BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to card-based packages comprising card based locking systems and in particular to packages that are suitable for packaging of sensitive materials such as powdered infant nutrition or milk formula.

Description of the related art

[002] Packages of all types are well known and have evolved throughout history to maximise the benefits of the latest material technologies. During the last half century, plastic materials have been developed that are exceptionally well suited for packaging, ensuring high barrier protection for sensitive materials. Such materials are also very versatile and allow designs with functional and ergonomic shapes. This is particularly convenient for components such as seals, hinges, latches and the like that can be easily produced using e.g. injection moulding techniques.

[003] Nevertheless, plastics and other petroleum-based materials for packaging have a significantly higher environmental impact. Efforts have been made to reduce the use of plastic materials by combining them with other renewable materials such as card or paper. Such hybrid packages are however complex to recycle, since separation of the materials and their disposal in different waste streams may not always be possible.

[004] Boxes made exclusively of card-based material are also known, e.g., of the type used for soaps and washing powder. These may have re-closable lids in the form of a wing or flap of card material. This allows the box to be reclosed after first opening and repeatedly opened and closed for dosing of product at each use. Although these packages may be very economical and environmentally friendly, such closures have not generally been considered adequate for sensitive materials such as foodstuffs, in particular infant formula. This is particularly important in countries with high humidity or where small insects may attempt to enter the package.

[005] It would thus be desirable to provide an improved package that at least partially overcomes some of the inconveniences of the prior art and that can meet the high requirements for use in the context of powdered infant nutrition.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a card-based package for powdered infant nutrition, comprising: a container portion having an access opening to an interior space for receiving the powered infant nutrition. The package further comprises a closure arranged for selectively closing the access opening, wherein the closure further comprises a collar portion connected to the container portion, a lid portion pivotably connected to the collar portion and a locking arrangement for selectively engaging said lid portion to said collar portion. The container portion, the lid portion, the collar portion and the locking arrangement all comprise card based material. The locking arrangement comprises a first locking element arranged on the collar portion and a second locking element arranged on the lid portion wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are arranged to engage together to ensure tight and/or effective closure and prevent the lid portion from being opened. One of the first or second locking elements is actionable by a user to disengage the other locking element and unlock the lid portion.

[006] The locking arrangement may protect the powder inside from spillage by keeping the lid portion tightly engaged to the collar portion. This tight engagement will depend on the accuracy of the engaging surfaces and the force that the locking arrangement can maintain between them. It may be insect tight, powder tight, air tight or hermetic as further described below. Furthermore, the locking arrangement may provide extra security to prevent insects from entering into the package and accessing the powder. Advantageously, the locking arrangement can allow repeated opening and closing of the locking arrangement. The locking arrangement can also prevent accidental opening ofthe lid portion. More importantly, it can assist in maintaining the lid portion biased against the upper peripheral closure rim to ensure an adequate joint.

[007] As noted above, a highly effective joint between these two components is required to ensure that the package can be properly reclosed after initial opening e.g. to prevent powder exit on tipping the container and avoid the entry of unwanted insects and other animals that may otherwise be attracted to the contents. The joint may ensure that no gap greater than 150 microns is present, preferably no greater than 100 microns. It has been found that openings of 70 microns or more can allow ingress of insects and the disclosed closure most preferably ensures an insect- tight closure during the use of the package having no opening greater than 70 microns. The joint should be maintained to the required tolerance e.g. of 70 microns or less, even after repeated opening and closing of the lid during use. Preferably, the joint should be maintained for more than 50 openings or more than 70 openings or even more than 100 openings.

[008] The present disclosure importantly provides an improved locking arrangement in terms of ease of operation. In one particular embodiment, the locking arrangement is configured for one- handed operation. In other words, it should be readily possible for a user to release the locking engagement using one hand, preferably in a single movement and more preferably, requiring no more than a finger and thumb e.g. to squeeze or pinch two surfaces towards each other. Preferably, the lid portion can also be opened with the same single hand or two fingers. In an embodiment, the second locking element is actionable to disengage the first locking element to both unlock and open the lid portion with a single hand. It will be understood that simple, one-handed operation is important when the other hand may be otherwise occupied. In this sense, one handed operation means that the lid portion can be opened with one hand while the container is standing on a surface. It does not exclude that the other hand could be used to grasp the container portion if so desired.

[009] In an embodiment, the collar portion may be provided with a functional insert and the first locking element may comprise a detent formed on the functional insert. This allows efficient manufacture of the first locking element as it can be formed directly as part of the functional insert of the collar portion. This also allows to easily engage the collar portion and the lid portion because, when the lid portion is closed against the collar portion, the detent on the collar portion may engage with the collar portion keeping the lid portion in a closed position. The functional insert may allow additional functionalities to be introduced between the container portion and the lid portion. Various functionalities may be contemplated including but not limited to a scoop leveller, a scoop holder, a stiffening flange, an insect barrier, and a sealing surface. The functional insert is preferably also of card-based material and may comprise a plate having an aperture corresponding to the access opening. The functional insert may be connected to the collar portion at its periphery preferably in a folded seam.

[0010] The functional insert may comprise a planar element extending perpendicular to an axis of the container portion and having an aperture aligned with the access opening and the detent may comprise an edge of the aperture. This provides a very functional detent that is simple to produce as the detent can be manufactured with the functional insert as one-piece. Also the manufacturing process of the detent may save material as the detent can be formed by the edge surrounding the aperture. When closing the lid portion, part of the edge of the detent may engage with the second locking element on the lid portion thereby preventing unwanted opening of the lid portion. The edge of the detent may follow any suitable form that can provide a retaining function. For instance, the edge may follow a square, a rectangular or a triangular shape or any other suitable form or shape. [0011] The functional insert may be folded over to form an inclined surface located at a position to deflect the second locking element on closing the lid portion. This can help avoid that the detent deforms under the pressure of the lower part of the latch when the lid is pushed downwards to close the package. The detent may be provided with suitable rigidity by folding over a number of times, in particular to form a prismatic body having the mentioned inclined surface.. The rigidity of the detent will also depend I on the thickness of the material of the functional insert. This provides a very reliable locking arrangement which is easy to manufacture. When closing the lid portion, the second locking element will enter into contact with the stable inclined part which is rigid enough to deflect the second locking element until it snaps into engagement therewith. The functional insert may be folded over three times to form the first locking element or any suitable number of times that provides the necessary characteristics to the inclined part to deflect the second locking element without suffering deformations that would impede free movement of the second locking element.

[0012] Depending on the chosen construction for the locking arrangement, either or both of the locking elements may be movable to engage and/or disengage the other locking element. In one preferred embodiment, the first locking element may comprise a generally fixed detent and the second locking element may comprise a movable latch, to be actuated by a user. This provides an efficient and compact locking arrangement, in particular, since the first locking element may be located completely inside the package where it is not exposed to contact or damage. [0013] In an embodiment, the latch may be pivotally mounted to the lid portion. In this way, the latch can be easily actuated by the user. By pushing the upper part radially outwards when the first locking part and the second locking part are engaged, the lower part moves radially inwards such that the slit releases the detent allowing the lid portion to be opened.

[0014] The latch may comprise an upper part extending upwardly from an upper surface of the lid portion and a lower part extending downwardly from a lower surface of the lid portion. The lower part may have a slit into which the detent can insert to prevent the lid portion from being opened by pulling the lid portion upwards. This provides an efficient locking arrangement that can be easily closed and opened even with one hand. When the latch is engaged with the detent, the upper part of the latch can be actuated by a user by pushing it radially outwards such that the lower part moves radially inwards until the slit releases the detent thereby allowing the lid to be opened by lifting it upwards. When the latch and the detent are not engaged, a user can close the package by pushing downwards on the lid portion whereby the inclined surface of the detent will deflect the lower part of the latch and cause the detent to snap into the slit of the latch.

[0015] The lid portion may have any suitable construction that allows it to suitably engage with and close against the collar portion. In one preferred embodiment, it comprises a lid surrounded by a frame and the latch may extend through a slot in the lid and be spaced radially inwards from the frame. The portion of the locking arrangement that is actuated by the user, i.e. the upper part of the latch is located on the lid, which is surrounded by the frame and within the overall outer contour of the container. It is thus less exposed to accidental contact. When packages are stacked together, it can also be protected beneath an upper container. The latch can be easily actuated by the user with a pinching or squeezing action between the latch and the frame, facilitating the mentioned one- hand operation.

[0016] The second locking element may further comprise a latch cover enclosing the upper part of the latch and connected to the lid on either side of the slot. The latch cover may function as a spring to obtain the force needed to lock or unlock the locking system. This may provide the further advantage of providing an audible feedback to the user when closing the package such that the use is assured that the package has been correctly closed.

[0017] The latch may be resiliently mounted such that, on pushing the lid portion downwards to close the package, a lower part of the latch can slide along an inclined part of the detent until the latch passes the detent and snaps into engagement therewith.

[0018] The first locking element and the second locking element may be arranged to engage together to prevent opening of the lid portion by vertical forces of less than 5 N. Preferably, the lid portion cannot be opened without disengagement of the locking elements and vertical forces of more than 10 N or preferably more than 15 N would be required to exceed the strength of the locking arrangement. This is a suitable force to prevent the lid from being easily opened by simple pulling upwards. [0019] The lid portion may further comprise a gasket arranged to form a resilient seal with the collar portion and the latch may be arranged to bias the gasket against the collar portion. Such a gasket is advantageous in that it can help to maintain a hermetic seal between the lid portion and the collar portion. In this context, hermetic may denote the fact that there is no measurable gap allowing free circulation of air and humidity. This can greatly assist in keeping the contents viable once the package has been initially opened. At the very least, the resilient seal may help ensure that the closure achieves the above-mentioned maximum gaps. Most preferably, it is insect tight. Insect tight in this sense is intended to mean that no gap of greater than 70 microns is present. [0020] A further advantage of the gasket is that it can serve to maintain a force on the locking arrangement between the first and second locking elements. Closing the lid portion can require a user to apply a force to compress the resilient gasket sufficiently for the first and second locking elements to engage. Once engaged, the gasket maintains the force, which assists in keeping the first and second locking elements in firm engagement. In an embodiment, the locking arrangement retains the gasket under a compressive force of at least 0.5 N.

[0021] The container portion may be any conventional card-based container. In one embodiment, it comprises a tube of a constant first outer cross-section. This may be formed by rolling a conventional card laminate and closing it at a longitudinal seam. In certain circumstances, it is desirable that the tube has a very slight taper e.g. of 1 degree to facilitate manufacture and processing, The container portion may comprise a base, with a downwardly extending rim having the first outer cross-section and the lid portion may have a second outer cross-section that may be greater than the first outer cross-section, such that the base of a first container can stack on the lid of a second container. The second locking element may be located on the lid at a position that lies within the downwardly extending rim. In this way, packages may be piled one overthe others without the locking arrangement interfering. In the stacked configuration, neither locking element is visible and the second locking element on the lid of a lower container, is protected beneath the base of an upper container.

[0022] The lid portion and the collar portion will generally be separate items of manufacture. It will nevertheless be understood that they can be formed in one piece with an integrally formed hinge. It may also be contemplated that more than one locking arrangement is provided e.g. at opposite locations on the periphery of the lid portion. Most preferably, the package comprises a hinge between the lid portion and the collar portion at a position opposite to the location of the locking arrangement. In an embodiment, the hinge is provided by an adhesively attached strip of material such as a paper label, preferably in the form of a banderol tamper evident strip, which can be partially removed to allow first opening of the package. The banderol strip may have a width corresponding to the height of the collar portion e.g. between 25 mm and 40 mm or around 35 mm. [0023] In the context of the present invention, ‘formed of card-based material’ is intended to denote that the respective component is predominantly of card and can be disposed of in the paper and card waste streams. It will be understood that the precise requirement in terms of cellulose or paper content may vary from country to country and will be detailed further below. Furthermore, card-based may be understood to distinguish over components that are predominantly of plastic or metal, such as conventional latches and hinges.

[0024] The package as described may comprise elements that are not completely made of card and the term card-based material merely denotes a predominance of card. In particular, there may be barrier layers and connections or joints that use other materials, not excluding metals or polymers. In the present context, card-based material denotes a material formed from a cellulose based pulp, which may further include one or more layers of non cellulose materials, such as barrier layers, sealing layers, adhesive layers and decorative layers. It may comprise any suitable card or paper construction in a single or multiple layers, including reinforced, corrugated, honeycomb, moulded and foamed constructions. The card-based materials may also have inclusions such as fillers, pigments, inks, and the like. It is well recognised that different definitions and requirements may be applied for the manufacturing and disposal of paper and card and, where reference is made below to percentages of paper, these include all of the paper constituents, including cellulose fibers, mineral filler, bound water, paper additives, size, bulk pigment and latex binders. The percentages of non-paper will apply to all other layers not usually considered to be paper, including print, varnish and non-water-soluble adhesive layers and the barrier layers as mentioned elsewhere.

[0025] In an embodiment, the card-based material consists of at least 85 wt% paper or at least 90 wt% paper, preferably at least 95 wt% paper and more preferably at least 98 wt% paper or even at least 99 wt% of paper. The precise amount may also be adapted according to local regulations concerning recycling.

[0026] It will be understood that the above values for paper content may apply to each of the individual components separately and that the card-based material of the collar portion may have a different paper content to that of the container portion and/or the lid portion. In an embodiment, the package taken as a whole in its used state may have an overall paper content of at least 85 wt% paper or at least 90 wt% paper, preferably at least 95 wt% paper and more preferably at least 98 wt% paper or even at least 99 wt% of paper.

[0027] The inner surfaces of the package may have a food compatible surface otherwise referred to as an inner hygienic layer. This should apply to all of the surfaces that normally enter into contact with the contents. It will be understood that the sidewall and base of the container portion are particularly important in maintaining the sterility and condition of the product during storage. Nevertheless, once opened and during use of the package, other portions of the package will come into contact with the contents. In particular, when scooping out powdered infant nutrition, some powder will inevitably fall onto portions of the collar portion and can fall back into the interior space. Furthermore, if the package is accidentally inverted or tipped, powder may make contact with the lid portion. All such surfaces should be free from crevices and fibres that can catch and retain powder. For this reason, uncoated card material is less preferred, and the relevant internal surfaces may be coated with a food compatible layer such as a polymer coating or the like. The thickness of the polymer coating should be the minimum required to achieve food compatibility without jeopardising the ability to dispose of the package in the paper recycling stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a package comprising a locking arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the package comprising the locking arrangement of Figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view through the collar portion of Figure 2 on the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0032] Figure 3B shows a top view of the collar portion of Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 3C show a top view of the collar portion of Figure 2 with a functional insert according to an alternative configuration.

[0034] Figure 4A shows an exploded view of the lid portion of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4B shows a cross-section through the lid portion comprising the locking arrangement on the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0036] Figure 5A shows a partial cross-section through the package of Figure 1 on the sagittal plane X-Z.

[0037] Figure 5B shows an augmented view of the locking arrangement shown in Figure 5A.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a perspective back view of the package with the locking arrangement of

Figure 1 with the lid portion partially open.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the package with the locking arrangement of Figure 1 stacked with another package.

[0040] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the latch 71.

[0041 ] Figure 8B shows a perspective view of the latch cover 76.

[0042] Figure 8C shows a plan view of the lid portion.

[0043] Figure 8D shows a front view of the lid portion.

[0044] Figure 9 shows a sectional exploded view of the locking arrangement of the package of Figure 1 .

[0045] Figure 10A shows a cross section through the lid and collar portions on the sagittal plane X-Z when the lid is closed.

[0046] Figure 10B shows a cross section through the lid and collar portions on the sagittal plane X-Z when the lid is being opened.

[0047] Figure 10C shows a cross section through the lid and collar portions on the sagittal plane X-Z when the lid is being closed. [0048] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a card-based package 10 for powdered infant nutrition according to the present invention, comprising a container portion 20 and a closure 100 wherein the closure 100 comprises a collar portion 30 connected to the container portion 20, a lid portion 40 pivotably connected to the collar portion 30 and a locking arrangement 110 arranged to selectively engage the lid portion 40 to the collar portion 30. The locking arrangement 110 comprises a first locking element (not shown in Figure 1) arranged on the collar portion 30 and a second locking element 71 arranged on the lid portion 40. The first locking element and the second locking element 71 are arranged to engage together to prevent the lid portion 40 from being opened. The second locking elements 71 is actionable by a user to disengage the first locking element and unlock the lid portion 40 such that an interior space (not shown in Figure 1) of the package is accessible. Figures 8A-C show further details of the locking arrangement in use. The package 10 further comprises a banderol 50 surrounding the collar portion 30 and part of the lid portion 40, which is present prior to first use to guarantee sealing during storage and transportation. The further function of the banderol will be explained below. The container portion 20 comprises card-based material. The lid portion 40 and the collar portion 30 also comprise card based material. Finally, the locking arrangement 110 also comprises card-based material.

[0051] Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the card-based package 10 with the locking arrangement 110 of Figure 1 illustrating the arrangement of the individual portions. The package 10 has a longitudinal axis X-X, by which may be defined a transverse plane X-Y and a sagittal plane X-Z. In the following, reference to upper, lower, top, bottom etc. is given with respect to the package 10 in its upright condition, with the axis X-X arranged vertically.

[0052] The container portion 20 comprises a container 21 with a tubular body, having a base 22 and a sidewall 23 extending upwards to an upper peripheral edge 24 to define the interior space S for receiving the powdered infant nutrition. The upper peripheral edge 24 comprises a circumferential flange 25 extending outwards from the container 21 , to receive a removable seal 26. The removable seal 26 hermetically seals the container prior to use and may be removed partially or completely by the user to have access to the interior space S.

[0053] The collar portion 30 comprises, at the bottom, a connection segment 31 ; and at the top, an upper peripheral closure rim 32 defining an access opening O to the interior space S of the package 10. The collar portion 30 has a height of around 35 mm in the illustrated embodiment but it will be understood that this may be adapted according to requirements. The height of the collar portion 30 defines an additional inner space above the container 21 that allows for the presence of additional optional elements inside the package 10, for example, an informational leaflet and/or scoop.

[0054] In the package presented in Figure 2, the collar portion 30 includes a functional insert 33 wherein the first locking element in the form of a detent 72 is arranged. The functional insert 33 further comprises scoop levellers 34. Figures 3A and 3B, described below, show two examples of the functional insert 33 comprising the detent 72 and configured with different functionalities.

[0055] The banderol 50 is a narrow band of paper material of under 10 gsm, having a height of around 35 mm corresponding to that of the collar portion 30. In this view it can be seen to further comprise two circumferential lines of weakness 52 that define a removable strip 51. When the package is to be used for a first time, the strip 51 can be removed to allow the lid portion 40 to be open. The strip 51 may have a contrasting colour, to that of the underlying collar portion 30, that functions as tamper evidence and includes grasping tabs 54, that facilitate its removal.

[0056] As said, the lid portion 40 provides the closure to the package 10 and includes the first locking element 71 in the form of a latch 71 . The latch 71 and the detent 72 are arranged to engage together to prevent the lid portion 40 from being opened by pushing the lid portion 40 upwards. The latch 71 is movable and pivotally mounted on the lid portion 40 to be actuated by a userto disengage the detent 72 and unlock the lid portion 40. Further details on the construction of the lid portion 40 and the latch 71 are described below with reference to Figures 4 and 8A-8D. Further details on the construction of the collar portion and the detent 72 are provided with reference to Figures 3A-3C. Figure 9 provide further details about how the latch 71 and the detent 72 are mounted respectively on the lid portion 40 and the collar portion 30. Figures 10A-10C provide details of the latch 71 and the detent 72 in use.

[0057] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view through the collar portion of Figure 2 on the sagittal plane X-Z. The collar portion 30 is formed of spiral-wound card material of around 540 gsm. The functional insert 33 comprises a die-cut planar element of card-based material extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container portion and having an aperture aligned with the package access opening. The detent 72 comprises an edge 300 of the aperture. The planar element is connected to the collar portion 30 by a folded seam that forms the upper peripheral closure rim 32. As can be seen in this view, the upper peripheral closure rim 32 has a slightly smaller outer cross-section that the rest of the collar portion 30. A groove 35 is formed between two corrugations of the cardboard material, the function of which will be explained further below. The groove 35 and corrugations extend circumferentially completely around the connection segment 31 of the collar portion 30. The detent 72 is formed by a portion of the functional insert 33 folded upwards out of the plane of the functional insert 33 into a triangular or prismatic form. The functional insert 33 is also folded over at the position of the scoop levellers 34. The functional insert 33 shown in Figure 3A is folded over three times to form a stable, inclined part 302. The surface 33 of the detent 72 is located at a position to deflect the latch 71 on closing the lid portion 40. [0058] Figure 3B and Figure 3C show top views of the collar portion 30 of Figure 2 with two possible configurations of the functional insert 33. In the configuration of Figure 3B, the functional insert 33 comprises two scoop levellers 34 extending inwards at two corners of the functional insert 33 at either side of the detent 72. In the case of the configuration shown in Figure 3C, the functional insert 33 is provided with scoop levellers 34 and a scoop holder 61 to receive a scoop 60.

[0059] The detent 72 shown in Figures 3A-C is arranged such that, when closing or opening the lip portion 40, the detent 72 will remain at a generally fixed position while the latch 71 will move in order to lock or unlock the lid portion. It will nevertheless be understood that certain flexing of the detent 72 will also occur.

[0060] Figure 4A shows an exploded view of the lid portion 40 of the package of Figure 2. The lid portion 40 comprises a frame 42 and a lid 41 . The frame 42 is made of spiral wound card of a similar quality to that of the collar portion. These components can thus have a smooth and even surface, which provides for minimal spacing between adjacent cardboard layers. Moreover, given the nature of the spiral wound cardboard, the package internal surfaces can be generally free from crevices and fibres, which facilitates and minimizes the need for lamination or coating with foodcompatible polymers known in the art, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, (water dispersible) ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), water dispersible polyamide (PA), starch, starch derivatives, and combinations of two or more thereof

[0061] The lid 41 is formed as a die-cut plate of card-based material and is bowed upwards in the central region 47. A supplementary plate 45 is provided at an underside of the lid portion 40 and has the same general shape as the lid 41 , also being bowed upwards. The supplementary plate 45 has different functions. In this example, the supplementary plate 45 reinforces the lid 41 providing the lid portion 40 with a more durable and solid construction. Furthermore, the supplementary plate 45 is configured to include scoop holder 61 to have easy access to a scoop after opening the lid portion 40. In the closed position of the lid 41 , a resilient edge 48 of the supplementary plate 45 has the function of a gasket to improve the closure of the lid portion 40. The gasket is arranged to form a resilient seal with the collar portion 40. The latch 71 is arranged to bias the gasket against the collar portion 40. Further details of the gasket function are described below with reference to Figures 4B and 5A-5B. The latch 71 is pivotally mounted on the lid portion 40 and is movable such that it can be actuated by a user. The latch 71 comprises an upper part 73. The upper part 73 extends upwardly from an upper surface of the lid portion 40. The latch 71 further comprises a lower part 74. The lower part 74 of the latch 71 extends downwardly from a lower surface of the lid portion 40. The lower part 74 of the latch 71 comprises a slit 75. The detent 72 shown in Figures 3A-C can insert into the slit 75 to prevent the lid portion 40 from being opened by pulling the lid portion 40 upwards. As said, the latch 71 is pivotally mounted to the lid portion and actionable by a user. In this way by pushing the upper part 73 radially outwards when the latch 71 and the detent 72 are engaged, the lower part 74 moves radially inwards such that the slit 75 releases the detent 72 allowing the lid portion 40 to be opened. The latch 71 is resiliently mounted such that, on pushing the lid portion 40 downwards to close the package, the lower part 74 of the latch 71 slides along the inclined part of the detent 72 until the latch 71 passes the detent 72 and snaps into engagement. As said, figures 10A-10C provide further details about the functioning of the latch 71 and the detent 72.

[0062] The lid 41 comprises a slot 410 and the gasket comprises a slot 420. The latch 71 extends through the slot 410 in the lid 41 and is spaced radially inwards from the frame. The latch 71 also extends through the slot 420 in the gasket. The lower part 74 of the latch 71 is narrower than the length of the slot 410 in the lid 41. The slot 420 in the gasket is bigger than the slot 410 in the gasket. In this way, the lower part 74 can pass through both slots 410 and 420 and still have enough space to be able to move radially inwards to release the detent 72 and allow the lid portion 40 to be opened, and to slide on the inclined part of the detent 72 to pass the detent 72 and snap into engagement therewith when closing the package 10. The upper part 73 of the latch 71 is wider than the length of the slot 410 in the lid 41 such that exceeds both ends of said slot 410 in the lid 41 partially overlapping with an upper surface of the lid 41. The latch comprises further a latch cover 76 enclosing the upper part 73 of the latch 71 and connected to the lid 41 on either side of the slot 410. The latch cover 76 comprises a recess wherein the upper part 73 is inserted. The latch cover 76 is adhesively connected to the upper part 73 to retain it to the lid 41 . Furthermore, the latch cover is resiliently mounted on the lid 41 . A user may actuated the latch by grabbing and moving the latch cover 76 radially outwards when the latch 71 and the detent 72 are engaged such that the lower part 74 moves radially inwards until the slit 75 of the latch 71 releases the detent 72 thereby allowing the lid portion 40 to be opened. The latch cover 76 will be further described in relation to Figure 8B. [0063] Figure 4B shows a cross-section through the lid portion on the sagittal plane X-Z. The frame 42 is connected to the lid 41 by a folded seam, which forms an upwardly extending stacking rim 44 at the top of the lid portion. The frame 42 also extends downwards to a closure skirt 43 having a larger cross-section than the stacking rim 44. In this view, it can be seen that the upwardly bowed central region 47 forms a cavity C with a height h corresponding to a height of the frame 42. The cavity C created beneath the lid 41 provides additional space for storing elements such as a scoop or the like.

[0064] The central region 47 of the lid 41 is in direct contact with and adhesively connected to the supplementary plate 45. The resilient edge 48 of the supplementary plate 45 is bowed downwards and floating with respect to the edge of the lid 41 . This configuration allows the resilient edge 48 to flex. On a region of the lid portion 40, between the stacking rim 44 and the cavity C, the latch 71 is pivotally mounted through the lid 41 and supplementary plate 45. The upper part 73 of the latch 71 extends upwardly from the lid 41 , while the lower part 74 has the slit 75 and extends downwards under the supplementary plate 45. As said, the latch cover 76 is adhesively connected to the upper part 73 to retain it to the lid 41 . [0065] Figure 5A shows a partial cross-section through the package of Figure 1 on the sagittal plane X-Z and Figure 5B shows an augmented view of the locking arrangement shown in Figure 5A.. .

[0066] The container 21 of the container portion 20 is made by a cardboard sheet shaped as a tube with constant outer cross-section. At the bottom, the base 22 and the sidewall 23 of the container 21 are joined together by a folded seam which closes the lowest part of the container 21 and forms a base rim 27 extending downwardly and having the same outer cross-section as the container 21 . At the top of the container portion 20, the sidewall 23 is rolled over outwardly from the upper peripheral edge 24 of the container 21 to form the circumferential flange 25. The seal 26 is placed on almost the entire surface defined by the circumferential flange 25, which ensures appropriate hermetic sealing of the container 21 prior to use.

[0067] The collar portion 30 is connected to the container portion 20 by a snap-fit joint formed between the circumferential flange 25 and the circumferentially extending groove 35. Additionally, the joint between the collar portion 30 and the container portion 20 may be glued together to ensure proper permanent sealing.

[0068] In the closed position of the lid portion 40, as shown in Figures 5A-B, the closure skirt 43 covers the outer radial surface of the upper peripheral closure rim 32, forming a joint between the lid portion 40 and the collar portion 30. The folded seams of the closure skirt 43 and the upper peripheral closure rim 32 ensure that these elements are relatively rigid and can form a tight interference fit. Importantly, high manufacturing tolerances can be achieved ensuring that any gaps are smaller than 70 microns, ensuring adequate insect-tightness. The closure is further improved by the supplementary plate 45. The resilient edge 48 acts as a gasket, flexing into engagement with the upper peripheral closure rim 32.

[0069] Figure 5A also shows a scoop 60 stored in the additional inner space formed above the seal 26 by the collar portion 30 and the lid portion 40 and held by the scoop holder 61 in supplementary plate 45. The banderol 50 extends circumferentially over the outer surface of the collar portion 30 and the closure skirt 43 of the lid portion 40.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5B, the detent 72 has been formed by folding a portion of the functional insert 33 upwards out of the plane of the functional insert 33 into a triangular or prismatic form. In this way, the functional insert 33 forms a stable, inclined part 302 located at a position to deflect the latch 71 on closing the lid portion 40. As the lid is closed, the latch 71 slides along the inclined part 302 of the detent 72 until the latch 71 passes the detent 72 and snaps into engagement when the detent 72 inserts into the slit 75 of the latch 71. In this position, the lid portion 40 is locked and prevented from being opened by pulling the lid portion 40 upwards.

[0071] In the locked position of the lid portion 40, as shown in Figure 5B, the detent 72 resides in the slit 75 of the latch 71 , effectively retaining the lid portion 40. To unlock the lid portion 40, the upper part 73 of the latch 71 is moved radially outwards. This may be achieved by pinching the upper part 73 and the stacking rim 44 together. The latch 73 acts as a lever arm such that the slit 75 releases the detent 72. A pulling movement upwards on the lid portion 40 allows a user to open the package 10. This will be explained with further detail in relation to Figures 10A-10C.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a perspective back view of the package of Figure 1 with the lid portion 40 partially open after the removal of strip 51 . Removing the strip 51 from the banderol 50 releases the joint between the lid portion 30 and the lid portion 40 except for a narrow strip at the rear of the package, which forms a hinge 53. The hinge 53 secures the lid portion 40 to the collar portion 30 at a position diametrically opposite to the latch 71 .

[0073] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the package of Figure 1 stacked with another package. The stacking rim 44 of the first package 10 fits radially outside the base rim 27’ of the second package 10’, while the base 22’ of the second package 10’ rests on the top the lid portion 40 of the first package. It can also be seen that there is adequate space for the latch 71 to fit radially inwards of the base rim 27’, while the upwardly bowed central region 47 of the lid 41 fits beneath the base 22’. This requires that the base rim 27’ also extends downwards a distance greater than h below the base 22’.

[0074] Figure 8A shows the latch 71 . The latch 71 comprises a T-shaped form wherein an upper portion of the T-shape corresponds to the upper part 73 of the latch 71 and a lower portion of the T-shape corresponds to the lower part 74 of the latch 71 . The lower part 74 of the latch 71 comprises the slit 75. The dimensions of the slit 75 of the latch 71 are such in relation to the detent 72, that, when pushing the lid portion 41 downwards to close the package 10 when the detent 72 and the latch 71 are not engaged, the detent 72 can insert into the slit 75 to prevent the lid portion from being opened by pulling the lid portion 40 upwards. The dimensions of the slit 75 of the latch 71 should also allow that, by pushing the upper part 73 radially outwards when the detent 72 and the latch 71 are engaged, the lower part 74 moves radially inwards such that the slit 75 can release the detent 72 allowing the lid portion 40 to be opened.

[0075] Figure 8B shows the latch cover 76. The latch cover 76 comprises a U-shaped middle portion 810 defining a recess 816. The latch cover 76 further comprises a first lateral portion 812 extending from an end of one of the legs of the U-shape and substantially perpendicular to said leg. The latch cover 76 also comprises a second lateral portion 814 extending from an end of the other one of the legs of the U-shape and substantially perpendicularto said other leg. The first and second lateral portions extend substantially in the same plane. The dimensions of the recess 816 are such relative to the dimensions of the latch 71 that the upper part 73 can slide within the recess 816 such that the latch cover 76 encloses the upper part 73 of the latch 71. As said, the latch cover 76 encloses the upper part 73 of the latch and connects to the lid 41 on either side of the slot 410 of the lid 41 respectively via the first lateral portion 812 and the second lateral portion 814. The latch cover 76 may be adhesively connected to the upper part 73 to retain it to the lid 41 . The first lateral portion 812 and the second lateral portion 814 are adhesively connected to the lid 41 to retain the latch cover 76 to the lid 41 . The latch cover is resiliently mounted on the lid 41 . A user may actuate the latch by grasping and moving the U-shaped middle portion 810 radially outwards when the latch 71 and the detent 72 are engaged such that the lower part 74 moves radially inwards until the slit 75 of the latch 71 releases the detent 72 thereby allowing the lid portion 40 to be opened. The latch cover 76 may be formed from a piece of card-based material which is then folded to form the U- shaped middle portion 810. The latch cover 76 may alternatively be manufactured in any other suitable way.

[0076] Figure 8C shows a plan view of the lid portion with the latch 71 and the latch cover 76 mounted thereon. The latch cover 76 encloses the upper part 73 of the latch 71 and is connected to the lid 41 on either side of the slot 410 of the lid 41 .

[0077] Figure 8D shows a front view of the lid portion shown in Figure 8C. As explained, the lower part 74 of the latch 71 extends downwardly from a lower surface of the lid portion 40.

[0078] Figure 9 shows a sectional exploded view of the locking arrangement of the package of Figure 1. The latch 71 is arranged to be pivotally mounted on the lid portion 40 in order to be actuated by a user. The movable latch 71 comprises the upper part 73 and the lower part 74. The lower part 74 comprises the slit 75. The lower part 74 extends downwardly from a lower surface of the lid portion 40. The upper part 73 extends upwardly from an upper surface of the lid portion 40. In this way, when the latch 71 is mounted to the lid portion 40, the lower part 74 inserts through the slot 410 of the lid 41 and through the slot 420 of the gasket. As said, the latch 71 is pivotally mounted to the lid portion 41 . In this way, by pushing the upper part 73 of the latch 71 radially outwards when the latch 71 and the detent 72 are engaged, the lower part 74 of the latch 71 moves radially inwards such that the slit 75 releases the detent 72 allowing the lid portion 40 to be opened. The latch 71 is spaced radially inwards from the frame. The latch cover 76 is adhesively connected to the upper part 73 to retain it to the lid 41 .The detent 72 has been formed on the functional insert 33 by folding the functional insert 33 three times such that a stable inclined surface is formed and the detent 72 comprises the shape of a rectangular triangle. The stable inclined surface of the detent 72 is located at a position such that it is able to deflect the latch 71 on closing the lid portion 40. The inclined surface is stable enough such that the lower part 74 of the latch 71 can slide along said surface until the latch 71 passes the detent 72 to allow the detent to snap into the slit 75 of the latch 71 . In this way, the latch 71 and the detent 72 engage with each other and prevent the lid 41 from being opened. Figures 10A-10C provide further details about the functioning ofthe latch 71 and the detent 72.

[0079] Figure 10A shows a cross section through the lid and collar portions on the sagittal plane X-Z when the lid is closed. The detent 72 is inserted into the slit 75 of the latch 71 such that the lid 41 cannot be opened by pulling the lid portion 40 upwards.

[0080] Figure 10B shows a cross section through the lid and collar portions 40, 30 on the sagittal plane X-Z when the lid 41 is opened by pushing the upper part 73 radially outwards in the direction of the arrow P when the latch 71 and the detent 72 are engaged. A user that wishes to access the inside of the package pushes the upper part 73 of the latch 71 radially outwards in a direction P. For that, a user may place a finger or thumb on the stacking rim 44 and another finger on the latch cover 76 and squeeze the latch cover 76 against the 44 such that the latch cover 76 moves in the direction P. As the latch cover 76 is connected to the upper part 73 of the latch 71 , this causes the upper part 73 of the latch 71 to move in the direction P and therefore the lower part 74 moves radially inwards in a direction opposite to the direction P. This movement of the lower part 74 of the latch 71 causes the detent 72 to be released from the slit 75 such that the lid portion 40 is free to be opened by pulling it upwards.

[0081] Figure 10C shows a cross section through the lid and collar portions 40, 30 on the sagittal plane X-Z when the lid 41 is being closed. A user may push the lid portion 40 downwards such that the lower part 74 of the latch 71 enters into contact with the inclined part 302 of the detent 72. As said, the inclined part 302 is stable enough to deflect the lower part 74 of the latch 71 until the detent

72 snaps into the slit 75 of the latch 71 to reach the position shown in Figure 10A wherein the detent 72 and the latch 71 are engaged, preventing the lid portion 40 from being opened.

[0082] The invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above.

It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art. In particular, both the locking arrangement and the scoop holder may be distinct from the schematically illustrated design. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.