EP0639144A1 - Food container with guarantee seal. - Google Patents
Food container with guarantee seal.Info
- Publication number
- EP0639144A1 EP0639144A1 EP92923811A EP92923811A EP0639144A1 EP 0639144 A1 EP0639144 A1 EP 0639144A1 EP 92923811 A EP92923811 A EP 92923811A EP 92923811 A EP92923811 A EP 92923811A EP 0639144 A1 EP0639144 A1 EP 0639144A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- edge
- lid
- seal
- container according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 7
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019568 aromas Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000014121 butter Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013310 margarine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003264 margarine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011837 pasties Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004321 preservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019640 taste Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
- B65D55/06—Deformable or tearable wires, strings, or strips; Use of seals, e.g. destructible locking pins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
- B65D43/0239—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element inside a peripheral U-shaped channel in the mouth of the container
- B65D43/0245—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element inside a peripheral U-shaped channel in the mouth of the container leaving only an inside friction after removal of the tamper element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/10—Tearable part of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00453—Contact between the container and the lid in a peripheral U-shaped channel of the container
- B65D2543/00472—Skirt
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00509—Cup
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00546—NO contact
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00694—Segments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
- B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
- B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a food container with guarantee seal which comprises a lid and a tray, joined along a peripheral edge, and at least one removable seal which is suitable to prevent the lifting of the lid, clearly indicating the integrity of the package at the time of purchase.
- Containers of the above described type are commonly used to package and preserve widely used solid, semisolid or pasty food products such as creams, butter, margarine, ice creams, confectionery products and the like.
- Thes e requiremen ts are ach i eved by us ing f ood-grade thermoplastic synthetic materials which comply wi th the current ly applicable hygi enic and sani tary s ta tutory provisions , such as polyethylene , clear or shock-resistant polystyrene , and degassed polypropylene (premilene) .
- the containers are used for several servings , for example with a capacity of one or more liters , the contents are meant to be used at different times and therefore it is necessary to provide a double closure system : one which seal s the package until its first use and one which closes it during the period of use.
- Another example is constituted by trays covered by a plastic film or by a sheet of aluminum with a removable lid; this system is more reliable than the preceding one but it is rather complicated and expensive.
- Another and more advantageous example of "evident closure” is constituted by a type guarantee seal similar to the bottle caps.
- the lid is applied in a snap-on manner onto the tray and the seal does not allow to access and lift the lid unless the seal itself is broken or removed. After initial opening, the container can be closed again to preserve the product until it is used completely.
- the guarantee seal is constituted by a corner of the edge of the tray, which is folded upward and joined to the rest of the tray by a pre-fracture line or by yielding tabs.
- the seal fully surrounds the corner of the lid which it faces, so that the consumer cannot act on the lid until the seal has been broken and can check the integrity of the package by the presence of the seal.
- it is necessary to press down the corner of the container which is superimposed thereon, or it can be sufficient to act on the edge of the tray at the pre-fracture line.
- An aim of the present invention is to eliminate the problems described above by providing a container of the type with evident closure which offers the maximum assurances of reliability and hygiene both upon first opening and during subsequent use.
- an object of the invention is to provide a seal structure which is suitable to avoid the involuntary separation of the seal during handling and transport.
- Another object is to provide a container at low cost and optimum aesthetic appearance.
- a food container with guarantee seal comprising a lid and a tray made of synthetic material, said lid and tray being adapted to be joined along their peripheral edges, and at least one removable seal, said removable seal being adapted to prevent the lifting of the lid, clearly indicating the integrity of the package, wherein said seal comprises a removable portion of the edge of the tray, said removable portion being joined to the rest of the tray by thin tabs or by pre- fracture lines, characterized in that in closure position the edge of the tray perfectly adheres to, and uniformly blends with, the edge of the lid so as to have no protrusions or slits with respect to said lid edge.
- the edge of the lid has a portion which simply rests on the removable portion of the tray to allow said portion to be pulled radially outward, causing the breakage of at least part of the tabs.
- the lid portion which simply rests on the removable portion of the tray has such a shape that it is elastically folded upward to allow traction in the same direction as the removable portion of the tray, causing the breakage of at least part of the tabs.
- the edge of the tray generally comprises a flat region which blends with the side walls of the tray and is stiffened outward by a ridge which has a substantially U-shaped cross- section with an outer peripheral groove.
- a pre-fracture line which consists of a continuous or discontinuous void of material, which comprises a central portion which is substantially parallel to the outer edge of the tray and two end portions arranged at right angles to said edge.
- the edge of the tray and the edge of the lid have complementarily shaped fastening means which are suitable to ensure, upon closure, the contact of the edges along at least two flat regions.
- the consumer can check the absolute integrity of the package, avoiding, or in any case substantially reducing, the risk of unwilling breakage of the seal.
- FIG. 1 is a top view of the container and of the lid inserted, according to the invention, in a first embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a partially sectional side view of the container of FIG. ⁇ , taken along a vertical plane designated by II-II;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged-scale sectional view of a detail of FIG. 1, taken along a vertical plane designated by III-III;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged-scale sectional view of a detail of FIG. 1, taken along a vertical plane designated by IV-IV;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged-scale top view of a detail of the tray of the container of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged-scale top view of a detail of the lid of th container of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of FIG. 1 during a step of the breakage of the seal;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of FIG. 1 during a step of the lifting of the lid.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of a detail of the tray and of the lid according to a second aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the detail of FIG. 9, taken along a plane designated by X-X;
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the detail of FIG. 9, in open position, taken along a plane designated by XI-XI;
- FIG. 12 is a view of the detail of FIG. 11 in closure position.
- the container according to the invention generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a tray 2, which has slightly inclined side walls 3 and a substantially horizontal bottom 4, and a lid 5.
- the tray and the lid have a substantially rectangular shape, viewed from above; however, this shape may be considerably different without thereby abandoning the scope of the invention.
- thermoplastic synthetic resins such as polyethylene, clear or shock-resistant polystyrene, premilene and other food-grade resins approved by the currently applicable national and international statutory provisions.
- the tray 2 and the lid 5 have respective edges 6 and 7 which can be sealingly coupled so as to tightly close the container.
- the seal 8 can be constituted by a portion 9 of the edge of the tray which is separated from the rest of the tray by a line of discontinuity in the material formed by a central portion 10 which is substantially parallel to the edge and by two end portions 11 and 12 which are substantially perpendicular to the edge.
- tabs 13 have a limited stress resistant cross-section, so as to allow the separation of the seal with a minimal tangent and/or normal effort.
- the edge 6 of the tray perfectly adheres to, and is aligned with, the edge 7 of the lid without protruding at all from the outer profile of said lid.
- the edge of the tray 6 is formed by a flat portion 14 which blends with the side wall 3 of the tray and is substantially parallel to its bottom 4.
- the flat portion 14 is stiffened outward by a ridge 15 which has an external lip 16 and an internal wall 17 which are joined downward by a curved bottom 18, so as to define a groove 19 which has a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section.
- the edge 7 of the lid has a flat portion 20 which is peripherally stiffened by a flange or lip 21.
- Lip 21 is shaped so that it can be inserted in the groove 19 of the ridge 15 of the tray edge and is provided with an external step 22.
- External step 22 has a horizontal side 23 which forms an abutment for the top of the lip 16 of the tray.
- the flat portion 20 is also connected to the central portion 24 of the lid by a corrugation 25 which has an approximately U-shaped transverse cross-section.
- Corrugation 25 has an outer wall 26 which has the same inclination as the side wall 3 of the tray.
- Ribs 27 and 28 are formed respectively along the internal surface of the lip 16 and along the outer rim of the lip 21 and have approximately trapezoidal cross-sections with rounded edges.
- the lip 21, of the edge 7 of the lid may simply be inserted in the corresponding U-shaped cavity of the tray edge, then applying a certain p...ssure on the lid to produce the snap-together overlap of the ribs 27 and 28, moving the upper edge of the outer lip 16 so that it abuts against the side 23 of the step 22.
- the flat portion 26 of the lid perfectly adheres to the wall 3 of the tray, and the flat portion 20 of the lid is in contact with the flat portion 14 of the tray. Contact is also ensured at the ribs 27 and 28, minimizing the possibility of infiltrations of fluids and impurities inside the container.
- the outer lip 16 of the edge of the tray is perfectly aligned with the lip or flange 21 of the edge of the tray so that it does not have any protrusion, which may engage external objects or be gripped by a user, and has no slits which allow the infiltration of moisture and dirt. Therefore, the edges of the lid and of the tray, once coupled, appear as a single perfectly uniform and blended edge, with a high functional and aesthetic value.
- a corresponding portion 29 of the edge of the lid can be superimposed on the removable portion 9 of the edge of the tray which constitutes the seal.
- the portion 29 of the lid and the corresponding portion 9 of the tray have the following structural differences, shown in FIG. 3.
- the edge of the lid does not have the flange 21 and is shaped so that it is simply rested on the underlying portion of the tray 9. In this manner, the underlying portion of the tray can be separated from the rest of the tray by means of a radial outward traction.
- the flat region 14 of the edge of the tray 9 is slightly depressed at the region 30 with respect to the rest of the edge, and the lid also has an equally depressed region 31 which is in contact with the corresponding region 30 of the seal when the lid is closed again.
- the flat region 31 of the edge of the lid is blended with the ridge 25 by means of a curved edge 32. Because of its particular configuration, curved edge 32 has a slight elasticity and possibility of flexing the lid upward but is substantially rigid if pressed downward. This allows the edge of the tray to flex upwardly in this particular region and, at the same time, also the removable portion 9 of the edge of the tray to flex upwardly. Therefore, if the container is inadvertently compressed at the seal, for example during its stacking or transport, its lid cannot fold downward due to its substantial rigidity in this direction, preventing the breakage of the tabs 13 and thus of the seal.
- a user can grip the seal 8, together with the corresponding portion of the lid, between his thumb and index, folding them upward until the tabs 13 break and the seal separates.
- the seal can be separated completely from the rest of the tray, allowing the insertion of a finger below the edge of the lid so as to allow to lift it and open the container.
- the seal 8 can be pulled radially outward, for example toward one of its ends, by pivoting about the opposite end, causing the breakage of the adjacent tabs and keeping intact those which are further away, which may be stronger and retain the seal partially coupled to the rest of the tray, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 5.
- FIGS. 9 to 12 These portion and region are illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12, wherein like reference numerals denote similar features to those of the preceding figures.
- This automatic coupling means can be constituted, for example, by a flared opening 33 which is formed on the flat region 14 of the removable portion 9 of the tray edge and has a side wall 34 which is substantially shaped like a truncated cone and is provided with radial notches 35. Notches 35 form V-shaped tabs or sectors 36 which yield elastically downward but not upward. This shape allows to insert an object with an enlarged head by simple pressure but prevents its retraction once the tapered portion formed by the V-shaped tabs 36 hass been passed.
- An elongated structure 37 is provided on the flat portion 20 of the edge of the lid 7 which faces the removable portion 9 of the tray edge.
- Structure 37 is constituted by a central body with radial longitudinal ribs 38.
- Radial ribs 38 are joined to the lid proximate to the radial ends 39, leaving passages 40 through the flat portion 20, and with an enlarged head 41 which is substantially shaped like a truncated cone and has a maximum diameter which is greater than the minimum distance between the tips of the V-shaped tabs 36.
- Ribs 38 are aligned with radial notches 35 so as to be able to pass through them freely.
- the pressure applied on the lid in a downward direction forces the head 41 of the structure 37 to flex the tabs 36, allowing the passage of the ribs 38 in the notches 35.
- the tabs 36 can return toward the center elastically, blocking the upward return movement of the head 41, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 12.
- the container can have a seal structure at one or more corners of the edge. In the illustrated cases, there are two seals at two opposite corners of the tray but it is possible to provide seals at each corner of the tray.
- the container according to the invention achieves the intended aim and objects--
- the configuration of the seal should be noted in particular: it has high reliability and prevents involuntary breakage by lifting or compression of the edge.
- the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITVI920079 | 1992-05-13 | ||
ITVI920079A IT1259821B (en) | 1992-05-13 | 1992-05-13 | FOOD CONTAINER WITH GUARANTEE SEAL |
PCT/EP1992/002742 WO1993023306A1 (en) | 1992-05-13 | 1992-11-27 | Food container with guarantee seal |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0639144A1 true EP0639144A1 (en) | 1995-02-22 |
EP0639144B1 EP0639144B1 (en) | 1997-04-16 |
Family
ID=11424941
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92923811A Expired - Lifetime EP0639144B1 (en) | 1992-05-13 | 1992-11-27 | Food container with guarantee seal |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0639144B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE151712T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69219159T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2102526T3 (en) |
GR (1) | GR3024045T3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1259821B (en) |
RO (1) | RO117088B1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR27154A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1993023306A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10131477B2 (en) | 2012-05-25 | 2018-11-20 | Stephen Robert | Container top with removable seal |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2700317B1 (en) * | 1993-01-14 | 1995-04-14 | Gervais Danone Sa | Plastic packaging for food with a long shelf life and its manufacturing process. |
IT1270571B (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1997-05-06 | Tecnowerk Srl | CLOSING DEVICE, ESPECIALLY FOR CONTAINERS WITH GUARANTEE SEAL |
ATE170483T1 (en) * | 1995-02-28 | 1998-09-15 | Utz Georg Holding Ag | TRANSPORT CONTAINER WITH LID |
IT235662Y1 (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 2000-07-12 | Seda Spa | ANTI-TAMPERING COVER FOR CONTAINER, IN PARTICULAR OF SWEET AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS. |
AU738902B3 (en) * | 1997-06-27 | 2001-09-27 | Nci Holdings Pty Ltd | Container |
FR2818248A1 (en) * | 2001-02-19 | 2002-06-21 | Estrada Maria Teresa Pla | Cover for plastic food container includes security fastening, cover having peripheral folds which connect to housing in container rim |
US7735674B2 (en) * | 2002-03-11 | 2010-06-15 | Cangyang Cai | Sealed food box |
ITVR20040011A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2004-04-28 | Isap Omv Group Spa | TAMPER-PROOF SEALING SYSTEM BETWEEN CONTAINER AND LID |
FR2884502B1 (en) * | 2005-04-14 | 2010-02-05 | Knauf Snc | INVIOLABILITY DEVICE FOR CONTAINER |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2040267A (en) * | 1979-01-22 | 1980-08-28 | Drg Uk Ltd | Container having pilfer indication means |
EP0110859A1 (en) * | 1982-10-26 | 1984-06-13 | N.V. Thovadec Plastics S.A. | Lid |
IT219731Z2 (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1993-04-28 | TRAY WITH COVER WITH GUARANTEE CLOSURE. |
-
1992
- 1992-05-13 IT ITVI920079A patent/IT1259821B/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-11-27 EP EP92923811A patent/EP0639144B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-11-27 ES ES92923811T patent/ES2102526T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-11-27 AT AT92923811T patent/ATE151712T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-11-27 RO RO94-01825A patent/RO117088B1/en unknown
- 1992-11-27 DE DE69219159T patent/DE69219159T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-11-27 WO PCT/EP1992/002742 patent/WO1993023306A1/en active IP Right Grant
-
1993
- 1993-04-28 TR TR00343/93A patent/TR27154A/en unknown
-
1997
- 1997-07-09 GR GR970401700T patent/GR3024045T3/en unknown
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO9323306A1 * |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10131477B2 (en) | 2012-05-25 | 2018-11-20 | Stephen Robert | Container top with removable seal |
US11401088B2 (en) | 2012-05-25 | 2022-08-02 | Stephen Robert | Container top with removable seal |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69219159D1 (en) | 1997-05-22 |
ITVI920079A1 (en) | 1993-11-13 |
RO117088B1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
WO1993023306A1 (en) | 1993-11-25 |
EP0639144B1 (en) | 1997-04-16 |
DE69219159T2 (en) | 1997-10-16 |
GR3024045T3 (en) | 1997-10-31 |
ITVI920079A0 (en) | 1992-05-13 |
TR27154A (en) | 1994-11-09 |
ATE151712T1 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
ES2102526T3 (en) | 1997-08-01 |
IT1259821B (en) | 1996-03-28 |
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