EA008487B1 - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container comprising a bottom shell (1) and a cover shell (2), and means for locking the cover shell to the bottom shell. According to the invention, the opening edge (3) of the bottom shell, which is essentially circular, comprises at least two first sections (6, 6'',6'', 6''') provided with an area which extends in a radial manner and at least one rear section (4, 4', 4'', 4'''). The cover shell (1) comprises, on the opening edge thereof (3'), at least two second sections (7, 7', 7'', 7''') in relation to the area which extends in a radial manner corresponding to the first sections. The second sections (7, 7', 7'', 7''') respectively comprise at least one rear section (5, 5', 5'', 5''') which corresponds to the rear section of the associated first section (6, 6'', 6'', 6'''), such that when the bottom shell (1) is rotated in relation to the cover shell (2), it is locked in the region of the rear section of the first and the second associated sections.

Description

The invention relates to a container comprising a tray, a lid and means for locking the lid with the tray.

Such a container is known, for example, from I8 3830395 A.

Such containers are used for storing and transporting small items of any kind, in particular also food products, such as fresh cheese, yogurt, etc., as well as ready-made salads to which sauce has been added or to which sauce should only be added.

Conventional containers, for example for yogurt, with the simplest and cheapest locking device or locking means, contain a tray with a corresponding lid, and the lid has a so-called apron with retainers in the area of the opening edge that covers the bottom of the tray. When opening the container, the apron of the lid is pulled along the edge of the opening. To do this, pry the apron cover, release the latch-lock and remove the cover. This is not only inconvenient, but there is also the possibility that the fingers will touch the contents of the container.

The basis of the invention lies in the task of creating a container, the blocking means of which, on the one hand, would provide a solid lock between the tray and the lid, and, on the other hand, easy opening, and which would give the opportunity to keep it also upside down without releasing the lock.

This task is solved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred enhancements are given in subclauses.

According to the invention, it has been found that the task can be solved by means of a container containing a tray, a lid and means for locking the lid with a tray in which the substantially circular edge of the tray opening has at least two first sections of radial extent, at least one undercut each, with the lid having at the edge of its opening at least two second portions corresponding to the first portions with respect to the radial extent, and moreover the second portions have at least one mu undercut corresponding undercut of the respective first portion, so that upon rotation of the cover relative to the tray is blocked in the undercut area of the corresponding first and second portions.

The undercut is considered, in particular, the bevel, which with a corresponding response element provides a geometric closure. In particular, the covered back legs are not undercuts in the sense of the invention.

Radial length means horizontal edge areas of the lid and / or tray, extending radially outwards or inwards.

This solution has the advantage that the container remains firmly closed even with large forces perpendicular to the plane defined by the edge of the opening and, despite the high closing force, easy release is possible.

Further closure has the advantage that if there are light solid objects or liquids in the container, they will not fall out or spill out when opening the container. If, for example, there is a salad with sauce in the container, then there will be no danger that when opening the container, the sauce will splash and soil the user's hands.

For closing and opening the container, the tray and the lid are rotated relative to each other. Depending on the execution of the first and second sections, the closing and opening of the container may occur in the same direction of rotation. The container can also be closed by right rotation and opened by left rotation. The first sections are formed mainly by radial extensions of the edge of the tray.

These radial extensions can be made symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the radial cut line. In the first case, the edge of the opening has cam extensions, with which, while maintaining the direction of rotation, the container can be closed and opened. These first portions alternate in the peripheral (circumferential) direction with unexpanded portions of the opening edge, so that when the cap is put on, corresponding second portions can be inserted there, which can then be brought into engagement with the first portions by rotating the tray and the cap.

The peripheral lengths of the first and second sections are predominantly the same in magnitude. You can also select the peripheral length of the first sections larger than the second sections of the cover. In any case, the peripheral lengths of the unexpanded portions of the edge of the tray opening should, respectively, be matched.

In the second case, the edge of the opening due to the asymmetrical sections has a saw-tooth structure in the top view. The respective second portions of the lid form a counter sawtooth-like structure. In this embodiment, the container is closed by rotating the tray and the lid in one direction, and opening by rotating in opposite directions.

Also, the undercuts of the first and second sections can be performed at the same time, although they correspond to each other, but in different ways.

It is possible that the first and corresponding second sections have a Ζ-shaped form in cross section. This simple profile forms on the direction obliquely downwards and inside the container the area under

- 1 008487 nutrients. The areas extending outward and inward respectively ensure that in the closed state the corresponding undercuts of the first and second sections do not move away from each other, since otherwise the closing force would decrease or disappear.

Further, it is possible that the first and the corresponding second sections have a profile in radial section that includes three radial extended regions between which at least one undercut and, if necessary, oriented essentially perpendicular to the plane of the edges of the aperture are located. Due to this, the retention of the cover relative to the Ζ-shaped profile is further improved.

In one preferred improvement, the first and second portions have a thread-like undercut. In this case, the slope of the undercut of the first section relative to the vertical changes in the peripheral direction, namely, it first increases to further clamp the corresponding second section, which further increases the closing force. The undercut surface is twisted (twisted) to the middle of the section along the peripheral direction around the peripheral line. After passing through the middle, the slope of the undercut decreases again to ensure the opening of the container. Thus, fixation is possible by means of both left and right rotation.

In addition to the above embodiments of the undercuts, it is possible that the first and second sections have at least one thread. In this embodiment, the undercut is formed by the corresponding thread turn.

In another embodiment, it is provided that the first and second sections have corresponding sloping platforms, and these platforms can also be made threaded.

Each inclined platform has at least one surface inclined in the peripheral direction. The surface of the sloping areas of the tray are mainly from the edge of the opening down. The surfaces of the sloped areas of the lid are made corresponding with the effect that, when the container is closed, the surfaces of the sloped areas slide over each other, with the result that the tray and the lid move towards each other.

In each of the first and second sections, two or more surfaces of the sloped areas can also be combined.

Sloping pads offer the advantage that the axial length of the undercut surfaces of the first and second sections increases, which improves fixation.

In order to inform the user when the container is optimally closed, it can be provided that the first and second sections are labeled in the area of the corresponding opening edge most radially from the opening center. It is sufficient if at least one of the corresponding sections is marked in order to inform the container user of the optimum closed position when the markings coincide. Marking may be performed, for example, in the form of a color marking, a sign, such as a triangle, or an arrow. In addition to this visual information about the optimal fixation of the container, the marking can also be made in the form of notches, grooves, etc., by means of which the user is also provided with tactile means in addition to the visual information to determine the optimal closed position.

To make a rotational movement with the hand, the container can be equipped with devices to facilitate rotation. In particular, for dome-shaped containers with a smooth surface, it is envisaged that the lid and / or the body (tray) have several depressions or protrusions. They can be made in the lid and / or in the tray with the possibility of placing the tips of the fingers in them. This improves finger support during rotation and increases handling comfort.

For the same purpose, an option can be chosen in which the tray in its lower region and / or the lid in its upper region are polygonal, for example in the form of a triangle or a rhombus. Also in this case, the container has a device for gripping, which prevents the fingers from slipping when using the container.

Advantageously, the tray or lid is provided with a seal in the locking area. The seal is molded predominantly at the edge portion. The seal can be located inside and when the lid and tray are joined, it is pressed inward.

In one preferred embodiment, the seal may be formed by edge portions of the lid and tray, adjacent to each other in the closed state. To ensure a tight fit of the edge areas to each other, a combination with a threaded execution of the undercuts is preferred, since when the cover is screwed on, the edge areas are pressed against each other. This creates tight closure.

Preferably, the edge portion of the lid is adjacent to the inside of the tray. Thus, the sealing area is displaced inside the tray, and this has the advantage that liquid cannot penetrate into the locking area, in particular, into the undercut area. After removing the lid, this locking area is clean, so that the user does not stain his fingers when taking and moving the tray. A clean gate area has the added advantage that it does not disturb the function of the locking elements.

- 2 008487

Preferably, the lid has a marginal indent extending into the tray. In this way, it is possible to simply move the sealing area inside the tray in a simple manner.

The tray and the lid consist mainly of synthetic material and are made by deep drawing. The invention is explained in more detail below with the help of the drawings, in which FIG. 1 - side view and from above on the inner space of the tray;

FIG. 2a is a side and top view of the outer side of the lid 2;

FIG. 2b is a side and top view of the inside of the lid;

FIG. 3 - closed container in the side view;

FIG. 3a-3d - section in the radial direction of the locking region;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a locking area with inclined platforms;

FIG. 5 - radial section of the inclined platform;

FIG. 6 is a side and top view of the interior of the tray in another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side and top view of the outer side of the lid 2, which fits the tray of FIG. 6

FIG. 1 shows a side and top view of tray 1 in the direction of its internal space. Circular edge 3 of the opening has a circular, horizontally oriented outward region 3a. Above and in the plane defined by the region 3a of the edge 3 of the opening, there is essentially a cylindrical elevation 15. Elevation 15 has, in general, four first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" "of radial extent, the radius of curvature of which significantly less than the radius of the circular opening. These extended sections 6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '' are made symmetrical. Sections 6, 6 ', 6 "', 6" '' alternate with radially unexpanded sections 6a and pass through a certain peripheral area of the opening edge.

In contrast to the above-described embodiment of the edge 3 of the opening of the tray 1, it is also possible to have the edge 3 of the opening not having a flat, radially oriented horizontal area 3a, and the wall 16 of the tray 1 passes directly into the outer peripheral wall 15a of the elevation 15 and the first sections 6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', for example, due to the forming of sections 6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '' from the outside on the wall of the container.

The peripheral length of sections 6a is equal to or more than the peripheral length of sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" ".

Each of FIG. 1 of the first four sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" "has on the outer peripheral wall 15a undercuts, of which for simplicity only two are visible, namely, undercuts 4, 4" "of the first sections 6, 6" " . The undercut 4 is formed by the inclination of the outer peripheral wall 15a of the sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" ". The simplest geometry occurs when the undercuts pass along the entire peripheral length of sections 6, 6 ', 6, 6'.

If necessary, at least one of the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" "is marked 12. In this case, tray 1 has four markings 12, 12", 12 ", 12" "in the form of notches. The circular incisions 12, 12 ', 12' ', 12' '' are located in the middle of the inclined wall 15a forming the undercuts 4, 4 '' '.

Tray 1 has, in principle, an arbitrary shape under an essentially circular edge of 3 openings. FIG. 1 wall 16 under the edge 3 openings are made cylindrically symmetric. This cylindrical-symmetrical wall 16 is adjoined by a polygonal recess 17, which is formed. FIG. 1 this recess 17 is hexagonal, protrudes outward, is molded on tray 1 and serves while holding tray 1 on the reverse side for better grip by hand when making a rotational movement. The supporting surface 18b and a slightly elevated surface relative to the supporting surface 18b are adjacent to the hexagonal region 18a formed.

FIG. 2a, lid 2 is shown in a top and side view in the direction of its outer side.

The lid 2 also has a substantially circular edge 3 ′ of the opening, which is flat and outward. The radius of this edge 3 'of the opening corresponds to the radius of the edge 3 of the opening of tray 1. According to the first sections 6, 6', 6 '', 6 '' 'of tray 1, cover 2 has second sections 7, 7', 7 ", 7" ' slightly greater radial extent than the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" "of tray 1, alternating in the peripheral direction with protruding radially outwards sections 7a. In this regard, the second sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7" "correspond to the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6 "', and the areas 6a to the sections 7a. The peripheral length of the second sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7" "corresponds to the peripheral length of the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6 "". Between sections 7, 7 ', 7' '', 7 '' 'and the convex wall of the lid there is an annular marginal indent 2a extending into the tray 1.

In the upper central area of the lid 2, the recesses 13 are visible, directed towards the inside of the container. They ensure that the user's fingers are placed in them and prevent them from slipping when closing and opening the container.

FIG. 2b, the cover 2 is shown in a top and side view in the direction of its internal space. One can see the second, inward, sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7"' of the lid 2 with the corresponding undercuts, of which only two are visible for clarity, namely the undercuts 5, 5 "" of the second sections 7, 7 " '. The undercuts 5, 5 '' 'of the lid 2 are formed here by a constant inclination of the inner peripheral wall 15b.

The first 6, 6 ', 6, 6' and second 7, 7 ', 7' ', 7' '' sections provide in the form of undercuts 4 and 5 cone-shaped surfaces, which during rotational movement of tray 1 relative to cover 2 are blocked due to the geometric closure . Markings, for example, in the form of color markings or you

- 3 008487 stupas 12a, 12a, 12a '', 12a '' ', as shown in FIG. 2b indicate the optimum position for firm locking.

While a total of four markings 12 are provided in the tray, it is sufficient if, unlike in FIG. 2b only one marking 12a is provided in cover 2.

FIG. 2b, furthermore, a seal 14 is indicated on the inner edge of the edge 3 of the opening.

FIG. 3 shows a container with a lid 2 and a tray 1, the locking portion of which is to the right outside is circled. This marked area is depicted in FIG. 3a-6 enlarged and in section.

FIG. 3a-6, the marginal indent 2a of the lid 2 is shown, which is ring-shaped. The convex wall 2b of the lid passes inside the tray 1 and passes into the rising edge section 14b, fitted to the contour of the edge section 14a of tray 1. the container cannot, therefore, fall into the locking area of the undercuts 4, 5.

FIG. 3a, the lid 2 may have in its outer region a first portion of the Ζ-shaped profile and thus has an undercut 5 formed by an inclined surface. Tray 1 has in accordance with this the second section of the V-shaped profile and also the corresponding undercut 4. The lid and the tray have, thus, two radially extended regions or two marginal regions 8, 8 ''. Due to the compression pressure exerted by screwing the lid and tray onto the edge portions 14a, 14b, the area 8 can be raised, which is indicated in FIG. 3 and enlarged with a dashed line. As a result, the edge area 14b is further drawn inward and in the direction towards the edge area 14a. The connection between the cover 2 and the tray 1 is then due to the geometric circuit.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3b, the first and the corresponding second sections have a profile in side view that includes three radially extended regions 8, 8 ', 8 "' between which at least one undercut 4 or 5 are located, and, if necessary, passing essentially vertically area 9.

In the case of FIG. 3 with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3b, the undercuts are formed by vertical surfaces. Undercuts 4, 5 are formed by a ledge 30, also present in FIG. 3b.

In another embodiment, it is provided that the first and second sections have threads corresponding to each other 10, 10 '.

Each of the undercut surfaces 4, 5 may be a substantially vertically extending surface and not itself be tapered (FIG. 36). This surface has turns of 10, 10 'threads, which, in turn, have an undercut.

In another preferred improvement (FIG. 4), the first and second portions have respective sloped pads 11, 11 '. The pad 11 of the lid 2 has a triangular side wall 22 with surfaces 24, 24 '. Accordingly, the tray has a triangular side wall 23 with surfaces 25, 25 '. At the junction of the surfaces 24, 24 ', 25, 25' are the protrusion 20 'and the corresponding recess 20. When locking, the protrusion 20' is inserted into the recess 20, and the surfaces 24, 24 ', 25, 25' of the tray 1 and the lid 2 are in superficial contact with each other. Due to the surface contact of the inclined surfaces of the undercuts protruding into the inclined pads 11, 11 ', locking occurs. The insertion of the protrusion 20 'into the recess 20 is thus an optional, relatively inclined, tactile aid for determining the optimum locking position.

The side wall 23, the undercut 4 and the corresponding base 28 form a channel (FIG. 5) into which the corresponding inclined pad 11 of the cover 2 can enter. With this solution, the undercut 4 of the tray 1 is elongated downwards, which improves the geometric closure. The bulge 21 at the bottom of the channel is the blocking element of the tray.

FIG. 6 and 7 depict another embodiment of the container according to the invention. FIG. 6 shows tray 1 with the first four sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" ", which completely, without a gap, cover the edge 3 of the opening of tray 1. Each first section 6, 6", 6 ", 6" 'has a continuously increasing radial extent outward. Upon reaching the maximum radial extent, the other first section 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" "begins first with a small, and then with an ever increasing radial extent. Due to this, angles 26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '' and a sawtooth form are seen in the top view. Each section 6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '' has an undercut 4, 4 ', 4 ", 4"' over the entire peripheral extent.

FIG. 7 depicts corresponding to FIG. 6 cover 2 with corresponding second sections 7, 7 ′, 7 ″, 7 ″ ″. While the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6" "in FIG. 6, the radial extent increases in a clockwise direction; for the cover 2 in FIG. 7 it increases counterclockwise. The cover also has angles 27, 27 ', 27 ", 27" "and the corresponding sawtooth structure. When closing, a closure occurs in the region of the first sections 6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '' of tray 1, namely in the zone of greatest radial extent.

In this embodiment, there are also markings 12, 12 ', 12 ", 12" "in the form of notches or grooves and inwardly directed protrusions 12a, 12a', 12a", 12a "". The cover has recesses 13.

- 4 008487

List of reference positions

- tray

- cover

2a - marginal indent

2b - cover wall

- the edge of the opening of the tray a - the region of the edge 3 of the opening

3 '- the edge of the opening of the cover

4, 4 '' '- tray undercut

5, 5 '' '- undercut lid

6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '' - the first section (tray)

6a - unexpanded area

7, 7 ', 7' ', 7' '' - second section (covers)

7a - projecting radially outward portion

8, 8 ', 8' '- radially extended areas

- vertical area

10, 10 '- thread turn

- inclined cover area

11 '- sloping tray

12, 12 ', 12, 12' -marking

12a, 12a ', 12a, 12a' - ledge

- deepening

- seal

14a - edge plot

14b - marginal area

- cylinder-shaped elevation

15a - outer peripheral wall

15b - inner peripheral wall

- wall

- deepening

18a - hexagonal area

18b - supporting surface

- elevated surface

- deepening

20 '- overhang

- bulge

- side wall cover

- side wall of the tray

24, 24 'surface of the sloping area of the cover

25, 25 '- the surface of the sloped area of the tray

26, 26 ', 26, 26' - corner of the tray

27, 27 ", 27" "- corner of the cover

- base

- ledge

Claims (15)

CLAIM 1. A container containing a tray (1), a lid (2) and means for fixing the lid with the tray, characterized in that the circular edge (3) of the opening of the tray (1) has at least two first sections (6, 6 ', 6 '', 6`` '') with a radial length (8, 8 ', 8``) and at least one undercut (4, 4' '') each, with the cover (2) on the edge (3 ') ) of its opening at least two second sections (7, 7 ', 7``, 7' '') corresponding in radial extent (8, 8 ', 8' ') to the first sections, the second sections (7, 7' , 7``, 7 '' ') have at least one undercut (5, 5``') corresponding to undercut (4, 4````) of the corresponding first section (6, 6 ', 6``, 6' ''), so that when the tray (1) rotates relative to the cover (2), it is fixed in the area of undercuts (4, 4 '' ', 5, 5' '') of the first and corresponding second sections. 2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6``, 6' '') and the corresponding second section (7, 7 ', 7``, 7' '') have cross section Ζ-shaped. 3. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6``, 6' '') and the corresponding second section (7, 7 ', 7``, 7' '') have a sectional profile including three radial extended regions (8, 8 ', 8' ') between which at least one undercut (4, 5) and, if necessary, a vertical region (9) are located. - 5 008487 4. The container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6, 6') and the second section (7, 7 ', 7, 7') have a thread-like undercut (4, 5). 5. The container according to π. 1, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6, 6') and the second section (7, 7 ', 7, 7') have at least one thread (10, 10 '). 6. The container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ′, 6, 6 ′) and the second section (7, 7 ′, 7, 7 ′) have inclined platforms corresponding to each other ( 11, 1G). 7. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that the inclined platforms (11, 1G) are threaded. 8. The container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6, 6') and the second section (7, 7 ', 7, 7') have a continuously increasing radial extent. 9. The container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6, 6') and the second section (7, 7 ', 7, 7') are marked (12, 12 ' , 12, 12 ', 12a, 12a', 12a, 12a ') in the region of the corresponding edge of the opening, the most radially remote from the center of the opening. 10. A container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tray (1) and / or cover (2) have at least one recess (13, 17). 11. The container according to one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the tray (1) in its lower region and / or the cover (2) in its upper region are polygonal. 12. The container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the tray (1) and / or lid (2) is provided with a seal (14) in the locking region. 13. The container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tray (1) and the lid (2) in the closed state abut against each other in at least one edge section (14a, 14b). 14. The container according to one of paragraphs. 1-13, characterized in that the edge portion (14b) of the lid (2) is adjacent to the inner side of the wall of the tray (1). 15. The container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the lid (2) has a marginal indent (2a) extending into the tray (1).