BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention generally relates to packaging using cardboard material. Cardboard
is a widely used packaging material which is particularly suited for recycling, in
particular recycling in a paper recycling stream which may involve a reduced non fiber
content, for example a maximum non fiber content of 5% by weight, and thereby is particularly
environmentally friendly. Cardboard has however limitations compared to other packaging
materials such as plastic materials, in particular as far as mechanical characteristics
are concerned.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002]
FIG. 1 illustrates a first example cardboard lid.
FIG. 2A illustrates a second example cardboard lid.
FIG. 2B illustrates a third example cardboard lid.
FIG. 3 illustrates a fourth example cardboard lid.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example cardboard blank.
FIG. 5 illustrates another example cardboard blank.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example consumer product.
FIG. 7A-J illustrates an example method for manufacturing an example consumer product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0003] Cardboard is, mechanically speaking, a relatively flexible material, meaning that
a wall of a container made of cardboard may offer little resistance to getting bent
under an external pressure. In some applications where resistance to getting bent
is of importance, a material different from cardboard may be used. Materials different
from cardboard may however not be as straightforward to recycle. Such choice of material
thereby results of a compromise. An objective of the present disclosure is to propose
a cardboard support element structure for a cardboard container, whereby the inclusion
of such a support element structure in a cardboard container leads to reinforcement
of the cardboard structure, permitting use of cardboard in applications which would
otherwise be compromised by using another material, while avoiding compromising recyclability.
[0004] Cardboard container design may address strengthening mechanical characteristics by
applying separate three dimensional pieces. Such three dimensional pieces may be applied
in a lid, for example by gluing. Gluing may happen prior to or after lid formation.
When gluing a three dimensional piece on a planar structure such as a blank at a supplier
location, transportation from the supplier location may result less space efficient,
hence less cost efficient, due to the three dimensional nature of the three dimensional
pieces compromising stacking. If such gluing would take place after transportation
from a supplier location, for example on a manufacturing line, gluing a three dimensional
piece on a blank or inside an erected lid during manufacturing may add complexity
to a manufacturing operation and slow down a speed of a manufacturing line, compromising
a manufacturing plant productivity accordingly. The cardboard lid comprising a support
element structure according to the present disclosure was surprisingly identified
as a way to create a three dimensional reinforcement structure which reduces or suppresses
a negative impact on transportation efficiency or on manufacturing line speed in a
manufacturing location. As the cardboard lid comprising a support element structure
according to this description may be shaped using folding machinery which is likely
to be already in place at a manufacturing location, little or no additional capital
is required at a manufacturing location to implement the structures according to this
disclosure. In addition to this, the cardboard lid comprising a support element structure
according to this disclosure pertains to a single blank, thereby facilitating manufacturing
of such cardboard lid comprising a support element structure. The cutting of such
a single blank may take place at a supplier facility prior to transportation to a
manufacturing facility where blanks may be erected. In addition to this, a single
blank may be in the form of a flat blank and transportation may also be facilitated,
and weight and hence cost may be optimized. In addition to this, a single flat blank
may be partially pre-folded, for example at a supplier facility, to further optimize
transportation efficiency through a decreased 2D (two dimensional) footprint or reducing
elements of a blank sticking out of a given footprint while sustaining the flat nature
hence stackability of the blank.
[0005] A cardboard lid or blank according to this disclosure may be made of the same material
as a material used for a box according to this disclosure. A blank, lid, box or container
according to this disclosure may be made from paper or cardboard materials wherein
the paper material is for example selected from paperboard, cardboard, laminates comprising
at least one paper board or cardboard layer, cellulose pulp materials or a mixture
thereof. The material used to make the blank, lid, box or container may comprise other
ingredients, such as colorants, preservatives, plasticisers, UV stabilizers, Oxygen,
perfume, recycled materials and moisture barriers or a mixture thereof. The blank,
lid, box or container may comprise areas of external or internal printing. The blank,
lid, box or container may be made for example by cardboard making. Suitable cardboard
blank, lid, box or container manufacturing processes may include, but are not limited
to, tube forming from a flat cardboard or paper sheet with a gluing step, folding
or a mixture thereof. The cardboard blank, lid, box or container is opaque, for example
to protect content from external light. In some examples the blank, lid, box or container
is constructed at least in part and in some specific examples in its entirety from
paper-based material. By paper-based material, we herein mean a material comprising
paper. Without wishing to be bound by theory, by 'paper' we herein mean a material
made from a cellulose-based pulp. In some examples, the paper-based material comprises
paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably, cardboard comprises paper-board,
corrugated fiber-board, or a mixture thereof. Corrugated fiber-board comprises a series
of flutes. Each flute can be understood to be a channel. The flutes run parallel to
one another, with the flute direction being the direction travelled along each channel.
The paper-based material may be a laminate comprising paper, cardboard, or a mixture
thereof, wherein in some examples, cardboard comprises paper-board, corrugated fiber-board,
or a mixture thereof, and at least another material. In some examples, the at least
another material comprises a plastic material. In some examples, the plastic material
comprises polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinylalcohol
or a mixture thereof. In some examples the plastic material comprises a copolymer
of ethane and vinyl alcohol, or EVOH. A barrier material may be used as the at least
another material. The barrier material may be a biaxially orientated polypropylene,
a metallised polyethylene terephthalate or a mixture thereof. The at least another
material may comprise a wax, a cellulose material, polyvinylalcohol, silica dioxide,
casein based materials, or a mixture thereof. In some examples, the paper-based laminate
comprises greater than 50%, preferably greater than 85%, and more preferably greater
than 95% by weight of a laminate of fiber-based materials. In some examples, the barrier
material may comprise plastic material having a thickness of between 10 micron and
40 micron. In some examples, the barrier material may comprise plastic material having
a thickness of between 10 micron and 35 micron. The paper-based material may be a
laminate. In some examples, the internal surface of a blank, lid, box or container
comprises paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof, wherein, in specific examples, cardboard
comprises paper-board, corrugated fiber-board and lamination of polyethylene, or a
mixture thereof, and, in some examples, the external surface of the blank, lid, box
or container or a combination thereof comprises the at least another material. Alternatively,
the at least another material might also be laminated in-between two paper-based material
layers. Without wishing to be bound by theory this at least another material might
act as a barrier for leaked liquid absorbed by the paper-based material facing the
interior side of the blank, lid, box or container, to prevent or reduce a contaminating
flow through a wall of the blank, lid, box or container. Other structures may be found
efficient to avoid leakage from the content or to protect the content from external
fluids, for example from a shower, a sink, or by handling the container or the lid
with wet hands. Contamination of a wall, flap or panel of the blank, lid, box or container
might be unsightly to consumers or may contaminate the storage area. Other structures
might be found efficient to avoid exposure of the enclosed detergent product towards
outside relative humidity. This is of special importance if the enclosed detergent
product is sensitive to humidity by nature such as for example water soluble unit
dose detergent articles in which a detergent composition is enclosed in a water soluble
film, the water soluble film being sensitive to premature rupture when exposed to
higher percentages of outside relative humidity. In some examples, the blank, lid,
box or container is made of a paper-based material comprising the at least another
material laminated in between two corrugated fiberboard layers. In some examples,
the material used for the blank, lid, box or container comprises a core cardboard
flute material sandwiched between two plain cardboard layers and polyethylene laminate.
A cardboard box, lid or blank according to this disclosure may be made from or comprise
recycled material or recycled cellulose fibres.
[0006] Figure 1 illustrates an example cardboard lid 100 for a container. Cardboard lid
100 comprises side panels 101-104 forming lid flanks. In this example, each side panel
101-104 is a rectangular side panel. In this example, four side panels are provided,
each side panel forming a respective lid flank. In this example, each lid flank is
connected to two other lid flanks by a lid corner, each lid corner forming a 90 degrees
angle. In this example, all lid flanks are perpendicular to a same plane. Cardboard
lid 100 further comprises lid flaps connected to the side panels by lid flaps fold
lines, two of the lid flaps forming a lid top panel 105, whereby, in this example,
the two lid flaps forming the lid top panel are two opposite lip flaps, such two opposite
lid flaps forming the top panel being in this case connected to long side panels,
this example comprising two long side panels and two short side panels, a short side
panel being shorter than a long side panel along a first direction, the first direction
according to this disclosure being a direction perpendicular to fold lines connecting
side panels to each other. In this example, the lid top panel is rectangular. In this
example, the lid top panel is perpendicular to each lid flank. Example lid flaps forming
the top panel will be illustrated in more details in other figures hereby described.
It is important to note that the lid flaps are connected to the side panels by lid
flaps fold lines due to pertaining to a single blank as will be discussed in more
details. A flap should be understood as a piece of cardboard connected to the remaining
lid structure. A flap may be connected to the remaining lid structure by a folding
line, the lid being made of an integral cardboard piece. The flap may be connected
to the cardboard structure by a segment, for example the folding line. A flap may
also be connected to a part of the lid by glue.
[0007] Normal or perpendicular should be understood in this description as substantially
normal or substantially perpendicular. In some examples, normal or perpendicular comprises
angles of less than 120 and of more than 60 degrees. In some examples, normal or perpendicular
comprises angles of less than 110 and of more than 70 degrees. In some examples, normal
or perpendicular comprises angles of less than 100 and of more than 80 degrees. In
some examples, normal or perpendicular comprises angles of less than 95 and of more
than 85 degrees.
[0008] Cardboard lid 100 further comprises a support element structure 106 extending away
from the top panel and positioned between the side panels. By extending away from
the top panel, it should be understood that the support element structure comprises
at least a part extending away from the top panel, the support element structure developing
a three dimensional shape, the cardboard material of the support element structure
defining some boundaries of this three dimensional shape. In some examples the support
element structure comprises a part separated from the top panel by at least 5 mm.
In some examples the support element structure comprises a part separated from the
top panel by at least 10 mm. In some examples the support element structure comprises
a part separated from the top panel by at least 15 mm. In some examples the cardboard
structure comprises a part separated from the base plane by at least 20 mm. In some
examples the support element structure comprises a part separated from the top panel
by at least 30 mm. In some examples the support element structure comprises a part
separated from the top panel by at least 35 mm. In some examples the support element
structure comprises a part separated from the top panel by less than 10 cm, for example
to avoid a cantilever situation when the support element structure is acting as such.
In this example, the support element structure 106 has a triangular cross section
in a plane perpendicular to the top panel 105. In other examples, the support element
structure may comprise a portion of a cylinder or a portion of a prism, such as a
triangular, tetragonal or pentagonal prism for example. Such prisms may be obtained
by folding successive portions of the support element structure along parallel lines,
while a shape of a portion of a cylinder may be obtained by tensing a single panel
of the support element structure. In some examples the support element structure comprises
an arcuate shape due to the support element structure being tensed between other elements,
such other elements being part of the lid.
[0009] The support element structure according to this disclosure is aimed at providing
mechanical support for a cardboard wall, for example a cardboard wall of a container
or of a lid of a container, such cardboard wall lying against the support element
if submitted to a force or to a pressure.
[0010] The illustrated support element structure 106 corresponds to a portion of a prism,
more specifically a triangular prism when taking the top panel 105 into account. In
this example, the support element structure comprises a linear ridge 107, the ridge
107 corresponding to an edge of the prism, a first 108 and second 109 sides of the
prism defining the ridge 107, the first 108 and second 109 sides of the prism each
preferably making an angle of more than 15 degrees (respectively -15 degrees) with
the top panel. In this case, the first side 108 of the prism makes an angle of about
30 degrees with the top panel. In some examples the ridge is separated from the top
panel by at least 5 mm. In some examples the ridge is separated from the top panel
by at least 10 mm. In some examples the ridge is separated from the top panel by at
least 15 mm. In some examples the ridge is separated from the top panel by at least
20 mm. In some examples the ridge is separated from the top panel by at least 30 mm.
In some examples the ridge is separated from the top panel by at least 35 mm. In some
examples the ridge is separated from the top panel by less than 10 cm, for example
to avoid a cantilever situation when the support element is acting as such.
[0011] It should be understood that features such as number of flaps, flap orientations,
number of panels and angles of various examples hereby described may be combined to
produce alternative examples.
[0012] Cardboard lid 100 is such that the lid flaps, side panels, and support element structure
pertain to a single blank.
[0013] Having the the lid flaps, side panels, and support element structure pertaining to
a single blank permits limiting complexity in erecting such a lid, whereby a lid comprising
a plurality of blanks may involve additional gluing steps or adjustment between different
independent structures for example.
[0014] Figure 2A illustrates another example cardboard lid 200 according to this description.
Cardboard lid 200 comprises elements 101-109 as described in the case of cardboard
lid 100, such elements being numbered using the same reference numerals. Cardboard
lid 200 further comprises a reinforced lid flank 104, the reinforced lid flank 104
comprising a reinforced section 204. Indeed, in some examples, at least one of the
lid flanks, preferably some of the lid flanks, and most preferably each of the lid
flanks comprise a reinforcing panel, the reinforcing panel being connected to the
respective side panel by a side panel fold line, such as side panel fold line 214,
the reinforcing panel being folded back onto the respective side panel, the reinforcing
panel pertaining to the single blank. In some examples, the lid comprises two opposite
long flanks parallel to each other and two opposite short flanks parallel to each
other, the long flanks being perpendicular to the short flanks, the long flanks are
reinforced whereas the short flanks are not reinforced, or thinner than the long flanks,
or comprise a lesser number of layers than the long flanks, in order to take into
account the facts that a user or consumer may be more likely to apply pressure on
long flanks, and that long flanks are more likely to be submitted to deformation given
that their middle point along the first direction is farther away from corners of
the same long flank than the middle point of a short flank from the respective short
flank corners.
[0015] Cardboard lid 200 further comprises an actuation area 210. Indeed, in some examples,
at least one flank comprises an actuation area. In this example, an apex of the support
element structure, such as ridge 107, is in line with the actuation area 210. Such
an actuation area may permit actuating a lock of a container comprising a lid according
to this disclosure as will be described in further details in this disclosure. In
a preferred example, two flanks comprise such actuation areas, preferably opposite
two flanks, more preferably two opposite long flanks, whereby, in some examples, consumers
tend to use a single hand span to actuate both actuation areas at a same time, whereby
a hand span may in such example fit over a short flanks length along the first direction
to reach across both actuation areas simultaneously.
[0016] Figure 2B illustrates another example cardboard lid 220 according to this description.
Cardboard lid 220 comprises elements 101-109 as described in the case of cardboard
lid 100 and elements 204, 214 and 210 as described in the case of cardboard lid 200,
such elements being numbered using the same reference numerals. Cardboard lid 220
further comprises reinforcing panel 213 connected to the respective side panel 103,
and further reinforcing panels connected to respective side panels 102 and 101 which
are not visible in this Figure. Cardboard lid 220 is thereby such that each of the
lid flanks comprises a reinforcing panel, the reinforcing panel being connected to
the respective side panel by a side panel fold line, the reinforcing panel being folded
back onto the respective side panel, the reinforcing panel pertaining to the single
blank. Cardboard lid 220 also further comprises a further or additional actuation
area 210B, the apex 107 being in line with the actuation area 210B, actuation area
210B being in this case a round aperture into side panel 102 opposite to side panel
104 which comprises actuation area 210, also taking the form of a round aperture in
this case.
[0017] Figure 3 illustrates another example cardboard lid 300 according to this description.
Cardboard lid 300 comprises elements 101-105 as described in the case of cardboard
lid 100, such elements being numbered using the same reference numerals. Lid 300 comprises
support element structure 306 according to this disclosure which is a portion of a
cylinder. Support element structure 306 may be formed by a flap 306 connected by a
fold line to side panel 101 and tucked between top panel 105 and a flap 307 connected
by a fold line to side panel 103, such flap 306 being tensed into an arcuate shape
to form the support element structure.
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates an example cardboard blank 400 for a cardboard lid according
to this disclosure, in particular according to a cardboard lid similar to the example
cardboard lid 300. The cardboard blank 400 comprises:
- four side panels 104, 101, 102, 103, the four side panels following each other along
a first direction D1, each side panel being connected to at least another side panel
by a respective side panel fold line perpendicular to the first direction;
- a side flap 401 connected to one of the side panels, in this case side panel 103,
along a fold line perpendicular to the first direction, the side flap 401 following
or preceding, in this case following, the four side panels along the first direction;
- three lid flaps 404, 402, 307, the lid flaps following each other along the first
direction, each lid flap being connected to a respective regular side panel 104, 102,
103 of the four side panels by a respective lid flap fold line parallel to the first
direction, the lid flap fold lines being aligned with each other; the four side panels
comprising the regular side panels and a specific side panel;
- a support element structure, the support element structure comprising a support element
first panel 306 connected to the specific side panel 101 by a specific fold line aligned
with the lid flap fold lines, the support element structure further comprising a support
element opposite panel 307 comprised in the lid flap 307 of the three lid flaps 404,
402, 307, lid flap 307 being connected to an opposite side panel 103, the opposite
side panel 103 being the regular side panel separated from the specific side panel
101 by a single other regular side panel 102, the support element structure having
a combined length L2A+L2B along a direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction
D1 exceeding a length L1 of the single other regular side panel 102 along the first
direction D1.
[0019] It should be understood that a number of other configurations may be considered.
For example, in some cases flap 401 may be linked to panel 104. A function of a flap
such as flap 401 permits for example gluing to obtain the four flank structure ready
for erection, and also permits forming a flat reduced footprint structure as illustrated
for example in Figure 7B.
[0020] It should be understood that in this disclosure, "aligned" may encompass fold lines
in a same direction which may be slightly shifted from each other, for example in
order to take material thickness into account. In some examples, such shift considered
to maintain alignment may be of less than thrice the thickness of the material forming
the blank. In some examples, such shift considered to maintain alignment may be of
less than twice the thickness of the material forming the blank. In some examples,
such shift considered to maintain alignment may be of less the thickness of the material
forming the blank.
[0021] The combined length according to this disclosure is a combined length along the direction
perpendicular to the first direction of one or more elements forming the erected support
element structure, without double counting of eventual sections of such elements configured
to be superposed, or glued to each other, in such erected support element, in particular
a combined length summing the length along the direction perpendicular to the first
direction of elements connected to the specific side panel 101 and to the opposite
side panel 103 and extending beyond the respective side panels along this direction
perpendicular to the first direction. Such a combined length may correspond to a peripheral
length of the erected support element structure, the peripheral length for example
running from corner to corner of the erected lid, passing by an apex of the support
element structure, along a cross section of the erected support element structure
along a plane parallel to the erected single other regular side panel, while following
the support element structure. The fact that such combined length is exceeding a length
of the single other regular side panel along the first direction reflects the fact
that the support element structure extends away from the top panel and therefor has
a peripheral length from one end of the top panel to an opposite end of the top panel
along the first direction exceeding the length of the top panel itself along this
same direction. In the case of lid 300 for example, the length along the cylindrical
portion, corresponding to a curve, indeed exceeds a length of a segment between points
of the cylindrical portion intersection the top panel. Similarly, in the case of lid
100, 200 or 220, the length along the triangular section of the support element structure
will exceed the length of a segment separating points of the triangular structure
intersecting the top panel. The fact that the support element structure extends away
from the top panel in the erected lid is thereby equivalent to the fact that the combined
length exceeds, in the blank, the length of the single other regular side panel. It
should be understood that such combined length corresponds to the total length of
elements, in the blank, of the various elements forming the support element, which
precisely differs from a length of the erected support element in the erected lid.
It should also be noted that some of the various elements forming the support element
may be configured to be wholly or partially glued to each other when forming the erected
support element, in which case a length of such whole or partial section configured
to be glued to form a double layer structure may not contribute to such combined length
in a double manner. In some examples, all elements in the blank connected to the specific
side panel, and extending beyond the specific side panel, have a specific combined
length along the direction perpendicular to the first direction exceeding a length
of the single other regular side panel along the first direction, thereby ensuring
that the combined length is exceeding a length of the single other regular side panel
along the first direction, whereby the combined length comprises the specific combined
length. In other words, even if the support element opposite side panel 307 of length
L2B were to be entirely glued, to erect the support element, to the support element
first panel 306 of length L2A, the support element would get erected due to L2A, corresponding
in this case exactly to the peripheral length of the erected support element structure,
being longer than L1.
[0022] Figure 5 illustrates an example cardboard blank 500 for a cardboard lid according
to this disclosure, in particular according to a cardboard lid similar to the example
cardboard lid 220. The cardboard blank 500 comprises the following elements, some
of which correspond to corresponding elements of cardboard blank 400 and are therefore
corresponding to the same reference number:
- four side panels 102, 103, 104, 101, the four side panels following each other along
a first direction D1, each side panel being connected to at least another side panel
by a respective side panel fold line perpendicular to the first direction;
- a side flap 401 connected to one of the side panels, in this case side panel 101,
along a fold line perpendicular to the first direction, the side flap 401 following
or preceding, in this case following, the four side panels along the first direction
(in another example, such side flap 401 could precede side panel 102);
- three lid flaps 402, 507, 404, the lid flaps following each other along the first
direction, each lid flap being connected to a respective regular side panel 102, 103,
104 of the four side panels by a respective lid flap fold line parallel to the first
direction, the lid flap fold lines being aligned with each other; the four side panels
comprising the regular side panels and a specific side panel;
- a support element structure, the support element structure comprising a support element
first panel 506 connected to the specific side panel 101 by a specific fold line aligned
with the lid flap fold lines and by an additional fold line parallel to the specific
fold line, the support element structure further comprising a support element opposite
panel 507 comprised in the lid flap of the three lid flaps and connected to an opposite
side panel 103, the opposite side panel 103 being the regular side panel separated
from the specific side panel 101 by a single other regular side panel 104, the support
element structure having a combined length (corresponding in this case exactly to
the peripheral length of the erected support element structure, L2C+L2D-L2D2 as will
be explained below) along a direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 exceeding
a length L1 of the single other regular side panel 104 along the first direction D1.
[0023] Cardboard blank 500 further comprises a first wing 510, the first wing 510 being
adjacent to the support element first panel 506 and connected to the support element
first panel 506 by a first wing fold line perpendicular to the first direction.
[0024] An example wing such as first wing 501 may for example contribute to the support
element structure acting as a centering patch on the lid in order to correctly place
and align the lid onto the corresponding container, thereby guiding the lid during
closure of the container. An example wing such as first wing 501 may also contribute
to increasing manufacturing tolerance by compensating some degree of misalignment.
An example wing such as first wing 501 may also contribute to increasing consumer
experience by facilitating the closing of the container.
[0025] Such a first wing may be comprised in different example blanks according to this
disclosures to obtain different example lids according to this disclosure, whereby
the support element structure of such lids would comprise a support element first
panel and the first wing, the first wing being adjacent to the support element first
panel and separated from the support element first panel by a first wing fold line,
the first wing comprising a first wing end distal from the first wing fold line, the
first wing end being in contact with the top panel to maintain the support element
first panel extended away from the top panel. When folded in place from the blank,
such first wing would fold parallel to a lid flank (in the example of blank 500, parallel
to lid flank 104), the distal end (for example distal end 511) would lie against the
top panel 105 (for example formed from flaps 402 and 404), pushing the support element
first panel (for example 506) away from such top panel to realise an example lid according
to this disclosure. In some examples, the distal end may be curved to facilitate sliding
of the first wing against the top panel when erecting the lid. In other examples,
the distal end may be straight, for example to facilitate blank cutting.
[0026] Cardboard blank 500 comprises a second second wing 520, the second wing being adjacent
to the support element first panel and connected to the support element first panel
by a second wing fold line perpendicular to the first direction and on a side of the
support element first panel opposite to the first wing 510. One should note that while
example blank 500 comprises both a first and a second wing, another example blank,
not illustrated here, may comprise a single wing.
[0027] Such a first wing may be comprised in different example blanks according to this
disclosure to obtain different example lids according to this disclosure, whereby
the support element structure of such lids would comprise the second wing, the second
wing being adjacent to the support element first panel and separated from the support
element first panel by a second wing fold line, the second wing comprising a second
wing end distal from the second wing fold line, the second wing end being in contact
with the top panel to maintain the support element first panel extended away from
the top panel, the second wing fold line and the first wing fold line being on opposite
sides of the support element first panel.
[0028] In this example blank 500, the first wing end and the second wing end are rounded
to facilitate erecting of the lid. In this example, the shape of the second wing mirrors
a shape of the first wing along a direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction
D1 in order to extend the support element structure in a balanced manner.
[0029] In example blank 500, the first wing 510 corresponds to a cut out in one of the three
lid flaps adjacent to the support element first panel, specifically in this case to
a cut out in flap 404. In this example blank 500, the second wing 520 corresponds
to a cut out in one of the three lid flaps adjacent to the support element first panel,
specifically in this case to a cut out in flap 402. In some other examples, such a
cut out may correspond to a single wing.
[0030] In example blank 500, the support element structure comprises a connecting panel
508 between the support element first panel 506 and the specific side panel 101. Such
a connecting panel is, in this example, directly connected to the specific panel by
the specific fold line and directly connected to the support element first panel by
the additional fold line parallel to the specific fold line. Directly connected should
be understood in that a single fold line is making such connection. The connected
panel may, when the blank is erected to form a lid, remain essentially parallel to
the top panel, while the support element first panel extends away from the top panel.
[0031] In the example blank 500, the support element structure comprises an opposite connecting
panel 509 between the support element opposite panel 507 and the opposite side panel
103. Such a structure may for example permit retaining the support element first panel
506 in place when the lid is erected from the blank. In this example, the opposite
panel 507 may match an additional panel 530 when the blank is erected into a lid,
such additional panel 530 being directly connected to the support element first panel
on a side opposite to the connecting panel 508. Such relationships will be explained
in more details in an example method of manufacturing. One should note that in some
examples, connecting panel 508 and opposite connecting panel 509 have substantially
a same length along direction D2 in order to place the support element in a central
position such that an apex of the support element may get placed in alignment with
an aperture for an actuation area which may be placed at a mid-point, along the direction
D1, of the corresponding side panel. Similarly, a desired positioning of the apex
may be obtained by varying respective length of panels 508 and 509 accordingly.
[0032] In this example blank 500, and as discussed in the context of blank 400, it should
be understood that the combined length corresponds to the total length of elements,
in the blank, of the various elements forming the support element, which precisely
differs from a length of the erected support element in the erected lid. It should
also be noted that some of the various elements forming the support element may be
configured to be wholly or partially glued to each other when forming the erected
support element, in which case a length of such whole or partial section configured
to be glued to form a double layer structure may not contribute to such combined length
in a double manner. In some examples, all elements in the blank connected to the specific
side panel, and extending beyond the specific side panel, have a specific combined
length along the direction perpendicular to the first direction exceeding a length
of the single other regular side panel along the first direction, thereby ensuring
that the combined length is exceeding a length of the single other regular side panel
along the first direction, whereby the combined length comprises the specific combined
length. In other words, even if the support element opposite side panel 507 were to
be glued, to erect the support element, to the additional panel 530, the support element
would get erected due to L2D+L2C minus a length L2D2 along D2 of the glued section
between 507 and 530 being longer than L1.
[0033] Example blank 500 further comprises four reinforcing flaps 540, each reinforcing
flap being connected to a respective side panel by a respective reinforcing flap fold
line, the reinforcing flap fold lines being aligned with each other and parallel to
the first direction, the reinforcing flaps being situated on a side of the side panels
opposite to the lid flaps and to the support element structure. In this representation,
in order to facilitate the illustration, the reinforcing flaps are illustrated folded
back onto the respective side panels. It should be noted that a blank having such
a configuration of folded flaps may be used for ease of blank transportation to reduce
blank size while maintaining the blank substantially flat. Such reinforcing flaps
may be glued to the respective side panels. Such reinforcing flaps may reinforce the
respective side panels and thereby the whole structure.
[0034] In the example blank 500, the specific side panel 101 and the opposite side panel
103 are shorter side panels, the shorter side panels having a same panel length along
the first direction, this same panel length being shorter than a panel length of the
other two side panels 102 and 104 along the first direction, the other two side panels
being long side panels, the long side panels having the same length L1 along the first
direction. In some examples, the length of the short panels is less than 80% of the
length of the long panels along the first direction. In some examples, the length
of the short panels is less than 70% of the length of the long panels along the first
direction. In some examples, the length of the short panels is less than 60% of the
length of the long panels along the first direction. In some examples, the length
of the short panels is less than 50% of the length of the long panels along the first
direction. In some examples, the length of the short panels is of more than 10% of
the length of the long panels along the first direction..In some examples, the length
of the short panels is of more than 20% of the length of the long panels along the
first direction.. In some examples, the length of the short panels is of more than
30% of the length of the long panels along the first direction Using a relatively
short length for the short panels which carry the support element structure permit
making such support element structure relatively more resilient in that cantilever
is reduced. In some examples, the length of the short panel preferably fits a hand
span of a consumer, an internal volume or cavity of the corresponding container being
set by setting a length of the long panels in order to reach a desired capacity or
fill level at a given container height.
[0035] In the example blank 500, each long side panel comprises a respective aperture for
an actuation area, whereby each respective aperture preferably is a through aperture
intersecting flutes comprised in the long side panels. Such a configuration not only
permits providing actuation areas, but also doing so in relationship with the positioning
of the support element, and permitting ventilation of the long side panels through
such intersected flutes, such long side panels being more likely to be weakened in
a humid environment, compared to the short panels, due to their longer length which
makes them less resilient. Such relative positioning of the apertures, support element,
short and long panels all work together and contribute to make the cardboard structure
sturdier.
[0036] Blanks according to this disclosure may conveniently be transported as a stack of
a plurality of planar or substantially planar blanks. In some examples, the blanks
in a stack comprise folded back and preferably glued reinforcement flaps in order
to reduce the 2D footprint of the blank, resulting in a non-perfectly planar but still
stackable blank. Such stacks facilitate the erection of the corresponding lids at
a manufacturing facility separate from a facility making the blanks.
[0037] Figure 6 illustrates an example consumer product 600 comprising a detergent product
(not visible in Figure 6) and a container, the container comprising a box 601 and
lid corresponding, in this example, to lid 220, even though other lids according to
this disclosure may be considered. The box 601 comprising a lock 610 to maintain the
lid in a closed position, the lock comprising an actuator aligned with a portion of
the support element structure when the lid is in the closed position, the support
element structure fitting within the box when the lid is in the closed position. Lock
610 cooperates with actuation area 210B. A further lock may be provided to cooperate
with aperture 210, such further lock being in the back side of the box, mirroring
lock 610 located on the front side of the box.
[0038] Detergent products are products which may be relatively heavy, for example when a
container for such product is carrying the full weight of such detergent products,
in particular when the consumer product is recently acquired and thereby holds a significant
quantity of detergent product. While some consumers may lift and transport such a
consumer product holding a base of a box containing such detergent product, such lifting
and transport may also occur by holding such consumer product by a lid, without holding
the base. In such cases, it is possible that the lid, submitted to the force of gravity
of the detergent product, gets released and opens the box, the box falling and possibly
spreading its content. Such situations should be avoided. Beyond avoiding such unintentional
lid unlocking, the structure of the container of a consumer product should preserve
or improve opening ergonomics and prevent or reduce a permanent side wall deformation
upon excessive or repetitive application of forces applied to the consumer product,
for example during transport, in a grocery shopping bag against other objects, when
submitted to external pressure, or when dropped. At the same time, containers may
be elaborated in order to preserve the environment. The consumer product according
to this disclosure aims at taking these different aspects into account.
[0039] A consumer product should in this disclosure be understood as a product which is
provided, among others, to end consumers. Such consumer products may for example be
available for purchase in supermarkets and end consumers may store such consumer products
in their homes. Consumer products may be provided in large quantities and should thereby
be designed taking environmental concerns into account. Consumer products should also
be designed taking transportation to a retail store into account. Consumer products
should also be designed taking on the shelf storage in a retail store into account.
Consumer products should also be designed taking transportation from a retail store
to a consumer home into account. Consumer products should also be designed taking
storage at a private end consumer home into account. Consumer products should also
be designed taking use of the consumer product at a private end consumer home into
account. Consumer products should also be designed taking disposal into account.
[0040] The consumer product according to this disclosure comprises a detergent product.
Detergent products should be understood in this disclosure as products comprising
a surfactant. Detergent products may also comprise a bleach or other ingredients.
Example detergent product compositions are described in more detail herein. In some
examples, the detergent product comprises unit dose detergent pouches, preferably
water soluble unit dose detergent pouches, more preferably flexible water soluble
unit dose detergent pouches. Example unit dose detergent pouches are described in
more detail herein.
[0041] The consumer product according to this disclosure further comprises a container.
A container should be understood in this disclosure as an object housing a content,
for example in a cavity of the container. The container facilitates protection, transport,
storage, access and disposal of the consumer product. In this disclosure, the container
comprises a box. A box should be understood as a generally parallelepiped, barrel
shaped, cylindrical, round, oval or cubical three dimensional object defining a cavity.
The use of parallelepiped boxes may facilitate storage and transportation by permitting
piling up boxes in a space efficient manner. In some examples, a box may be a parallelepiped
provided with some rounded, tapered trapezium or chamfered edges. The box according
to this disclosure comprises the detergent product. It should be understood that the
detergent product is contained or stored in the box. The box according to this disclosure
may comprise a base, sidewalls and an opening. A base according to this disclosure
should be understood as a surface on which the box may lie when placed on a supporting
surface such as a shelf or a floor. In some examples, the base is flat. In some examples,
the base is rectangular. In some examples, the base is oval or round. In some examples,
the base is flat. In some examples, the base has an embossed profile standing in or
out in relief. The sidewalls according to this disclosure should be understood as
extending from the base, and connecting the base to the opening, to a transition piece
or to the lid. It should be understood that the connection of the base to the opening
may include a transition piece in addition to a sidewall. A transition piece may be
glued or otherwise attached to the sidewall for example. In some examples, the sidewalls
are perpendicular to the base. In some examples, the base is rectangular and has four
sides, four sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base, each sidewall being rectangular,
each side wall being connected by a sidewall side to a side of the base, and by two
other sidewall sides to two other of the four sidewalls. In some examples the base
is oval or circular and the sidewalls form a generally cylindrical wall extending
from the base in a direction normal or perpendicular to the base. In some examples,
sidewalls have a shape corresponding to one of a square, a rectangle, a trapeze, a
section of a sphere, a section of an ovoid, or a section of an ellipsoid. The opening
according to this disclosure should be understood as an aperture providing access
to the detergent product comprised in the box. In some examples, the opening faces
the base. In some examples, the opening has a surface of less than the surface of
the base. In some examples, the opening has a surface larger than the surface of the
base in order to provide an improved access, for example using sidewalls extending
from the base at angle of more than 90 degrees from the base. In some examples, the
opening is provided after removal of a tamper proof feature, for example comprising
a perforated piece to be removed at first use or a tamper evident sticker locking
the lid to the box or tray. In some examples, the opening is placed on a top panel
of the box, the top panel of the box facing the base of the box, the top panel of
the box being separated from the base of the box by at least the sidewalls, the top
panel of the box being generally coplanar with the base of the box, whereby the opening
covers a portion of the top panel, the top panel comprising a peripheral section surrounding
the opening, the peripheral section being a transition piece between a sidewall and
the opening for example. In some examples, the opening is rectangular. In some examples,
the opening is rectangular with rounded edges. In some examples, the opening is round
or oval. The lid according to this disclosure should be understood as an element permitting
to repeatedly close or open the opening of the container. In some examples the lid
may be connected to the box, for example by a hinge, or may be separated from the
box. The lid according to this disclosure may comprise a top and flanks or lid flanks.
It should be understood that the top of the lid is aimed at covering the opening of
the box when the lid is in a closed position. In some examples, the top of the lid
is rectangular. In some examples the top of the lid is round, hexagonal, octagonal,
or oval, structures such as round or oval being for example approximated by multiplying
a number of side panels and lid flaps. In some examples, the lid comprises beveled
edges. In some examples, the top of the lid is rectangular with rounded edges. It
should be understood that while being named "top", the top of the lid may be positioned
in different orientations. The lid may comprise flanks. It should be understood that
the flanks according to this disclosure are elements connected to the top of the lid
and extending from the lid in order to engage one or more sidewalls of the box. The
flanks participate in placing the top of the lid onto the opening. In some examples,
the flanks extend perpendicularly from the top of the lid. In some examples, the flanks
surround an entire perimeter of the top of the lid. In some examples, the flanks partially
surround an entire perimeter of the top of the lid, a portion of the top of the lid
being flankless. The top of the lid may cover the opening, and at least a portion
of the flanks may cover at least a specific portion of the sidewalls when the lid
is in the closed position, the lid being moveable from the closed position to an open
position. Movement of the lid may be restrained by a connection to the box such as
a hinge, or may be entirely removable, for example to provide an improved access to
the content of the box. The box and lid cooperate to participate in fulfilling the
role of the container to store, transport and facilitate access to the content of
the container.
[0042] The container according to this disclosure comprises a lock. A lock should be in
this disclosure understood as a mechanism preventing or reducing the likelihood of
an accidental opening. The lock according to this disclosure is to maintain the lid
in a closed position. It should be understood that the lock according to this disclosure
is expected to function under normal use of the container. It should be understood
that the lock may not fulfill its function when for example unusual use is made of
the box, or when the box is under unusual conditions. According to this disclosure,
the lock comprises an actuator moveable from a locking position to an opening position
by applying an actuation pressure onto the actuator when the lid is in the closed
position. The actuator should be understood in this disclosure as a mechanical structure
submitted to a movement upon actuation by an outside force or actuation pressure,
such movement leading to the opening of the lock when such movement takes place. In
some examples, the actuator according to this disclosure is resilient and has a default
position, such default position corresponding to the lid remaining closed, the resilience
being vanquished by an outside force or actuation pressure in order to open the lid.
In some examples, the actuator is resilient in that the actuator comprises a flexible
element, the flexible element having a default position corresponding to the lid remaining
closed, the flexible element being pressed to open the lid, the flexible element springing
back to the default position when releasing pressure. It should be understood that
a pressure is generated by the application of a force onto a surface. The actuator
according to this disclosure has at least two positions being an opening position
and a locking position, whereby the opening position corresponds to a position permitting
opening of the lid, the locking position preventing opening of the lid or reducing
the possibility of an accidental opening of the lid.
[0043] The actuator according to this disclosure is may be connected to a specific portion
of sidewalls of the box, which may be a specific portion covered by at least a portion
of the flanks when the lid is in the closed position, the actuator abutting against
a locking tab of the flanks when in the locking position, the actuator being maintained
away from the locking tab when in the opening position, the actuator being displaceable
by the actuation pressure by an unlocking displacement distance in a direction normal
to the specific portion of the sidewalls. The connection of the actuator to the specific
portion of the sidewall is due to the actuator participating in locking or unlocking
the specific portion of the sidewall from the portion of the flanks covering the specific
portion of the sidewall, thereby permitting releasing the lid from the box. The flanks
may comprise a locking tab. A locking tab should be understood as a mechanical element
which interlocks with the actuator. In some examples the locking tab extends away
from the flanks and may be in the form of a bulge, a ridge, an embossment or an additional
material layer sticking out of the flanks of the lid and towards the specific portion
of the side wall such that the actuator may abut against the tab when in the locking
position to prevent separating the specific portion of the sidewalls from the flank
in the area of the actuator. In some examples, the locking tab is comprised in the
flank itself, the locking tab being for example formed by an aperture in the flanks.
Abutment according to this disclosure should be understood as a contact between the
actuator or part of the actuator and the tab, such contact preventing opening of the
lid. The actuator is maintained away from the locking tab when in the opening position,
in order to release the locking tab. Such release of the locking tab permits opening
the lid. Displacement or movement of the actuator from the locking to the opening
position is by application on the actuator (directly or indirectly) of an actuation
pressure or force such that the actuator is displaced by a distance sufficient to
supress contact of the actuator with the locking tab, such distance corresponding
to the displacement distance, in a direction normal to the specific portion of the
side wall. It should be understood that the force or pressure leading to the displacement
may have a number of different directions, such different directions contributing
to the displacement if a component of such force or pressure is in a direction normal
to the specific portion of the side wall. Such force or pressure may also comprise
a component which may be parallel to the side wall. The actuation is however triggered
by a component of such force or pressure being normal to the portion of the side wall.
Such presence of a component normal to the portion of the sidewall participates in
the role of the lock of avoiding an accidental opening by lifting the container through
lifting the lid by applying a force parallel to the sidewall, whereas desired opening
would take place by the consumer "pushing" the actuator and apply the unlocking force
or pressure permitting opening of the lid. In other words, while a consumer may apply
a force on the actuator along a direction which may not be normal to the sidewall,
if a component of such force is normal to the sidewall such component may participate
in applying the pressure leading to the displacement.
[0044] Such a lock would participate in suppressing or reducing the risk of accidental opening
of the lid while permitting desired opening by a consumer, the functioning of such
a lock depending on ensuring that the actuator maintains abutting against the locking
tab even in case of pulling strongly on the lid in a direction parallel to the side
wall in order to transport or lift the consumer product. The avoidance or reduction
of the risk of accidental opening would also apply to a force being applied in a direction
parallel to the sidewalls for example by friction with another box located side to
side with a box according to this disclosure, or by a box falling over during transportation,
or by internal movements of the content of the box pushing the lid during transportation.
Strong pulling in a direction parallel to the sidewall may however impact the structure
of the sidewall, for example resulting in bending of the side wall, whereby such bending
may produce undesired disengagement of the locking tab from the activator, due to
the fact that the actuator is connected to the specific portion of the sidewall. This
would lead to an undesired opening of the lid. Such undesired opening of the lid may
be more likely if the sidewall is made of a material such as cardboard used to form
the sidewalls, in particular when the box is a cardboard box.
[0045] In some examples, the lock is placed in a central area of a sidewall of the box.
A central area should be understood as substantially equidistant from opposite edges
of the sidewall concerned, such edges being along a direction normal to the base of
the box. In such examples, it should be understood that the lock is located closest
to an edge of the sidewall close to the opening than to an edge of the sidewall close
to the base, while being in a central area in respect to the edges normal to the base.
Such central location of the lock may participate in avoiding sliding of the lid from
the box if the box is lifted by holding the lid by applying pressure onto the actuator,
whereby such pressure presses the actuator against the support element structure centrally,
thereby balancing the forces maintaining the connection between the lid and the box
and participating in avoiding accidental opening. In some examples, the lock may be
located on a sidewall and between two edges of the sidewall, such edges being normal
to the base, the lock being closer to one edge than to the other edge of the two edges,
for example located closer to the one edge at a 1/3 of the distance between the two
edges. In some examples one sidewall may comprise two locks. In some examples two
locks may be provided offset versus each versus a centreline to increase a distance
separating the two locks. In some examples more than two locks may be provided. In
some examples, three locks are provided, for example corresponding to a first lock
for a thumb of a user hand and two other locks on the other side of the lid for an
index and middle finger of the same user hand so such user may actuate the three locks
one handed and simultaneously.
[0046] The present disclosure aims at resolving this apparent contradiction between, on
one hand, the use of materials for the sidewalls which would resist accidental opening,
and the use of materials for the sidewalls which are particularly environmentally
friendly.
[0047] The container may be made from rigid cardboard material, flexible cardboard material
or a mixture thereof. In some example, the material forming the box or the lid has
a wall thickness of more than 220 microns and of less than 3mm. In some example, the
material forming the box or the lid has a wall thickness of more than 1mm and of less
than 2mm. In some example, the material forming the box or the lid is folded on itself,
for example to reinforce parts of or the whole of the box or the lid. The container
may be made from paper materials, bio based material, bamboo fibres, cellulose fibres,
cellulose based or fibre based materials, or a mixture thereof. The container may
be made from materials comprising recycled materials, for example recycled cellulose
fiber based materials.
[0048] The lid according to this disclosure indeed comprises a support element structure,
the support element structure entering the opening when the lid is in the closed position,
at least part of the specific portion of the sidewalls being located between the flanks
and the support element structure when the lid is in the closed position, a clearance
distance separating the sidewalls from the support element structure in a direction
normal to the specific portion of the sidewalls when the lid is in the closed position
and when no actuation pressure is applied, the clearance distance being reduced to
zero by flexing of the specific portion of the sidewalls when the actuation pressure
is applied above a pressure threshold when the lid is in the closed position. Both
the support element structure and the flanks are structurally part of the lid, the
support element structure and the flanks permitting sandwiching the specific portion
of the sidewall, thereby preventing sinking in of the specific portion of the sidewall
and undesired disengagement of the actuator from the locking tab. It is important
to take note of the fact that in case of an actuation pressure being applied while
lifting the box through the lid, the pressure applied will catch the sandwiched specific
portion of the sidewall against the support element structure, thereby compensating
a force of gravity which would otherwise disconnect the lid from the box, such compensation
of the gravity force being through a resisting static friction force between the specific
portion of the sidewall and the support element structure. In some examples, the use
of the support element structure permits using for making the box a relatively flexible
material, whereby such flexible material would flex in the absence of the support
element structure to the point that the box would fall off if lifted by its lid. Permitting
using a relatively flexible material also permits using a lesser quantity of such
material due to the presence of the support element structure which compensates for
such flexibility. The presence of such support element structure thereby prevents
or reduces the risk of accidental opening even if the actuation pressure is applied
onto the actuator of the lock, for example as the box is lifted while applying pressure
on the actuator of the lock.
[0049] The support element structure enters the opening when the lid is in the closed position,
fitting within the box when the lid is in the closed position. Such entering the opening
should be understood in that the support element structure comprises a support element
structure portion which enters the opening when the lid is moved from the open to
the closed position, and whereby such support element structure portion exits the
opening when the lid is moved from the closed to the open position. At least part
of the specific portion of the sidewalls is located between the flanks and the support
element structure when the lid is in the closed position. This structure permits capturing
the specific portion of the sidewall between the flanks and the support element structure,
the specific portion of the sidewall getting inserted between the flanks and the support
element structure when the lid moves from the open to the closed position, the specific
portion of the side wall being released from between the flanks and the support element
structure when the lid moves from the closed to the open position. A clearance distance
separates the sidewalls from the support element structure in a direction normal to
the specific portion of the sidewalls when the lid is in the closed position, such
direction corresponding for example to a direction of the linear ridge, and when no
actuation pressure is applied. Such clearance distance would exist on a first side,
and be repeated additionally on a second side of the support element structure. Such
clearance distance permits insertion of the support element structure through the
opening as the lid gets closed, such that the support element structure does not collide
with the specific portion of the sidewall when the lid gets closed. The clearance
is reduced to zero by flexing of the specific portion of the sidewalls when the actuation
pressure is applied above a pressure threshold when the lid is in the closed position.
When such pressure threshold is reached, the sidewall lays against the support element
structure through the clearance distance being reduced to zero, the sidewall thereby
being prevented from being exceedingly distorted and being prevented from sinking
in to the point of the actuator releasing the locking tab. The clearance distance
according to this disclosure relates in some examples to a tolerance distance between
the lid and the box which both permits placing the lid onto the box without undue
difficulty, while avoiding that the lid be loose when in the closed position. While
the clearance distance according to this disclosure is considered in a region of the
lock, the tolerance distance between the lid and the box may be considered along an
entire perimeter of the opening of the box. In some examples, the tolerance is of
at least 0.1 mm and of less than 5 mm. In some examples the tolerance is of at least
1mm and of less than 3 mm. Such tolerance would for example be measured when the lid
is in the closed position and between an internal surface of the flanks and an external
surface of the sidewalls, understanding that such tolerance may take a different value
in a region of the lock.
[0050] In some examples, the clearance distance is of at least 1mm and of less than 1cm
when the lid is in the closed position and no actuation pressure is applied. Such
a range permits both easing the closing of the lid and preventing sinking of the specific
portion of the sidewall leading to undesired unlocking. In some examples, the clearance
distance is of at least 1.5mm and of less than 0.5cm when the lid is in the closed
position and no actuation pressure is applied. In some examples, the clearance distance
is of at least 2mm and of less than 0.4cm when the lid is in the closed position and
no actuation pressure is applied.
[0051] In some examples, as for example illustrated in Figure 6, the actuator comprises
a flap 603 connected by a hinge portion to a specific portion of the sidewalls of
the box, the flap extending from the hinge portion to a distal edge of the flap, the
hinge portion being located between the flanks and the support element structure when
the lid is in the closed position, the distal edge extending away from the specific
portion of the sidewalls and the distal edge of the flap abutting against the locking
tab of the flanks when in the locking position, the flap lying flush against the specific
portion of the sidewalls and the distal edge being maintained away from the locking
tab when in the opening position, the actuation pressure displacing the flap by an
acute actuation angle from the closing position to the opening position, the acute
angle corresponding to displacing the distal edge by the unlocking displacement distance.
In some examples, the acute angle is between 5 and 60 degrees. In some examples, the
acute angle is between 5 and 45 degrees. In some examples, the acute angle is between
5 and 20 degrees. In some examples the acute angle is a function of the length of
the locking flap in a direction generally parallel to the specific portion and of
a thickness of the locking tab and of tolerances between the sidewalls of the box
and the flanks of the lid and of a tolerance between the sidewalls of the box and
the flap, or patch as disclosed below. In some examples horizontal displacement (along
a direction substantially normal to a sidewall comprising the specific section) measured
at the end of the locking flap abutting with the locking tab is of at least a thickness
of the locking tab along a direction substantially normal to a sidewall comprising
the specific section. In some examples such horizontal displacement is comprised between
0.3mm and 30mm. In some examples a length of the flap has a length along a direction
generally normal to the base of the box larger than the sum of different tolerances
comprising a play between the locking tab and the flap in the abutment area when the
lid is in the closed position and the container is not submitted to external pressure,
a tolerance between the flanks of the lid and the sidewalls of the box, and the tolerance
between the side walls of the box and the flap and a bending deformation of the flap.
In some examples the locking flap has a length along a direction generally normal
to the base of the box of at least 3 mm and of less than 60mm. In some examples the
locking flap has a length along a direction generally normal to the base of the box
of at least 15 mm and of less than 45 mm. In some examples the locking flap has a
length along a direction generally normal to the base of the box of at least 25 mm
and of less than 35 mm. In some examples, the flap has a width along a direction perpendicular
to its length and parallel to the specific portion of between 5mm and 60mm. Such example
width dimensions may permit easing disengaging the lock by limiting its width while
avoiding a risk of the lock getting distorted by pressure by providing the lock with
a sufficient width. Such dimensioning selection may be dependent on the material selected
for the different parts forming the container. Such a flap may be used in examples
or configurations differing from the ones illustrate in Figure 6.
[0052] In some examples, not illustrated here, the actuator comprises a patch glued to the
specific portion of the sidewalls. Such patch may for example be a piece of material
of the same nature as a material used for the making of the box or of the lid, such
piece of material being for example glued to the box, the piece of material being
structurally separate from the box, the piece of material interacting with the locking
tab, the piece of material comprising for example a fold line defining a first part
interacting with the locking tab and a second part glued to the box, thereby functioning
as the flap hereby described.
[0053] In some examples such as illustrated in Figure 6, the support element structure 200
comprises a support area, the support area comprising an area of contact with the
specific portion of the sidewall when the clearance is reduced to zero by flexing
of the specific portion of the sidewalls when the actuation pressure is applied above
the pressure threshold when the lid is in the closed position, whereby the area of
contact faces the actuator 603 along a direction normal to the specific portion of
the side walls. Bringing such area of contact at the level of the actuator permits
improving the resiliency of the structure, whereby the actuation pressure will be
directly absorbed by the support element structure once the clearance distance which
separates the sidewalls from the support element structure is reduced to zero and
the actuator makes direct contact with the support element structure at the area of
contact.
[0054] The example consumer product 600 comprises a lock 610 as illustrated in Figure 6.
The consumer product 600 also comprises an additional lock (not illustrated). Indeed,
in this example and in some other examples, the consumer product comprises an additional
lock, the additional lock comprising an additional actuator connected to an additional
specific portion of the sidewalls, the specific portion of the sidewalls being comprised
in a first sidewall of the box, the additional specific portion of the sidewalls being
comprised in a second sidewall of the box, the first sidewall being opposite to the
second sidewall. The consumer product 600 comprises actuator 603 of the lock 610 and
additional actuator of lock. It should be understood that in this example and in some
other examples comprising an additional lock, such additional lock may have a structure
similar to or different from the lock according to this disclosure. In some examples,
the additional lock has a structure corresponding to the structure of the lock according
to this disclosure. In some examples, the additional lock has a structure differing
from the structure of the lock according to this disclosure. In some examples, an
additional lock is provided according to this disclosure on a same sidewall as the
lock according to this disclosure. In some examples, an additional lock is provided
on a sidewall adjacent to the sidewall comprising the lock.
[0055] In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the flanks of the lid comprise an actuation
area 210B and an additional actuation area 210. Indeed, in this example and in some
other examples, the flanks of the lid comprise an actuation area facing the actuator
and permitting displacing the actuator from the closing position to the opening position
by applying the actuation pressure at the actuation area when the lid is in the closed
position, whereby the actuation area comprises one or more of an actuation aperture,
an actuation flap, an actuation slit or an actuation membrane, whereby the actuation
area further comprises a visual indication indicating the location of the actuation
area. In the example illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the actuation areas 210B and
210 each comprise an actuation aperture. The visual indication may be printed on an
external surface of the flanks and may comprise one or more arrows or one or more
areas printed in a striking colour or a specific text providing instructions such
as "push here to open" for example, or a combination of any of these indications.
[0056] In the example illustrated in Figure 6 and in some other examples not illustrated
here, the flanks comprise the additional actuation area 210 facing the additional
actuator and permitting displacing the additional actuator, the actuation area 210B
and the additional actuation area 210 being separated by a peripheral path along an
exterior surface of the lid, the peripheral path measuring less than 20 cm and more
than 9 cm. In some examples, this peripheral path is the shortest peripheral path
between a top of the actuation area and a top of the additional actuation area, such
top being a point of the respective actuation area or additional actuation area closest
to the top of the lid. In some examples, the peripheral path measures less than 15
cm and more than 11 cm. In some examples, the peripheral path measures less than 14
cm and more than 12 cm. The length of such peripheral path may advantageously permit
an adult user to apply a thumb of one hand on the actuator and the index (or middle
finger) of the same one hand on the additional actuator at the same time in order
to press on both the actuator additional and the additional actuator simultaneously
with one hand in order to unlock the lid and open the lid. In other examples, two
locks may be provided on a same sidewall, opening taking place by actuating on both
locks, for examples using both thumbs.
[0057] In the example consumer product 600, actuation areas 210B and 210 are separated in
a straight line from the outside surface of the respective flanks where they are located
by a distance, whereby such distance is of more than 6cm and of less than 12cm. In
some examples, the distance is of about 8cm. In some examples, the distance is of
more than 7.5 cm and of less than 8.5 cm. In some examples, the distance is of more
than 8.4 cm and of less than 10.4 cm. In some examples, the distance is of more than
8.9 cm and of less than 9.9 cm. In some examples, the distance is of about 9.4 cm.
In some examples, the clearance distances which separates the sidewalls from the support
element structure are each of between 1 mm and 4 mm when no actuation pressure is
applied. In some examples, the clearance distances are each of between 3mm and 4 mm
when no actuation pressure is applied.
[0058] In the example illustrated in Figure 6, each lock is separated from a respective
gable of the support element structure by a clearance distance. In this example and
in some other examples according to this disclosure, the support element structure
comprises a resilient structure concurrently in contact with both the specific portion
and the additional specific portion when flexing of both the specific portion of the
first sidewall and the additional specific portion of the second sidewall when the
actuation pressure is applied above the pressure threshold on both the actuator and
the additional actuator when the lid is in the closed position. In such a configuration
the resilient structure of the actuator absorbs any excess pressure applied onto the
actuators in order to open the lid. In some examples, the resilient structure, or
cardboard structure, is unitary, for example to facilitate manufacturing. Unitary
should be understood as being made from an integral piece of material. In some examples,
the resilient structure comprises a plurality of substructures, for example to facilitate
assembly.
[0059] In some examples the flanks of the lid cover about 30% of the sidewalls of the box,
30% corresponding in this case to a ratio between on one hand a height of the flanks
in a direction normal to both the top of the lid and the base of the box and on the
other hand the height of the sidewalls in the direction normal to both the top of
the lid and the base of the box. In an example, the flanks completely surround the
sidewalls around the opening. Such coverage of the flanks participates in ensuring
lid placement, structural resiliency and protection of the content. In some examples,
the flanks cover at least 30% of the sidewalls when the lid is in the closed position.
In some examples, the flanks cover at least 35% of the sidewalls when the lid is in
the closed position. In some examples, the flanks cover at least 40% of the sidewalls
when the lid is in the closed position. In some examples, the flanks cover at most
90% of the sidewalls when the lid is in the closed position. In some examples, the
flanks cover at most 80% of the sidewalls when the lid is in the closed position.
In some examples, the flanks cover at most 70% of the sidewalls when the lid is in
the closed position. In some examples, a manufacturing process comprises providing
different box sizes, for example boxes having a sidewall height of either 10cm, 11.5
cm, 13.5 cm or 16cm, whereby each box may be provided with a same lid fitting all
box sizes provided, such as a lid having a flank height of 7 cm. In some examples,
flank height is of more than 3cm. In some examples, flank height is of more than 5cm.
In some examples, flank height is of more than 6cm.
[0060] The support element structure as per this disclosure may comprise a support element
structure distal end located when the lid is in the closed position at a certain depth.
In some examples, the depth is of at least 3mm and of less than 50 mm from the top
of the lid. In some examples, the depth is of at least 5 mm and of less than 50 mm
from the top of the lid. In some examples, the depth is of at least 15 mm and of less
than 40 mm from the top of the lid. In some examples, the depth is of at least 20
mm and of less than 35 mm from the top of the lid. The depth of the support element
structure participates in reinforcing the structure of the consumer product. A combination
of the depth and shape of the support element structure as well as amount of clearance
distance may permit avoiding twisting the lid.
[0061] In some cases, a force is applied to the flanks in a direction normal to the base
of the box, in a direction from the base of the box and towards the top of the lid.
Such force may be applied for example when lifting the box from a floor to transport
it. In such a situation the clearance distances which separates the sidewalls from
the support element structure may be reduced to zero due to the weight of the content
and of the box being applied to the locking tabs through the actuators. In such a
situation, the support element structure permits avoiding accidental opening of the
box due to sidewalls sinking in to a point that the actuators would be released from
the locking tab, the box falling on the floor, the lid remaining in the hands of the
person lifting the box by holding it by the lid. In this example and in some other
examples, the detergent product weights more than 50% of the weight of the consumer
product, whereby a gravity force produced on the base of the box by the detergent
product in the absence of a reaction force on the base of the box produces a flexing
of the specific portion of the sidewalls and a reduction of the clearance to zero,
the actuator maintaining abutment against the locking tab when the clearance is reduced
to zero and when no actuation pressure is applied. In some examples, the detergent
product weights more than 70% of the weight of the consumer product in such a situation.
In some examples, the detergent product weights more than 80% of the weight of the
consumer product in such a situation.
[0062] In some cases, a force is applied to the actuators in a direction normal to the sidewalls,
in a direction towards the inside of the box, for example by gripping the lid with
one hand, a thumb on one side and the other fingers on the other. Such force may be
applied for example when lifting the box from a floor to transport it. In such a situation
the clearance distances may be reduced to zero due to the force sandwiching the sidewalls
between the support element structure and the actuators. In such a situation, the
static friction force between the side walls and the support element structure permits
avoiding accidental opening of the box due to the lid getting disconnected from the
sidewalls, the box falling on the floor, the lid remaining in the hand of the person
lifting the bow by holding it by the lid.
[0063] In an example, the container is made from cardboard materials and is thereby made
from materials which may be recycled.
[0064] Example support element structures according to this disclosure may be described
using vocabulary used in roof types. Example support element structures according
to this disclosure may comprise a cardboard structure forming an inverted gable roof
shape. Example support element structures according to this disclosure may comprise
a cardboard structure forming an open gable shape. Example support element structures
according to this disclosure may comprise a cardboard structure forming a gambrel
shape. Example support element structures according to this disclosure may comprise
a cardboard structure forming a saltbox shape.
[0065] In some examples, the support element structure is located centrally, for example
in cases of a lid comprising an actuator or actuation area located in a centre of
a flank, whereby such lid may be placed in one sense or in another sense while remaining
functional due to its symmetrical structure.
[0066] In some examples, the consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit
dose article and the container. The consumer product can be sold 'as is', in other
words the consumer product is the item that the consumer picks up from the shelf.
Alternatively, the consumer product could be housed as one unit of a multi-component
product. For example, more than one consumer product could be housed within an outer
package and the multiple packaged consumer products sold together in a single purchase.
The consumer product may comprise aesthetic elements, for example shrink sleeves or
labels attached to the container. Alternatively, the container may be coloured or
printed with aesthetic elements or informative print such as usage instructions.
[0067] In some examples a water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble
film orientated to create at least one-unit dose internal compartment, wherein the
at least one-unit dose internal compartment comprises a detergent composition. The
water-soluble film and the detergent composition are described in more detail below.
In some examples the consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit dose
article, in some cases at least two water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases
at least 10 water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases at least 20 water-soluble
unit dose articles, in some cases at least 30 water-soluble unit dose articles, in
some cases at least 40 water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases at least 45
water-soluble unit dose articles. A water-soluble unit dose article is in some examples
in the form of a pouch. A water-soluble unit dose article comprises in some examples
a unitary dose of a composition as a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in an
end application. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises in some examples one
water-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal
compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The at least one compartment comprises
a cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed such that the cleaning composition
does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the
water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases
the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor. The unit dose article
may comprise more than one compartment, at least two compartments, or at least three
compartments, or at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The
compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. one positioned on top
of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side
orientation, i.e. one orientated next to the other. The compartments may be orientated
in a 'tyre and rim' arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a
second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second
compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively,
one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In some examples
the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments
being smaller than the other compartment. In some examples the unit dose article comprises
at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third
compartment, and in some examples the two smaller compartments being superposed on
the larger compartment. In some examples the unit dose article comprises at least
four compartments, three of the compartments may be smaller than the fourth compartment,
and in some examples the three smaller compartments being superposed on the larger
compartment. The superposed compartments are in some examples orientated side-by-side.
In some examples each individual unit dose article may have a weight of between 10g
and 40g, or even between 15g and 35g. The water soluble film may be soluble or dispersible
in water. Prior to be being formed into a unit dose article, the water-soluble film
has in some examples a thickness of from 20 to 150 micron, in other examples 35 to
125 micron, in further examples 50 to 110 micron, in yet further examples about 76
micron. Example water soluble film materials comprise polymeric materials. The film
material can, for example, be obtained by casting, blow-moulding, extrusion or blown
extrusion of the polymeric material. In some examples, the water-soluble film comprises
polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, for example a blend of polyvinylalcohol polymers
and/or polyvinylalcohol copolymers, for example selected from sulphonated and carboxylated
anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers especially carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol
copolymers, for example a blend of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated
anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer. In some examples water soluble films are those
supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310. In some
examples the film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may comprise
a printed area. The area of print may be achieved using techniques such as flexographic
printing or inkjet printing. The film may comprise an aversive agent, for example
a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin,
sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof.
Example levels of aversive agent include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000ppm, 100
to 2500ppm, or 250 to 2000ppm. The water-soluble film or water-soluble unit dose article
or both may be coated with a lubricating agent. In some examples, the lubricating
agent is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silicas, siloxanes, zeolites, silicic acid,
alumina, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,
sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate,
calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starches, clay,
kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrins or mixtures thereof.
[0068] In some examples the container comprises a first part, wherein the first part comprises
a first compartment in which the at least one water-soluble unit dose article is contained.
In some examples the first compartment comprises at least two water-soluble unit dose
articles. The first compartment may comprise between 1 and 80 water-soluble unit dose
articles, between 1 and 60 water-soluble unit dose articles, between 1 and 40 water-soluble
unit dose articles, or between 1 and 20 water-soluble unit dose articles. The volume
of the first compartment may be between 500ml and 5000ml, in some examples between
800ml and 4000ml.
[0069] Figures 7A-J illustrate an example method for manufacturing a consumer product and
a container, the container containing the detergent product, the detergent product
preferably comprising flexible water soluble unit dose articles, the container comprising
a box, a lid, and a lock to maintain the lid in a closed position, the method comprising
folding the blank 500 to erect the support element structure as part of the lid. While
this specific example method refers to blank 500, other blanks hereby described may
be submitted to such a method.
[0070] In figure 7A, starting from blank 500, side panel 101, which is connected to the
side flap 401, is folded back along a fold line separating side panel 101 from adjacent
side panel 104 onto side panel 104. Side flap 401 comprises glue 411 which may for
example be applied after the folding back.
[0071] In Figure 7B, starting from the structure obtained as illustrated in Figure 7A, side
panel 102 is folded back along a fold line separating side panel 102 from adjacent
side panel 103 and onto side panel 103, side panel 102 being glued onto side flap
401 once folded back.
[0072] As illustrated for example in Figures 7A and 7B, The example method indeed comprises
folding the side flap and two of the side panels (in this case 102 and 101) over the
other two side panels (in this case, 103 and 104) so the side flap faces one of the
other two side panels (in this case, 102) in order to close the flank structure by
gluing the side flap to the one of the other two side panels. This may be followed
by opening the closed flank structure to erect the flanks, leading to a structure
as illustrated in Figure 7C. It should be noted that the configuration as illustrated
in Figure 7B is particularly space efficient for transport due to being flat and compact,
for example in case where initial manufacturing steps are conducted at a supplier
facility. Alternatively, these folding steps can also be done at a single manufacturer
location.
[0073] After opening the closed flank structure, one may start forming the top panel by
folding a first lid flap of the three lid flaps, the first lid flap being the lid
flap connected to the opposite side panel 103, as illustrated in Figure 7D.
[0074] After folding the first lid flap as illustrated in Figure 7D, one may proceed with
folding the support element first panel so that the support element first panel meets
the first lid flap to form the support element structure, as illustrated in Figure
7E. It is important to realize that the proceeding of the folding of the lid flap
connected to the opposite side panel precedes the folding of the support element first
panel so the support element first panel will end up tucked in between the opposite
side panel and the top panel as will be illustrated.
[0075] After folding the support element structure, as illustrated in Figure 7E, one may
proceed with folding the remaining two lid flaps, pushing the support element structure
away from the top panel, the remaining lid flaps forming the top panel, as illustrated
successively by Figures 7F-I. In this example, the wings push the support element
structure away from the side panel.
[0076] The lid obtained as illustrated in Figure 7J may then be combined with the box as
illustrated in Figure 6 to obtain a consumer product as per this disclosure.
[0077] In some examples the detergent product comprises a detergent composition. The detergent
composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition,
a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition
may comprise a solid, a liquid or a mixture thereof. The term liquid includes a gel,
a solution, a dispersion, a paste, or a mixture thereof. The solid may be a powder.
By powder we herein mean that the detergent composition may comprise solid particulates
or may be a single homogenous solid. In some examples, the powder detergent composition
comprises particles. This means that the powder detergent composition comprises individual
solid particles as opposed to the solid being a single homogenous solid. The particles
may be free-flowing or may be compacted. A laundry detergent composition can be used
in a fabric hand wash operation or may be used in an automatic machine fabric wash
operation, for example in an automatic machine fabric wash operation. Example laundry
detergent compositions comprise a non-soap surfactant, wherein the non-soap surfactant
comprises an anionic non-soap surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 60%, or between 20% and
55% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap surfactant. Example
weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant are from 1:1 to
20:1, from 1.5:1 to 17.5:1, from 2:1 to 15:1, or from 2.5:1 to 13:1. Example non-soap
anionic surfactants comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate or a
mixture thereof. Example weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to alkyl sulphate
are from 1:2 to 9:1, from 1:1 to 7:1, from 1:1 to 5:1, or from 1:1 to 4:1. Example
linear alkylbenzene sulphonates are C
10-C
16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, or C
11-C
14 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids. By 'linear', we herein mean the alkyl group is linear.
Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise alkoxylated alkyl sulphate
or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof. Example alkoxylated alkyl
sulphate anionic surfactant comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.
Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate
anionic surfactant with a mol average degree of ethoxylation from 1 to 5, from 1 to
3, or from 2 to 3. Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise a non-ethoxylated
alkyl sulphate and an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate wherein the mol average degree of
ethoxylation of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant is from 1 to 5, from 1 to 3,
or from 2 to 3. Example alkyl fraction of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant are
derived from fatty alcohols, oxo-synthesized alcohols, Guerbet alcohols, or mixtures
thereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10%
and 50%, between 15% and 45%, between 20% and 40%, or between 30% and 40% by weight
of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap anionic surfactant. In some examples,
the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised alcohol
alkoxylate, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates, or a mixture
thereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 0.01%
and 10%, between 0.01% and 8%, between 0.1% and 6%, or between 0.15% and 5% by weight
of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-ionic surfactant. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition comprises between 1.5% and 20%, between 2% and 15%,
between 3% and 10%, or between 4% and 8% by weight of the laundry detergent composition
of soap, in some examples a fatty acid salt, in some examples an amine neutralized
fatty acid salt, wherein in some examples the amine is an alkanolamine for example
selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof,
in some examples monoethanolamine. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition
is a liquid laundry detergent composition. In some examples the liquid laundry detergent
composition comprises less than 15%, or less than 12% by weight of the liquid laundry
detergent composition of water. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition
is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent selected
from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, glycerol, sorbitol,
polyethylene glycol or a mixture thereof. In some examples, the liquid laundry detergent
composition comprises between 10% and 40%, or between 15% and 30% by weight of the
liquid laundry detergent composition of the non-aqueous solvent. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition comprises a perfume. In some examples, the laundry
detergent composition comprises an adjunct ingredient selected from the group comprising
builders including enzymes, citrate, bleach, bleach catalyst, dye, hueing dye, brightener,
cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release
polymer, surfactant, solvent, dye transfer inhibitors, chelant, encapsulated perfume,
polycarboxylates, structurant, pH trimming agents, and mixtures thereof. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition has a pH between 6 and 10, between 6.5 and 8.9,
or between 7 and 8, wherein the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured
as a 10% product concentration in demineralized water at 20°C. When liquid, the laundry
detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. In some examples, the liquid
laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory,
a non-Newtonian liquid has properties that differ from those of a Newtonian liquid,
more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids is dependent on shear rate,
while a Newtonian liquid has a constant viscosity independent of the applied shear
rate. The decreased viscosity upon shear application for non-Newtonian liquids is
thought to further facilitate liquid detergent dissolution. The liquid laundry detergent
composition described herein can have any suitable viscosity depending on factors
such as formulated ingredients and purpose of the composition.
[0078] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified,
each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40
mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
1. A cardboard lid for a container, the cardboard lid comprising:
- side panels forming lid flanks;
- lid flaps connected to the side panels by lid flaps fold lines, two of the lid flaps
forming a lid top panel; and
- a support element structure extending away from the top panel and positioned between
the side panels;
whereby the lid flaps, side panels, and support element structure pertain to a single
blank.
2. The cardboard lid according to claim 1, whereby the support element structure comprises
a support element first panel and a first wing, the first wing being adjacent to the
support element first panel and separated from the support element first panel by
a first wing fold line, the first wing comprising a first wing end distal from the
first wing fold line, the first wing end being in contact with the top panel to maintain
the support element first panel extended away from the top panel.
3. The cardboard lid according to claim 2, whereby the support element further comprises
a second wing, the second wing being adjacent to the support element first panel and
separated from the support element first panel by a second wing fold line, the second
wing comprising a second wing end distal from the second wing fold line, the second
wing end being in contact with the top panel to maintain the support element first
panel extended away from the top panel, the second wing fold line and the first wing
fold line being on opposite sides of the support element first panel.
4. The cardboard lid according to claim 3, whereby the first wing end and the second
wing end are rounded.
5. The cardboard lid according to any of the above claims, whereby at least one of the
lid flanks, preferably some of the lid flanks, and most preferably each of the lid
flanks comprise a reinforcing panel, the reinforcing panel being connected to the
respective side panel by a side panel fold line, the reinforcing panel being folded
back onto the respective side panel, the reinforcing panel pertaining to the single
blank.
6. The cardboard lid according to any of the above claims, whereby at least one flank
comprises an actuation area, an apex of the support element structure being in line
with the actuation area.
7. A cardboard blank for a cardboard lid according to any of the above claims, the cardboard
blank comprising:
- four side panels, the four side panels following each other along a first direction,
each side panel being connected to at least another side panel by a respective side
panel fold line perpendicular to the first direction;
- a side flap connected to one of the side panels along a fold line perpendicular
to the first direction, the side flap following or preceding the four side panels
along the first direction;
- three lid flaps, the lid flaps following each other along the first direction, each
lid flap being connected to a respective regular side panel of the four side panels
by a respective lid flap fold line parallel to the first direction, the lid flap fold
lines being aligned with each other; the four side panels comprising the regular side
panels and a specific side panel;
- a support element structure, the support element structure comprising a support
element first panel connected to the specific side panel by a specific fold line aligned
with the lid flap fold lines, the support element structure further comprising a support
element opposite panel comprised in the lid flap of the three lid flaps connected
to an opposite side panel, the opposite side panel being the regular side panel separated
from the specific side panel by a single other regular side panel, the support element
structure having a combined length along a direction perpendicular to the first direction
exceeding a length of the single other regular side panel along the first direction.
8. The cardboard blank according to claim 7, the support element structure comprising
a first wing, the first wing being adjacent to the support element first panel and
connected to the support element first panel by a first wing fold line perpendicular
to the first direction.
9. The cardboard blank according to claim 8, the support element structure comprising
a second wing, the second wing being adjacent to the support element first panel and
connected to the support element first panel by a second wing fold line perpendicular
to the first direction and on a side of the support element first panel opposite to
the first wing.
10. The cardboard blank according to either one of claims 8 or 9, the first wing corresponding
to a cut out in one of the three lid flaps adjacent to the support element first panel.
11. The cardboard blank according to either one of claims 9 or 10, the second wing corresponding
to a cut out in one of the three lid flaps adjacent to the support element first panel.
12. The cardboard blank according to any of claims 7 to 11, the support element structure
comprising a connecting panel between the support element first panel and the specific
side panel.
13. The cardboard blank according to any of claims 7 to 12, whereby the support element
structure comprises an opposite connecting panel between the support element opposite
panel and the opposite side panel.
14. The cardboard blank according to any of claims 7 to 13, the cardboard blank further
comprising four reinforcing flaps, each reinforcing flap being connected to a respective
side panel by a respective reinforcing flap fold line, the reinforcing flap fold lines
being aligned with each other and parallel to the first direction, the reinforcing
flaps being situated on a side of the side panels opposite to the lid flaps and to
the support element structure.
15. The cardboard blank according to any of claims 7 to 14, whereby the specific side
panel and the opposite side panel are shorter side panels, the shorter side panels
having a same panel length along the first direction, this same panel length being
shorter than a panel length of the other two side panels along the first direction,
the other two side panels being long side panels, the long side panels having the
same length along the first direction.
16. The cardboard blank according to claim 15, whereby each long side panel comprises
a respective aperture for an actuation area, whereby each respective aperture preferably
is a through aperture intersecting flutes comprised in the long side panels.
17. A stack of a plurality of planar blank assemblies according to any of claims 7 to
16.
18. A consumer product comprising a detergent product and a container, the container comprising
a box and a lid according to any of claims 1 to 6, the box comprising a lock to maintain
the lid in a closed position, the lock comprising an actuator aligned with a portion
of the support element structure when the lid is in the closed position, the support
element structure fitting within the box when the lid is in the closed position.
19. A method for manufacturing a consumer product comprising a detergent product and a
container, the container containing the detergent product, the detergent product preferably
comprising flexible water soluble unit dose articles, the container comprising a box,
a lid, and a lock to maintain the lid in a closed position, the method comprising
folding the blank according to any of claims 7 to 16 to erect the support element
structure as part of the lid.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the folding of the blank comprises
- folding the side flap and two of the side panels over the other two side panels
so the side flap faces one of the other two side panels in order to close the flank
structure by gluing the side flap to the one of the other two side panels;
- opening the closed flank structure to erect the flanks;
- after opening the closed flank structure, start forming the top panel by folding
a first lid flap of the three lid flaps, the first lid flap being the lid flap connected
to the opposite side panel;
- after folding the first lid flap, folding the support element first panel so that
the support element first panel meets the first lid flap to form the support element
structure;
- after folding the support element structure, folding the remaining two lid flaps,
pushing the support element structure away from the top panel, the remaining lid flaps
forming the top panel.