Patent Description:
Solutions of the type described in <CIT> are known. It describes a container provided with a vessel and a hinged lid provided with a tamper-evident seal.

In such a solution, there is a tab constrained to the vessel and there are a through slot and a blind slot in the lid, intended to interact with the tab. Before filling, the tab is inserted in the blind slot. Being blind, the notch of the tab cannot grasp the lid and therefore the lid can be opened and closed countless times. After filling, the tab is inserted in the through slot and the notch of the tab immovably engages the lid. To enable opening, the tab is torn off at the base, remaining constrained to the lid.

By observing the base of the tab, the user can therefore determine whether or not the container has been tampered with. A drawback of such a solution is related to the fact that a user must pay particular attention to understand whether the base of the tab has been cut or not. In fact, the latter will tend to reposition itself in the position assumed before being torn off.

The object of the present invention is to provide a container of a product which makes any tampering more evident.

The technical task set and the objects specified are substantially attained by a system, comprising the technical features as set out in one or more of the accompanying claims.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a container, as illustrated in the attached drawings in which:.

In the appended drawings, reference number <NUM> denotes a container of a product. Typically, but not necessarily, the product is a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical product. Such a product can comprise tablets or a granular or powdered product. In a particular solution, it could also contain liquids.

The container <NUM> comprises a vessel <NUM> intended to contain the product.

Such a vessel <NUM> is typically shaped as a tubular element having a base <NUM> occluding one end of such a tubular element. Such a base <NUM> can, for example, also define a support of the vessel <NUM> on a plane outside the container <NUM>.

The vessel <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> for removing the product. Such an opening <NUM> defines an access mouth to the contents of the vessel <NUM>. The access opening <NUM> is opposite the base <NUM>.

The vessel <NUM> is substantially cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped (e.g., with a slight flaring towards the mouth).

The vessel <NUM> also comprises a lid <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is intended to occlude the opening <NUM>. The lid <NUM> enables opening/closing the vessel <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is openable to allow the product to be dispensed. With respect to the base <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is suitably located at an opposite end of the vessel <NUM>.

Preferably, the lid <NUM> is an open and close lid. In the preferred solution, the lid <NUM> is constrained (in particular hinged) to the vessel <NUM>.

Therefore in a particular solution, the lid <NUM> is inseparably connected to the vessel <NUM>.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, at least one part of the lid <NUM> and/or at least one part of the vessel <NUM> comprises/comprise moisture-absorbing means, typically comprises/comprise a suitable moisture-absorbing material, such as zeolite or calcium oxide.

Suitably, the lid <NUM> comprises a tamper-evident seal <NUM> connecting the lid <NUM> to the vessel <NUM>.

The tamper-evident seal <NUM> is also known as the "tamper-evident" element. It enables highlighting whether there has been any tampering which has allowed access to the product placed in the container. If the purchaser finds the tamper-evident seal <NUM> intact, he/she has the guarantee that the container has not been opened and then re-closed by a third party.

The tamper-evident seal <NUM> comprises a tab <NUM> and a constraining element <NUM> for constraining the tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> and the constraining element <NUM> define two distinct bodies which can be assembled to each other. The tab <NUM> and the constraining element <NUM> comprise one a hole <NUM> and the other a projection <NUM> suitable to interact with the hole <NUM>. In the preferred solution the tab <NUM> comprises the hole <NUM> and the constraining element <NUM> comprises/is a projection <NUM> (but possibly in a non-illustrated and non-preferred solution it could also be the opposite).

The tamper-evident seal <NUM> assumes at least a first configuration in which the seal <NUM> signals that the container <NUM> is intact (see <FIG>, <FIG>) and a second configuration (see <FIG>) in which the seal <NUM> signals tampering.

Both in the first and in the second configuration, the tab <NUM> and the constraining element <NUM> define two distinct bodies assembled to each other, mutually engaging the hole <NUM> and the projection <NUM>.

In the first configuration one from among said lid <NUM> and said vessel <NUM> is connected as a single body to the tab <NUM> along a frangible zone <NUM>; the other (from among said lid <NUM> and said vessel <NUM>) comprises said constraining element <NUM>.

Therefore in the first configuration said constraining element <NUM> and said tab <NUM> are integrated respectively one to the lid <NUM> and one to the vessel <NUM>.

In the solution exemplified in <FIG>, in the first configuration the lid <NUM> is connected as a single monolithic body to the tab <NUM> at the frangible zone <NUM> and the vessel <NUM> is connected as a single monolithic body to the constraining element <NUM> (which preferably is said projection <NUM> and/or said pin <NUM> better defined below). However, the opposite situation could also occur (solution not illustrated) in which the lid <NUM> in the first configuration is a single monolithic body with the constraining element <NUM> and the vessel <NUM> is a single monolithic body with the tab <NUM>.

In the second configuration the tab <NUM> is fractured along the frangible zone <NUM>. In the second configuration the hole <NUM> and the projection <NUM> enable a displacement of the tab <NUM> towards the base <NUM> of the vessel <NUM> with respect to the first configuration. In the second configuration, the tab <NUM> is not a single monolithic body with either the lid <NUM> or with the vessel <NUM>. The frangible zone <NUM> comprises/is a frangible line. In the frangible zone <NUM> (or however along the frangible line) there is a weakening zone. For example, there can be pre-fracture zones (with yielding bridges) and/or a pre-incision (e.g., a groove) which reduces thickness. This thereby defines a lead-in to the fracture.

In the second configuration, the tamper-evident seal <NUM> has an irreversible fracture. It is irreparably broken. This signals to the user that someone has already gained access to the inside of the vessel <NUM>.

The constraining element <NUM> or the projection <NUM> comprises/is preferably a pin <NUM>. In the second configuration, the tab <NUM> is rotatable with respect to the pin <NUM>. In fact, after having broken along the fracture zone <NUM> (and thus it is separated from the lid <NUM> in the solution exemplified in the drawings) it is rotatable. In the solution illustrated in the appended drawings, the constraining element <NUM> coincides with the projection <NUM> and/or with the pin <NUM> (suitably, also the projection <NUM> coincides with the pin). In the course of the present discussion, what is described with reference to one of such components (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can also be referred to one of the other two.

The possibility of the tab <NUM> being rotatable around the pin <NUM> makes rendering tampering more obvious. In fact, in such a case, the user will be able to more easily notice that the tab <NUM> is at least partially tilted (rotated) around the pin <NUM>. Compare, for example, <FIG> (second configuration) with <FIG>(first configuration).

The pin <NUM> projects outwards along a direction defining the rotation axis of the tab <NUM> around the pin <NUM> itself.

In the second configuration, the tab <NUM> is tilted (e.g., at least partially rotated) with respect to the first configuration. It is typically tilted downwards. In the second configuration, the tab <NUM> is rotatable by <NUM>° around the pin <NUM>. Suitably, in the second configuration, the tab <NUM> is rotatably idle around the pin <NUM>.

Suitably, the constraining element <NUM> (or rather the projection <NUM> or the pin <NUM>) defines a rotation axis identifying a direction orthogonal to that of the main extension of the vessel <NUM>. As exemplified in the appended drawings in the second configuration, said hole <NUM> and said projection <NUM> enable a displacement of the tab <NUM> towards said base <NUM>, keeping the tab <NUM> always parallel to the same plane.

In a particular embodiment solution exemplified in the appended drawings, in the first configuration the tab <NUM> is constrained to the lid <NUM> by means of a frangible zone <NUM>; in the second configuration said tab <NUM> is ripped from the lid <NUM> along the frangible zone <NUM>.

In a solution not illustrated, the constraining element <NUM> could be a projection <NUM> which engages in a slot (the hole <NUM>) afforded on the tab <NUM>. In the second configuration, the projection <NUM> is movable along the slot. In particular, after the fracture of the frangible zone <NUM>, the tab <NUM> can fall by gravity along the stroke allowed by the slot in which the projection <NUM> is inserted. In such a case, typically the tab <NUM> can translate with respect to the projection <NUM>.

In general, suitably, the vessel <NUM> comprises a side wall <NUM> from which the constraining element <NUM> (or said projection <NUM> or said pin <NUM>) projects outwards.

However, there could also be a different solution in which the tab <NUM> is constrained to the vessel <NUM> by means of the frangible zone <NUM> while the constraining element <NUM> is connected to the lid <NUM>.

Regardless of the above, the tab <NUM> comprises a hole <NUM> into which the constraining element <NUM> (or the projection <NUM> or the pin <NUM>) can be engaged.

The tab <NUM> is typically made of plastic material.

Suitably, the constraining element <NUM> is made of plastic material.

The constraining element <NUM> is cantilevered. The constraining element <NUM> has one end which is free. Suitably, the constraining element <NUM> comprises an anti-extraction countersink <NUM> for retaining the tab <NUM> to the pin <NUM>. Suitably, the countersink <NUM> is placed at such a free end. Such a countersink <NUM> has a smaller cross-section in a zone closer to the free end and a larger cross-section in a zone farther away from the free end. Such a larger cross-section defines an abutment which retains the tab <NUM> (at the hole <NUM> thereof).

The tab <NUM> extends between the frangible zone <NUM> and an opposite end <NUM>. The distance between said hole <NUM> and said frangible zone <NUM> is greater than the distance between said hole <NUM> and said opposite end <NUM>.

Suitably, in the first configuration, the tab <NUM> is constrained at the frangible zone <NUM> and the constraining element <NUM>.

Suitably, the vessel <NUM> comprises a rear abutment <NUM> of the tab <NUM>. In the first configuration, the tab <NUM> is interposed between the countersink <NUM> and said abutment <NUM>. Such an abutment <NUM> is, for example, a notch obtained on a side wall of the vessel <NUM>.

Suitably, the lid <NUM> comprises at least one zone <NUM> intended to receive a prompt from a user and aimed at the passage of the lid <NUM> from the first to the second configuration. Such a zone <NUM> intended to receive a prompt from a user can comprise, for example, a flap <NUM> projecting from the lid <NUM>. Suitably, such a flap <NUM> extends outwards from the lid <NUM> (and advantageously in a plane substantially parallel to the lying plane of the lid <NUM>).

Such a flap <NUM> comprises, for example, a first and a second arm <NUM>, <NUM> which can possibly be connected to each other by a connector <NUM>. Typically, the first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> and the connector <NUM> define a single monolithic body, which advantageously is in turn a single monolithic body with remaining parts of the lid <NUM>.

The user exerting (e.g., with a finger) a force on such a flap <NUM> directed away from the vessel <NUM> allows the fracture of the frangible zone <NUM> and thus enables the passage from the first to the second configuration. Suitably, the container <NUM> can also assume a preliminary configuration (see for example <FIG>) in which the tab <NUM> is not associated with (or rather is not directly constrained to) the pin <NUM>. In such a case, the constraining element <NUM> is outside the hole <NUM> of the tab <NUM>. In the preliminary configuration, the tamper-evident seal <NUM> does not connect vessel <NUM> and lid <NUM>. Such a preliminary configuration is typically assumed before the product is inserted inside the container (e.g., at the end of the production of the container, it will be in the preliminary configuration without the product).

Suitably, the tab <NUM> in the preliminary configuration is located at the zone <NUM> intended to receive a user prompt.

In particular in the preliminary configuration, the tab <NUM> is parallel to the flap <NUM>. In the passage from the preliminary configuration to the first configuration, suitably the tab <NUM> is folded around the frangible zone <NUM>. Advantageously, in the preliminary configuration the tab <NUM> is interposed between the first and the second arm <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular in the preliminary configuration the tab <NUM> occludes a window defined by the combination of the first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> and the connector <NUM>.

In particular in the preliminary configuration the tab <NUM> extends parallel to the base <NUM>. In the first and in the second configuration the tab <NUM> extends orthogonally to the base <NUM>.

An object of the present invention is also a method for producing a container <NUM>. Such a container <NUM> has one or more of the features described above.

The method comprises the step of providing the container <NUM> with the constraining element <NUM> and the tab <NUM> mutually disengaged.

The method also comprises the step of positioning the product in the vessel <NUM>. Such a step is subsequent to that of providing the container <NUM> with the constraining element <NUM> and tab <NUM> mutually disengaged.

The method also comprises the step of closing the lid <NUM> and engaging the constraining element <NUM> in the tab <NUM>, assuming the first configuration. Such an operation typically involves folding the tab <NUM> around the frangible zone <NUM> (without fracturing the frangible zone <NUM>). In particular, the constraining element <NUM> is engaged in the hole <NUM> of the tab <NUM>. Such a step typically occurs after the step of positioning the product in the vessel <NUM>.

Thereby, the tamper-evident seal <NUM> is operational.

An object of the present invention is a method for opening a container <NUM>. Such a container <NUM> suitably has one or more of the features described above. The opening method comprises the steps of:.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

Firstly, it allows to make any tampering very evident with the tamper-evident seal. This allows the user to easily verify such a condition, which is very important given the importance of the product which is intended to be contained by these containers.

Claim 1:
A container of a product comprising:
- a vessel (<NUM>) intended to contain the product and comprising a base (<NUM>) and an opening (<NUM>) for removing the product; said opening (<NUM>) being opposite the base (<NUM>);
- a lid (<NUM>) of the vessel intended to occlude said opening (<NUM>);
- a tamper-evident seal (<NUM>) connecting the lid (<NUM>) to the vessel (<NUM>);
the tamper-evident seal (<NUM>) comprising a tab (<NUM>) and a constraining element (<NUM>) for constraining the tab (<NUM>); one from among said tab (<NUM>) and said constraining element (<NUM>) comprising a hole (<NUM>) and the other a projection (<NUM>) suitable to interact with the hole (<NUM>);
said tamper-evident seal (<NUM>) assuming at least a first configuration in which the seal (<NUM>) signals that the container (<NUM>) is intact and a second configuration in which the seal (<NUM>) signals tampering; both in the first and in the second configuration the tab (<NUM>) and the constraining element (<NUM>) define two distinct bodies assembled to each other, said hole (<NUM>) and said projection (<NUM>) being mutually engaged;
in the first configuration one from among said lid (<NUM>) and said vessel (<NUM>) being connected as a single body to the tab (<NUM>) along a frangible zone (<NUM>), the other from among said lid (<NUM>) and said vessel (<NUM>) comprising said constraining element (<NUM>);
in the second configuration said tab (<NUM>) being fractured along the frangible zone (<NUM>);
characterised in that in the second configuration said hole (<NUM>) and said projection (<NUM>) are suitable to enable a displacement of the tab (<NUM>) towards the base (<NUM>) of the vessel (<NUM>) with respect to the first configuration.