Card based package with stabilizing hinge

Abstract

A card-based closure for a package suitable for a nutritional product preferably suitable for an infant formula for the type of package comprising a container with an access opening to an interior space for receiving the nutritional product. The closure is arranged for selectively closing the access opening and comprises a lid portion (40) and a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprising an inner hinge (71) located at an inside of the package, comprising a flexible strip of card (74) for pivotally connecting the lid portion to a rim of the container.

Description

CARD BASED PACKAGE WITH STABILIZING HINGEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to card-based packages and in particular to ones that have a very high card content and yet are suitable for packaging of sensitive nutritional products such as powdered infant nutrition or milk formula. The invention relates in particular to hinged closures for such packages.Description of the related art

[0002] Packages of all types are well known and have evolved throughout history to maximise the benefits of the latest material technologies. During the last half century, plastic materials have been developed that are exceptionally well suited for packaging, ensuring high barrier protection for sensitive materials. Such materials are also very versatile and allow designs with functional and ergonomic shapes.

[0003] Nevertheless, plastics and other petroleum-based materials for packaging have a significantly higher environmental impact in comparison to those made of renewable materials, for example, cellulose pulp. Forthat reason, current trends in packaging consumer goods point towards the use of cellulose-based materials that substitute for petroleum-based materials. Unfortunately, consumers and producers are reluctant to compromise the gains in functionality. Recyclable or environmentally friendly packages must still meet with consumer expectations and regulatory requirements if they are to be accepted as alternatives.

[0004] Card or paperboard is one preferred material that is highly versatile in the context of packaging. High quality laminates have been produced with good barrier properties that can be used in the construction of rigid or semi-rigid boxes, tubs, tubes, and sleeves. These materials are even suitable for long term packaging of foodstuffs and liquids such as in the now ubiquitous brick packages and beverage cartons. Such card-based materials are known from WO 2011 / 003566, WO 2017 / 093125, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. These containers can be sealed hermetically after filling and can maintain sterility for lengthy periods prior to first opening. For subsequent closure, they have however generally relied on plastic-based materials for making re-closable elements such as spouts and lids.

[0005] Boxes made exclusively of card-based material are also known, e.g., of the type used for soaps and washing powder. These may have re-closable lids in the form of a wing or flap of card material. This allows the box to be reclosed after first opening and repeatedly opened and closed for dosing of product at each use. Although these packages may be very economical and environmentally friendly, such closures have not generally been considered adequate for sensitive nutritional products such as foodstuffs, in particular infant nutrition. This is particularly important in countries with high humidity or where small insects may attempt to enter the package.

[0006] Existing hinge arrangements for card based packages have made use of the ability of card material to fold repeatedly. Nevertheless, such hinges lack stability and are often constrained by the items that are to be hinged.

[0007] It would thus be desirable to provide an improved closure arrangement that at least partially overcomes some of the inconveniences of the prior art and is compliant with the highly challenging requirements for infant nutrition that are so easily obtained when using non-paper based materials like plastic and metal.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, a card-based closure is provided for a package suitable for a nutritional product preferably suitable for an infant formula for the type of package comprising a container with an access opening to an interior space for receiving the nutritional product. The closure is arranged for selectively closing the access opening and comprises a lid portion and a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprising an inner hinge located at an inside of the package, comprising a flexible strip of card for pivotally connecting the lid portion to a rim of the container. In this context, the term “card-based” is intended to denote that the respective component is predominantly made of card and can be disposed of in the existing recycling streams, in particular the paper and card waste streams. It will be understood that the precise requirement in terms of cellulose or paper content may vary from country to country and will be detailed further below. Furthermore, card-based may be understood to distinguish over components that are predominantly of plastic or metal.

[0009] In the present context, the term "interior space of the package" refers to a volume defined and enclosed by the container. Optionally, this volume may be additionally shaped or defined by the closure if the closure itself has a form that contributes an additional volume to the volume enclosed by the container. The inner hinge is preferably connected to the lid portion and the rim from a side oriented toward the interior of the package. The rim may be an upper peripheral closure rim of the container defined at an upper peripheral edge of the container or may be an intermediate closure rim at a position lower than the upper peripheral edge. The rim may serve the dual function of creating a joint with the lid portion to close the package and connecting with the inner hinge, or it may solely function to connect with the inner hinge, and / or it may have additional functionalities. Preferably, the rim is positioned above a section of the interior space of the container containing the nutritional product to ensure that the inner hinge remains spatially separated from the nutritional product throughout the use of the package, contributing to the maintenance of hygiene of the product.

[0010] The inner hinge, facilitates a user to selectively open and close the access opening by ensuring that the lid portion stays attached to the package during use. It also contributes to a more stable connection between the lid portion and the container, using a minimal amount of card material. Traditional card hinges, usually positioned externally of the package, may compromisestability by their use of narrow strips. This may lead to wobbling and increased susceptibility to breakage after repeated openings and closings of the closure. Wider strips may improve stability and durability but are unsuitable for packages with a cylindrical shape or with curved side walls, since the hinge-line must be straight and cannot thus follow a curved external surface of the package. The inner hinge overcomes this limitation by being adaptable to various package shapes, including those without flat sidewalls.

[0011] In an embodiment, the rim comprises a functional insert having an aperture, with the aperture of the functional insert aligned with the access opening and the flexible strip of card is integrally formed with the functional insert. The functional insert is preferably also of card-based material and may comprise a plate having the aperture corresponding to the access opening. The functional insert may be connected to the container at its inner periphery. In one embodiment, the functional insert is connected to the container in a folded seam to form the rim, for example, an upper peripheral rim. In the following, reference to the folded seam is intended to denote a connection between two layers of card material that are adhered, welded or otherwise sealed together and where one or both layers are subsequently folded over the other to produce a fold of at least three layers. In other embodiments, the functional insert is attached to the inside wall of the container.

[0012] The functional insert further allows additional functionalities to be introduced between the container and the lid portion. In a further embodiment, the functional insert further comprises one or more of a scoop holder, a scoop leveler, a latch, a spring and strengthening ribs. As noted above, such functionalities may be required and / or expected in certain contexts and the ability to combine functionalities into a single additional component is cost effective both in terms of material and production.

[0013] The rim may be an integral part of the container, to which the inner hinge is to be connected. In an embodiment, the rim is provided on a non-integral collar portion for connection to a container portion. In this context, the container may be considered to comprise the collar portion and the container portion which, in turn, may incorporate additional elements such as a base and a removable seal. The arrangement of the collar portion in the package may serve to spatially separate and optimize various functionalities. For instance, the collar portion may ensure that the inner hinge remains free from contact with the nutritional product. Additionally, it may provide an additional space between the container portion and the lid portion, facilitating the storage of a scoop or other accessories. In an alternative embodiment, the closure comprises the collar portion having a connection segment for connection to the container. Furthermore, the collar portion may include an upper peripheral closure rim to create a joint with the lid portion for opening and closing of the access opening. In this embodiment, the flexible strip may bridge the collar portion from the rim of the container to the lid portion and / or may extend alongside the collar portion. The flexible strip may include an attachment segment, with its surface connecting to the rim of the container and the collar portion, and a hinging segment for providing the hinging function of the inner. In existing packagingtechnology, closures comprising a lid and rim integrally formed together are often produced as separate items of manufacture. These are sometimes referred to as ‘top-tainers’ and are intended to be fitted to a filled and sealed container at a late stage of production. This embodiment provides an alternative top-tainer that can be applied to existing card based packaging with only minimal adaptation.

[0015] In an embodiment, the lid portion comprises a lid surrounded by a frame, arranged to sealingly engage with the rim. The lid and the frame may be separate elements that are joined together during manufacture. This may be achieved using a folded seam as described above and frequently used for closing the base of tubular card containers. The folded seam may form an upwardly extending peripheral rim that extends upwards above the level of the adjacent portions of the lid. This may be termed a stacking rim, whether or not it actually participates in stacking, as will be discussed further below.

[0016] The lid may be planar e.g., in the form of a flat disk, folded together with the frame at its periphery to form the upwardly extending peripheral rim. In another embodiment, the lid itself may be non-planar and may have a profiled shape. In particular, the lid may be bowed upwards in a central region and / or have a cavity at its underside. The lid may be bowed upwards to a height approximating the height of the stacking rim. The space created beneath the lid provides additional possibilities for storing objects such as a scoop or the like.

[0017] The frame may have a constant cross-sectional shape over its height. In one embodiment, the frame has a downwardly extending skirt that seals around a periphery of the rim of the container. In the closed position of the closure, the skirt can then cover at least part of this rim. The skirt may alternatively have a larger cross-section than the remainder of the frame. This can allow it to better fit over and close around the outside of the rim. In general, it will be understood that the joint between the rim and the lid portion can be arranged at the skirt, elsewhere on the frame, at a lower surface of the lid or at a junction between the frame and the lid. Preferably the rim is at least partly covered by the skirt extending downwards from the frame. As noted above, a highly effective joint between these two components is required to ensure that the package can be properly reclosed after initial opening e.g., to prevent powder exit on tipping the container and to avoid the entry of unwanted insects and other animals that may otherwise be attracted to the contents. The joint may ensure that no gap greater than 150 microns is present, preferably no greater than 100 microns. It has been found that openings of 70 microns or more can allow ingress of certain insects and the disclosed closure most preferably ensures an insect-tight closure during the use of the package having no opening greaterthan 70 microns. The joint should be maintained to the required tolerance e.g. of 70 microns or less, even after repeated opening and closing of the lid during use. Preferably, the joint should be maintained for more than 50 openings or more than 70 openings or even more than 100 openings.

[0018] The flexible strip may connect to the lid portion at the frame and / or at the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible strip is connected to the underside of the lid by adhesive, optionally heat-seal adhesive. In contrast to conventional card-based packages, where an attachment point of the hinge is typically located on the periphery of the lid portion, such as the frame, the connection of the inner hinge specifically to the lid brings the attachment point of the hinge closer to the central region of the lid portion. This may contribute to a more stable hinge. Other types of adhesives may be contemplated such as hot melt glue or other non-heat activated adhesives. Heat sealing often provides a faster adhering process compared to gluing methods and can provide a consistent and uniform bond.

[0019] The flexible strip may be flexible along its full length and the lid portion may be opened by flexure of the flexible strip. In an embodiment, the flexible strip comprises one or more hinge lines. The hinge lines may be defined by folding, creasing, scoring, embossing or otherwise weakening the flexible strip during manufacture. In this context, the flexible strip may be a piece of card that has the necessary flexibility for folding while maintaining sufficient rigidity to hinge only at the hinge line or lines. In some embodiments, the hinge lines are defined by a thinner thickness of the flexible strip or by perforations formed during manufacture, providing lines of weakness. In some embodiments the flexible strip may comprise multiple hinge lines, at least three hinge lines or at least four hinge lines.

[0020] The flexible strip may have any suitable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible strip has a substantial rectangular shape, and / orthe hinge lines are preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flexible strip. A hinge line can allow a smooth hinging movement of the lid portion and enable adjustment or selection of the position of the pivot line of the lid portion with respect to the rim. For instance, hinge line may be configured to provide a pivot point or pivot line with the lid portion close to its periphery or at another location, for example, between the attachment point of the inner hinge and the periphery of the lid portion. This adaptability gives greater design freedom and allows the selection of pivoting positions which e.g. improve stability of the lid portion in its open position. In a particular embodiment, the flexible strip pivots with respect to the functional insert at a hinge line. Providing the hinge line on the functional insert allows this to be placed at a distance inwards of the outer periphery of the lid and container. Even if the container has a curved outer periphery, the hinge line may thus be straight. The number and placement of the hinge lines within the flexible strip may be tailored based on the configuration and shape of the lid portion and rim. For instance, the number of hinge lines enables fine-tuning the lid's openability performance, such as relieving tension or pressure exerted by the flexible strips on specific areas of the lid portion and rim.

[0021] In a further embodiment, at least one hinge line is arranged to hinge in first and second directions with respect to a neutral position. In this context, the neutral position denotes a flat configuration of the flexible strip in which hinging elements are aligned within the same plane. For example, a flexible strip with three hinge lines would have four hinging elements connected in series, where a second hinge element of a first hinge line becomes a first hinge element of a second hinge line, and so forth. Thus, the first and second direction denote a turning direction of the firstand / or second hinging element with respect to the other around the hinge line. The hinge line arranged to hinge in both the first and second directions allows further design freedom in the hinge kinematics. This may ensure that the inner hinge undergoes a smooth and stable transition between a first configuration of the inner hinge when the package is closed, with the lid portion in contact with the rim, and a second configuration with the lid portion positioned away from the rim.

[0022] In an embodiment, the inner hinge comprises at least two spaced, flexible strips. By providing at least two strips, spaced apart, greater stability to the hinge design can be achieved, while minimizing material usage. The distance between the strips may be determined by the dimensions of the container and lid portion. It may be at least equal to half of a width of the container. The strips are preferably parallel to each other although it will be understood that the most important aspect is that the hinge or pivot lines are closely aligned or coaxial. In this sense, it is understood that ‘closely aligned’ includes embodiments where the hinge lines are purposely offset to achieve particular hinging kinematics.

[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible strips may be integral with each other at both of their respective ends. This can ensure increased attachment surface at the connections of the inner hinge with the lid portion and the rim. It can also allow ease of manufacture, ensuring that placement of the connections will not influence the kinematics of the hinge and optimizing the amount of card used. The flexible strip may have at least one central aperture, giving rise to the formation of the at least two spaced flexible strips. Alternatively, two independent flexible strips may be joined together at their ends, providing a similar structure.

[0024] According to an embodiment the hinge assembly further comprises an outer hinge, for pivotally connecting the lid portion to the rim. In a preferred embodiment, the outer hinge is connected to a periphery of the rim. The outer hinge advantageously stabilizes the lid portion by establishing an additional connection with the rim. This dual connection in the hinge assembly, provided by both the inner hinge and the outer hinge, offers two secure attachments of the lid portion to the rim. This can help to minimize movements of the lid portion that depart from the pre-defined trajectory during opening and closing. Moreover, the outer hinge can enhance the durability of the hinge assembly, contributing to a more robust and resilient hinge structure throughout the use of the package. Unlike the inner hinge, the outer hinge may be located at an outside of the package visible from the exterior of the package during its use. Alternatively, the outer hinge may be located inside of the package but at a position that is radially outward of the inner hinge.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the outer hinge comprises a flexible label or film connecting the lid portion with the rim. The outer hinge may consist of card or paper, and optionally includes at least one hinge line defined by folding, creasing, scoring, embossing, or other methods of weakening the flexible label or film during manufacturing. The outer hinge may alternatively comprise plastic film wrapping materials. In an embodiment, the outer hinge may extend around no more than a quarter of the respective peripheries of the lid portion and rim. This configuration offers a balance between facilitating a smooth hinging movement, optimizing material usage, and ensuringthe integrity of the outer hinge, especially in packages with curved side walls. Connection points of the outer hinge with the lid and / or frame of the lid portion and with the rim may be at an outside surface of these elements.

[0026] As previously mentioned, both the inner hinge and the outer hinge connect respectively to the lid portion and to the rim. As a result, each of the inner and outer hinge can have a line of pivoting with the lid portion and a different line of pivoting with the rim. In an embodiment, the line of pivoting of the inner hinge with the rim and the line of pivoting of the outer hinge with the rim are spaced in a radial direction of the package by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and optionally more than 15 mm but less than 25 mm. Additionally or optionally, the line of pivoting of the inner hinge with the lid portion and the line of pivoting of the outer hinge with the lid portion are spaced in the radial direction of the package by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and optionally more than 15 mm but less than 25 mm. This radial spacing between the lines of pivoting of the inner hinge and the outer hinge with the rim and / or the lid portion may be facilitated by the attachment of the inner hinge to the lid of the lid portion and to the rim, allowing the inner hinge to be positioned closer to a central region of the lid portion. The lines of pivoting of the outer hinge are preferably parallel to the lines of pivoting of the inner hinge, ensuring smooth hinging movement of the lid portion. It will be understood in this context that reference to the rim includes the above-mentioned functional insert that may be provided on the rim and which may be integrally formed with the inner hinge. The functional insert permits the position of the line of pivoting of the inner hinge to be positioned radially inwards.

[0027] According to the invention, the closure consists essentially of card-based material. This is intended to mean that all of the elements of the closure are card based, including the lid portion, the rim and the hinge assembly. As mentioned before, the term card-based merely denotes a material with a predominance of card, acknowledging the potential inclusion of other elements in the closure that are not exclusively made of card. In the present context, the card-based material denotes a material formed from a cellulose based pulp, which may further include one or more layers of non cellulose materials, such as barrier layers, sealing layers, adhesive layers and decorative layers that may involve diverse materials like metals or polymers and may further incorporate inclusions such as fillers, pigments, inks, and the like.

[0028] The card-based material of the closure may comprise any suitable card or paper construction in a single or multiple cellulose-based layers, including reinforced, corrugated, honeycomb, moulded and foamed constructions. In an embodiment, all or part of the closure, in particular the inner hinge, comprises moulded card. Moulded card offers flexibility in design and can be tailored to meet specific features and functionalities of the inner hinge as described above.

[0029] In an embodiment, the lid portion, the inner and / or outer hinge and the rim or collar portion are integrally formed together, preferably manufactured as a single piece. In a preferred embodiment, the closure is composed of moulded card wherein the lid portion, the inner and / or outer hinge and the rim are simultaneously and integrally formed. This provides a cost-effective andprecise construction that can enhance the joint between the rim and the lid portion. Additionally, this integral formation may minimize the micrometric gap between the lid portion and the rim when the closure is in the closed position, contributing to a more effective insect-tight closure. The functional insert and its respective functionalities may also be integrally formed together with one or more of the above elements.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the closure may comprise a latch arrangement, integrally formed with the lid portion and / or with the rim. The latch arrangement may be a single part formed in the lid portion and configured to be secured to the rim, or vice versa. Alternatively, the latch arrangement may comprise two elements, with one being in the lid portion and the other in the rim. In this case, the two elements may engage with each other to secure the lid portion to the rim. The presence of the latch arrangement adds an extra layer of security to the closure, mitigating the risk of accidental opening and ensuring that the lid portion remains securely closed onto the rim. In a preferred embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a first latch element and a second latch element. The first latch element, connected to the rim, having a pivoting plate connected to the periphery of the rim, opposite the location of the outer hinge and a plug extending from the pivoting plate towards the interior space of the package when the lid portion is closed. The second latch element includes a latch recess in the lid portion arranged to tightly accommodate the pivoting plate and the plug, resulting in the engagement of the two latching elements.

[0031] In accordance with the advantages as described herein above, the invention also relates to a package comprising a container and a closure as described above or hereinafter, in particular wherein the container also consists essentially of card-based material. The container is a portion of the package that is arranged for receiving the powdered nutritional product and may comprise a base and sidewall, joined together, preferably in a folded seam. At the top of the container, the sidewall may extend to an upper peripheral edge and at the bottom it may be rolled over inwardly to form a downwardly extending rim in the following referred to as the base rim. The upper peripheral edge of the container may have any suitable termination that allows it to perform its required functions. These functions may include forming a hermetic seal with a removable seal and connection to the closure. The base rim may have the same first outer cross-section as the remainder of the container. Reference to the upper peripheral edge is intended to denote a region rather than a distinct point i.e., the region at which the sidewall terminates, including both the inner surface and the outer surface. For the avoidance of doubt, the uppermost extremity of the sidewall will be referred to as the uppermost edge.

[0032] In an embodiment, the container may comprise a container portion and a collar portion, with the rim to which the inner hinge connects being provided on the collar portion. It will be understood that once the package is assembled it is largely arbitrary as to whether the collar portion is considered part of the closure or part of the container.

[0033] The package is particularly intended for powdered nutritional product but will be equally applicable to similar products with the same requirements such as other high-fat powderednutritional products. It will be understood that the light, oxygen and water vapour barrier properties are primarily requirements of the sidewall, base and removable seal, if present, which together form the barrier to the interior space. The sidewall and the base may differ e.g. only by the absence of markings or branding. The lid structure may have lower requirements since it is present as a secondary barrier. Once the removable seal is removed, the storage time is thus limited. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the integrity of the lid structure can contribute to the overall barrier properties of the package both during storage and after initial opening.

[0034] The container may be of a generally conventional construction. In particular, the sidewall may be a tube of card-based laminate material such as the well-known Cekacan material, having a longitudinal seam, either overlapped or butt-joined. The well-known Cekacan material comprises an aluminium layer which is disadvantageous in terms of recyclability of the material and it is preferable that this is replaced by other alternative barrier layers. The base and sidewall can also be joined together by conventional techniques, preferably in a folded seam. Such constructions are described in co-pending application No PCT / EP2022 / 057364, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Preferably, the container has light, oxygen and water vapour barrier properties sufficient for storage of the product for a period exceeding 24 months.

[0035] In an embodiment, the container is a tube of a constant first outer cross-section. This may be referred to as being a cylinder although it will be understood that it need not be circular in crosssection. A preferred cross-section is a rectangle with rounded corners. This provides good visibility for printed surfaces of the package, while ensuring that it can be manufactured using techniques for forming tubes.

[0036] In the above, for use in the context of powdered infant nutrition, the inner surfaces of the package preferably have a food compatible surface. This should apply to all of the surfaces that normally enter into contact with the contents. It will be understood that the sidewall and base of the container are particularly important in maintaining the sterility and condition of the product during storage. Nevertheless, once opened and during use of the package, other portions of the package will come into contact with the contents. In particular, when scooping out powdered infant nutrition, some powder will inevitably fall onto portions of the closure and can fall back into the interior space. Furthermore, if the package is accidentally inverted or tipped, powder may make contact with the lid portion. All such surfaces should be free from crevices and fibers that can catch and retain powder. For this reason, uncoated card material is less preferred, and the relevant internal surfaces may be coated with a food compatible layer such as a thin polymer coating orthe like. The thickness of the polymer coating should be the minimum required to achieve food compatibility without jeopardizing the ability to dispose of the package in the paper recycling stream. Coating thicknesses of less than 30 microns or less than 20 microns or even less than 10 microns may be provided.

[0037] As discussed before, the term “card-based material” indicates a predominance of card and may include other elements that are not exclusively made of card, such as barrier layers,sealing layers, adhesive layers and decorative layers that may involve diverse materials like metals or polymers. It is well recognized that different definitions and requirements may be applied for the manufacturing and disposal of paper and card and, where reference is made below to percentages of paper, these include all of the paper constituents, including cellulose fibers, mineral filler, bound water, paper additives, size, bulk pigment and latex binders. The percentages of non-paper will apply to all other layers not usually considered to be paper, including print, varnish and non-water- soluble adhesive layers and the barrier layers as mentioned elsewhere.

[0038] In an embodiment, the card-based material of the container and / or the closure comprises at least 90 wt% paper, preferably at least 95 wt% paper or at least 98 wt% paper. The precise amount may also be adapted according to local regulations concerning recycling. It will be understood that the above values for paper content may apply to each of the individual components separately and that the card-based material of the closure may have a different paper content to that of the container.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the package further comprises a removable seal hermetically sealing the container prior to use. The removable seal must be capable of forming a hermetic closure with the container that meets the required level of performance for initial sealing of the interior space of the container. Once opened, the required degree of closure achieved between the lid portion and the rim may be lower but nevertheless sufficiently high that careful tolerances apply. The removable seal may be connected at any point of the upper peripheral edge, either to the inner surface or the outer surface or across an uppermost edge of the container. In an embodiment, the removable seal is connected to an inner surface of the container at a height of the container that forms a head space inside of the package between the lid portion and the removable seal. It is desirable that the removable seal may also be of recyclable material and may also fall within the above percentage values of paper material. Nevertheless, since the removable seal is completely or at least partially removed on initially opening the package, it can be disposed in a separate stream and for this reason it need not be included within the definition of the package in its used state, for determining the paper content.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the package further comprises a scoop located within the closure beneath the lid portion. The lid portion and the rim or the collar portion, may collectively define an inner volume in which the scoop may be at least partially contained beneath the lid portion. Optionally, the space formed above the removable seal can combine with the volume defined by the closure, creating a larger space accommodating the scoop. The package may also comprise a scoop holder. As noted above, the functional insert of the closure may include the scoop holder. Alternatively, a scoop holder may be located on an underside of the lid portion, such as on part of the lid. The scoop may mainly serve the purpose of extracting and measuring the infant formula product. The scoop may also be manufactured of a material other than card and may thus be separately recycled. It may also be excluded from the determination of paper percentage. Alternatively, a card-based scoop may be provided.

[0041] The invention further relates to a package constructed of card-based material, the package comprising a longitudinal extending tubular body with at least four horizontal transverse elements, sealingly connected to the tubular body at four junctions, comprising in sequence: a first element forming a base; a second element forming a removable seal for enclosing an interior space; a third element being a functional insert; and a fourth element forming a lid, wherein a portion of the functional insert is bent out of the horizontal plane of the functional insert and attached to the lid to serve as a flexible hinge. The longitudinal extending tubular body may be constructed in separate segments, between the respective transverse elements, thus a container sidewall may be located between the base and the removable seal, a collar portion may be located between the removable seal and the functional insert, and a frame may be located between the functional insert and the lid. The segments may differ from each other in outer cross-section.

[0042] The transverse elements assist in making a package with adequate strength and functionality. In particular, at each junction, the tubular body is folded or rolled into a rim or flange. This may be formed by rolling or folding over a sidewall of the tubular body. The rim or flange may extend circumferentially over the periphery of the tubular body. The rim or flange may extend outwards from the container i.e., the sidewall is rolled or folded over outwards or it may be rolled or folded inwards. A flange can offer a stable surface to receive a removable seal on which the removable seal can be attached by welding or the like. The functional insert may be joined together with the collar portion in a folded seam to form an upper peripheral closure rim. The lid may be joined together with the frame in a folded seam to form a stacking rim.

[0043] The package may be provided with an amount of powdered infant nutrition sealed within the interior space. The interior space may further contain an inert gas and less than 2 % oxygen before first opening of the package. This may be achieved by application of vacuum and gas flushing with the inert gas during the filling procedure. The inert gas and less 2 % oxygen in the interior space can ensure an adequate shelf life for the infant nutrition until the package is first opened, for example until the removable seal is removed.

[0044] In accordance with the advantages as described herein above, the invention further relates to a lid assembly for an infant formula package, the package comprising a container portion having an access opening to an interior space for receiving the infant formula, the lid assembly comprising a collar portion to be attached to the container portion and a lid portion, moveable between an open position and a closed position in which it closes the access opening, the lid portion and the collar portion being connected together by a hinge assembly comprising an inner hinge and an outer hinge, the lid assembly comprising substantially or consisting of card based material.

[0045] It will be understood that the referenced lid assembly may correspond to the closure discussed above in combination with a collar portion comprising a rim. The collar portion may be provided with a functional insert as described and all of the other features discussed may be present with the respective advantages as discussed.

[0046] The dual connection facilitated by both the inner hinge and the outer hinge of the hinge assembly provides two secure attachments of the lid portion to the collar portion. This arrangement can be configured to create a jointed hinge, such as a parallelogram-type flexure hinge. The jointed hinge design minimizes out-of-plane movements of the lid portion, ensuring that the lid follows a smooth, unidirectional trajectory during both opening and closing of the lid portion.

[0047] The collar portion of card-based material also allows additional functionalities to be implemented. In an embodiment, the collar portion has a height of between 10 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm. The collar portion has a height that defines an additional inner space at the upper end of the package. This further has the advantage of allowing for the presence of additional elements inside the package. For example, a scoop for extracting and measuring the product. The package itself may typically have an overall size in the range of (I x b x h) up to 130 x 120 x 200 mm and may have a volume of the container portion in the range of 100 ml to 5 litres in size.

[0048] The collar portion may be connected to and extend upwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the container portion and may comprise a connection segment for connection to the container portion. This connection is less critical than that of the removable seal, in that the connection is outside the region of the interior space and the connection need not have the same barrier properties. Nevertheless, this connection should be secure enough to prevent separation during use and also to avoid ingress of insects and the like as discussed above. In an embodiment, an inner circumference of the connection segment engages around an outer circumference of the upper peripheral edge of the container portion. Alternatively, the connection segment can be connected at the uppermost edge of the container portion and can even be attached onto a removable seal, thus sandwiching the removable seal between the container portion and the collar portion. In this sense, it will be understood that the removable seal may not be removable in its entirety and may have a removable section. In a further embodiment, the connection segment may comprise a circumferentially extending groove which can receive part of the upper peripheral edge of the container in an interference fit. This is particularly advantageous when the upper peripheral edge is in the form of an outwardly extending circumferential flange, which can enter the groove. This can allow the portions to be snap-fitted together, which allows for simplified assembly. The groove may be formed by deformation of the material of the connection segment to form a corrugation. Alternatively, or additionally, the connection can be welded, glued, heat-sealed, or as otherwise known in the art including additional connecting elements on the inner or outer surfaces of the container and the collar portion.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the package may comprise a latch arrangement between the lid portion and the collar portion. The latch arrangement can prevent accidentally opening of the lid portion. More importantly, it can assist in maintaining the lid portion biased against the upper peripheral closure rim to ensure an adequate joint. The latch arrangement may comprise a first latch element arranged on the collar portion and a second latch element arranged on the lidportion. Advantageously, the latch elements can allow repeated opening and closing of the latch arrangement. Preferably, the latch arrangement is configured to be manipulated with one hand, which provides to the user an easy access to the product.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the lid assembly can be provided with a wrapper, removable prior to use, around at least part of the collar portion and the lid portion. This may be present prior to first use and may be completely or partially removed to gain access to the interior of the package. Most preferably, the wrapper is made of paper or card-based material. It will nevertheless be understood that if the wrapper is removed completely, it can be disposed of in a separate waste stream and need not then be made of paper or card.

[0051] A narrow wrapper in the form of a ribbon may span part of the collar portion and the lid portion. This can guarantee sealing between the collar portion and the lid portion during storage and transportation of the package and may serve to provide tamper evidence. In an embodiment, removal of the ribbon or part of the ribbon may reveal a contrasting colour beneath. The removable portion of the ribbon may be a strip defined by one or more lines of weakness. The lines of weakness may be formed by continuous or discontinuous scoring, or partial cutting, of the strip or alternatively by perforations through the strip. In a preferred embodiment, the ribbon has a weight under 350 g / m2, preferably between 50 g / m2and 300 g / m2, more preferably between 250 g / m2and 300 g / m2. This range ensures sufficient thickness to form a thin yet mechanically stable ribbon with lines of weakness, particularly when formed of paper or card-based material.

[0052] In a particular embodiment, the outer hinge may be formed between the lid portion and the collar portion by removing a circumferentially extending section of the ribbon, leaving a portion of the ribbon intact.

[0053] In an embodiment, the card-based material of at least the collar portion and the frame of the lid portion is made of spiral wound cardboard. Spiral wound cardboard has the advantage of offering a stable and durable structure and can be easily provided with a smooth internal surface by conventional lamination and coating techniques. It further requires no overlap seal in the longitudinal direction of the package, facilitating a smooth fit between the collar portion and frame of the lid portion for better closure e.g. insect tightness.

[0054] As discussed above, the collar portion may comprise a functional insert allowing additional functionalities to be introduced between the container portion and the lid portion. In a preferred embodiment, the functional insert has an aperture aligned with the access opening and comprises a flexible strip of card, integrally formed with the functional insert to form the inner hinge. Other functionalities may be contemplated including but not limited to a scoop leveller, a scoop holder, a latch for securing the lid portion, a stiffening flange, an insect barrier, and a sealing surface. The functional insert is preferably also of card-based material and may be connected to the collar portion at its periphery. In one embodiment, the functional insert is connected to the collar portion in a folded seam to form the upper peripheral closure rim.

[0055] The lid assembly may also comprise a scoop holder. As noted above, the functional insert may include a location or placement for a scoop. Alternatively, a scoop holder may be located on an underside of the lid. The lid assembly may also further comprise a scoop located within the collar portion beneath the lid portion. The scoop may also be manufactured of a material other than card and may thus be separately recycled. It may also be excluded from the determination of paper percentage. Alternatively, a card-based scoop may be provided.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a package according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a partially exploded view of the package of Figure 1 .

[0059] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of an inner hinge in a collar portion of the package of Figure 1 .

[0060] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the inner hinge.

[0061] Figure 4A shows a cross-section on a X-Z plane through the inner hinge of Figure 3A and a functional insert of the package of Figure 1 .

[0062] Figure 4B shows a cross-section on a X-Z plane through the inner hinge of Figure 3B and an alternative configuration of the functional insert.

[0063] Figure 5A shows a top view of the functional insert of Figure 4A before forming the inner hinge.

[0064] Figure 5B shows a top view of the functional insert of Figure 4B before forming the inner hinge.

[0065] Figure 6A shows an exploded view of the lid portion of the package of Figure 1 .

[0066] Figure 6B shows a cross-section on the sagittal plane X-Z through the lid portion of the package of Figure 1 .

[0067] Figures 7A and 7B show a partial cross-sections on the sagittal plane X-Z through the package of Figure 1 .

[0068] Figure 8 shows a perspective rear view of the package of Figure 1 with the lid portion partially open and showing an outer hinge.

[0069] Figure 9 shows a cross-section on the sagittal plane X-Z through the package of Figure 1 being stacked with another package.

[0070] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of a card-based closure for a nutritional product package according to the invention.

[0071] Figure 10A shows a perspective review of the closure of Figure 10B in connection with a container.

[0072] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0073] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures.

[0074] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a card-based package 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a container portion 20, a collar portion 30 and a closure 80 comprising a lid portion 40. The package 10 further comprises a ribbon 50 surrounding the collar portion 30 and part of the lid portion 40, which is present prior to first use to guarantee sealing during storage and transportation and to serve as tamper evidence.

[0075] Figure 2 shows a partially exploded view of the package 10 of Figure 1 which illustrates the arrangement of the individual portions. The package 10 has a longitudinal axis Z-Z, by which is defined a transverse plane X-Y and a sagittal plane X-Z. In the following, reference to upper, lower, top, bottom etc. is given with respect to the package 10 in its upright condition, with the axis Z-Z arranged vertically.

[0076] The container portion 20 comprises a container 21 with a tubular body, having a base 22 and a sidewall 23 extending upwards to an upper peripheral edge 24 of the container 21 to define an interior space S for receiving the powdered nutritional product and to connect to the collar portion 30 and to receive a removable seal 26. The removable seal 26 hermetically seals the container prior to use and may be removed partially or completely by the user to have access to the interior space S.

[0077] The collar portion 30 comprises a connection segment 31 ; and at the top, an upper peripheral closure rim 32 defining an access opening O to the interior space S of the package 10 after opening of the removable seal 26. The collar portion 30 has a height of around 35 mm in the illustrated embodiment but it will be understood that this may be adapted according to requirements. The height of the collar portion 30 defines an additional volume in interior space, above the container 21 , that allows for the presence of additional optional elements inside the package 10, for example, an informational leaflet and / or scoop.

[0078] In the package presented in Figure 2, the upper peripheral closure rim 32 of the collar portion 30 is connected to a functional insert 33. Functional insert 33 comprises scoop levellers 34 and an inner hinge 71 of card for pivotally connecting the lid portion 40 to the upper peripheral closure rim 32. The inner hinge 71 that resides in the space formed by the collar portion 30 when the package is closed by the lid portion 40. Figures 5A and 5B, described below, show two examples of the functional insert 33 configured with different functionalities.

[0079] The ribbon 50 is a butt-jointed narrow band of paper or card material of around 270 g / m2having a height of around 35 mm corresponding to that of the collar portion 30. In this view, it can be seen to further comprise two circumferential lines of weakness 52 that define a removable strip51 . When the package is to be used for a first time, the removable strip 51 can be removed to allow the lid portion 40 to be open. The removable strip 51 preferably has a contrasting colour, to that of the underlying collar portion 30 that functions as tamper evidence, and includes grasping tab 54, that facilitates its removal.

[0080] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the inner hinge 71 of the package of Figure 1. The inner hinge 71 comprises a flat T-shaped connection portion 73 attached to the lid portion 40 and two flexible strips 74 extending from the arms of the T-shape of the connection portion 73 to the functional insert 33 in the collar portion 30. The flexible strips 74 are spaced apart and parallel with respect to each other. In Figure 3A, the two flexible strips 74 have four hinge lines. Figure 3B shows a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the inner hinge having three hinge lines.

[0081] Figure 4A shows a cross-section on a X-Z plane through the inner hinge 71 of Figure 3A and the functional insert 33 of the package of Figure 1. Figure 4B shows a cross-section on a X-Z plane through the alternative configuration of the inner hinge 71 of Figure 3B and an alternative configuration of the functional insert 33. The collar portion 30 is formed of spiral-wound card material of around 540 gsm. In these examples, the connection portion 73 and the flexible strips 74 are integrally formed with the functional insert 33 which comprises a die-cut plate of card-based material. The functional insert 33 is connected to the collar portion 30 by a folded seam that forms the upper peripheral closure rim 32. As can be seen in these views, the upper peripheral closure rim 32 has a slightly smaller outer cross-section than the rest of the collar portion 30. The inner hinge 71 is formed by folding and / or bending the flexible strips 74 and directing them upwards out of the plane of the functional insert 33 into a prismatic form. In the illustrated example of Figure 4A, each of the flexible strips 74 comprises four hinge lines as mentioned before. The first hinge line, starting from the functional insert 33, hinges in a first (counterclockwise) and a second direction (clockwise) from the neutral position, the second and third lines hinge in the second direction and the fourth hinge line hinges in the first direction. In Figure 3B, each of the flexible strips 74 comprises three hinge lines, wherein the first hinge line hinges in both first and second directions, the second line hinges in the second direction, and the third line hinges in the first direction. In the example of Figure 4A, the functional insert 33 is also folded over at the position of the scoop levellers 34 to give additional strength to the edge that is intended for levelling. At a lower part of the collar portion 30, a groove 35 is formed by a corrugation of the card material. The groove 35 extends circumferentially inwards completely around the connection segment 31 of the collar portion 30.

[0082] Figure 5A and Figure 5B respectively show top views of the functional insert 33 of Figure 4A and Figure 4B before forming the inner hinge 71 . In both examples the flexible strip 72 extend inwards from one edge of the functional insert 33, reaching up to the connection portion 73 , which is approximately at half of the width of the functional insert 33. The flexible strips 74 are integrally connecting with each other at both of their respective ends and are spaced apart by an aperture 76 with a Y-like or a H-like shape that conveniently forms the T-shape of the connection portion 73 and maximizes an area of contact and strength connection of the inner hinge 71 with the lid portion 40while minimizing material usage. The aperture 76 can be created during the die-cutting process of the card-base plate when forming the functional insert 33, or it may be introduced through a separate additional cutting step. In the example of Figure 5A, the functional insert 33 comprises two foldable sections 38 extending inwards at two corners of the functional insert 33 that are folded over to form the scoop levellers 34 shown in Figure 4A. Between the foldable sections 38, a notch 39 is configured to engage with a detent 48 in the lid portion 40, as described below with reference to Figure 7B. In the case of the configuration shown in Figure 5B, the functional insert 33 is already provided with scoop levellers 34, optionally one of them also serves as support for a scoop holder 61 to receive a handle of a scoop.

[0083] Figure 6A shows an exploded view of the lid portion 40 according to the package of Figure 1. The lid portion 40 comprises a lid frame 42, a lid 41 , and a supplementary plate 45 provided at an underside of the lid portion 40 and having the same outer shape as the lid 41 . The lid frame 42 is made of spiral wound card of a similar quality to that of the collar portion 30, while the lid 41 and the supplementary plate 45 are formed as a die-cut plate of card-based material. The supplementary plate 45 has different functions. In this example, the supplementary plate 45 reinforces the lid 41 providing the lid portion 40 with a more durable and solid construction. Furthermore, the supplementary plate 45 may be configured to have the function of a gasket to improve the closure of the lid portion 40 and to include scoop holder 61 to have easy access to a scoop after opening the lid portion 40. In this example, the scoop holder 61 comprises a scoop aperture, with a shape corresponding to a top outline of a scoop, and a loop 19 crossing the scoop aperture and connected to opposite sides of an edge of the scoop aperture. Furthermore, the detent 48 of the supplementary plate 45 extends downwards under the supplementary plate 45 and has a resilient element 46 that is configured to engage with the container portion 20 and to secure the lid portion 40 in a closed position, as described later with reference to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0084] Figure 6B shows a cross-section on the sagittal plane X-Z through the lid portion 40 of the package of Figure 1 . The lid frame 42 is connected to the lid 41 by a folded seam, which forms an upwardly extending stacking rim 44 at the top of the lid portion 40. The lid frame 42 also extends downwards to a closure skirt 43 having a larger cross-section than the stacking rim 44. The central region of the lid 41 is in direct contact with, and adhesively connected to, the supplementary plate 45. The detent 48 is formed through two portions of the supplementary plate 45. A first portion, initially extending radially inwards into a central aperture 47 of the supplementary plate 45, is folded downward out of the plane of the supplementary plate 45, forming a triangular shape, in which one side of the triangular shape is perpendicular to the plane defined by the supplementary plate 45. A second portion, initially extending radially outwards, is folded downward and an end of the second portion is folded upwards to create a resilient segment 46, this configuration allows the resilient segment 46 to flex in a radial direction. The resilient segment 46 has a length that is shorter than the length of the side of the triangular shape that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the supplementary plate 45, this side of the triangular shape also runs parallel to the second portionafter the first and second portions have been folded. The resilient segment 46 is configured to engage with the notch 39 of the collar portion 30, as described below with reference to Figure 7B.

[0085] Figures 7A and 7B show a partial cross-sections on the sagittal plane X-Z through the package of Figure 1. In Figure 7A is shown the container 21 of the container portion 20. The container 21 is made from a card blank, joined to itself in a longitudinal seam (not shown) to form a tube with constant outer cross-section. At its bottom, the base 22 and the sidewall 23 of the container 21 are joined together by glue and / or a folded seam which closes the lowest part of the container 21 and forms a base rim 27 extending downwardly and having the same outer crosssection as the container 21. In this embodiment, the removable seal 26 is placed at an inner side of the sidewall 23 near the upper peripheral edge 24. This position of the removable seal 26 provides a headspace below the lid 41 . The collar portion 30 is connected to the container portion 20 by a snap-fit joint formed between the container 21 and the circumferentially extending groove 35. Additionally, the joint between the collar portion 30 and the container portion 20 may be glued together to ensure proper permanent sealing. Figure 7A also shows the ribbon 50 that extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the collar portion 30 and the closure skirt 43 of the lid portion 40.

[0086] In the closed position of the lid portion 40, as shown in Figure 7B, the closure skirt 43 covers the outer circumferential surface of the upper peripheral closure rim 32, forming a joint between the lid portion 40 and the collar portion 30. The folded seam of the stacking rim 44 at the lid portion 40 and the folded seam of the upper peripheral closure rim 32 at the collar portion 30 ensure that these elements are relatively rigid and can form a tight interference fit. Importantly, high manufacturing tolerances can be achieved ensuring that any gaps are smaller than 70 microns, ensuring adequate insect-tightness. A height of the closure skirt 43 can be adjusted to be shorter, allowing the upper peripheral closure rim 32 to come into contact with the supplementary plate 45 when the lid portion 40 is closed. This adjustment allows the supplementary plate 45 to function as a gasket, enhancing the closure between the lid 41 and the upper peripheral closure rim 32.

[0087] The resilient segment 46 functions as a spring latch, flexing onto the notch 39 of the functional insert 33 and applying pressure between the notch 39 and the detent 48, effectively retaining the lid portion 40. A pulling movement upwards of the lid portion 40 allows a user to open the package 10.

[0088] Figure 8 shows a perspective rear view of the package of Figure 1 with the lid portion 40 open and showing the outer hinge 53. The outer hinge 53 further secures the lid portion 40 to the collar portion 30 after the removable seal 26 has been removed from the container portion 20. The outer hinge 53 together with the inner hinge 71 is configured to create a parallelogram-type flexure hinge, which can minimize out-of-plane movements of the lid portion 40, ensuring a smooth and unidirectional trajectory during both opening and closing of the lid portion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, he outer hinge 53 is formed at initial opening of the package 10 when removing theremovable strip 51 from the ribbon 50 to release the joint between the rim 32 of the collar portion 30 and the lid portion 40.

[0089] Figure 9 shows a cross-section on the sagittal plane X-Z through the package 10 of Figure 1 being stacked with another package 10’. The stacking rim 44 of the first package 10 fits radially outside the base rim 27’ of the second package 10’, while the base 22’ of the second package 10’ rests on the top the lid portion 40 of the first package 10. It can also be seen that the base rim 27’ has a larger thickness that the stacking rim 44. However, it is only required that the staking rim 44 has an inner cross-section larger than the outer cross-section of base rim 27’. Alternatively, the stacking rim 44 of the first package 10 may be designed to fit radially inside the base rim 27’ of the second package 10’. In this alternative, the base rim 27’ and the staking rim 44 preferably have a similar thickness to ensure that the stacking rim 44 does not need to be positioned significantly away from the periphery of the lid portion 40.

[0090] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a card-based closure 180 for a nutritional product package according to the invention in which like elements to those of the first embodiment are referenced with similar reference numbers preceded by 100.

[0091] The closure 180 is shown as manufactured and comprises a lid portion 140, a collar portion 182 having a rim 132 and a hinge assembly comprising an outer hinge 153 that connects an edge of the lid portion 140 to the rim 132 and parallel flexible strips 174 spaced apart connecting to each other at their respective ends. Each of flexible strips 174 has three defined folding lines 178 configured to facilitate forming of an inner hinge (see inner hinge 71 in Fig. 3B) and / or folding and hinging of the flexible strips 174 during the use of the closure 180. The folding lines 178 may comprise lines of weakness and / or perforations in the flexible strips 174 to facilitate folding / hinging. The folding lines 174 preferably coincide with the hinge lines of the inner hinge 171 , for example, as described with reference to Figures 3B and 4B.

[0092] The closure 180 may be produced as a single unit through methods such as cardboard moulding. The rim 132 is configured with a complementary shape to a lower section of the lid portion 140, facilitating a partial insertion of the lid portion 140 within the rim 132. This can create an effective insect-tight joint between these two components, ensuring that the package can be securely reclosed after the initial opening.

[0093] The collar portion 182 includes an functional insert 133 similar to that depicted in Figure 5B, having scoop levellers 134, a scoop holder 161 and the two flexible strips 174 to form the inner hinge 171. During assembly of the closure 180, the flexible strips 174 can be adhered to the underside of the lid portion 140 through connection portion 173 in the same manner as that described with reference to Figures 3B and 4B. The collar portion 182 has a lower section, beneath the rim 132 with a smaller cross-section than the rim 132 to allow it to fit over and close around an inside of an upper peripheral edge 124 of a container 120, as shown in Figure 10B.

[0094] The closure 180 of Figure 10A further includes a latch arrangement between the lid portion 140 and the collar portion 182. The latch arrangement is integrally formed with the closure 180 andcomprises a first latch element 191 and a second latch element 192. The first latch element 191 integrated in the collar portion 182 comprising a pivoting plate 193 with an edge pivotally connected to the periphery of the rim 132 on an opposite side of where the outer hinge 153 is located. A plug 194 protrudes from a central region of a side of the pivoting plate 193 and extends towards the interior space of the package when the lid portion 140 is in a closed position. The second latch element 192 integrated into the lid portion 140 comprises a latch recess 195 having a recessed structure complementary to that of the pivoting plate 193 and plug 194 and arranged to tightly fit the pivoting plate 193 and the plug 194 in the latch recess 195. This tight fit results in engagement of the two latching elements 191 , 192 with each other to retain the lid portion 140 to the rim 132. A user can insert the pivoting plate 193 and the plug 194 in the latch recess 195 after closing the lid portion 140 to secure it to the rim 132. To release the lid portion 140, the user can pull the pivoting plate 193 away from the latch recess 195. To further facilitate release, the lid portion 140 has a releasing recess 197 within the latch recess 195, allowing the user to easily pull another edge of the pivoting plate 193, here located opposite to the edge pivotally connected to the frame 182, and disengage the pivoting plate 193 from the latch recess 195. The realising recess 197 may be configured to allow insertion of a tip of a finger of the user to disengage the pivoting plate 193.

[0095] The invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art. In particular, both the latch arrangement and the scoop holder may be distinct from the schematically illustrated design. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A card-based closure for a package suitable for a nutritional product, the package comprising a container having an access opening to an interior space for receiving the nutritional product, the closure being arranged for selectively closing the access opening and comprising a lid portion and a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprising an inner hinge located at an inside of the package, comprising a flexible strip of card for pivotally connecting the lid portion to a rim of the container.

2. The closure according to claim 1 , wherein the rim comprises a functional insert having an aperture, with the aperture of the functional insert aligned with the access opening and the flexible strip of card is integrally formed with the functional insert.

3. The closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the functional insert further comprises one or more of a scoop holder, a scoop leveler, a latch, a spring and strengthening ribs.

4. The closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rim is provided on a collar portion for connection to a container portion.

5. The closure according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the lid portion comprises a lid surrounded by a frame, arranged to sealingly engage with the rim.

6. The closure according to claim 5, wherein the frame has a downwardly extending skirt that seals around a periphery of the rim of the container.

7. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible strip is connected to an underside of the lid by adhesive, optionally heat-seal adhesive.

8. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible strip comprises one or more hinge lines, preferably at least three or at least four hinge lines.

9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein at least one hinge line is arranged to hinge in first and second directions with respect to a neutral position.

10. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner hinge comprises at least two spaced flexible strips, preferably integral with each other at both of their respective ends.11 . The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge assembly further comprises an outer hinge, preferably located at an outside of the package, for pivotally connecting the lid portion to the rim.

12. The closure according to claim 11 , wherein the outer hinge comprises a flexible label or film connecting the lid portion with the rim, preferably around no more than a quarter of their respective peripheries.

13. The closure according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein a line of pivoting of the inner hinge with the rim and a line of pivoting of the outer hinge with the rim are spaced in a radial direction of the package by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and optionally more than 15 mm but less than 25 mm.

14. The closure according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a line of pivoting of the inner hinge with the lid portion and a line of pivoting of the outer hinge with the lid portion are spaced in a radial direction of the package by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and optionally more than 15 mm but less than 25 mm.

15. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the closure consists essentially of card-based material.

16. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein all or part of the closure, in particular the inner hinge, comprises moulded card.

17. The closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion, the inner and / or outer hinge and the rim are integrally formed together, preferably manufactured as a single piece.

18. The closure of claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising a latch arrangement, integrally formed with the lid portion and / or with the rim.

19. A package comprising a container and a closure according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. The package of claim 19, wherein the container consists essentially of card-based material.

21. The package of any one claims 19 or 20, wherein inner surfaces of the package have a food compatible surface.

22. The package of any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the card-based material of the container and / or the closure comprises at least 90 wt% paper, preferably at least 95 wt% paper or at least 98 wt% paper.

23. The package of any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a removable seal hermetically sealing the container prior to use.

24. The package of any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising a scoop located within the closure beneath the lid portion.

25. The package of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the container comprises a base and sidewall, joined together, preferably in a folded seam.

26. The package of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the container is a tube of a constant first outer cross-section.

27. The package of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein a joint between the lid portion and the rim has no gaps of greater than 150 microns, preferably less than 100 microns and more preferably less than 70 microns.

28. A package constructed of card-based material, the package comprising a longitudinal extending tubular body with at least four horizontal transverse elements, sealingly connected to the tubular body at four junctions, comprising in sequence: a first element forming a base; a second element forming a removable seal for enclosing an interior space; a third element being a functional insert; and a fourth element forming a lid, wherein a portion of the functional insert is bent out of the horizontal plane of the functional insert and attached to the lid to serve as a flexible hinge.

29. The package according to claim 28, wherein at each junction, the tubular body is folded or rolled into a rim or flange.

30. The package according to any one of claims 19 to 29, further comprising an amount of powdered infant nutrition sealed within the interior space.31 . The package according to any one of the claims 28 to 30, wherein the interior space contains an inert gas and less than 2 % oxygen before first opening of the package.

32. A lid assembly for an infant formula package, the package comprising a container portion having an access opening to an interior space for receiving the infant formula, the lid assembly comprising a collar portion to be attached to the container portion and a lid portion, moveable between an open position and a closed position in which it closes the access opening, the lid portion and the collar portion being connected together by a hinge assembly comprising an inner hinge and an outer hinge, the lid assembly comprising substantially or consisting of card based material.

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