CN106458387B

CN106458387B - Lid structure for container

Info

Publication number: CN106458387B
Application number: CN201580029794.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 弗兰克·佩里克
Original assignee: Nutricia NV
Current assignee: Nutricia NV
Priority date: 2014-06-05
Filing date: 2015-06-05
Publication date: 2020-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-05
Also published as: EP3152123B1; RU2016152156A3; AU2015268984A1; RU2016152156A; US20170101229A1; MY181991A; BR112016028514B1; DK3152123T3; EP3152123A1; EP3808674A1; CN106458387A; WO2015187003A1; NZ727148A; PL3152123T3; DE202015009682U1; BR112016028514A2; PH12016502400A1; AU2015268984B2; WO2015187020A1; RU2673619C2

Abstract

A lid for a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space is disclosed. The cover structure (3) comprises a lower frame (8), an upper frame (10) and a cover (12). The lower frame is connected to the upper edge of the tub (2) and defines an access opening allowing access to the product containing space. The upper frame may be connected to the lower frame in a snap-fit connection and form an enclosed first seal therewith. The cover is arranged to close the opening, the cover and the upper frame forming an enclosed second seal. In this way, an improved sealing connection can be achieved and the upper frame can be manufactured separately from the lower frame and connected to the lower frame at a later stage of the production process.

Description

Lid structure for container

Background

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a container for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a powdered product such as infant nutrition or formula. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lid construction for such containers having a resealable lid.

Description of related Art

Powdered materials such as infant formula have been sold in different forms of packaging for many years. Metal cans were initially the preferred container because they are relatively easy and inexpensive to produce and can be sealed for long term storage. The seal comprises an aluminium foil covering the mouth of the container which is removed at the time of first use. Because a single container will last for a long period of time, the container has a resealable plastic lid which is clamped to the outer rim of the metal can. The container often includes a measuring spoon, either individually packaged or in the canister itself. Such tanks are relatively heavy and expensive to produce.

More recently, alternative packaging formats have become available that retrofit existing cans. They include laminated container bodies and plastic hinged lid and rim structures that can be glued to the container body. One such package is described in US2008041861, having a seal for initially closing the package and the space between the seal and the upper edge of the container for partially receiving the scoop before use. The container part may consist of a laminate of cardboard, metal foil and plastic material. Another similar package is shown in WO 2010071424.

The sealing of such packages after initial opening is a major problem in the design of the lid structure. Packaging intended for infant formula or other food should be sufficiently sealed to prevent ingress of small items or the like. A maximum opening of 70 microns has been considered desirable. In other cases, a better seal may still be needed to prevent moisture ingress. The conflicting requirements of a large opening for easy access to the scoop and a cost effective construction are difficult to reconcile. In particular, for disposable packages, the volume of material that can be economically used in the construction of the lid limits its strength. A relatively easily deformable lid is also more difficult to seal effectively against a similarly deformed rim. Existing constructions such as that shown in US2008041861 use a lid and rim construction, sometimes referred to as a top container, which is attached to the free standing edge of the container body. This connection is also critical in the sealing of the container. Another design is shown in WO2008083141, which uses an additional integral gasket to aid sealing.

Containers for holding paint or other liquids are described in US 5975346A. The container includes a container body having a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall along a peripheral edge of the bottom wall that terminates in an upper rim. The container also includes a cover pivotally and detachably mounted to the annular retaining ring for movement between an open position and a closed position, and an annular retaining ring secured to the upper rim.

Due to these design requirements and limitations, it is desirable to improve upon existing designs.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a lid structure for a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper rim and defining a product containing space, the lid structure comprising: a lower frame for attachment to the upper rim of the tub, the lower frame defining an access opening allowing access to the product containing space; an upper frame connectable to the lower frame in a snap-fit connection to form an enclosed first seal; and a cover configured to close the opening, the cover and the upper frame forming an enclosed second seal. In this way, an improved sealing connection can be achieved and the upper frame can be manufactured separately from the lower frame and connected to the lower frame at a later stage of the production process.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the snap connection is a first seal arranged radially inwards. This effectively means that the snap connection is inside the container in a relatively sealed position. In case of a snap connection through the lower rim, its sealing arrangement inwards does not compromise the overall sealing. This arrangement enables a more convenient manufacturing method to be applied, for example, in an injection molding process.

Preferably the snap connection is a permanent connection which does not disengage without damaging the container. Alternatively, the snap connection may be releasable to enable removal of the upper frame and cover and re-use on another package, for example. According to another preferred embodiment, the snap connection comprises a plurality of downwardly extending barbs on the upper frame which snap through positioning openings in the lower frame.

The first and second seals of the present invention are preferably insect seals. In the following, an insect seal will be defined as a seal that avoids any opening of 70 microns or more at any point of the seal. Experience in the food packaging field in tropical climates has established that this value is generally sufficient to avoid the entry of small insects which can jeopardize food hygiene. By providing a first seal and a second seal against insects, such insects may be prevented from entering the interior of the container, even after the container is first opened and when powder particles are present around the lid and frame. The first and second seals may also be water resistant, preferably at least 3cm of water resistant.

Preferably the first seal comprises an upstanding first rim on the lower frame which snaps into a downwardly extending first groove of the upper frame, preferably in an interference fit. The first rim and the first groove preferably continue around the entire circumference of the first seal. This type of seal has clearly been preferred over a single sided seal. The rim and groove can be easily formed to have an interference fit and the above insect resistance can be easily achieved. For structures produced by injection molding techniques, their accuracy depends on the dimensions of the structure to be formed. For grooves with dimensions less than 2mm, a manufacturing tolerance of 3% can be accepted without compromising the seal. In the case of a one-sided seal, the critical dimension of the structure will be the overall diameter of the opening, and for a 10cm diameter opening, the same tolerance will produce a dimensional variation of 3mm, making an interference fit difficult to guarantee.

Preferably the second seal further comprises an upstanding second rim on the upper frame which snaps into a downwardly extending second groove of the lid, preferably in an interference fit. The second rim and the second groove preferably continue around the entire circumference of the second seal. This arrangement also benefits from the advantages of the above-described manufacture and thus the required insect protection can be easily achieved. As can be appreciated, the orientation of the rim and groove can be reversed without affecting the sealing function. However, it is noted that for use in this manner, the downwardly extending grooves are less likely to collect debris.

Most preferably the first and/or second groove has a lead-in structure extending radially on both sides of the respective groove over a distance at least equal to the width of the respective first rim and second rim. As mentioned above, manufacturing tolerances of the injection-molded article must be taken into account, and although variations in the interference dimensions may be slight, variations in the position of the groove relative to the rim may be significantly greater. The lead-in structure is arranged to ensure that the rim entering the groove is easily achieved without damaging either.

The lid is intended to be opened and closed frequently during use and for this reason the second seal must be strong enough to withstand such use without damaging, wearing or losing its insect-resistant properties. In an advantageous embodiment, the lead-in structure on the second recess comprises a lead-in flange. They may be arranged as vertical buttresses of the second groove, which enhances the resistance of the second groove to lateral deformation. It will be appreciated that the defined position of the second groove is important during closure of the lid to ensure correct entry of the second rim. Misalignment of these structures can cause damage to the second rim or the second groove, which makes subsequent closure more difficult and prevents the insect seal. In order to achieve their supporting function, the lead-in flanges may be present around the circumference of the second recess, preferably on both sides thereof. They may be present at intervals of less than 20mm, preferably less than 15mm, and in the corner regions, may be even more closely spaced. By providing support for the second groove, the walls of the second groove can be made more flexible, thereby better accommodating the second rim. To achieve their lead-in function, the lead-in flanges may extend downwardly beyond the lowest extent of the second recess and be smoothly angled or curved towards such recess.

The first seal between the upper frame and the lower frame is typically used for one-time assembly and does not require resealing thereafter. However, the joining of these components may be performed in an automated process, followed by the fabrication and stress relaxation of the respective components. For this reason, the first recess may also have a similar lead-in flange at least at its outer periphery. This may assist in self-centering of the upper and lower frames during assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper frame may have an outer, enclosing skirt and the lid may have an outer surface, and the outer surface and skirt are coplanar when the lid is in the closed position. In this sense, coplanarity is not limited to flat planes, and may also include curved planes. As a result of this shape, the cover and the upper frame can form a smooth transition without interruption.

According to another aspect of the invention, the upper frame has an outer, enclosed skirt and the lower frame has a peripheral surface, the peripheral surface and skirt being coplanar when the upper and lower frames are joined together. As above, this creates a smooth transition between the upper and lower frames.

The lid may be manufactured as a separate item from the upper rim and may be removed therefrom. But preferably the lid is pivotally connected to the upper frame. In one embodiment, the lid may be arranged to pivot about a hinge located radially inwardly of the outer periphery of the upper frame. Previous designs have used hinge structures that pivotally connect the lid relative to the rim at a location radially outward from the outer periphery of the rim. Such protruding hinge structures can interfere with stacking and can be unsightly in the final product.

As a result of the pivoting closure of the lid, it is important that the second rim is snapped correctly into the second groove if an easy closure takes place without damaging the second seal. The lead-in structure is important in achieving such closure. To further improve the closing action, the downwardly extending second recess of the lid may have a surrounding inner wall and a surrounding outer wall, wherein the surrounding outer wall extends downwards a greater distance than the surrounding inner wall in the area adjacent to the hinge. The inner wall is therefore not of uniform height around its entire circumference and will curve gradually from either end of the container down towards the middle of the rear side of the container. The second rim may also be free of a lead-in flange in this area, which may extend all along the hinge side of the lid. In the absence of the lead-in flange, the inner and outer walls are more able to flex as the second rim enters the second groove. By closing the lid this is the part of the second rim which first engages with the second groove and which is so engaged at a relatively large angle. In one embodiment, when the cover is positioned about 20 a to the upper frame^oAt an angle of (d), the enclosed second seal begins to bite. The engagement of the second rim into the second groove is continuously gradual as the lid is closed. This gradual engagement of the second sealAnd the frictional engagement between the inner wall and the second rim, provides the user with tactile feedback of the sealing action, which is distinct from a snap-type seal (which provides feedback only at the end of the snap engagement).

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper frame may be formed of a material having a hardness different from that of the lower frame or the cover. In one embodiment, the upper frame is formed from a first plastic material that is relatively softer than a second plastic material used to form the other two components. The relatively hard material used for the lower frame and the lid may ensure a greater overall stiffness of the lid structure. Alternatively, the upper frame may be somewhat stiffer. Alternatively, all three components may be of different hardnesses. The variation in stiffness may be slight and may be just enough to ensure a good interference seal between the respective seals. Preferred materials for the lid and the upper and lower frames are polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or combinations thereof, although different options are well known to those skilled in the art which may provide similar engineering properties.

The lid and the upper or lower frame may be provided with suitable catch and closure elements. They may also have tamper evident closure indications. The lower frame or the upper frame may further have a spoon stand and a leveling portion. They may extend inwardly into the access opening. It will be appreciated that the scoop carrier may also be provided in the lid.

The present invention further relates to a package comprising a lid structure as described above for a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space, a lower frame connected to the upper edge of the container, the package may have a generally square or rectangular outer contour, with rounded corners, the volume of the package may be 0.5L-3L, preferably about 1.5L, and the preferred minimum dimension of the access opening is at least 70mm, more preferably about 100mm and the area is at least 100cm²。

Preferably the package comprises a diaphragm seal for sealing the product containing space prior to use. The diaphragm seal may comprise a metal or plastic-metal foil orMay simply be a plastic foil. The diaphragm seal is a gas-tight seal. In this context, it is understood that a gastight seal is a seal that substantially prevents gas from entering or entering the container during long term storage. Preferably it is an oxygen barrier seal which prevents diffusion of oxygen into the container of the seal. The oxygen permeability of the seal may preferably be less than 2.0cm³/m²A day and more preferably less than 0.5cm³/m²The day is. The diaphragm seal may be removed in its entirety prior to use or may include a weakened tear line defining an open area, and a pull tab. The diaphragm seal may be provided at different locations, but most preferably the diaphragm seals along the upper edge of the container. In particular, it is understood that thermoformed tubs typically have an outwardly extending flange that forms an upper edge, and that the diaphragm may be sealed along the flange. In an alternative embodiment, the diaphragm may be sealed to the lower frame to close the opening. In that case, the person skilled in the art understands that the connection between the lower frame and the upper edge of the container must be an air-tight sealing connection.

In a most preferred embodiment, the container is or comprises a thin-walled thermoformed tub having a wall thickness of less than 0.5 mm. By using thin-walled thermoformed drums, the amount of material required to form the container body is limited. Furthermore, the lower frame of relatively thick plastic material provides the support required for the relatively thin material of the peripheral wall, allowing an efficient connection to the upper frame. In this context, relatively thin is understood by those skilled in the art to be relative to the frame material. The barrel may be made with a wall thickness sufficient to provide the desired barrier properties and strength. The wall thickness may be about 0.10mm to 0.60mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.40 mm. It will be appreciated that the wall thickness may vary across the cross-section, typically being thicker at the rim and thinnest at the side walls. The wall thickness values given above are intended to represent the thickness of the side wall, which is typically the point of minimum thickness. The lower frame may be significantly thicker, measured in its smallest dimension, and may have a thickness sufficient to ensure a secure mechanical connection with the upper frame. The barrel may be made of any suitable material capable of being heat deformed. The most suitable material is polypropylene. However, other polymeric materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Polyethylene (PE) may also be used. It is also possible to use multilayer materials, which are subject to recycling requirements. The lower frame may be permanently attached to the upper edge of the container, preferably by welding.

Advantageously, the package consists of a single material type, intended to be recycled. This includes the tub, upper and lower frames and a lid. The diaphragm seal may be of the same material, although given that it is removed upon opening, it may also be recycled separately.

In addition, the container may further comprise a paperboard sleeve enclosing and supporting the thermoformed tub. The cardboard sleeve can be tightly fitted to the tub with an interference fit and can provide the peripheral wall with the necessary strength to stabilize the formation. In other words, the thin plastic material of the peripheral wall may have sufficient strength alone to substantially maintain the shape of the tub, for example when the containers are stacked on top of each other. By combining it with a cardboard sleeve, improved strength can be achieved. The respective layers may be separately used for recycling. The sleeve may comprise 50-400g/m²Preferably 100-300g/m²Of cardboard (c). The sleeve may be open at the bottom, but preferably extends below the bottom of the tub.

The volume of the package may be 0.5L-3L, preferably about 1.5L and the preferred minimum dimension of the access opening is at least 70mm, more preferably about 100mm and the area is at least 100cm². The overall length of the package may be 150mm to 250mm, preferably about 185 mm. The width of the package may be 100mm-150mm, preferably about 120 mm. The package can be used in a variety of heights depending on volume requirements, varying from 80mm to 150 mm.

The package is particularly suitable for containing a quantity of powdered nutritional product that can be effectively sealed within the product containing space. Preferably the powdered nutritional product comprises an infant formula.

The scoop is preferably provided within the package and may be located on the diaphragm seal prior to use. It is also conceivable that the scoop is integrally formed with the lid structure and is separated upon first use.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood by reference to the following drawings of a number of exemplary embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of a package of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 with a closed lid;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 with the lid open;

FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 2 along line IV-IV;

FIGS. 5a-5c show cross-sectional views similar to FIG. 4 during attachment of the upper frame; and

fig. 6a-6c show cross-sectional views along the direction VI-VI in fig. 3 during closure of the lid.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an enlarged partial view of a package 1 with a lid structure 3 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The package 1 comprises a lid structure 3 and a container in the form of a tub 2, a sleeve 4 and a diaphragm seal 6, the lid structure 3 comprising a lower frame 8, an upper frame 10 and a lid 12.

The tub 2 is thermoformed from a relatively thin polypropylene material and has a bottom 14 and a peripheral wall 16 receiving space defining a product receiving space 20. The peripheral wall 16 extends over an upper edge 18, which upper edge 18 has an outwardly directed flange 19. The sleeve 4 is formed from cardboard and has a wall 22 and a bottom 24. The lower frame 8 is an annular ring having an upstanding first sealing rim 48, the rim 48 surrounding the opening 26 of similar size to the product containing space 20. Between the first rim 48 and the opening 26, a positioning opening 46 is arranged, the function of which will be explained further below. The upper frame 10 is also in the form of a ring and has barbs 40 extending downwardly. The lower frame 8 and the upper frame 10 are also made of polypropylene, although it will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used. The membrane 6 comprises a pull tab 32 and comprises a tear line 28, which is representative of the opening area 30.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the package 1 of fig. 1 in an assembled state with the lid 12 closed. A catch 36 on the front edge of the lid 12 engages with a rib 38 on the upper frame 10 to hold the lid 12 closed. The lid 12 and the upper rim 10 are also made of polypropylene.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the package 1 of fig. 1 in an assembled state with the lid 12 opened and with the membrane removed to provide access to the product containing space 20. Scoop 42 is retained within lid 12 by clip 44 and may also be located in scoop shelf 50 integrally formed with lower frame 8. Also visible is a hinge 11 which enables a pivotal connection between the lid 12 and the upper frame 10.

Fig. 4 is a perspective cross-section along line IV-IV of fig. 2. As can be seen, the diaphragm 6 is attached along a flange 19 of the tub 2 and clamps the lower frame 8 (which overlies the flange 19). The flange 19, diaphragm 6 and lower frame 8 are all welded together to form a single relatively rigid rim structure. The upper frame 10 is mechanically engaged with the lower frame 8 by downwardly extending barbs 40 that are connected through the positioning openings 46 of the lower frame 8. As can also be seen in this figure, the sleeve 4 snaps tightly against the peripheral wall 16 of the barrel 2, extending up under the flange 19 to provide additional support. This allows the upper rim 10 to snap into the lower rim 8 without causing deformation or collapse of the pail 2.

According to an important aspect of the invention, the cover structure 3 has two seals. The enclosing first seal is formed by an upstanding first sealing rim 48 which engages with a downwardly extending first groove 54 on the underside of the upper frame 10. The enclosing second seal is formed by an upstanding second sealing rim 56 on the upper side of the upper frame 10 which engages with a downwardly extending second groove 58 on the underside of the lid 12. The lead-in

nets

60, 62 are located on either side of the first and

second grooves

54, 58, respectively.

Fig. 5a-5c show a cross-section at the position of fig. 4 during the connection of the upper frame 10 to the lower frame 8. Fig. 4a shows the upper frame 10 entering into initial engagement with the lower frame 8. The lead-in web 60 of the first groove 54 snaps against the upstanding first rim 48 and directs it toward the first groove 54. The barbs 40 have entered the positioning openings 46.

In fig. 5b, the upper frame 10 has been pressed down onto the lower frame 8. This may be achieved by pressing onto the lid 12. According to an important design consideration, the force F is exerted against the upper frame 10 by the lead-in mesh 62 of the cover 12 by pressing on the cover 12. In this way, additional pressure or deeper snapping of the second rim 56 into the second groove 58 is avoided. When the upper frame 10 is pressed down, the first rim 48 enters the first groove 54 and the barb 40 bends into the positioning opening 46.

Fig. 5c shows the upper frame 10 fully engaged with the lower frame 8 and with the barbs 40 locked into the positioning openings 46. At this stage, removal of the upper rim 10 is not possible without applying considerable force and damaging the package. It is noted that the barb 40 projects into the interior of the tub 2 and is therefore inaccessible from outside the package 1. It is also noted that in the fully assembled position, the first rim 48 does not bottom out in the first groove 54. This ensures that the barb 40 will not impede the connection due to manufacturing tolerances.

In this figure, it can also be seen that the upper frame 10 has an outer, enclosing skirt 66 and the lid 12 has an outer surface 64. The outer surface 64 and skirt 66 are coplanar when the lid 12 is in the closed position. In other words, both the cover 12 and the upper frame 10 have outer surfaces that are smoothly curved together at this location. Furthermore, the lower frame 8 has a peripheral surface 68, and the peripheral surface 68 and the skirt 66 are also coplanar when the upper frame 10 and the lower frame 8 are connected together, as shown in fig. 5 c.

Fig. 6a-6c show cross-sections in the direction VI-VI of fig. 3, with the lid 12 in different stages of closing onto the upper frame 10. In fig. 6a, the lid 12 is in an open position supported by the hinge 11. As can be seen, the position of the hinge 11 is in a radially inward position with respect to the skirt 66 of the upper frame 10. This means that the hinge 11 does not bulge outwards and prevent the stack from being closed when the packages 1 are stacked adjacent to each other. It is also less likely to become accidentally stuck or snagged. Note also that in this position, there is no lead-in flange 62 supporting the second groove 58, and the inner wall 58A is longer than the outer wall 58B of the second groove 58.

Fig. 6b shows the lid 12 in a partially closed position with the upstanding second rim 56 engaged with the inner wall 58A of the second recess 58. While the cover 12 is still at about 20 deg.f relative to the upper frame 10^oSuch contact occurs at the angle of (a). The downward extension of the inner wall 58A beyond the outer wall 58B ensures that the second rim 56 is guided into the second groove 58. In this case, the extended inner wall 58A acts as a lead-in structure, and for this reason, the lead-in flange 62 is not required in this region. In fact, the absence of lead-in flange 62 makes inner wall 58A more flexible when the angle between lid 12 and upper frame 10 changes. In addition, the annular snap when closing the lid 12 prevents the second rim 56 from entering the second groove 58 in a linear manner. The lead-in web 62 on the lid 12 helps to guide this angular entry, which ensures a progressive engagement of the second rim 56 into the second recess 58, starting from the rear edge of the lid 12 adjacent the hinge 11 and stepping around the perimeter to the front edge of the lid 12 adjacent the grip 36. In addition to helping guide second rim 56 into second groove 58, guide-in mesh 62 also supports second groove 58 and helps maintain its position. Because of the additional support provided by the introducer mesh 62, the structure forming the second groove 58 can be made more flexible, which makes the closing action softer. As noted above, the manufacturing tolerances for the location of these features depend on the overall size of the opening 26.

Fig. 6c shows the lid 12 in the closed position with the upstanding second rim 56 engaged with the second groove 58. As already described above, full snapping of the second rim 56 into the second groove 58 is avoided and the closed position of the lid 12 is determined by the fact that the introduction net 62 is adjacent to the upper frame 10 and the outer surface 64 snaps over the skirt 66.

Accordingly, the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments described above. It will be recognized that many changes may be made in the construction and techniques described herein, in addition to those described above, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, while specific embodiments have been described, they are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A package comprising a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product-containing space, and a lid structure comprising:

a lower frame connected to an upper edge of the container, the lower frame defining an access opening that permits access to the product containing space;

an upper frame connectable to the lower frame in a snap-fit connection, wherein the lower frame and the upper frame engage to form an enclosed first seal; and

a lid pivotally connected to the upper frame and configured to close the access opening, wherein the lid and the upper frame engage to form an enclosed second seal;

wherein, this container contains:

a thermoformed tub in combination with a paperboard sleeve that encloses and supports the thermoformed tub,

a diaphragm seal sealing the product containing space before use, an

A quantity of powdered nutritional product sealed in the product containing space.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the snap-fit connection is a first seal disposed radially inward.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein the snap-fit connection comprises a plurality of downwardly extending barbs on the upper frame that snap through locating openings in the lower frame.

4. The package of claim 1, wherein the first seal comprises an upstanding first rim on the lower frame that snaps into a downwardly extending first groove of the upper frame.

5. The package of claim 1, wherein the second seal comprises an upstanding second rim on the upper frame that snaps into a downwardly extending second groove of the lid.

6. A package according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly extending first recess of the upper frame and/or the downwardly extending second recess of the lid are enclosed and provided with lead-in formations extending radially on both sides of the respective recess for a distance at least equal to the width of the respective upstanding first rim on the lower frame and the upstanding second rim on the upper frame.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein the upper frame has an outer, enclosed skirt, the lid has an outer surface, the outer surface and skirt being coplanar when the lid is in the closed position.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein the upper frame has an outer, enclosed skirt, and the lower frame has a peripheral surface, the peripheral surface and skirt being coplanar when the upper and lower frames are coupled together.

9. The package of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to pivot about a hinge disposed radially inward from an outer periphery of the upper frame.

10. The package of claim 1, wherein when the lid is positioned greater than 15 a relative to the upper frame^oAt an angle of (3), the second seal begins to bite.

11. The package of claim 1, wherein the second seal comprises an upstanding second rim on the upper frame that snaps into a downwardly extending second groove of the lid, the second groove having a surrounding inner wall and a surrounding outer wall, wherein, in a region adjacent the hinge, the surrounding outer wall extends downwardly a greater distance than the surrounding inner wall.

12. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second seals are insect seals.

13. A package according to claim 1, wherein the container is a thin-walled thermoformed tub having a wall thickness of 0.1-0.6 mm.

14. The package of claim 13, wherein the wall thickness is 0.2mm-0.4 mm.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein the lower frame is permanently attached to the upper edge of the container.

16. The package of claim 15, wherein the lower frame is attached to the upper edge of the container by welding.

17. The package according to claim 1, wherein the powdered nutritional product comprises infant formula.

18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the septum seal comprises: a weakened tear line defining an open area, and/or a pull tab.

19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the septum seal is an oxygen barrier seal having an oxygen permeability of less than 2.0cm³/m²The day is.

20. The package of claim 1 wherein the paperboard sleeve comprises 100-²Of cardboard (c).

21. The package of claim 1, wherein the height of the package is from 80mm to 150 mm.

22. The package of claim 1, wherein the package has a volume of 0.5 liters to 3 liters.