EP2388206A1 - Food packaging with cover and sealing system for a package - Google Patents

Abstract

The package (1) has a closing system (3) comprising a cover (31) articulatedly mounted with respect to a container (2) between an opened position and a closed position. A locking device locks the cover in the closed position. The cover has a side wall whose height is equal to the height of an actuating portion of a locking plate (41), and an upper surface comprising a depression (47) opened in the wall. The actuating portion is arranged at the opened level of the depression, and is rotated in the depression for taking an unlocking position.

Description

• un récipient s'étendant selon un axe central depuis une base jusqu'à une face supérieure présentant une ouverture délimitée par un cadre, le cadre présentant une face intérieure ; et
• un système de fermeture comprenant un couvercle monté articulé par rapport au récipient entre une position d'ouverture et une position de fermeture pour laquelle il obture l'ouverture du récipient, le couvercle présentant une paroi supérieure.

The present invention relates to a package with a closable closure lid for a food product. More particularly, the invention relates to a package comprising:

• a container extending along a central axis from a base to an upper face having an opening defined by a frame, the frame having an inner face; and
• a closure system comprising a lid mounted hinged to the container between an open position and a closed position for which it closes the opening of the container, the lid having an upper wall.

This type of package has an easy-to-use closure system and is commonly used in the food industry, for example to contain powdery, granular or flaky food products. The document FR 2 747 107 A1 describes an example of food packaging of this type with the lid hinged by an elastic hinge on a frame covering the top of the container. The cover externally covers the upper periphery of the frame. The cover thus offers an easy grip and is then particularly easy to handle. However, with a powdery content, the disadvantage encountered is the deposition of powder in the corners or edges formed under the lid, especially after a rollover of the package, for example during a transport.

There is therefore a need for packaging with a convenient and quick-open lid that avoids accumulation of product in upper parts of the package.

The purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a resealable package making easy the handling of the lid and limiting at the closure the asperities likely to retain the powder or small grains contained in the package.

For this purpose, the packaging of the aforementioned type with a top wall cover is characterized in that the cover has a side wall extending from the top wall and an inner skirt extending from the side wall and at a distance of the upper wall to define with the side wall a continuous groove, in that the frame has an upper face which comprises a projecting annular projection extending in the extension of the inner face of the frame, and in that the inner skirt s is at least partially supported on said inner face of the frame for the closed position.

Thus, it is possible to obtain an ergonomic packaging and easy to handle, that can be used to contain powdered milk without accumulation of powder on the upper edges of the frame or container. Indeed, the presence of the inner skirt limits or even eliminates asperities in the interior volume of the package that are likely to retain the powder. If a powdery or granular content of the packaging is thrown against the inside of the closed lid (for example following a turnaround during transport), there will be no accumulation of powder above the container during next opening of the package.

In addition, the insertion of the annular projection frame in the groove can advantageously contribute to a centering of the lid during closure. Insertion into this groove can also provide improved sealing. Also, the cover may delimit a relatively large interior volume by raising the upper wall relative to the groove. This volume gain under the cover is advantageously obtained with a side wall portion extending above the groove, which limits the size of the groove and thus save material for packaging.

According to another feature, the frame is attached to the container and the closure system comprises a hinge connecting the hinged frame to the cover, said frame having a gradually decreasing height profile away from the hinge.

According to another feature, the side wall and the inner skirt meet to form, in vertical section, the branches of a Y. This limits the amount of plastic material required for the manufacture of the lid.

In another feature, the inner skirt extends beyond the side wall. Thus, the closure is facilitated, especially when the cover has a certain flexibility and has a lower height opposite the hinge, thanks to the guiding / centering effect caused by this inner skirt.

According to another feature, the frame has a peripheral outer face with respect to which the annular projection is shifted inwards, the side wall of the lid extending in the extension of said outer face of the frame for the closed position. So the lid brings a surplus of volume

(especially in height) relative to the frame, which can accommodate one or more objects in the volume defined by the lid.

According to another feature, the annular projection has a substantially constant height and is arranged obliquely with respect to the upper face of the container.

According to another feature, the inner skirt has a free end beveled on its outer side and is adjusted by all of its periphery against the inside of the frame. This has the effect of making more progressive and less hard the radial contact of the inner skirt against the inner face of the frame.

According to another particularity, the packaging comprises a metering device with a cup, the frame comprising, preferably on the hinge side, a tab retaining member delimiting with the inner face of the frame an upwardly open housing intended for the receiving a wall portion of the bucket of the measuring utensil, the inner skirt extending, in the closed position of the lid, to near said housing to cooperate with the bucket received in the housing. This allows for example to push a little more bucket in the housing when closing the lid, or to partially disengage the bucket housing when opening, but also to exert a force on the bucket received in the housing.

According to another feature, the cover comprises radial ribs protruding from the inner skirt towards the inside of the lid, and joining the upper wall of the lid. The radial ribs towards the central axis stiffen the skirt and promote centering during closure.

According to another feature, the frame has an outer edge adjacent to the annular projection, the outer edge of the frame being in contact, in the closed position of the lid, with the free edge of the side wall, the free edge of the side wall. having a width identical to the width of said outer edge.

• un cadre annulaire délimitant une ouverture, le cadre présentant une face intérieure ;
• un couvercle articulé sur le cadre et mobile entre une position d'ouverture et une position de fermeture pour laquelle il obture l'ouverture par le dessus, le couvercle présentant une paroi supérieure ;

caractérisé en ce que le cadre et le couvercle forment un ensemble unitaire, le couvercle présentant une paroi latérale s'étendant depuis la paroi supérieure et une jupe intérieure s'étendant à partir de la paroi latérale et à distance de la paroi supérieure pour définir avec la paroi latérale une rainure continue, en ce que le cadre présente une face supérieure qui comporte une projection annulaire saillante s'étendant dans le prolongement de la face intérieure du cadre, et en ce que la jupe intérieure s'appuie au moins partiellement sur ladite face intérieure du cadre pour la position de fermeture. On comprend que ce système de fermeture, qui résout un problème de retenue de la poudre, est utilisable indépendamment du système de verrouillage retenu.The invention also relates to a closure system for packaging comprising:

• an annular frame defining an opening, the frame having an inner face;
• a cover hinged to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position for which it closes the opening from above, the cover having an upper wall;

characterized in that the frame and the cover form a unitary assembly, the cover having a side wall extending from the top wall and an inner skirt extending from the side wall and away from the top wall to define with the side wall a continuous groove, in that the frame has an upper face which comprises a projecting annular projection extending in the extension of the inner face of the frame, and in that the inner skirt rests at least partially on said inner face of the frame for the closed position. It is understood that this closure system, which solves a problem of retention of the powder, can be used independently of the locking system retained.

• un récipient s'étendant selon un axe central depuis une base jusqu'à une face supérieure présentant une ouverture délimitée par un cadre, le cadre présentant une paroi latérale radialement intérieure ;
• un couvercle mobile entre une position d'ouverture et une position de fermeture pour laquelle il obture l'ouverture ;
• un ustensile doseur présentant un godet relié à un manche, dimensionné pour être agencé dans le plan du cadre.

Independently or in combination with the foregoing, it being understood that each of the examples and details of embodiment which will be described later may be used in isolation, the invention relates here to a closure system and to a package intended in particular to food products, this package comprising:

• a container extending along a central axis from a base to an upper face having an opening defined by a frame, the frame having a radially inner side wall;
• a cover movable between an open position and a closed position for which it closes the opening;
• a measuring utensil having a bucket connected to a handle, dimensioned to be arranged in the plane of the frame.

It is known, by the document WO 2005/075314 or the document FR 2,747,107 , store the spoon by hanging under the lid with two legs. The hooking and unhitching involve the manipulation of the contacts of the fingers with an inner surface of the lid, which poses a problem of food hygiene since during a transport for example, the contents of the container will be in contact with the inner surfaces of the lid. It is also necessary to touch the protruding back of the spoon to extract the latter from the hooking tabs, which can lead to a contamination of the contents (infant milk powder for example) by germs the part of the spoon that we go dive into the contents of the package.

He is also known, by the document EP 1 512 637-A1 , a closure assembly hinged lid on a ring amounting to the upper edge of a box, for storing a spoon by hooking its handle on the inside of the ring. However, the hooking and unhooking of the spoon requires manipulation of the spoon in which the user must touch the bucket or an area near the bucket (given the short length of the handle), resulting in soil since the bucket and the part adjacent to the bucket go regularly contact the food of the box.

There is therefore a need for food packaging for storing a metering utensil inside and limiting the contacts likely to contaminate the food, while being convenient to handle for the user.

The present invention therefore aims to overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a resealable package with an inner storage of a metering device that reduces the opportunities for soil, and also meets the constraints of space and convenience.

For this purpose, the packaging of the above-mentioned type comprising a metering device with a cup is characterized in that the inner side wall of the frame comprises at least one retaining member which has a base extending from the frame towards the central axis of the container. container and extended by a tongue extending upwardly away from said inner side wall, the retaining member delimiting with the inner side wall an insertion housing adapted to receive with a small clearance a wall portion of the bucket of the metering utensil, the metering utensil being held in an interior storage position along the lid by the retaining member for said closed position.

Thus, it is permitted with these provisions to accommodate the metering device quickly under the lid before closing, without contact with the inside of the lid or with the bucket since the handle is directly accessible by its free end.

According to another particularity, the lid comprises a tubular-shaped lateral wall and a transverse upper wall, the tongue of the body of retainer comprising an upper free end arranged, for the closed position of the lid, with a determined spacing in the direction of the central axis relative to the upper wall of the lid, the determined spacing being less than the depth of the bucket.

Thus, the metering device attached to the retainer can not go back in the closed package and the bucket remains attached to the hook. There is therefore no risk of the metering device falling into the container with the food product.

According to another feature, the frame has a height having a maximum at the side of the retaining member.

Thus, the frame may have a lower height away from the body / support retaining, which facilitates the removal of the measuring utensil on the hook without touching the edges or the inside of the frame. The removal and extraction of the utensil are more intuitive for the user.

According to another feature, the tongue extends over a height representing 40 to 80% of said maximum height of the frame.

According to another feature, the frame has a gradually decreasing height profile away from the retaining member. Thus, the seizure of the handle of the bucket is done with a minimum of discomfort of the frame, which has a lower height of the side of the handle than that of the side of the bucket.

In another feature, the height of the frame varies about a factor of 2: 1 between its maximum and its minimum.

According to another particularity, the retaining member comprises at least three bearing zones each exerting pressure on a wall portion of the bucket to obtain a clamping of the bucket. Thus, the utensil is stalled reliably by one side.

According to another feature, two of the support zones are each formed by a rib of the frame emerging towards the central axis. The ribs may have a triangular shape, with the maximum thickness near the inlet of the insertion housing to increase support when the bucket is fully inserted into the housing.

According to another feature, the lid has a tubular inner skirt, a portion of which extends, in the closed position of the lid, to near said housing. The inner skirt is supported radially on an upper portion of said inner side wall of the frame and may contribute for example to maintaining the bucket in the housing.

For the closed position, the bucket is covered by the cover both from above and frontally by the inner skirt.

An object of the invention is also to provide a closure system for conveniently storing the measuring utensil at the closure device.

• un cadre s'étendant selon une forme générale tubulaire autour d'un axe central et délimitant une ouverture, le cadre présentant une paroi latérale radialement intérieure ;
• un couvercle articulé sur le cadre et mobile entre une position d'ouverture et une position de fermeture pour laquelle il obture l'ouverture par le dessus ;
• un ustensile doseur présentant un godet relié à un manche, dimensionné pour être agencé dans le plan du cadre ;

caractérisé en ce que la paroi latérale intérieure du cadre comporte au moins un organe de retenue qui présente une base s'étendant depuis le cadre vers l'axe central et prolongée par une languette s'étendant axialement vers le haut à distance de ladite paroi latérale intérieure, l'organe de retenue délimitant avec la paroi latérale intérieure un logement d'insertion apte à recevoir avec un faible jeu une portion de paroi du godet de l'ustensile doseur, l'ustensile doseur étant maintenu dans une position de rangement intérieur le long du couvercle par l'organe de retenue pour ladite position de fermeture.For this, it is proposed a closure system for packaging, comprising;

• a frame extending in a generally tubular shape about a central axis and defining an opening, the frame having a radially inner side wall;
• a cover hinged to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position for which it closes the opening from above;
• a measuring utensil having a bucket connected to a handle, dimensioned to be arranged in the plane of the frame;

characterized in that the inner side wall of the frame comprises at least one retaining member which has a base extending from the frame towards the central axis and extended by a tongue extending axially upward away from said side wall interior, the retaining member delimiting with the inner side wall an insertion housing adapted to receive with a slight clearance a wall portion of the bucket of the measuring utensil, the metering utensil being held in an internal storage position on the along the cover by the retaining member for said closed position.

It is advantageously allowed thanks to these provisions, with a catch of the utensil simply at the handle, respectively to insert the bucket in the insertion housing before closing the lid or to extract the cup from the retainer after opening the lid. It is understood that this closure system, which solves a storage problem of a measuring utensil, is used independently of the locking system and / or regardless of the presence of an inner skirt with the lid.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un emballage selon l'invention comprenant un dispositif de verrouillage et un couvercle en position d'ouverture, ainsi qu'un ustensile doseur associé ;
• les figures 2A et 2B représentent chacune selon le plan de coupe VIII-VIII de la figure 5 le dispositif de verrouillage avec les deux parties de ce dispositif respectivement avant et après verrouillage ;

• les figures 3A et 3B représentent deux vues en perspective de la partie du dispositif de verrouillage lié au couvercle ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de l'emballage de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du couvercle ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective détaillant la zone de jonction du couvercle et du cadre ;
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective illustrant l'accrochage de l'ustensile doseur dans l'emballage ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon le plan VIII-VIII du système de fermeture en position de fermeture ; et
• la figure 9 est une vue, selon le même plan de coupe que pour la figure 1, illustrant plus en détail les formes complémentaires du cadre et du couvercle.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a sectional view of a package according to the invention comprising a locking device and a lid in the open position, and an associated metering device;
• the Figures 2A and 2B each represent according to the sectional plan VIII-VIII of the figure 5 the locking device with the two parts of this device respectively before and after locking;

• the Figures 3A and 3B represent two perspective views of the part of the locking device connected to the lid;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the packaging of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 is a top view of the lid;
• the figure 6 is a perspective view detailing the junction area of the cover and the frame;
• the figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the metering device in the package;
• the figure 8 is a sectional view along the plane VIII-VIII of the closure system in the closed position; and
• the figure 9 is a view, according to the same sectional plan as for the figure 1 , illustrating in more detail the complementary shapes of the frame and the lid.

In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements.

With reference to the figure 1 , the package 1 comprises a container 2 and a closure system 3. A locking device 4 as illustrated in particular in the Figures 2A and 2B can equip the closure system 3. The container 2 is rigid or semi-rigid, for example metal, cardboard with a food coating or other suitable material for food packaging. This container 2 is open on one side opposite its bottom or base 20 and can have any shape: cylindrical, frustoconical, parallelepiped, with a constriction, etc. as can be appreciated by the skilled person.

Container 2 has in the embodiment shown a tubular side wall 22 which extends from the base 20 along a vertical central axis Z to an upper face 23. In the example of figures 1 , 4 and 7 , the upper face 23 has a wide opening 24 surrounded by a frame or circumference 25. The container 2 with this wide opening 24 is adapted to contain powdered infant milk that must be extracted through the opening using of an appropriate utensil. It is therefore a relatively deep container that requires making the opening 24 in the widest possible way to facilitate the removal of the powder near the bottom 20 of the container 2. In particular the opening 24 and the container 2 may be characterized by a substantially identical inner diameter.

In the case of using the package 1 to contain milk powder, there is provided a lid, not shown, which is sealingly sealed for example on an inner edge or around the periphery 25 of the container 2. Thus, the milk powder is perfectly preserved in the container 2 until the first use, during which the lid is torn off.

With reference to figures 1 , 4 and 8 , the closure system 3 comprises firstly a cover 31 of relatively convex shape, so that it can be considered that it has a substantially flat upper wall P, forming a lid bottom, and a substantially coaxial side wall with the central axis Z. The lid 31 also has an inner face facing the opening 24 in the closed position and which has generally the shape of a bowl because of the convex shape of the lid 31.

The closure system 3 further comprises a frame 32 which defines the opening 24. In one embodiment In a preferred embodiment, the frame 32 can be mounted in an adjusted manner on an upper part or neck of the container 2. The frame 32 is fixed preferably irremovably to this part of the container 2, in particular by snapping, but this attachment could also be provided by bonding or welding. In the non-limiting example of Figures 8 and 9 , a groove 300 allows the insertion and snapping of the neck of the container 2. Alternatively, the frame 32 could correspond to a border which is an integral part of the container 2.

The opening 24 may be slightly narrowed relative to the section of the container, for example due to the presence of a shaving edge. In this case, the frame 32 may delimit an opening of different dimensions and preferably greater than that of the narrowed opening.

With reference to figures 1 , 6 , 8 and 9 , the cover 31 and the frame 32 are hinged together by a connection allowing the cover 31 to be movable relative to the frame 32 and the container 2 between an open position, shown in FIG. figure 1 , for which the opening 24 is widely accessible, and a closed position, shown in FIG. figure 8 , for which the cover 31 covers this opening. It is therefore a resealable package whose lid 31 is handled at each use, for example for the preparation of bottles.

The link is here a hinge connection 30 whose pivot axis is perpendicular to the central axis Z. In the embodiment shown, it is a hinge 30 made of plastic formed by a fold line, which allows to make the cover 31 and the frame 32 in one piece. This is a piece obtained by injection into a mold of a plastic material, such as polypropylene. But, of course, the hinge connection 30 can be obtained by two separate parts assembled, and it is also possible to provide another type of connection between the frame 32 and the cover 31. In variants where the frame is part of the container 2 it is understood that the lid 31 can then be removably mounted on the upper part or neck of the container 2.

As can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B , the frame 32 has a protruding member with a catch flange 33 used for locking. The locking device 4 comprises on the cover 31 a tab or locking plate 41 articulated on a pivot axis 400 perpendicular to the central axis Z. The plate 41 has on either side of the axis 400 a portion of 410 and a catching portion 420. The actuating portion 410 extends to a first free end 42 gripped from above in the closed position of the cover 31, while the hooking portion 420 s' extends in the opposite direction from the pivot axis 400 to a second free end 43. In the closed position of the cover 31, the plate 41 occupies a gripping position for which the hooking portion 420 engages with the rim The unlocking is effected by manually actuating the actuating portion 410 towards the central axis Z.

By exerting a pressure with the finger or the thumb on a preferentially central zone of the actuating portion 410, as indicated by the arrow A at the Figure 2B , it causes the withdrawal of the attachment portion 420 outwardly (away from the central axis Z) and in the direction of the arrow B. The attachment portion 420 can thus be moved in outside the lock position.

With reference to Figures 1, 2A, 2B , 3A and 3B , the annular peripheral portion of the lid has a side wall 220 having a height at least equal to the height of the actuating portion 410 of the wafer 41. The upper face defined by the upper portion of the lid 31 has a depression 47 opening into the side wall 220. The depression 47 is formed in the side wall 220 of the cover 31 and can extend to the lower end of the cover 31.

The depression 47 is defined by a recessed portion of the upper wall P of the cover 31 having a radially outward opening which is delimited by the geometry break with the outer profile of the entire cover 31. It should be noted that the portion 410 of the locking plate 41 is located at the outlet of the depression 47. The depression 47 preferably has an increasing depth towards the outlet of the depression 47, as is visible on the Figures 2A , 3A and 3B . This allows the insertion of an index for example between the depression 47 and the plate 41 of locking. The width of the depression 47 can also be increasing towards the lateral outlet. The depression 47 is then delimited by a U-shaped edge of the upper face of the cover 31.

More generally, the shape of the depression 47 is chosen so that its outlet is wide enough for the user to easily hold between two fingers the operating zone of the locking plate 41. The locking plate 41 can then pivot in the depression 47 to take the unlock position. The lock plate has a large clearance due to the depression 47 of the cover 31. By way of non-limiting example, the free end 42 of the actuating portion 410 may be at least three times further from the pivot axis 400 that does not is the free end 43 of the attachment portion 420. The plate 41 can therefore react as a lever, with a default lever return in the setting position facilitates locking.

As illustrated in figure 8 with the cover 31 closed, the locking plate 41 extends in the extension of the peripheral side wall 220 for the setting position. Thus, the cover 31 has a contour devoid of projection, allowing the stacking of several closure systems 3. figure 5 illustrates the continuity of the contour of the cover 31. Therefore, the entire locking device 4 is integrated in the outer profile of the entire cover 31, and even of the entire package 1 because of the correspondence between the profile of the cover 31 and the container portion 2 when the lower end of the cover 31 rests on the upper face of the frame 32.

With reference to Figures 3A, 3B , 5 and 9 , the locking plate 41 is connected to the side wall 220 of the cover 31 by at least two elements 440 of an elastic hinge. Between these two elements 440 is formed a spacing f adjacent to the depression 47. This spacing f is in the extension of a continuous groove 60 formed between the side wall 220 and an inner skirt 21 of the cover 31. As illustrated in FIG. figure 9 , the frame 32 has an upper face which has a projecting annular projection 320 extending in the extension of the inner face of the side wall of the frame 32. A projection comprising the engagement flange 33 extends from this annular projection in an upward direction. The profile of the rim 33 can be simply rectangular. The engagement flange 33 for example protrudes away from the central axis Z so as to have a free end located near the inner face of the locking plate 41. For the closing position of the cover 31, the socket flange 33 fits into the gap f between the side wall 220 and the hook portion 420, bearing against the side wall 220.

In the embodiment shown, the engagement flange 33 is constituted by a portion of the frame 32 situated opposite the locking lug 41, and more precisely positioned on the outer periphery of the upper face of the frame 32.

It should be noted that the cross section of the locking plate 41 is not necessarily a perfect rectangle. The radially inner face of the locking plate 41 may have one or more ribs for adjusting its rigidity, and thus the force required to move the free end 43 away from the engagement flange 33. As illustrated in FIGS. Figures 2A, 2B and 3A , the locking plate 41 may thus comprise a rib or similar reinforcing element R projecting towards the central axis Z. This reinforcing element R extends above the spacing f and may constitute an abutment for an upper face. of the socket flange 33, when the lid 31 is in the closed position.

With reference to the Figure 2B , the engagement flange 33 may prolong the outlet of the depression 47 when the lid 31 is in the closed position. The portion of the projecting frame 32 defining the engagement flange 33 can close the spacing f and be biased radially towards the outside by the side wall 220 of the cover 31. Thus, the projection of the frame 32 is housed by default under the reinforcing element R for the closed position of the cover 31, when the locking plate 41 pivoting is not requested by the user.

The hooking portion 420 may comprise one or more lugs 430 oriented radially inwardly relative to the central axis Z and engaging with the engagement flange 33 from below for the locking position. Each lug 430 generally has the shape of a projecting rib extending horizontally across the inner face of the locking plate 41 with a trapezoidal profile, quarter-round or substantially triangular. By way of example, two spaced apart pins 430 may thus extend with increasing thickness from the free end 43 of the hooking portion 420 to a substantially horizontal level adjacent to the pivot axis 400 of the wafer. locking 41.

A snap is thus obtained thanks to the lugs 430 of the hooking portion 420. Nevertheless, to obtain such a snap, it is not absolutely necessary that the lugs 430 or the attachment portion 420 necessarily has such a profile. Indeed, at least one lug 430 could have a different profile, for example the shape of a bead, in particular with a profile of the rim 33 substantially different from a rectangle.

The lid 31 can then no longer pivot about the axis defined by the hinge 30 disposed opposite the locking device 4 or be lifted by a translational movement. In other words, it is thus understood that it is possible in the locking position to carry the package 1 by the gripping zone of the locking plate 41 without triggering the opening of the cover 31, since the actuating portion 410 is not pivoted towards the depression 47 of the cover 31.

The purpose of the locking device 4 is to prevent unintentional exit of the product after a first opening when the lid has been torn off, but is not intended to achieve a tight closure as previously obtained with the operculum.

In the embodiment of Figures 2A to 3B , the cover 31 furthermore comprises 6 breakable indicator lamps, associated with the locking plate 41 to form a tamper device testifying to the absence of tampering on the package 1. More particularly in the embodiment example shown, each of the tamper evidence 6 is in the form of a plastic tooth integrally formed with the lid 31. The tamper indicator 6 is attached on at least one side to the side wall 220 of the cover 31. A or several frangible links in the form of breakable bridges connect the indicator 6 to a lateral edge of the locking plate 41.

In the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B , the tamper evidence 6 is trapezoidal and the frangible link is located on a vertex remote from the side wall 220. The latch 41 has a semi-circular edge to which the tamper evidence 6 is frangibly attached. before the first opening of the lid 31. The frangible connections with the tamper evidence 6 are preferably located laterally on either side of a median plane of the wafer 41 parallel to the central axis Z, and so as not to do not interfere with the operation of the locking plate 41. In the embodiment shown, the The median plane of the locking plate 41 is a plane of symmetry which passes through the central axis Z. The pivot axis 400 of the locking plate 41 is orthogonal to this median plane.

Each of the burglar witnesses 6, preferably two in number, is arranged at the outlet of the depression 47 and each tooth which constitutes the witness 6 is shaped to extend in the extension of the outer profile of the entire lid 31. This gives the package 1 a particularly aesthetic appearance and limits the possibility of snagging with any object during its cycle of use. In addition, the fact of making the tamper evidence 6 integral with the cover 31 avoids a possible fall of these witnesses 6 inside the container 2. In the example of Figures 3A and 3B , the connection of these break-in lamps 6 with the side wall 220 of the cover 31 is made at the edge formed between a lateral face of the depression 47 and a face of the lateral periphery of the cover 31.

It has been mentioned here a breakable breakable breaker 6 but, of course, the number of bridges and their arrangement could be significantly different. For example, a break-in light might partially cover the front or rear surface of lock pad 41.

The cycle of use of the package 1 can be carried out as follows. After injection molding of the entire closure device 3 with the locking and tamper-proof devices (4, 6), a single piece is obtained which can be configured in the closed position with the lid 31 folded onto the frame 32 With the locking devices 4 and inviolability, this configuration is retained.

The closure device 3 thus formed can then be easily mounted on the container 2 previously filled and sealed, for example by snapping. Package 1 is then ready for sale. Any manual opening attempt will result in breakage of at least one of the frangible links, and will therefore generally be readily detectable by the consumer.

During the first use, the user will pivot by pivoting of the wafer 41 the frangible links 6 burglar witnesses. Unlocking the locking device 4 thus makes it possible to move the cover 31. By a pressure exerted on the outer zone, visible to the figure 3B , the actuating portion 410 and a slight pull upwards, the user then places the lid 31 in the open position. As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B a protruding rib 450 may be provided on the outer face of the actuating portion 410, for example with the same shape as the free edge of the actuating portion 410 (C-shaped in the embodiment shown). This rib 450 facilitates the setting and the pressure action exerted by the thumb on the actuating portion 410 to unlock.

By closing the package 1, that is to say by folding the lid 31, the locking is automatically ensured by the snap of the hooking portion 420 with the engagement flange 33. Then, for a new use, it is sufficient to exert pressure again on the central zone of the actuating portion 410 to release the locking device 4.

A method of fixing a metering device 100 permitted with a package 1 according to the invention will now be described in connection with the figures 1 and 6 to 9 .

With reference to the figure 1 , the cover 31 can be curved and has a significant height (for example between 2 and 5 cm). The cover 31 thus has a side wall 220 which facilitates its handling and a top wall P to cover the opening 24. One or more objects, in particular a metering utensil 100 when the package contains milk powder, can then stored in the interior volume defined by the lid 31. In the embodiment shown, the lid 31 is hinged to the frame 32 and the interior volume for the storage of the measuring utensil 100 is located between the opening 24 of the container and the upper wall P of the cover 31 for the closed position.

Initially, the metering device 100 can be packaged in a bag and placed between the lid and the lid 31 in the package 1 ready for sale. The metering utensil 100 has a bucket 15 connected to a handle 16. The dimensions, in particular the length, of the utensil make it possible to arrange the latter in the plane of the frame 32. For a receptacle 2 of circular type, understands that the length of the measuring utensil 100 remains lower than the inside diameter of the frame 32.

In order not to generate contacts liable to contaminate the food, a single hooking zone is provided on the radially inner side wall of the frame 32 to hold the measuring utensil 100 in the upper part of the packaging by the bucket 15. 1. The frame 32 can here correspond both to a portion of the container 2 to an element attached to the container 2, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As illustrated in figure 8 the inner side wall has at least one retaining member which has a base b extending from the frame 32 towards the central axis Z of the container 2 and is extended by a tongue 5 extending upwardly away from the inner wall of the frame 32. The retaining member delimits with this inner side wall an insertion housing L adapted to receive with a small clearance a wall portion of the bucket 15 of the measuring utensil 100. The tongue 5 may be ribbed for a gain in rigidity, for example by means of two parallel ribs 55 projecting towards the central axis Z.

The function performed by the retaining member is to wedge the bucket wall portion inserted in the housing L. For this, the tongue 5 may have a generally rectangular profile or more generally adapted to the wall shape of the bucket 15 of the housing. metering device. At least a portion of the tongue 5 may be parallel to the central axis Z. The tongue 5 may comprise at least one free end in contact with the wall portion of the bucket 15 inserted in the housing L.

With reference to the figure 8 , the tongue 5 of the retaining member comprises an upper free end arranged, for the closed position of the cover 31, with a determined spacing relative to the upper wall P in the closed position of the cover 31. This determined spacing is less than the depth of the bucket 15 to prevent the bucket portion 15 inserted in the insertion housing L out of this housing L, which would cause the metering utensil 100 to fall inside the container 2. The figure 7 illustrates the position of the metering device 100 to the frame 32 fixed by the retaining member. The handle 16 is disengaged with respect to the frame 32 and can be freely grasped by the user for use of the metering device 100. Alternatively, the retention of the bucket 15 can be carried out with an inverted position of the bucket with respect to the example of the figure 7 , with the bucket opening upwards. In this case, the tongue 5 can be inserted in a hollow defined at the bottom of the bucket. More generally, one or more tongues of the aforementioned type can be used to grip at least one wall portion of the bucket 15.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining member comprises at least three bearing zones each exerting a pressure on the wall portion of the bucket 15 to obtain a clamping of the bucket 15 of the metering device 100. Two of these zones each support is for example formed by a rib 52 of the inner frame side wall 32, emerging towards the central axis Z. The third bearing zone is provided by the side of the tongue 5 vis-à-vis the inner side wall of the frame 32.

With reference to figures 6 and 9 on the inner side wall of the frame 32 there is thus provided essentially integrally formed ribs 52 in contact with the outside of the wall portion of the bucket. These ribs 52 ensure for example both a clamping and guiding function. In the embodiment shown, the thickness of the ribs 52 decreases towards the bottom of the housing L, which bottom is formed by the base b of the retaining member. This configuration of the ribs 52 produces an initial axis of insertion into the housing L of the bucket wall portion 15 which is slightly inclined with respect to the direction of the central axis Z, as can be seen in FIG. figure 9 . However, the tongue 5 extends in a global direction substantially parallel to the central axis Z. For a bucket with a generally cylindrical wall, it is understood that when the insertion into the housing L of the wall portion of the bucket 15 is complete , the portion of the ribs 52 of greater thickness will then tighten further the bucket wall portion 15 placed in the housing L.

In the embodiment with an elastic hinge 30 which connects the cover 31 to the frame 32, the single attachment zone is located on the hinge 30 side. As illustrated in particular in FIG. figure 7 with a ring-shaped frame attached to the container 2, the height of the frame 32 has a maximum H2 on the side of the retaining member, the height decreasing on either side of this maximum H2, preferably in a progressive manner, to reach a reduced height on the opposite side to this retaining member. For the removal of the bucket 15 of the metering device 100 on the retaining member, it is necessary to hold the handle on the side of the frame 32 where the height is the lowest to be able to bring the bucket 15 of the retaining member . With this reduction in height of the frame 32, the hooking and unhooking of the metering utensil 100 can then be carried out intuitively and without interference by the frame 32, by grasping only the free end of the handle 16.

With reference to figures 1 and 5 , the lid 31 may have a plane of symmetry corresponding to the section plane of the figure 1 . This plane of symmetry may include the central axis Z and crosses respectively median hinge 30, the depression 47 and the plate 41 of the locking device. In the embodiment shown with the hinge 30, the profile of the cover 31 is complementary to the profile of the frame 32. The maximum H2 height of the frame 32 is thus located on the side of the hinge 30, while the maximum H1 height the cover 31 is located opposite, that is to say on the side of the locking device 4 in the example shown. The lid 31 thus has a minimum height on the hinge side 30. This minimum is for example of the order of 1 or 2 cm and the maximum height H1 of the cover 31 is approximately double or triple compared to this minimum. The height of the metering device 100 in the fixing position on the retaining member (corresponding substantially to the depth of the bucket 15) is typically between 1 and 3 cm. The metering device 100 can therefore be positioned under the cover 31 in the closed position while being housed inside the volume defined by the cover 31 and the frame 32.

An arrangement of the cover 31 adapted for a food packaging according to the invention and intended for milk powder will now be more particularly described in connection with the figures 4 and 6 to 9 .

As can be seen in the figures 6 and 9 , the cover 31 comprises an inner skirt 21 for defining with the outer side wall 220 of the cover 31 a continuous groove 60. This groove 60 can completely surround the inner skirt 21. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 , the side wall 220 deviates radially from the central axis Z towards a free edge of the side wall 220. The inner skirt 21 is substantially cylindrical about the central axis Z for example. The inner skirt 21 and the side wall 220 preferentially share the same central axis Z in a coaxial configuration.

With reference to figures 4 , 6 and 7 , the frame 32 has an upper face which defines a wide opening 24 through which the user can use with a suitable tool powdered milk or similar content. The upper face of the frame 32 has a projecting annular projection 320 inserted in the groove 60 for the closed position of the cover 31. This projection annular 320 of the frame 32 thus contributes to a centering of the lid 31 during closure.

The projecting annular projection 320 advantageously extends in the extension of the inner face of the side wall of the frame 32. Thus, the inside of the frame has a continuous appearance and preferably without a flange. In the embodiment shown, the retaining member for the bucket 15 of the measuring utensil 100 is situated at a level lower than the annular projection 320. With the exception of this retaining member, the entire inner side wall of the frame 32 located above the lid is smooth. At the point where the junction with the lid 31 is thus removed, any surface such as an interior rim where the milk powder could be deposited is removed. Practically, closing the lid 31 thus arranged can be done without any discomfort.

With reference to the figure 8 , for the closed position, the annular projection 320 fits into the groove 60 without however joining the bottom of this groove 60. The height of the annular projection 320 is for example between 1 and 4 mm. It should be noted that the annular projection 320 extends mainly below a plane orthogonal to the central axis Z and passing through the axis of articulation of the hinge 30. On the figures 1 , 4 and 7 , it is visible that only part of the annular projection 320 near the hinge 30 exceeds above this plane (horizontal in the example of the figure 1 ) passing through the hinge 30.

The inner skirt 21 preferentially covers an upper band of the inner side face of the frame 32 in this closed position and can thus fit through its entire periphery against the inside of the frame 32. The end free 210 of the inner skirt 21 is rounded or beveled to make more progressive the contact of the inner skirt 21 against the inner side wall of the frame 32 during the lowering of the lid 31.

The inner skirt 21 may have, on the side close to the hinge 30 and on its inner face, one or more projecting contact surfaces for exerting, when closing the lid 31, a bearing on the cup 15 received in the body of the detention. This support makes it possible to drive the bucket wall portion inserted in the housing L in the direction of the base b. The protruding surface can be beveled to achieve this effect of driving the bucket 15 of the metering device 100 into the housing L. The effect produced by the projecting surface could, alternatively or additionally, lead to a beginning of lifting of the bucket during the operation of opening the lid 31. Opposite the hinge 30, it should be noted as illustrated in particular in the figure 7 that the depression 47 locally narrows the tubular volume defined by the inner skirt 21.

With reference to the figure 9 , the frame 32 has an outer peripheral face with respect to which the annular projection 320 is shifted inwards. In the closed position, the outer edge of the frame 32 adjacent to the annular projection 320 is covered by the edge of the side wall 220 as visible on the figure 8 . This edge-to-edge connection makes it possible to maintain a smooth outer profile for the frame-cover assembly, the outer skirt formed by the side wall 220 joining and extending the outer face of the frame 32 for the closed position.

The side wall 220 and the inner skirt 21 meet and form in vertical section the branches of a Y, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 . The side wall 220 of the cover 31 is preferably in radial contact with the annular projection 320 for the closed position of the cover 31. As the inner skirt 21 provided to cover internally the entire projection 320 annular frame 32 is also in radial contact with this annular projection 320 for the closed position, it is understood that the sealing of the closure is advantageously enhanced.

With reference to figures 1 and 8 , the profile of the junction between the cover 31 and the frame 32 is curved and generally oblique, with the maximum height H1 of the cover 31 opposite the hinge 30. In the embodiment shown, the profile of the wall Lateral 220 of the cover 31 has a gradually decreasing height towards the hinge 30. Correspondingly, the frame 32 has a side wall whose height decreases progressively to the area where the engagement edge 33 is located.

As is visible on the Figures 6 and 7 , the annular projection 320 has a preferentially constant height and therefore has the same oblique profile as the side wall of the frame 32. The oblique profile of the junction from the hinge 30 and the rounded or beveled shape at the free end of the skirt internal 21 make the engagement of the inner skirt 21 with the inner side wall of the frame 32 more progressive when closing the lid 31. Therefore, the effort exerted by the user is more continuous, which increases the comfort of 'use. Indeed, it avoids a sudden engagement of the cover 31 on the frame 32 which generates a hard point of contact. The inner skirt 21 may extend below the edge-to-edge joining level between the cover 31 and the frame 32 for the closed position.

According to an embodiment not shown, the cover 31 may comprise radial ribs protruding from the inner skirt 21 towards the inside of the cover 31 to stiffen the latter. These ribs have for example a triangular profile and join the upper wall P of the cover 31.

Of course, the embodiment described above is in no way limiting and numerous variants concerning the geometry of the parts constituting the locking and tamper-proof devices or the bucket holding device 15 can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. invention as claimed. In particular, although the closure system 3 has been described in two parts with a cover 31 articulated or more generally removable relative to a frame 32 which is mounted on the container 2, it is clear that the cover 31 can seal the opening 24 by direct mounting on a container 2 of corresponding shape, with or without articulation by a hinge.

Claims (14)

Packaging (1) for a food product comprising: - a container (2) extending along a central axis (Z) from a base (20) to an upper face having an opening (24); - A frame (32) of annular shape mounted in an adjusted manner on an upper part or neck of the container, the frame having an inner face and an upper face which has an annular projection (320) projecting extending in the extension of the face inside the frame; a cover (31) mounted hinged to the frame between an open position and a closed position for which it closes the opening of the container (2), the cover having an upper wall (P), a side wall ( 220) which extends from the top wall and an inner skirt (21), a continuous groove (60) being defined between the side wall and the inner skirt, said frame (32) and said cover (31) forming a closure (3); - a metering device (100) cup (15) adapted to be housed in an interior volume defined by the closure system (3), above the opening (24) of the container (2);
packaging in which the projecting annular projection (320) fits into the groove (60) and the inner skirt (21) bears at least partially on said inner face of the frame (32) for the lid closing position (31). ). The package of claim 1, wherein the groove (60) has a depth greater than the width of the groove outlet. A package according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a seal which is sealingly sealed to an inner rim or around the perimeter (25) of the container (2), the cup (15) of the metering device (100) having a determined height slightly less than the distance between the lid and the upper wall, thanks to which the cup dosing device can be housed between the lid and the top wall of the lid. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is cylindrical and the central axis forms an axis of symmetry for both the container and the inner face of the frame which is substantially smooth. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (32) has a peripheral outer face with respect to which said annular projection (320) is shifted inwards, the side wall (220) of the lid (31). extending in the extension of said outer face of the frame (32) for the closed position. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper face of the lid (31) comprises a depression (47) opening on the side wall (220), situated opposite a hinge hinge ( 30) between the cover and the frame. Packaging according to claim 6, comprising a locking device (4) arranged in the depression. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (31) has a height of between 2 and 5cm. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner skirt (21) has a free end (210) bevelled on its outer side and is adjusted by all of its periphery against the inside of the frame (32). . Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a measuring cup utensil (100) (15), the frame (32) comprising, preferably on the side of a hinge (30), a tongue retainer (5). ) delimiting with the inner face of the frame (32) an upwardly open housing (L) for receiving a wall portion of the bucket (15) of the measuring utensil (100), the inner skirt (21). ) extending, in the closed position of the cover (31), to near said housing (L) to cooperate with the bucket (15) received in the housing (L). Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lid (31) comprises radial ribs protruding from the inner skirt (21) towards the inside of the lid (31), and joining the upper wall (P) of the lid ( 31). Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (32) has an outer edge adjacent to the annular projection (320), the outer edge of the frame being in contact, in the closed position of the lid (31), with the free edge of the side wall (220), the free edge of the side wall having a width identical to the width of said outer edge. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a hinge hinge (30) between the cover (31) and the frame (32), the height of the cover being greater than the height of the frame opposite the hinge. Use of the package according to any of claims 1 to 13 for containing a powdery, granular or fluffy food product.

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