EP2295333B1 - Plastic frame with integrated handle for a can - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a frame made of plastic with a base body for attachment in the edge region of an opening of a container, in particular a box for storing paints, varnishes or the like.

Such a framework is out of the DE 10 2007 007 171 A1 known. The encircling frame protrudes inwards beyond the side wall of the container, for example a paint can, and can be snapped onto the edge region of the container opening. The frame is intended to prevent the liquid filling material in the container from readily escaping through the container opening during the movement of the container. Also, the frame allows a simple stripping of paint or paint from a tool, such as a brush. To close the container, a lid on the inside of the frame can be snapped or clamped.

The invention has for its object to provide a frame of the type mentioned in such a way that provided with this frame container is easier and thus cheaper to manufacture.

This object is achieved by a frame in which a strap is connected via film hinges to the base body. The production of such a frame with integrated bracket is particularly easy and can be produced in injection molding with a shot. The attachment of the bracket to the frame has the advantage that the container can be filled or labeled in any orientation. A connection of the bracket on the side wall, as for example in the aforementioned DE 10 2007 007 171 A1 is described in this regard is unfavorable, since this type of connection makes an orientation of the container during labeling mandatory.

DE 2050075 discloses a frame according to the preamble of claim 1.

According to the invention, there are two possibilities for the connection of the bracket to the usually profiled frame. Thus, the profiled body of the frame, for example, have a (circumferential) sink on which the film hinges are mounted to connect the bracket, the connection of the film hinges can extend longitudinally and / or transversely to the sink. By providing the film hinges in the sink, the bow can be e.g. when stacking several containers on each other or when welding the frame on a side wall of the container in the sink dive. Also, the bracket is protected in the sink against possible damage from the outside.

The bracket may alternatively also be formed by an edge region of a circumferential ridge-shaped edge of the main body, which is formed by a cutout running along the circumferential direction of the edge, e.g. a gap is separated from the body. The web-shaped peripheral edge may be e.g. be attached to the inside or the outside of the frame. A ridge-shaped outer edge may e.g. when stacking a plurality of containers on each other enclose the bottom portion of a resting on the frame container and serve as a lateral fixation of the container during stacking.

The bracket may be in its basic position, ie in that position, which occupies the bracket without a deflection by an operator, be aligned at a non-zero angle of attack to the body, so that the operator can grasp the bracket more easily. When attaching the bracket on the outer edge of the frame, it is advantageous to align the bracket in its basic position parallel to the base body, as can be easily detected in such a position of the bracket even in a horizontal position.

In one embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the film hinges are mounted on the outer edge of the base body and the bracket is above the body over to the outside. Also in this case, the bracket may be aligned in its normal position parallel to the plane of the annular body. However, it is of course also possible with this type of connection to align the bracket in its normal position at an angle to the body.

Angle values between 5 ° and 40 °, preferably between 10 ° and 30 °, have proved favorable for the angle of attack of the bow to the base body. The choice of an angle of attack in this angular range allows easy gripping of the bracket by an operator. The angle of attack of the bracket can be specified here via a suitable shaping of the film hinges or the connection of the bracket to the film hinges.

In particular, when using a two-component injection molding in the production of the frame of the bracket and the base body may also consist of different plastic materials. In this case, the bracket and the base body may have different properties, for example, in terms of their color, strength, etc. It should be understood that care should be taken to choose two compatible materials of carbon, that is, two materials that adhere to each other a flow front in the film hinges can connect to each other.

Also, the frame may have a tamper-evident, which is broken when moving the bracket from its normal position. The tamper-evident can be formed in particular by a bridge between the bracket and the base body. It is understood that it is beneficial for the tamper-evident, if the distance between bracket and body in the basic position of the bracket is small, i. The tamper-evident device can be mounted in a particularly simple manner, in particular in cases where the angle of attack is small. The latter is e.g. the case when the bracket is aligned parallel to the plane of the body.

In particular, the frame described above may be made by injection molding, wherein the entire frame can be made by using a single shot using only one plastic material. In particular, the manufacture of the plastic frame also makes it possible to construct the bracket with a desired geometry or shape, e.g. with a profiling, equip.

On the frame profile, in addition to or as an alternative to the bracket, further shaped elements can be formed, for example transverse ribs for reinforcement on the lower and / or upper side of the frame. However, it has been shown that for the storage of paints or colors, the use of a ribless frame contour is usually cheaper because, for example, in the attachment of transverse ribs along the top of the frame paint or paint collect in the spaces between the ribs and difficult can be removed again.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a container, in particular a can for storing paints, inks or the like, having a bottom, a circumferential side wall and a bottom opening opposite to the bottom, which has a frame which is formed as described above. The frame is mounted in the region of the opening along the container lining on the side wall. By integrating the bracket in the frame can be dispensed with the attachment of the bracket to the peripheral side wall of the container. This is particularly favorable for containers with a round cross section, since the round container in this case does not have to be oriented in the labeling.

The frame can be connected to the peripheral side wall of the container in different ways. In addition to an irreversible, integral connection, e.g. by welding, gluing or the like is also a positive and / or positive connection, e.g. by bouncing (frictional), screwing, latching or snapping the frame on the side wall possible. A cohesive connection of the frame with the side wall, in particular by welding, has proved to be particularly favorable.

In order to allow a filling of the container on conventional, designed for the filling of sheet metal containers filling and labeling, can each be formed in the region of the bottom and the outer edge of the frame, a circumferential bead, which projects beyond the side wall to the outside. While in metal containers Bördelränder are a necessary consequence of the manufacturing process to connect the items of the container (bottom, side wall, ring-shaped frame) with each other, no Bördelränder are required for plastic containers production reasons. The Bördelränder but allow to minimize the set-up times and setup costs for the conversion of a filling system of sheet metal containers on plastic containers (and vice versa).

The beading edge in the region of the bottom and / or the beaded edge in the region of the opening can be web-shaped. This is convenient in order to stack the containers better each other. In particular, in this case, the inside of the web-shaped beaded edge in the region of the opening project further outwardly than the outside of the flanged edge in the region of the bottom (or vice versa) to achieve a lateral fixation of several stacked container.

To secure the transport, the crimping edge may have knobs in the region of the opening and / or the crimping edge in the region of the bottom. If adjacently arranged containers are brought into abutment with one another, the nubs of the containers engage in one another and fix their relative position to one another. By the nubs thus a lateral securing of several containers can be carried out relative to each other. For details in connection with the design of the studs is on the DE 20 2009 001 356 U1 referred to the applicant.

The container can, as usual with cans, have a side wall with a cylindrical basic shape, ie the cross-sectional area of the container remains constant over its entire height. This is favorable inter alia for the labeling of the container. It is understood that containers having a cylindrical basic shape can have different cross-sectional geometries. In addition to a circle or an oval as a cross-sectional shape may also polygonal, in particular square or rectangular cross-sectional shapes be used. Also, if necessary, the container may have one of a cylindrical basic shape deviating, for example conical basic shape.

The container may in particular also have a lid for closing the opening, which has a side edge for sealing connection with an inner edge of the frame. The lid can be attached to the frame, for example by latching or by bouncing. In this case, the inner edge of the frame may be formed by an axial web which seals with the outside of the side edge of the lid.

The cover may also have a projecting beyond the inner edge of the frame projection on which preferably a stiffening, in particular in the form of transverse ribs is provided. Typically, when the lid is placed between the projection and a support surface on the frame, there remains a gap into which a tool such as a screwdriver can be inserted to lift the lid off the container. It is understood that not necessarily a projection must be provided for lifting the lid. Also, an opening aid, for example in the form of a groove, may be provided for engagement with a tool on the cover and / or on the frame. It is understood that the lid and / or the frame can possibly also be provided with a tamper-evident closure, which makes it possible to detect an opened and subsequently resealed container. It is further understood that the lid does not necessarily have to be made of a plastic material and, for example, also made of sheet metal, glass, etc. can be made.

The container or parts of the container may e.g. be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. It is understood that different parts of the container may consist of different plastic materials. Thus, e.g. the frame or the lid are made of a different plastic than the main body (side wall and bottom) of the container. Typically, the container described herein is manufactured by injection molding. It will be understood, however, that particularly for small sized containers, individual parts of the container, e.g. the basic body (side wall and bottom) also in other ways, e.g. by deep drawing, can be produced.

Fign. 1a,b

schematische Darstellungen einer ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Rahmens mit einem ringförmigen Grundkörper und einem Bügel, der in einer umlaufenden Senke des Rahmens angebunden ist,

Fign. 2a,b

schematische Darstellungen der Anbindung des Bügels an der Senke in Längsrichtung,

Fign. 3a,b

schematische Darstellungen der Anbindung des Bügels an der Senke in Querrichtung,

Fign. 4a,b

schematische Darstellungen einer zweiten Ausführungsform des Rahmens mit einem umlaufenden Außenrand, in den der Bügel integriert ist,

Fign. 5a,b

schematische Darstellungen eines Rahmens mit nach außen überstehendem Bügel, der kein Teil der Erfindung ist,

Fign. 6a,b

schematische Darstellungen einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Behälters, an dem ein Rahmen vom in Fign. 1a,b gezeigten Typ angebracht ist, sowie

Fig. 7

einen Längsschnitt durch zwei aufeinander gestapelte Behälter vom in Fign. 6a,b gezeigten Typ.

Embodiments are illustrated in the schematic drawings and will be explained in the following description. Show it:

FIGS. 1a, b

schematic representations of a first embodiment of the frame according to the invention with an annular base body and a bracket which is connected in a circumferential depression of the frame,

FIGS. 2a, b

schematic representations of the connection of the bracket to the sink in the longitudinal direction,

FIGS. 3a, b

schematic representations of the connection of the bracket to the sink in the transverse direction,

FIGS. 4a, b

schematic representations of a second embodiment of the frame with a circumferential outer edge, in which the bracket is integrated,

FIGS. 5a, b

schematic representations of a frame with outwardly projecting bracket, which is not part of the invention,

FIGS. 6a, b

schematic representations of an embodiment of the container according to the invention, on which a frame of the in FIGS. 1a, b shown type is attached, as well

Fig. 7

a longitudinal section through two stacked containers of in FIGS. 6a, b shown type.

FIGS. 1a , B show a frame 1 , which has an annular, profiled base body 2 , to which a bracket 3 is connected via two film hinges 4a, 4b . The film hinges 4a, 4b are in this case mounted in a depression 5 , so that the bracket 3 can dip into the sink 5 and is protected in this way from damage.

As in Fig. 1b can be seen, the connection of the bracket 3 to the film hinges 4a, 4b designed so that the bracket 3 is aligned in its normal position at an angle α of about 5 ° to the plane formed by the base body 2. The orientation of the bracket 3 at an angle allows easy gripping of the bracket by an operator. From the basic position of the bracket can be spent in a substantially vertical position, as in Fig. 1b indicated by dashed lines. Of course, the bracket 3 can be aligned in its basic position at a different angle α with respect to the base body 2, wherein in particular angle of attack α between about 5 ° and about 40 ° have proven to be particularly favorable.

For the connection of the bracket 3 to the main body 2 and the sink 5 are different ways. For example, the film hinges 4a, 4b of the bracket 3 as in FIGS. 2a , b shown in the longitudinal direction to be connected to the sink 5. Alternatively, it is also possible to connect the film hinges 4a, 4b transversely to the depression 5, as in FIG FIGS. 3a , b is shown. In any case, between the bracket 3 and the base body 2 a tamper-evident, for example in the form of a (not shown) web are provided.

FIGS. 4a , b show an alternative embodiment of the frame 1, in which the bracket 3 is integrated in a circumferential, web-shaped outer edge 6 of the base body 2. The bracket 3 is in this case formed by an edge region of the web-shaped edge 6, which is separated from the base body 2 by a circumferential, semicircular cutout (slot) 7 . The film hinges 4a, 4b are in this case attached to the transition between the bracket 3 forming the edge region and the part of the web-shaped edge 6, which is not provided with a cutout.

At the in FIGS. 4a, b As shown, the edge region 3 forming the bracket is aligned parallel to the plane of the main body 2. This makes it possible to provide a short web 8 between the edge region 3 and the main body 2, which serves as a predetermined breaking point and forms a tamper-evident. If the edge region 3, which is easily accessible from the outside, is grasped by an operator and lifted upwards, the web 8 breaks and makes it possible to detect the lifting of the bow 3. Of course, also in the in FIGS. 4a, b Frame 1 shown by suitable design of the film hinges 4a, 4b set a non-zero angle of attack of the edge portion 3. Also If necessary, the bracket can be attached in an analogous manner to a web-shaped, further inner edge of the frame 1.

In FIGS. 5a , B is an embodiment of the frame 1 is shown, in which the bracket 3 projects beyond the circumference of the annular base body 2. The film hinges 4a, 4b are mounted in this case on the outer circumference of the base body 2 and are above the base body 2 via, to connect the bracket 3 spaced from the base body 2 can. At the in FIGS. 5a, b shown embodiment, the bracket 3 as well as in the FIGS. 4a, b shown embodiment aligned parallel to the plane of the base body 2 and arranged between the base body 2 and 3 bracket web 8 serves as tamper evidence. Of course, also at the in FIGS. 5a, b embodiment shown by suitable shaping of the film hinges 4a, 4b set a non-zero angle of attack of the bracket 3,

It is understood that the bracket 3, unlike the above, does not necessarily have to be smooth. For example, the plastic bracket 3 can be provided with a profiling, for example, with teeth, waves or flags. In particular, when using a two-component injection molding, it is also possible to choose for the base body 2 and the bracket 3 different plastic materials that unite along a flow edge in the region of the film hinges 4a, 4b. For example, this can be done a different color design of the bracket 3 in comparison to the base body 2 or it can be selected materials with different stiffness for bracket 3 and body 2. In the event that the frame 1 is to be made of only a single plastic material, this can be produced in an injection molding with a single shot.

The frame 1 described above can be attached to a container 10 made of plastic, as in FIGS. 6a , b is shown. The container 10 may serve, for example, for the storage of paints, colors or the like and has a bottom 11 , a circumferential side wall 12 and an opening 11 opposite the bottom, which in the in FIGS. 6a, b shown representation of a lid 13 is closed.

At the upper edge of the container 10 as well as at the lower edge of the container 10 is in each case a circumferential, outwardly beyond the side wall 12 projecting edge 14a, 14b provided. The edges 14a, 14b are in this case the beaded edges of a sheet metal container modeled and are therefore hereinafter referred to by the term "Bördelränder". The flanged edges 14a, 14b of the container 10 allow its filling on conventional, designed for the filling of sheet metal containers bottling plants.

Fig. 7 shows the container 10 without a lid, so that the bottom 2 opposite opening 15 can be seen. In the region of the opening 15 is on the side wall 12 of the profiled frame 1 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1a, b appropriate. On the outside of the frame 1, the upper bead 14a is formed. The frame 1 is connected to the side wall 12 in the present example by welding, but it is understood that the connection between the frame 1 and the side wall 12 can be made in other ways, for example via a positive connection and / or a frictional connection, ie The frame 1 can in particular also be attached to the container 10 via a detachable (snap-fit or latching) connection.

As in Fig. 7 can also be seen, the upper and the lower bead 14a, 14b are web-shaped, wherein the inside of the web-shaped upper flange 14a protrudes further outwardly than the outside of the web-shaped lower flange 14b. When stacking a further container 10 ' on the container 10, the web-shaped lower flange 14b' of the further container 10 'serves as a standing edge and rests on a circumferential radial bearing surface 16 of the frame 1 of the lower container 10. The upper web-shaped beaded edge 14a of the container 10 in this case encloses the lower web-shaped beaded edge 14b of the further container 10 'with little play, so that the two containers 10, 10' are fixed in their relative position to one another during stacking.

In addition, nubs (not shown) can be provided on the beaded edges 14a, 14b, which project beyond the respective beaded edge 14a, 14b to the outside. If containers arranged adjacent to one another are brought into contact with one another, the knobs on the containers engage one another and fix their relative position. By the nubs thus a lateral securing of several juxtaposed containers can be carried out relative to each other to fix them during transport suitable, as in the DE 20 2009 001 356 U1 the applicant is shown in detail.

As in Fig. 7 is shown, the bracket 3 can be spent from the basic position down in a substantially horizontal position parallel to the plane of the annular frame 1. When stacking the bracket 3 is in this case held down by an annular, raised portion of the bottom 11 'of the other container 10'. Also, the bracket 3 can be moved over the horizontal position further down to the bracket 3 in the between the support surface 8 and a support surface 17 formed sink 5 of the frame 1 record.

For attachment of the lid 13, the frame 1 has an axially extending inner web 18 which can be brought into sealing contact with a (not shown) side wall of the lid 13, so that the lid 13 closes the opening 15 sealingly.

The lid 13 has at its outer edge a in Fig. 6a shown projection 19 , which engages over the axial web 18 of the frame 1 and the cover 13 via a press fit to the frame 1, fixed. The projection 19 formed on the cover 13 may have a stiffening, for example in the form of transverse ribs. This is favorable if, for releasing the lid 13, a tool, for example a screwdriver, is introduced into the intermediate space formed between the projection 19 of the lid 13 and the supporting surface 17 of the frame 1 in order to lift the lid 13 from the frame 1.

It is understood that the frame with integrated bracket does not necessarily have to be designed annular. Rather, the frame may have a shape adapted to the respective container geometry and e.g. be designed oval or polygonal. Also, if necessary, additional mold elements, for example in the form of reinforcing ribs, may be provided on the frame. Of course, the frame with integrated bracket can also be attached to containers that have no cylindrical, over the height of the container constant cross-section, for example on conical containers. In any case, the manufacturing costs for the container can be reduced by the integration of the bracket in the frame.

Claims (12)

1. A frame (1) of plastic material comprising a base body (2) for mounting to an edge area of an opening (15) of a container (10), in particular, a can for storing paint, varnish or the like, comprising a bracket (3) that is connected to the base body (2) via film hinges (4a, 4b),
   characterized in that
   the profiled base body (2) has a depression (5) to which the film hinges (4a, 4b) are mounted for connecting the bracket (3), or
   the bracket (3) is formed by an edge area of a circumferential web-shaped edge (6) of the base body (2), which is separated from the base body (2) by a recess (7) extending along the peripheral direction of the web-shaped edge (6).
2. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the film hinges (4a, 4b) extend in a longitudinal and/or transverse direction with respect to the depression (5).
3. Frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket (3) is aligned in its basic position at a setting angle (α) other than zero, preferably between 5° and 40°, in particular between 10° and 30°, with respect to the base body (2).
4. Frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket (3) and the base body (2) consist of different plastic materials.
5. Frame according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protection against tampering which is broken when the bracket (3) is moved out of its basic position.
6. Frame according to claim 5, wherein the protection against tampering is formed by a web (8) between the bracket (3) and the base body (2).
7. Frame according to any one of the preceding claims, the frame being produced by injection molding.
8. Frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (2) has a profile without ribs.
9. Container (10), in particular a can for storing varnish, paint or the like, comprising a bottom part (11), a peripheral side wall (12) and an opening (15) opposite to the bottom part (11), characterized by a frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is mounted to the side wall (12) in the area of the opening (15).
10. Container according to claim 9, wherein the frame (1) is mounted to the side wall (12) in a material-bonding fashion, in particular through welding.
11. Container according to any one of the claims 9 or 10, further comprising a lid (13) for sealing the opening (15), wherein the lid (13) has a side edge for sealing connection to an inner edge (18) of the frame (1).
12. Container according to any one of the claims 9 through 11, wherein the lid (13) is provided at its outer edge with a projection (19) which protrudes past the inner edge (18) of the frame (1) and which is preferably provided with reinforcing means, in particular in the form of transverse ribs.

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