DE60006704T2 - ORIGINAL CLOSURE AND CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging that is manufactured from a plastics material and comprises a container (50, 150) and a lid (10, 110), said container (50, 150) having an annular and upwardly open receiving channel (60, 160) for a part (34, 134) of the skirt (20, 120), arranged on the outside of the outer wall (54, 154) below a first engaging portion (58, 158), wherein the packaging has a third engaging portion (64, 164, 168') arranged in said receiving channel (60, 160) whereby the packaging obtains a fourth engaging portion (36, 136, 138) arranged on the skirt (20, 120) of the lid (10, 110) below a second engaging portion (28, 128), configured for establishing a snap-locking engagement with said third engaging portion (64, 164, 168') whereby the skirt (20, 120) between the second (28, 128) and the fourth (36, 136, 138) engaging portion comprises a peripheral weakening zone (42, 142) configured to allow, by rupture, separation of the skirt (20, 120) while maintaining said snap-locking engagement between the third (64, 164, 168') and the fourth (36, 136, 138) engaging portions.

Description

The present invention relates to a package of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 is.

Packaging of this type is widely used, for example, in e.g. B. the food industry used for packaging food. In this context, a need has been identified to provide security measures that allow the customer to ensure that the package has not been opened beforehand by removing the lid, for example with regard to contamination of the contents. Examples of this will be made clear EP 365,823 A , WO 96/27534 A and WO 95/06600 A. However, none of these prior art solutions have been able to fully gain a foothold, which is probably due to problems associated with ensuring the desired reliability of the package when the lid is replaced and is associated with relatively high costs of production.

The present invention provides a simplified and inexpensive Packaging that brings improved reliability with that unauthorized opening of the lid can be determined, and which - despite this fact - easily to open is and a reliable one and sealingly attaching the lid when reattaching it. This is achieved through the features in the characterizing part of claim 1 are specified.

The packaging parts are therefore like this trained that the cooperating third and fourth engaging parts provide a fastening force that is greater than the force that it is necessary to break the weak zone.

With the help of the measures specified in claim 2 are, it becomes possible to create a particularly sealing closure of the packaging.

By the receiving channel of the container with a Bottom wall is provided as specified in claim 3 the unauthorized opening the packaging made even more difficult.

In accordance with claim 6 allows the weak zone to be arranged along only 90 to 95% of the circumferential extent of the bezel that a hinge-shaped connection created between the central part of the lid and the container becomes.

Training the admission channel of the container as stated in claim 8 is made possible a construction from the point of view of production technology is advantageous in that the configuration of the cover bezel the arrangement of the weak zone so that it is special is easy to break open. By further training the packaging becomes, as stated in claim 9, it becomes even extremely difficult to get unauthorized access to the inside of the container without such a removal of the lid is clearly visible.

The invention will now be described in more detail be described with reference to two preferred embodiments. The drawings show:

1 a perspective view of a package consisting of a lid and a container, which are designed according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 in a cross-sectional view the in 1 shown container;

3 in a cross-sectional view the in 1 shown container, wherein the lid is placed on the container;

4 the cross section that in 3 is denoted by A, seen on an enlarged scale;

5 a view similar to that in 4 which is, however, a different cross section through the in 1 shows the lifting tab shown;

6 a package consisting of a lid and a container configured in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

7 in a top view from above the in 6 shown packaging;

8th an enlarged cross-sectional view along the 7 line A shown; and

9 an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line B in 7 ,

In 1 become the reference numbers 10 and 50 used to designate a lid or a container according to a first embodiment of the invention, the packaging for e.g. B. to form a food product. The container 50 is designed as a circular cylindrical body and has an outer wall 54 and a floor 52 how this in 2 is shown. Opposite the floor 52 has the wall 54 a free end 56 , like this in 3 is shown is the lid 10 in a conventional manner with an essentially disk-shaped surface part 12 with an annular border 20 built up, which starts from there. The lid 10 and the container 50 are both made of plastic material.

Like this in the 2 and 3 is shown is on the outside of the outer wall 54 and the free end 56 adjacent to a ledge 58 provided along the circumferential wall 54 extends. This lead 58 forms a first engagement part for the packaging, the protrusion 58 as he is in 4 is shown so that it is in a conventional manner with an engagement part 28 on the lid 10 interacts. The engaging part 28 , which forms a second engagement part for the packaging inside of an annular receiving channel 21 arranged on the bezel 20 is provided and is designed such that it has the free end 56 can record.

This recording channel 21 is particularly by an inner side wall 22 , an outer side wall 26 and a bottom wall 24 limited. The outer side wall 26 has the second engagement part 28 on the - even very good - on the inner side wall 22 can be provided by instead the handle part at the same time 58 on the inside of the outer wall 54 of the container is arranged. Attach the lid 10 makes use of the elastic properties of the plastic material to make a releasable snap-lock engagement between the first engagement part 58 and the second engaging part 28 to accomplish.

In addition to these walls 22 . 24 and 26 has the annular border 20 a lip on that extends the outer side wall 26 is trained. The lip consists of a first lip part 30 and a second lip part 34 , Like this in 4 shown, the lip part extends 30 substantially perpendicular to the outer side wall 26 while the second lip part 34 preferably approximately parallel to the outer side wall 26 extends. The first lip part 30 has a weak zone, which preferably extends along the entire circumference of the cover 10 extends and which is provided by perforations 42 are provided by connecting parts 40 are separated from how this is most clearly 1 will be apparent. However, this weak zone can be made in many other ways, e.g. B. by using different material thicknesses. The outer side wall 26 the edging 20 also has a protruding grip tab 32 who are more detailed in 5 is shown. This grip tab 32 is designed so that the user of the packaging exerts an upward force on the lid 10 with a view to exercising the lid 10 as described in more detail below.

On the outside is the second part of the lip 34 the edging 20 with a number of oppositely arranged annular chin-shaped projections 36 provided, which is preferably along the entire circumference of the lid 10 extend. These chin-shaped protrusions 36 together form a fourth grip part for the packaging, which grip part 36 for snap-lock engagement with the third engagement part 64 is formed, which is described below for the packaging, wherein the elastic properties of the plastic material are exploited.

How this is most evident in the 1 . 2 and 4 the container is shown 50 also an annular and upwardly open receiving part 60 that is on the outside of the outer wall 54 below the first engagement part 58 arranged and designed so that it the second lip part 34 the edging 20 can record. The recording channel 60 is especially from part of the outer wall 54 of the container, a bottom wall 66 and a wall 62 educated. In the recording channel 60 is a number of box-shaped protrusions 67 provided an appropriate reinforcement of the receiving channel 60 form in a very simple way in terms of manufacture. Inside the wall 62 of the recording channel 60 is a number of annular opposed chin-shaped protrusions 64 formed, which form a third engagement part for the packaging.

The aforementioned box-shaped projections are open at the bottom, and each of them has a front wall 68 , an upper wall 69 and side walls 71 , As will be seen, the front walls form 68 and the wall 62 of the recording channel 60 together a groove in which the second lip part 34 is arranged when the lid 10 on the container 50 is put on. One will understand that the wall 62 and the second lip part 34 are designed and dimensioned so that the second lip part is firmly attached 36 is created since the fastening force is preferably selected so that it is considerably stronger, e.g. B. 25 to 75% stronger than the fastening force caused by the snap-lock engagement between the first 58 and second 28 Engagement parts is effected. The lip part 34 is also designed so that the transition between the wall 62 and the lip part 34 is relatively smooth, making it difficult to get a tool down to the chin-shaped protrusions 36 to introduce and so try to release the engagement between the third and fourth engagement part. It also becomes the bottom wall 66 make it extremely difficult to disengage when a tool is inserted from below.

When using the packaging, the lid 10 attached after the container is filled, since the snap-lock engagement between the first 58 and second 28 Engaging parts and the third 64 and fourth 36 Engaging parts is caused by pressing down the lid. In this regard, the top walls 69 the ledges 67 used to depress the lid 10 limit if the bottom of the lip part 30 on the top walls 60 is applied. As a result of the smooth transition between the wall mentioned above 62 and the second lip part 34 due to the circular shape of the wall 62 what makes the wall difficult 62 to push outwards, and since the recording channel 60 down on the bottom wall 66 closed, it will be extremely difficult, without causing permanent and visible damage to the packaging, the snap-lock connection between the third 64 and fourth 36 Loosen engaging parts. It will therefore be extremely difficult to gain unauthorized access to the contents of the packaging without such access being visible.

In order to get access to the contents of the packaging, the above-mentioned weak zone with the perforations is 42 either, as mentioned, arranged completely around the circumference of the lid or alternating with an un weakened zone, the gripping tab 32 across from. Such an un weakened zone will be able to serve as a hinge connection, with the surface part 12 the lid on the container at all times 50 over the second lip-shaped part 34 will be attached. Because the weak zone 42 in the first lip part 30 is arranged, which is substantially perpendicular to the side wall 26 extends, an upward and relatively well-defined pull on the handle tab 32 Give rise to a breakup of the weak zone by using the connecting parts 40 is pulled.

It will be understood that the force required to break the weak zone is less than the force necessary to release the snap-lock engagement between the third 64 and fourth 36 engagement parts, thereby ensuring that a pull on the handle tab 32 does not involve releasing the latter intervention. As mentioned, the preferred location for the weak zone in a region of the lid which extends substantially perpendicularly from the container will give rise to particular advantages of the invention, and the arrangement of the receiving channel described 60 is appropriate in this context. During or at the same time as the weak zone is broken, the snap-lock engagement between the first 58 and second 28 Engagement parts released, causing the lid 10 can be removed. Such a snap-lock engagement could be restored by the cover 10 is put back on, e.g. B. with regard to the storage of remaining content in the container.

6 showed an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is particularly suitable in connection with packaging that has a non-circular cross-section. The package shown therefore has a rectangular cross-section, and by using the invention a uniformly distributed application force on the lid can be achieved. It is a well-known problem with the known rectangular packaging that different forces often occur from the lid to the container at the corners relative to the forces on the sides. Therefore, the sides are generally more compliant than the corner areas.

6 to 9 use identical reference numerals for corresponding elements as in the 1 to 5 , however, the value 100 is added, since only those elements that are structurally significantly different from the aforementioned elements are further examined.

It will be out 6 become clear that the container 150 also box-shaped projections 167 in the receiving groove 160 having. The tabs 167 have front walls 168 which, however, have openings in this embodiment 168 ' are provided. These openings 168 ' work with ring-shaped chin-shaped projections 164 together, on the opposite wall 162 of the recording channel 160 are arranged to form the third engagement part of the package, as shown in FIGS 8th and 9 is shown, the cross sections along corresponding lines A and B in 7 demonstrate. The second lip part 134 the bezel has separate chin-like projections 136 and 138 on that on the side of the lip part 134 are arranged, the outwards or inwards with respect to the outer wall of the container 150 is directed. If the lid 110 the chin-shaped projections are correctly placed 138 for snap-lock engagement with the openings 168 ' of the front walls 168 educated. It will be clear that this solution is a particularly effective attachment of the second lip part 134 creates because of the presence of the chin-shaped protrusions 138 a relatively large outward deformation of the wall 162 will require to resolve this intervention. This build up the lip 134 makes it even more difficult to disengage by inserting a tool into the receiving channel 160 is introduced.

It becomes from the 7 . 8th and 9 become clear that the weak zone perforations 142 has, which are designed as elongated areas and as relatively narrow areas. The connecting parts 140 are preferably arranged so that when the lid 110 on the container 150 is placed, it is primarily above the spaces between the box-shaped projections 167 extend. Therefore, the lifting force that is generated when on the handle tab 132 is pulled primarily on the chin-shaped protrusions 164 is transmitted, said chin-shaped projections 138 - due to the fact that they are on the underside of the top walls 169 concern - in particular serve to prevent the lip part 134 is pulled out with the help of a tool. For packaging that with reference to the 6 to 9 have been described, the same properties apply, as far as the strength ratios of the engaging parts and the weak zone, as with reference to the 1 to 5 has been described.

It will be clear from the above that the engaging parts are preferably arranged continuously along the entire circumference of the packaging, but obviously the engaging parts can also extend along the circumference with breaks, as is the case with e.g. B. the chin-shaped projections 138 ,

Claims (9)

Packaging made from a plastic material and from a container ( 50 . 150 ) and a closure ( 10 . 110 ), - where the container ( 50 . 150 ) a floor ( 52 . 152 ) with a peripheral outer wall ( 54 . 154 ) is connected, the outer wall opposite the floor ( 52 . 152 ) a free end ( 56 . 156 ) that defines an opening that gives access to the inside of the container ( 50 . 150 ), and the packaging at the free end ( 56 . 156 ) the outer wall ( 54 . 154 ) a first engagement part ( 58 . 158 ) that runs along the free end ( 56 . 156 ) extends, - the closure ( 10 . 110 ) an essentially disc-shaped part of the surface ( 12 . 112 ) with a peripheral border extending from it ( 20 . 120 ), - the border ( 20 . 120 ) a recording channel ( 21 ) that is defined for the inclusion of the free end ( 56 . 156 ) is designed, and the one outer side wall ( 26 . 126 ), - with the packaging on the border ( 20 . 120 ) a second engagement part ( 28 . 128 ) which is used for establishing a snap-lock engagement with the first engagement part ( 58 . 158 ) is designed, - the container ( 50 . 150 ) a ring-shaped receiving channel open at the top ( 60 . 160 ) for a part ( 34 . 134 ) the border ( 20 . 120 ) on the outside of the outer wall ( 54 . 154 ) below the first engagement part ( 58 . 158 ), the packaging has a third engagement part ( 64 . 164 . 168 ' ) in the recording channel ( 60 . 160 ), - the packaging has a fourth engagement part ( 36 . 136 . 138 ) on the border ( 20 . 120 ) of the closure ( 10 . 110 ) below the second engagement part ( 28 . 128 ) and for establishing a snap-lock engagement with the third engagement part ( 64 . 164 . 168 ' ) is designed, and - whereby the border ( 20 . 120 ) between the second ( 28 . 128 ) and fourth ( 36 . 136 . 138 ) Engaging part a peripheral weak zone ( 42 . 142 ) that is designed to separate the border ( 20 . 120 ) by tearing while maintaining the lock-lock engagement between the third ( 64 . 164 . 168 ' ) and fourth engagement part ( 36 . 136 . 138 ), characterized in that - the border ( 20 . 120 ) an annular first edge part ( 30 . 130 ) which is located on the outer side wall ( 26 . 126 ) approximately parallel to the surface part ( 12 . 112 ) extends radially outwards - that the weak zone in the first edge part ( 30 . 130 ) the border ( 20 . 120 ) is arranged - that the border ( 20 . 120 ) also a second edge part ( 34 . 134 ) which, in the extension of the first edge part ( 30 . 130 ) in a direction approximately parallel to the outer wall ( 54 . 154 ) of the container ( 50 ) is arranged, and - that the third engagement part ( 64 . 164 . 168 ' ) on the second edge part ( 34 . 134 ) is arranged. Packaging according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - the border ( 20 . 120 ) an annular receiving channel ( 21 . 121 ) for the free end ( 56 . 156 ), the receiving channel ( 20 ' . 120 ' ) through an inner side wall ( 22 . 122 ), an outer side wall ( 26 . 126 ) and a bottom wall ( 24 . 124 ) is limited, the inner (22, 122) or the outer ( 26 . 126 ) Side wall the second engaging part ( 28 . 128 ) having. Packaging according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - the receiving channel ( 60 . 160 ) on the container ( 50 . 150 ) down through a peripheral floor wall ( 66 . 166 ) closed is. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first engagement part ( 58 . 158 ) on the outside of the wall ( 54 . 154 ) is arranged. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the weak zone by the provision of perforations ( 42 . 142 ) along the entire circumference of the border ( 20 . 120 ) is formed. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that - the weak zone by the provision of perforations ( 42 . 142 ) along approximately 90 percent of the perimeter of the skirt ( 20 . 120 ) is trained. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the border ( 20 . 120 ) an outwardly extending gripping tab ( 32 . 132 ) with the border ( 20 . 120 ) preferably with the outer side wall ( 26 . 126 ) on the side of the weak zone ( 42 . 142 ), the second engaging part ( 28 . 128 ) is closest, is connected. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the annular receiving channel ( 60 . 160 ) of the container ( 50 . 150 ) at a distance from the outer wall ( 54 . 154 ) of the container ( 50 . 150 ) is arranged; - that the recording channel ( 60 . 160 ) a first side wall ( 68 . 168 ) that is closer to the outer wall ( 54 . 154 ) is arranged and a second side wall ( 62 . 162 ) Has; and - that the third engagement part ( 64 . 164 . 168 ' ) at the first ( 68 . 168 ) and / or the second side wall ( 62 . 162 ) is arranged. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the annular edge part ( 30 . 130 ) an upper loading admission channel limit ( 60 . 160 ) forms.