EP2129591B1 - Plastic vessel for accommodating foodstuffs - Google Patents

Abstract

A circumferential first U-profile (2) is provided on the opening edge of a plastic vessel (1, 20) for food comprising a flexible cover (7, 21), the interior side (3) of said U-profile facing the vessel interior comprising a first detent means (12). The edge of the cover has a circumferential second U-profile (8) configured to correspond to the interior side (3), a second detent means (14) being provided on the exterior side (10) of said second U-profile. The closed cover (7, 21) is latched to the vessel (1, 20) by latching said detent means (12, 14). The first U-profile (2) has a third detent means (17), and a tamper-proof safety ring (16) is attached to the first exterior side (10) of the second U-profile (8) and has detent means (18) provided thereon. The detent means (12, 14, 1.7, 18) are configured to correspond to each other such that they simultaneously engage in pairs, causing the tamper-proof safety ring (16) to tear at least in sections along a circumferential predetermined breaking line upon the cover (7, 21) being opened.

Description

The invention relates to a plastic container for holding food according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a plastic container is for example from the WO 01/19697 A1 known.

The US 5,437,386 discloses a container in which a provided on a lid, peripherally encircling ring is locked in an integrally formed on the container circumferential U-profile. An outer leg of the U-profile has a predetermined breaking line, so that the outer leg of the U-profile breaks off when you first open the lid.

In the known plastic container, a circumferential first U-profile is provided at the opening edge of the container. The first U-profile has an inner leg facing the container interior, on which a first latching means, for example, a radially outwardly projecting, circumferential first projection, is provided. At the edge of the lid, a circumferential second U-profile is provided. A circumferential slot formed by the second U-profile is dimensioned from its diameter such that the inner leg of the first U-profile can be inserted therein. At the first outer leg of the second U-profile, a second locking means is provided, which corresponds to the first locking means. It may be a circumferential from the second outer leg radially inwardly, circumferential second projection. When placing the lid, the locking means lock together. At the same time a peripheral edge of the first outer leg of the lid is received in the first U-profile of the container so that it can not be pushed upwards for opening purposes. To open the lid closed Container is required to tear a perforated portion which is provided on a second outer leg of the first U-profile. Only then is the peripheral edge of the first outer leg of the second U-profile of the lid accessible and the lid can be opened.

Theoretically, it is conceivable to lift the lid using a suitable tool without removing the perforated section on the second outer leg. As a result, it is also theoretically conceivable that unauthorized persons lift off the lid, unnoticed to remove or change goods from the container and subsequently close the container again with a lid. To counteract this disadvantage, some manufacturers have begun to secure the connection between the lid and the container in addition by a shrunk on film. However, this requires an additional manufacturing effort. Apart from this, the opening of the container for the consumer is further complicated.

The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. It should in particular be given a simple and inexpensive to produce plastic container with improved tamper evidence. According to a further object of the invention, the plastic container should be as easy as possible to open for the consumer. Finally, it should always be recognizable whether the container has already been opened before or not.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the features of claims 2 to 21.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "tamper-evident ring" is understood to mean a ring provided on the cover which is retained in the first U-profile when the cover is first opened. An essential feature of the tamper evident ring is that it can not be locked to the container after a first opening of the lid.

According to the invention it is provided that the tamper-evident ring has a plurality of axially extending third predetermined breaking lines. - The provision of such third predetermined breaking lines enables on the one hand a partial tearing of the tamper evident ring. On the other hand, it increases the flexibility of the tamper-evident ring, which makes it easier to lock it in the first U-profile.

The proposed plastic container is easy to produce. Both the container and the lid can be produced in a conventional manner each in a shot by means of injection molding. The opening of the plastic container can be done by the consumer in a conventional manner. In particular, it is not necessary to remove an additional shrunk-on plastic film. As a result of the opening of the container, the tamper-evident ring provided on the cover breaks off at least in sections. This allows the consumer to immediately recognize whether the container has been previously opened before.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "circumferential" is understood to mean that the respective U-profiles and / or the first predetermined breaking line extending over a circumferential angle of at least 270 °, preferably at least 300 °, more preferably 310 to 330 °, or over the entire circumference, ie 360 ° extend. The tamper-evident ring can extend on the cover with its entire circumference. However, it may have weakening lines, so that when tearing off the tamper evident ring, for example, a peripheral portion of about 320 ° ± 10 ° is retained in the first U-profile. A remaining further peripheral portion may be separately separated from the tamper-evident ring to facilitate initial lifting of the lid.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first latching means is a projecting from an outer wall of the inner leg outwardly circumferential first projection, and the second latching means is a radially projecting from an inner wall of the first outer leg of the second U-profile second projection. The first and the second projection may have mutually corresponding inclined surfaces, so that when lifting the lid from the container, the first outer leg is bent outwards and thus the latch formed by the first and the second projection is released.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first U-profile has a second outer leg concentrically surrounding the inner leg, and wherein the third latching means is a third projection projecting radially inwardly from an inner wall of the second outer leg. The third latching means may, for example, be flexible latching tongues which extend radially obliquely from the inner wall of the second outer leg in the region of the upper peripheral edge in the direction of a first base surface of the first U-profile. When placing the lid such locking tongues in the direction of Inner wall of the second outer leg bent and subsequently the fourth locking means can be locked by snapping back the locking tongues with the first U-profile.

The fourth locking means may be a circumferential fourth projection projecting outwardly from the peripheral edge of the tamper evident ring. The fourth projection may be formed in the form of projections, which extend in sections over predetermined peripheral portions. Such sectional fourth projections may, for example, extend around circumferential angles of 15 to 30 ° and be offset from each other by a V-shaped notch. This facilitates the placement of the lid, in particular the locking of the tamper evident ring with the first U-profile.

Advantageously, the inner leg relative to a base surface of the first U-profile has a greater height than the second outer leg. This facilitates the attachment of the second U-profile on the inner leg of the first U-profile. Of course, in the plan view corresponds to the shape of the inner leg about the shape of the slot formed by the second U-profile, so that the lid can be attached to the inner leg.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the first locking means is provided with respect to the base surface at a greater distance than the third locking means, and wherein the fourth locking means provided with respect to a second base surface of the second U-profile at a greater distance than the second locking means is. In this case, the first and the second latching means are at a first radial distance and the third and the fourth latching means at a second radial distance, which is greater than the first radial distance. As a result, it succeeds in placing the lid more or less simultaneously, the first and the second catch means and bring the third and the fourth latching means in abutment and to produce by a subsequent pressure on the lid a latching between the first and the second and the third and the fourth latching means. In this case, the latching produced between the first and the second latching means is releasable, whereas the latching produced between the third and the fourth latching means is insoluble, so that when opening the lid tearing off the tamperproof ring or the second outer leg at least in sections.

In order to facilitate the production of a latching between the third and the fourth latching means, it is expediently provided that the third latching means has a first inclined surface sloping down towards the first base surface. When placing the lid is provided by the proposed inclined surface provided on the tamper evident ring fourth detent means radially inwardly and can thus be easily brought into a subsequently produced latched position.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a radially outwardly projecting guide means is provided on the inner leg in a third latching means approximately opposite arrangement, which has a sloping towards the first base surface second inclined surface. The third locking means and the guide means are expediently in the form of flexible locking tongues. Such trained locking tongues form sections with their first and second inclined surfaces grooves, which widen when pressing the tamper-evident ring and lock this completely pressed in tamper-evident ring. The arrangement of the opposing guide means and third locking means causes a self-centering of the attached tamper evident ring. It substantially facilitates automatic, machine-covering of the containers.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that is covered with the container latched lid of the tamper-evident ring from the second outer leg. This avoids manipulation of the tamper evident ring. It can be displayed at any time safely and reliably the originality of the goods received in the container.

Advantageously, a first outer radius of the first outer leg is at most 2.5 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, smaller than a second outer radius of the tamper-evident ring. By the first outer leg is provided radially only at a relatively small distance from the inner leg, a particularly high rigidity of the construction is achieved, so that the tamper evident ring is particularly safe and reliable latched to the first U-profile.

Expediently, a first section of the second outer leg has a second predetermined breaking line, so that a first recess can be produced in the second outer leg. In this case, the first base surface expediently has a second recess in the region of the first portion. The first portion may be connected by the second recess spanning breaking webs with the first base surface and / or the inner leg. This prevents inadvertent tearing off of the first section, for example during stacking or during transport.

According to a further embodiment, the axially extending third predetermined breaking lines of the tamper evident ring are regularly spaced from each other.

Conveniently, a peripheral portion between two adjacent third predetermined breaking lines is smaller than the second recess. This facilitates a section-wise tearing of the tamper evident ring.

By removing the first portion, a lower edge of the first outer leg of the second U-profile or the tamper evident ring becomes accessible to the consumer. To open the lid, the consumer can now attach it, for example with the thumb, push it upwards, so that the tamper evident ring breaks off and the lid can be opened. By providing the tearable first section and the tamper-evident ring provide a particularly secure and reliable double tamper evidence.

According to a further expedient embodiment, the first predetermined breaking line is formed as a perforation. Ie. The tamper evident ring is connected to the lid via narrow bridges of material so that it can be separated from the lid without much effort.

The second and / or third predetermined breaking lines are expediently designed as continuous film bridges. But they can also be designed as a perforation similar to the first predetermined breaking line.

The container and the lid are made according to another embodiment of a flexible plastic, preferably polypropylene. Both the lid and the container are advantageously designed so that they can be produced in one shot by means of injection molding.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that the lid is made in a different color from the container. This can z. B. the torn off from the lid and retained in the first U-profile tamper evident ring easily. So it can be stated at a glance whether the lid has ever been detached from the container.

The container may have a cylindrical and / or upwardly conically widening shape. But it can also be rectangular or otherwise shaped.

The container according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment in combination with the lid on a particularly secure double tamper evidence. To open the lid it is necessary to first tear off the first tab (first tamper-evident level) and subsequently tear off the tamper-evident ring by lifting the lid (second tamper-evident level).

• Bereitstellen eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters sowie eines dazu korrespondierenden erfindungsgemäßen Deckels,
• Zuführen des Behälters zu einer Aufnahmeeinrichtung, in welcher der Behälter im Bereich der ersten Basisfläche abgestützt wird;
• Aufsetzen des Deckels auf den Behälter, so dass der Originalitätssicherungsring in das erste U-Profil 2 eingreift; und
• Ausüben eines Drucks auf einen durch das zweite U-Profil gebildeten umlaufenden Rand des Deckels, so dass die ersten und die zweiten Rastmittel sowie die dritten und die vierten Rastmittel miteinander verrasten.

Apart from that, the container according to the invention advantageously can be automatically covered automatically. In that regard, the following method steps have proven to be advantageous:

• Providing a container according to the invention and a corresponding lid according to the invention,
• Feeding the container to a receiving device, in which the container is supported in the region of the first base surface;
• Placing the lid on the container so that the tamper evident ring engages the first U-profile 2; and
• Applying a pressure to a peripheral edge of the lid formed by the second U-profile so that the first and the second locking means and the third and fourth locking means lock together.

By supporting the container in the region of the first base surface and exerting a pressure on the edge formed by the second U-profile, an undesired deformation of the material is largely avoided and thus a particularly reliable and trouble-free automatic cover is achieved. In particular, according to the proposed method, the pressure for latching the lid is exerted only in those areas which are relatively stiff due to the provided U-profiles.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Behäl- ters,

Fig. 2

eine Schnittansicht durch den Behälter gemäß Fig. 1 mit Deckel,

Fig. 3

eine Detailansicht gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht auf den Behälter gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

die Schnittansicht gemäß Fig. 4 mit eingezeichneter Lage der in Fig. 6 gezeigten Detailansicht,

Fig. 6

Detailansicht gemäß Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Behäl- ters,

Fig. 8

eine Detailansicht gemäß Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

eine Schnittansicht durch den zweiten Behälter mit aufgesetztem Deckel,

Fig. 10

eine Detailansicht gemäß Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines dritten Be- hälters,

Fig. 12

eine Draufsicht gemäß Fig. 11,

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines dritten Deckels,

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Detailansicht gemäß Fig. 13,

Fig. 15

eine Draufsicht gemäß Fig. 13,

Fig. 16

eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines vierten Be- hälters, in nicht erfindungsgemäßer Abwandlung,

Fig. 17

eine Draufsicht gemäß Fig. 16,

Fig. 18

eine perspektivische Unteransicht gemäß Fig. 16 und

Fig. 19

eine schematische Schnittansicht durch ein Werkzeug zum automatischen Bedeckeln eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first container,

Fig. 2

a sectional view through the container according to Fig. 1 with lid,

Fig. 3

a detailed view according Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

a side view of the container according to Fig. 2 .

Fig. 5

the sectional view according to Fig. 4 with marked location of in Fig. 6 shown detail view,

Fig. 6

Detailed view according to Fig. 5 .

Fig. 7

a perspective view of a second container,

Fig. 8

a detailed view according Fig. 7 .

Fig. 9

a sectional view through the second container with attached lid,

Fig. 10

a detailed view according Fig. 9 .

Fig. 11

3 is a partial perspective view of a third container,

Fig. 12

a plan view according to Fig. 11 .

Fig. 13

a perspective view of a third lid,

Fig. 14

a detailed perspective view according to Fig. 13 .

Fig. 15

a plan view according to Fig. 13 .

Fig. 16

3 is a partial perspective view of a fourth container, not according to the invention,

Fig. 17

a plan view according to Fig. 16 .

Fig. 18

a perspective bottom view according to Fig. 16 and

Fig. 19

a schematic sectional view through a tool for automatically covering a container according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first container 1. The first container 1 expediently has a cylindrical and upwardly conically widening shape. It is advantageously made of polypropylene. At the opening edge of the container 1 is a circumferential first U-profile 2 with an inner space facing the container inner leg 3 and the inner leg 3 concentrically surrounding second outer leg 4 is provided. The inner 3 and the second outer leg 4 are interconnected by a first base surface 5. A portion A of the second outer leg 4 is formed as a tearable first tab 6.

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through the first container 1 with the first lid mounted thereon 7. As in particular from the detailed view according to Fig. 3 can be seen, the first cover 7 at its edge a circumferential second U-profile 8. The second U-profile 8 has a further inner leg 9 and a first outer leg 10, which are connected to each other via a second base surface 11. The shape and the radius of the second base surface 11 corresponds approximately to the shape and the radius of the inner leg 3. In the region of a peripheral edge extending from an outer wall of the inner leg 3, a radially outwardly projecting first projection 12. The first projection 12 has a to the first base surface indicative first inclined surface 13. From a inner wall of the first outer leg 10 extends radially inwardly a second projection 14. The second projection 14 has a second inclined surface 15, which extends approximately parallel to the first inclined surface 13. On the second leg 10, a tamper-evident ring 16 is attached via narrow material bridges (not shown here). The tamper-evident ring 16 has a larger radius than the first outer leg 10.

How out Fig. 3 can be seen, the container 1 below the first U-profile 2 on its outer wall on a circumferential shoulder S.

Fig. 5 shows the sectional view according to Fig. 2 , This is the cutting position of the in Fig. 6 reproduced detailed view marked. Fig. 6 shows a cutting position outside of the section A through the first 2 and the second U-profile 8. Here extends from an inner wall of the second outer leg 4, a radially inwardly projecting third projection 17 which has a first base surface 5 extending towards the third inclined surface 19. On the tamper-evident ring 16 a radially outwardly projecting fourth projection 18 is provided. The fourth projection 18 is here opposite the first tab 6. On an inner wall of the first tab 6 no projection corresponding to the fourth projection 18 is attached.

The function of the in the Fig. 1 to 6 shown first plastic container is the following:

For the first time closing of the first container 1, the first lid 7 is inserted with its second U-profile 8 on the inner leg 3. In this case, the second projection 14 slides over the first projection 12, facilitated by a further oblique surface provided in the region of the inner circumferential edge. At the same time, the fourth projection 18 is guided along the third inclined surface 19. In this case, the tamper-evident ring 16 is pressed radially inward. Finally, the fourth projection 18 of the tamper-evident ring 16 latches behind the third projection 17. At the same time, the second projection 14 latches behind the first projection 12.

For the first-time lifting of the cover 7, the first tab 6, which is provided by means of a first perforation on the second outer leg 4, is torn off by the consumer. As in particular from the Fig. 1 . 3 and 4 it can be seen, so that the first U-profile 2 is opened in section A, so that the tamper-evident ring 16 and the first outer leg 10 of the first lid 7 are accessible. To facilitate the lifting of the first lid 7 of the tamper-evident ring 16 in the region of section A have a cutout or an interruption, so that when opened section A directly attacked on the first outer leg 10 and the cover 7 can be lifted. Alternatively, it is also possible that the tamper-evident ring 16 approximately in alignment with the edge regions of the section A has further predetermined breaking lines (not shown here). This makes it possible to remove a portion of the tamper-evident ring 16, for example a peripheral portion in the range of 30 to 50 °, and subsequently to attack directly on the first outer leg 10 in order to lift off the lid 7. When lifting the lid 7 tear thin material bridges, which connect the tamper-evident ring 16 with the first outer leg 10. The tamper-evident ring 16 is retained in the first U-profile 2. To further facilitate engagement with a lower edge of the first outer leg 10, the base 5 may also have a recess in the region of the section A.

The Fig. 7 to 10 show a second variant of the invention. Here, the first U-profile 2 is again provided on a second container 20, but here omitting the first tab 6. That is, the second outer leg 4 is performed circumferentially without interruption. A second cover 21 in turn has a second U-profile 8. Here, however, on the first outer leg 10 a radially outwardly projecting second tab 22 is molded, which extends over a limited portion. The second tab 22 engages over the second outer leg 4 of the first U-profile 2 in the closed state.

The function of the second plastic container is as follows:

The second lid 21 is placed in a manner analogous to the first lid 7 on the second container 20. For the first time Opening the second lid 21, it is only necessary to push the second tab 22 upwards. As a result, the tamper-evident ring 16 connecting to the first outer leg 10 (not shown here) material bridges are severed. The tamper-evident ring 16 is retained in the first U-profile 2 by the latch formed by the third 17 by cooperation with the fourth projection 18.

In the context of the present invention, it is of course possible to arrange or form the projections shown in the embodiments differently, so that a locking can be achieved.

The first plastic container is particularly suitable for use with automatic filling and capping devices. To its particular suitability contributes here that no radially beyond the first cover 7 protruding tabs, such as the second tab 22, are provided. However, it is also conceivable to operate the second plastic container 20 with automatic filling and capping devices.

The FIGS. 11 and 12 show a third container 23. The first U-profile 2 has a second outer leg 4, from the inside of which third projections 17 extend radially inwardly. The third projections 17 are formed in the form of flexible latching tongues, the upper side of which are designed as curved to the first base surface 5 down, curved third inclined surfaces 19. Opposite the third projections 17 are provided on the inner leg 3 radially outwardly projecting guide means 24, which are similar to the third projections 17 in the form of flexible locking tongues with a sloping to the first base surface 5 second inclined surface 25 formed on its upper side. The third projections 17 and the opposite guide means 24 form an interrupted channel-like structure in the first U-profile 2.

In particular from Fig. 12 It can be seen that the first tab 6 is connected to the second outer leg 4 via first film bridges 26. The first base surface 5 has a first opening 27 approximately along a circumferential section described by the first tab 6. The first tab 6 is connected to predetermined breaking webs 28 with the third container 23 and a portion of the first base surface 5, which span the first opening 27.

The Fig. 13 to 15 show further views of the first cover 7. As in particular from Fig. 14 it can be seen, the tamper-evident ring 16 has axially extending second film bridges 29 which form predetermined breaking lines. A distance between two adjacent second film bridges 29 is smaller than a distance between the z. In Fig. 11 shown first film bridges 26 of the first tab 6. In Fig. 15 It can be seen that the tamper-evident ring 16 is connected to the first outer leg 10 of the lid 7 via a first perforation P1.

The Fig. 16 to 18 show a detail of a fourth container 30 in not inventive modification. Here, the guide means 24 are formed in the form obliquely to the first base surface 5 down sloping webs, which are approximately opposite the third projections 17.

As in particular from the FIGS. 17 and 18 can be seen, the first base surface 5 below the third projections 17 second openings 31. In the sections in which the second outer leg 4 is connected to the first base surface 5, a second perforation P2 is provided.

The function of the fourth container 30 is as follows:

A lid 7, in which the tamper-evident ring 16 without first perforation P1, d. H. is fixed, is locked in the first U-profile 2 of the fourth container 30. In this case - similar to the first to third container - provided on the tamper-evident ring 16 fourth projection 18 behind the third projection 17. After removing the first tab 6, the lid 7 is raised by pressing on the tamper-evident ring 16. The second perforation P2 tears. The second outer leg 4 is separated from the first U-profile 2 and lifted with the lid 7 fixedly mounted tamper-evident ring 16.

Fig. 19 shows a partially schematic sectional view of a tool for automatically capping a container according to the invention, here by way of example the fourth container 30. The tool comprises a, preferably annular, receptacle 32 for receiving the container 30. The receptacle 32 has on its inner circumference a step-like, circumferential profile with a first support surface 33. On the first support surface 33, a radially outer portion of the first base surface 5 of the fourth container 30 is supported. Furthermore, the receptacle 32 has a second Stützfläche.34 on which the formed in the fourth container 30 shoulder S is supported. Both the first 33 and the second support surface 34 extend substantially horizontally. They correspond in their vertical distance from the contour of the fourth container 30.

The reference numeral 35 denotes a pressure element, which may be formed annular or in the manner of a disc. From a peripheral edge of the pressure element 35 extends a circumferential wall 36. The wall 36 has a stepped end face with a first pressure surface 37 for applying a pressure on the tamper-evident ring 16 on. Furthermore, the pressure element 35 has a second pressure surface 38 for exerting a pressure on the second base surface 11 of the second U-profile 8. The first 37 and second pressure surfaces 38 are substantially horizontal. A vertical distance between the first pressure surface 37 and the second pressure surface 38 is selected to be slightly larger than a vertical distance between an upper edge of the tamper-evident ring 16 and the second base surface 11. The difference may be 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 mm.

The function of the tool is the following:

First, a container, here, for example, the fourth container 30, inserted into the receptacle 32, so that the first base surface 5 rests with a radially outer portion on the first support surface 33 and at the same time the shoulder S on the second support surface 34. The first support surface 33 supports the first base surface 5 such that it overlaps preferably less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 40%, with the first support surface 33.

In a next step, a first lid 7 corresponding to the fourth container 30 is inserted into the first U-profile such that its tamper-evident ring 16 lies in a groove formed by the fourth projection 17 and the guide means 24. This can z. B. by means of the pressure element 35 by a frictional connection or an adhesive connection is made by means of negative pressure between the cover 7 and the pressure element 35.

In a further step, the pressure element 35 is moved relative to the receptacle 32 so that the first pressure surface 37 rests against the upper edge of the tamper-evident ring 16. At this time, the second pressure surface 38 is still not on the second base surface 11 at. It is then exerted by a further movement of the pressure element 35 relative to the receptacle 32, a pressure on the tamper-evident ring 16. In this case, the first U-profile 2 is tilted radially inwardly into the receptacle 32 due to its flexible material properties and as a result of the only partial support of the first base surface 5 on the first support surface 33. This facilitates the latching of the tamper-evident ring 16 behind the third projection 17. In the further course of the printing process, the second pressure surface 38 then comes into contact with the second base surface 11, whereby a locking of the first 12 and the second projection 14 is supported.

Of course, it is not absolutely necessary that the first base surface 5 is only partially supported on the first support surface 33. It is also possible to support the first base surface 4 substantially over the entire area on the first support surface 33. Likewise, it is of course also possible to change the arrangement of the first 37 and the second pressure surface 38 in their vertical distance, so that they correspond to the contour of the lid 7. - However, it has been shown that with the in Fig. 19 illustrated embodiment of the tool a particularly secure and reliable automatic cover of the container according to the invention can be achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first container

2

first U-profile

3

inner thigh

4

second outer thigh

5

first base area

6

first tab

7

first lid

8th

second U-profile

9

another inner thigh

10

first outer thigh

11

second base area

12

first advantage

13

first inclined surface

14

second lead

15

second inclined surface

16

Tamper evident ring

17

third advantage

18

fourth lead

19

third slanted surface

20

second container

21

second lid

22

second tab

23

third container

24

guide means

25

second inclined surface

26

first movie bridge

27

first breakthrough

28

Breaking bridge

29

second movie bridge

30

fourth container

31

second breakthrough

32

admission

33

first support surface

34

second support surface

35

pressure element

36

wall

37

first printing surface

38

second printing surface

A

section

P1

first perforation

P2

second perforation

S

shoulder

Claims (21)

1. Plastic container for holding food, in particular sweets, having a container (1, 20) and a latchable flexible cover (7, 21) corresponding thereto,
   wherein a circumferential first U-profile (2) is provided at an opening edge of the container (1, 20),
   wherein a first latch means (12) is provided on an inner arm (3) of the first U-profile (2) which inner arm (3) is facing towards the inside of the container,
   wherein, on the edge of the cover (7, 21), a circumferential second U-profile (8) designed correspondingly to the inner arm (3) is provided, and on the first outer arm (10) of the second U-profile (8) a second latch means (14) is provided so that the cover (7, 21) can be latched with the container (1, 20) by the interlocking of the first (12) with the second latch means (14),
   wherein a third latch means (17) is provided in the first U-profile (2),
   wherein an originality safety ring (16) with a fourth latch means (18) provided thereon is attached to the first outer arm (10) of the second U-profile (8) via a circumferential first predetermined breaking line, and
   wherein the latch means (12, 14, 17, 18) are designed corresponding to each other so that when the first (12) and the second latch means (14) interlock, the third (17) and the fourth latch means (18) interlock simultaneously so that, when the cover (7, 21) is being opened, the originality safety ring (16) breaks off in at least a section and is held back in the first U-profile (2),
   characterized in that
   the originality safety ring (16) has a plurality of axially progressing third predetermined breaking lines (29).
2. Plastic container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first latch means (12) is a first circumferential projection (12) projecting from an outer wall of the inner arm (3) to the outside, and wherein the second latch means (14) is a second projection (14) projecting from an inner wall of a first outer arm (10) of the second U-profile (8) radially to the inside.
3. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first U-profile (2) has a second outer arm (4) surrounding concentrically the inner arm (3), and wherein the third latch means (17) is a third projection (17) projecting from an inner wall of the second outer arm (4) radially to the inside.
4. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the fourth latch means (18) is a circumferential fourth projection (18) projecting from the circumferential edge of the originality safety ring (16) radially to the outside.
5. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner arm (3) with regard to a first basic surface (5) of the first U-profile (2) has a greater height than the second outer arm (4).
6. Plastic container as defined in claim 5, wherein the first latch means (12) with reference to the first basic surface (5) has a greater distance than the third latch means (17), and wherein the fourth latch means (18) with reference to a second basic surface (11) of the second U-profile (8) has a greater distance than the second latch means (14).
7. Plastic contain as defined in claim 5 or 6, wherein the third latch means (17) has a first slanted surface (19) dropping down to the first basic surface (5).
8. Plastic container as defined in one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein on the inner arm (3) in an arrangement approximately opposite the third latch means is provided a guide means (24) projecting radially to the outside which has a second slanted surface (25) dropping down to the first basic surface (5).
9. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the third latch means (17) and/or the guide means (24) is designed in the form of flexible locking tongues.
10. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein, the cover (7, 21) being latched with the container (1, 20), the originality safety ring (16) is covered by the second outer arm (4).
11. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein a first outer radius of the first outer arm (10) is smaller than a second outer radius of the originality safety ring (16) by not more than 2.5 mm, preferably not more than 1.5 mm .
12. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein a first section (A) of the second outer arm (4) has a second predetermined breaking line so that a first recess can be established in the second outer arm (4).
13. Plastic container as defined in one of the claims 5 to 12, wherein the first basic surface (5) has a second recess (27) in the area of the first section (A).
14. Plastic container as defined in claim 13, wherein the first section (A) is connected with that of the first basic surface (5) and/or the inner arm (3) by predetermined breaking links (28) spanning the second recess (27).
15. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the third predetermined breaking lines (29) are distanced from each other at regular intervals.
16. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between two adjacent third predetermined breaking lines (29) is smaller than a distance between the second predetermined breaking lines (26).
17. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first predetermined breaking line is designed as perforation (P).
18. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the second (26) and/or third predetermined breaking lines (29) are designed as continuous film bridges.
19. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1, 20) and the cover (7, 21) are made of a flexible plastic, preferably polypropylene.
20. Plastic container as defined in claim 19, wherein the cover (7, 21) is made in a color which is different from that of the container (1, 20, 23).
21. Plastic container as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1, 20, 23) has a cylindrical and/or a conically upward widening form.

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