EP4281383A1

EP4281383A1 - Moisture resistant container and blank assembly therefore

Info

Publication number: EP4281383A1
Application number: EP22701627.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tim VAN CAELENBERG; Michel VAN KURINGE
Original assignee: Puratos NV
Current assignee: Puratos NV
Priority date: 2021-01-25
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2023-11-29
Also published as: BE1029068A1; WO2022157387A1; BE1029068B1

Abstract

A container comprising a first box (100), and a second box (200) nested within. The first box comprises: a first bottom wall (110); a first peripheral wall (120); an outer lid (150) for closing the first box and comprising a top panel (155) and at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall (120) in the closed position. The second box comprises: a second bottom wall (210); a second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223); an inner lid (250) for closing the second box and comprising a top panel (255). The second box comprises an inner tab (231, 232, 233) linked with the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) and pivoting inwardly, such that the outer lid presses down the inner lid in order to press the inner tab inward in the outer lid closed position; and, the first box comprises an outer tab (131, 132, 133) pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall and configured for being pressed against by the outer lid in the outer lid closed position.

Description

MOISTURE RESISTANT CONTAINER AND BLANK ASSEMBLY THEREFORE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of invention relates to containers, blanks thereof, and blank assemblies. Particular embodiments relate to containers for containing moisture-sensitive products.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, for economy reasons, it is not unusual to use products which are dosed individually and which are related for example to the food industry, e.g. sugar, yeast, to the chemical industry, e.g. detergent, or to the medical industry, e.g. pills. In order to be dosed individually, these products are either packaged individually or pressed into a compact shape. However, with time, the latter ones are susceptible to disintegration due to absorption of ambient moisture. Also, reaction of some components of the products with said ambient moisture could be detrimental to the desired usage and effectiveness of the product. It would therefore be advantageous to have a container to store such products which would prevent or reduce moisture intake from the surrounding environment.

In prior art solutions, to address the above mentioned problems, several solutions have been used such as individual packaging of the dosed products, moisture-absorbing packs added in the container, single -use protecting films over the container opening, tampered packaging solutions , such as blisters, which are releasing the packed products after breaking a seal, etc. However, usage of these solutions comes with an increase in packaging costs or is not efficient anymore in re-use once the container has been opened once.

GB2492195A discloses a temperature-controlled transport container comprising a base, at least one wall extending from the base, a cover, and a temperature control system comprising an insert located within the container.

GB2236737A discloses a cigarette case provided with an ash box arranged within or on the side of the cigarette case and having a foldable lid.

SUMMARY The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a container, blanks thereof, and a blank assembly, allowing a sustained protection against moisture intake during usage of the products contained within the container in time, as well as obtaining a container with a robust and simplified architecture.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container. The container comprises a first box and a second box configured for being nested within the first box. The first box comprises: a first bottom wall; a first peripheral wall extending upward from the first bottom wall; an outer lid configured for closing a space defined by the first bottom wall and the first peripheral wall, said outer lid comprising a top panel and at least two flaps configured for extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position of the first box. The second box comprises: a second bottom wall; a second peripheral wall extending upward from the second bottom wall; an inner lid configured for closing a space defined by the second bottom wall and the second peripheral wall, said inner lid comprising a top panel.

The second box comprises at least one inner tab linked with the second peripheral wall and configured for pivoting inwardly, such that, when closing the first and second boxes, the outer lid presses down the inner lid in order to press the at least one inner tab inward in the closed position of the outer lid. Alternatively or additionally, the first box comprises at least one outer tab pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall. The at least one outer tab is configured for being pressed against by the outer lid in the closed position of the outer lid.

Firstly, by providing two nested boxes, moisture intake from the closed bottom or from the closed peripheral walls is largely prevented. There is a first box and a second box. Each of the first box, or outer box, and the second box, or inner box, is provided with a lid, being the outer lid and inner lid respectively. Depending on embodiments, the outer lid may be linked or separate from the rest of the first box; and the inner lid may be linked or separate from the rest of the second box.

With the outer lid having at least two flaps extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position of the first box, moisture intake is rendered more difficult at the level of the two flaps. In an embodiment, the two flaps are adjacently located and may be connected. In another embodiment, the two flaps may be unconnected. In yet another embodiment, the outer lid may comprise one flap per unconnected edge extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position of the first box. By unconnected edge, it is meant an edge of a part of the container not linked to another part of the container. It is also to be understood that a periphery of a circular peripheral wall is defined by a single edge while a periphery of a polygonal peripheral wall is defined by a plurality of edges corresponding to a number of segments required for closing the corresponding polygonal shape. Secondly, by providing at least one pivoting inner tab to the second box, an additional physical barrier at the level of the opening of the container, i.e. the weakest point of the container relative to moisture intake, is created; thereby improving moisture protection of the overall container. It is noted that the at least one inner tab is configured to be pressed inwardly. Typically the at least one inner tab is linked to the second peripheral wall by means of a hinge, such as a fold line, acting as a spring loaded pivot hinge. The addition of the pivoting inner tab allows for a simple and cost-efficient solution which is robust in time and reusable. Due to its presence as an integral part of the container, additional packaging steps when providing the multiple products within the container can be avoided.

When providing at least one outer tab pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall, the at least one outer tab may be configured for pivoting inwardly or outwardly, preferably outwardly. It is noted that the outer tab is configured to be pressed by the outer lid. Typically, the outer tab is linked to the second peripheral wall by means of a hinge, like a fold line, acting as a spring loaded pivot hinge. In an embodiment, there is provided one outer tab to each of the unconnected edges of the first peripheral wall. Additionally or alternatively, there may be one inner tab provided to each of the unconnected edges of the second peripheral wall.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first box has lateral dimensions which closely match the dimensions of the second box. Optionally, the height of the second box closely matches the height of the first box. “Closely”, according to the present invention means that the second box cannot freely move within the first box. Preferably, the distance between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall and/or the distance between the outer lid and the inner lid is less than 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, even more preferably less than 1 mm.

Preferably, the width of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm, e.g. between 40 mm and 300 mm. Preferably, the length of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm, e.g. between 40 mm and 300 mm. Preferably, the height of the closed container is between 15 and 1100 mm, e.g. between 15 and 300 mm.

In this manner, the at least one pivoting tab provided to the first peripheral wall and/or the second peripheral wall is located in proximity to both peripheral walls and thus insures more efficiently its role as a physical barrier against moisture intake. In addition, also the height of the second box may be closely matched with the height of the first box.

The skilled person will understand that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to having a single second box nested within the first box and that it is possible to nest multiple second boxes adjacent to each other within the first box. In this case, the dimensions of the second boxes may be designed such that, when arranged within the first box, the dimensions of the plurality of second boxes are closely matched to the dimensions of the first box laterally-wise, and, optionally, height-wise.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the at least two flaps of the outer lid, preferably each of the at least two flaps, extends along more than 90% of the corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel of the outer lid, preferably over substantially the entire corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel of the outer lid.

In this way, the physical barrier presented by the at least one of the at least two flaps is provided to a major portion of an edge of the top panel of the outer lid, thereby increasing its potency at preventing moisture intake.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one outer tab extends along more than 80% of the corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the first peripheral wall, preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge.

In this manner, the physical barrier presented by the at least one outer tab is provided to a major portion of the upper edge of the first peripheral wall, thereby increasing its potency at preventing moisture intake.

It is to be noted that at least one of the at least one outer tab may be a locking tab. The locking tab may be configured for pivoting outwardly and for engaging with a locking feature of the outer lid such that, in a closed state of the first box, the locking tab engaged with the locking feature maintain the outer lid pressed down. In an embodiment, a plurality of outer tabs is provided to a corresponding plurality of unconnected edges, a locking tab of the plurality of outer tabs being configured for pivoting outwardly, the other outer tabs being configured for pivoting inwardly.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one inner tab extends along more than 80% of the corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the second peripheral wall, preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge.

In this way, the physical barrier presented by the at least one inner tab is provided to a major portion of the upper edge of the second peripheral wall, thereby increasing its potency at preventing moisture intake. In an embodiment, each unconnected peripheral upper edge of the second peripheral wall is provided with a corresponding inner tab pivoting inwardly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the top panel of the outer lid is pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall, preferably along a first fold line. Depending on the first box material, fold lines may be formed through mechanical creasing, perforation, partial cutting, laser-cutting, laserperforating, injection moulding, etc. Typically the fold line is formed such that it can act as a spring loaded pivot hinge.

In this manner, the outer lid is attached with the rest of the first box and moisture intake from the opening of the first box is prevented over the width of the attached portion of the outer lid. In an embodiment, the top panel of the outer lid and the first peripheral wall are attached using glue. In another embodiment, the top panel of the outer lid and the first peripheral wall are integrally formed. The skilled person will understand that other means can be used to attach a lid to a box while providing for a pivotal link.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the top panel of the inner lid is pivotally linked with the second peripheral wall, preferably along a second fold line. Depending on the second box material, fold lines may be formed through mechanical creasing, perforation, partial cutting, laser-cutting, laser-perforating, injection moulding, etc. Typically the fold line is formed such that it can act as a spring loaded pivot hinge.

In this way, the inner lid is attached with the rest of the second box and moisture intake from the opening of the second box is prevented over the width of the attached portion of the inner lid. In an embodiment, the top panel of the inner lid and the second peripheral wall are attached using glue. In another embodiment, the top panel of the inner lid and the second peripheral wall are integrally formed.

In an embodiment, both the first box and the second box have the outer lid and the inner lid, respectively, pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, respectively. When arranging the second box within the first box, the first fold line and the second fold line may be located adjacently or may be located on opposite edges of the first and the second peripheral walls.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one flap of the at least two flaps of the outer lid is linked to the top panel of the outer lid through at least one fold line. In this manner, the at least one flap is formed integrally with the rest of the outer lid and the forming of the outer lid may be made simpler.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one outer tab is linked to the first peripheral wall through at least one fold line.

In this way, the at least one outer tab is formed integrally with the rest of the first box and the forming of the first box may be made simpler.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one outer tab comprises an outer tab linked with the first peripheral wall via a fold line opposite the first fold line.

In this manner, physical barriers are provided to two opposite locations of the first box which further improves protection against moisture intake.

In an embodiment, the outer tab of the at least one outer tab is a locking tab configured for engaging with a corresponding locking feature of the outer lid. Having the locking tab opposite the first fold line may improve a closing tightness of the outer lid.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one inner tab is linked to the second peripheral wall through at least one fold line.

In this way, the at least one inner tab is formed integrally with the rest of the second box and the forming of the second box may be made simpler.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first box is made of a single first blank and/or the second box is made of a single second blank.

In this manner, the forming of the second box and/or the first box may be made simpler and with an overall amount of material lesser than if made with more than one blank. In other words, in case of the single blank for the first box, a portion of the blank for the outer lid is connected to another portion for forming the first bottom wall and the first peripheral wall. And in the case of the single blank for the second box, a portion of the blank for the inner lid is connected to another portion for forming the second bottom wall and the second peripheral wall.

Also, as usually known by the skilled person, the blank may comprise additional pre-glued tabs and/or interlocking tabs for fixing linked edges of the container together, as well as preformed fold lines for folding portions of the container with respect to each other. Additional fold lines may also be formed when providing pre-formed containers in a substantially flat conditioned shape.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first box and the second box are prism-shaped, preferably cuboid-shaped.

In this manner, the container may be easier to store when formed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two flaps of the outer lid comprises multiple interconnected flaps and surround at least a portion of the first peripheral wall in a closed position of the outer lid.

In this way, a more efficient physical barrier against moisture intake is formed. Depending on embodiments, the multiple flaps may be interconnected via fold lines, interlocking tabs, and/or preglued tabs.

Preferably, at least one flap of the at least two flaps of the outer lid extends over the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel of the outer lid.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the inner lid comprises at least one inner flap linked to the top panel of the inner lid. The at least one inner flap is configured for being inserted between the first and second peripheral wall in a closed position of the inner lid when the second box is nested within the first box.

In this manner, the inner lid may be maintained closed by friction between the first and second peripheral walls of the first and second boxes, respectively, when the first and the second boxes have closely matched lateral dimensions. The at least one inner flap of the inner lid may provide for additional moisture intake protection. Preferably, the at least one inner flap extends over the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel of the inner lid.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first peripheral wall comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel. The at least one outer tab comprises a first, a second and a third outer tab connected to the first, second, and third side panels, respectively. The fourth side panel is connected to the top panel of the outer lid.

In this way, an at least four-sided first box is formed integrally with a lid and corresponding tabs for limiting ambient moisture intake. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top panel of the outer lid is rectangular and the at least two flaps comprise a first, a second and a third flap connected to a first, second and third edge of the top panel of the outer lid. A fourth edge of the top panel of the outer lid is connected to the fourth side panel.

In this manner, the outer lid can extend adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position of the outer lid over the first box. The superposition of the first, second, and third flaps cumulate their protection in preventing moisture intake.

According to a preferred embodiment, each of the first, second and third outer tab extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panel of the first peripheral wall, respectively.

In this way, the physical barrier presented by the at least one outer tab is provided to a major portion of the upper edge of each first peripheral wall side panel, thereby increasing its potency at preventing moisture intake.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second peripheral wall comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel. The fourth side panel is connected to the top panel of the inner lid.

In this manner, an at least four-sided second box is formed integrally with a lid for limiting ambient moisture intake.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one inner tab comprises a first, a second and a third inner tab connected to the first, second and third side panel, respectively.

In this way, a physical barrier against moisture intake is implemented to each side panel of the second box.

In an embodiment, both the first box and the second box comprise tabs on each of the unconnected side panels of the first and second peripheral walls, respectively. At least one inner tab is configured for pivoting inwardly. At least one outer tab is configured for pivoting outwardly, or inwardly over the inner lid or between the inner lid and the at least one inner tab. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first, second and third inner tab extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panel of the second peripheral wall, respectively.

In this manner, the physical barrier presented by the at least one inner tab is provided to a major portion of the upper edge of each second peripheral wall side panel, thereby increasing its potency at preventing moisture intake.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one inner flap comprises an inner flap connected to the top panel of the inner lid, preferably by means of a fold line, so that it fits between the second side panels of the first and second peripheral wall.

In this way, the inner lid may be maintained closed by friction between the first and second peripheral walls of the first and second boxes, respectively, when the first and the second boxes have closely matched lateral dimensions. The at least one inner flap may provide for additional moisture intake protection. Preferably, the at least one inner flap extends over the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel of the inner lid.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first bottom wall comprises a first, second, third and fourth bottom closing flap linked with the first peripheral wall. The first, second, third, and fourth bottom closing flaps are configured for forming the first bottom wall by lying, and optionally gluing, over one another overlapping portions.

In this manner, the first bottom wall may comprise double-layered portions which are more resistant against moisture intake. In an embodiment, the first to fourth bottom closing flaps may comprise interlocking elements for forming the first bottom wall. Additionally or alternatively, the first to fourth bottom closing flaps may be glued to each other for forming the first bottom wall.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second box is nested within the first box without the use of glue.

In this way, the fabrication of the packaging is rendered simpler by the removal of a gluing step.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first box and/or the second box is made of a cellulose- based sheet or plate material, such as a cardboard material, e.g. a non-corrugated cardboard. In this manner, the container is made of a readily available material. Depending on embodiments, cardboard, e.g. a non-corrugated cardboard, may be laminated, coated, varnished or lacquered on one side or both sides. Preferably, the cardboard, e.g. a non-corrugated cardboard, is laminated with a polymer material such as a polyethylene material or coated with a water-based material, on one side or on both sides. More preferably, the material is a non-corrugated cardboard laminated with a polyethylene material on one or both sides, preferably on both sides. The non-corrugated cardboard may have a grammage between 120 g/m² and 450 g/m². The thickness of the coating, e.g. a PE-coating, may be between 8 and 25 microns.

In alternative embodiments, the first box and/or the second box is made from a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. In that case the first and/or second box may be made by injection moulding. When made in a plastic material, the wall thickness of the first box and/or the second box may be between 500 microns and 5000 microns.

According to a preferred embodiment, a moisture sensitive product is stored in the container.

The moisture sensitive product may be provided without individual packaging and under a compacted shape. The product may be related for example to the food industry, e.g. sugar, yeast, to the chemical industry, e.g. detergent, or to the medical industry, e.g. pills. Preferably, the product is a food product, more preferably a food product containing enzyme(s).

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of cuboid-shaped articles is stored in the container within the second box.

Preferably, the first box and the second box are also cuboid-shaped. In an embodiment, the first box and the second box are dimensioned so that the inner dimensions of the second box closely match a preset number of rows, columns, and layers of the cuboid-shaped articles and so that the inner dimensions of the first box closely match the outer dimensions of the second box.

When placed within the second box, an entire layer of the cuboid-shaped articles may apply an outwardly directed pressure allowing to better maintain the inner lid and the outer lid in the closed position.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for container embodiments also apply to the below described corresponding first blank and second blank embodiments, mutatis mutandis. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a first blank for forming a first box of the container, preferably a container according to any one of the embodiments described above. The first blank comprises: three or more side panels configured to form a first peripheral wall of the first box; one or more bottom flaps connected to the corresponding bottom edge(s) of the three or more interconnected side panels and configured to form a first bottom wall of the first box; a top panel connected to a top edge of one of the three or more side panels; at least two flaps connected to at least two unconnected edges of the top panel, wherein said top panel and the at least two flaps are configured to form the outer lid of the first box; at least one outer tab pivotally linked to an unconnected top edge of the three or more interconnected side panels, said at least one outer tab being configured for being pressed against by the outer lid in the closed position of the outer lid.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a second blank for forming a second box of the container, preferably a container according to any one of the embodiments described above. The second blank comprises:

- a bottom panel configured to form the second bottom wall of the second box;

- three or more side panels connected to the peripheral edges of the bottom panel and configured to form the second peripheral wall of the second box;

- a top panel connected to one of the three or more side panels and configured to form at least part of an inner lid;

- at least one inner tab linked with at least one side panel of the three or more side panels, and configured to be pressed by the inner lid in order to press the at least one inner tab inward in the closed position of the second box.

The invention also relates to the use of the first blank in a container according to any one of the embodiments described above and to the use of the second blank in a container according to any one of the embodiments described above. Further the invention relates to the combination of a first and a second blank as described above and the use thereof.

Preferred features described above for the first and second box of the container apply, mutatis mutandis, for the first and second blank.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for container embodiments, first blank embodiments, and second blank embodiments also apply to the below described corresponding blank assembly embodiments, mutatis mutandis. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a blank assembly for forming the container according to any one of the embodiments described above. The blank assembly comprises the first blank and the second blank according to any one of the embodiments described above.

Note that the second blank is dimensioned such that, when closing the first and second boxes, the outer lid presses down the inner lid in order to press the at least one inner tab inward in the closed position of the outer lid. The first blank is dimensioned such that the at least one outer tab pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall is being pressed against by the outer lid in the closed position of the outer lid.

Preferred features described above for the first and second box of the container apply, mutatis mutandis, for the blank assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings.

Figures 1A-1C depict a closed container, a half-open container, and a fully open container, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 depicts a blank for forming a first box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 depicts a blank for forming a second box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 depicts a blank for forming a first box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 depicts a blank for forming a second box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 depicts a blank for forming a second box of a container according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 depicts a preformed and flat -packed first box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 depicts a preformed and flat -packed second box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1A-1C depict a closed container, a half-open container, and a fully open container, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

It is first to be noted that in the following, for convenience, a four-sided container will be described. However the skilled person will understand that embodiments of the invention are not limited by this particular shape and can be implemented as a cylindrical container, triangular container, or other multi-sided container.

The container comprises a first box 100 and a second box 200 configured for being nested within the first box 100. By nested, it is meant that when arranged within the first box 100, the second box 200 being in a closed state can fully fit within the first box 100 in a closed state. In an embodiment, only a single second box 200 may be nested within the first box 100. In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of similarly or differently sized second boxes nested within the first box.

The first box 100 comprises a first bottom wall 110, a first peripheral wall 120, and an outer lid 150. The first bottom wall 110 may be formed in a single piece or in a plurality of pieces, in a single piece in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C. More particularly, in the embodiments of Figures 1 A-1C, the first bottom wall 110 is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall 120 and connected with the first peripheral wall 120 via one or more fold lines.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blank which may be used to form a first box similar to the first box 100 of Figures 1 A-1C. In Figure 2 the same or similar components have been indicated with the same reference numerals. Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blank which may be used to form a second box similar to the second box 200 of Figures 1 A-1C. In Figure 3 the same or similar components have been indicated with the same reference numerals.

The first peripheral wall 120 extends upward from the first bottom wall 110. The first peripheral wall 120 may comprise a plurality of interconnected panels. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C and Figure 2, the first peripheral wall 120 comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel 121, 122, 123 and 124. One or more of the plurality of side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 may be separately formed. Preferably, the plurality of side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 is integrally formed. The plurality of side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 may be linked via fold lines between each of the panels. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the first side panel 121 is connected to the second side panel via a pre-glued side tab (not shown) and the four side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 are formed integrally.

The first box 100 may comprise at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133, three outer tabs in the embodiments of Figures 1 A-1C and Figure 2, pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall 120. The at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133 may be configured for being pressed against by the outer lid 150 in the closed position of the outer lid 150. The at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133 may be configured for pivoting inwardly or outwardly. Preferably, one of the at least one outer tabs 131, 132, 133 is a locking tab configured for pivoting outwardly. More preferably one outer tab 132 is a locking tab. In Figures 1A-1C the outer tabs 131, 133 are shown to be folding outwardly, but the outer tabs 131 and 133 could also be folded inwardly and the blank of Figure 2 is designed so that the outer tabs 131, 133 can be folded inwardly. In an embodiment, there is one outer tab 131, 132, 133 provided to each of the unconnected edges of the first peripheral wall 120. By unconnected edge, it is meant an edge of a part of the container not linked to another part of the container. It is also to be understood that a periphery of a circular peripheral wall is defined by a single edge while a periphery of a polygonal peripheral wall is defined by a plurality of edges corresponding to a number of segments required for closing the corresponding polygonal shape. In the embodiments of Figures 1 A-1C and Figure 2, the at least one outer tab comprises a first, a second and a third outer tab 131, 132, 133 connected to the first, second and third side panel 121, 122 and 123, respectively.

Each of the first, second and third outer tab 131, 132, 133 may extend over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panel 121, 122 and 123 of the first peripheral wall, respectively. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the oppositely located first and third outer tabs 131, 133 extend over the entire width of the first and third side panels 121, respectively.

At least one of the at least one outer tab selected from 131, 132, 133 may be a locking tab, such as the outer tab 132 in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C and Figure 2. The locking tab 132 may be configured for pivoting outwardly and for engaging with a locking feature (not shown) of the outer lid 150 such that, in a closed state of the first box 100, the locking tab 132 engaged with the locking feature maintain the outer lid 150 pressed down. In another embodiment, more than one of a plurality of outer tabs are locking tabs.

The outer lid 150 is configured for closing a space defined by the first bottom wall 110 and the first peripheral wall 120. The outer lid 150 comprises a top panel 155 and at least two flaps 151, 152, 153. The at least two flaps 151, 152, 153, three flaps in the embodiment of Figures 1A- 1C, are configured for extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall 120 in the closed position of the first box 100. The outer lid 150 may be linked or separate from the rest of the first box 100.

In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the top panel 155 of the outer lid is pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall 120, preferably along a first fold line. The top panel 155 of the outer lid may be rectangular and the at least two flaps may comprise a first, a second and a third flap 151, 152, 153 connected to a first, second and third edge of the top panel 155 of the outer lid. A fourth edge of the top panel 155 of the outer lid may be connected to the fourth side panel of the first peripheral wall 120 via the first fold line. The at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133 may comprise an outer tab, optionally being a locking tab 132, linked with the first peripheral wall 120 via a fold line opposite the first fold line. Having the locking tab opposite the first fold line may improve a closing tightness of the outer lid 150.

The three flaps 151, 152, 153 of Figures 1A-1C are adjacently located and connected. In another embodiment, the at least two flaps are unconnected. In yet another embodiment, the outer lid 150 comprises one flap per unconnected edge of the top panel of the outer lid 150 extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position of the first box. At least one of the three flaps 151, 152, 153, preferably each of the three flaps, may extend along more than 90% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel 155 of the outer lid, preferably over substantially the entire corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel 155 of the outer lid. At least one flap of the three flaps 151, 152, 153 may be linked to the top panel 155 of the outer lid through at least one fold line. In the embodiments of Figures 1 A-1C, the three flaps 151, 152, 153 comprise multiple interconnected flaps surrounding at least a portion of the first peripheral wall 120 in a closed position of the outer lid 150. Each of the three flaps 151, 152, 153 may extend over the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel 155 of the outer lid.

The second box 200 comprises a second bottom wall (not shown), a second peripheral wall (not shown), and an inner lid 250. More details on how the second bottom wall, the second peripheral wall, and the inner lid 250 may be formed and connected to each other can be found in Figure 3. The first box 100 may have lateral dimensions which closely match the lateral dimensions of the second box 200. Also the height of the second box 200 may be closely matched with the height of the first box 100. Preferably, the width of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm, the length of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm, and the height of the closed container is between 15 and 1100 mm. The skilled person will understand that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to having a single second box nested within the first box and that it is possible to nest multiple second boxes adjacent to each other within the first box. In this case, the dimensions of the second boxes may be designed such that, when arranged within the first box, the dimensions of the plurality of second boxes are closely matched to the dimensions of the first box laterally-wise, and, optionally, height-wise.

The second peripheral wall extends upward from the second bottom wall. The second peripheral wall may be similarly shaped as the first peripheral wall 120 and may comprise a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel. The fourth side panel may be connected to the top panel 255 of the inner lid.

The inner lid 250 is configured for closing a space defined by the second bottom wall and the second peripheral wall. The inner lid 250 comprises the top panel 255. The inner lid 250 may be linked or separate from the rest of the second box 200. In the embodiments of Figures 1 A-1C, the top panel 255 of the inner lid is pivotally linked with the second peripheral wall, preferably along a second fold line.

In an embodiment, both the first box 100 and the second box 200 have the outer lid 150 and the inner lid 250, respectively, pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall 120 and the second peripheral wall, respectively. When arranging the second box 200 within the first box 100, the first fold line and the second fold line may be located adjacently or may be located on opposite edges of the first peripheral wall 120 and the second peripheral wall.

The inner lid 250 may comprise at least one inner flap 252 linked to the top panel 255 of the inner lid. The at least one inner flap 252 may be configured for being inserted between the first peripheral wall 120 and second peripheral wall in a closed position of the inner lid 250 when the second box 200 is nested within the first box 100. Preferably, the at least one inner flap 252 extends over the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel 255 of the inner lid. The at least one inner flap 252 may be connected to the top panel 255 of the inner lid by means of a fold line. In the embodiments of Figures 1 A-1C, the at least one inner flap 252 is configured so that it fits between the second side panel 122 of the first peripheral wall 120 and the second peripheral wall. In an embodiment, each unconnected edge of the top panel 255 of the inner lid is linked to a corresponding inner flap configured so that they fit between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall.

The second box 200 may comprise at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233, three inner tabs in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, linked with the second peripheral wall and configured for pivoting inwardly, such that, when closing the first and second boxes 100, 200, the outer lid 150 presses down the inner lid 250 in order to press the at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233 inward in the closed position of the outer lid 150. The at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233 may be linked to the second peripheral wall through at least one fold line.

There may be one inner tab provided to each of the unconnected edges of the second peripheral wall. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the at least one inner tab comprises a first, a second and a third inner tab 231, 232, 233 connected to the first, second and third side panel of the second peripheral wall, respectively. Each of the first, second and third inner tab 231, 232, 233 may extend over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panel of the second peripheral wall, respectively, over the entire width in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C.

Note that, in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, each the at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133 folds outwardly while each of the at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233 folds inwardly. In an alternative embodiment, each of the at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133, except for a locking tab, folds inwardly over the inner lid 250. In another alternative embodiment, each of the at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133, except for a locking tab, folds inwardly between the inner lid 250 and a corresponding inner tab of the at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233.

A moisture sensitive product may be stored in the container. The moisture sensitive product may be found under the shape of a plurality of cuboid-shaped articles. The first box 100 and the second box 200 may be dimensioned so that the inner dimensions of the second box 200 closely match a preset number of rows, columns, and layers of the cuboid-shaped articles.

As mentioned above Figure 2 depicts a blank for forming a first box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, pre-glued areas are depicted with adjacent parallel lines, mountain fold lines are depicted with dotted lines, and valley fold lines are depicted with dashed lines. Fold lines may be formed through mechanical creasing, perforation, partial cutting, laser-cutting, laser-perforating, injection moulding, etc.

The first bottom wall 110 may comprise a first, second, third and fourth bottom closing flap 111, 112, 113, 114 linked with the first peripheral wall 120. The first, second, third, and fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may be configured for forming the first bottom wall 110 by lying, and optionally gluing, over one another overlapping portions. In an embodiment, the first to fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may comprise interlocking elements for forming the first bottom wall 110. Additionally or alternatively, the first to fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may be glued to each other for forming the first bottom wall 110.

The second and fourth bottom closing flaps 112, 114 may be oppositely located in the formed first box 100 and may comprise a second bottom folding portion 112’ and a fourth bottom folding portion 114’, respectively. The second and fourth bottom folding portions 112’, 114’ may be configured for being fixed to the first and third bottom closing flaps 111, 113, respectively. The first and third bottom closing flaps 111, 113 may be oppositely located in the formed first box 100. The pre-gluing of the first and third bottom closing flaps 111, 113 may be performed on a lower surface of the flaps such that it corresponds to an area similar to second and fourth bottom folding portions 112’, 114’. When preformed and flat-packed, as depicted in Figure 7, the first and third bottom closing flaps may be fixed to the second and fourth bottom closing flaps 112, 114, respectively, and folded inwardly. The skilled person will understand that fixing may be performed via other means, e.g. staples, interlocking elements, stapleless stapling, fastening elements.

The second and fourth bottom closing flaps 112, 114 may comprise interlocking elements 112”, 114”, respectively. The interlocking elements 112”, 114” may be configured for interengaging with each other in the formed first box 100. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the interlocking elements 112”, 114” are defined by triangular-shaped indents located at an unconnected edge of the second and fourth bottom closing flaps 112, 114. The first to fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may be trapezoidal-shaped in order to favor the forming of the first bottom wall 110 when starting from the flat -packed state of the first box blank 100’.

The first peripheral wall 120 may comprise a first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124. The first to fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may be rectangular-shaped and integrally formed.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first to fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 are similarly dimensioned. The first side panel 121 may be connected to the fourth side panel 124 through a fold line. The fourth side panel 124 may be connected to the third side panel 123 through a fold line. The third side panel 123 may be connected to the second side panel 122 through a fold line. The second side panel 122 may be fixed to the first side panel 121 via a fixing tab 122a. The second fixing tab 122a may be connected to the second side panel 122 through a fold line and integrally formed with the second side panel 122. To fix the fixing tab 122a to the first side panel

121, glue may be provided to a lower surface of the fixing tab 122a. Alternatively, the first side panel 121 and the second side panel 122 may be fixed together through the use of interlocking elements, such as a tab inter-engaging with a corresponding slit.

The first, second, third, and fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may be connected to the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124, respectively, through fold lines. The first, second third, and fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may extend over the entire width of the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124, respectively. Preferably the first, second, third, and fourth bottom closing flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 extend substantially over the entire width of the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 121,

122, 123, 124, respectively.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first and third side panels 121, 123 comprise a first and third outer tab 131, 133, respectively. The first and third outer tabs 131, 133 are each connected to an edge of the side panel opposite the first and third bottom closing flaps 111, 113, respectively, through a first and third tab fold line 131’, 133’. The first and third tab fold lines 131’, 133’ are preferably valley fold lines. In an alternative embodiment, the first and third tab fold lines 131’, 133’ are mountain fold lines; note that this embodiment corresponds to the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C. The first and third outer tabs 131, 133 may extend over an entire width of the first and third side panels 121, 123, respectively. The first and third outer tabs 131, 133 may be trapezoidalshaped in order to facilitate the closing of the outer lid 150.

The second side panel 122 may comprise a second outer tab 132. The second outer tab 132 may be a locking tab. The second outer tab 132 may be connected to an edge of the second side panel 122 opposite the second bottom closing flap 112 through a second tab fold line 132’. The second tab fold line 132’ may be a mountain fold line. The second outer tab 132 may extend over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the second side panel 122. In some embodiments the second outer tab 132 comprises a plurality of locking tabs separated by a space.

In an embodiment, the outer lid is separate from the rest of the first box. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the outer lid 150 is connected to an edge of the fourth side panel 124 opposite the fourth bottom closing flap 114. The outer lid 150 comprises a top panel 155 and the fourth side panel 124 is connected to the top panel 155 of the outer lid through a fourth fold line 124’. The top panel 155 of the outer lid may be rectangular-shaped, being square-shaped in Figure 2.

The outer lid 150 may comprise a first, a second, and a third flap 151, 152, 153. Each of the first, second and third flaps 151, 152, 153 may be configured for extending downward adjacent the first, second, and third side panels 121, 122, 123, respectively, in the closed position of the formed first box 100. The first and third flaps 151, 153 may be connected to the top panel 155 of the outer lid through a first and third flap fold line 151’, 153’, respectively. The first and third flaps 151, 153 may each extend over an entire width of the top panel 155 of the outer lid. The first and third flaps 151, 153 may each comprise a first and third fixing tab 151a, 153a. The first and third fixing tabs 151a, 153a may each be connected to an edge of the first and third flaps 151, 153, respectively, opposite the fourth side panel 124 through a fold line.

The first and third fixing tabs 151a, 153a may be configured for fixing the first and third flaps 151, 153 to the second flap 152. The fixing may be implemented by pre-gluing a lower surface of the first and third fixing tabs 151a, 153a. Alternatively, the first flap 151 and the third flap 153 may each be fixed to the second flap 152 through the use of interlocking elements, such as a tab inter-engaging with a corresponding slit.

The first and third fixing tabs 151a, 153a may each be provided with a cut-out portion configured for defining a locking feature of the outer lid 150 when formed. The second flap 152 may be connected to the top panel 155 of the outer lid through a second flap fold line 152’. The second flap 152 may extend over an entire width of the top panel 155 of the outer lid. The second flap 152 may be rectangular-shaped. When preformed and flat-packed, as depicted in Figure 7, the first and third flaps 151, 153 are fixed to the second flap 152, and folded along valley fold lines 151”, 153”. The first and third flaps 151, 153 may have a slanted edge facing the first and third side panels 121, 123, respectively, in order to facilitate a closing of the outer lid 150 of the formed first box.

As mentioned above Figure 3 depicts a blank for forming a second box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The second box 200 comprises a second bottom wall 210, a second peripheral wall 221, 222, 223, 224, and an inner lid 250. In Figure 3, pre-glued areas are depicted with adjacent parallel lines, mountain fold lines are depicted with dotted lines, valley fold lines are depicted with dashed lines. Fold lines may be formed through mechanical creasing, perforation, partial cutting, laser-cutting, laser-perforating, injection moulding, etc.

The second bottom wall 210 may be formed by a single bottom panel. In an alternative embodiment, similarly as the first bottom wall of the first box described with respect to Figure 2, the second bottom wall comprises a first, second, third and fourth bottom closing flap linked with the second peripheral wall 221, 222, 223, 224. The first, second, third, and fourth bottom closing flaps may be configured for forming the second bottom wall 210 by lying, and optionally gluing, over one another overlapping portions.

The skilled person will understand that fixing may be performed via other means, e.g. staples, interlocking elements, stapleless stapling, fastening elements.

The second peripheral wall may comprise a first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224. The first to fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 may be rectangular-shaped and integrally formed with the bottom panel 210.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the first to fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 are similarly dimensioned. The first, second, third, and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 may each be connected to a different edge of the bottom panel 210 through a fold line. The fourth side panel 224 may be unconnected from the first and third side panels 221, 223. The third side panel 223 may be connected to the second side panel 222 via an integrally formed third fixing tab 223a. The first side panel 221 may be fixed to the second side panel 222 via an integrally formed first fixing tab 221a. The first and third fixing tabs 221a, 223a may be connected to the first and third side panels 221, 223, respectively, through a fold line. To fix the first and third fixing tabs 221a, 223a to the second side panel 222, glue may be provided to a lower surface of the first and third fixing tabs 221a, 223a, respectively. Alternatively, the first side panel 221 and the third side panel 223 may each be fixed to the second side panel 222 through the use of interlocking elements, such as a tab inter-engaging with a corresponding slit. In an alternative embodiment, additional fixing tabs are provided to the first and third side panels 221, 223 for fixing them to the fourth side panel 224. When preformed and flat-packed, as depicted in Figure 8, the first and third bottom side panels 221, 223 are fixed to the second panel 222, and folded along valley fold lines 221’, 223’.

The first, second, third, and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 may extend over the entire width of the corresponding edges of the bottom panel 210. Preferably the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 extend substantially over the entire width of the corresponding edges of the bottom panel 210. Each of the first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 of Figure 3 are rectangular-shaped and similarly dimensioned.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the first, second, and third side panels 221, 222, 223 comprise a first, second, and third inner tab 231, 232, 233, respectively. The first, second, and third inner tabs 231, 232, 233 are each connected to an edge of the side panel opposite the bottom panel 210, respectively, through a first, second, and third tab fold line 231’, 232’, 233’. The first, second, and third tab fold lines 231’, 232’, 233’ are valley fold lines. The first, second, and third inner tabs 231, 232, 233 may extend over the entire width of the first, second, and third side panels 221, 222, 223, respectively. The first, second, and third inner tabs 231, 232, 233 may be rectangular-shaped and provided with rounded corners in order to facilitate a closing of the inner lid 250.

In an embodiment, the inner lid is separate from the rest of the second box 200. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the inner lid 250 is connected to an edge of the fourth side panel 224 opposite the bottom panel 210. The inner lid 250 comprises a top panel 255 and the fourth side panel 224 may be connected to the top panel 255 of the inner lid through a fourth fold line 224’. The top panel 255 of the inner lid may be rectangular-shaped, square-shaped in Figure 3.

The inner lid 250 may comprise an inner flap 252. The inner flap 252 may be configured for extending downward adjacent the second side panel 222 between the first and second boxes 100, 200 in the closed position of the formed first box 100 and second box 200. The inner flap 252 may be connected to the top panel 255 of the inner lid through a fold line opposite the fourth side panel 224. The inner flap 252 may extend over the entire width of the top panel 255 of the inner lid. The inner flap 252 may be trapezoidal-shaped with rounded corners in order to facilitate its insertion between the first and second boxes, beinglOO and 200 respectively.

Figure 4 depicts a blank for forming a first box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4, pre-glued areas are depicted with adjacent parallel lines, mountain fold lines are depicted with dotted lines, valley fold lines are depicted with dashed lines. Fold lines may be formed through mechanical creasing, perforation, partial cutting, laser-cutting, laser-perforating, injection moulding, etc. The outer lid of Figure 4 is similar to the outer lid of Figure 2.

The blank comprises first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 intended to form a peripheral wall of the first box, and a bottom panel 115 intended to form the bottom wall of the first box. The first to fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may be integrally formed with the bottom panel 115.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first to fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 are similarly dimensioned. The first, second, third, and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may each be connected to a different edge of the bottom panel 115 through a fold line. The first side panel 121 may be fixed to the second and fourth side panels 122, 124 via integrally formed first fixing tabs 121a, 121b. The third side panel 123 may be connected to the second and fourth side panels 122, 124 via the integrally formed third fixing tabs 123a, 123b, respectively. The first fixing tabs 121a, 121b may be connected to opposite edges of the first side panels 121, respectively, through a fold line. The third fixing tabs 123a, 123b may be connected to opposite edges of the third side panel 123, respectively, through a fold line. To fix the first fixing tabs 121a, 121b and the third fixing tabs 123a, 123b to the second and fourth side panels 122, 124, glue may be provided to a lower surface of the first fixing tabs 121a, 121b and the third fixing tabs 123a, 123b, respectively. Alternatively, the side panels may be fixed together through the use of interlocking elements, such as a tab inter-engaging with a corresponding slit.

The first, second, third, and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may extend over the entire width of the corresponding edges of the bottom panel 115. Each of the first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 of Figure 4 is rectangular-shaped and similarly dimensioned one to the other.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first, second, and third side panels 121, 122, 123 comprise a first, second, and third outer tab 131, 132, 133, respectively. The first, second, and third outer tabs 131, 132, 133 are each connected to an edge of the side panel opposite the bottom panel 115, respectively, through a first, second, and third tab fold line. The first, second, and third tab fold lines may be mountain or valley fold lines, all being mountain fold lines in the embodiment of Figure 4. The first, second, and third outer tabs 131, 132, 133 may extend over the entire width of the first, second, and third side panels 121, 122, 123, respectively. The first, second, and third outer tabs 131, 132, 133 may be trapezoidal-shaped in order to facilitate the closing of the outer lid 150.

Figure 5 depicts a blank for forming a second box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 depicts similar features as Figure 3. In addition to the embodiment of Figure 3, the inner lid 250 comprises a first inner flap 251 and a third inner flap 253. Similarly as the second inner flap 252, the first and third inner flaps 251, 253 may be configured for extending downward adjacent the first and third side panel 221, 223, respectively, between the first and second boxes 100, 200 in the closed position of the formed first box 100 and second box 200. The first and third inner flaps 251, 253 may each be connected to a different edge of the top panel 255 of the inner lid through a fold line. The first and third inner flaps 251, 253 may extend over an entire width of the top panel 255 of the inner lid.

Figure 6 depicts a blank for forming a second box of a container according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 depicts similar features as Figure 3. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the inner lid 250 is defined by a first and a second lid portion 255a, 255b. The first lid portion 255a may be connected to the second side panel 222 in replacement to the second inner tab of Figure 3. The second lid portion 255b may be connected to the fourth side panel 224 in replacement to the top panel of the inner lid of Figure 3. When closed, the first and second lid portions 255a, 255b may be overlapping or not. A footprint of the first and second lid portions 255a, 255b when closed may correspond to a footprint of the bottom panel 210. The first and second lid portions 255a, 255b may have similar or different dimensions, similar in the embodiment of Figure 6.

The skilled person will understand that the blank depicted in Figure 2 or 4 and the blank depicted in Figure 3, 5, or 6 can be comprised in a blank assembly for forming a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Note that the second blank 200’ is preferably dimensioned such that, when closing the first and second boxes 100, 200, the outer lid 150 presses down the inner lid 250 in order to press the at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233 inward in the closed position of the outer lid 150. Respectively, the first blank 100’ is preferably dimensioned such that the at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133 pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall 121, 122, 123 is being pressed against by the outer lid 150 in the closed position of the outer lid 150.

In the above described embodiments, the first box and the second box may be made out of woodfiber based material, preferably non-corrugated cardboard. The non-corrugated cardboard may have a grammage between 120g/m² and 450g/m². In an embodiment, the non-corrugated cardboard is single-sided coated or single-sided laminated, or, double-sided coated or double-sided laminated. The coating and/or lamination may be performed by a lacquer preferably water-based and/or lamination by a polymer material, preferably polyethylene (PE-lamination). More preferably, a thickness of a top PE-lamination is between 5 and 40 microns, preferably around 12 microns. A thickness of a back PE-coating may be between 5 and 40 microns, preferably around 18 microns.

In order to test a moisture protection capability of a container according to the present invention, a plurality of cuboid-shaped articles has been stored in different containers during the same amount of time and under the same temperature and humidity conditions. The cuboid-shaped articles comprise: about 40% light brown sugar, about 40% ascorbic acid, and about 20% of an enzyme mix. A more detailed description of the articles composition can be found in patent application WO2019/234042. Storage during experiments lasted two weeks and was performed under 40°C at 60% relative humidity. As a reference and positive control, fifty cuboid-shaped articles have been placed within a hermetically closed polyethylene bag with a material thickness of 12 microns and stored under equal temperature and humidity conditions as abovementioned. As a negative control, seven cuboid-shaped articles have been stored under equal temperature and humidity conditions as abovementioned without using a container (or any other type of packaging). As such these cuboid-shaped articles were directly exposed to the temperature and humidity conditions as mentioned above. Water uptake of the cuboid-shaped articles was measured weightbased by picking randomly five cubes per storage method (see below) and weighing them on a balance before and after storage under temperature and humidity conditions as described above. Weight increase (%) could only be considered as being caused by water intake (%). The moisture protection capability of a container to the cuboid-shaped articles, with defined formulation (described above) and under defined storage conditions (described above), was considered to reach an acceptable level if water intake is not exceeding the level of 1,5% in the cuboid-shaped articles. Nonetheless, it is to be noted that this particular level has to be understood as being an acceptable level limited for this particular combination of container and cuboid-shaped articles. Other kind of articles combined with a container according to embodiments of the present invention may be subject to different acceptance levels.

In a first round of experiments, five different storage methods have been used for comparison. The first storage container of the first storage method corresponds to a standard sugar cube box, consisting of a non-corrugated cardboard of 260g/m² with an water-based coating having a grammage of about 8g/m² (+/- 4g/m²), and overall dimensions of about 164mm in width, 164mm in length and 96mm in height. The standard sugar cube box consists of a single box with a bottom panel, a four-sided peripheral wall extending upward from the bottom panel, a lid with a front flap connected to an edge of the peripheral wall, and two flaps folding inwardly and pressed down by the lid in a closed position. In the first storage method, sixty-one cuboid-shaped articles have been stored within the standard sugar cube box and arranged over two layers, a complete layer (6x6 cuboid-shaped articles) organized in rows and columns, and an incomplete layer (5x5 cuboidshaped articles) organized in rows and columns. In the second storage method, the first storage method has been reproduced but a weight (1,5 kg) has been placed on top of the closed lid to improve the lid tightness. In the third storage method, sixty-one cuboid-shaped articles have been stored within the standard sugar cube box in the same manner as storage methods one and two, and the box has been wrapped in a single layer of polyethylene film (12 microns). The fourth storage method concerns the positive control (described above), whilst the fifth storage method concerns the negative control (described above). The results with respect to water intake can be found in the table below.

In a second round of experiments, four different storage methods have been used for comparison. In the first and the second storage method, containers corresponding to the container depicted in Figures 1A-1C have been used. The containers used for the first and second storage method have overall dimensions of about 164mm in width, 164mm in length and 96mm in height. The first container (for the first storage method) is made of non-corrugated cardboard of 260g/m² with a top polyethylene (PE) lamination. The second container (for the second storage method) is made of non-corrugated cardboard of 260g/m² with a top polyethylene (PE) lamination and a back polyethylene (PE) lamination. The thickness of the top PE-lamination is around 12 microns, and the thickness of the back PE-lamination is around 18 microns. In the first and the second storage method, sixty-one cuboid-shaped articles have been stored within the containers, arranged over two layers, a complete layer (6x6 cuboid-shaped articles) organized in rows, and columns and an incomplete layer (5x5 cuboid-shaped articles). The third storage method concerns the positive control (described above), whilst the fourth storage method concerns the negative control (described above). The results with respect to water intake can be found in the table below.

In a third round of experiments, three different storage methods have been used for comparison. In the first storage method, a container according to the present invention has been used. The container (for the first storage method) is made of non-corrugated cardboard of 260g/m² with a top polyethylene (PE) lamination and a back polyethylene (PE) lamination. The thickness of the top PE-lamination is around 12um, and the thickness of the back PE-lamination is around 18 microns. The container used for the first storage method has overall dimensions of about 138mm in width, 86mm in length and 86mm in height. In the first storage method, thirty cuboid-shaped articles have been stored within this container arranged over two complete layers of 3x5 cuboid-shaped articles organized in rows and columns. The second storage method concerns the positive control (described above), whilst the third storage method concerns the negative control (described above). The results with respect to water intake can be found in the table below. These results are demonstrating that the container according to the present invention is showing equal moisture protection capabilities if constructed in different dimensions, fitting to different amounts of cuboidshaped articles.

Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

26

CLAIMS A container comprising a first box (100) and a second box (200) configured for being nested within the first box; wherein the first box (100) comprises: a first bottom wall ( 110) ; a first peripheral wall (120) extending upward from the first bottom wall (110); an outer lid (150) configured for closing a space defined by the first bottom wall (110) and the first peripheral wall (120), said outer lid (150) comprising a top panel (155) and at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) configured for extending downward adjacent the first peripheral wall (120) in the closed position of the first box (100); wherein the second box (200) comprises: a second bottom wall (210); a second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) extending upward from the second bottom wall (210); an inner lid (250) configured for closing a space defined by the second bottom wall (210) and the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), said inner lid (250) comprising a top panel (255); wherein the second box (200) comprises at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) linked with the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) and configured for pivoting inwardly, such that, when closing the first and second boxes (100; 200), the outer lid (150) presses down the inner lid (250) in order to press the at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) inward in the closed position of the outer lid (150); and wherein the first box (100) comprises at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall (120) and configured for being pressed against by the outer lid (150) in the closed position of the outer lid (150). The container of claim 1, wherein the first box (100) has lateral dimensions which closely match the dimensions of the second box (200), and, optionally, wherein the height of the second box (200) closely matches the height of the first box (100). The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153), preferably each of the at least two flaps, extends along more than (150), preferably over substantially the entire corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150).

4. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge.

5. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge.

6. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) is pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along a first fold line (124’).

7. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250) is pivotally linked with the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along a second fold line (224’).

8. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one flap (151, 152, 153) of the at least two flaps is linked to the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) through at least one fold line (151’, 152’, 153’).

9. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) is linked to the first peripheral wall (120) through at least one fold line (131’, 132’, 133’).

10. The container of claims 6 and 9, wherein the at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) comprises an outer tab (132) linked with the first peripheral wall (120) via a fold line (132’) opposite the first fold line (124’).

11. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) is linked to the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) through at least one fold line (231’, 232’, 233’).

12. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the first box (100) is made of a single first blank (100’) and/or wherein the second box (200) is made of a single second blank (200’).

13. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the first box (100) and the second box (200) are prism-shaped, preferably cuboid-shaped.

14. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) comprise multiple interconnected flaps and surrounds at least a portion of the first peripheral wall (120) in a closed position of the outer lid (150).

15. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the inner lid (250) comprises at least one inner flap (251, 252, 253) linked to the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250); said at least one inner flap (251, 252, 253) being configured for being inserted between the first and second peripheral wall (120; 221, 222, 223, 224) in a closed position of the inner lid (250) when the second box (200) is nested within the first box (100).

16. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the first peripheral wall (120) comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel (121, 122, 123, 124), wherein the at least one outer tab comprises a first, a second and a third outer tab (131, 132, 133) connected to the first, second and third side panel (121, 122, 123), respectively, and wherein the fourth side panel (124) is connected to the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150).

17. The container of the previous claim, wherein the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) is rectangular and wherein the at least two flaps comprises a first, a second and a third flap (151, 152, 153) connected to a first, second and third edge (151’, 152’, 153’) of the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150), wherein a fourth edge (124’) of the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) is connected to the fourth side panel (124).

18. The container of the claim 16 or 17, wherein each of the first, second and third outer tab (131, 132, 133) extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of a width of the first, second and third side panel (121, 122, 123) of the first peripheral wall (120), respectively.

19. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel (221, 222, 223, 29

224), wherein the fourth side panel (224) is connected to the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250). The container of the previous claim, wherein the at least one inner tab comprises a first, a second and a third inner tab (231, 232, 233) connected to the first, second and third side panel (221, 222, 223), respectively. The container of the previous claim, wherein each of the first, second and third inner tab (231, 232, 233) extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of a width of the first, second and third side panel (221, 222, 223) of the second peripheral wall, respectively. The container of claim 15 and any one of claims 19-21, wherein the at least one inner flap (251, 252, 253) comprises an inner flap (252) connected to the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250), preferably by means of a fold line, so that it fits between the second side panels (122, 222) of the first and second peripheral wall (120; 221, 222, 223, 224). The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the first bottom wall (110) comprises a first, second, third and fourth bottom closing flap (111, 112, 113, 114) linked with the first peripheral wall (120), wherein the first, second, third, and fourth bottom closing flaps (111, 112, 113, 114) are configured for forming the first bottom wall (110) by lying, and optionally gluing, over one another overlapping portions. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the second box (200) is nested within the first box (100) without the use of glue. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein the first box (100) and/or the second box (200) is made of non-corrugated cardboard. The container of any one of the previous claims, wherein a moisture sensitive product is stored in the container. The container of any one of claims 16-26, wherein a plurality of cuboid-shaped articles is stored in the container within the second box (200). A blank assembly for forming the container of any one of the previous claims, said blank assembly comprising: 30

- a first blank (100’) for forming the first box (100) of the container, said first blank (100’) comprising:

- three or more side panels (121, 122, 123, 124) configured to form a first peripheral wall (120) of the first box (100);

- one or more bottom flaps (111, 112, 113, 114) connected to a bottom edge of the three or more interconnected side panels (121, 122, 123, 124) and configured to form a first bottom wall (110) of the first box (100);

- a top panel (155) connected to a top edge (124’) of one (124) of the three or more side panels;

- at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) connected at least to two free edges (151’, 152’, 153’) of the top panel (155), wherein said top panel (155) and the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) are configured to form an outer lid (150) of the first box (100);

- at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) pivotally linked to a top edge (131’, 132’, 133’) of the three or more interconnected side panels (121, 122, 123), said at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) being configured for being pressed against by the outer lid (150) in the closed position of the outer lid (150);

- a second blank (200’) for forming the second box (200) of the container, said second blank (200’) comprising:

- a bottom panel (210) configured to form the second bottom wall (210) of the second box (200);

- three or more side panels (221, 222, 223, 224) connected to a peripheral edge of the bottom panel (210) and configured to form the second peripheral wall of the second box (200);

- a top panel (255) connected to one (224) of the three or more side panels and configured to form at least part of an inner lid (250);

- at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) linked with at least one side panel (221, 222, 223) of the three or more side panels, and configured to be pressed by the inner lid (250) in order to press the at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) inward in the closed position of the second box (200). The blank assembly according to the previous claim, wherein at least one of the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) of the first blank (100’), preferably each of the at least two flaps, extends along more than 90% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral edge (151’, 152’, 153’) of the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150), preferably over substantially the entire corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150). 31

30. The blank assembly according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) of the first blank (100’) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge.

31. The blank assembly according to any one of claims 28-30, wherein the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) of the first blank (100’) is pivotally linked with the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along a first fold line (124’).

32. The blank assembly according to any one of claims 28-31, wherein the at least one flap (151, 152, 153) of the at least two flaps of the first blank (100’) is linked to the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) through at least one fold line (151’, 152’, 153’).

33. The blank assembly according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein the at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) of the first blank (100’) is linked to the first peripheral wall (120) through at least one fold line (131’, 132’, 133’).

34. The blank assembly according to claims 31 and 33, wherein the at least one outer tab (131, 132, 133) of the first blank (100’) comprises an outer tab (132) linked with the first peripheral wall (120) via a fold line (132’) opposite the first fold line (124’).

35. The blank assembly according to any one of claims 28-34, wherein the at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) of the second blank (200’) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge.

36. The blank assembly according to any one of claims 28-35, wherein the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250) is pivotally linked with the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along a second fold line (224’).

37. The blank assembly according to any one of claims 28-36, wherein the at least one inner tab (231, 232, 233) of the second blank is linked to the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) through at least one fold line (231’, 232’, 233’).