ES2699304T3 - Container structure with an integrated opening and closing function - Google Patents

Abstract

Container (100) for storing products comprising: a base member (110) comprising a base (115), four side walls (120,121,122,123), and a lid (125) that define a storage cavity, where the storage cavity is configured to contain products inside, and where the lid (125) defines a window (130); and a flexible sheet (140) attached to a surface (127) of the lid (125) of the base member (110) to cover the window (130) and, together with the base (115), four side walls (120,121,122,123) , and a lid (125), wrap and keep the products inside the container (100), where the flexible sheet (140) comprises: a first layer of film (150), and a second layer of film (155), laminated with the first film layer (150), wherein the first film layer (150) comprises a first cut line defining a peelable flap portion (170) and the second film layer (155) comprises a second offset cut line of the first cut line and defining an opening that gives access to the storage cavity, where the first film layer (150) forms a first closing surface (154) between the first and second cut lines (160, 165 ), and the second film layer (155) forms a second sealing surface (159) between the first and the second cut lines (160, 165), where at least one of the first or second sealing surfaces (159) includes pressure sensitive adhesive (180) to allow the peelable flap portion (170) to reseal against a remaining portion of the flexible sheet (140) to close the opening when the first closure surface (154) interacts with the second closure surface (159) by means of a movement of the peel-off flap portion (170), characterized because the flexible sheet (140) is attached to an inner surface (127) of the cover of the base member (110).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Container structure with an integrated opening and closing function

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to containers for containing products, and especially relates to providing mechanisms for closing the containers to continue storing the products after the container has been initially opened.

[0002] Containers can be used to store various types of products. In some cases, for example, a flexible film-based lid is sealed to a thermoformed tray to hold the product inside the container. To open the container, the user must usually pierce the lid with a sharp object, such as a knife, to create an opening that gives access to the product, or otherwise remove the lid of the tray to gain access. In other cases, the product may be stored inside a box or carton. To dispense the product from the package, the user should normally open the side flaps of the box structure.

[0003] On many occasions, the contents of the container are not consumed at one time, and the surplus product needs to be stored for future use. US2011 / 049168 discloses a container according to the preamble of claim 1.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments of the invention described herein disclose containers for storing products and associated methods that allow the user to see the product contained therein prior to opening the container (e.g. decide if the products are purchased) and also allows the user to close the container again after it has been opened in order to keep any remaining portion of the contents safely stored inside for future consumption. In some embodiments, a container for storing products including a base member and a flexible sheet is exposed. The base member includes a base, four side walls, and a lid defining a storage cavity, wherein the storage cavity is configured to contain products therein, and where the cover defines a window. The flexible sheet is fixed to the cover of the base member to cover the window and, together with the base, four side walls, and the cover, wrap and hold the products inside the container.

[0005] The flexible sheet includes a first film layer and a second film layer laminated with the first film layer. The first film layer comprises a first cutting line defining a removable flap portion, and the second film layer comprises a second cutting line deviated from the first cutting line and defining an opening giving access to the cavity storage. The first film layer forms a first sealing surface between the first and second cutting lines, and the second film layer forms a second sealing surface between the first and second cutting lines. At least one of the first or second closure surfaces includes pressure sensitive adhesive to allow the peel-away flap portion to reseal against a remaining portion of the flexible sheet to close the opening when the first closure surface interacts with the seal. second closure surface by means of a movement of the removable flap portion.

[0006] In some cases, the base member comprises a folded container made of cardboard. In addition, or alternatively, the first film layer of the flexible sheet may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the second film layer of the flexible sheet comprises oriented polypropylene (OPP). The flexible sheet is attached to an inner surface of the cover of the base member. In some cases, the cover of the base member can delimit an extension superimposed on a tongue of the peel-away flap portion, where the extension acts as a seal element. The extension may comprise at least one weak line, where each weak line may be configured to be cut by a user to access the tab.

[0007] In some embodiments, one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the cap of the base member is coated with low density polyethylene (LDPE), and the flexible sheet can be heat sealed to a respective one of the outer surface or the inner surface. In other embodiments, the flexible sheet may be glued to one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the cover of the base member.

[0008] In some cases, the flexible sheet may be transparent, such that the products stored inside the container are visible to the user. The lid of the base member may have a width and a length corresponding to a width and a length of the container, and the window defined by the lid may have a width and a length that are smaller than the width and length of the lid. , respectively. The container may be configured to contain pet products, such as pet food and / or pet toys.

[0009] The first and second film layers may be laminated together by means of permanent adhesive applied in pattern and pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the first cutting line may comprise a first side portion, a second side portion, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, and the first and second side portions may include free ends that are separated from each other. . In addition, or alternatively, the second cut line may constitute a closed form. The first cutting line can define a tongue portion. A method for making a container for storing products according to claim 15 is set forth.

[0010] In some cases, the first cutting line may define a tongue portion and the flexible sheet may be fixed to an inner surface of the cover of the base member. An extension of the cover of the base member can be defined as superimposed on the tongue of the peel-away flap portion, and the extension can serve as a seal element. In some embodiments, at the extension there may be at least one defined weak line, where each weak line may be configured to be cut off by a user to access the tab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWING (S)

[0011] Thus, having described the description in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily represented to scale, and where:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in an open configuration according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container in a closed configuration according to another example, not claimed;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 3 in an open configuration;

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container of Figures 3 and 5 according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a container in a closed configuration according to another embodiment example;

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible sheet of Figure 6 according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a container having a sealing element in a closed configuration according to another embodiment example; Y

Figure 9 is a partial close-up view of the sealing element of Figure 8 with the tongue underlying the removable flap portion accessible by the user according to another embodiment example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the following, the present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are shown, although not all. In fact, the invention can be represented in many different ways, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; instead, these embodiments are contemplated in such a way that this description will comply with the applicable legal requirements. The same numbers refer to the same elements throughout this document.

[0013] As noted above, some containers for containing products (eg, cookies, snacks, pet food products, and non-food products, such as pet toys) are sometimes designed to be rigid for aesthetic reasons and commercial, to allow easier stacking on shelves or for transport, and / or to provide better support and resistance to damage to the products contained therein in the event that the container is hit or otherwise submitted to a force or impact. In some cases, for example, a thermoformed tray may be provided to hold the products inside the container, and a flexible film-based lid may be sealed to the base member to maintain the contents therein. To open such containers, it may be necessary for the user to pierce the lid with a sharp object, such as a knife, to create an opening that allows access to the product. The use of a knife or other sharp object to cut the flexible film according to conventional solutions may pose a risk for the user to injure himself or accidentally damage the products contained inside the container. Alternatively, it may be necessary for the user to remove the lid from the tray by tearing off the film. However, in usual situations, in which the film is normally heat sealed to the thermoformed tray, the force necessary to separate the film from the edge of the tray can be large, and the user can risk spilling the contents of the tray. container when the film has finally been separated from the tray due to the large amount of force used to access. In addition, once opened, there is no easy way to close the container again, so that any product that has not been used can be safely stored inside the container.

[0014] In other conventional cases, the products may be stored inside a box or carton. In some cases, the package may have a transparent flexible film forming part of the container to allow the user to see the products contained within the opaque package. To dispense products from the package, the user should normally open the side flaps of the box structure. Again, a knife or other sharp object may be necessary to separate the side flaps and access the products contained inside. When less than all of the contents of the container have been consumed, the unused products can be returned to the container, and the flaps can be snapped back in by an effort to keep the contents inside. Although, in some conventional containers, the side flaps may be designed, in theory, to be re-fitted between them to close the container, the attachment may be loose or unsafe, and a careful user may require the application of a tape. additional adhesive on the side flaps to keep them together, causing the closed packaging again to be less satisfactory from the aesthetic point of view, and complicating the future openings of the container.

[0015] Accordingly, the container embodiments described herein offer a way to contain products in a safe and aesthetically satisfactory manner, while allowing a user to both see the inside of the container to inspect the products contained inside such as access to products through a mechanism of abrefácil that allows the closure of new.

[0016] Figures 1 and 2, for example, represent a container 5 according to an embodiment, in which a base member 10 is provided which includes a base 15 and four side walls 20, 21, 22, 23 which define together a storage cavity 25. The base member 10 can be, for example, a thermoformed tray and can define a flange 30 extending outward from the side walls 20, 21, 22, 23. The container 5 includes a flexible sheet 40 which is fixed to base member 10. For example, flexible sheet 40 may be heat sealed or otherwise permanently adhered to a corresponding surface of flange 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0017] Although the flexible sheet 40 can be permanently fixed to the base member 10 of the container 5 by means of the flange 30, the flexible sheet can be structured in such a way that the portions of the film layers forming the sheet can be separated. in a selective manner with each other when a removable flap portion 70 is removed from the base member 10 as shown in Figure 2. Thus, removing the flap portion 70 from the base member 10 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2 serves to create an opening in the reclosable container. The flexible sheet 40 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is structured according to embodiments of the invention, as described in more detail in relation to Figures 3 and 7, below.

[0018] Again with reference to Figures 3 and 4, for example, another embodiment of the container, not claimed, is set forth in which the container 100 is in the form of a box. The container 100 according to the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 may comprise a base member 100 including a base 115, four side walls 120, 121, 122, 123, and a cover 125 defining a storage cavity. 105. The storage cavity 105 may be configured to contain products 135, such as snacks, bakery / pastry products, or other food products for human consumption, or pet products, such as pet food and pet toys, in its interior.

[0019] The lid 125 may define a window 130, which, in some embodiments, may be an aperture cut in the lid material. A flexible sheet 140 can be attached to the cover 125 of the base member 110 to cover the window 130. The flexible sheet 140, together with the base 115, four side walls 120, 121, 122, 123, and the cover 125, can retaining and maintaining the products 135 contained within the container 100. At the same time, in embodiments in which the base member 110 comprises a folded container made of cardboard and is opaque, a flexible sheet 140 made with transparent materials (eg, transparent films) to allow the user to see the inside of the container without opening the container, as shown in figure 3.

[0020] The window 130 defined in the cover 125 of the base member 110 may have various configurations (eg, sizes and / or shapes), depending on the particular application; for example, based on market considerations (eg, depending on the type of products stored in the container and what for the relevant consumer would be a preferable configuration for the window). In Figures 3, 4 and 6, for example, the window 130 is rectangular; however, in other embodiments, the window may be circular, oval, or trapezoidal, and in still other embodiments the window may have an irregular shape, such as a shape representing a shape of the products contained therein ( eg, a bone form for dogs). Since the window 130 is bounded on the lid 125 of the base member 110, the window generally has a size smaller than a nominal size of the lid. For example, with reference to figure 3, the cover 125 of the base member 110 may have a width Wi and a length Li which generally corresponds to a width and a length of the container 100, and the window 130 defined by the cover may have a width Ww and a length Lw that are smaller than the width and length of the lid, respectively.

[0021] The flexible sheet 140 may be structured to include a first layer of film 150 (eg, on an outer surface of the flexible sheet, visible in Figure 4). The second film layer 155 may be laminated with the first film layer 150, as described in more detail below. The first film layer 150 may include a first cut line 160 that defines a removable flap portion 170, and the second film layer 155 may include a second cut line 165 defining an opening that allows access to the cavity storage 105. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the removable flap portion 170 can be removed from the remaining portion of the flexible sheet 140 that remains attached to the lid 125 of the base member 110 (eg, in the direction of the arrow in figure 4). As the peelable flap portion is lifted, for example, by a tab 175 which the user can grasp, a portion 157 of the second layer of film 155 permanently adhered (eg, by permanent adhesive 185, as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 5) to the portion of the first film layer 150 defining the peel-away flap portion 170 is also raised from the container to show the opening defined by the second cut line 165, as shown in Figure 4.

[0022] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first and second cutting lines 160, 165 can therefore be offset from each other, instead of being aligned, with respect to a thickness of the flexible sheet 140. A cross section of the flexible sheet 140 is shown in Figure 5, showing the first and second cutting lines 160, 165 offset from each other with respect to the thickness t of the film. The deflected configuration of the first and second cutting lines 160, 165 is such that the first film layer 150 forms a first sealing surface 154 between the first and second cutting lines, and the second film layer 155 forms a second one. closing surface 159 between the first and second cutting lines. In some embodiments, at least one of the first or second closure surfaces 154, 159 may include pressure sensitive adhesive 180 (depicted in Figure 5) to allow the peel-away flap portion to be resealed against a portion remaining of the flexible sheet for closing the opening when the first closure surface 154 interacts with the second closure surface 159 by means of a movement of the removable flap portion 170 (e.g., in a direction opposite to that indicated the arrow in figure 4). In some embodiments, for example, the first and second film layers 150, 155 may be laminated together by permanent adhesive 185 applied in pattern and pressure sensitive adhesive 180, as depicted in cross section in Figure 5.

[0023] The first and second cutting lines 160, 165 may be configured (eg, in size and shape) in various manners, such as in function of functional, performance, aesthetic and manufacturing considerations. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figs. 3-7, the first cutting line 160 may comprise a first side portion 161, a second side portion 162, and an intermediate portion 163 extending between the first and the second portion. second side portions, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown, the first and second side portions 161, 162 may include free ends that are spaced apart, such that the first cut line 160 has, as a rule, a U-shape, with the uncut portion extending between the two free ends (eg, opposite the intermediate portion 163) forming a fold or hinge line on which the flap portion 170 can move. some embodiments, the second cutting line 160 can, in turn, form a closed shape, such as a rounded rectangle, as shown. Accordingly, when the peel-off flap 170 is fully opened, the shape of the resulting opening in the container 100 may have a corresponding rounded rectangle shape (set forth in Figure 4). However, in other embodiments, the second cut line 165 may have a non-closed shape, such as a shape corresponding to the shape of the first cut line 160 (eg, a U shape). In such cases, the opening defined in the container 100 may be bounded along an edge by the hinge line defined by the first cut line 160.

[0024] Also, as indicated above, in some cases, the first cutting line 160 may define a tongue 175, such as a protrusion or extension rounded outwardly of the general shape of the first cutting line 160 that provides a area from which the user can grab and use it to pull the flap portion 170 with respect to the container 100. The area between the first and second film layers 150, 155 corresponding to the location of the tab 175 may be , in some cases, devoid of permanent or pressure-sensitive adhesive, such that a user can easily separate the first layer of film 150 from the second layer of film 155 in the region of the tab 175 to detach the flap portion removable 170 from container 100.

[0025] The flexible sheet 140 may be attached to the base member 110 in various ways. According to the non-claimed embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the flexible sheet 140 may be attached to an outer surface 126 of the cover 125 of the base member 110. Thus, in the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, and shown in cross section in figure 5, an inner surface 156 of the second film layer 155 of the flexible sheet 140 is attached to the outer surface 126 of the cover 125 of the base member 110. A peripheral zone 141 of the flexible sheet 140 may overlap a corresponding area of the outer surface 126 of the cover 125, and may be attached thereto. In such embodiments, the entire flexible sheet 140 may be disposed outside the container 100.

[0026] In the invention, for example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the flexible sheet 140 is attached to an inner surface 127 of the cover 125 of the base member 110. Thus, in the embodiment shown in figure 6 and in cross section in figure 7, an outer surface 151 of the first film layer 150 of the flexible sheet 140 is attached to the inner surface 127 of the cover 125 of the base member 110. In this case, the peripheral zone 141 of the flexible sheet 140 may overlap a corresponding area of the inner surface 127 of the lid 125 within the container, and may be attached thereto. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the peripheral zone 141 of the flexible sheet 140 would not be visible to the user, and the only part of the flexible sheet 140 visible to the user would be the part arranged in (eg, bounded by) the window 130 of the lid 125. Although, in the represented embodiments, it is shown that the flexible sheet 140 is smaller than the width Wi and the length Li of the lid 125 of the base member 110, in other embodiments, not shown, the flexible sheet may be cut to have the same dimensions, or approximately the same dimensions, as the lid.

[0027] In some embodiments, which are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the container 100 may include a sealing element 200 configured to allow a user to detect if the container has been previously opened, for example, if the portion The detachable flap 170 has been removed from the container 100 by the tongue 175 to allow access to products stored inside and subsequently reattached by the pressure sensitive adhesive (eg, the sensitive adhesive at the pressure 180 shown in Figure 4). For example, as described in relation to Figures 6 and 7, the flexible sheet 140 can be attached to an inner surface 127 of the cover 125 of the base member 110. The sealing element 200 can be formed by an extension 205 of the cover 125 on the tongue 175 of the flap portion 170. Therefore, the extension may be configured to separate from the lid 125 to allow access to the tongue 175, where said extension of the extension 205 may be visually detected by the user.

[0028] For example, the extension 205 may define one or more weak lines 210 that are configured to be torn by the user in order to allow access to the tab 175. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a user can pull the extension 205 backwards in the direction A, which, in turn, can cause a tear in the material of the cover 125 along the weak lines 210. In the embodiment of figures 8 and 9, for example, two weak lines 210 are provided which are substantially parallel to each other. The material of the lid 125 and / or of the extension 205 may be cardboard, and the weak lines 210 may comprise perforations in some cases. The tongue 175 can be arranged under the extension 205, between the two weak lines 210, such that, when the user pulls the extension backwards in the direction A, the weak lines tear and form a fold line 215 extending between the two weak lines. With the extension 205 removed in this way, the tongue 175 can be exposed, and the user may be able to grasp the tongue and open the peel-away flap portion 170 as described above with respect to other embodiments. However, since the separation of the extension 205 tears the material of the lid 125 along the weak lines 210 and creates a fold line 215, the fact that the container 100 has been opened is evident to the user, even though the release flap portion 170 has been resealed in the closed configuration by pressure sensitive adhesive.

[0029] The materials of the first and second film layers 150, 155 may vary and, in some cases, it may be necessary to apply a coating or protective layer on the corresponding surface of the cover 125 of the base member 110 to facilitate the bonding from the flexible sheet 140 to this. For example, in some embodiments, the first film layer 150 of the flexible sheet 140 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the second film layer 155 of the flexible sheet 140 may comprise oriented polypropylene (OPP). In embodiments in which the flexible sheet 140 is heat sealed to the lid 125, a corresponding one of the outer surface 126 or the inner surface 127 of the lid 125 of the base member 110 (eg, in function whether the flexible sheet is to be attached to the outer surface, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or to the inner surface, as shown in FIG. 6), can be poly-coated, such as by coating it with a low polyethylene. density (LDPE). In addition, a corresponding surface of a respective one of the first or second film layers 150, 155 may also include a heat-sealed coating, such as a polyethylene (PE) emulsion. Other heat sealed coatings may include polypropylene, ionomer resins, acrylic coatings, or other coatings. However, in other embodiments, the flexible sheet 140 may be glued to a respective one of the outer surface 126 or the inner surface 127 of the cover 125 of the base member 110 (e.g. hot).

[0030] Embodiments of a method for making a container for storing products are also disclosed, in which a structured flexible sheet, as described above, for presenting an integrated opening and closing function is attached to a base member, such as base member 10 of Figures 1 and 2 or base member 110 of Figures 3-7. For example, in relation to the embodiments of Figures 3-7, a base member comprising a base, four side walls, and a lid is formed. defining a storage cavity, and the storage cavity is configured to contain products therein, as described above. A window is defined on the cover of the base member; for example, cutting a hole or opening in the material of the lid. In other embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base member may be formed by thermoforming a tray.

[0031] The flexible sheet can be formed as a multi-layered structure by laminating a first film layer to a second film layer with adhesive. In some embodiments, the flexible sheet may be structured as described in US Patent No. 7717620. Permanent and pressure sensitive adhesives may be applied to one of the film layers according to predetermined patterns. Once the sheet has been formed in this way, grooving operations can be carried out on both sides of the sheet so that they are aligned with the adhesive patterns, but each grooving operation can only penetrate through a part of the thickness of the sheet. the sheet. In particular, a grooving operation performed on the side of the sheet adjacent to the first film layer can result in a penetration through the first film layer, but without full penetration through the second film layer and, preferably, without any substantial penetration, and more preferably, without any penetration into the second film layer. Likewise, the grooving operation performed on the side of the sheet adjacent to the second film layer can result in penetration through the second film layer, but without full penetration through the first film layer and , preferably, without any substantial penetration, and more preferably, without any penetration into the first film layer.

[0032] In some cases, one of the first or second film layers may be printed (or printed upside down) before being laminated to the other film layer, for example, to include information about products stored inside of the container. Prior to printing, the surface of the respective film layer can be treated (e.g., by corona or flamed) to leave the surface more receptive to the inks and / or can be treated to facilitate the surface to be it can more easily adhere to the pressure sensitive adhesive which is subsequently applied in a pattern on the surface, as described above.

[0033] In this regard, a pressure sensitive adhesive can be applied on the first layer following a predetermined pattern which is repeated at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first film layer (eg, for make a sheet length that will be cut to fit a certain number of containers). The predetermined pattern can normally be in the form of a strip of various types or shapes. For example, in embodiments in which the first cut line of the first film layer (eg, the first cut line 160 of Figure 3) has a U shape, the pattern of the strip of the pressure sensitive adhesive may generally have a U-shape; however, other shapes may be used for the pattern as appropriate for the particular application. In some cases, the pattern may include an area that is free of adhesive and, ultimately, will form a tongue, such as tab 175 of Figure 3.

[0034] The pressure sensitive adhesive can comprise various compositions. The pressure-sensitive adhesives form viscoelastic bonds that are adherent in a forceful and permanent way, adhere without requiring only the pressure of a finger or a hand, and do not require activation by water, solvent, or heat. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are often based on non-crosslinked rubber adhesives in the form of a latex or solvent-containing emulsion, or may comprise acrylic or methacrylate adhesives, styrene copolymers (SIS / SBS), and silicones . Acrylic adhesives are known for their excellent environmental resistance and fast contact time compared to other resin systems. Pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives often use an acrylate system. Natural rubber, synthetic rubber or elastomeric sealants and adhesives can be based on various systems such as silicone, polyurethane, chloroprene, butyl, polybutadiene, isoprene or neoprene. When the packaging sheet of the invention is intended for food packaging, the pressure sensitive adhesive should normally be a food grade composition. Adhesives (eg, particles or the like) can be added to the pressure sensitive adhesive to reduce the toughness of the bond with the second underlying film layer, such that the pressure sensitive adhesive will easily separate from the second layer. film layer during opening (especially during the first opening).

[0035] A permanent adhesive for laminates can then be applied to the first film layer, such that a large proportion of the surface is sufficiently covered by the permanent adhesive to allow the first film layer to be bonded with adhesive to a second film layer in the descending lamination station. Permanent adhesive may be applied to areas of the surface of the first film layer that are not covered by the pressure sensitive adhesive. Also, when the pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive includes a zone without adhesive to form a tab, as indicated above, the pattern of the permanent adhesive would also exclude the area without adhesive.

[0036] After performing the lamination as described above, the sheet can advance to a first grooving station in which the first cut line is formed through the thickness of the first film layer. The first cut line can be made to be aligned (eg, match) with the perimeter exterior of the pattern in the form of a pressure-sensitive adhesive strip to define the shape of the detachable flap portion described above. Next, the sheet can advance to a second grooving station in which the second cut line is formed through the thickness of the second film layer. The second cutting line can be made to be aligned (eg, coincident) with the inner perimeter of the pattern in the form of a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive, thereby defining the shape of the opening towards the inside of the container as described above. The relative locations of the cutting lines 160, 165 with respect to the pressure sensitive adhesive 180 are shown in cross section in Figures 5 and 7.

[0037] The first and / or the second cutting lines can be made in various ways; for example, by means of a laser that is synchronized with the advance of the sheet in the manner described above. A sensor that can detect an element, such as an optical mark, on the sheet, whose location relative to the strip of pressure sensitive adhesive is known, and the output of the sensor can be used to regulate the operation of the laser can be provided. , in such a way that the second cutting line is aligned with the inner perimeter of the strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0038] As an alternative to the use of lasers for grooving the sheet, the cutting lines of the sheet can be formed by grooving or mechanical cutting. For example, a contact roller and a support roller can be used to form a line of contact between the rollers through which the sheet passes. The contact roller may comprise a rotary cutter die that defines a cutting edge. The flexible sheet is then attached to the cover of the base member (eg, the base member 10, 110 shown in Figures 17) to form the complete container. The flexible sheet 140 is attached to the lid 125 of the base member 110 (FIGS. 3-7) to cover the window 130, for example, by heat seals, hot melt glue, or other suitable methods. In this way, the flexible sheet 140 can cooperate with the base 115, four side walls 120, 121, 122, 123, and the lid 125 to preserve and maintain the products 135 inside the container. As described above, the first film layer 150 thus forms a first closure surface 154 between the first and second cutting lines 160, 165, and the second film layer 155 forms a second closure surface 159 between the first and the second cut lines.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first closure surface 154 of the first film layer 150 has a greater affinity for bonding to the pressure sensitive adhesive 180 than that exhibited by the second closure surface 159 of the second film layer 150. film 155 and, therefore, the pressure sensitive adhesive can be peeled off from the second surface 159 of the second film layer and remain attached to the first closure surface 154 shown in Figures 3-7. The container can be resealed by moving the flap portion to the container so that the first closure surface interacts with the second closure surface to reattach the pressure sensitive adhesive (and the first film layer 15) to the second closing structure 159 of the inner film layer.

[0040] A greater affinity for the bonding of the first film layer can be achieved in various ways. For example, when the first film layer comprises p Et and the second film layer comprises a polyolefin such as polypropylene, OPP, or metallized OPP, the PET will naturally have a greater affinity to the bond with the adhesive than it will present the polyolefin layer. In addition, or alternatively, the surface of the first film layer may be treated, as indicated above, by corona or flamed effect, to increase the surface energy and to improve the affinity to the bond. It is also possible, as already indicated, to control the adhesive force of the pressure sensitive adhesive with the first film layer by including an additive in the adhesive to reduce the adhesive force, if desired.

[0041] Although in some embodiments the pressure sensitive adhesive may be applied in the first film layer and may continue in the first film layer after opening, as described above and as depicted in FIG. the figures, in other embodiments, the pressure-sensitive adhesive can be applied in the second film layer and can continue in the second film layer after opening.

[0042] A person skilled in the art to which the present inventions pertain may conceive many other modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein that exhibit the advantages of the teachings presented in the above descriptions and in the corresponding drawings. . Accordingly, it will be understood that the inventions are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that other embodiments are intended to be included in the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used in this document, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limitation purposes.

Claims (18)

1. Container (100) for storing products comprising:

a base member (110) comprising a base (115), four side walls (120,121,122,123), and a cover (125) defining a storage cavity, wherein the storage cavity is configured to contain products therein, and where the lid (125) defines a window (130); and a flexible sheet (140) attached to a surface (127) of the cover (125) of the base member (110) to cover the window (130) and, together with the base (115), four side walls (120,121,122,123) , and a lid (125), wrap and keep the products inside the container (100),

wherein the flexible sheet (140) comprises:

a first film layer (150), and

a second film layer (155), laminated with the first film layer (150), wherein the first film layer (150) comprises a first cut line defining a removable flap portion (170) and the second layer of film (155) comprises a second cutting line deflected from the first cutting line and defining an opening giving access to the storage cavity, wherein the first film layer (150) forms a first sealing surface (154) between the first and second cutting lines (160, 165), and second film layer (155) forms a second closing surface (159) between the first and second cutting lines (160, 165),

wherein at least one of the first or second closure surfaces (159) includes pressure sensitive adhesive (180) to allow the removable flap portion (170) to reseal against a remaining portion of the flexible sheet (140) to close the opening when the first closure surface (154) interacts with the second closure surface (159) by means of a movement of the removable flap portion (170), characterized in that the flexible sheet (140) is attached to an inner surface (127) of the cover of the base member (110).

2. A container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base member (110) comprises a folded container made of cardboard.

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first film layer (150) of the flexible sheet (140) comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the second film layer (155) of the flexible sheet (140) comprises oriented polypropylene (OPP).

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (125) of the base member (110) defines an extension (205) superimposed on a tongue (175) of the flap portion (170), wherein the extension (205) serves as a seal element (200).

The container (100) according to claim 4, wherein the extension (205) comprises at least one weak line (210), where each weak line (210) is configured to be torn by a user to access the tab (175) .

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein one of an outer surface (126) or an inner surface (127) of the cap (125) of the base member (110) is coated with low density polyethylene (LDPE). , and wherein the flexible sheet (140) is heat sealed to a respective one of the outer surface (126) or the inner surface (127).

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet (140) is glued to one of an outer surface or an inner surface (127) of the cover (125) of the base member (110).

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet (140) is transparent, such that the products stored inside the container (100) are visible to the user.

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (125) of the base member (110) has a width and a length corresponding to a width and a length of the container (100), and where the window (130) defined by the lid (125) has a width and a length that are less than the width and length of the lid (125), respectively.

10. Container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the container (100) is configured to contain pet products.

Container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second film layers (155) are laminated together by means of permanent adhesive (185) applied in pattern and pressure sensitive adhesive (180).

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting line comprises a first side portion (161), a second side portion (162), and an intermediate portion (163) extending between them, and where the first and second side portions include free ends that are separated.

The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second cut line constitutes a closed shape.

14. Container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting line defines a tongue portion (175).

15. Method for making a container (100) for storing products, the method comprising:

forming a base member (110) comprising a base (15), four side walls (120,121,122,123), and a cover (125) defining a storage cavity (105), wherein the storage cavity (105) is configured to contain products inside;

defining a window (130) in the cover (125) of the base member (110);

forming a flexible sheet (140):

creating a first cut line in a first layer of film (150), wherein the first cut line defines a portion of flap (170),

creating a second cutting line in a second film layer (155), wherein the second cutting line defines an opening that gives access to the interior of the storage cavity (105), and laminating the first film layer (150) with the second film layer (155); Y

joining the flexible sheet (140) to an inner surface (127) of the cover (125) of the base member (10, 110) to cover the window (130) and, together with the base (15), four side walls ( 120,121,122,123), and lid (125), wrap and keep the products inside the container (100),

wherein the first film layer (150) forms a first closure surface (154) between the first and second cutting lines (160, 165), and the second film layer (155) forms a second closure surface (159) ) between the first and second cutting lines (160, 165), and

wherein at least one of the first or second closure surfaces (154, 159) includes pressure sensitive adhesive (180) to allow the release flap portion (170) to be resealed against a remaining portion of the flexible sheet ( 40, 140) to close the opening when the first closure surface (154) interacts with the second closure surface (159) by means of a movement of the removable flap portion (170).

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the first cutting line defines a tongue portion (175).

The method of claim 16 further comprising defining an extension (205) of the cap (125) of the base member (110) superimposed on the tongue (175) of the flap portion (170), wherein the extension (205) ) serves as a seal element (200).

The method of claim 17 further comprising defining at least one weak line (210) in the extension (205), wherein each weak line (210) is configured to be torn by a user to access the tab (175).