EP2571776A2

EP2571776A2 - Containers with barrier inserts

Info

Publication number: EP2571776A2
Application number: EP11721214A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corp
Current assignee: WestRock MWV LLC
Priority date: 2010-05-17
Filing date: 2011-05-17
Publication date: 2013-03-27
Also published as: WO2011146430A3; CN102985331A; WO2011146430A2

Abstract

A container with a barrier insert is disclosed that comprises: a lid including a top surface, a lid side wall extending from the top surface, and a lid interior compartment; a base including a bottom surface, and a base side wall extending from the bottom surface and including an upper edge; and an insert adapted to fit within the interior compartment of the lid such that the insert is in contact with the upper edge of the base side wall to enhance barrier performance of the container when the container is a closed configuration. When desired, the container may include at least one locking structure such as a protrusion structure to secure the lid to the base when the container is closed. Various shapes of the insert may be used, such as an inverted "U" shape, a step, a stepped hybrid, and a standard "U" shape.

Description

CONTAINERS WITH BARRIER INSERTS

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] A container with a barrier insert is disclosed that comprises: a lid including a top surface, a lid side wall extending from the top surface, and a lid interior compartment; a base including a bottom surface, and a base side wall extending from the bottom surface and including an upper edge; and an insert adapted to fit within the interior compartment of the lid such that the insert is in contact with the upper edge of the base side wall to enhance barrier performance of the container when the container is a closed configuration.

[0002] The insert may take various shapes, such as an inverted "U" shape, a step, a stepped hybrid, and a standard "U" shape.

[0003] When desired, the lid side wall may terminate in a rolled edge, rounded edge, or curved edge. Additionally, the upper edge of the base side wall may be a rolled edge, rounded edge, or curved edge.

[0004] The container may further include at least one locking structure securing the lid to the base when the container is closed. When appropriate, the locking structure may be a plurality of protrusion structures on the base of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a basic inverted "U" shape;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0009] FIG.5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a stepped, inverted "U" shape;

[0011] FIG.7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 6 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 6 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0015] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a stepped hybrid shape;

[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 11 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 11 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0018] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 11 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0019] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 11 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a standard "U" shape;

[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 16 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0022] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 16 in the open position with the insert positioned within the lid;

[0023] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container of FIG. 16 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid; and

[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 16 in the closed position with the insert positioned within the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0025] The present disclosures now will be described more fully hereinafter, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are necessarily shown. While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0026] The disclosed container comprises:

(a) a lid including a top surface, a lid side wall extending from the top

surface and comprising a lower edge, and an interior compartment;

(b) a base including a bottom surface, and a bottom side wall extending from the bottom surface and including an upper edge; and

(c) an insert adapted to fit within the interior compartment of the lid such that the insert is in contact with the upper edge of the base side wall to enhance barrier performance of the container when the container is in a closed configuration.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lower edge of the lid side wall may be a rolled edge, rounded edge, or curved edge.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper edge of the base side wall may be a rolled edge, rounded edge, or curved edge.

[0029] In one embodiment, the base side wall may further include a ridge separating the base side wall into an upper section and a lower section.

[0030] In one embodiment, the base side wall may include an offset aspect such that the lid side wall, when coupled with the base side wall, creates a relatively flush surface area.

[0031] In one embodiment, the container may further comprise at least one locking structure to secure the lid to the base. The locking structure may be on the lid, or on the base, or on both.

[0032] It is to be understood that various locking structures may be used to secure the lid to the base. Examples of such locking structure include, but are not limited to, protrusion structure.

[0033] In one embodiment, the locking structure is on the upper section of the base side wall, when the base side wall includes a ridge separating the base side wall into an upper section and a lower section.

[0034] In one embodiment, the lid includes a first locking structure and the base includes a second locking structure cooperating with the first locking structure to secure the lid to the base.

[0035] In one embodiment, the lid fits atop the base such that the lower edge of the lid side wall sets upon the ridge of the base, and the lid is held in place by at least one locking structure on the base.

[0036] In one embodiment, the disclosed container comprises:

(a) a lid including a top surface, a lid side wall extending from the top surface and comprising a rounded edge, and a lid interior

compartment;

(b) a base including a bottom surface, a base side wall extending from the bottom surface, a ridge separating the base side wall into an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section terminates in a rounded edge; and

(c) an insert adapted to fit within the interior compartment of the lid, wherein: the rounded edge of the lid sets upon the ridge of the base side wall, and the insert is in contact with the rounded edge of the base side wall when the container is in a closed configuration to enhance barrier performance of the container.

[0037] In one example of such embodiment, the upper section of the base side wall may include a locking structure to secure the lid to the base. One illustration of such locking structures may be a plurality of protrusion structures. [0038] Several materials may be used for the lid and/or the base of the disclosed containers. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, tin, aluminum, tin-aluminum alloy, plastics, composite, and combinations thereof.

[0039] The insert may be deformable. The insert may be derived from a various materials having barrier properties. Examples of such barrier materials include, but are not limited to, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycolised polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), and combinations thereof.

[0040] In one embodiment, the insert may be a insert.

[0041] In one embodiment, the insert may be a unitary part of the lid.

[0042] In one embodiment, the insert may be removably attached to the lid.

[0043] Various shapes of the inserts may be used. Four exemplary shapes of the inserts are illustrated: a basic inverted "U" shape, a step shape, a stepped hybrid shape, and a standard "U" shape. However, it is understood that other shapes of the inserts may be used for the disclosed containers.

[0044] One skilled in the arts recognizes that a variety of sizes and shapes of lid, the base, the insert, and/or the locking structure may be used and modified to accommodate the end use applications of the disclosed containers.

[0045] In the illustrated examples, each embodiment utilizes the same base and lid configuration. With respect to the Figures, all reference numbers to the base and lid, their respective features and components are described using like reference numbers while the various inserts are distinguished from one another using different reference numbers.

[0046] Although the package configuration is described with respect to FIGs. 1-5, this description also applies to the remaining Figures of the present disclosure.

[0047] Insert Having an Inverted "U" Shape

[0048] FIGs. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a basic inverted "U" shape.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container in an open position comprised of a lid 10, a base 20, and an insert 100. Here, the lid 10 includes a top surface 11, a lid side wall 12 extending from the top surface 11 and including a lower edge. As such, the lid includes an interior compartment. FIGs. 2 and 3 show one embodiment wherein the lower edge of the lid side wall is rolled inward and is referred to herein as a lid rolled edge 13. It is to be understood that other structure of the lower edge of the lid side wall may be used in the present disclosure. Examples of such structures include, but are not limited to, a rounded edge and a curved edge. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lid rolled edge 13 may be adapted to cooperatively couple with an indented portion of base side wall 22.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGs. 3-5, the lid rolled edge 13 may serve another purpose in that it assists in holding the insert 100 within the interior compartment of the lid 10.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1, the base 20 comprises a bottom surface 21 and a base side wall 22 extending from the bottom surface 20 and including an upper edge to give the base 20 a depth dimension. The base side wall 22 may include an offset aspect such that the lid side wall 12, when coupled with the base side wall 22, creates a relatively flush surface area. FIGs. 2 and 3 show one embodiment wherein the upper edge of the base side wall 22 may be rolled inward and is referred to herein as a base rolled edge 23. It is to be understood that other structure of the upper edge of the base side wall may be used in the present disclosure. Examples of such structures include, but are not limited to, a rounded edge and a curved edge. As shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, the base rolled edge 23 may be adapted to cooperatively couple with the insert 100 to create a substantially air tight seal when the container is in a closed configuration.

[0051] When desired, the container may include at least one locking structure to secure the lid to the base. One example of such locking structure is a protrusion structure as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of protrusions 24 about its perimeter. Referring to FIG. 5, the protrusions 24 provide a mechanism for securing the lid 10 to the base 20 by creating an obstacle and resistance for the lid rolled edge 13 when it is coupled with or removed from the base 20.

[0052] FIGs. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the container in a closed configuration, illustrating one embodiment of an engagement between the lid 10 and the base 20. The lid rolled edge 13 is slide over the protrusion 24 and locked in an indentation created by the slight offset in base side wall 22. The protrusions 24 serve to keep the lid 10 from being removed from the base 20 until a sufficient external force is applied. [0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the inverted "U" shape insert 100 includes: a surface 110; a tapered side 120 extending downward from the perimeter of surface 110; and an insert lower edge at the end of the tapered side 120. Here, the depth dimension of the insert 100 is slight less than that of the lid 10, so that the insert 100 fits and remains secured within the interior compartment of the lid 10. However, it is understood that the overall width of the insert may be the same or slightly larger than that of the lid 10.

[0054] I n FIGs. 2-5, the insert 100 is guided into the interior compartment of the lid 10 such that the insert lower edge of the tapered section slides up and over the lid rolled edge 13. Once the insert lower edge has cleared the lid rolled edge 13, it 'springs' back toward its normal shape; therefore, the insert lower edge 120 contacts and remains in contact with the interior of lid side wall 12.

[0055] When the lid 10 containing the insert 100 is closed atop the base 20, the base rolled edge 23 rides upward into the interior compartment of the lid 10 until it comes into contact with the tapered side 120 of the insert 100 and remains in contact when the lid 10 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. This results in a relatively air and moisture tight seal for the contents packaged in the container.

[0056] Insert Having a Step Shape

[0057] FIGs. 6-10 illustrate one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a step shape. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment the insert 200 includes a first surface 220, a second surface 230 positioned at a higher plane than the first surface 220, and a first tapered side connecting the first surface 220 and the first surface 230. The insert further includes a second tapered side extending downward from the surface 220 and terminating in an insert lower edge 210. In one embodiment, the depth dimension of the insert 200 is slight less than that of the lid 10, so that the insert 200 fits and remains secured within the interior compartment of the lid 10. However, it is understood that the overall width of the insert may be the same or slightly larger than that of the lid 10.

[0058] Referring to FIGs. 7-10, the insert 200 is guided into the interior

compartment of the lid 10 such that the lower edge 210 of the second tapered side slides up and over the lid rolled edge 13. Once the insert lower edge 210 has clea red the lid rolled edge 13, it 'springs' back toward its normal shape; therefore, the insert lower edge 210 contacts and remains in contact with the interior of lid side wall 12.

[0059] When the lid 10 containing the insert 200 is closed atop the base 20, the base rolled edge 23 rides upward into the interior compartment of the lid 10 until it comes into contact with either the first or second tapered sides of the insert 200 and remains in contact when the lid 10 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIGs. 9 and 10. This results in a relatively air and moisture tight seal for the contents packaged in the container.

[0060] Insert Having a Stepped Hybrid Shape

[0061] FIGs 11-15 illustrate one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a stepped hybrid shape. As shown in FIG. 11, the insert 300 includes: a first surface 320, a second surface 330 positioned at a higher plane than the first surface 320, a first tapered side connecting the first surface 320 and the second surface 330. The insert 300 further includes: a second tapered side extending downward from the first surface 320 and terminating in a brim 310 having a lower edge 305. In one embodiment, the depth dimension of the insert 300 is slight less than that of lid 10, so that the insert 300 fits and remains secured within the interior compartment of the lid 10. However, it is understood that the overall width of the insert may be the same or slightly larger than that of the lid 10.

[0062] Referring to FIGs. 12-15, the insert 300 is guided into the interior

compartment of the lid 10 such that the lower edge 305 of the brim 310 slides up and over the lid rolled edge 13. Once the lower edge 305 has clea red the lid rolled edge 13, it 'springs' back toward its normal shape; therefore, the lower edge 305 contacts and remains in contact with the interior of lid side wall 12.

[0063] When the lid 10 containing the insert 300 is closed atop the base 20, the base rolled edge 23 rides upward into the interior compartment of the lid 10 until it comes into contact with a channel created by the brim 310 of the insert 300 and remains in contact with the brim 310 when the lid 10 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIGs. 14 and 15. This results in a relatively air and moisture tight seal for the contents packaged in the container.

[0064] Insert Having a Standard "U" Shape

[0065] FIGs 16-20 illustrate one embodiment of the disclosed container, wherein the insert has a standard "U" shape. In one example of such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the insert 400 has a shape very similar to the lid 10 except inverted. The insert includes: a surface 410; a tapered side extending upward from the perimeter of the surface 410 and forming an upper gutter; and an edge 405 at the end of the tapered side. In one embodiment, the depth dimension of the insert 400 is somewhat less than that of lid 10, so that the insert 100 fits and remains secured within the interior compartment of the lid 10. However, it is understood that the overall width of the insert may be the same or slightly larger than that of the lid 10.

[0066] Referring to FIGs. 17-20, the insert 400 is guided into the interior

compartment of the lid 10 such that the upper gutter and edge 405 of the tapered side slides up and over the lid rolled edge 13. Once the tapered upper gutter and edge 405 has cleared rolled edge 13, it 'springs' back toward its normal shape; therefore, the tapered upper gutter and edge 405 contacts and remains in contact with the interior of lid side wall 12.

[0067] When the lid 10 containing the insert 400 is closed atop the base 20, the base rolled edge 23 rides upward into the interior compartment of the lid 10 until it comes into contact with the tapered side of the insert 400 and remains in contact with the tapered side when the lid 10 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIGs. 19 and 20. This results in a relatively air and moisture tight seal for the contents packaged in the container.

[0068] While the disclosure has been described by reference to various specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. It is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but will have full scope defined by the language of the following claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A container comprising:

(a) a lid including a top surface, a lid side wall extending from the top surface and comprising a lower edge, and a lid interior compartment;

(b) a base including a bottom surface, and a base side wall extending from the

bottom surface and including an upper edge; and

2. The container of claim 1, wherein:

the lower edge of the lid side wall includes a rolled edge, rounded edge, or curved edge structure; and

the upper edge of the base side wall includes a rolled edge, rounded edge, or curved edge structure.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the base side wall further comprises a ridge separating the base side wall into an upper section and a lower section, the upper section including an upper edge.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises at least one locking structure securing the lid to the base.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a first locking

structure on the lid and a second locking structure on the base, the first locking structure cooperating with the second locking structure to secure the lid to the base.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises:

(a) a lid including a top surface, a lid side wall extending from the top surface and comprising a rounded edge, and a lid interior compartment; (b) a base including a bottom surface, a base side wall extending from the bottom surface, a ridge separating the base side wall into an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section terminates in a rounded edge; and

(c) an insert adapted to fit within the interior compartment of the lid,

wherein: the rounded edge of the lid sets upon the ridge of the base side wall, and the insert is in contact with the rounded edge of the base side wall.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the upper section of the base side wall includes a

locking structure to secure the lid to the base.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the locking structure includes a plurality of protrusion structures.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lid and the base is produced from a material including a member selected from the group consisting of metal, tin, aluminum, tin-aluminum alloy, plastics, composite, and combinations thereof.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert is produced from a material including a member selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, glycolised polyethylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert is removably attached to the lid.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprise:

(a) an insert surface; and

(b) a tapered side extending downward from the insert surface and terminating in an insert lower edge,

wherein: the insert lower edge contacts with an interior perimeter of the lid side wall, and the tapered side of the insert contacts with the upper edge of the base side wall.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprise:

(a) a first surface;

(b) a second surface positioned at a higher plane than the first surface;

(c) a first tapered side connecting the first and second surfaces;

(d) a second tapered side extending downward from the first surface and

terminating in an insert lower edge,

wherein: the insert lower edge contacts with an interior perimeter of the lid side wall, and the upper edge of the base side wall contacts with the first or the second tapered sides of the insert.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprise:

(a) a first surface;

(b) a second surface positioned at a higher plane than the first surface;

(c) a first tapered side connecting the first and second surfaces;

(d) a second tapered side extending downward from the first surface;

(e) a brim extending downward from the second tapered side and terminating in an insert lower edge,

wherein: the insert lower edge contacts with an interior perimeter of lid side wall, and the brim of the insert contacts with the upper edge of the base side wall.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprise:

(a) an insert surface;

(b) a tapered side extending upward from the insert surface and terminating in an insert upper edge,

wherein: the insert upper edge contacts with an interior perimeter of lid side wall, and the tapered side of the insert contacts with the upper edge of the base side wall.

16. An insert adapted to fit within a container including a lid and a base, the insert

comprises:

(a) an insert surface; (b) a tapered side extending from the insert surface; and

(c) an insert edge positioned at an end of the tapered side,

wherein: the insert edge contacts with the lid, and the tapered side of the insert contacts with the base.

17. The insert of claim 16, wherein the tapered side extends downward from the insert surface.

18. The insert of claim 16, wherein the tapered side extends upward from the insert surface.

19. The insert of claim 16, wherein the insert comprise:

(a) a first surface;

(b) a second surface positioned at a higher plane than the first surface;

(c) a first tapered side connecting the first and second surfaces;

(d) a second tapered side extending downward from the first surface and

terminating in an insert lower edge,

wherein: the insert lower edge contacts with the lid, and the first or second tapered sides of the insert contacts with the base.

20. The insert of claim 16, wherein:

(a) a first surface;

(b) a second surface positioned at a higher plane than the first surface;

(c) a first tapered side connecting the first and second surfaces;

(d) a second tapered side extending downward from the first surface;

wherein: the insert lower edge contacts with the lid, and the brim of the insert contacts with the base.