EP4652113A2

EP4652113A2 - Container for food, in particular for storing ice cream

Info

Publication number: EP4652113A2
Application number: EP24709161.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michele DELL'AVANZATO
Original assignee: Imballaggi Alimentari Srl
Current assignee: Imballaggi Alimentari Srl
Priority date: 2023-01-18
Filing date: 2024-01-17
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: IT202300000681A1; WO2024154071A2; WO2024154071A3

Abstract

Described is a container (1, 101) for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, which comprises a tray (2, 102) which can be coupled with a respective lid (7, 107) and which has an inner tray (3, 103). The tray (3, 103) has a collection chamber (Z) for the food product to be contained and is designed to be associated with an outer case (4, 104), for supporting the tray (3, 103). The case (4, 104) is provided, on at least one relative upper side (41, 141), with a frame (5, 105) and with snap fitting means (32, 42) with the tray (3, 103), in such a way that the thickness of the frame (5, 105) determines a predetermined distance (D) between the innermost surface of the case (4, 104) and the outermost surface of the tray (3, 103).

Description

CONTAINER FOR FOOD, IN PARTICULAR FOR STORING ICE CREAM DESCRIPTION

Technical field

This invention relates to a food container, in particular for storing ice cream sorbets, cassata, spumone, semifreddo and the like and its production method.

Background art

The habit of buying ice cream in a single-use tub and eating it at home later on is becoming more common.

Obviously, especially in the hottest seasons, that is to say, when there is statistically the greatest consumption of ice creams and refrigerated products, if the ice cream is not stored in an appropriate manner and/or spends a long time in contact with the ambient temperature, it heats up, tends to melt and loses a lot of its consistency and homogeneity, becoming less “palatable”, that is to say, too soft.

According to the prior art, the containers which allow a better thermal insulation for a relatively long period of time are made of synthetic materials, for example plastic.

These containers have a short life, since once they have performed the duty of preserving the food they are thrown away by the user.

However, the focus on environmental problems that have matured in public opinion in recent years, especially the growing distrust of disposable products made from oil or fossil fuels, leads customers to demand containers that have a lower environmental impact, such as paper, or which plan their reuse.

In this regard, there are prior art trays made completely of paper which, however, do not guarantee the preservation of the food product inside them for a medium-long period of time and which, once the ice cream is finished, must necessarily be eliminated due to obvious hygiene problems.

Summary of the Invention

The aim of the invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks in known types of food containers, in particular for storing ice cream, made of an eco-compatible material but which allows a good preservation of the food for a long time in hot environments.

In the context of the above-mentioned purpose, an aim of the invention is to provide a food container, in particular for storing ice cream, which is made in such a way as to have a low environmental impact.

Another aim of the invention is to guarantee a high standard of hygiene.

Another aim of the container according to this invention is to allow the product to be reused, at least partly.

Yet another aim of the invention is to make a food container, in particular for storing ice cream, with prior art machines and means and using materials of common use, in such a way that the container is economically competitive.

This purpose, as well as these and other aims, which are described in more detail below, are achieved by a food container, in particular for storing ice cream, according to the invention, comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention.

In particular, according to a first aspect, this invention relates to a food container, in particular for storing ice cream, comprising a tray which can be coupled with a respective lid and which has an inner tray for collecting the food product to be contained and designed to be associated with an outer case supporting the tray. The case has, on at least one upper edge of it, a supporting frame for a flap projecting from a respective face of the tray, in such a way that the thickness of the frame determines a predetermined distance between the innermost surface of the case and the outermost surface of the tray.

In this text the term “upper” refers to the position of an element, for example the edge of the case, with respect to the supporting surface of the tray.

Similarly, the terms “inner” and “outer” also refer to the chamber for collection of the ice cream, defined by the walls of the tray itself. An element is therefore “inner” or “outer” which faces, respectively, towards or away from the collection chamber.

With this solution, the Applicant has advantageously made a sort of air cushion between the tray for collecting the ice cream and the case of the tray which does not allow a direct exchange of heat, that is to say, by contact, between the wall in contact with the food product and the part in contact with the outside environment.

The Applicant has also perceived that the possibility of making snap fitting means, between the tray and the case, by means of a system of foldable flaps which offers a triple advantage.

Firstly, it allows the production of a removable tray which makes it possible to re-use the entire tray, if made of suitably washable material, such as washable resins, whilst the tray, which is the only element in contact with the ice cream, would be disposed of after use to guarantee the hygiene and sterility of the food product.

Secondly, the connection would make the detachment from the inner tray of the outer tray more usable, facilitating the separation of the possible reusable part from the disposable part.

Lastly, the folding of the flaps on themselves to make the coupling allows the formation of a channel for collecting the liquids from dripping of the ice cream which inevitably are formed during the picking up of the food product with the spoon.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the protection of a blank (or a pattern of the blank, if referred to its drawing) of the container, in particular of the tray.

In this regard, the Applicant has devised a blank (or the pattern of a blank) for a case for the food container, in particular for storing ice cream, which has a quadrangular bottom, from which protrude two front walls, opposite one another, and two side walls, also opposite one another, of the case to be made, wherein the front and side walls have at their ends an upper side which can be folded. The upper side connected to the front walls comprises a male element designed to be inserted in a slot of the tray and the upper side connected to the side walls is provided with a foldable flap and having a portion designed to be associated with the inner surface of the respective side wall.

According to a variant, the blank comprises a bottom and a strip, located on two opposite ends, but designed to be associated with each other; the bottom is connected to a side wall formed by two mutually foldable parts, in such a way as to allow a substantially flat arrangement of the blank once the bottom and the strip are associated with each other.

Consequently, protection is also required for a method for making the container for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, as described, which is obtained from blanks (or from the patterns of the blanks).

Advantageously, the edge of the tray can be spread, in such a way as to allow a better dosing of the ice cream. In this regard, since spreading the ice cream inevitably leads to drips of food product, the folding of the above-mentioned flaps is very opportune.

Preferably, the lid must also perform as well as possible in line with the performance levels planned for the tray.

In this regard, the Applicant has understood that joints can be provided which can allow the making of an inner layer and an outer layer which have a distance such as to form an air cushion similar to that described for the tray/case system.

Detailed description

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the food container, in particular for storing ice cream, illustrated by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the container 1 , consisting of a tray 2 and a lid 7;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the tray 2;

Figure 3 is a side view of the tray 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tray 3 detached from the case 4; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the case 4 detached from the tray 3; Figure 6 shows a cross section of the tray 2 in a plane substantially normal to the ground;

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the lid 7 in a plane substantially normal to the ground;

Figure 8 shows the blank 40 of the case 4 of Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a variant embodiment of the container 101 , consisting of a tray 102 and a lid 107;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the case 104 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a cross section of the tray 102 in a plane substantially normal to the ground;

Figure 12 shows the lid 107 of Figure 9;

Figures 13A and 13B show, respectively, the blank 130 and 140 of the tray 103 and of the case 104 of Figures 9 and 10.

The accompanying drawings show a preferred embodiment of a container for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, according to the invention, which is labelled 1 and 101 in its entirety and which comprises a container 1 or 101 for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, comprising a tray 2 or 102, which can be coupled with a respective lid 7 or 107. The tray 2 (102) has an inner tray 3 (103), for collecting the ice cream in a specific chamber Z; the tray 3 (103) can be associated with an outer case 4 (104), for supporting the tray 3 (103). The case 4 (104) has, on the upper edges 41 (141 ), a frame 5 (105) for supporting flaps 31 (131 ) which protrude from the faces of the tray 3 (103), in such a way that the thickness of the frame 5 (105) determines a predetermined distance D between the innermost surface of the case 4 (104) and the innermost surface of the tray 3 (103) (Figures 1 -3, 8 and 9). The frame 5 is formed, according to an embodiment, by folding a flap 51 of the upper side 41 of the case 4 and has a preferably substantially quadrangular shape. The end part of the flap is advantageously glued to the innermost face of the case 4 (Figure 6).

The predetermined distance D is approximately 15 mm, in any case between 13 and 17 mm, inclusive, in such a way as to have a good containment of the internal temperature of the tray and suitable dimensions of the tray 2.

Each flap 33 (133) comprises means for snap fitting with the case 4 (104).

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the snap fitting means comprise a female element 32 (132), a slot 32 (132), defined in the portion of each flap 33 (133), which inserts into the corresponding male element 42 (142), a tooth 42 (142), prominent from the reference wall of the case 4 (104).

The slot 32 (132) is defined at a distance H from the upper edge 31 (131 ) of the tray 3, in such a way as to determine an upper portion 35 (135) protruding relative to the plane P defined by the frame 5 (105) (Figures 4 and 9). The projection 35 (135), clearly shown in Figures 3 and 10, is used to spread the ice cream directly into the tray 2 (102).

Since the tray 3 (103) is made of paper, a distinctive feature of the invention is that the protrusion 35 (135) for the spreading is made of paper.

The spreading portion 35 (135) has a height H of approximately 12 mm and is also used as a member designed to be inserted in a compartment 73 suitably formed in the inner part of the lid 7 (107), in such a way as to guarantee an optimum connection between the tray 2 (102) and the lid 7 (107).

Preferably, the flap 33 (133) is associated with each of the upper ends of at least two opposite faces of the tray 3 (103) (the so-called “short” sides of the tray), whilst each of the opposite faces (“long” sides) defines the frame 5 (105).

According to a variant embodiment, the flaps 33 (133) can be folded on themselves in such a way as to form a collection channel (not illustrated) for the liquids caused by the dripping of the ice cream during the spreading.

Advantageously, the tray 3 (103) is associated with the case 4 (104) in a removable fashion.

Thanks to the snap fitting means, the user can in effect easily connect and disconnect the tray 3 (103) from the case 4 (104), without adversely affecting any of the components, withdrawing the teeth 42 from the respective slots 32 (132) for pulling the tray 3 (103) out of the case 4

(104).

According to a variant embodiment gluing is also possible.

In this regard, the case 4 (104) is made of recyclable material, for example melamine resin, a material which can also be washed in a dishwasher, whilst the tray 3 (103) is made of single-use paper.

In this way, the user can re-use the case 4 (104), after having carefully washed it also in a dishwasher, disposing of the tray 3 (103) in the differentiated waste, in such a way as to guarantee maximum hygiene, thus eliminating the risk of salmonella, and with a minimum impact on the environment.

Alternatively, the tray 3 (103) can also glued on the case 4 (104) by means of clips (not illustrated) advancing above the upper edges 31 (131 ) of the tray 3 (103) and resting on the frame 5 (105): precisely the clips/frame 5

(105) interface is designed to be sealed by mutual gluing.

Advantageously, as shown in Figure 7, the lid 7 has an inner layer 71 and an outer layer 72 interconnected by engagement means of the male 71a and female 72a type, in such a way that the inner layer 71 comprises a tab 71 b for abutting on the innermost surface of the outer layer 71 .

The tab 71 b keeps the layers 71 and 72 at a reciprocal distance K of between 10 and 12 mm, inclusive.

Also in this case, an air gap is formed between the two layers 71 and 72 which allows a more contained transmission of heat. In order to make the case 4, the Applicant has devised a blank 40, shown in Figure 12, which is substantially flat, which comprises a quadrangular bottom 4a, from which two “short” walls 4b, opposite each other, protrude and two “long” walls 4c, also opposite each other; the walls 4b and 4c are, respectively, the front and side walls of the case 4 to be made.

In practice, at their ends, the front walls 4b and side walls 4c have a foldable upper side 41 .

On the upper side 41 connected to the front walls 4b there is a male element 42, designed to be inserted in the slot 32 of the tray 3, whilst the upper side 41 connected to the side walls 4c is provided with a foldable flap 51 and which has a portion designed to be associated with the outer surface of the relative side wall 4c.

The side and front walls 4b and 4c are then folded to obtain the housing for the collection chamber Z of the tray 3.

In practice, the side walls 4c are folded close to their upper side 41 , in such a way as to form the frame 5 which extends around the perimeter of the case 4, in such a way that, folding on one side the ends of the front walls 4b the male elements 42 protrude from the uppermost inner perimeter of the case, towards the inside of the chamber Z. Folding, on the other side, the side walls 4c the end portion of the flap 51 is then glued to the outermost face of the respective side wall 4c.

A variant embodiment of the tray 102 comprises means for inserting between the case 104 and the lid 107.

For this purpose, the case 104 has on the upper side 141 , at least one further male element 144, which protrudes from the outer edge 141 a of the upper side 141 , for engaging a respective other female element 174 defined on the vertical wall 176 of the lid 107.

The outer edge 141 a is that of the frame 105 which is furthest from the chamber Z and, at least on the short sides of the tray 102, coincides with the edge opposite to that of protrusion of the male element 142.

This shape allows a better engagement of the lid 107 on the tray 102. Preferably, two female elements 174 are made on each long side and a female element 174 is made on each short side of the lid 107.

According to this embodiment, the frame 105 is formed by folding a flap 151 of the upper side 141 of the case 104. The end part of this flap slopes downwards, that is, towards the inside of the chamber Z (Figure 11 ).

Also in this case, the predetermined distance D is approximately 15 mm, in any case between 13 and 17 mm, inclusive, in such a way as to have a good containment of the internal temperature of the tray and suitable dimensions of the tray 102.

In order to make the case 104, the Applicant has devised a blank 140, shown in Figure 13A, which is substantially flat, comprising a bottom 147 and a strip 147a located on two opposite ends.

The bottom 147 and the strip 147a are designed to be associated with each other and, advantageously, are the only parts which require gluing, with obvious advantages from the economic point of view.

The bottom 147 is connected to a first side wall 147b’ composed of two mutually foldable parts so as to allow a substantially flat arrangement of the blank 140 once the bottom 147 and the strip 147a are associated with each other.

Basically, when the bottom 147 and the strip 147a are glued, the blank extends on a double layer and therefore allows a minimum size.

In other words, thanks to the possibility of folding the two parts making up the first side wall 147b' of the case 104, the blank 140 remains substantially flat even after the gluing step, thus allowing the competitive transport directly to an ice cream parlour where an operator will carry out the folding, making the tray without the need for tools, gadgets, machinery or other means.

The method for making the container 101 comprises the steps of making a tray 102 from the blank 140.

These steps consist in folding the bottom 147 and the strip 147a, opposite the blank 140, along the connecting flaps between the bottom 147 and the first side wall 147b’ and between the strip 147a and the second side wall 147b”, in such a way as to superpose the strip 147a on the bottom 147, and gluing the strip 147a on the bottom 147.

Once the bottom 147 and the strip 147a are associated, the two side walls 147b’ and 147b” are folded around the respective flaps for connection with the frame 105 of the case 104, in such a way as to form a structure substantially having the shape of an isosceles trapezium, so that the parts which form the first side wall 147b’ are coplanar.

Next, two pairs of tabs 143 are folded along the connecting flaps between the tabs 143 and the respective side walls 147b’ and 147b” and, at the same time, the ends 148 of the bottom 147 are folded along the connecting flap between the ends 148 and the bottom 147, in such a way as to make a chamber formed by the bottom 147 and by the side walls 147b’ and 147b”.

The tabs 143 and the ends 148 are locked, folding joints 149 projecting from two bottom walls 147c, in such a way as to insert these joints in suitable sockets 146 defined along the connecting flaps between the side walls 147b’ and 147b” and the tabs 143.

In order to make the tray 103, which is identical to the tray 3, the Applicant has devised a substantially flat blank 130 (Figure 13B), which comprises a bottom 136 positioned centrally relative to the blank 130.

Two first vertical walls 137 and two second vertical walls 138 are connected from the bottom 136.

The flaps 133 are connected to the first vertical walls, each by its upper edge 131 . The slots 132 are defined on the flaps 133.

The second vertical walls 138 are connected to respective tabs 139 which close on the outer face of the vertical walls 138, by gluing, to strengthen the edge 131 .

The production steps are as follows.

The first 137 and second vertical walls 138 are folded along the flaps for connection with the bottom 136, in such a way as to close the collection chamber Z defined by the bottom 136 and by the vertical walls 137 and 138. In order to do this, the Applicant has provided foldable concertina-like corner elements 136 interposed between the first 137 and the second 138 vertical walls.

Lastly, the flaps 133 are folded around the upper edge 131 , in the opposite direction to that of folding of their corresponding vertical walls 137.

From the above description it may be seen how the invention achieves the preset purpose and aims and in particular it should be noted that a container is made for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, which guarantees a perfect preservation of the food even after hours at the ambient temperature.

In practice, thanks to the air cushion provided inside the tray. Between the tray for collecting the ice cream and the outer case, an excellent preservation of the consistency and quality of the ice cream has been guaranteed even for a very long time during the hottest hours of summer.

In effect, the air cushion has the function of thermal insulation between the tray (in direct contact with the ice cream or other food product) and the case (which, on the other hand, is intended to make contact with the hand of the user).

Obviously, in order to reinforce this thermal insulation, a thickness of insulating material may be applied around the outer face of the tray.

Another advantage of the invention is due to the fact that the tray and the lid are both made completely of eco-compatible material (paper).

In particular, it is possible to make the case for supporting the tray and the lid of material which can be washed in a dishwasher, in such a way that the tray can be re-used several times, guaranteeing perfect hygiene and sterility of the ice cream, compatibly with the provisions of the applicable regulations.

In this way, the environmental impact is practically zero.

Lastly, the use of means which are easily available on the market and the use of common materials makes the container for food products economically competitive.

The invention can be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be of any type, depending on requirements, provided that they are consistent with their production purposes.

Claims

1) A container (1 , 101 ) for food, in particular for storing ice cream, comprising a tray (2, 102) which can be coupled with a respective lid (7, 107) and comprising an inner tray (3, 103); the tray (3, 103) having a collection chamber (Z) for the food product to be contained and being designed to be associated with an outer case (4, 104), for supporting the tray (3, 103); the case (4, 104) being provided, on at least one relative upper side (41 , 141 ), with a frame (5, 105) and with snap fitting means (32, 42) with the tray (3, 103), in such a way that the thickness of the frame (5, 105) determines a predetermined distance (D) between the innermost surface of the case (4, 104) and the outermost surface of the tray (3, 103); characterised in that the snap fitting means (32, 42) comprise a flap (33, 133) associated with at least one upper edge (31 , 131 ) of the tray (3, 103) and having a slot (32, 132) for engaging with a respective tooth (42, 142) protruding from the upper side (41 , 141 ).

2) The container (1 , 101 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the slot (32, 132) is defined at a distance (H) from the upper edge (31 , 131 ) in such a way as to determine a protruding upper portion (35, 135), preferably made of paper, of the tray (3, 103) with respect to the plane (P) defined by the frame (5, 105).

3) The container (1 , 101 ) according to claim 2, wherein the distance (H) is between 6 and 18 mm, inclusive, preferably between 8 and 16 mm, inclusive, even more preferably between 10 and 14 mm, inclusive, even more preferably substantially equal to 12 mm.

4) The container (1 , 101 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flap (33, 133) is associated with each of the upper ends of at least two opposite faces of the tray (3, 103).

5) The container (1 , 101 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flap (33, 133) is foldable on itself in such a way as to form a collection channel for any liquids caused by the dripping of the food product intended to be positioned in the container (1 , 101 ).

6) The container (1 , 101 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tray (3, 103) is designed to be removably associated with the case (4, 104).

7) The container (1 , 101 ) according to claim 6, wherein the case (4, 104) is made of material which can be washed, preferably washable resins.

8) The container (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid (7) has an inner layer (71 ) and an outer layer (72), interconnected by engagement means (71 a, 72a) in such a way that the inner layer (71 ) comprises a tab (71 b) for abutting on the innermost surface of the outer layer (71 ), such as to keep the inner layer (71 ) and the outer layer (72) at a mutual distance (K) of between 7 and 15 mm, inclusive, preferably between 8 and 14 mm, inclusive, more preferably between 9 and 13 mm, inclusive, even more preferably between 10 and 12 mm, inclusive.

9) The container (101 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising means (174, 144) for inserting between the case (104) and the lid (107).

10) The container (101) according to claim 9, wherein the insertion means (174, 144) comprise a further male element (144), projecting from the outer edge of the upper side (141 ), for engaging a respective other female element (174) defined on the vertical wall (176) of the lid (107).

11 ) The container (1 , 101 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer face of the tray (3, 103) has a thickness made of insulating material.

12) A blank (40) of a case (4) for a food container (1 ), in particular for storing ice cream, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a quadrangular bottom (4a), from which two opposite front walls (4b) project and two side walls (4c), also opposite each other, of the case (4) to be made; the front walls (4b) and side walls (4c) having at their ends a foldable upper side (41 ); wherein on the upper side (41 ) connected to the front walls (4b) there is a male element (42) designed to be inserted in a slot (32) of the tray (3) and the upper side (41 ) connected to the side walls (4c) being provided with a foldable flap (51 ) and having a portion designed to be associated with the inner surface of the respective side wall (4c).

13) A method for making a container (1 ) for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of making the case (4) of a tray (2) from a blank (40) according to claim 12, which consists in folding the side and front walls (4b, 4c) to obtain a housing for the collection chamber (Z) of the tray (3), close to their upper side (41 ), in such a way as to make a frame (5) extending around the perimeter of the case (4), in such a way that, folding on one side the ends of the front walls (4b) the male elements (42) protrude from the uppermost inner perimeter of the case (4) and folding, on the other side, the side walls (4c) the end portion of the flap (51 ) is then glued to the innermost face of the relative side wall (4c).

14) A blank (140) of a case (104) for a container (101 ) for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9 and 10, comprising, on two opposite ends, a bottom (147) and a strip (147a) designed to be associated with each other; the bottom (147) being connected to a side wall (147b') formed by two mutually foldable parts in such a way as to allow a substantially flat arrangement of the blank (140) once the bottom (147) and the strip (147a) are associated with each other.

15) A method for making a container (101 ) for food products, in particular for storing ice cream, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9 and 10, comprising the steps of making the case (104) of a tray (102) from a blank (140) according to claim 14, which consist of:

- folding a bottom (147) of a case (104) and a strip (147a), located on the opposite side of the blank (140) with respect to said bottom (147), along the flaps, respectively, for connection between the bottom (147) and a first side wall (147b’) and the strip (147a) and a second side wall (147b”), in such a way as to superpose the strip (147a) on the bottom (147), and gluing the strip (147a) on the bottom (147); the first side wall (147b’) comprising two parts; - folding the first side wall (147b') and the second side wall (147b") around the corresponding flaps for connection with the frame (105) of the case (104) to form a structure substantially having the shape of an isosceles trapezium, so that the parts which form the first side wall (147b') are coplanar; - folding two pairs of tabs (143) along the connecting flaps between said tabs (143) and the respective side walls (147b', 147b") and, at the same time, folding the ends (148) of the bottom (147) along the connecting flap between the end (148) and the bottom (147), in such a way as to make a chamber formed by the bottom (147) and by the side walls (147b', 147b"); - locking the tabs (143) and the ends (148) folding joints (149) projecting from two bottom walls (147c) in such a way as to insert them in sockets (146) formed along the connecting flaps between the side walls (147b’, 147b”) and the tabs (143).