EP3623307B1

EP3623307B1 - Packaging

Info

Publication number: EP3623307B1
Application number: EP19197568.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José Vaz de Almada; Carlos de Magalhães Gagliardini Graça
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-14
Filing date: 2019-09-16
Publication date: 2021-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-16
Also published as: EP3623307A1

Description

Technical domain

The present application relates to a packaging having a lid convertible into a handle.

Background

Existing solutions for identical purposes:

Paperboard packaging for food products

1. Differences in the constitution:
- Current paperboard packages lack the versatility of converting the lid into a handle.
2. Identified problems and disadvantages:
- Reduced stiffness,
- Not possible to close after being open,
- Difficult to hold with one hand,
- Unable to contain liquids

A packaging having a handle formed by superposition of two handle-shaped flaps connected to opposite side edges of a side wall is known from document US2574927A1 .

Grocery paper bag

1. Differences in the constitution:
Current grocery paper packages lack the versatility of converting the lid into a handle.
2. Identified problems and disadvantages:
- Very low resistance,
- Irregular and constantly changing shape,
- Carries reduced weight,
- Unable to contain liquids.

Plastic bag for food:

1. Differences in the constitution:
- Current plastic bags for food lack the versatility of converting the lid into a handle.
2. Identified problems and disadvantages:
- Reduced stiffness,
- Not possible to close after being open,
- Complicated recycling and high environmental impacts,

Glass bottle

1. Differences in the constitution:
- Current glass bottles lack the versatility of converting the lid into a handle.
2. Identified problems and disadvantages:
- Fixed and limited capacity,
- Heavy weight,
- Requires placement of a cap/stopper,
- More complex and costly transport and storage.

Summary

The present application relates to a packaging comprising:

a base;
at least three side faces, wherein at least one side face comprises a flap;
at least two lids, wherein at least one lid comprises a flap, and wherein two of the lids comprise one handle each;

In one embodiment, the base comprises at least one flap.
In one embodiment, the packaging comprises fixing means on the base flaps and on the side faces flaps.
In one embodiment, the fixing means are glue and/or a mechanical connection.
In one embodiment, the packaging is made of a material selected from the following list: paperboard, hard plastic, flexible plastic, wood sheet or lignocellulosic material, cork sheet, aluminium or other metal alloys foil, polyethylene, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials or combinations of these types of materials.
In another embodiment, the packaging is reusable.
In another embodiment, the packaging has a cube shape.
Yet in another embodiment, the packaging has a triangular prism shape.
In one embodiment, the packaging has an octagonal prism shape.
In one embodiment, the packaging is used for packing food products.
In another embodiment, the packaging is used for packing solid products.
Yet in another embodiment, the packaging is used for packing liquid products.

General description

The present application relates to a packaging having a lid convertible into a handle. Functionally, the present technology innovates by combining, within the same object, the function of containing products inside the packaging, with the possibility of transporting it with one hand only.
Structurally, the presented technology adds an additional characteristic to the lid which, by opening the lid, converts it into a handle facilitating the packaging handling and transportation. This is a structural innovation replicable into various sizes or geometries.
Importantly, this constructive solution provides a great functional advantage to the customer or final user of the products. When the packaging is intended for food content, the advantages related to time saving in eating or the possibility of eating in various contexts, are a great innovation and a breakthrough from current methods.
The present technology is an innovative packaging that stands out by the ease with which it can be held in hand after having been opened. The present technology, when intended for food content, promises to play an important role for everyone who, either by choice or necessity, need to eat and have no support place, without being able to hold food, drinks, or other objects in one hand only, leaving the other one free to simply serve themselves.
One objective of the present technology is to be used mainly in the beverage or ready food sector. However, the use of the present packaging is not limited to food products only, being able to include any necessity product.
Being of a simple construction and intuitive use it may easily retake its initial shape of a simple closed packaging, and being reused.

Brief description of the figures

For an easier understanding of the present application figures are appended, which depict preferred embodiments that, however, are not meant to limit the art disclosed herein.

Figure 1 illustrates a packaging in a cubic shape wherein reference numbers represent: 1 - handle; 2 - lid; 3 - side face; 4 - base; 5 - flap.
Figure 2 depicts the packaging in a cubic shape and the method of opening the packaging and convert the lid into a handle, wherein reference numbers represent: 1 - handle; 2 - lid; 3 - side face; 4 - base; 5 - flap.
Figure 3 shows the packaging in a cubic shape and the method of closing the packaging and convert the handle into a lid, wherein reference numbers represent: 1 - handle; 2 - lid; 3 - side face; 4 - base; 5 - flap.
Figure 4 illustrates a packaging in a triangular prism shape wherein reference numbers represent: 6 - handle; 7 - lid; 8 - side face; 9 - flap; 10 - base.
Figure 5 depicts a packaging in a triangular prism shape and the method of converting the lid into a handle, wherein reference numbers represent: 6 - handle; 7 - lid; 8 - side face; 9 - flap; 10 - base.
Figure 6 depicts a packaging in a triangular prism shape and the method of converting the handle into a lid, wherein reference numbers represent: 6 - handle; 7 - lid; 8 - side face; 9 - flap; 10 - base.
Figure 7 depicts a packaging in an octagonal prism shape, wherein reference numbers represent: 11 - base; 12 - side face; 13 - lid; 14 - lid with handle; 15 -handle; 16 - flap.
Figure 8 depicts a packaging in an octagonal prism shape and the method of converting the lid into a handle, wherein reference numbers represent: 11 - base; 12 - side face; 13 - lid; 14 - lid with handle; 15 - handle; 16 - flap.
Figure 9 depicts a packaging in an octagonal prism shape and the method of converting the handle into a lid, wherein reference numbers represent: 11 - base; 12 - side face; 13 - lid; 14 - lid with handle; 15 - handle; 16 - flap.

For a better understanding of the drawings and designs, it is noted that figures:
1 and 4 correspond to the horizontal plane of the material making the packaging with the respective die cuts and folds. The remaining figures show the assembling, folding and fixing process for the respective shapes.

Description of embodiments

Reference being made to the figures, some embodiments are now described in a more detailed way, which are not meant, however, to limit the scope of the present application.
The product described in the present application is a hard packaging intended for a solid or liquid items container with five or more faces.
The packaging of the present application enables various geometries, provided that they enable the double functionality of the lids being converted into a handle. The lids comprising the handles act as a cap, completely closing the packaging, or act as a handle when the packaging is open on the top. Therefore, the handles become exposed and holdable when the packaging takes an open form.
The packages are initially produced in a horizontal plane of die cuts, i.e., flat forms, allowing for great savings either in the packages transport or storage, compared to the current solutions available in the market for the same function. In fact, the assembling of the present packaging will be necessary upon packing the final product only. Such fact allows to simplify the productive process including all advantages connected to production costs.
The present packaging shows great flexibility and amplitude concerning manufacturing materials. In one embodiment, the packaging production material is selected among the following list: paperboard, hard plastic, flexible plastic, wood sheet or lignocellulosic material, cork sheet, aluminium or other metal alloys foil, polyethylene, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials or combinations of these types of materials. In a use intended for the packing of food products, it is required to take into account that the packaging manufacturing material should be compatible with food products.
Concerning the technical advantage of using recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, some of the previously mentioned materials are recyclable and some of them biodegradable, which provides a great ecological advantage in reducing the environmental footprint left by these packages, making its use possible in any commercial packaging regulatory and restricted environment.
The present packaging shows an additional advantage with a high economic and environmental value by allowing its reuse, containing the material for which it has been produced, or for any other material after being washed or treated. In fact, by enabling one, two or more additional usages, the use of other packages can be reduced with significant economic advantages, by allowing to save money in additional packages purchase, and great ecological advantages by avoiding recycling/treatment of the replaced packages.
The present packaging further shows the functional advantage resulting from combining in a single object the functions of product packaging, transport and storage, and of container for consumption, cup, plate, pan or packaging. Such fact will reduce the need of materials for these functions, either in the washing or treatment of the products to reuse. The economic and environmental advantages are clear and of a high financial and ecological value.
In general, and according to a horizontal flat form, the packaging has a base at the lower area, which comprises at least one flap, which flap enables to close the base relatively to the side faces of the packaging.
In another embodiment, the base has no flap and it is fully adjacent to all side faces.
The base is located adjacent to at least one of the side faces. Additionally, and depending on the geometry of the packaging, the present packaging comprises at least three side faces. At least one of the side faces has at least one flap enabling to close the side faces, whereby forming a closed three-dimensional packaging.
The packaging of the present application comprises at least two lids at the upper area which are adjacent to the side faces. Two of the lids of the present packaging comprise one handle each. At least one of the lids comprises one flap.
The solution provided in the present application is related to the fact that two of the lids comprise a handle. Once assembled, the packaging arranges the lids with handle in an adjacent way, whereby the respective handles thereof become adjacent to each other as well, forming one single handle whenever the packaging is open.
The packaging of the present application is assembled from a horizontal flat form of the geometric desired shape, wherein the base, side faces and flaps are folded such that the packaging becomes three-dimensional, and the side faces surround the base and lids.
The base and side faces having flaps are fixed relatively to each other through their flaps by fixing means. In one embodiment the fixing means are glue, and/or a mechanical connection enabling to keep the packaging closed.
Flaps associated to the lids have no fixing means, since they only have the function of helping to close the lid, also enabling to open it easily.
After the base and side faces assembling and fixation, it is possible to fold the lids, which are adjacent, and thereby close the packaging. The packaging is closed by folding one of the lids and thereafter by folding the other lid over the previous one.
In order to hold and transport the open packaging by the handles, folding the lids in the opposite direction of that of closing the packaging is required. The lids are located under the side faces to which they are adjacent. Thereby, the handles of each lid with handle are adjacent and allow the user to transport the open packaging.

Cube-shaped packaging - six faces:

In this embodiment, the packaging has the geometric shape of a cube, as shown in the flat form of Figure 1. Figure 1 exemplifies the horizontal flat form of the die cut and its creases and cuts enabling the three-dimensional assembling thereof, as well as the fixing points enabling the packaging fixation and strength.
In this shape, the packaging has a base (4) comprising at least one flap (5). In one embodiment, the base (4) has three flaps (5). The base (4) flaps (5) have the purpose of fixing the base (4) to the side faces (3), closing the packaging lower area. The base (4) and side faces (3) flaps (5) have fixing means enabling to fix the various packaging faces and close it.
In the flat form, the base (4) is adjacent to one of the side faces (3), and once the packaging is assembled, all side faces (3) surround the base (4).
The packaging comprises four side faces (3) wherein one of the side faces has, at the flat form end, at least one flap (5) with the purpose of closing the packaging side area. This geometry also comprises two lids (2) at the packaging upper area, which are adjacent to the side faces (3) of the flat form ends. The lids (2) comprise, each, one handle (1) enabling the user to transport the packaging while it is open, exposing its content. Additionally, the lids (2) further comprise flaps (5) without fixing means, enabling the closing of the packaging upper area.
Figure 2 depicts the opening assembling of the packaging wherein (A) depicts the packaging fully closed, (B) and (C) depict the packaging semi-open and (D) depicts the packaging fully open with the lids (2) converted into a handle (1).
Figure 3 depicts a complementary view of the packaging and its closing assembling wherein (A) depicts the packaging fully open with the lids (2) converted into a handle (1), (B) and (C) depict the packaging semi-open and (D) depicts the packaging fully closed.
In figures 2 and 3 the curved arrows represent the orientation of the respective lids (2) folding.

Triangular prism packaging - five faces

In this embodiment, the packaging has the geometric shape of a triangular prism, as shown in the flat form of Figure 4. Figure 4 exemplifies the horizontal flat form of the die cut and its creases and cuts enabling the three-dimensional assembling thereof, as well as the fixing points enabling the packaging fixation and strength.
In this shape, the packaging has a base (10) comprising at least one flap (9). In one embodiment, the packaging comprises two flaps (9). The base (10) flaps (9) have the purpose of fixing the base (10) to the side faces (9), closing the packaging lower area. The base (10) and side faces (8) flaps (9) have fixing means enabling to fix the various packaging faces and close it.
In the flat form, the base (10) is adjacent to one of the side faces (8), and once the packaging is assembled, all side faces (8) surround the base (10).
The packaging comprises three side faces (8), wherein one of the side faces (8) has, at the flat form end, at least one flap (9) with the purpose of closing the packaging side area. This geometry also comprises two lids (7) at the packaging upper area, each lid (7) being adjacent to one side face (8) of the flat form end. Each of the lids (7) comprises one handle (6) enabling the user to transport the packaging while it is open, exposing its content. Additionally, the lids (7) further comprise flaps (9) without fixing means, enabling the closing of the packaging upper area.
Figure 5 depicts the opening assembling of the packaging wherein (A) depicts the packaging fully closed, (B) and (C) depict the packaging semi-open and (D) depicts the packaging fully open with the lids (7) converted into a handle (6).
Figure 6 depicts a complementary view of the packaging and its closing assembling wherein (A) depicts the packaging fully open with the lids (7) converted into a handle (6), (B) and (C) depict the packaging semi-open and (D) depicts the packaging fully closed.
In figures 5 and 6 the curved arrows represent the orientation of the respective lids (7) folding.

Octagonal prism packaging - ten faces

In this embodiment, the packaging has the geometric shape of an octagonal prism, as shown in the flat form of Figure 7. Figure 7 exemplifies the horizontal flat form of the die cut and its creases and cuts enabling the three-dimensional assembling thereof, as well as the fixing points enabling the packaging fixation and strength.
In this shape, the packaging has a base (11). The base (11) is adjacent to eight side faces (12). Each of the side faces (11) has a flap (16) with the purpose of fixing the side faces (12) to each other, thereby closing the side area of the packaging. Side faces (12) adjacent flaps (16) have fixing means enabling to fix the various packaging faces and close the packaging.
This geometry also comprises two lids with handle (14). Each of the lids with handle (14) is adjacent to a side face (12), which side faces (12) are equally adjacent to each other. Additionally, the packaging comprises at least two lids (13) adjacent to side faces (12) which are not adjacent to the lids with handle (14). Each of the lids with handle (14) comprises one handle (15) enabling the user to transport the packaging while it is open, exposing its content. Both the lids with handle (14) and the lids (13) may further comprise flaps (16) without fixing means, enabling the closing of the packaging upper area.
Figure 8 depicts the closing assembling of the packaging wherein (A) depicts the packaging fully closed, (B) and (C) depict the packaging semi-open and (D) depicts the packaging fully open with the lids with handle (14) converted into a handle (15).
Figure 9 depicts a complementary view of the packaging and its opening assembling wherein (A) depicts the packaging fully open with the lids with handle (14) converted into a handle (15), (B) and (C) depicts the packaging semi-open and (D) depicts the packaging fully closed.
In figures 8 and 9 the curved arrows represent the orientation of the respective lids (13) (14) folding.
The present description is not, naturally, in any way restricted to the embodiments presented herein and a person with average knowledge in the area may foresee many possibilities for modification thereof without departing from the main idea, as defined in the claims. Obviously, the preferred embodiments herein described may be combined with each other or by adding faces to the geometric models in increasing numbers, such that we wish to patent from 3 to infinite faces. The following claims further define preferred embodiments.

Claims

Packaging for solid and liquid products formed by folding a sheet of material, comprising:
- a base (4, 10, 11) connected to the bottom edge of at least one side face (3, 8, 12);

- at least three side faces (3, 8, 12), wherein at least one side face comprises a flap (5, 9, 16) enabling to close the side faces characterised in that it further comprises:
- at least two lids (2, 7, 13, 14):
each of the lids (2, 7, 13, 14) is connected to the upper edge of one side face (3, 8, 12) opposite the base (4, 10, 11);

at least one of the lids comprises a flap (5, 9, 16) connected to an edge of the lid (2, 7, 13, 14);

wherein a first and a second one of the lids (2, 7, 14) connected respectively to a first and a second one of the side faces comprise one handle (1, 6, 15) each, formed by a handle-shaped flap connected to an edge of the respective lid,

wherein the handles (1, 6, 15) are inserted into the packaging when the lids (2, 7, 13, 14) are folded to close the packaging;

wherein the handles (1, 6, 15) become exposed and the handles are adjacent to each other forming one single handle when the lids (2, 7, 14) are folded open against the exterior surface of the side faces (3, 8, 12) to open the packaging.
Packaging according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (4, 10) comprises at least one flap (5, 9).
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises fixing means on the base flaps (5, 9) and on the side faces flaps (5, 9, 16) .
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means are glue and/or a mechanical connection.
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a material selected from the following list: paperboard, hard plastic, flexible plastic, wood sheet or lignocellulosic material, cork sheet, aluminium or other metal alloys foil, polyethylene, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials or combinations of these types of materials.
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is reusable.
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a cube shape.
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a triangular prism shape.
Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an octagonal prism shape.