GB2478562A

GB2478562A - Packaging container for use as a bowl

Info

Publication number: GB2478562A
Application number: GB1003923A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Luke Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-10
Filing date: 2010-03-10
Publication date: 2011-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-10
Also published as: GB2478562B; GB201003923D0

Abstract

A packaging container 100 is provided having a first portion 105 and a second portion 107 connected to one another along a fold line 106. The container 100 is foldable between a first position (fig 1) in which the container 100 forms an enclosure for enclosing articles therein and a second position (fig 2) in which the container 100 forms a bowl like structure for containing articles. The first portion 105 of the container 100 is collapsible from the first position into the second position in the direction of the second portion 107. In the second position the first portion 105 is inverted about the fold line 106 so as to be at least partially received within the second portion 107. In the first position the container 100 takes the form of a right prism, preferably a hexagonal prism. The container 100 may have a removable lid 114 in the end face of the first portion 105. The container is preferably put to storing confectionary, pop corn, or other snack items, though it may be used for medical items. The stored products may be held in an inner sleeve (122) to prevent them from interfering as the container is folded between the first and second positions.

Description

Packaging Container The present invention relates to packaging containers, in particular to packaging containers which can also be used as a bowl.

It is well known in the field of packaging that containers in which individual items are packaged can thereafter be used as a bowl for those products. Examples of such packaging containers are commonplace and can be found, for example, in supermarkets in which salads and the like may be placed in a two-part packaging container, the first part being in the shape of a bowl and the second part forming a lid to the bowl and wherein the lid is removable so that the salad can be eaten from the bowl.

It is known that the lids of such containers can be removed from the containers or maybe attached thereto by, for example, a hinge arrangement.

Due to the nature of the shape of these containers, when they are displayed they incur a lot of wastage of space on the shelves due to the form of the bowls. Such wastage of space has a price associated with it, for example, in supermarkets where the packing density is lowered as a result of the larger shelf footprint for the items than may be achieved if they were in non-bowl shape containers.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging container that addresses at least some problems associated with the prior art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging container comprising a first portion and a second portion connected to one another along a fold line, the container foldable between a first position in which the container forms an enclosure for enclosing articles therein and a second position in which the container forms a bowl-.

like structure for containing articles therein wherein, the first portion is collapsible from the first position into the second position in the direction of the second portion.

Preferably, in the second position, the first portion is inverted about the fold line into the second portion.

In a preferred arrangement, in its first position the packaging container is substantially in the shape of a right prism having a polygonal cross-section.

By providing a container that, in its first position, has such a shape, the containers can be stacked closely to one another with their sides parallel to one another thereby reducing the dead space normally created by the uncut shape of the bowl.

The packaging container may have one or more of: longitudinal split lines substantially extending between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of the adjacent faces; perforated or partially cut-through lines extending between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of adjacent faces, and wherein fracture of the perforated line creates a split line; and pairs of perforated or partially cut through lines extending between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of the adjacent faces and defining thin strips therebetween, and wherein removal of the thin strips creates a split line.

Preferably, each rectangular face of the prism has extending across it at first fold lines substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prism, the fold line dividing the container into a first portion and a second portion.

By providing these fold lines extending across the rectangular faces of the prism and by providing longitudinal split lines or means of creating longitudinal split lines extending between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of the adjacent faces the first portion of the packaging container can be inverted about the fold lines so that it is received at least partially within the second portion of the packaging container. The split lines and the fold lines enable the rectangular faces of the prism to extend outwardly as the first portion is inverted into the second portion.

In one preferred arrangement the fold line is located substantially midway along the longitudinal axis of the container and, in another preferred arrangement the fold line is offset from midway along the longitudinal axis of the container. These two arrangements enable the top face of the container in its first position to either be substantially adjacent the bottom face of the container or, in the alternative, allow the top face of the prism in its first position to be offset from the bottom surface of the prism when inverted thereinto.

In one arrangement the packaging container may have a second fold line adjacent the first fold line such that, with the container in its second position, the area between the first fold line and the second fold line forms an enlarged rim to the bowl-like structure.

The packaging container may comprise a cut line extending from and returning to the fold line of at least one rectangular face of the prism such that, in the second position the portion of the rectangular face enclosed by the fold line and the cut line forms a shaped tab extending from the rim of the bowl-like structure.

The packaging container of the invention has many potential uses, one of which is as a packaging container for medical items which may be sterile. In such a use the tab extending from the rim may contain a date stamp clearly identifying the expiry date of the products or contain a blank area in which a user can write, for example, the time/date the container was opened.

In another use, for example where used for confectionery items i.e. candies, chocolates or the like, the cut lines extending from and returning to the fold line may, for example, define the shape of different candies to be found within the container and may contain graphical imagery of those items.

Preferably, the packaging container has a gusset across each split line of the second portion of the container.

The gusset allows the rectangular faces of the prism, in the second position, to extend outwardly of their positions in the first position of the container. The gussets then fill the space between the rectangular faces of the prism to form a traditional bowl-like structure the sides of which extend upwardly and outwardly from a base.

In one preferred arrangement of the invention the gusset is formed by a flexible liner within the container and, in another preferred invention the gusset comprises a folded gusset.

In one embodiment, in the second position a part of each gusset may extend beyond the rim of the bowl-like structure and may contain advertising imagery and/or be shaped in a specific manner.

The packaging container may further comprise a removable lid in the end face of the first portion and an inner sleeve, located within the packaging container in the first position, for retaining items therein. Preferably the inner sleeve is smaller than the removable lid such that, with the lid removed the container can be moved from its first position to its second position by folding the container along its fold lines and lowering and inverting the first portion around the edge of the inner sleeve whilst retaining the items within the said inner sleeve. Preferably thereafter removal of the inner sleeve causes the items contained therein to be deposited within the container. In one embodiment the inner sleeve may have an enclosed end so that the sleeve itself may form a receptacle. In such an embodiment the sleeve, once removed, may form for example a drinking vessel to be used alongside the bowl.

In an alternative preferred embodiment the items within the container may be contained within a bag insider the container. The bag may be used as well as or instead of the sleeve.

In this manner the items within the container are contained separately from the outer surfaces of the container. This prevents the items from becoming trapped between the first portion and the second portion as the first portion is inverted which may prevent the first portion from becoming properly received within the second portion. Once the container is fully in its second position the inner sleeve may then be removed so that the items will then fill the container in its second position.

In one preferred arrangement at least two opposing rectangular faces of the container may have means therein to allow the faces to be pulled in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. Such a movement initiates the folding of the first portion relative to the second portion about its fold lines.

In some arrangements it is preferable that the packaging container further comprises a plurality of objects to be contained and an airtight layer disposed within the container and surrounding said objects. The lid of the container may be resealable and may form an airtight seal.

In this manner a cheap standard packaging material, for example cardboard, may be used to produce the container and the objects contained therein can be sealed in an airtight manner to prevent them degrading. Examples of such applications are the medical industry wherein it may be required to keep the contents of the container sterile or the confectionery market where it may be necessary to preserve the quality, and prevent degradation, of products such as chocolate.

Specific embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a hexagonal prism shaped packaging container of the invention in its first position; Figure 2 shows the packaging container of Figure 1 in its second position; Figure 3 shows a rectangular prism shaped packaging container of the invention in its second position; Figures 4 to 9 depict the steps in transforming the packaging container shown in Figure 1 between its first and its second position; Figures 10, 11 and 12 show different net designs to produce a packaging container according to the invention; Figure 13 shows a packaging container with flexible gussets according to the invention; Figure 14 shows a packaging container having projections from its gussets; Figure 15 shows a packaging container having projections from its fold line; Figures 16 to 18 show a packaging container of the invention having a re-sealable lid; Figures 19 to 21 show a packaging container of the invention provided with a carrying handle; Figures 22 and 23 show a packaging container of the invention in its first and second positions having an enlarged rim area; Figures 24 and 25 show a packaging container according to an invention in its first and second positions and having a bowl stand; Figures 26 to 28 show a packaging container of the invention having removable strips for forming the slits; and Figures 29 to 32 show perspective and side views of an embodiment of the packaging container of the invention having improved stability.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 a packaging container 100 is shown in its first position.

The packaging container 100 is a hexagonal right prism in its first position 200 (Figure 1). The prism has split lines 102 along the edges of its adjacent rectangular faces 103 and has a perforated or semi cut through line 104 in its upper face defining a removable opening in the container 100. A folds line 106 extends around the container substantially at its mid point and defines a first portion 105 of the container above the split line and a second portion 107 of the container below the split line.

In its second position (figure 2) the packaging container has the form of a bowl 300.

The bowl is formed of six rectangular sides 108 formed by the rectangular sides of the right prism folded double and six gussets 110 joining the six rectangular sides in a manner that enables them to extend upwardly and outwardly from the base 112 of the bowl 300. In this manner the packaging container has a compact geometric shape in its first position so that adjacent containers can easily tessellate to maximise the packaging density and is substantially bowl shaped in its second position so that it can have a more usable functional form.

Although shown as substantially hexagonal in shape the packaging container may take the shape of any right prism having a regular polygonal cross section, e.g. rectangular as depicted in Figure 3. It will be appreciated however that for polygonal cross sections that do not tessellate without any dead spaces therebetween, although improved, the packaging density will not be as fully maxirnised.

The material of the packaging container will depend on the actual use and its required longevity. For example the packaging container may be used for the medical market and contain disposable items, e.g. swabs or latex gloves, and be intended to be disposed of soon after use, or used for confectionery items such as chocolates or popcorn and as such may be intended to be disposed of once the product contained therein has been consumed and, for such uses would preferably be made of cardboard. In an alternative use for example in the camping/leisure industry the container may contain items that are used more than once, e.g. camping cutlery sets, and in such circumstances a more durable material, for example polymers may be used i.e. within the art of the skilled person appropriate materials may be selected for different uses. For example, if used as a popcorn container the container may contain un popped corn and be intended to be placed in a microwave oven in its first position to pop the corn and then transformed into its second position to act as a container for the popped corn, in such a use the materials would of course have to be appropriate for use in a microwave oven environment.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 9 the steps of transforming the container from its first position to its second position are shown.

In Figure 4 the container 100 as described above with reference to Figure 1 is shown in its first position. The top 114 is removed to create an opening by tearing along the perforated line 104 and tabs 116 are pushed in so that they tear along their perforated edge 118 and form small holes or recesses in the sides 103 of the container. Fingers or thumbs are then inserted into the holes and the sides of the container 100 are pulled outwards (Figure 5). As the sides 103 are pulled outwards the container separates along its slit lines 102 as the sides 103 start to fold along their fold lines 106 top surface 120 of the container moves downward so that the opening therein is lowered around the exterior of an inner sleeve 122 having a dimension slightly smaller than the opening.

Products 124 within the container 100 are retained within the inner sleeve 122 such that the container 100 may be transformed between its first and second positions without interference from the product 124 therein.

The sleeve 122 has a location ring 123 closely surrounding it. The location ring is loosely positioned around the sleeve during the manufacture process and has an inner edge that surrounds the sleeve 122 and an outer edge that, in the first position is substantially aligned with the inner surface of the rectangular faces 103. In this manner the sleeve 122 is maintained substantially centrally within the container 100. In the first position the ring 123 sits on the top of the gussets 110 and as such locates the sleeve 122 towards its middle and is prevented from falling to the bottom of the container.

Once the sides 103 have been pulled outwards the continued transformation of the container 100 is achieved by pushing down on the top surface 120 of the container to further lower the top surface until further outward movement of the second portion 107 of the container 100 is prevented by the gussets 110 which become tight (Figure 6).

Continued downwards pressure causes the rectangular sides of the upper portion to partially flex and the first portion 105 to invert about the fold line 106 and become received within the second portion to form a bowl (Figure 8) as described above with reference to Figure 2. The inner sleeve 122 remains in the centre of the bowl and contains the product 124 therein. The sleeve 122 may be removably attached to the base of the bowl by known means, for example by low tack feet or by feet with perforated split lines.

Once the bowl is formed the sleeve 122 is removed from the bowl (Figure 7) so that the product 124 therein falls from the sleeve 122 and becomes deposited in the bowl ready for use/consumption (Figure 9).

It will be appreciated that although the use of the perforated holes as shown in Figure 5 will facilitate the opening of the container, the container will function equally well without the use of these holes and that this step may be omitted.

Referring to Figure 10 a net for a container of the invention is shown comprising a piece of cut card 126 made up of a number of rectangular shapes and two hexagonal shapes. This is a standard net shape for a hexagonal right prism.

The card 126 has a plurality of perforated or partially cut through lines 132 extending across it which form the slit lines (102, Figure 1).

In addition to the standard net shape a plurality of gussets 128; shown both in their net shape as cut out from a sheet of material and in their folded state; are adhered by opposing gusset tabs 130, 1 30a to the piece of cut card 126 across the lines 132 so that one gusset tab 130 of each gusset is attached to one rectangular face of the constructed prism packaging container and the other gusset tab 130a is attached to an adjacent rectangular face of the constructed prism packaging container, thereby allowing, in use, the container to part along the split line without becoming separated.

Referring now to Figure 11 an alternative method of construction is shown. This method does not differ substantially from that shown in Figure 10 apart from that each gusset net 134 defines two gussets 128 joined by a large central tab 136 that is, in assembly substantially aligned with a rectangular surface of the prism to one side of the fold line 106. This method of construction reduces the number of necessary separate gusset pieces that need to be assembled to produce the item of packaging.

Figure 12 shows a different method of construction in which the packaging item is made of two nets, one net forming the first portion and one net forming the second portion, of which the net 138 forming the second portion is shown.

The net comprises a central hexagonal area 140 surrounded by six rectangular areas 142 extending therefrom, each ending in a tab 144 for adhesion to rectangular areas of a similar net forming the upper portion. The tabs 144 are separated from the rectangular areas 142 by a fold line 106.

Extending between each of the rectangular areas 142 are gusset sections 146 each having four fold lines associated therewith, one 148, 150 running along the edge of each rectangular area 142 to which it is joined, and two 152,154 each extending from the apex of the hexagonal area 140 to the gusset edge 156. Each gusset area has a joining area 158.

To construct the second portion of the packaging container the gusset areas 146 are folded along lines 150 and 154 so that the joining area 158 overly the rectangular areas 142 and are retained in place by the application of adhesive or the like to the joining area 158. The actual method of joining will be dependant upon the materials used, for example if the material is cardboard the joint may be simply an adhesive joining. If, on the other hand, the container is made from polymers then the joining method may, for example, be a polymer weld.

The net for the first portion of the container may be of a similar shape but without the gusset areas 146 or the tabs 144. The tabs 144 of the second portion may then be directly joined to the ends of the rectangular areas of the first portion.

Such a construction has the advantage over the constructions shown in figures 10 and 11 that fewer individual parts need be made and that, furthermore, as there are no split lines that extend to the bottom of the lower section due to its single piece construction the bowl formed of this construction will, providing waterproof materials are used, be waterproof/leak free. Depending on the intended use of the container where its possible waterproof nature is to be realised the construction may be of plasticised cardboard, polymer or suitable other water resistant materials. Of course, due to its simplicity, this construction may also be used where the container does not need any waterproof characteristics.

Referring to Figure 13 a container of a further alternative construction is shown in its second position. In this embodiment a flexible material 160 is used for the gussets instead of a folded more rigid material. Individual pieces of flexible material 160 may be attached to the net as shown in Figure 10 in place of the folded gussets or alternatively a single piece of flexible material may be used to form all the gussets and may be adhered to the container net. The piece of material may have a bowl shape and may extend across the bottom of the bowl so as to from a waterproof lining for the bowl such that no fluids can spill therefrom. Such a construction may be advantageous for example in the medical industry where clean items, e.g. swabs, may be provided in the container and dirty swabs may be disposed of in the bowl. A full lining ensures proper containment of the dirty swabs and prevents the leakage, for example of any blood on the swabs, from the bowl.

Other methods of forming the gussets not described herein may be apparent to the skilled person.

Referring now to Figure 14 a variation of the invention is shown in which the gussets are used to alter the shape of the rim 162 of the bowl which, in previous examples has followed the fold line. The gussets 110 are shaped at their upper end so that when the container 100 is in its second position the upper ends of the gussets project above the fold line 106 of the rectangular sides.

In Figure 15 another arrangement is shown wherein a cut line 164 extends from and returns to the fold line 106 of at least one rectangular face of the prism such that, in the second position the portion of the rectangular face enclosed by the fold line and the cut line forms a shaped tab 166 extending from the rim of the bowl.

The extensions to the rim described in relation to Figures 14 and 15 may both be shaped or coloured or contain logos etc to assist in promoting the product. For example, where the container is used to contain a selection of different individually wrapped chocolates the extensions may each be shaped in the shape of a different chocolate and contain an image thereof. Underneath each image may be a description of the chocolate. In this manner the tabs may form a menu of the chocolates within the bowl.

Referring now to Figures 16 to 18 another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, in place of the perforated opening, the container is provided with a removable lid 168 that extends from the top surface 120 thereof. In use the lid is removed and the container is moved from its first position (Figure 16) to its second position (Figure 18) via an intermediate position (Figure 17) as shown in these figures the container may, in addition to the gussets 110 in its second portion, have gussets 11 Oa in its first portion. In this embodiment the fold line 106 is towards the upper end of the container such that the first portion is smaller than the second portion. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 18 when the container is in the second position the first portion does not invert into the second portion as with the previous embodiments but forms a container with a partially closed top surface. The addition of the gussets llOa in the first portion completes the top surface of the container in its second portion. The container has a small lip 170 extending therefrom and onto which the lid 168 locates.

In this manner a closable contained bowl is provided by the container in its second position.

Although described in combination the features of this embodiment, namely the removable lid arrangement, the double gussets and the offset fold line may within the art of the skilled person be individually applied to the other embodiments herein as appropriate.

Referring to Figures 19 to 20 the container 100 of figures 1 and 2 is shown with one additional feature. The container has attached thereto, below the fold line 106 a handle 172 that extends over the top of the container 100 in the first position (Figure 19).

When the container moves from its first position to its second position, as the handle 172 is fixed to the container 100 below the fold line 106, it continues to extend from the container when the container is in its second position (Figures 20, 21). Accordingly the handle can be used to carry the container in either of its first and second positions.

Referring to Figures 22 and 23 an optional feature of the invention is shown. In these embodiments the container 100 is provided with two fold lines 106 and 106a vertically spaced from one another when the container 100 is in its first position. When the container is moved into its second position (Figure 23) the rectangular sides of the prism fold about both lines and the area between the fold lines 106, 106a forms a deepened rim 174 to the bowl in these areas.

Referring to Figures 24 and 25 the container 100 may further be provided with a bowl stand 176 for placing the container on when it is in its second position. The bowl stand is contained within the container when it is in its first position and the formed bowl is placed on the bowl stand when it is in its second position. The bowl stand and/or the base of the container 100 may be provided with an adhesive tab to enable the bowl to be retained on the bowl stand 176.

Referring to Figures 26 to 28 a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which, in place of the slits 102 referred to in reference to Figure 1 the container is provided with pairs of perforated or partially cut through lines 178, 180 either side of the join line of adjacent rectangular faces 103 of the container 100 in its first position. To transform the container between its first and second positions thin strips 182 of the container are removed from between the perforated lines 178, 180 to create slits 184 between adjacent rectangular faces of the container 100. The container 100 is then used in the same way as described in relation to figures 4 to 9.

Referring to Figures 29 to 32 a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which the tops 182 of the rectangular portions 103 (in the first portion) are separable from one another and can be folded outwardly about their fold lines 106 so as to form legs 184 or supports extending downwards from the rim of the bowl to give support thereto. The tops 182 of the rectangular portions 103 (in the first portion) may have an additional fold line 186 therein such that a part 188 of the rectangular portion can be folded inwardly towards the container to provide further support. In this manner the container is more stable in its second position and is less likely to tip over in use.

The container of the invention has many applications. In, for example, the medical industry the container may be used to contain medical items, for example swabs, syringes or any other small items. The embodiments of the invention that create an airtight seal around the items in the container may be particularly beneficial for maintaining the sterility of the contents. Also, in some applications, for example if the container is used for sharps, the feature of the re-sealable lid may be particularly beneficial. The sleeve may be used in the embodiment in which one end is closed to form a receptacle and the receptacle may be used to contain used medical objects, e.g. if used for swabs, when in theatre the bowl may contain the clean swabs and used swabs may be put in the receptacle for disposal. This embodiment may also be used as a container for breakfast cereal or savoury snacks which also need an airtight seal around them.

In another embodiment the container may be used for containing eating equipment for the outdoor/leisure use. A cutlery set and napkins may be contained in the container and the sleeve may have one closed end to form a receptacle so that, when in its second position the user is provided with a bowl, drinking vessel and cutlery set.

In one embodiment the container may be used for pet food and in such use the embodiment having supports to make it more stable would prevent an animal eating from the bowl knocking it over.

Although different features of the invention are described in relation to different embodiments it will be apparent to the skilled person that the majority of the features of one embodiment would be applicable to the other embodiments, for example the use of removable strips described in relation to Figures 26 to 28 would be applicable to any of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly other combinations of features of the embodiments described herein, although not specifically described in relation to the specific embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person in light of the descriptions herein and are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A packaging container comprising a first portion and a second portion connected to one another along a fold line, the container foldable between a first position in which the container forms an enclosure for enclosing articles therein and a second position in which the container forms a bowl like structure for containing articles therein wherein, the first portion is collapsible from the first position into the second position in the direction of the second portion.
2 A packaging container according to claim I wherein in the second position the first portion is at least partially received within the second portion.
3 A packaging container according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, in the second position the first portion is inverted about the fold line into the second portion.
4 A packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to. 3 wherein in its first position the packaging container is substantially in the shape a right prism having a polygonal cross section.
A packaging container according to claim 4 wherein the packaging container has one or more of: longitudinal split lines extending at least partially between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of the adjacent faces; perforated or partially cut through lines extending at least partially between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of the adjacent faces, and wherein fracture of the perforated line creates a spit line; and pairs of perforated or partially cut through lines extending at least partially between the top and bottom faces of the prism along the edges of the adjacent faces and defining thin strips therebetween, and wherein removal of the thin strips creates a spit line.
6 A packaging container according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein each rectangular face of the prism has extending across it a first fold line substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prism, the fold line dividing the container into a first portion and a second portion.
7 A packaging container according to claim 6 wherein the fold line is substantially midway along the longitudinal axis of the container.
8 A packaging container according to claim 6 wherein the fold line is offset from midway along the longitudinal axis of the container.
9 A packaging container according to claim 6 having a second fold line adjacent the first fold line and wherein, with the container in its second position, the area between the first fold line and the second fold line forms an enlarged rim to the bowl like structure.
10 A packaging container according to any one of claims 6 to 9 further comprising a cut line extending from and returning to the fold line of at least one rectangular face of the prism such that, in the second position the portion of the rectangular face enclosed by the fold line and the cut line forms a shaped tab extending from the rim of the bowl like structure.
11 A packaging container according to any one of claims 5 to 10 having a gusset across each split line in the second portion of the container.
12 A packaging container according to claim 11 wherein the gusset is formed by a flexible liner within said container 13 A packaging container according to claim 11 wherein the gusset comprises a folded gusset.14 A packaging container according to claim 11 wherein, in the second position a part of each gusset extends beyond the rim of the bowl like structure.A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a removable lid in one end thereof and one or both of: an inner sleeve, located within the packaging container in the first position for retaining items therein and a bag located within the packaging container in the first position for retaining items therein.16 A packaging container according to claim 15 wherein the inner sleeve is smaller than the removable lid such that, with the lid removed the container can be moved from its first position to its second position by folding the container along its fold lines and lowering and inverting the first portion around the edge of the inner sleeve whilst retaining the items within said inner sleeve.17 A packaging container according to claim 16 wherein removal of the inner sleeve causes the items contained therein to be deposited within the container.18 A packaging container according to claim 4 or any claim dependant thereon wherein at least two opposing rectangular faces of the container have means therein to allow faces to be pulled in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container.19 A packaging container according to claim 15 wherein the lid is a re-sealable lid 20 A packaging container according to any preceding claim further comprising: a plurality of objects to be contained; and an airtight layer disposed within the container and surrounding said objects.21 A packaging container substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.