EP1360119B1 - Behälter mit hängevorrichtung - Google Patents

Behälter mit hängevorrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1360119B1
EP1360119B1 EP02701052A EP02701052A EP1360119B1 EP 1360119 B1 EP1360119 B1 EP 1360119B1 EP 02701052 A EP02701052 A EP 02701052A EP 02701052 A EP02701052 A EP 02701052A EP 1360119 B1 EP1360119 B1 EP 1360119B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
lid
suspender
support
foregoing
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02701052A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1360119A1 (de
Inventor
Jeffrey T. Mannion
Christen A. Bear
John N. Williams
Sue A. Williams
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lid Lasso LLC
Original Assignee
LID LASSO LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LID LASSO LLC filed Critical LID LASSO LLC
Publication of EP1360119A1 publication Critical patent/EP1360119A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1360119B1 publication Critical patent/EP1360119B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3865—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation drinking cups or like containers
    • B65D81/3869—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation drinking cups or like containers formed with double walls, i.e. hollow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/04—Stands with a central pillar, e.g. tree type
    • 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
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/20—External fittings
    • B65D25/205—Means for the attachment of labels, cards, coupons or the like
    • 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
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/20—External fittings
    • B65D25/22—External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
    • 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
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
    • B65D43/0218—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity on both the inside and the outside of the mouth 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
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0225—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation
    • B65D43/0231—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth 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
    • B65D45/00—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
    • B65D45/02—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying axial pressure to engage closure with sealing surface
    • B65D45/16—Clips, hooks, or clamps which are removable, or which remain connected either with the closure or with the container when the container is open, e.g. C-shaped
    • B65D45/18—Clips, hooks, or clamps which are removable, or which remain connected either with the closure or with the container when the container is open, e.g. C-shaped of snap-over type
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/242—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with means for facilitating lifting or suspending 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
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00231—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces
    • B65D2543/0024—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces two pieces, one forming at least the whole skirt, the other forming at least the whole upper part
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00518—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
    • B65D2543/00527—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
    • B65D2543/00481—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
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00851—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar on the central part of the lid
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00861—Non-integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
    • B65D2543/00879—Non-integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar on the central part of the lid
    • 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
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/60—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for sweets or like confectionery products

Definitions

  • This invention relates to disposable packaging, to improved techniques for carrying products in containers, to pre-packaged products, to take out consumable products, and to arrangements for consumer packaging.
  • the invention provides a support for a container as set out in claim 1.
  • the invention based on a container supported by a suspending element associated with the rim or removable top of a wide-mouth container provides to manufacturers, stores, restaurants, take-out counters, and customers a new form of packaging, display and means of transport.
  • the suspending element is so associated that the container, when suspended, hangs by gravity at a substantial angle.
  • the container has flexible walls and a thickened rim.
  • the container may be a molded plastic can, cup or tube having an edge bead, a conventional disposable paper or foam container, a coffee cup or a cup for cereal or soup having a rim bead, or it may be a can (tin) of goods having a metal or plastic top and an outwardly protruding edge bead, etc.
  • the lid or supporting ring has a clear central section enabling view of the contents, or of a tamper-evident seal. Particular embodiments of the invention have many other important features and uses.
  • the invention provides a support for a container as set out in Claim 1.
  • a lid for a container or a support ring associated with the container, has an elongated finger suspender of plastic resin that is molded or otherwise formed integrally with the rim of the lid or the supporting ring.
  • suspending elements of a series of containers are constructed and arranged to for one to be interfit into the opening of another, to enable units to be strung together for transport or display.
  • a single suspending element is located so off-center that the container, when supported by the suspender element, hangs at a marked tilt angle.
  • the product is hung from an elevated location, e.g. in unused high space in a retail store, and the tilt angle so situates the side of the container that it faces the customer due to the container's tilt. The side of the container is readily noticed and identified by its printing.
  • the product is suspended below eye level, e.g. near the floor, and the tilt angle tilts the top of the container toward the customer for notice and ready reading of its brand and contents.
  • a finger suspender which involves two finger-engageable openings in series along the suspender element, selectable for use in accordance with the user's preference. This embodiment takes account of the user's other needs for her or his hand, and the size of the container or string of containers being supported.
  • a finger-engageable opening of the suspender is positioned to facilitate application of force to break a seal or bend back a portion of the lid or ring to facilitate its disengagement from the container.
  • the near-lying finger engageable opening per se constructed to function as a finger suspender and/or as a force-applying aid to the bending and lifting of the lid or ring.
  • a lifting ring featuring two opposed finger suspender elements, each formed integrally with a suspending ring or lid, arranged so that both can be grasped by one or more fingers to lift the container.
  • the suspender elements lie in a plane in nested fashion, extending from hinge roots at opposite sides of the rim of the lid or supporting ring.
  • the container filled with merchandise may be suspended in singles or multiples from a display rack, while, after purchase the container may be supported by its suspender element by a finger leaving the hand free for additional activities, such as carrying a cup of hot coffee, a cold drink, a bag of popcorn, a plate of food, a briefcase, a tennis racket, a paint brush or a bag of groceries or leaving the hand free for holding on to the hand of a child or parent.
  • the container may be inexpensively constructed in accordance with this invention while providing for a variety of ornamental and distinctive appearances and trade dresses by surfaces that may carry decoration and printing.
  • the walls of the container can be printed to serve as holiday decoration or as a gift presentation.
  • the shape of the container and its lid, their aspect ratio, configuration and color may be varied, all while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • a replaceable lid or a suspending ring associated with a suspending element may be removed from the container for partial consumption of the contents while remaining intact, remaining available to be reattached to the container.
  • the suspended container can be used to store or transport remaining contents.
  • the suspended packages may be placed in ordinarily unused space, e.g. in waste space of a cabinet or a refrigerator.
  • Suitable merchandise in the container includes pre-packaged dried soups, cereals, spices, grains, legumes, dried fruits, cookies, crackers, coffee in bean or ground form, nuts, snacks, popcorn, candy, yogurt, ice cream, butter, frozen juice concentrate, cheese dips and condiments, and indeed all of the variety of goods ordinarily presented in cans or tins, including weighty food items, hardware supplies, tennis balls, etc.
  • a finger suspendable container may contain hot or cold contents such as hot soup, hot coffee, cold drinks, ready-to-eat foods, ice cream or yogurt in single servings or larger quantities.
  • the invention includes tamper-evident features and vision access to the goods within the container, while in other cases containers are filled on-site by retail establishments or their customers.
  • Containers embodying the invention can be efficiently displayed on single and multi-tier counter racks, tree displays or on a horizontal or vertical lines of hooks that, in effect, can add another display row to space-limited stores, counters or kiosks.
  • a disposable package with consumable contents is combined with a flexible finger suspender as described, the container being of greater than 5 cm (2 inches) minimum horizontal dimension at its mouth, the container mouth engaged by a removable lid or suspending ring, the container having an upstanding wall of generally flexible material extending from a bottom to a wide mouth top, the container mouth being about as wide as the horizontal cross-section of the container, the wide mouth defined by a relatively thick rim formation, and the lid or suspending ring having a rim portion extending over and removably engaged with the rim formation of the container, the lid or suspending ring of the container and its attachment, as by snap fit, being constructed to support the container and its contents, the flexible finger suspender being comprised of the material of the rim portion and being formed integrally with it whereby the finger suspender enables the wide mouth container to be suspended by its lid for display and transport by the finger of a hand.
  • Preferred embodiments have one or more of the following features:
  • the finger suspender as formed extends flat across the top of the container and is deflectable to an upright position about a flexible attachment root portion.
  • the flexible root portion of the suspender is located in the rim region of the removable lid or supporting ring.
  • the finger suspender has a length exceeding the radius or one half the lateral dimension of the rim of the container, in many preferred embodiments its length is about three fourths of that dimension or more.
  • the lid or supporting ring includes a rim of resilient plastic resin and the suspending element of the resin is an integral extension from the rim.
  • the suspending element lies in unstressed condition, substantially in a plane coincident with or parallel to a plane of the rim, preferably within the confining planes of the rim.
  • a combination including a disposable package for consumable contents and a suspending element, the package comprising a container of greater than 5 cm (2 inches) minimum horizontal dimension at its mouth, which is closed at least in part by a removable lid, orengaged by a supporting ring, the container having a wall of upstanding, generally flexible material extending from a bottom to a wide mouth at the top, the mouth being about as wide as the horizontal cross-section of the container, the wide mouth defined by a relatively thick rim formation, and the lid or suspension ring having a rim portion extending overand removably engaged in load transmitting relation with the rim formation of the container, a single suspending element extending from and being formed integrally with the rimregion of the lid or supporting ring, the suspending element being located to suspend the package at a tilted orientation.
  • the container is of conventional molded plastic resin or resinous foam with integral sidewalls and bottom and paper stock such as drinking cup paper stock, for instance, coffee cup paper stock.
  • the rim formation of the container advantageously comprises an outwardly protruding bead or a rolled bead. It is advantageous in many implementations that the plastic lid or plastic supporting ring be snap-fit over a bead or other rim formation of the container to support the container's weight. In other cases there is a folded rim, as in the case of certain ice cream containers designed for friction fit of the lid telescoped over the container top.
  • the flexible wall of the container comprises plastic foam
  • the rim formation of the container has a thickness of foam greater than lower portions of the container walls.
  • the attachment of the lid to the container includes an outer heat shrunk plastic film band that forms a tamper-evident exterior seal.
  • the seal surrounds mating rim portions of the body of the container and its lid or supporting ring to add strength and stability to the connection.
  • Preferred embodiments feature a finger suspended lid or a supporting ring which has an open or clear section in its center through which the goods or a tamper-evident seal may be viewed.
  • the lid comprises a colored or opaque outer rim and a central region of clear plastic.
  • the lid has a rim region and a central region integrally formed of clear plastic and a second colored or opaque rim member is attached to the clear plastic rim to render the composite rim region colored or opaque.
  • the rim member of the lid or of the supporting ring has a depending skirt that is heat-shrunk about the rim region of the container to form an exterior seal.
  • a clear plastic film member and an annular rim member there is a clear plastic film member and an annular rim member, the clear plastic film member extending across the central portion of the lid to define a viewing window, and having a skirt that depends past, and is heat-sealed in the region of, an upper rim formation of the container.
  • Various embodiments of the invention are advantageously combined with a display rack on which the package is suspended by its suspending element.
  • the display rack defines a support rod or hook on which multiple units of the package are displayed hanging at an angle at an elevated position above the head of the consumer, or at a low position, e.g. near the floor.
  • Figs. 1-1d are shown a suspending ring constructed to be snap-fit over a container 2 that has an outwardly extending bead 8 at its wide mouth.
  • the suspending ring SR comprises rim 4 of injection molded plastic resin having a circular downwardly extending formation adapted to snap over and engage the circular bead 8 of the container 2 in the usual manner of snap-over lids as used with disposable drinking cups, plastic containers, and cans or tins.
  • finger suspender FS Integrally molded with the rim 4 is finger suspender FS, comprising an inward projection of the plastic resin having an over-all length 1, greater than the radius of the mouth of the container 2'. As shown it has a length 1 greater than 75% of the diameter of the mouth, and an overall length in excess of two inches.
  • the over-all length 1 of suspender FS is comprised of a short root region R, a long leg portion L and a finger ring portion F.
  • the finger suspender FS is flexible, in this embodiment being of sheet form of constant thickness.
  • the short root region R is constructed to act as the principal load-bearing hinge.
  • This hinge together with the extended length of the flexible suspender enables the suspender to be deflected, as shown, from a planar as-molded position, in which it lies parallel to and within the bounding planes P and P 1 of the molded rim of the support ring, to an upright position when under load as shown in Figs. 1a and 1d.
  • the hinge location in the vicinity of the rim and the general flexibility of the suspender enables the container to rotate significantly due to significant off-set O S of the center of mass of the container from the center of lift of the suspender FS. Accordingly, the container tilts to the angle ⁇ , with highly desirable consequences, explained below.
  • the tilt angle ⁇ (degree of cant) may be selected by suitable selection of the width, thickness and length of elongated suspender FS and the physical properties of the chosen plastic resin, in relation to the size and weight of the filled container and the degree of tilt angle É desired.
  • Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and in general, thermoplastic resins having a degree of resilience, such as conventionally used to injection mold snap lids are suitable materials.
  • the finger ring opening F has an inner diameter d i that exceeds the design dimension d f of a user's finger, enabling the container to be suspended by the finger as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the base of the finger ring opening F terminates in slot S, which contributes to defining an overall opening of length d s that is equal to or greater than the outer diameter d o of the head of the finger suspender.
  • This feature is described later in connection with Figs. 4 and 4a.
  • Fig. 2 Important advantages of the container associated with finger suspender FS of the support ring are illustrated in Fig. 2. Only one finger is used to support a full container of cereal as the user moves from a counter with a hot cup of coffee in the same hand.
  • the relative location of the suspended container of cereal may be selected by the user, by selecting the tilt orientation of the container relative to the finger when initially lifting the container. This enables the container to be carried in the protected position, shown.
  • Support rings similarly applied to tennis ball cans 2" the rims of which are snapped over the metal outer ring of the can's conventional metal sealing lid, enables two cans of balls to be carried by a finger of the same hand that carries a tennis racket, Fig. 3.
  • the finger supports the rings of the suspenders of both cans.
  • suitable length of the suspenders of the cans may be intertwined so that only one finger ring needs to be lifted, using the feature now to be described.
  • the head of one finger suspender FS 1 attached to its container is turned to register with slot S in the head of the suspender FS 2 mounted on the other container.
  • FS 1 By grasping the head of the first suspender, FS 1 , pulling it through and engaging a finger in its ring, both tennis cans can be supported.
  • an intertwined string of three or more containers may be formed and supported by a single finger.
  • the tilt angle ⁇ achieved by the present embodiment has important commercial display advantages.
  • display space of a retail store determines the variety and quantity of goods that may be presented.
  • the tilt angle achievable by the off-center suspension described has an important advantage in allowing goods to be presented from high places at an angle that enables side labels to be readily noticed and read.
  • goods supported lower than eye level can be tilted by the act of suspension so that the label on the container lid may be readily read and the brand recognized.
  • the embodiment represents a contribution to point of purchase displays as well as to the convenience of transport.
  • Figs. 1-1d, 6-6d, 14, 15 and 16 may employ a conventional 8-ounce disposable paper beverage cup 2 having a rolled upper bead 8 and a snap suspending ring 4 or snap lid 4' based upon features of a conventional disposable thermoformed snap lid.
  • a cup tapers, having, for instance, a minimum diameter of about 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) at its bottom and a maximum diameter of about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) at its top, the mouth of the cup corresponding to the latter dimension.
  • the ring or lid is of suitable plastic resin, e.g. of 0.5 mm thickness and the cup and rim or lid are cooperatively constructed to be snap-fit together, the rim portion of the ring or lid lying over and engaging outer bead 8 of the container.
  • Figs. 1-1d, 6-6d 14, 15 and 16 may be sealed by a segment of cellophane sheet, clear polyester film or the like, that is adhered to the rim 8 of the container described later in relation to Figs. 6-6d.
  • the lids shown in Figs. 14 and 16 correspond to lids designed for hot beverage, formed of opaque, colored plastic.
  • the lid 4 of Fig. 16 has a round central opening terminating at edge 11, of diameter, e.g., of 4.25 cm.
  • a circular disk 7 of clear plastic resin Inserted into the rim of the lid of Figs. 14 and 16 and bonded in place to the undersurface of annular ridge 10 is a circular disk 7 of clear plastic resin, of diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of ridge 10, e.g. of 6 cm diameter.
  • the clear sealing sheet segment provides a see-through window in the snap-lid.
  • the paper wall of a cup terminates in a relatively rigid upper bead 8 which defines the circular top rim of the cup.
  • the raised ridge 10 of the lid lies about 1 cm above the plane of the rim of the cup when the two are snapped together.
  • the cup wall 3 is originally manufactured as flat paper stock and is printed with high accuracy in its flat form, to provide decoration, trade dress, notice of ingredients, etc. It is then cut, formed and glued in the usual way for beverage cups, into the truncated conical shape shown.
  • the bottom of the cup is formed of a separate bottom member 5, to which an in-turned margin of the lower part of the side wall 3 is bonded.
  • thermoformed lid 4 As is common with beverage cup lids, a series of spaced-apart inward indentations, not shown, are provided in the lower rim of thermoformed lid 4, located to snap over the cup's rim bead 8 to resiliently engage the lower portion of bead 8 to secure the lid to the cup.
  • Figs. 1,6,14,15 or 16 pre-filled with delicate twist-wrapped chocolate mini-truffles 18 (chocolate shells with flavored soft gnoche centers). These are individually wrapped with metallized polyester wrapping film. As shown in Fig. 6, the free ends of the twisted truffle wrap, while flexible, have a degree of stiffness sufficient to cushion the truffles with each other and the inside walls of the container. As shown best in Fig. 6a and 6b, inner layer 19 of clear plastic is adhered across the rim of the cup, providing an air seal and a tamper-evident feature.
  • an outer seal band 21, shown in Figs. 8b and 11, is applied across the juncture of the lid or suspending ring and the cup. It serves both to add security and provide a tamper-evident feature.
  • Seal member 21 is an annular preform of heat-shrinkable resin such as polyethylene or acetate, sized to encompass the joint region of the container. After the container is filled, heat is applied to the seal preform 21, causing it to shrink to tightly engage both the rim 4 of the lid, or ring and the wall of the cup 3 below its bead 8.
  • a tear feature 25 is incorporated in the preform 21 and visibly identified. To gain access to the container, the user first breaks this seal and then lifts off the lid of the container.
  • the tear feature may be of many known kinds, e.g., a vertical row of perforations, with or without a pull tab or pull string.
  • Cup 2 is gravity-filled with the desired contents, in the example twist-wrapped chocolate mini-truffles, Fig. 6a.
  • the filled container then has a moisture barrier adhesively applied to its outer rim of clear plastic sheet 17, which passes relatively over the cup to provide the tamper-evident film segment 19.
  • the film may be formed with a downward indentation at the rim of the cup, or be yieldable in that region.
  • Fig. 6c shows the rim 4 of a suspending ring being applied to the filled and sealed cup which, for many products, completes the packaging.
  • the seal preform 21 is positioned and exposed to heat H, as from a suitably shaped hot air appliance, which heat-shrinks the film band 21 to the conformation shown in Fig. 6.
  • the band reinforces the interconnection between the rim 4 and cup 2. Such a seal can assure that a container and its contents can be suspended by the finger suspender during handling, even if the contents are heavy.
  • the outer seal 21 may be omitted, while in other embodiments, as where protection of the goods does not require, the internal seal sheet 19 may be omitted.
  • the user gains access to the contents by rupturing the external seal 21, if present, and by grasping and pulling on the novel finger suspender with a force level considerably exceeding the weight of the package.
  • the off-center relationship of the suspender to the rim 4 applies bending forces to the ring or lid, as the user firmly grasps and holds the cup steady. This action commences progressive disengagement from the rim bead 8 of the cup; indeed, in the case of a lid forming a hermetic seal, the lid may come off with the sound of a "pop.”
  • the user then removes the inner sealing film 19, if present, to gain access to the contents.
  • the tear feature 25 is located on the periphery in alignment with the root hinge of the finger suspender FS. The two are thus cooperatively related, to enable a firm tug on the suspender to break outer seal 21 at its tear or break feature and remove the lid in one motion.
  • Figure 6d illustrates that the clear film 19 or, in its place, foil or other opaque cover, can readily be sealed to the mouth of the container before application of the suspending rim by snap-fit over the container bead.
  • a single-piece molded snap lid offers complete closure.
  • the finger suspender FS is molded integrally with the rim at an upper level, while a separated mold cavity parallel with the suspender cavity but spaced below, extends continuously from one side of the rim to the other, to form closure membrane C.
  • a separate closure element C 1 is preformed, inserted into the suspending rim and joined, as by adhesive, to the underside of the rim.
  • element C 1 is of diameter larger than the diameter of the container such the rim when snapped over the mouth of the container compressed the closure material C 2 between the suspension rim and the rim of the container to form a seal.
  • an inwardly protruding supporting flange formation F is molded on the inside of the skirt of the suspending ring, thus defining a peripheral slot into which a preformed closure disc may be snapped and held secure. Again the dimensions may be selected to cause the closure material C 2 to be compressed when the ring is snapped over the container bead 8.
  • a snap-fit closure 4a of otherwise conventional form defines its own peripheral outer bead B.
  • a suspending ring 4" which may otherwise be of the construction previously described, has a snap groove sized and arranged to snap-fit over bead B, so that desired closure and suspending functions are achieved by two parts that are snap-fit together.
  • Two station automatic machinery can first snap the closure 4a on the container and then snap the suspending ring 4" on the closure 4a.
  • the ring and closure may be first automatically assembled and the assembly may then be snap-fit to the container.
  • the suspending ring extends over the mouth of the container with friction fit.
  • the engagement may be sufficient to transfer the weight to enable finger suspension for transport or display.
  • a heat shrunk security ring 21 as previously described, may be applied.
  • lid 10 and carton 11 are of square or rectangular profile, while having other features similar to those described. This particular embodiment provides for efficient use of hanging space. As illustrated in Fig. 12c, little open space remains between adjacent packages suspended on a rod.
  • a finger suspender FS 1 having two finger openings F 1 and F 2 spaced along the length of the suspender.
  • the outer opening F 2 is employed as previously described.
  • the inner finger opening F 1 may be used, in accordance with user preference, to more snugly suspend a container relative to a hand, and in some cases to brace it against the lower edge of the hand.
  • the lower opening F 1 is useful in certain instances to aid in lifting a lid as by interaction with the thumb. As shown, force applied by a finger inserted in opening F 1 is used to bend back the portion of the elastic lid to which the suspender is attached while the thumb holds down the center of the lid. In certain instances, only the lower opening is employed as in Figs. 13 or Figs. 13a and b, in which case the outer end of the suspender may be omitted.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a container having a lid 4' with a finger suspender FS formed integrally with lid top surface.
  • the suspender FS extends from attached proximal end to a distal end. In its as-formed, relaxed state, it lies generally flat relative to planar top surface of the lid, thus allowing lid stacking and container stacking advantages.
  • lid 4' is provided with an internal film laminate attached along the undersurface of its rim to provide a seal between the container contents and the external environment.
  • the distal end of suspender FS has a hole for suspension of the container formed by the combination of the lid and cup as illustrated.
  • Figs. 15 and 15a illustrate a locking arrangement for selectively securing a lid to a cup or other container.
  • the locking arrangement is explained in U.S. Patent 6,056,144, issued May 2, 2000.
  • the lid 80 is equipped with locking formations 90 (only one shown) extending radially inward from lid flange 91.
  • Cup 81 has recesses 92 (only one shown) formed along the bead 93 of its lid for allowing locking formation 90 to pass below bead 93 when lid 80, aligned with cup 81 as shown in Fig. 15, is pressed downwardly onto cup 181'.
  • lid 80 is rotated relative to cup 81 so that locking formations 90 are no longer aligned with recesses 92. Formations 90 then provide locking engagement with bead 93 to prevent removal of the lid from the cup.
  • the container even with relatively heavy contents, can be suspended by finger suspender FS without disengaging the lid from the cup.
  • a novel nested arrangement of a pair of finger suspenders FS 3 , FS 4 is provided by a novel arrangement in which the center axis A of each elongated suspender is curved, and the centers of the two finger opening lie on a diameter d 1 of the circular top, with the hinge root region of each suspender being off-set d 1 and of asymmetrical form.
  • the roots of these suspenders are diametrically opposed along diameter d 2 which forms a substantial angle with diameter d 2 .
  • the finger opening do not precisely align, still, by being suitably oversized, a common passage is defined by overlapped regions of the openings to admit one or more supporting fingers.
  • the containers can be supported by a hand in a manner stiii enabling the hand to be free for other functions, as illustrated.
  • suspending rim that snap fits over the conventional edge bead of a metal can or paper tub, range from carrying a heavy can of shortening or paint, or convenient handling of a tub of popcorn at the movies.
  • the root region of the suspenders may be harrowed and straightened, for increased flexibility.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Claims (36)

  1. Halter für einen vorgegebenen Behälter (2, 2', 2", 11, 71, 81, 92, 94) mit einer Randzone an einer oberen Öffnung, wobei der Halter einen Deckel oder einen Haltering (4, 4', 4", 70, 80, 90) aufweist, der so konstruiert ist, dass er mit einer Randzone des Behälters zusammenpasst, wobei der Deckel oder der Haltering zwischen parallelen Begrenzungsebenen liegt,
       wobei ein flexibler Aufhänger (FS, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4) integral mit dem Deckel oder Haltering in der Umgebung der Randzone des Deckels oder des Halterings ausgebildet ist, wobei der Hauptkörper des Aufhängers eine Blattform mit im wesentlichen konstanter Dicke aufweist, wobei der Aufhänger in seiner Position seiner Ausbildung innerhalb der Randzone parallel zu den Begrenzungsebenen und längs derselben oder zwischen denselben liegt, und wobei der Aufhänger aus der Position seiner Ausbildung zu einer aufrechtstehenden Position auslenkbar ist, in der er fähig ist, das Gewicht des Behälters zu tragen.
  2. Halter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem sich der Aufhänger so, wie er ausgebildet worden ist, flach über die Oberseite des Behälters erstreckt.
  3. Halter nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering (4, 4', 4", 70, 80, 90) und der Aufhänger (FS, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4) integral aus Kunstharz, vorzugsweise aus elastischem Kunstharz, geformt sind.
  4. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering und der Aufhänger eine gegossene Einheit umfassen.
  5. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Aufhänger einen flexiblen Stamm (R) aufweist, der breiter ist als die Breite eines Hauptkörpers eines Aufhängers.
  6. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, kombiniert mit einem Behälter, wobei der Aufhänger an einer Stelle, die im wesentlichen von einer Zentralachse des Behälters, die durch dessen Schwerpunkt läuft, versetzt ist, mit dem Deckel oder dem Haltering verbunden ist, wobei die Versatzstrecke ausreicht, um dem Behälter eine wesentliche Neigung zu verleihen, wenn der Behälter durch den Aufhänger gehalten wird.
  7. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Aufhänger die Form eines Fingeraufhängers mit freiem Ende aufweist, der eine Verlängerungsachse aufweist und wenigstens einen flexiblen Stammbereich R mit relativ kurzer Ausdehnung längs der Venängerungsachse, sowie einen Hauptkörper mit im wesentlichen größerer Ausdehnung längs der Achse, der an einem Abschnitt endet, der so geformt ist, dass er einen haltenden Finger aufnimmt, umfasst.
  8. Halter nach Anspruch 7, bei dem der Hauptkörper ein Schenkelabschnitt L (Fig. 1) mit kleinerer lateraler Ausdehnung als der Stammabschnitt R und einer Fingereingriffsanordnung F ist, wobei die Pingereingrtffsanordnung vorzugsweise eine Öffnung im distalen Ende des Aufhängers umfasst, die so bemessen ist, dass sie einen Finger aufnimmt
  9. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Aufhänger wenigstens zwei Fingereingriffsanordnungen (F1, F2) definiert, wobei eine erste dieser Anordnungen weniger vom Basisstamm des Aufhängers beabstandet ist als eine zweite dieser Anordnungen.
  10. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, der einen einzelnen Aufhänger umfasst.
  11. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 bis 9, der zwei flexible Fingeraufhänger umfasst, deren Enden einen Bewegungsbereich aufweisen, der ihnen ermöglicht, von einem Finger gegriffen und gemeinsam gehalten zu werden.
  12. Halter nach Anspruch 11, bei dem die flexiblen Fingeraufhänger in ihren Positionen der Ausbildung in verschachtelter Weise in einer Ebene liegen, wobei vorzugsweise die Fingeraufhänger FS3, FS4 jeweils gebogen sind, die Fingereingriffanordnungen der Aufhänger vorzugsweise auf einen ersten Durchmesser d1 ausgerichtet sind und die Stammbasen der Aufhänger auf einem zweiten Durchmesser d2 liegen, der mit dem ersten Durchmesser d1 einen wesentlichen Winkel bildet,
  13. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Aufhänger oder die Aufhänger freie Enden aufweisen und wenigstens zwei Zoll lang sind und einen Stammbereich (R) und einen Fingereingriffbereich (F) enthalten.
  14. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Aufhänger oder die Aufhänger freie Enden aufweisen und wenigstens halb so lang wie die minimale Querabmessung der Öffnung des Behälters sind, und vorzugsweise eine Länge aufweisen, die den Radius oder eine Hälfte der Lateralabmessung der Randzone des Behälters überschreitet, wobei in vielen bevorzugten Ausführungsformen die Länge etwa drei Viertel dieser Abmessung oder mehr beträgt.
  15. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem ein Fingereingriffabschnitt (F1) eines Aufhängers nahe am Basisstamm des Aufhängers liegt.
  16. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering so konstruiert ist, dass er eine Einschnapp-Passbeziehung mit dem Behälter aufweist
  17. Halter nach Anspruch 16, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering so konstruiert ist, dass er eine Einschnapp-Passbeziehung auf einem Außenwulst an der Öffnung des Behälters aufweist.
  18. Halter nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering so konstruiert ist, dass er eine Einschnapp-Passbeziehung zu einer Abdeckung aufweist, die ihrerseits am Behälter einschnappt.
  19. Halter nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering so konstruiert ist, dass er eine Reibungspassung mit einer Randzone des Behälters aufweist.
  20. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, der dafür ausgelegt ist, mit einem weiteren Halter ähnlicher Konstruktion zusammenzupassen, wobei der Aufhänger jedes Halters ein freies Ende und einen Kopf aufweist, der eine Öffnung definiert, wobei der Kopf des einen Halters so konstruiert ist, dass er durch die Öffnung des anderen Halters gefädelt wird, um zu ermöglichen, die Behälter, die diese Halter tragen, zusammen aufzureihen.
  21. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Deckel oder Haltering eine Öffnung in seinem Mittelbereich für die Betrachtung der Inhalte des Behälters aufweist, wobei vorzugsweise unterhalb des Halters eine klare Kunststoffschicht oder -folie angeordnet ist.
  22. Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Deckel oder der Haltering einen vorgeformten Verschlusselementeinsatz (C1, C2, Fig. 8, 9) enthält, wobei beispielswelse der Verschlusseinsatz (C1, C2) einen größeren Durchmesser als die Öffnung des Behälters aufweist und so angeordnet ist, dass er gegen die Öffnung des Behälters gedrückt wird, um eine Dichtung zu bilden.
  23. Kombination, die einen Halter nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche und einen Behälter mit einer minimalen horizontalen Abmessung größer als 5 cm (2 Zoll) an seiner Öffnung umfasst,
       wobei der flexible Aufhänger, der sich vom Deckel oder vom Haltering erstreckt, so angeordnet ist, dass er mit einem Halteelement, wie z. B. einer Stange oder einem Haken einer Produktauslage, in Eingriff gelangt, wobei vorzugsweise der Aufhänger eine Länge von etwa 5 cm (2 Zoll) oder mehr aufweist, so dass dann, wenn er mit dem Halteelement in Eingriff gelangt, der Behälter einen Neigungswinkel aufweist.
  24. Kombination, die einen Halter oder eine Kombination nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 bis 23 und einen Behälter mit einer minimalen horizontalen Abmessung größer als 5 cm (2 Zoll) an seiner Öffnung umfasst, wobei der Aufhänger so konstruiert und angeordnet ist, dass er ermögllcht, den Behälter zum Zeigen und zum Transportieren mit dem Finger einer Hand aufzuhängen.
  25. Halter oder Kombination nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche in Kombination mit einem Behälter, der verbrauchbare Inhalte enthält, die Lebensmittel umfassen, wie z. B. getrocknete Suppen, Getreide, Gewürze, Kömer, Gemüse, getrocknete Früchte, Gebäck, Kekse, Kaffee als Bohnen oder in gemahlener Form, Nüsse, Knabberartikel, Popcorn, Süßigkeiten, Joghurt, Eiskrem, Butter, gefrorenes Fruchtsaftkonzentrat, Käsesoßen und Würzmittel, Suppen oder Getränke.
  26. Halter oder Kombination nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 bis 24, wobei der Behälter Tennisbälle enthält.
  27. Verfahren zum Halten eines Behälters, dass die Schritte umfasst:
    Bereitstellen eines Behälters, der eine Zentralachse und eine Öffnung aufweist, die durch eine Randzone mit einer nach außen gerichteten Oberfläche begrenzt ist,
    Bereitstellen eines Halters für den Behälter, der einen Deckel oder einen Haltering umfasst, wie in irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 26 angegeben ist, und Aufhängen des Deckels oder des Halterings und des zugehörigen Behälters mittels des Aufhängers.
  28. Verfahren nach Anspruch 27, bei dem der Aufhänger in seiner Längsrichtung flexibel ist und im Umfangsbereich mit dem Deckel oder dem Haltering mit einem Abstand von der Zentralachse des Behälters wesentlich versetzt verbunden ist.
  29. Verfahren nach Anspruch 27, bei dem der Behälter mit einer Rückhalteanordnung, wie z. B. einem Wulst, als Teil der nach außen gerichteten Oberfläche versehen ist, wobei der Deckel oder der Haltering einen Umfangsabschnitt aufweist, der so konstruiert ist, dass er an der Anordnung einschnappt.
  30. Verfahren nach Anspruch 27, 28 oder 29, bei dem der Halter einen im wesentlichen flachen Deckel aufweist, der den Behälter verschließt.
  31. Verfahren nach Anspruch 27, 28 oder 29, bei dem der Haltering einen Einsatz enthält, der in Kombination mit dem Ring dazu dient, den Behälter zu verschließen.
  32. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 27 bis 31, bei dem der Aufhänger eine gegossene Form längs des Deckels oder des Halterings aufweist.
  33. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 27 bis 32, bei dem der Behälter ein Produkt enthält, und bei dem der Behälter zum Verkauf mittels des Aufhängers an einer Auslagevorrichtung aufgehängt wird.
  34. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 27 bis 33, bei dem der Behälter ein Produkt enthält, und bei dem der Behälter nach dem Verkauf vom Finger eines Käufers, der mit dem Aufhänger in Eingriff ist, gehalten wird.
  35. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 27 bis 34, bei dem der Behälter verbrauchbare Inhalte enthält, die Lebensmittel umfassen, wie z. B. getrocknete Suppen, Getreide, Gewürze, Kömer, Gemüse, getrocknete Früchte, Gebäck, Kekse, Kaffee in Bohnen oder in gemahlener Form, Nüsse, Knabberartikel, Popcorn, Süßigkeiten, Jogurt, Eiscreme, Butter, gefrorenes Fruchtsaftkonzentrat, Käsesoßen und Würzmittel, Suppen oder Getränke.
  36. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 27 bis 34, bei dem der Behälter Tennisbälle enthält.
EP02701052A 2001-01-16 2002-01-16 Behälter mit hängevorrichtung Expired - Lifetime EP1360119B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US26203001P 2001-01-16 2001-01-16
US262030P 2001-01-16
PCT/US2002/001112 WO2002057154A1 (en) 2001-01-16 2002-01-16 Suspended containers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1360119A1 EP1360119A1 (de) 2003-11-12
EP1360119B1 true EP1360119B1 (de) 2005-11-09

Family

ID=22995884

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02701052A Expired - Lifetime EP1360119B1 (de) 2001-01-16 2002-01-16 Behälter mit hängevorrichtung

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20020121456A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1360119B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2004521033A (de)
CN (1) CN1321864C (de)
AT (1) ATE309148T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60207205D1 (de)
WO (1) WO2002057154A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7086545B2 (en) 2002-01-16 2006-08-08 Ajava Pinata, L.L.C. Suspended containers
US7204373B2 (en) * 2004-04-02 2007-04-17 American Grease Stick Company Angulated package and display system
US20050240140A1 (en) * 2004-04-27 2005-10-27 Nelson Ronald E Wrist brace with adjustable support
WO2006113920A2 (en) * 2005-04-20 2006-10-26 Travel Tags, Inc. Lenticular container and method of making
US7704347B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2010-04-27 Prairie Packaging, Inc. Reinforced plastic foam cup, method of and apparatus for manufacturing same
US7552841B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2009-06-30 Prairie Packaging, Inc. Reinforced plastic foam cup, method of and apparatus for manufacturing same
US7694843B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2010-04-13 Prairie Packaging, Inc. Reinforced plastic foam cup, method of and apparatus for manufacturing same
US7818866B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2010-10-26 Prairie Packaging, Inc. Method of reinforcing a plastic foam cup
US7536767B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2009-05-26 Prairie Packaging, Inc. Method of manufacturing a reinforced plastic foam cup
US7814647B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2010-10-19 Prairie Packaging, Inc. Reinforced plastic foam cup, method of and apparatus for manufacturing same
US20070051738A1 (en) * 2005-08-23 2007-03-08 Douglas Slayton Cup lid with hook for hanging lid on upper rim of cup
WO2007100772A2 (en) * 2006-02-27 2007-09-07 Allison Marshall Whittaker Convertible cup holder
EP2142436A4 (de) * 2007-04-23 2012-06-27 Wrigley W M Jun Co Nachfüllbare packung für verbrauchsartikel
US20090126149A1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2009-05-21 Whittaker Allison M Convertible cup holder
US7520397B1 (en) 2007-12-17 2009-04-21 Segale Joyce M Multifunctional cup holding rack
US20090302052A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2009-12-10 Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp Container With Attachment Apparatus
US20100308047A1 (en) * 2009-06-05 2010-12-09 Regan Christopher A Canteen cup cover with integrated strainer and signaling mirror
GB2475291B (en) 2009-11-12 2012-03-28 Kraft Foods R & D Inc Beverage preparation machines
US8828170B2 (en) 2010-03-04 2014-09-09 Pactiv LLC Apparatus and method for manufacturing reinforced containers
US8511484B1 (en) * 2010-05-28 2013-08-20 Stephen Greenberg Containers and storage system therefore
EP2609018A1 (de) * 2010-08-23 2013-07-03 Nestec S.A. Verpackung für speiseeis
USD666873S1 (en) 2010-09-03 2012-09-11 Robert Gordon Industries, Ltd. Can-shaped container
US8415562B2 (en) * 2011-03-04 2013-04-09 Tate Access Floors Leasing, Inc. Air seal device
ES2370891B1 (es) * 2011-08-04 2012-10-30 Ecología Per Festes, S.L. Dispositivo para colgar vasos.
USD693120S1 (en) 2012-10-18 2013-11-12 Cool Gear International, Llc Resealable container
US10052774B2 (en) * 2014-08-03 2018-08-21 Yorz 4 Razors Inc. Razor accessory
US9669963B2 (en) * 2015-06-23 2017-06-06 Dart Industries Inc. Cap for receptacle such as a bottle
USD767388S1 (en) 2015-08-31 2016-09-27 Adam J. Slovis Attachable handle
US9826820B2 (en) 2015-09-04 2017-11-28 Adam J. Slovis Handle for a container
DE102016216444B4 (de) * 2016-08-31 2025-05-15 Chocal Packaging Solutions Gmbh Vorrichtung zur Herstellung einer Lebensmittelverpackung und Verfahren zur Herstellung von Verpackungsteilschalen einer Lebensmittelverpackung
US20180086504A1 (en) * 2016-09-27 2018-03-29 Eric A. Rossow Tennis ball canister with an attachment lobe
US10390616B2 (en) * 2017-09-20 2019-08-27 Isee Store Innovations, Llc Product display assembly and method
PL3978386T3 (pl) * 2019-05-30 2024-10-21 Gc Corporation Struktura łącząca opakowania z lepkim materiałem stomatologicznym
JOP20220086A1 (ar) * 2019-10-10 2023-01-30 Axcella Health Inc صياغات منخفضة الحجم تتضمن كيانات حمض أميني
US20210206551A1 (en) * 2020-01-02 2021-07-08 Sprout Studios LLC Locking System for Containers
US20220279949A1 (en) * 2021-03-04 2022-09-08 Barry Harkin Insulated cup sleeve with foldable hangers
GB2616293A (en) * 2022-03-03 2023-09-06 The Visual System And Sign Company Ltd Receptacle and hanger
US12358143B2 (en) * 2022-12-12 2025-07-15 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Tether usage for robotic package delivery or item handling

Family Cites Families (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1095045A (en) * 1911-02-24 1914-04-28 John B Timberlake Folding display-rack.
US1485852A (en) * 1922-10-07 1924-03-04 United Steel & Wire Co Display stand
US2194898A (en) * 1939-01-31 1940-03-26 Hanford Harold Henry Robert Handled support for cups, glasses, and other containers
US3434620A (en) * 1966-03-10 1969-03-25 American Flange & Mfg Frangible plastic closure
US3397814A (en) * 1966-12-06 1968-08-20 Johnson & Johnson Composite lid
US3415404A (en) * 1967-03-15 1968-12-10 William H. Robinson Severable packaging structure
US3401827A (en) * 1967-07-03 1968-09-17 Atlantic Plastics Inc Removable container lid with integral folding handle
US3494500A (en) * 1968-04-26 1970-02-10 Clark Mfg Co J L Tear-type plastic closure with plastic pull ring
US3737069A (en) * 1970-07-15 1973-06-05 Illinois Tool Works Container carrier with integral handle loop
US3693808A (en) * 1971-06-01 1972-09-26 Brode Milling Co Inc Van Display rack
GB1463314A (en) * 1973-06-22 1977-02-02 Airfix Ind Ltd Containers
US3931948A (en) * 1974-09-26 1976-01-13 Simco, Inc. Suspension holders for containers and other articles and blanks for forming the same
GB1537672A (en) * 1975-07-30 1979-01-04 Airfix Ind Ltd Production of composite articles
US3979012A (en) * 1975-12-22 1976-09-07 Reynolds Metals Company Container having opening means
GB1600353A (en) * 1978-05-31 1981-10-14 Airfix Ind Ltd Containers
US4211336A (en) * 1979-08-15 1980-07-08 Container Corporation Of America Container closure
US4238047A (en) * 1979-10-04 1980-12-09 Container Corporation Of America Composite closure member
US4333569A (en) * 1980-07-29 1982-06-08 Hammacher Margaret F Carrying handle for detachable containers and containers including such handle
DK549180A (da) * 1980-12-23 1982-06-24 Nigu Pack As Baeger eller boetteformet formstofemballage med paatrykningslaag og fremgangsmaade ved paatrykning af laaget
US4360121A (en) * 1981-03-27 1982-11-23 Container Corporation Of America Easy-open lid closure arrangement
US4438864A (en) * 1982-06-09 1984-03-27 Container Corporation Of America Tamperproof closure
US4448345A (en) * 1982-07-29 1984-05-15 Container Corporation Of America Composite lid
SE453820B (sv) * 1983-03-22 1988-03-07 Haustrup Plastic As Aterforslutbar behallare
US4456146A (en) * 1983-07-21 1984-06-26 Container Corporation Of America Composite closure having frangible opening means
US5007231A (en) * 1985-08-16 1991-04-16 Plm Ab Container
US4691832A (en) * 1986-11-04 1987-09-08 Horea Steiger Step-like flower-box support structure
FR2624099B1 (fr) * 1987-12-04 1990-05-25 Moulage Automatique Sa Dispositif de fermeture pour recipient formant capsule, moule pour sa fabrication et son procede de fabrication
US5002190A (en) * 1988-06-24 1991-03-26 Lonnie Moreland Sports cap rack
US4893771A (en) * 1988-12-05 1990-01-16 Kaneshiro Glenn T Cooking pot lid stand
US4944415A (en) * 1989-03-02 1990-07-31 Orbach Max A Bottle support apparatus
US5054642A (en) * 1989-03-15 1991-10-08 Tenryu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Lid device for wide-mounted container and method of producing the same
GB2251431A (en) * 1990-12-05 1992-07-08 Carter Holt Harvey Plastic Pro Closures for containers
US5246133A (en) * 1991-09-16 1993-09-21 Sealright Co., Inc. Injection molded lid with window
GB9225238D0 (en) * 1992-12-02 1993-01-20 Cannon Rubber Ltd Method of displaying bottles and hanger therefor
AU7601794A (en) * 1993-09-03 1995-03-22 Procter & Gamble Company, The Improved tear-away canister lid
GB2289663A (en) * 1994-05-21 1995-11-29 Metal Box Plc Containers and lids bonded thereto
US5647501A (en) * 1995-06-19 1997-07-15 Double "H" Plastics, Inc. Composite lid for container
US5669549A (en) * 1995-08-22 1997-09-23 Sealright Co. Inc. Non-round container having an offset side seam
US5806710A (en) * 1995-11-14 1998-09-15 Shiffer; David A. Container and closure lid
US6056144A (en) 1997-05-30 2000-05-02 International Paper Co. Beverage cup with locking lid
DE29713186U1 (de) * 1997-07-24 1998-12-03 ALPLA-Design Lehner GmbH, 96515 Sonneberg Kunststoffkappe mit Aufhängeteil für ein Flaschenbehältnis
US5911334A (en) * 1997-11-03 1999-06-15 Double "H" Plastics, Inc. Closable arrangement including resealable lid
KR100269343B1 (ko) * 1997-12-27 2000-10-16 서평원 이동통신시스템에서 원거리 증폭기의 상태감지시스템 및 방법
US6053353A (en) * 1999-02-19 2000-04-25 Double "H" Plastics, Inc. Composite container closure
WO2000069736A1 (en) * 1999-05-17 2000-11-23 The Green Hat Company Limited A lobed collar for carrying disposable cups
USD469020S1 (en) * 2001-01-16 2003-01-21 Ajava Pinata Llc Container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2004521033A (ja) 2004-07-15
EP1360119A1 (de) 2003-11-12
WO2002057154A1 (en) 2002-07-25
US20020121456A1 (en) 2002-09-05
ATE309148T1 (de) 2005-11-15
DE60207205D1 (de) 2005-12-15
CN1633380A (zh) 2005-06-29
CN1321864C (zh) 2007-06-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1360119B1 (de) Behälter mit hängevorrichtung
US7086545B2 (en) Suspended containers
US5318787A (en) Cereal sampler package
US20130068772A1 (en) Container lid with detachable chamber or compartment
CA3048354C (en) MULTI-CHAMBER CONTAINER
US6261616B1 (en) Microwavable meal kit and food packaging system
EP2731879B1 (de) Verpackungen für verbrauchsartikel und verfahren für ihre verwendung
CA2080675A1 (en) Nestable hinged-lid container for the display and storage of consumer articles
US20010001674A1 (en) Microwavable meal kit and food packaging system
CN101913456B (zh) 用于饮料容器的调料分配器
WO2004012566A1 (en) Accessory condiment container for drinking cup
US5669550A (en) Non-round container having multiple storage compartments
WO2009057038A1 (en) Compartment container
US20160347518A1 (en) Container having multiple compartments
JP2007504059A (ja) 瓶首への搭載装置
US20010019062A1 (en) Straw attachable to drink lid or container
CN207985447U (zh) 一种上下组合的包装容器
US20150232250A1 (en) Packages for consumable products
JPH0526050Y2 (de)
US20060060479A1 (en) Promotional container
JPH09226847A (ja) 包装体
JP3101015U (ja) 商品取付用広告用具
JP2014009032A (ja) カップ用キャリア
AU2012357118C1 (en) Packages for consumable products
GB2302529A (en) Food packaging means

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20030815

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20031104

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: LID LASSO, LLC

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60207205

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20051215

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060131

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060209

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060209

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060410

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20060810

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

EN Fr: translation not filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051109

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20100125

Year of fee payment: 9

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20110116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110116