GB2626381A

GB2626381A - Closure mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2626381A
Application number: GB2300962.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nowell Rowan
Original assignee: James Cropper 3d Products Ltd
Current assignee: James Cropper 3d Products Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-23
Filing date: 2023-01-23
Publication date: 2024-07-24
Also published as: WO2024156979A1; GB202300962D0

Abstract

This application relates to a closure mechanism suitable for use on product packaging, the closure mechanism comprising at least one lock, at least one keeper, at least one abutment associated with the at least one lock and at least one receiving surface associated with the at least one keeper. The at least one abutment is arranged to contact the receiving surface when the closure mechanism is in a closed position thereby arresting movement of the at least one lock relative to the at least one keeper in a first direction. The at least one lock comprises at least one leaflet, and the at least one keeper comprises at least one resilient ridge. As the closure mechanism is operated from an open position to the closed position the at least one leaflet is urged past the at least one resilient ridge and into a locking fit with the at least one keeper thereby arresting movement of the at least one lock relative to the at least one keeper in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Description

Closure Mechanism [0001] This invention relates to a closure mechanism suitable for use on product packaging as well as packaging comprising the closure mechanism.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Packaging of products and produce is a large industry and one increasingly under the spotlight with regards to sustainability, recyclability, and other environmental issues.

[0003] Great efforts are being made to move to novel sustainable materials which biodegrade predictably and can be produced with a minimal carbon footprint compared to materials used in most current packaging, in particular plastics.

[0004] The use of novel materials throws up numerous problems as traditional solutions which would work with a known common material fail to work with the new alternative material. This is due to innate differences in material properties and manufacturing methods.

[0005] Furthermore, it is desirable to minimize the use of different kinds of material in a single packaging in order to make recycling of that material straightforward. Certain packaging is known for being particularly problematic as containing metal, carboard, and plastic in a single product wrapping. Each of these materials must be separated, doing so is energy intensive and simply difficult to achieve.

[0006] Unfortunately, switching from multiple materials to a single material presents its own problems in mechanisms and features. Closure mechanisms, for example, that would previously operate when fashioned out of metal or plastic, may no longer function when fashioned out of a novel sustainable material.

[0007] This can be further complicated where packaging is intended for use in the luxury market. The novel sustainable material must function to a consistent and very high standard which complicates the design process, hindering straight forward swapping of one material for another.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a closure mechanism suitable for use on product packaging, the closure mechanism comprising: at least one lock, at least one keeper, at least one abutment associated with the at least one lock and at least one receiving surface associated with the at least one keeper, wherein the at least one abutment is arranged to contact the receiving surface when the closure mechanism is in a closed position thereby arresting movement of the at least one lock relative to the at least one keeper in a first direction, wherein the at least one lock comprises at least one leaflet, and the at least one keeper comprises at least one resilient ridge, wherein as the closure mechanism is operated from an open position to the closed position the at least one leaflet is urged past the at least one resilient ridge and into a locking fit with the at least one keeper thereby arresting movement of the at least one lock relative to the at least one keeper in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. Advantageously the abutment and the locking fit of the leaflet and resilient ridge act in unison to prevent movement of one side of the closure relative to another. This ensures that the packaging, whether empty or provided with contents, holds a firm form and the shape resists collapsing. The closure mechanism is also therefore resistant against springing open. A conscious effort is required on the part of a user to operate the closure mechanism and thereby open a packaging comprising the closure mechanism.

[0009] Suitably, the closure mechanism further comprises separately or in combination: a plurality of ridges; a plurality of abutments, a plurality of locks; plurality of leaflets. While a minimum of one abutment, one ridge, one lock, and one leaflet are required as a minimum for the closure mechanism to function, a successful closure mechanism may be devised in other ways comprising variations of the number of aforesaid features. It is conceivable to have one lock provided with multiple leaflets for example, or one leaflet interacting with a plurality of ridges. The closure mechanism may therefore be tailors to suit the contours of a given packaging to accommodate a spectrum of different kinds of products. Indeed, multiple closure mechanisms may be used on a given packaging too.

[0010] Preferably, the closure mechanism has at least four points of contact between mating parts when in the closed position. These are contact between two abutments and corresponding receiving surfaces (forming two points of contact) and a leaflet or leaflets contacting two resilient ridges (forming two further points of contact). Utilizing four discrete points of contact provides a secure closing mechanism resistant to accidental opening.

[0011] Advantageously, when the at least one leaflet is urged past the at least one resilient ridge, the at least one leaflet falls into at least one notch of the at least one keeper. Accordingly, the leaflet maybe a "snap fit" with the ridge and notch. The notch provides a well from which the leaflet requires a conscious effort from a user to be removed from thereby further securing the closure mechanism from unintentional operation.

[0012] Optionally, the at least one notch has a notch depth corresponding to a thickness of the at least one leaflet. Using a depth at least corresponding to the thickness of the leaflet ensures a tight fit of the leaflet within the notch. A smaller depth would hinder adequate location of the leaflet in the notch while a depth greater that the leaflet thickness would result in slack movement within the closure mechanism, potentially facilitating accidental or unintentional opening of the closure mechanism.

[0013] Suitably, the lock comprises a hinge, the hinge attaching the lock to the closure mechanism, and optionally wherein the hinge rotates up to 180 degrees about the closure mechanism, and preferably by at least 90 degrees. Use of a hinge allows the lock to move away (be rotated out of the same plane as) from the closing mechanism and the keeper. This allows the lock to be positioned remote and out of the way. As the lock protrudes from the closing mechanism failure to incorporate a hinge may lead to the lock hindering operation of the packaging. Suitably the hinge may be resilient and result in the lock springing to a default position remote from the keeper.

[0014] Preferably, the lock further comprises topological features to provide additional rigidity to the lock. Where the lock is made from a sheet material such material may not intrinsically possess the required rigidity to ensure a locking fit with the keeper. The required rigidity may be provided at a macroscopic level by providing a topological structure to the lock via, for example, embossing or other additive or subtractive manufacturing process. Suitable topological features that can add rigidity to sheet materials include rims, ribs, and borders, although any suitable topology may be used provided rigidity is improved.

[0015] Advantageously, the lock is substantially cardioid, butterfly, trapezoidal, triangular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, pentagonal, or other polygonal, or oval in shape. The use of such shapes is beneficial when the keeper comprises multiple resilient ridges. These shapes comprise sections of greater and lesser widths, as such any shape comprising sections of greater and lesser widths and fulfils the same function may be substituted. As the closure mechanism is closed, a portion of the lock having a lesser width may snap fit over a pair of resilient ridges, and as the closing mechanism relaxes into its new closed position an area of greater width of the lock may contact the resilient ridge or notch thereof resulting in a more stable locking configuration. That said other lock shapes may be used provided a secure fit with the keep may be achieved, for example, a doughnut shape could be employed as the lock, where the keeper fits within the aperture of the doughnut when the leaflet is pulled over the keeper. In this case the ridge of the keeper would be located wholly within the central aperture of the doughnut shaped lock.

[0016] Optionally, the closure mechanism is formed of molded fiber, optionally wherein the molded fiber is selected from one or more of: cellulose; wood cellulose; bagasse; bamboo; recycled fibers; wet laid non-woven fibers; non-cellulose fibers; cotton; hemp; abaca; carbon fibers. Indeed, any fiber that may be used in a wet laid paper making process. Such materials have excellent sustainability, well known degradation profiles, and are widely recycled. Forming the closure mechanism of these materials means the whole packaging may be formed of a single material which further eases recycling of the entire packaging (avoiding separation steps required in composite packaging comprising metal, cardboard, and plastic film for example).

[0017] Suitably, the closure mechanism is formed from sheet material, the sheet material having a thickness in the range 0.1mm to 2.5mm, preferably 0.6mm to 1.5mm, more preferably 0.8mm to 1.2mm, and most preferably 1mm. Use of sheet material in these ranges provides sufficient material properties for the closure to function and any associated packaging while also minimizing weight and material usage [0018] Preferably, the closure mechanism is reversibly operable from the closed position to the open position and optionally repeatably so. This means the closure mechanism can be repeatedly and reversibly operated between a closed position and open position without degradation of function. This means items comprising the closure mechanism are not single use items and may be used again after their initial function. Alternatively, the closure mechanism would be designed as a one-way or one-time closure mechanism which may act as a tamper seal (i.e. it makes it clear the closure mechanism has been operated) for example.

[0019] Further disclosed is packaging comprising a closure mechanism as described above. The closure mechanism may be incorporated as part of a packaging. Preferably the closure mechanism is incorporated integrally with the packaging forming a single part in order to minimum construction complexity, ensure a singly material is used, and therefore minimize complexity of recycling.

[0020] Preferably, the packaging comprises multiple valves wherein at least two valves of the multiple valves are provided with either at least one lock or at least one keeper, wherein a total number of locks on the packaging is equal to a total number of keepers on the packaging.

Accordingly, the packaging may be of a bivalve clam shell design with the at least one lock and at least one keeper located on first and second respective valves. Reference to bivalve molluscs is made here for ease of understanding, such as clams, oysters, scallops or muscles. The point is that such molluscs have a shell in two parts (i.e. two "valves", hence these molluscs are known as "bivalves") connected via a hinge. Arranging the packaging in this way allows each valve forming the packaging to be folded over, and thereby encasing a product. Packaging could be formed from a single valve, without a hinge, that snap fits around a product, although this is likely to be difficult where a wrap-around finish is required (i.e. the packaging covering top, base, and sides) and may be difficult to remove. It is also conceivable that more than two valves could be used with each valve comprising a lock or keeper arranged to cooperate with a further respective lock or keeper on the next valve. The packaging may be formed of multiple interlocking valves, non-limiting examples including a two part cylinder or two interlocking valves (via respective closure mechanisms) or a box where the lid may fully separate from the base and is held on to the base via two or more closure mechanisms arranged across the base and lid. Accordingly, it is envisioned that Multiple independent sections of packing which lock together with multiple separate locking mechanisms may be employed to form complex shapes and packaging arrangements, this is possible provided that where multiple valves are used each valve is provided with at least one lock or at least one keeper, and across all the valves used then number of locks is equal to the number of keepers. This is so all the valves used may connect to at least one other valve forming the packaging.

[0021] Optionally, a hinge is located between the first and second respective valves, and optionally wherein the hinge is a double hinge. A hinge allows the valves to rotate relative to one another and encase a product located therein. Where a double hinge is provided lozenges of material maybe provided at opposing edges of the hinge to provide an excess of material which can cover over any defects about the hinge section thereby ensuring complete coverage of the packaging about a product.

[0022] Suitably, the first and second respective valves at least partially overlap when in a closed position. Overlap of portions of the valves ensures complete product coverage when the packaging is applied to a product.

[0023] Advantageously, when the valves partially overlap valves, the lock may be arranged proud on a surface of the first valve and optionally is arranged proud by the distance corresponding to a thickness of the second valve. Arranging the lock proud of a valve surface ensures the overlap of the other valve does not interfere with operation of the lock with the ridge. Without arranging the lock proud the thickness of material provided by the keeper-side valve may cause the leaflet to unintentionally burst free of the resilient ridge of the keeper.

[0024] Preferably, when the packaging is empty and in a closed position, the packaging assumes a final shape corresponding to a shape required to accommodate a product for which the packaging is designed to hold. The packaging is rigid and capable of holding its form without a product being kept therein. In the luxury market this means that the packaging, if designed as a thing of beauty in its own right, may be re-used and kept afterwards as a functional item, rather than being useless without the product it once contained.

[0025] Optionally, the packaging is secondary packaging arranged around one or more primary packagings, including one or more bottles, tubes, pots, containers, such that the packaging may at least partially wrap around and protect a one or more packagings set therein. The closure mechanism ensures that the packaging is retained, and has a snug fit about, the one or more primary packagings.

[0026] Suitably, the packaging comprises a locating notch to interface with a product to be packaged. The use of a notch and corresponding feature of the product to receive the notch ensures that the product can only be inserted into the packaging in one orientation. This ensures the product is presented in a predictable manner within the packaging (e.g. having a product label always face towards the operator when the closure mechanism is operated).

[0027] Advantageously, the packaging comprises embossing, such embossing can provide a dual or separate purposes of adding structural integrity (similar to the topological features of the lock) and/or a decorative function.

[0028] Further disclosed is a bottle wrapped in packaging comprising a lock as described above.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] An embodiment of the invention is further described hereinafter, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a closure mechanism in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a closure mechanism in an open position; Figure 3 shows an internal view of a packaging comprising a closure mechanism; Figure 4 shows a bottom view of a closure mechanism in an open position; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a closure mechanism in a closed position; and Figure 6 shows a bottom view of a closure mechanism in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE

[0030] In Figure 1, there is a shown a product 900 located within product packaging 100, the product packaging 100 comprises a closure mechanism.

[0031] The product 900 shown in figure 1 is a bottle, such as a glass bottle suitable for containing sparkling wine or similar. However, it will be apparent that the product 900 need not be a bottle but could be any product 900 which requires an outer product packaging. The product packaging 100 shown in figure 1 is known a secondary packaging 100. It is the packaging that protects the primary packaging (i.e. the packaging that interfaces with and contains the product, consumable or otherwise). An example of this eco-system is wine or other fluid which is contained within a bottle (the primary packaging), the bottle is then further housed within a protective cover (the secondary packaging).

[0032] Secondary packaging 100 can serve a number of purposes, principally in protecting the primary packaging from scuffs, scratches, dust, and contamination by oils, grease, wax, and the like as well as ingress of other undesirable contaminants. The secondary packaging can also provide protection from variations in environmental conditions (e.g. thermal insulation or vibration protection), radiation protection from e.g. UV, infrared light or other radiation that may cause premature degradation of the product.

[0033] The secondary packaging 100 should possess a sympathetic fit with the primary packaging in order to provide successful protection to the primary packaging. Secondary packaging 100 which is too baggy about the primary packaging may provide insufficient protection, ingress of contaminants, or worse still allow the primary packaging to escape the secondar packaging altogether.

[0034] With the above in mind, the end user experience must also not be forgotten. When the product 900 eventually arrives at its final destination the secondary packaging 100 must not present a barrier to the end user opening and enjoying the product 900. As such the secondary packaging 100 should be straightforward for an end user to intentionally remove. Here "intentionally remove" is important as a conscious effort and determined steps by an end user should be carried out in order to successfully remove the secondary packaging. This is necessary as otherwise the secondary packaging 100 may be too easy to remove and the primary packaging may escape the secondary packaging 100 upon an unintentional or unconscious act of the end user who did not make determined steps to remove the secondary packaging.

[0035] The above determined steps are provided by the closure mechanism 101 and the design of the secondary packaging. The secondary packaging 100 takes the form of a clam shell in the figures, as above the form of molloscus, particularly bivalves including clams, is referred to for ease of understanding. Clams comprise a shell in two parts (two "valves", hence "bivalve") connected by a hinge. The same is true of the secondary packaging 100 in the figure. The first valve 102 and the second valve 103 can be clearly seen in figures 2, 3, and 4.

[0036] Two valves 102, 103 connected by a hinge 104 allow the secondary packaging 100 to easily enclose the majority of the primary packaging. As shown in the figured the two valves 102, 103 of the secondary packaging 100 are connected via a double hinge 104. To ensure the hinge 104 adequately covers the two valves 102, 103 where the three features intersect the hinge 104 is provided with oversize lozenges 105 at either end as a cover piece.

[0037] While figures 1 and 6 show part of the primary packaging exposed even when encased in the secondary packaging, it is possible for the secondary packaging 100 to entirely encase the primary packaging. Partial exposure of the primary packaging can be made for aesthetic reasons or to assist in easy identification of the primary packaging or product 900 therein.

[0038] Due to the bi-valve construction of the secondary packaging 100 a closure mechanism 101 is required to hold the two valves 102, 103 in a closed position about the primary packaging. Without a closure mechanism 101, unless the valves are resiliently biased towards a closed position, the secondary packaging 100 would readily transition between the open and closed positions or an indeterminate position there between. It is worth noting the closure mechanism 101 prevents the secondary packaging 100 moving from a closed position to an open position, but also prevents the two valves 102, 103 from overlapping past a predetermined position due to the presence of one or more abutments 106 and corresponding receiving surfaces 112 past which the valves cannot pass relative to one another.

[0039] The closure mechanism 101 must prevent the secondary packaging 100 moving from the closed position to the open position without operation of the closure mechanism 101 by an end user. This is simply so the closure mechanism 101 performs its function. However, the closure mechanism 101 may or may not prevent the secondary packaging 100 moving from the open position to the closed position. The closure mechanism 101 may provide a snap-shut function where an end user merely urges the two valves 102, 103 together for the closure mechanism 101 to operate and lock the position of the valves relative to one another in their closed position. Alternatively, an end user may be prevented from moving the secondary position from the open position to the closed position by the closure mechanism 101 either totally, or by requiring the user to perform an action on the closure mechanism 101 in order to allow the secondary packaging 100 to return to a closed position. In this way the closure mechanism 101 can act as a tamper seal [0040] Closed position means the secondary packaging 100 is shut and in its final position about the primary packaging as shown in figures 1, 5, and 6, with the two valves 102, 103 meeting and no (unintended) primary packaging visible. Open position is as shown in figures 2, 3, and 4, and means the secondary packaging 100 does not encase the primary packaging as in the final position, those parts of the primary packaging which are to be protected by the secondary packaging 100 are exposed, and the primary packaging is removable from the secondary packaging.

[0041] The closure mechanism 101 of figure 1 comprises a lock 107 and two corresponding keepers 108. The purpose of a keeper 108 is to hold the lock 107 in a locking fit, that is in a fixed position relative to the keeper 108, thereby locking the two valves 102, 103 together in their relative positions. The keepers 108 of the figures prevent the valves 102, 103 moving away relative to one another and causing the secondary packaging 100 to move from the closed position (as shown in figure 1) to the open position (as shown in figure 2 in the external, and in figure 3 in the internal). It is possible for there to be plural locks and only one keeper 108 which interact together, or plural keepers in which only one lock 107 engages. The packaging may be provided with multiple closure mechanisms too.

[0042] The successful interaction of the lock 107 with the keeper 108 is achieved through the presence of a leaflet 109 arranged on the lock 107 and a resilient ridge 110 on the keeper. The leaflet 109 acts as a grip and the resilient ridge 110 as a keying surface for the leaflet 109 to grip onto. As the closure mechanism 101 is locked the leaflet 109 moves over the resilient ridge 110. Either or both of the leaflet 109 and resilient ridge 110 may temporarily deform in this process until the two features pass one another at which point the deformation relaxes and the relevant part returns to its original shape. This then creates a barrier to the return of the leaflet 109 past the resilient ridge 110 (i.e. when moving the secondary packaging 100 from the closed position to the open position). It is necessary for the end user to manually deform the resilient ridge 110 and/or the leaflet 109 to release the grip of the leaflet 109 over the resilient ridge 110 and allow the secondary packaging 100 to move from the closed position to the open position.

VVhile one leaflet 109 is shown in the figures a lock 107 may comprise multiple leaflets.

[0043] To further improve the grip and locking fit of the leaflet 109 to the keeper, the keeper 108 may be provided with one or more notches (one notch 111 is shown in the figures). The notch 111 may take the form of a groove or be formed by the resilient ridge 110 if the ridge is provided with a lip. Provided the profile of the notch 111 is substantially "C" shaped then the leaflet 109 of the lock 107 may be retained within the notch 111 therefore improving the locking fit with the keeper. The notch 111 may run then length of the ridge or a part thereof, the notch 111 may be continuous or discontinuous along the length of the resilient ridge 110. Preferably the depth of the notch 111 is greater than or equal to the depth/thickness of the leaflet 109 to ensure a snug and secure fit.

[0044] Movement of the secondary packaging 100 from an open position to a closed position can be known as a first direction, here the valves move from a position remote relative to one another (as shown in figures 2, 3, and 4) to a position relatively close to one another (as shown in figures 1, 5, and 6), preferably the valves are considered to be relatively close to each other when the valves mate/touch or at least partially overlap with each other.

[0045] Movement of the secondary packaging 100 from a closed position to an open position can be known as a second direction where the valves move from a position relatively close to one another to a position where each valve mating surface is remote relative to one another.

[0046] In order to prevent the valves moving from the open position, to the closed position, and then still further into a non-permitted overlap state (i.e. a continuation of movement in the first direction) an abutment 106 is provided on one of the valves. A corresponding receiving surface 112 is arranged on the other valve so as to meet the abutment 106 when the valves are moved towards one another into the closed position. It is immaterial which of the valves comprise the abutment 106 or the receiving surface 112. The abutment 106 arrests the valves relative to one another meaning that the valves can move towards one another only so far, at which point the abutment 106 acts on the receiving surface 112 and prevents movement of the valves closer to one another. Multiple abutments and receiving surfaces may be used on the secondary packaging 100 depending on need. The purpose of the abutments and receiving surfaces are to ensure the secondary packaging 100 cannot collapsed inward upon itself and is capable of maintaining a 3D form absent the presence of contents pushing upon an inside of the secondary packaging.

[0047] As best shown in figure 4, the lock 107 is provided with a hinge 113 allowing the lock 107 to rotate to a position where a main plane of the lock 107 is arranged perpendicular to a main surface of the secondary packaging. The hinge 113 is preferably formed with the lock 107 out of the same material as a single piece for easy of manufacture, however the hinge 113 may also be made separately and then the lock 107 attached via glue or mechanical fixings to the secondary packaging 100 by the hinge 113. The hinge 113 must allow for rotation of the lock 107 towards the keeper 108 such that the main plane of the lock 107 is coincident with the resilient ridge 110 of the keeper, this is to ensure that the leaflet 109 may pass over the resilient ridge 110 and fall into a locking fit with the keeper. Consequently, the hinge 113 must allow for at least a 90 degree rotation, preferably this is greater, and up to 180 degrees.

[0048] It is preferable that the lock, keeper, closure mechanism 101, and secondary packaging 100 are all formed in a single piece from a single material. As outlined above this facilitates reuse, reprocessing, or recycling rather than requiring the difficult separation and purification of multiple materials. Suitable materials include molded fiber, such as: cellulose; wood cellulose; bagasse; bamboo; recycled fibers; wet laid non-woven fibers; non-cellulose fibers; carbon fibers. Given these materials rely on fiber orientation to provide inherent strength and rigidity the resulting material may sometimes require extra support, particularly in areas which will receive greater forces or impacts, such as the lock 107 of the closure mechanism 101 or the resilient ridge 110. This may be achieved by embossing or otherwise providing structural features of the same material to provide structural support. The lock 107 in the figures is provided with an embossed rim 114 to reduce the risk of buckling or warping of the lock 107 which would prevent the leaflet 109 achieving a locking fit with the keeper. It will be apparent that other structural or topological features may be used to achieve the same effect including ribs or the like.

[0049] Preferably, whichever fibers as selected, the packaging and/or closure mechanism 101 are formed from a sheet of the fibers having a thickness in the range 0.1mm to 2.5mm, preferably 0.6mm to 1.5mm, more preferably 0.8mm to 1.2mm, and most preferably 1mm.

[0050] As the secondary packaging 100 in the figures is provided with two opposing keepers the lock 107 is provided in a substantially cardioid shape thereby providing sections with leaflets which may mate simultaneously with the keepers. It will be apparent that other shapes will achieve a similar outcome including butterfly, oval, or other shapes. Where a single keeper 108 is employed other shapes maybe used instead.

[0051] As shown in figure 4, the lock 107 is arranged proud of the surface of the secondary packaging. This is because the secondary packaging 100 shown in the figures comprises a pair of valves 102, 103 which partially overlap when in the closed position. This overlap is to ensure the primary product 900 is completely surrounded, where desired, by the secondary packaging.

This overlap, however, means that the lock 107 and the keeper 108 are not in alignment, the profile of the secondary packaging 100 is stepped there the partial overlap occurs between the two valves 102, 103. If the lock 107 was not provided proud of the valve on which it is located, the additional thickness provided by the overlap may hinder the leaflet 109 passing over the resilient ridge 110 thereby preventing a locking fit from being achieved. This is avoided by raising the lock 107 relative to the surface of the valve (i.e. "proud"). This can be achieved through mold design, embossing, laminating, layering or other suitable technique. This places the lock 107 on the same level relative to the keeper 108 and ensuring a locking fit can be achieved. The minimum depth required to raise the lock 107 by is around the thickness of the valve that is overlapping the valve comprising the lock.

[0052] Also shown in figure 4 is a locating notch 115 in a base of the secondary packaging, which is arranged to locate in a corresponding divot of the primary packaging. In this way the orientation and temporary fixing of the product 900 within the secondary packaging 100 can be achieved. A locating notch 115 is shown in place in a corresponding divot in figure 6.

[0053] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0054] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0055] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A closure mechanism suitable for use on product packaging, the closure mechanism comprising: at least one lock, at least one keeper, at least one abutment associated with the at least one lock and at least one receiving surface associated with the at least one keeper, wherein the at least one abutment is arranged to contact the receiving surface when the closure mechanism is in a closed position thereby arresting movement of the at least one lock relative to the at least one keeper in a first direction, wherein the at least one lock comprises at least one leaflet, and the at least one keeper comprises at least one resilient ridge, wherein as the closure mechanism is operated from an open position to the closed position the at least one leaflet is urged past the at least one resilient ridge and into a locking fit with the at least one keeper thereby arresting movement of the at least one lock relative to the at least one keeper in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.
2. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 1 further comprising separately or in combination: a plurality of ridges; a plurality of abutments; a plurality of locks; plurality of leaflets.
3. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim where the closure mechanism has at least four points of contact between mating parts when in the closed position.
4. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim where when the at least one leaflet is urged past the at least one resilient ridge, the at least one leaflet falls into at least one notch of the at least one keeper.
5. A close mechanism as claimed in claim 4 where the at least one notch has a notch depth corresponding to a thickness of the at least one leaflet.
6. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lock comprises a hinge, the hinge attaching the lock to the closure mechanism, and optionally wherein the hinge rotates up to 180 degrees about the closure mechanism, and preferably by at least 90 degrees.
7. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lock further comprises topological features to provide additional rigidity to the lock.
8. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lock is substantially cardioid, butterfly, trapezoidal, triangular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, pentagonal, polygonal, or oval in shape.
9. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the closure mechanism is formed of molded fiber, optionally wherein the molded fiber is any fiber suitable for use in a wet laid paper making process, and further optionally selected from one or more of cellulose; wood cellulose; bagasse; bamboo; recycled fibers; wet laid non-woven fibers; non-cellulose fibers; cotton; hemp; abaca; carbon fibers.
10. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the closure mechanism is formed from sheet material, the sheet material having a thickness selected from one of more of 0.1mm to 2.5mm; 0.6mm to 1.5mm; 0.8mm to 1.2mm; 1mm.
11. A closure mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the closure mechanism is reversibly operable from the closed position to the open position and optionally repeatably so.
12. Packaging comprising a closure mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. Packaging as claimed in claim 12, wherein the packaging comprises multiple valves wherein at least two valves of the multiple valves are provided with either at least one lock or at least one keeper, wherein a total number of locks on the packaging is equal to a total number of keepers on the packaging.
14. Packaging as claimed in either claim 12 or 13, wherein a hinge is located between the at least two valves, and optionally wherein the hinge is a double hinge.
15. Packaging as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least two valves at least partially overlap when in a closed position.
16. Packaging as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lock is arranged proud on a surface of a first valve and optionally is arranged proud by the distance corresponding to a thickness of a second valve.
17. Packaging as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16, wherein when empty and in a closed position, the packaging assumes a final shape corresponding to a shape required to accommodate a product for which the packaging is designed to hold.
18. Packaging as claimed in any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the packaging is secondary packaging arranged around one or more primary packagings, including one or more bottles, tubes, pots, containers.
19. Packaging as claimed in any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the packaging comprises a locating notch to interface with a product to be packaged.
20. Packaging as claimed in any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the packaging comprises embossing.
21 A bottle wrapped in packaging comprising a lock as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.