EP1842782A1

EP1842782A1 - Product container

Info

Publication number: EP1842782A1
Application number: EP07006894A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Francesco Baldini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-04
Filing date: 2007-04-03
Publication date: 2007-10-10
Also published as: ITRA20060021A1

Abstract

The item in discussion is a container which includes a case (2) in order to hold products or goods. The case (2) includes a lid (21), which is connected to the case (2) through a joined area (22). This joined area (22) has a pre-incision (23) which facilitates in a partial opening of the lid (21).

The features of the container (1) include a protective coating (3) that is joined to the lid (21) in at least one configuration of a partial opening.

Description

The following item presents the invention of container products.
A containers' general use is to box, market and sell products while at the same time promoting a correct preservation of the products itself.
A metallic container, such as tin cans include a lid, which is subsequently is also metallic. The connective area between the lid and the remaining part of the case includes a pre-incision that consists of a weak point, thus aiding in opening the container. By lifting a small lever attached to the lid the user makes a small hole along the pre-incision. The user then pulls the small lever and the lid is separated from the rest of the case making use of the pre-incision provided. This maneuver is best carried out by inserting one's finger in a specially fitted lever in the shape of a ring while keeping the rest of the coating still with the other hand.
The above described metallic containers present several inconveniences, mainly regarding the user's safety. For instance, when pulling the small lever the lid generally tends to open quickly and abruptly. As a result there is a risk that the edge of the lid can injure the hand that is holding the case. Given that the lid is generally a thin and rigid sheet with sharp edges or borders, the user may injure himself/herself.
Another well recognized container are those made of plastic which are used for food products such as yogurt, cream cheese, etc.. In these types of containers the lid is made of a thin flexible plastic which is attached along the rim or border of the container. Obviously, the risk of injury when opening the plastic lid is less than with those made of metal. Nonetheless, these plastic containers also pose some inconveniences. There is the risk that a hole can be made in the lid or that damage can occur as a result of accidental contact with other [sharper] objects. This type of risk is particularly heightened during the course of transportation. As a consequence, the product inside the damaged container can no longer be used, especially if the container holds food products.
The aim of this invention is to help remedy and therefore, to avoid these aforementioned common inconveniences by presenting a container which minimizes the user's risk of injury.
Another aim of this invention is that while the container minimizes the risk of injury for the user it simultaneously protects the goods inside from being damaged or ruined.
These along with other aims will be more evident during the course of the description that follows, which includes the structure, function and features of this container consistent with attached main claims. Other shapes can be implemented of this said invention and is included in the corresponding subordinate claims.
The invention is shown in greater detail with the aid of some designs, which are used as examples in order to provide a general representation but is not limited to it.

Figures 1 - 3 - 5 -7 - 9 - 11 - 13 -15 - 17 -19 - 21 - 23 to shows the layout of a part of the container according to the invention.
Figures 2 - 4 -6 - 8 10 - 12 - 14 - 16 -18 -20 -22 - 24 -26 shows the sectional part of the container which corresponds to figures 1-3-5-7-9 -11-13- 15 - 17 -19 -21- 23 .
Figure 26 shows an enlarged detail of figure 22 .
Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a container according to the invention.

Figures 23 and 24 are given the reference number 1 indicating a container for products. These products generally consist of, but are not limited to food [and beverage] products. In other words, they may be used for any type of products.
The product container 1 includes a case 2 which maintains the product. The case 2 includes a lid 21 which is mobile thanks to the structural closure of the case 2 and as a result can provide at least a partial opening. The lid 21 is connected to remaining parts of the case 2 thanks to a joined area 22. This joined area 22 includes a pre-incision 23 which facilitates the partial opening of the lid 21. The feature of the product container 1 consists of a protective coating 3 . This protective coating 3 includes a coating to prevent the user from cuts and abrasions. This protective coating 3 is attached to the lid so as to structurally allow for partial opening. Usually the protective coating is also attached to the lid 21 even when the lid is unopened.
Suitably the case 2 can made of some type of metallic material.
Preferably the protective coating 3 is joined in unmovable way to the lid 21.
It would be convenient that the protective coating 3 is visible, therefore physically distinguishable from the lid 21.
As illustrated in figures 17-19-21-23 and in the corresponding figures 18 - 20 - 22- 24 , the protective coating 3 is placed in close proximity to the lid 21 and outside of the case 2.
The pre-incision 23 is preferably demarcated around the entire lid 21. In this way the lid 21 can be completely removed from the remaining parts of the case.
This pre-incision 23 is applied thinly over the case 2 so as to structurally create points that have little resistance. Consequently, the removal of the case 2 from the lid 21 occurs along this pre-incision 23.
The protective coating 3 contain a protrusion 33 which covers at least a part of the pre-incision 23. Unlike the lid 21 the protrusion 33 can be stretched out over the pre-incision 23 and over the remaining parts of the case 2 distinguishing it from the lid 21.
It would be fitting that the protrusion 33 completely covers the pre-incision 23.
The protective coating preferably includes a first component 32 which partially goes over the lid 21. Therefore, the protrusion 33 is indirectly connected to the case 2 through this first component 32. In this way when lid is being opened 21 the protrusion 33 can move freely around the lid 21 without any resistance.
The first component 32 is directly connected to the lid 21 and is connected, at least partially, along the extension of the pre-incision 23.
Appropriately, the first component 32 which is directly connected to the lid 21 corresponds to the part where the protective covering 3 is found since there is a higher probability of there being hand contact in opening the case 23 while holding the case.
It would be preferable that the first component 32 is directly connected to the lid 21 in close proximity to a part of the pre-incision 23.
Suitably the first component 32 is joined to the lid 21. Figure 26 illustrates an adhesive 30 placed between the lid 21 and the protective covering 3.
The protective covering 3 includes a designated area 321 where information and/or logos as well as graphic representations can be placed.
This information and/or graphic representation is printed directly on the said area 321 and visible to the user. This may be include product identification or provide information regarding the product such as packaging information, ingredients, expiration date etc. The graphic representations of the product may include designs or photographic images either for decorative or illustrative purposes. This area 321 conveniently corresponds with but is not limited to the entire part of the protective covering 3 and is clearly visible to the user.
As illustrated in figures 17 19 , 23 and in the corresponding figures 18 , 20 . 24 the lid 21 includes opening mechanism 4.
The opening mechanism 4 contains a small lever 41 which when pushed upward rests in a first position 24 on the lid 21 in direct correlation to the pre-incision. This first movement of pushing up the extremity of the small lever 41 is implemented when a secondary extremity is released or pulled.
Given that the protective covering is relatively flexible, the lid 21 and small lever 41 can interpose without causing any inconvenience when opening the lid 21.
As illustrated in figures 9 , 11 , 13 , 15 the protective covering 3 conveniently has a hollow space 320 which corresponds to the opening of small lever 41 thus allowing for an easy fitting of the protective covering 3 over the lid 21 and in order to avoid that the protective covering 3 interposes between the lid 21 and the small lever 41 which would block the movement of the small lever 41.
Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 7 , the first component 32 includes a hatched flange modeled in shape of a broken line 31 , this broken line 31 is placed to correspond with the above described first point 24 of the lid 21 .
The said broken line\shaped flange element includes 310 weakening elements. The said 310 weakening elements may be represented by small broken cuttings occurred along the second section 32.
The broken line 31 curves round under the effect caused by the small lever 41 so as when the small lever 41 is pushed upward remains on the above described first position 24 in direct correlation to the pre-incision 23.
As demonstrated and not limited by the description in figures 1,3,5,7 and 9 the protective covering 3 is modeled in the shape of a ring 34. This ring-shaped element 34 does not necessarily have to be circular but can be presented multi-laterally or according to the various geometric forms required. As illustrated in figure 5 the ring-shaped element 34 is formed from the first extremity 341 to the second extremity 342. The first extremity and the second extremity 342 are distinguishable from each other by means of a division 343 in ring-shape which corresponds with the opening mechanism 4.
As demonstrated but not limited by the description in figures 11 and 13 the protective covering is modeled in the shape of slates 35 including a flat element\surface in the shape of angle having a small thickness and it may be considered to be similar to a plate. This definition is used to explain a two-dimensional element.
The structure of the container 1 includes a bottom partition 11 and an upper partition 12 which is formed by two surfaces facing each other at least partially with the aforementioned bottom partition 11 as well as a lateral partition which is connected to both the bottom 11 and upper 12 partitions. The upper partition 12 would suitably include a lid 21.
The lid 21 is preferably smaller in size than the upper partition 12.
The lateral partition 13 is higher than the upper partition 12 thus creating a space 14 within whereby the protective covering 3 is placed. As illustrated in figure 16 , the protrusion 33 of the protective covering 3 completely wraps the lateral part of the partition 13, which goes over the upper portion 12.
Other configurations show that the lid 21 may be obtained by any position of the case 2, as for instance, correspondent with the lateral partition 13 .
The protective covering 3 has a thickness between 0.1 millimeter and 1 millimeter. The thickness of this should not be greater than this because otherwise if the protrusion 33 is too rigid it will block the opening of the case 2.
It would be ideal if the protective covering 3 is made of a flexible material.
Preferably the protective covering 3 can be made of plastic, rubber or paper material etc. When opening the protrusion 33 deviates any direct contact from the user's hand while it holds and keeps the case 2 and the edge of the lid 21 in place. In other words when opening the container, the protrusion 33 comes into contact with the hand that is holding the case 2 and would curve round thus creating a barrier between the user's hand and the edge of the lid 21. In this way the user avoids injuring themselves. Therefore this protrusion 33 keeps the user's hand at a safe distance from the sharp edges of the lid 21. Without the protective covering 3 the risk of injury is much greater especially considering that the edge of the lid may be rough or have metallic residue.
The invention provides important advantages.
First of all, the aim of this invention is to minimize the user's the risk of injury by using the sharp edge of the lid when opening the container.
Secondly, it helps to avoid user's risk of injury even afterwards the opening of the container 1 when the case might have been bluntly handled .
The invention has been conceived in such way to be susceptible of numerous changes and variants, these over - said variations and changes are included and described in its inventive concept\notion.
All details of the said invention may be replaced besides by other elements providing the same equivalent as well as technical features.
Practically all materials which have been made used of as well as dimensions\sizes may be any other ones , according to needs \ requirements.

Claims

Container of products or goods including a case (2) holding the product , said case (2) includes a lid (21), said lid (21) being connected to the remaining part of the case (2) through a joined area (22), said joined area (22) including a pre-incision (23) that facilitates the partial opening of the lid (21);
the above- mentioned container (1) of products being characterized by the fact of including protective coating (3) that is joined to the lid (21) in at least one configuration of partial opening.
Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the case (2) is made of metallic material..
Container according to any other previous claim clauses, characterized by the fact that protective coating (3) is joined in unmovable way to the lid (21).
Container according to any other previous claim clauses, characterized by the fact that protective coating (3) is physically distinguishable from the lid (21).
Container according to any other previous claims characterized by the fact that protective coating (3) is placed in close proximity to the lid (21) and outside the case (2).
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that said pre-incision (23) is preferably demarcated around the entire lid (21).
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that protective coating (3) include a protrusion (33) covering at least a part of the pre-incision (23), said pre-incision (33) stretching out over the pre-incision (23), and over the remaining parts of the case (2) distinguishing it from the lid (21).
Container according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said protrusion (33) completely covers the pre-incision (23).
Container according to any other previous claims , characterized by the fact that the protective coating (3) includes a first component (32) which partially goes over the lid (21).
Container according to claim 9 when is due to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the protrusion (33) is indirectly connected to the case (2) through the first component (32).
Container according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the first component (32) is directly connected to the lid (21) at least partially, along the extension of the pre-incision (23).
Container according to claim 9 or 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the first component (32) is directly connected to the lid (21) in close proximity to a part of the pre-incision (23).
Container according to any other previous claims from 9 to 12, characterized by the fact that the first element (32) is joined to the lid (21).
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that the protective covering (3) includes a designed area (321) where information and\or logos as well as graphic representations can be placed.
Container according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that this information and\or graphic representations is printed directly on the said area (321) and directly visible to the user.
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that the lid (21)includes an opening mechanism (4) .
Container according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the opening mechanism(4) contains a small lever (41) which when pushed upward remains in a first position (24) on the lid (21) placed in direct correlation to the pre-incision (23).
Container according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the protective covering (3) has a hallow space (320) corresponding to the opening of the small lever(41) in order to allow for an easy fitting of the protective covering (3) over the lid (21) and\or to avoid that said protective covering (3) interposing between the lid (21) and the small lever (41) which would block the movement of the small lever (41).
Container according to claim 17 when is due to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the first element (32) includes a hatched flange modeled in shape of a broken line (31) the said broken line (31) remains in a first position, said position (24) is placed in direct correlation of the lid (21).
Container according to claim 19, characterized by the fact that the aforementioned broken line (31) includes weakening elements (310) .
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that the protective covering (3) is modeled in the shape of a ring (34) .
Container according to claim 21 when is due to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the ring shaped element (34) is formed from a first extremity (341) to a second extremity (342), the said first extremity (341) and the said second extremity (342) can be distinguishable from each other by means of a division (343) in ring shape which corresponds with the opening mechanism (4) , said division (343) avoids the protective covering (3) interposing between the lid (21) and the opening mechanism (4) blocking the opening mechanism (4) .
Container according to any other claims from 1 to 20, characterized by the fact that the protective covering (3) are modeled in the shape of slate as two-dimensional element.(35) .
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact of including a bottom partition (11), and un upper partition (12) which is formed by two surfaces facing each other at least partially with the aforementioned bottom partition (11) as well as a lateral partition (13) which is connected to both the bottom (11) and upper partition (12) , the said upper partition (12) including a lid (21).
Container according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that the lid (21) is a smaller partition than the upper partition(12) .
Container according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by the fact that the lateral partition (13) is higher than the upper partition (12) creating a hallow space(14) within whereby the protective covering (3) is placed.
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that the said protective covering (3) has a thickness between 0,1 millimeter and e 1 millimeter.
Container according to any other previous claims, characterized by the fact that the said protective covering (3) is made of a flexible material.
Container according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that the aforementioned protecting covering (3) are made of plastic, rubber or paper material.
Container according to previous claims the invention is shown and illustrated in great detail with the aid of figures\graphic images and attached designs according to aforementioned purposes.