EP1670692A1

EP1670692A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: EP1670692A1
Application number: EP04790169A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Franzen
Original assignee: Huhtamaki Alf Zweigniederlassung der Huhtamaki Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Huhtamaki Alf Zweigniederlassung der Huhtamaki Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2003-10-07
Filing date: 2004-10-07
Publication date: 2006-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-07
Also published as: DK1670692T3; EA200600747A1; ES2295938T3; ATE380758T1; WO2005035378A1; DE502004005721D1; EP1670692B1; CA2541830A1; DE10347378A1; US20070051733A1; EA008487B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container with a bottom shell ( 1 ) and a cover shell ( 2 ), and means for interlocking the cover shell with the bottom shell. It is proposed that the sustantially circular opening rim ( 3 ) of the bottom shell have at least two first sections ( 6, 6'', 6'', 6 ''') provided with radial extension and each having at least one undercut ( 4, 4', 4'', 4 '''), that the cover shell ( 1 ) have at its opening rim ( 3 ') at least two second sections ( 7, 7', 7'', 7 ''') corresponding to the first sections as far as the radial extension is concerned, that the second sections ( 7, 7', 7'', 7 ''') each have at least one undercut ( 5, 5', 5'', 5 ''') which corresponds to the undercut of the appertaining first section ( 6, 6'', 6'', 6 ''') so that, during a rotation of bottom shell ( 1 ) relative to cover shell ( 2 ), interlocking takes place in the area of the undercuts of the first and the second appertaining sections.

Description

container

The invention relates to a container with a bottom shell and lid shell and with means for locking the lid shell with the bottom shell.

Such containers are used for storing and transporting small parts of all kinds, in particular also of foods such as cream cheese, yogurt and the like, and in the latter also of salad compositions which are provided with dressing or to which only the dressing needs to be added,

Conventional containers, for example for yoghurt, with the simplest and cheapest possible closure or locking means have a base shell with an associated cover shell, the cover shell having a so-called cover apron with latching elements in the area of the opening edge, which reach under the edge of the shell. When opening the container, the lid apron is pulled over the opening edge. To do this, you have to reach under the cover apron, release the snap lock and remove the cover. This is not only unwieldy, but there is also the risk that the fingers come into contact with the contents of the container.

The invention is based on the technical problem of providing a container, the locking means of which on the one hand allow a firm locking between the base shell and the cover shell and on the other hand easy opening and which offers the possibility of being able to hold the container overhead without the lock being released. This technical problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are specified by the dependent claims.

According to the invention, it was recognized that the above-mentioned technical problem can be solved with a container with a bottom shell and a lid shell and with means for locking the lid shell with the bottom shell, in which the essentially circular opening edge of the bottom shell has at least two radially extended, at least in each case has an undercut first sections, the lid shell having at least two second sections at its opening edge, which correspond to the first sections with respect to the radial extent, and wherein the second sections each have at least one undercut which corresponds to the undercut of the associated first section , so that when the bottom shell rotates relative to the cover shell, there is a locking in the region of the undercuts of the first and assigned second sections.

In particular, a bevel is regarded as an undercut, which enables a form fit with a corresponding counterpart. In particular, tabs that can be reached behind are not undercuts in the sense of the invention.

The radial extension denotes horizontal edge areas of the cover shell and / or base shell which extend radially outwards or inwards.

The solution has the advantage that the container is perpendicular to the one spanned by the opening edge even with larger forces Level remains firmly closed, and easy unlocking is possible despite the high locking force.

Furthermore, the closure has the advantage that, in the case of light, solid parts or liquids in the container, nothing can escape when opened. For example, if there is a salad dressing in the salad container, there is no danger that salad dressing will splash out when the container is opened and the user will get his hands dirty.

To close and open, the bottom shell and the lid shell are turned against each other. Depending on the design of the first and second sections, closing and opening can take place in the same direction of rotation. The container can also be closed by turning it to the right and opened by turning it to the left. The first sections are preferably formed by radial spreading of the edge of the base shell.

These radial widenings can be designed symmetrically or asymmetrically to form a radial cutting line. In the first case, the opening edge has jaw-like widenings with which the container can be closed and opened while maintaining the direction of rotation. These first sections alternate in the circumferential direction with non-widened sections of the opening edge, so that when the cover shell is put on, the corresponding second sections can be used there, which can then be brought into engagement with the first sections by rotating the base shell and cover shell.

The circumferential lengths of the first and second sections are preferably of the same size. But it is also possible, for. B. to choose the circumferential length of the first sections larger than the second Sections of the lid shell. In any case, the circumferential lengths of the non-widened sections of the opening edge of the base shell must be adapted accordingly.

In the second case, the opening edge has a sawtooth-like structure in plan view due to the asymmetrical sections. The corresponding second sections of the cover part form an opposing sawtooth-like structure. In this embodiment, the container is closed by rotating the base shell and lid part in one direction and opened by rotating in the opposite direction.

The undercuts of the first and second sections can also be designed to correspond to one another, but differently.

It is possible for the first and the corresponding second section to have the shape of the letter Z in section. This simple profile offers an undercut in the section directed obliquely downwards and towards the inside of the container. The areas that extend outwards or inwards ensure that the corresponding undercuts of the first and second sections do not move apart from one another in the closed state, since the closing force would otherwise be reduced or lost.

Furthermore, it is possible for the first and the corresponding second section to have a profile in the radial section which comprises three radial extension areas, between which at least one undercut and, if appropriate, a section which is largely perpendicular to the plane of the opening edges are arranged. This further improves the hold of the cover compared to a Z profile. In an advantageous development, the first and the second section have a thread-shaped undercut. In this case, the inclination of the undercut of the first section changes in relation to the vertical in the circumferential direction, namely it increases initially so that the associated second section is additionally clamped, which increases the closing force again. The undercut surface is twisted about a circumferential line along the circumferential direction up to the center of the section. After crossing the middle, the incline of the undercut decreases again to allow the container to be opened. This means that locking is possible via a left turn as well as a right turn.

In addition to the above-mentioned configurations of the undercuts, it is possible that the first and the second section each have at least one threaded cord. In this embodiment, the undercut is formed by the respective thread cord.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the first and the second section have ramps corresponding to one another, wherein the ramps can also be thread-shaped.

Each ramp has at least one ramp surface that is inclined in the circumferential direction. The ramp surfaces of the base shell preferably extend downward from the edge of the opening. The ramp surfaces of the cover shell have a corresponding design, with the effect that when the container is closed, the ramp surfaces slide on one another, causing the base shell and cover shell to move toward one another.

Two or more ramp surfaces can also be combined for each first and second section. The ramps have the advantage that the axial extent of the undercut surfaces of the first and second sections is increased, which improves the locking.

In order to offer the user an aid as to when the container is optimally closed, it can be provided that the first and second sections each have a marking in the region of their greatest radial distance from the center of the respective opening edge. It is sufficient if at least one of the respective sections has a respective marking in order to indicate to the user of the container the optimal closure position when the markings match. The marking can be a color marking, for example, a character such as a triangle or an arrow. In addition to this visual aid for optimally locking the container, the marking can also be designed in the form of an indentation, a depression or in some other way, with which the user is given, in addition to the visual aid, a tactile means for detecting the optimal closure position.

The container can be equipped with rotary aids to carry out the rotary movement by hand. In the case of dome-like containers with a smooth surface in particular, it is advisable for the cover shell and / or the base shell to have several indentations or bulges. These can be molded into the cover shell and / or base shell and be dimensioned such that a fingertip can be placed therein. This improves finger grip when turning and increases user comfort.

For the same purpose, a configuration can also be selected in which the bottom shell and / or the cover shell is polygonal in its lower region, for example in shape of a triangle or a diamond. In this case, too, the container has a grip aid which prevents the fingers from sliding off when the container is being used.

The base shell or the cover shell is preferably equipped with a seal in the closure area. The seal is preferably formed in the edge area. The seal can be arranged on the inside and is pressed inwards when the cover shell and base shell are put together.

According to a special embodiment, the seal can be formed by edge regions of the cover shell and base shell, which abut one another in the closed state. In order to ensure a tight abutment of the edge areas, the combination with a thread-like configuration of the undercuts is preferred because the edge areas are pressed against one another when the cover is screwed on. This creates tension that ensures a tight seal.

The edge region of the cover shell preferably lies against the inside of the base shell. The sealing area is thus moved into the interior of the base shell, which has the advantage that liquid cannot reach the closure area, in particular the area of the undercuts. After the cover shell has been removed, this closure area is clean, so that the user does not get his fingers dirty when grasping and transporting the base shell. A clean closure area has the further advantage that the function of the closure elements is not impaired.

The cover shell preferably has an edge indentation which extends into the interior of the base shell. This makes it easy to move the sealing area into the interior of the base shell. Bottom shell and cover part are preferably made of plastic material and are produced in the deep drawing process. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Show it:

1 is a side plan view of the inside of the bottom shell,

2a is a side plan view of the outside of the lid shell 2,

2b is a side plan view of the inside of the lid shell,

3 is a closed container in side view,

3a-3d sections in the radial direction of the closure area,

4 embodiment of the closure area with ramps,

5 radial section through a ramp of the bottom shell,

6 shows a side plan view of the interior of the base shell according to a further embodiment,

7 is a side plan view of the outside of a cover shell 2 that matches the base shell according to FIG. 6. Figure 1 shows a side plan view of a bottom shell 1 with a view of the inside of the bottom shell. The circular opening edge 3 has a circular, horizontally outward portion 3a. Above and on the plane spanned by the portion 3a of the opening edge 3 there is an essentially cylindrical elevation 15. The elevation 15 has a total of four first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" with a radial extension, the radius of curvature of which is considerably smaller is than the circular opening radius. These widened sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" are designed symmetrically. The sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" alternate with areas 6a which are not radially widened, and extend over a certain circumferential area of the opening edge.

Deviating from the above-described configuration of the opening edge 3 of the bottom shell 1, a configuration is also possible in which the opening edge 3 does not have a flat, radially oriented horizontal partial region 3a, but in which the wall 16 of the bottom shell 1 directly into the outer peripheral wall 15a of the elevation 15 and the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6"' merges, for example by molding the sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" from the outside onto the container wall.

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

Each of the four first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" shown in FIG. 1 has an undercut or an undercut 4, 4 ', 4 ", 4'" on the outer peripheral wall 15a of which because of the perspective of the illustration only two can be seen, namely the undercuts 4 and 4 '"of the first sections 6 and 6'". The undercut 4 is formed by an inclination of the outer peripheral wall 15a of the sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'". The simplest geometry is given when the Undercuts each extend over the entire circumferential length of the sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'".

Optionally, at least one of the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" has a marking 12. In the present case, the base shell 1 shows four markings 12, 12 ', 12 ", 12"' in the form of a notch. The round notches 12, 12 ', 12 ", 12'" are located in the center of the inclined wall 15a, which forms the undercuts 4, 4 ', 4 ", 4'".

Basically, the bottom shell 1 has any shape below the essentially circular opening edge 3. In FIG. 1, the wall 16 below the opening edge 3 is of cylindrical symmetry. A bulge 17, which is polygonal, adjoins this cylindrical wall 16. In FIG. 1, this bulge 17 is hexagonal, protrudes outwards, is molded onto the base shell 1, and is used when holding the base shell 1 from the rear side for better holding by hand when carrying out the rotary movement. The standing area 18b adjoins the hexagonal area 18a and the slightly raised area 19 compared to the standing area 18b.

Figure 2a shows a lid shell 2 from above in a side view. The view is directed towards the outside of the cover shell 2.

The lid shell 2 also has an essentially circular opening edge 3 ', which is flat and directed outwards. The radius of this opening edge 3 'corresponds to that of the opening edge 3 of the base shell 1. Corresponding to the first sections 6, 6', 6 ", 6 '" of the base shell 1, the cover shell 2 has second portions 7, 7', 7 ", 7"'With a slightly greater radial extension than the first sections 6, 6', 6 ", 6 '" of the bottom shell 1, which extends in the circumferential direction alternate with the radially outwardly projecting sections 7a. In this respect, the second sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7" correspond to the first sections 6, 6', 6 ", 6 '" and the areas 6a correspond to the sections 7a. The circumferential length of the second sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7'" correspond to the circumferential length of the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'". Between the sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7'" and the curved cover wall there is an annular edge indentation 2a which extends into the interior of the base shell 1.

In the upper central area of the lid shell 2, indentations 13 can be seen which point into the interior of the container. They allow the operator's fingers to be positioned in the indentations 13 and prevent slipping when the container is closed or opened.

2b shows the lid shell 2 from above in a lateral view, this time looking into the interior. One recognizes the second, inwardly projecting sections 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7'" of the cover shell 2 with associated undercuts 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5'", of which only two, namely 5 and 5, due to the perspective '", the second sections 7 and 7'" are visible. The undercuts 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5'" of the cover shell 2 are formed in this illustration by a constant inclination of the inner peripheral wall 15b.

The first and second sections 6, 6 ′, 6 ″, 6 ′ ″ and 7, 7, 7 ″, 7 ″ provide conical surfaces in the form of the undercuts 4 and 5, which, when the bottom shell 1 rotates relative to the cover shell 2 Lock positive locking. The markings, for example in the form of a colored marking or of projections 12a, 12a ', 12a ", 12a'" as in FIG. 2b, indicate the optimal position for a firm closure. While a total of four markings 12 are provided in the base shell, it is sufficient if, in deviation from FIG. 2b, only one mark 12a is provided in the cover shell 2.

2b, the seal 14 is also located on the inner edge of the opening edge 3.

According to FIG. 3, a container with a lid shell 2 and a bottom shell 1 can be seen, the closure area of which is bordered on the right outside by a circle. This marked area is shown enlarged in section in FIGS. 3a-d.

3a-d, the edge indentation 2a of the cover 2 can be seen, which is shaped in a ring. The curved cover wall 2b extends into the interior of the base shell 1 and merges into a rising edge portion 14b, which is adapted to the contour of the edge portion 14a of the base shell 1. When the cover shell 2 is placed or screwed onto the base shell 1, the edge sections 14a, 14b are pressed against one another, so that a seal 14 is formed. Liquid in the interior of the container can therefore not reach the closure area of the undercuts 4, 5.

According to FIG. 3a, the cover shell 2 can have a first section with a Z-shaped profile on its outer region, and in this respect has an undercut 5 which is formed by an inclined surface. Corresponding to this, the bottom shell 1 has a second section with a Z-shaped profile and also an associated undercut 4. The cover and base shell thus have two radial extensions or edge areas 8, 8 ". The area 8 can be raised by the pressure exerted on the edge sections 14a, b when the cover and base shell are screwed together, which is exaggerated by the dashed line in FIG. 3A is drawn. As a result, the edge section 14b is additionally pulled inwards and against the edge section 14a. The connection between cover 2 and base shell 1 then takes place via a positive connection.

In a further embodiment according to FIG. 3b, the first and the corresponding second section have a profile in the side view, which comprises three radial extension areas 8, 8 ', 8 ", between which at least one undercut 4 or 5 and possibly a largely vertical one extending region 9 is arranged, see Fig. 3b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3c, the undercut surfaces shown in FIG. 3b are formed by vertical surfaces. The undercuts 4, 5 are produced by the recess 30, which is also present in FIG. 3b.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the first and the second section have corresponding thread cords 10, 10 '.

The undercut surfaces 4 and 5 can each represent an essentially vertical surface and themselves have no conical shape, cf. Fig. 3d. This surface has threaded cords 10, 10 ', which in turn have an undercut.

In a further advantageous development (FIG. 4), the first and the second section have ramps 11 and 11 'corresponding to one another. The ramp 11 of the cover shell 2 has a triangular side wall 22 with ramp surfaces 24 and 24 '. Corresponding to this, the bottom shell has a triangular shape Side wall 23 with ramp surfaces 25 and 25 '. At the interface of the ramp surfaces 24 and 24 'or 25 and 25' there is a bulge 20 'or a corresponding recess 20. When the bulge 20' is closed, it engages in the recess 20 and the respective ramp surfaces 24, 24 ' , 25, 25 'of the bottom shell 1 and cover 2 are in flat contact with one another. The closure is effected by the flat contact of the inclined surfaces of the undercuts of both ramps projecting into the ramps 11, 11 '. The latching of the bulge 20 ′ into the depression 20 represents an optional tactile aid for determining the optimal locking position.

A channel is defined via the side wall 23, the undercut 4 and the associated bottom wall 28 (see FIG. 5), into which the associated ramp 11 of the cover shell 2 can enter. With this solution, the undercut 4 of the bottom shell 1 is extended downward, which improves the form fit. The curvature 21 at the bottom of the channel represents the locking element of the container shell.

Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the container according to the invention. 6 shows a base shell 1 with four first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'", which completely surround the opening edge 3 of the base shell 1 without spacing. Each first section 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" shows a constantly increasing radial extension to the outside. After the maximum radial extent has been reached, a further first section 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" begins with the radial extent initially becoming smaller and then increasing. This results in the formation of corners 26, 26 ', 26 ", 26'" and, in plan view, a sawtooth-like configuration. Each section 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" has an undercut 4, 4 ', 4 ", 4'" over the entire circumferential extent. FIG. 7 shows the cover shell 2 corresponding to FIG. 6 with corresponding second sections 7, 7, 7 ", 7". While the radial extension increases clockwise in the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6"' according to FIG. 6, it increases counterclockwise in the cover shell 2, cf. Fig. 7. Corners 27, 27 ', 27 ", 27'" and a corresponding sawtooth structure are also formed in the cover shell. When closing, there is a positive fit in the area of the first sections 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" of the base shell 1, specifically in the area of the greatest radial extent.

In this embodiment, too, there are markings 12, 12 ', 12 ", 12'" in the form of notches or recesses and inwardly projecting projections 12a, 12a ', 12a ", 12a"'. The cover shell has indentations 13.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS: bottom shell lid shell edge pull-in top wall opening edge of the bottom shell part area of the opening edge 3 'opening edge of the lid shell, 4', 4 ", 4 '" undercut of the bottom shell, 5', 5 ", 5 '" undercut of the lid shell, 6', 6 ", 6 '"first section (of the bottom shell) a non-widened area, 7, 7", 7 "' second section (of the cover shell) a radially outwardly projecting section, 8 ', 8" radial extension area of the vertical area0, 10' thread 1 ramp of the Cover tray 1 'ramp of the bottom tray2, 12', 12 ", 12"'marking2a,12a', 12a ", 12a '" projection3 indentation4 seal4a edge area4b edge area 5 cylindrical elevation 5a outer peripheral wall5b inner peripheral wall6 wall 7 bulge a hexagonal area b standing area raised area indentation 'bulge arch side wall of the cover tray side wall of the base tray, 24' ramp area of the cover tray, 25 'ramp area of the base tray, 26', 26 ", 26 '" corner of the base tray corner of the cover tray base wall recess

Claims

claims

1. container with bottom shell (1) and lid shell (2), and with means for locking the lid shell with the bottom shell, characterized in that the circular opening edge (3) of the bottom shell (1) over at least two with radial extension (8, 8 ', 8 ") equipped, each having at least one undercut (4, 4', 4", 4 '") having first sections (6, 6', 6", 6 "') that the lid shell (2) on its Opening edge (3 ') has at least two second sections (7, 7, 7 ", 7") corresponding to the first sections with respect to the radial extent (8, 8', 8 "), and that the second sections (7, 7, 7 ", 7 '") each have at least one undercut (5, 5', 5 ", 5 '") which is related to the undercut (4, 4', 4 ", 4 '") of the associated first section (6 , 6 ', 6 ", 6'"), so that when the base shell (1) rotates relative to the cover shell (2), it locks in the area of the undercuts (4, 4 ', 4 ", 4'" , 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5'") of the e First and assigned second sections comes.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and the corresponding second section (7, 7, 7 ", 7 '") in section the shape of the letter Z have.

3. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and the corresponding second section (7, 7, 7 ", 7") have a profile in section that three radial extension areas (8, 8 ', 8 "), between which at least one undercut (4) and possibly a vertical area (9) is arranged.

4. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and the second section (7, 7, 7 ", 7 '") a thread-shaped Have undercut (4, 5).

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and the second section (7, 7, 7 ", 7 '") each have at least one threaded cord (10 , 10 ').

6. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and the second section (7, 7, 7 ", 7 '") mutually corresponding ramps (11, 11 ').

7. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the ramps (11, 11 ') are thread-shaped.

8. Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first sections (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and second sections (7, 7, 7 ", 7 '") have a continuously increasing radial Show extension.

9. Container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first section (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'") and the second section (7, 7 ', 7 ", 7'") each in Area of their greatest radial distance from the center of the respective opening edge have a marking (12, 12 ', 12 ", 12"', 12a, 12a ', 12a ", 12a'").

10. Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lid shell (1) and / or the bottom shell (2) has at least one indentation (13, 17).

11. Container according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the bottom shell (1) and / or the lid shell (2) is polygonal in its lower region.

12. Container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the bottom shell (1) or lid shell (2) in the closure area is equipped with a seal (14).

13. Container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the bottom shell (1) and lid shell (2) each lie on one another at least one edge region (14a, b) in the closed state.

14. Container according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the edge region (14b) of the cover shell (2) rests on the inside of the wall of the base shell (1).

15. Container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the cover shell (2) has an edge indentation (2a) which extends into the interior of the base shell (1).