US20120199640A1

US20120199640A1 - Tuck tab closure

Info

Publication number: US20120199640A1
Application number: US13/020,670
Authority: US
Inventors: Tyson Thorne; Andrew Bontorno
Original assignee: McNeil PPC Inc
Current assignee: Johnson and Johnson Consumer Inc
Priority date: 2011-02-03
Filing date: 2011-02-03
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: CN103339035A; EP2670675A1; CA2826101A1; AU2012212486A1; BR112013019832A2; WO2012106254A1

Abstract

A recloseable closure for a container such as secondary packaging. The recloseable closure has a tuck tab to be tucked into a tuck slit to maintain the closure in a closed configuration to maintain articles within the secondary packaging. The tuck tab has a unique configuration, and the tuck slit has a protrusion that also has a unique configuration and which is positioned to cover the tuck tab when the tuck tab is tucked in the tuck slit. The tuck tab may be shaped to conform to the shape of the contents of the container, and/or may have a graphic element printed thereon, illustrating the contents of the container. The tuck slit protrusion may be configured to conform to the shape of the tuck tab and to bear the same graphic element as on the tuck tab. Thus, when the tuck tab is tucked into the slit, the tuck slit protrusion covers the tuck tab while still displaying substantially the same graphic element displayed by the tuck flap.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a recloseable closure for a container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a uniquely configured tuck tab on a tuck tab-tuck slit type closure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recloseable containers, such as cartons, are well known in the art for packaging goods that are to be returned to their container, or for items which are to be used only partially, leaving a portion of the item(s) within the container for later use. The container itself may be formed in any desirable manner, with any number of side walls, in any of a variety of shapes, and of any of a variety of materials, such as paperboard, cardboard, or plastic. A common, basic recloseable container is a carton that may be described as having four major panels that are generally orthogonal to one another (e.g., front, top, back, and bottom panels) to form a generally tubular structure, and end panels extending between the major panels and closing the open ends of the generally tubular structure on either side. Typically, the end panels are formed by overlapping flaps to hold together and to close the panels of the carton.
A recloseable closure may be achieved in a variety of manners. A common recloseable closure for a carton is achieved by providing a panel configured to interact with another panel of the carton, or with a separate closure element (e.g., a tie, a snap, a magnet, an adhesive, etc.). For instance, a carton may have an opening panel with a tuck flap extending therefrom and configured to tuck into the carton. The opening panel is moveable between a closed configuration (in which the panel forms a wall of the carton to enclose the contents of the carton) and an open configuration (in which the panel is moved away from the other walls of the carton to permit access to the contents of the carton). The tuck flap extends substantially perpendicular to the opening panel and may be tucked into the carton when the opening panel is in a closed configuration to interact with an adjacent panel that is also substantially perpendicular to the opening panel to maintain the opening panel in a closed configuration.
Another recloseable closure configuration that permits convenient recloseability is achieved by the provision of at least two panels that are initially coupled or otherwise held together (such as by an adhesive) to close the carton, and which can be moved apart into an open configuration to access the contents of the carton. The closure panels are configured to interlock with each other, or otherwise to interact with each other to be maintained in a closed configuration, thereby closing the carton contents within the carton. One common configuration for reclosing a pair of closure panels is to provide one panel with a tuck tab that is tucked into a slit in the other panel to hold the panels in the closed configuration.
One type of carton configuration typically provided with a reclosable closure is a carton having a panel in addition to the major panels forming the substantially tubular structure enclosing the contents of the carton. One such carton is commonly known as a fifth panel carton, having an additional panel generally associated with and overlapping one of the four major panels (and thus “fifth” with reference to those four panels) of the carton. The fifth panel may be used for various purposes, such as to provide additional billboard space, to provide a panel in which a hang hole may be formed to permit the package to be hung from a peg, or to provide a coupon. The fifth panel also may provide a more secure recloseable configuration, since the fifth panel generally extends beyond the closure panel (which covers the carton opening) to overlap, either partially or completely, another panel (generally an integral wall of the carton) and thereby to provide a larger panel which must be moved a further extent than shorter closure panels (such as the half-panels used to close cartons such as cereal or cracker boxes) to result in inadvertent opening of the carton. Because the fifth panel reduces the risk of the carton closure being inadvertently opened, particularly when the fifth panel carton is tucked between other items, a fifth panel carton is particularly desirable for portable cartons that are intended to be transported or stored and which are intended for repeated opening and closing. In addition, the fifth panel may be partially adhered to the panel which it overlaps to tear away a portion of the underlying panel upon initial opening of the carton to permit clean and easy viewing of and to facilitate access to the contents of the carton. A “kiss cut” or partial-depth cut through only portion of the thickness of the front panel may be used at additional points at which the fifth panel is adhered. The fifth panel thus may be maintained in an initial closed configuration by being adhered not only to the tear-away portion of the panel it overlaps, but also by being adhered to material surrounded by a kiss cut. Upon initial opening, the fifth panel removes a portion of the underlying panel to reveal the contents of the carton and also merely a top layer of the front panel within the kiss cut.
It would be desirable to form a fifth panel carton with a recloseable closure that only minimally affects the above-noted benefit of added billboard space. More generally, it would be desirable to form for any type of carton a recloseable closure that enhances the aesthetics of the carton and only minimally affects the messaging provided on the exterior of the carton.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a container is provided with a recloseable closure having a unique configuration both when the closure is in an open configuration as well as in a closed configuration. The closure may be formed by a pair of closure panels, or by an additional panel, such as a fifth panel, interacting with the major panel which the additional panel is configured to overlap. In accordance with one embodiment, a tuck slit is formed in one of the closure panels or the major panel, and a tuck tab is formed on the other closure panel or the additional panel. The tuck tab has a unique configuration (such as a shape selected to correspond to messaging printed thereon), and the tuck slit has a uniquely configured protrusion preferably correlating to (such as by complementing or corresponding to or matching) the unique configuration of the tuck tab. The unique configuration may, for example, be further designed to correlate with messaging (such as branding, graphics, product information, etc.) on the exterior of the closure. When the tuck tab is tucked into the tuck slit, the uniquely configured tuck slit protrusion covers the uniquely configured tuck tab. Accordingly, a uniquely configured closure element is visible whether the closure is in a closed configuration or an open configuration.
In accordance with one embodiment, the unique configuration of the tuck slit substantially matches the unique configuration of the tuck tab. Thus, upon tucking the tuck tab within the tuck slit, the unique configuration presented by the tuck tab when in an open configuration (typically lying over the tuck slit) is presented by the tuck slit protrusion when the tuck tab in a closed configuration (tucked within the tuck slit). The tuck slit protrusion may be said to replicate or to mimic the form of the tuck tab so the visual effect of the selected unique configuration of the tuck tab is maintained by the tuck slit protrusion, regardless of whether the closure is open or closed. It will be appreciated that correlated or corresponding or non-matching configurations are also within the scope of the present invention.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the scope of the invention being set out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements, as follows:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary blank for forming an exemplary carton to which a closure formed in accordance with principles of the present invention may be applied;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an exemplary carton, such as formed by the exemplary blank of FIG. 1, having a closure formed in accordance with principles of the present invention, the carton being in an initial configuration before initial opening;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 in an open configuration; and

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the carton of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tuck tab/tuck slit type closure that may be applied to any of a variety of containers, such as a cartons. Thus, it will be appreciated that although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 shows a fifth panel carton having a closure formed in accordance with principles of the present invention, principles of the present invention may be applied to any other container configuration. It will further be appreciated that principles of the present invention may be applied to any of a variety of closure panels arranged to interact with each other. Thus, a tuck tab formed in accordance with principles of the present invention may be formed on a panel or tuck flap that does not form a structural panel of the container (e.g., an additional panel which overlaps a major panel of a carton), or a panel or tuck flap which is a structural panel of the container (e.g., a partial panel, which, together with another partial panel, forms a structural panel of the container, such as the partial panels typically provided to permit access to the contents of boxes containing such items as cereal or crackers or cookies). Likewise, a tuck slit formed in accordance with principles of the present invention may be formed on a panel that does not form a structural panel of the container, or a panel which is a structural panel of the container.
A closure formed in accordance with principles of the present invention has a tuck flap with a uniquely configured tuck tab, and a corresponding tuck slit (in which the tuck tab is configured to be inserted) with a protrusion preferably configured to correlate to (either by complementing, corresponding to, matching, or otherwise) the configuration of the tuck tab. As used herein, the term “unique” is intended to indicate a configuration (shape, color, graphics, or other visual feature or characteristic) that is non-standard, customized, or otherwise specifically designed or selected. In one embodiment, the unique configuration of the tuck slit protrusion complements or corresponds to or matches the unique configuration of the tuck tab. When the tuck flap is tucked into the tuck slit, the tuck tab is covered by the protrusion. Thus, if a unique configuration for a closure element is desired, a unique configuration may be available for viewing whether or not the tuck tab is tucked in the tuck slit or not. For instance, a uniquely configured tuck tab and a similarly uniquely configured tuck slit protrusion may be provided so that the uniquely configured tuck slit protrusion becomes viewable when the uniquely configured tuck tab is tucked into the tuck slit, so that the closure displays the unique configuration whether in an open or a closed configuration.
The principles of the present invention may be applied in conjunction with graphics, indicia, messaging, logos, or other printed matter (hereinafter “graphics” for the sake of simplicity, without intent to limit) of a particular shape. The principles of the present invention are particularly beneficial if the shape of the tuck tab and tuck slit protrusion complements, corresponds to, or matches the given, predetermined shape of the graphics. Graphics on the closure element bearing the tuck tab may be extended over the tuck tab itself, and also may be provided on the tuck slit protrusion so that the graphics are not hidden when the tuck tab is tucked into the tuck slit. Instead, when the tuck flap is tucked into the tuck slit, although the graphics on the tuck tab are covered by the closure element bearing the tuck slit, graphics on the tuck slit protrusion (such as the same or substantially the same graphics, or corresponding or complementary graphics) become readily viewable. Predetermined graphics are thus viewable whether or not the tuck tab is tucked within the tuck slit. It will be appreciated that the graphics on either or both of the tuck tab and tuck slit protrusion may be beneficially selected to provide useful or important information to a consumer. For instance, the graphics on either or both of the tuck tab and tuck slit protrusion may represent the content or contents of the container provided with the closure of the present invention, thereby permitting consumers to cross-reference the image on the exterior of the container (represented by the graphics on either or both of the tuck tab and tuck slit protrusion) with the contents of the container. The tuck tab or tuck slit protrusion may have a unique shape correlated to or complementing or corresponding to the graphics.
The above-described principles of the present invention may be applied to the exemplary carton of FIGS. 1-4, showing an exemplary embodiment of a recloseable closure formed in accordance with principles of the present invention. As may be best appreciated with reference to exemplary carton blank 100 shown in FIG. 1, exemplary tuck flap 110 has a uniquely configured tuck tab 112, and exemplary tuck slit 120 has a uniquely configured tuck slit protrusion 122. Tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 are formed to have correlated (complementary or corresponding or matching) configurations (e.g., shape or other decorative element, such as graphics thereon). Tuck slit protrusion 122 preferably is configured and located to correspond to the configuration and location of tuck tab 112 when tuck tab 112 is tucked in tuck slit 120 so that when blank 100 is assembled into a carton and tuck tab 112 is tucked into tuck slit 120, tuck slit protrusion 122 contributes to maintaining tuck flap 110 in a closed configuration with tuck tab 112 within tuck slit 120, and also covers and substantially hides and replaces tuck tab 112. It will be appreciated that tuck slit 120 may, at either end thereof, have cuts 121 a, 121 b transverse to the predominant direction of tuck slit 120 to prevent undesired tearing of the panel in which tuck slit 120 is formed when tuck tab 112 is tucked therein.
In one embodiment, the shape or configuration of tuck tab 112 is selected to correspond to or to match the shape of graphics 114 provided thereon. Corresponding (similar or substantially identical) graphics 114′ may be provided on tuck slit protrusion 122. Thus, not only is a uniquely shaped region present both when tuck tab 112 is outside tuck slit 120 and when tuck tab 112 is tucked in tuck slit 120, but also unique graphics are visible regardless of the engagement of tuck tab 112 within tuck slit 120. Provision of unique graphics may be used advantageously in connection with containers for articles which must be properly identified. For instance, oral dosage forms (such as, without limitation, lozenges, gums, tablets, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, coated tablets, capsules, and simulated capsule-like medicaments such as caplets) can bear unique identifiers (e.g., brand name, logo, dose, duration indication—such as 12 or 24). Because oral dosage forms are often subject to counterfeiting and/or copying, it is particularly advantageous for consumers to be able to cross-reference the image on the exterior of the container containing the oral dosage form with the oral dosage form within the container. It is particularly advantageous that such information is displayed both by the tuck flap and also by the tuck slit protrusion and therefore is not hidden upon closure of the carton. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, graphics 114 and 114′ are in the shape of a tablet to be contained within carton 200.
It will be appreciated that the present invention may be viewed as relating to correlated configurations in a general sense such that tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 interact to create a unique visual affect. As such, correlated shapes of and graphics on tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 may be considered separate and independent aspects of the present invention which need not both be provided to form a closure in accordance with principles of the present invention. For instance, the shape or configuration of tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 may be correlated and individually need not match the graphics thereon. Thus, the correlation of tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 may be limited to shape or configuration without correspondence of graphics. In fact, different graphics may be provided on tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122. Alternatively, only the graphics on tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 may correspond to each other, with the shape of tuck tab 112 differing from the shape of tuck slit protrusion 122. Preferably, in such configuration in which tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 do not correspond to each other in both shape and graphics, tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 are still formed in matching locations such that when tuck tab 112 is tucked in tuck slit 120, tuck slit protrusion 122 covers, and thereby essentially replaces, the visual impression created by tuck tab 112. It will also be appreciated that correspondence of shape and/or graphics need not mean matching, but may be complementary correspondence (e.g., related shapes or graphics that are not identical).
The visual affect of tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122 having correlated shapes or configurations and/or bearing correlated graphics may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 2-4, illustrating exemplary carton blank 100 assembled into a carton 200. The manner in which major panels 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135 are folded (typically along crease fold lines) to form the major walls of assembled carton 200, and side panels 136 a, 136 b, 137 a, 137 b, and tabs 138 a, 138 b, 139 a, 139 b are folded over one another to form end walls of assembled carton 200 need not involve any techniques not readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and therefore is not detailed herein. Carton 200 is a fifth panel type carton, with an open end along an end wall (rather than a major wall) thereof. Such carton configuration is particularly suitable for containing one or more substantially planar items, such as blister cards, slabs of gum, etc., which may be withdrawn through the opening along the narrow end of the carton. However, it will be appreciated that carton 200 may hold any of a variety of items, including, without limitation, candy, mints, gum, cookies, crackers, etc., without affecting the scope of the present invention. The extension of fifth panel 135 beyond the periphery of the open end of carton 200, in contrast with a closure panel substantially corresponding to the periphery of the open end of the carton, reduces the likelihood of articles falling out from the open end, as readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Carton 200 is shown in FIG. 2 in a configuration in which tuck tab 112 overlays or hides from view tuck slit protrusion 120. Such configuration is typical in an initial closed and sealed configuration of carton 200, wherein the closure panel bearing tuck tab 112 (in this case, fifth panel 135) is adhered to the closure panel bearing tuck slit 120 (in this case first or front panel 131) to close carton 200 in a sealed configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, tuck tab 112 is shaped like a tablet and bears an image of the tablet to be contained within carton 200. It will be appreciated that such use of tuck tab shape and graphics may be applied to cartons for other types of products (using appropriate tuck tab shapes and graphics) without affecting the intent or scope of the present invention.
In a fifth panel type carton such as exemplary carton 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the fifth panel 135 may not only be adhered to front panel 131 to keep carton 200 in a sealed configuration, but may also be adhered to a tear-away portion 131 a on front panel 131 (delineated by a lines of weakening, such as a perforation line or other type of score line facilitating tearing) to form a tamper evident closure. Fifth panel 135 may also be adhered to front panel 131 at additional areas if fifth panel 135 extends beyond tear-away portion 131. Preferably, the additional areas 131 b, 131 c at which fifth panel 135 is secured to front panel 131 are each surrounded by a kiss cut (a partial cut extending only partially through the wall thickness of front panel 131). Accordingly, when fifth panel 135 is moved away from front panel 131 and out of its initial sealed configuration, fifth panel 135 pulls with it tear-away portion 131 a, and only the top layer of areas 131 b, 131 c, leaving a cut-away area of front panel 131. Such cut-away area facilitates viewing of the contents of carton 200 and also may facilitate access to such articles, as may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 3.
The principles of the present invention may be readily appreciated with reference to FIG. 4, showing tuck flap 110 and tuck tab 112 tucked into tuck slit 120 and covered by tuck slit protrusion 122. As may be appreciated, particularly in comparison with FIG. 2, exemplary tuck slit protrusion 122 mimics not only the shape of but also the graphics on tuck tab 112. Accordingly, there is a visible graphic element 114, 114′ (in this case, in the form of the contents of carton 200) and uniquely shaped feature (uniquely shaped tuck tab 112 or tuck slit protrusion 122) whether or not tuck flap 110 and tuck tab 112 are tucked within tuck slit 120.
In addition to the unique visual affect provided by tuck slit protrusion 122 (by complementing or corresponding or mimicking or replicating the appearance of tuck tab 112), tuck slit protrusion 122 also may provide a more secure closure of the closure panel from which tuck tab 112 extends. In particular, tuck slit protrusion 122 extends or protrudes beyond the edges of tuck slit 120 on either side of tuck slit protrusion 122 so that instead of merely being tucked into a tuck slit 120, tuck tab 112 is also held in place by the additional material provided by tuck slit protrusion 122. Such configuration is particularly advantageous when used with a tuck slit that is not ideally configured for maintaining tuck tab 112 therein in a tucked-in, closed configuration. Similarly, such configuration is particularly advantageous when used with a uniquely configured tuck flap 110. A uniquely configured tuck slit 120 and/or tuck flap 110 may be particularly desirable, such as for aesthetic reasons, if graphics 144, such as a logo associated with the contents of container 200, are provided on carton 200. The unique configuration of tuck slit 120 and/or tuck flap 110 may correspond to or complement graphics 144. For instance, the extent of tuck slit 120 and/or the free edge of tuck flap 110, or the shapes of tuck slit protrusion 122 and/or tuck tab 112 may be configured to correspond to or to complement graphics 144.
One embodiment of a unique tuck slit and tuck flap configuration is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. As may be appreciated with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, tuck slit 120 extends at an angle with respect to the edges of panel 131 in which tuck slit 120 is formed. More particularly, tuck slit 120 extends from a right side edge of panel 131 toward a bottom edge of panel 131 and is parallel to neither the top/bottom edges nor the side edges of panel 131. In addition, exemplary tuck slit 120 is curvilinear rather than straight. The free edge 111 of tuck tab 110 along which tuck tab 112 is formed may have a similarly curvilinear shape corresponding to the shape of tuck slit 120. As may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 4, such configuration of tuck slit 120 (and free edge 111) is not conducive to maintaining tuck flap 110 in a tucked-in configuration within tuck slit 120. The provision of tuck slit protrusion 122 substantially overcomes such drawback of the unique configuration of tuck slit 120, and, optionally, of free edge 111 of tuck flap 110. It will be appreciated that other unique configurations of a tuck slit (shape, location, extent, etc.) benefit from the provision of a tuck slit protrusion as provided in accordance with principles of the present invention. It will further be appreciated that if tuck tab free edge 111 and/or tuck slit 120 has a unique configuration, the functionality of such elements of a closure formed in accordance with principles of the present invention need not be impaired, as tuck slit protrusion 122 assumes the main role of maintaining tuck tab 112 in its tucked-in configuration within tuck slit 120. It will further be appreciated that such aspect of the present invention permits not only complementary configurations of tuck tab 112 and tuck slit protrusion 122, but also complementary configurations of tuck slit 120 and free edge 111 along which tuck tab 120 extends.
Thus, in accordance with principles of the present invention, a recloseable closure for a container is configured to enhance the aesthetics of the container without detracting from the functionality of the closure. It will be appreciated that features described with respect to the illustrated embodiment are applicable to other containers. With respect to the above descriptions, it will be appreciated that the directional references “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “end,” or “edge” do not limit the respective panels or sides or edges to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels or sides or edges from one another. Moreover, the exact spatial relation between panels, and the provision and/or position of locking tabs and slits may be varied without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Finally, it will be appreciated that the shape of the individual panels or side walls of a container formed with a closure in accordance with principles of the present invention need not be square or rectangular.
While the foregoing description and drawings represent an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A container having a recloseable closure, said container comprising:

a plurality of panels including a first closure panel and a second closure panel;

a tab extending from said first closure panel; and

a slit formed in said second closure panel to receive said tab;

wherein:

said tab has a unique shape;

said slit has a slit protrusion having a unique shape corresponding to said unique shape of said tab; and

said slit protrusion is located to cover said tab when said tab is tucked in said slit so that said unique shape of said slit protrusion is viewable when hiding said unique shape of said tab from view.

2. A container as in claim 1, wherein said unique shape of said slit protrusion substantially matches said unique shape of said tab.

3. A container as in claim 1, wherein graphics are provided on said tab and on said slit protrusion.

4. A container as in claim 3, wherein said unique shape of and said graphics on said tab match said unique shape of and graphics on said slit protrusion.

5. A container as in claim 4, wherein said unique shapes of and graphics on said tab and said slit protrusion are representative of contents of said container.

6. A container as in claim 3, wherein said graphics illustrate contents of said container.

7. A container as in claim 1, wherein:

graphics are provided on at least one of said panels of said container; and

said slit is configured to complement said graphics on said at least one of said container panels.

8. A container as in claim 7, wherein:

said tab extends from a tuck flap; and

said tuck flap has a free edge configured to complement said configuration of said slit.

9. A container as in claim 1, wherein:

said container comprises at least three major panels enclosing the contents of said container;

said slit is formed in one of said three major panels; and

said first closure panel is formed on an additional panel overlapping one of said three major panels.

10. A closure for a container for holding one or more contents, said closure comprising:

a tab extending from a first portion of said container and having a unique shape; and

a slit in a second portion of said container configured to receive said tab to place said closure in a closed configuration, said slit having a slit protrusion with a unique shape;

wherein said tab and said slit protrusion are positioned relative to each other so that said when said tab is tucked into said slit, said slit protrusion covers and replaces the unique shape of said tab.

11. A closure as in claim 10, wherein said unique shape of said slit protrusion corresponds to said unique shape of said tab.

12. A closure as in claim 11, wherein said unique shape of said slit protrusion matches said unique shape of said tab.

13. A closure as in claim 12, wherein said slit protrusion mimics said tab when said tab is tucked into said slit.

14. A closure as in claim 10, wherein at least one of said tab and said slit protrusion is shaped to correspond to contents of said container.

15. A closure as in claim 10, wherein graphics are provided on said tab and on said slit protrusion.

16. A closure as in claim 15, wherein said unique shape of and said graphics on said tab match said unique shape of and graphics on said slit protrusion.

17. A closure for a container, said closure comprising:

a tab extending from a first portion of said container and having a unique configuration; and

a slit in a second portion of said container configured to receive said tab to place said closure in a closed configuration, said slit having a protrusion having a unique configuration complementing said unique configuration of said tab;

wherein said tab and said slit protrusion are positioned relative to each other so that said when said tab is tucked into said slit, said slit protrusion covers and replaces the unique configuration of said tab.

18. A closure as in claim 17, wherein said unique configuration of said tab and said unique configuration of said slit protrusion match each other.

19. A closure as in claim 17, wherein said unique configuration of said tab is at least one of a unique shape and unique graphics.

20. A closure as in claim 19, wherein said unique configuration of said slit protrusion is at least one of a unique shape and unique graphics.

21. A closure as in claim 20, wherein said unique configuration of said tab and said unique configuration of said slit protrusion match each other.

22. A closure as in claim 19, wherein said unique configuration of said tab comprises graphics depicting the content of said container.

23. A closure as in claim 22, wherein said unique configuration of said tab further comprises a unique shape corresponding to said graphics.

24. A closure as in claim 23, wherein said unique configuration of said slit protrusion comprises graphics matching said graphics on said tab and a shape matching said shape of said tab.

25. A closure as in claim 22, wherein said unique configuration of said slit protrusion comprises graphics matching said graphics of said tab.