls of the body portion;wherein,V. the sealing component comprises at least one sealing portion located at, or near, the unfastened end of the sealing component;whereby,VI. the sealable container is such that when the closure member is in a position which closes the body portion, the unfastened end of the sealing component passes through the aperture of the closure member;VII. the sealing component seals the container closed when passed through the aperture of the closure member and fastened.

2. A sealable container according to claim 1, where the sealing component is manufactured separately from the body portion and is attached at a later stage.

3. A sealable container according to claim 1, where the sealing component is manufactured separately from the body portion and is attached at a later stage, wherein:I. the sealing component passes through the aperture;II. the emerged sealing component is bent so to be in a parallel position with the surfaces of the closure member and;III. the sealing component is fastened to the surface of the closure member via the first sealing portion.

4. A sealable container according to claim 1, where the sealing component comprises a first and second sealing portions located at, or near, the end of the sealing component and separated by a perforation traversing the horizontal plane of the sealing component, wherein:I. the first sealing portion seals the sealable container when first sealed by fastening to the surface of the closure member;II. the first sealing portion of the sealing component is rendered unusable by tearing of the perforated strip; andIII. the second sealing portion seals the sealable container a second time, after the sealable container has been sealed once before by the first sealing portion;IV. the sealing component can be fastened to the surface of the closure member by an integral adhesive sealing portion, or byway of another suitable fastening means.

5. A sealable container according to claim 1, where the sealing component is manufactured separately from the sealable container, wherein:I. the first and second sealing portions are locatable at the unfasted terminus of the sealing component and a third sealing portion is locatable at the alternative terminus of the sealing component;II. the sealing component seals the sealable container closed when the third sealing portion is fastened to the body portion, the sealing component is passed through the aperture of the closure member and the first sealing portion or second sealing portion is fastened to another surface of the sealable container; andIII. the first, second and third sealing portions of the sealing component fasten to the sealable container by an integral adhesive sealing portion, or byway of another suitable fastening means.

6. A method of sealing a container wherein;I. the container having a box form, comprised of a closure member and body portion; wherein the body portion includes a base and side walls; the closure member being of concordant dimension to the body portion and having a slot at or near a distal edge to be locatable above and beyond a side wall of the body portion when the lid is closed over the side wall, whereby;II. the method comprising the steps of extending a sealing component through the slot and adhering one end to an outer surface of the lid above the slot and adhering the other end of the strip to an outer surface of a side wall beneath the slot.

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