ES2664141T3 - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

A sealing element (2, 102) for a container (1, 101), the container comprises a main body (4) and a lid (6), the main body of the container includes a side wall (18, 118) having an upper edge (32, 132) defining an opening of the container, and the sealing element comprising: - a mounting portion (40, 140) comprising an annular member (34, 134) to engage the upper edge of the side wall; - coupling means (44, 144) configured for repeated sealing coupling with said container lid; and - a fixing part (42, 142) configured to secure the sealing element (2, 102) to the side wall (18), the fixing part (42, 142) is hingedly connected to the part (40, 140 ) mounting and movable between a first position in which the mounting part can be engaged and disengaged from said upper edge, and a second position in which the fixing part prevents the mounting part from disengaging from said upper edge ; characterized in that the sealing element further comprises a retention means comprising a strap, a band or a tape (199) configured to retain the fixing portion in the second position.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Container

Background

to. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a sealing element for a container, a container that includes a sealing element and a method for forming a container that includes a sealing element.

b. Related technique

There is a general desire and need to reduce the amount of waste that is produced and an impulse to recycle as much as possible. A particular area that is receiving a lot of attention is the packaging.

Containers for hazardous liquids, such as paints, are difficult to dispose of in an environmentally safe manner and very few containers are recycled due to contamination by paint, oil or other similar substance.

Known paint jars and similar containers filled with environmentally hazardous liquids are typically manufactured from a semi-rigid plastic or metal material. After use, the pot remains contaminated with paint residue or the like and the entire container must be disposed of properly according to the type of hazardous liquid. Often, the containers end up in a specialized landfill. However, the cost associated with the treatment of these containers means that it is increasingly difficult to dispose of them in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

It is known to provide containers for liquids such as paint comprising a main body formed of cardboard and having an inner plastic coating, such as that described in UK patent application GB 2492887. These containers have the advantage that the coating Contaminated plastic can be separated from the cardboard cover for disposal once the contents of the container have been used.

Normally, the contents of the container are not all used at the same time and it is therefore necessary to be able to repeatedly reseal the container and prevent the liquid content from evaporating or drying out between uses. However, it is often difficult to form a good seal, that is, a liquid-proof seal, between a container formed of cardboard or laminated cardboard and a lid if necessary to be able to repeatedly remove the lid from the container.

For example, it is known to seal a paper container or container with a foil lid that is heat sealed to the edge of the container. These caps can provide a good seal; however, they are designed for single use and once they have been removed, the container cannot be resealed. It is also known to provide plastic lids that snap on the rolled edge of a typical paper container or container, such as lids that are provided with a drinking hole for disposable coffee cups. These lids can be used repeatedly to close the container; However, they do not provide a good seal. As such, any liquid contents of the container can be filtered through small spaces between the edge of the container and the lid. This is especially problematic near any seam superimposed on the container due to the change in the thickness of the side wall and the edge in this region.

In WO 96/19388 a tamper-proof closure for a container is disclosed, which discloses a sealing element and a container according to the preambles of claims 1 and 9, respectively. Further,

WO 2013/036820 discloses coated containers that have airtight closure devices that can be removed and resealed.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a sealing element for a container that allows reliable and repeated sealing of the container.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sealing element according to claim 1 is provided. These retaining means may be integrally formed with the fixing part and / or the mounting part or, alternatively, the means Retention can be separated from the rest of the sealing element.

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In order for the sealing element to engage firmly with the upper edge of the container, the annular member preferably comprises a wall portion that, in use, extends downwardly onto an inner surface of the side wall of the container. Furthermore, it is preferable if, in use, when the fixing part is in the second position, the fixing part extends downwardly on an outer surface of the side wall of the container.

In some embodiments, the container may include a flange or support edge facing down on an outer side of the side wall near the top edge. This can be provided, for example, by a laminated edge of the container or a skirt portion that extends downwardly at the top of the side wall of the container. In these embodiments, the fixing part of the sealing element preferably comprises a retainer configured to engage with said shoulder or edge when the fixing part is in the second position, thus preventing the mounting portion from decoupling from said upper edge.

In preferred embodiments, the fixing part comprises a plurality of tabs, each tongue being articulated connected to the annular member. Normally, the tabs are separated and extend from a periphery of the annular member. Each of the tabs may include a channel or recess to receive a portion of a retention means in embodiments in which this is provided.

To simplify the manufacturing of the sealing element, the mounting part, the coupling part and the fixing part are preferably integrally formed and are parts of a unit piece.

The mounting part may comprise coupling means for attaching a handle to the sealing element. In particular, the fixing means may allow a handle to be pivotally attached to the sealing element.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a container is provided comprising:

-a cover comprising a base and a side wall, the side wall has an upper edge defining an opening of the container, the cover is made of a cardboard material;

- a cover to cover and seal the opening of the cover; Y

- a sealing element secured around the upper edge of the side wall of the cover, which comprises the sealing element:

- a mounting part comprising an annular member to engage with the upper edge of the side wall;

- coupling means configured for repeated sealing engagement with said container lid; Y

- a fixing part configured to secure the sealing element to the side wall, the fixing portion is articulated connected to the mounting part and can be moved between a first position in which the mounting portion can be coupled and disengaged from said upper edge, and a second position whose fixing part prevents the mounting part from decoupling from said upper edge.

In some embodiments, the container further comprises a liner that covers internal or internal surfaces of said cover. In particularly preferred embodiments, the coating is made of a thin film plastic material, and the sealing element is made of a relatively rigid plastic material.

The annular member of the mounting part preferably comprises a wall portion that, in use, extends downwardly onto an inner surface of the side wall of the cover. In embodiments comprising a coating, the coating is preferably attached to the wall portion.

The container can be for storing at least one of paint, varnish, wood care liquid, adhesive, filler and putty.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a method of constructing a container is provided, the container comprises:

- a cover comprising a base and a side wall, the side wall has an upper edge that defines an opening of the container; Y

- a sealing element comprising a mounting part comprising an annular member to engage with the upper edge of the side wall, coupling means configured for repeated sealing coupling with a

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container lid, and a fixing portion configured to secure the sealing element to the side wall, the fixing portion is articulated connected to the mounting portion and can move between a first position in which the mounting portion can be engaged and decoupling from said upper edge, and a second position in which the fixing portion prevents the mounting part from decoupling from said upper edge, and a tape, band or retaining strap, and

The method comprising the steps of:

- with the fixing portion in the first position, by setting the mounting portion of the sealing element on the upper edge of the side wall; Y

- move the fixing part to the second position to secure the sealing element to the side wall; Y

- fix the strap, band or retaining tape to the sealing element to retain the fixing part in the second position to prevent the sealing element from disengaging from the upper edge of the side wall

In preferred embodiments, the mounting part of the sealing element comprises a wall part and the container further comprises a lining that covers interior surfaces of said cover. In these embodiments, the method preferably comprises seating the mounting portion so that the wall portion extends downwardly on an inner surface of the side wall and an upper region of said liner is located between the side wall and the wall portion. of the sealing element, and joining the wall portion of the sealing element to said coating.

In some embodiments, the fixing part comprises a plurality of tabs articulated to the mounting part. The method, therefore, preferably comprises moving each of said tabs from the first position to the second position once the mounting portion has been coupled with the upper edge of the cover.

The securing portion may comprise a channel for receiving said belt. According to the above, the method comprises placing the belt in the channel and adjusting the belt so that the belt applies a force to the fixing part to retain the fixing part in the second position.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container that includes a sealing element according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a pair of stacked containers according to an embodiment of the present invention, the containers being only partially assembled.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an outer cover of a main body of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a detail view of the cross section showing the sealing element of Figure 1 in a partially assembled state;

Figure 5 is a detail view of the cross section showing the sealing element of Figure 1 in a fully assembled state, with the lid separated from the container body;

Figure 6 is a detail view of the cross section showing the sealing element of Figure 1 in a fully assembled state, with the lid connected to the body of the container;

Figure 7 is a cutaway perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in which the container is fully assembled and the lid has been removed;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a container that includes a sealing element according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from below of the container of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows the sealing element of Figure 8 in a first unsecured configuration;

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Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an upper region of the container of Figure 8 showing the sealing element in a second secured configuration;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11 indicated by a broken circle;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an upper region of the container of Figure 8 showing a coating of the container and the sealing element in a second secured configuration and illustrating, in particular, a handle region of the sealing element ;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 13 indicated by a broken circle;

Figure 15 is a perspective view from above of a container that includes a handle, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 16 and 17 are side views of the container of Figure 15 with omission of the handle.

Detailed description

Figures 1,2 and 7 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a container 1 comprising a sealing element 2 according to the present invention. The container 1 includes a main body 4 and a lid 6. The main body 4 comprises an outer cover 8 made of a cardboard material, an inner liner 10 made of a thin film plastic material and the sealing element 2 made of a plastic material. In this embodiment, the container 1 also comprises a handle 12 (shown in Figure 1).

The sealing element 2 is designed to engage with a complementary sealing element 14 in the lid 6 in such a way that it allows repeated coupling and uncoupling of the lid 6 with the main body 4 of the container 1. This allows the container 1 to be open, some of the contents are removed and container 1 is reliably resealed. In addition, the seal that is formed between the sealing element 2 and the lid 4 is such that any liquid content of the container 1 cannot leave the container.

Figure 1 shows a container 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The container 1 is in the form of a paint jar or other similar container that may contain liquid or semi-liquid products, for example, paint or varnish.

The container can also be used to contain other products such as pastes, for example grout or colloidal suspensions, for example hand creams. The container may be designed to contain and store dangerous or non-hazardous products, such as paints, cleaning products, cosmetics and food products.

The outer cover 8 of the container 1 is made of a suitable cardboard or cardboard material without coating or wax or plastic laminate. The cover 8 comprises a base 16 and a side wall 18, the side wall 18 extending completely around the periphery of the base 16 and extending upwardly from the base. The base 16 and the side wall 18 thus define an interior volume of the main body 4 of the container 1, as shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 7.

The outer cover 8 is made of laminated cardboard that has been folded and glued to form the final shape of the cover. In particular, a first cardboard sheet is cut and folded to form the base 16 of the cover 8, and a second cardboard sheet is cut and folded to form the side wall 18 of the cover 8. The base 16 is adhered to the side wall 18 around a bottom edge 20 of the container 1.

In this example, the base 16 has a rounded rectangular shape and the side wall 18 includes curved corner panels 22 and substantially straight side panels 24. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover 8 is manufactured so that, initially, the height of each of the side panels 24 is greater than the height of each of the corner panels 22; each of the corner panels 22 is of a first height and the side panels 24 are each of a second height. In this way, the tongue portions 25 of the side panels 24 extend upwardly beyond the height of the corner panels 22.

To finish forming the cover 8 of the container 1, the tongue portions 25 fold outwardly as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3. Once folded, the tongue portions 25 form skirt portions 26 extending downward on an outer side of the side panels 24. The folded or curved upper edge 28 of each of the skirt portions 26 is flush with an upper edge 30 of each of the corner panels 22, thus forming

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a continuous top edge or edge 32 of the cover 8; however, the upper edge 28 of each of the side panels 24 may be above the upper edge 30 of the corner panels 22 as shown in Figure 1.

Although in this embodiment the outer cover 8 is made of a cardboard or cardboard material, in other embodiments the outer cover 8 may be made of a plastic material.

The sealing element or collar 2, shown more clearly in Figures 4 to 7, includes an annular member 34 that joins and extends around the edge 32 of the cover 8 of the container 1. According to the above, in In this example, the annular member 34 is substantially non-circular, having a rounded rectangular shape comprising corner regions 36 and lateral regions 38.

The sealing element 2 comprises a mounting part 40, a fixing part 42 and coupling means 44. The mounting part 40 includes a first inner annular wall 46 and a second outer annular wall 48. The inner annular walls 46, 48 and exterior are connected at their respective upper edges, thereby defining a channel 50 between them that extends completely around the sealing element 2. When the sealing element 2 is fixed to the cover 8, the element 2 sits on the edge 32 of the cover 8 so that the inner annular wall 46 extends downward on an inner surface 47 of the side wall 18 of the cover 8, the second outer annular wall 48 extends downwardly around an exterior of the cover 8, and the edge 32 of the cover 8 is positioned within the channel 50.

In this embodiment, a first part of the coupling means 44, in the form of a rail member 52, extends upwardly from the mounting part 40. The rail member 52 continuously extends around the sealing element 2. A second part of the coupling means 44, in the form of a rib or tongue 54, projects from an outer surface of the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting part 40. The coupling means 44 is designed to engage with a complementary sealing element 14 in the lid 6 of the container 1, as described below.

As shown more clearly in Figure 5, the arrangement of the rail member 52 and the inner and outer annular walls 46, 48 is such that a vertical cross-section through the mounting part 40 and the coupling means 44 has substantially fork shape.

In this example, the fixing part 42 is connected to the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting part 40. The fixing part 42 is arranged to engage the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8 to secure the sealing element 2 to the cover 8. The fixing part 42 comprises a substantially U-shaped channel member 56 having two parallel arm members 58, 60 extending along the channel member 56 and a base member 62 connecting the two arm members 58, 60, so that an opening 63 is defined between the members 58, 60 of arm. An edge of a first arm member 58 is articulatedly connected to the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting part 40. An edge 64 of the other arm member 60 is a free edge 64.

In this embodiment, the annular member 34 of the sealing element 2 is a unitary member and the arm member 58 is articulated connected to the outer annular wall 48 by means of a natural or active hinge 66 formed in the plastic material of the sealing element 2. In other embodiments, the articulated connection may be formed in any other suitable manner. In still other embodiments, the connection between the mounting portion 40 and the fixing portion 42 can be made in any suitable manner that allows the rotation or rotation of the fixing portion 42 with respect to the mounting portion 40.

The articulated connection allows the fixing portion 42 of the sealing element 2 to rotate with respect to the mounting part 40 between an uncoupled position, shown more clearly in Figure 4, and a coupled position, which is shown more clearly in Figure 5. In the decoupled position, the fixing portion 42 is located on an external side of the mounting part 40, with the channel 50 of the mounting portion 40 and the opening 63 of the fixing portion 42 oriented in the same direction . In the coupled position, the fixing part 42 is located below the mounting part 40, so that the channel 50 of the mounting part 40 and the opening 63 of the fixing portion 42 are oriented in opposite directions. Furthermore, in this coupled position, the arm member 58 is substantially continuous with the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting portion 40, and the free edge 64 of the arm member 60 is located between the inner and outer annular walls 46, 48 .

To secure the sealing element 2 to the outer cover 8, the mounting part 40 is pressed on the upper edge 28 of each of the skirt portions 26. The fixing portion 42 is then moved from the disengaged position to the position hooked so that the channel member 56 is placed around and under the skirt portion. In the coupled position, the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8 is located in the opening 63 of the fixing part 42 and the arm member 60 is located between the side panel 24 and the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8.

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As shown in Figure 1, separate skirt portions 26 are formed along each of the side panels 24 of the cover 8 and separate fixing portions 42 are formed along each of the side regions 38 of the annular member 34. Once all the fixing parts 42 have been moved to their engaged position and engaged with the respective skirt portion 26, the sealing element 2 is then, preferably, completely secured to the cover 8 using retention means adequate.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means is in the form of a length of adhesive tape (not shown) that is placed completely around the sealing element 2 in contact with the outer annular wall 48 and all arm members 58. With the tape adhered to the sealing element 2 in this way, the fixing parts 42 are then unable to move from their positions coupled to the uncoupled positions without first removing the retention means.

In this embodiment, the sealing element 2 further comprises fixing means 68 in the form of a pair of tabs or mounting brackets 68 to which the handle 12 can be attached. As shown in Figure 1, the mounting tabs 68 are centrally positioned along opposite lateral regions of the annular member 34. Each of the mounting tabs 68 includes a hole 70 for engagement with a portion of the handle 12.

The handle 12 is substantially U-shaped and formed of a suitable plastic material. In realizations

preferred, the handle 12 is made of the same plastic material as the sealing element 2. Handle 12 includes two

arm portions 72, one extending from any end of a central grip portion 74. At a free end of each of the arm parts there is a pin or stump 76 that projects inwardly.

When the handle 12 is attached to the main body 4 of the container 1, each of the stumps 76 is located in a respective

of the holes 70 in the mounting tabs 68 of the sealing element 2. In this way, a pivotal connection is made between the handle 12 and the main body 4 of the container 1.

When a user lifts the container 1 by the handle 12, an upward force is exerted on the sealing element 2, which tries to remove the sealing element 2 from the top of the side wall 18 of the cover 8. However , because the fixing portion 42 of the sealing element 2 is coupled with the skirt portion 26, and in particular because the arm member 60 is located between the side panel 24 and the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8, the sealing element 2 cannot be pulled up with respect to the cover 8, and the sealing element remains firmly attached to the cover 8.

As more clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lid 6 includes a sealing element 14 that engages with the coupling means 44 of the sealing element 2 when the lid 6 is placed on the main body 4 of the container. In this example, the sealing element 14 of the lid 6 comprises a channel portion 78 that is sized to receive the rail member 52, and a projection or tongue 80 extending inwardly on an inner surface of a side wall 82 Exterior.

When the sealing element 14 of the cover 6 is pressed down on the sealing element 2 of the main body 4, there is a pressure adjustment of the rail member 52 in the channel portion 78, and the outer side wall 82 extends down on the outside of the annular wall 48.

The outer side wall 82 is able to flex elastically so that the barb 80 of the sealing element 14 engages with the tongue 54 of the sealing element 2 to retain the lid 6 in the main body 4, as shown in Figure 6 .

The cover 6 can be removed from the main body 4 by flexing the outer side wall 82 to disengage the pins 54, 80 and then pull the cover 6 up to remove the rail member 52 from the channel part 78.

Because both sealing elements 2, 14 are formed of a suitable plastic material, the coupling and sealing between the sealing elements 2, 14 can be formed repeatedly during use of the container 1.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the main body of the container includes an inner liner 10 made of a thin film plastic material, shown in Figure 1. This liner 10 acts as a barrier layer that prevents the contents of the container from leaking. 1 through cardboard cover 8. The barrier properties of the liner 10 can further prevent moisture or gases from entering or leaving the container 1, which can deteriorate or degrade the contents of the container 1.

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Taking into account the paints in particular, water-based paints are usually rinsed with formaldehyde or a similar substance, immediately before being sealed inside a container to prevent the growth of fungi or bacteria in the paint. Similarly, it is necessary to avoid evaporation of volatile additives from oil-based paints. In both examples, therefore, the barrier properties of the liner 10 must be adapted to prevent gas penetration through the liner 10.

In this example, the lining 10 is made of thin film polyethylene; however, the liner 10 may be made of any suitable thin film plastic material. In particular, it may be preferable if the coating 10 is a laminate formed of various plastic materials. These laminates may include a gas barrier material such as EVOH which, among other things, will prevent paint odors from being released from the container 1. The laminates may additionally or alternatively include a nylon layer that provides tear resistance. Preferably, the thickness of the coating 10 is less than 200 µm, and more particularly about 100 µm. The thinner the lining 10, the lower the cost of the materials and the less waste is formed. However, the coating 10 must be thick enough so that it does not break during the manufacturing process or during the use of the container 1, for example, when the contents are being agitated, and in particular during the removal of the coating 10 from cover 8, as described below.

In preferred embodiments, the liner 10 is inserted and fixed to the cover 8 of the container 1 after the sealing element 2 has been secured to the edge 32. In particular, once the mounting part 40 of the sealing element 2 A preformed liner 10 that at least substantially conforms to the inner shape of the cover 8 is then fitted on the edge 32 of the cover 8 is then placed inside the cover 8, and subsequently the liner 10 adheres to the internal surfaces 47 of the side wall 8 of the cover, an internal surface 84 of the base 16 of the cover 8 and the inner annular wall 46 of the sealing element 2.

Preferably, the liner 10 is secured to the cover 8 and the sealing element 2 using a suitable adhesive. The adhesive should have a low shear strength but a moderate cut resistance, similar to the adhesive used in post-it notes (RTM). The moderate tear strength of the adhesive means that the thin film lining 10 will remain adhered to the inner surfaces 47, 84 of the outer cover 8 during use of the container 1. In addition, because the containers 1 can be nested during the transport or storage before filling, it is important that when the nested containers 1 are separated from each other, the liner 10 does not separate from the outer cover 8. On the contrary, the low resistance to peeling means that a minimum force is required to detach the liner 10 from the outer cover 8 after use, in order to discard and recycle the liner 10 and the outer cover 8 separately. Preferably, the peel strength of the adhesive used to bond the coating 10 to the cover 8 is less than 0.05 N, and more preferably between 0.02 N and 0.04 N.

In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is heat activated. The use of a heat activated adhesive means that the adhesive is only sticky when heated above a certain temperature. In this way, the coating 10 can be inserted into the cover 8 in an un-activated state in which the adhesive is not tacky. Once the coating 10 is correctly placed inside the cover 8, heat is applied to increase the temperature and cause the activation of the adhesive. The activated adhesive, which is sticky, then adheres the coating 10 to the inner surfaces 47, 84 of the cover 8 and the inner annular wall 46 of the sealing element 2.

In other embodiments, the adhesive can be activated by pressure. As such, the adhesive only becomes sticky once sufficient pressure has been applied. In yet other embodiments, the adhesive can be activated by pressure and heat.

The advantage of using an activated adhesive is that neither the internal surfaces 84 of the cover 8 nor the external surfaces of the coating 10 are tacky when the coating is inserted into the cover 8. This allows the coating 10 to be positioned, and repositioned, exactly as desired before the liner 10 finally adheres to the cover 8. In particular, it allows the liner to be positioned against the internal surfaces 84 of the cover 8 so that there are no wrinkles or creases in the liner 10.

In preferred embodiments, the liner 10 adheres or bonds more securely to the sealing element 2 than to the internal surfaces 84 of the cover 8. The safer joining of the lining 10 to the sealing element 2 allows the sealing element 2 Sealing and the liner 10 separate from the cover 8 without the liner 10 separating from the sealing element 2, as described below.

Because the liner 10 is secured to the sealing element 2, a complete layer of plastic material is provided covering the internal surfaces 47, 84 of the cover 8 and extending over the edge 32 of the cover 8, thus protecting the cardboard frame 8 of the contents of the container 1.

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Once the liner 10 has been secured in the cover 8, the fixing parts 42 of the sealing element 2 are coupled with the skirt portions 26 and the retention means are placed around the sealing element 2, as described above. . In other embodiments, the fixing portions 42 of the sealing element 2 can be coupled with the skirt portions 26 before the lining 10 is secured within the cover 8.

When a user wishes to discard the container 1, he can separate the plastic sealing element 2 and the liner 10 from the cardboard cover 8 to allow these to be removed or recycled separately. To do this, a user first removes the retaining means from around the sealing element 2. The fixing parts 42 are detached from the skirt parts 26 and the sealing element 2 is pulled up to disengage the edge 32 of the cover 8 of the mounting part 40. The relatively low peel strength of the adhesive used to adhere the coating 10 to the internal surfaces 47, 84 of the cover 8 allows the coating 10 to separate from the cover 8 when the sealing element 2 is removed, so that the element 2 sealing and lining 10 are removed together as one piece. This allows the plastic and cardboard parts of the container 1 to be disposed of or recycled separately.

In some embodiments, the outer cover is made of a plastic material and an inner liner is provided to prevent the contents of the container 1 from contaminating the cover. In these embodiments, the construction of the container according to the present invention allows the sealing element and the coating, which have been contaminated, to be easily separated from the uncontaminated container cover.

In alternative embodiments, the sealing element 2 and the liner 10 can be removed from the cover 8 separately.

Figures 8 to 14 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a container 101 comprising a sealing element 102 according to the present invention. This container 101 includes many features that are the same or comparable to the characteristics of the container 1 of the first embodiment described above. Similar characteristics have been indicated with reference numbers increased by 100.

An outer cover 108 of the container 101 is made of a suitable cardboard or cardboard material without coating or wax or plastic laminate. The cover 108 comprises a substantially circular base 116 and a side wall 118, the side wall 118 extending completely around the periphery of the base 116 and extending upwardly from the base.

In this embodiment, the cover 108 comprises an inner side wall 118a and an outer side wall 118b in contact with each other, as shown more clearly in Figure 12. The outer side wall 118b is substantially cylindrical and extends between an upper edge 131b and a bottom edge 121b. An upper region 126 of the outer side wall 118b near the upper edge 131b is positioned radially outwardly relative to the rest of the outer side wall 118b, thereby forming a shoulder or abutment edge facing down 127. This upper region 126 it may be formed by a rolled edge or a skirt portion 126 that extends downwardly on an outer side of the outer side wall 118b.

The inner side wall 118a comprises a plurality of tabs 119 extending from a bottom edge. The tabs 119 extend radially inwardly and the base 116 of the cover 108 is attached to an upper surface 119 of the tabs.

The edges 131a, 131b of the inner and outer side walls 118a, 118b together form an edge 132 of the cover 108 which extends around and defines an opening 105 of the cover 108.

Although in this embodiment the container 101 has inner and outer side walls 118a, 118b, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the container may include a single side wall 118.

The sealing element 102, shown more clearly in Figures 10 and 12, comprises a mounting part 140 for mounting the sealing element 102 on the flange 132 of the cover 108, a fixing part 142 for securing the sealing element 102 to the side wall 118 of the cover 108, and coupling means 144 configured to engage releasably with a lid 101 (not shown) of the container. Normally, the sealing element 102 will be made of a suitable plastic material.

The mounting part 140 includes an annular member 134 extending around the edge 132 of the cover 108. The annular member 134 includes a wall part 146 which, when coupled with the cover 108 of the container 101, extends downwardly over an inner surface 147 of the inner side wall 118a. As such, the outer diameter of the wall portion 146 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner side wall 118a. An upper edge of the wall portion 146 includes a flange or flange 145 that extends radially outward. This flange 145 is

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it will normally rest or sit on the edge 132 of the cover 108 when the mounting part 140 is fully coupled with the cover.

The mounting portion 140 further comprises stacking elements 186 connected to a radially outer edge of the tongue 145. Each of the stacking members 186 comprises a plate member 188 that extends substantially perpendicularly to the tongue 145. The member 188 of plate has a first portion 189 extending upwardly from the tongue 145 and a second portion 190 extending downwardly from the tongue 145. The second portion 190 of the plate member 188 therefore extends substantially parallel to the part 146 wall of the annular member 134, and a space is defined between the second portion 190 of the plate member 188 and a portion of the wall portion 146. When the mounting part 140 is coupled with the cover 108, a part of the edge 132 of the cover 108 is located in each of these spaces provided by the stacking members 186. The second parts 190 of the stacking members 186 so both help retain the mounting portion 140 in engagement with the side wall 118 of the cover 108.

The first portions 189 of the plate members 188 protrude above the rest of the annular member 134 and define a space for receiving a base from another container 101 when the containers are stacked.

In this embodiment, four stacking members 186 are provided at separate locations around the annular member 134; however, in other embodiments, different numbers of stacking members may be provided. In general, at least two stacking members provided on diametrically opposite sides of the annular member are provided. The coupling means 144 generally extends radially inwardly from the mounting part 140, and includes an upwardly oriented channel 192. The coupling means 144 is configured to engage with a complementary sealing element in the lid of the container 101 so that the lid can be repeated engaged and disengaged from the rest of the container 101.

In this embodiment, the fixing part 142 comprises a plurality of fixing tabs 194 extending from the tongue 145 of the annular member 134. The fixing part 142 is arranged to engage the abutment boss 127 of the cover 108 to secure the sealing element 102 to the cover 108. Each of the tabs 194 is articulated connected to the annular member 134 at an upper edge so that the fixing part 142 can be moved between a first disengaged position, shown more clearly in Figure 10, and a second engaged position, shown more clearly in Figure 12.

In this embodiment, the sealing element 102 is a unitary member and each of the tongues 194 is articulated connected to the tongue 145 by means of a natural or active hinge 166 formed in the plastic material of the sealing element 102. In other embodiments, the articulated connection may be formed in any other suitable manner. In other additional embodiments, the connection between the mounting part 140 and the fixing part 142 can be made in any suitable manner that allows the rotation or rotation of the fixing part 142 with respect to the mounting part 140.

Each of the tabs 194 comprises first and second faces 193, 195 opposite. When the tongue 194 is in the coupled position, the first face 193 is away from the side wall 118 of the cover 108 and the second face 195 is located radially into the first face 193 and is oriented towards the side wall 118 of the cover 108. A stop member 196 protrudes from the second face 195 of each of the tabs 194. The stop member 196 is positioned such that, when the tab 194 is in the second position, the retention member 196 extends under the cover flange 127 of the cover 108. The location of the retaining elements 196 is therefore such that when the fixing part 142 is in the second position and an upward force is applied to the sealing element 102 , the stopping members 196 contact the stopper 127 and prevent the sealing element 102 from being removed from the cover 108.

In this embodiment, each tongue 194 further comprises a pair of rail members 197 extending from the first face 193. The rail members 197 are spaced so that a channel 198 is defined between them. The rail members 197 preferably extend substantially parallel to the upper edge of the tongue 194. The channel 198 between the rail members 197 is sized to receive a portion of a retaining means 199, described below.

In use, with the tabs 194 of the fixing portion 142 in the first position, the annular member 134 engages with the edge 132 of the container 101 so that the wall portion 146 extends downwardly on the inner surface 147 of the side wall 118 and the second portions 190 of the stacking members 186 extend downward on an outer surface of the side wall 118. Each of the tabs 194 of the fixing part 142 is then pivoted, by means of the hinge, in the second position so that the stopping member 196 is located below the upper region 126 protruding outward from the wall 118 side.

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Once all the tabs 194 are in the second position, the retaining means 199 in the form of an elongated belt or band 199 is secured around the outside of the tabs 194 so that the belt or band 199 is located in the channels 198 provided on the tabs 194. The belt or band 199 is tightened, that is, the diameter of the belt 199 is decreased, to apply a force directed radially inwardly to the tabs 194 to retain the tabs 194 in the second position. Placing the belt 199 in the channels 198 means that once the belt 199 has been tightened and secured, the belt 199 cannot be easily removed from around the fixing part 142 without cutting the belt 199. The retaining belt 199 can be made of a suitable plastic material or a cardboard material having sufficient strength to retain the tabs 194 in the engaged position during storage and use of the container 101.

In preferred embodiments, the container 101 further comprises a liner 110 that extends and covers the inner surfaces 147 of the cover 108. The liner 110 is preferably made of a thin film plastic material and acts as a barrier layer that prevents leakage of the contents of the container 101 through the cardboard cover 108. The barrier properties of the coating 110 can additionally prevent moisture or gases entering or leaving the container that can spoil or degrade the contents of the container 101.

The size and shape of the liner 110 is such that it substantially conforms to the internal shape of the cover 108. An upper edge region of the liner 110 is located between the side wall 118 of the cover 108 and the wall part 146 of the element 102, as illustrated in Figure 14. This upper edge region of the liner 110 is attached or welded to the wall portion 146 to form a liquid-tight seal between the liner 110 and the sealing element 102.

Normally, the liner 110 will not adhere to the side wall 118 of the cover 108, but the liner 110 can adhere to the base 116 of the cover 108 to retain the liner 110 in the correct position with respect to the liner 108.

In these embodiments, once the container 101 has been used, the sealing element 102 and the liner 110 can be separated from the cover 108 of the container 101 for disposal or recycling.

To remove the sealing element 102 from the edge 132 of the cover 108, the retaining belt 199 is cut so that the safety tabs 194 can be moved at least partially back to the first position. In particular, each of the fixing tabs 194 moves so that the retaining member 196 is removed below the protruding upper edge 126 of the cover 108. The sealing element 102 can be lifted and separated from the side wall 118 of cover 108.

Because the coating 110 is attached to the mounting part 140 of the sealing element 102, the coating 110 is removed together with the sealing element 102. In embodiments where the coating 110 adheres to the base 116 of the cover 108, the level of adhesion is such that the coating 110 can be pulled or peeled off the base 116 without breaking the coating 110.

In this embodiment, the sealing element 102 further comprises fixing means 168 for a handle. The fixing means 168 comprise a pair of fixing plates 168 connected to the tongue 145 of the mounting part 140. Each of the fixing plates 168 includes an opening 170 for receiving a part of one end of a handle. The fixing means 168 are preferably configured so that the handle can be pivotally attached to the sealing element 102.

A further example of a container 201 that includes a handle 212 is shown in Figure 15. The ends of the handle 212 are attached to the sealing element 202 by means of fixing plates 268 placed on diametrically opposite sides of the mounting part 240 . The handle 212 and the attachment means of the handle 212 to the sealing element 202 are substantially identical to the handle 12 and its attachment means described above in relation to the first embodiment of a container 1 and will no longer be described herein.

The embodiment of the container 201 illustrated in Figures 15 to 17 is substantially identical to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 14, except that the depth of the container 201, that is, the height of the side wall 218, is increased to provide a larger container 201. The diameter of this container 201 is the same as the diameter of the smallest volume container 101 shown in Figures 8 to 14. This means that the same sealing element 102, 202 can be used in both container sizes. In addition, the two different sizes of the container 101, 201 can be stacked together.

The present invention, therefore, provides a sealing element for a container, a container that includes a sealing element and a method of forming a container that includes a sealing element that allows the container

It is repeatedly sealed and also allows plastic and cardboard pieces, or contaminated and uncontaminated parts of the container that will be easily separated for disposal or recycling.

Claims (16)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 1. A sealing element (2, 102) for a container (1, 101), the container comprises a main body (4) and a lid (6), the main body of the container includes a side wall (18, 118) having an upper edge (32, 132) defining an opening of the container, and the sealing element comprising: - a mounting part (40, 140) comprising an annular member (34, 134) to engage with the upper edge of the side wall; - coupling means (44, 144) configured for repeated sealing coupling with said container lid; Y - a fixing part (42, 142) configured to secure the sealing element (2, 102) to the side wall (18), the fixing part (42, 142) is articulatedly connected to the part (40, 140) of mounting and can be moved between a first position in which the mounting part can be engaged and disengaged from said upper edge, and a second position in which the fixing part prevents the mounting part from decoupling from said upper edge; characterized in that the sealing element further comprises a retaining means comprising a belt, a band or a tape (199) configured to retain the fixing part in the second position. 2. A sealing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the annular member (34, 134) comprises a wall portion (46, 146) that, in use, can extend downwardly onto a surface (47, 147) inside the side wall (18, 118) of the container. 3. A sealing element as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, when the fixing part (42, 142) is in the second position, the fixing portion extends downwardly on an outer surface of the side wall (18, 118) of the container. 4. A sealing element as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container includes a stop flange or edge (127) facing downward on an outer side of the side wall near the upper edge, and the part (142 ) for fixing the sealing element comprises a retainer (196) configured to engage said projection or edge (127) when the fixing part is in the second position, thus preventing the mounting portion (40, 140) from decoupling from said upper edge. 5. A sealing element as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fixing part (142) comprises a plurality of tongues (194), each tongue is articulated connected to the annular member (134). 6. Sealing element according to claim 5, wherein each of the tabs (194) includes a channel (198) for receiving a portion of said retaining means (199). 7. A sealing element as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the tabs (194) are spaced apart and extend from a periphery of the annular member (134). 8. A sealing element as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the mounting part (40, 140), the coupling part (44, 144) and the fixing part (42, 142) are parts of a unit piece. 9. A container comprising: - a cover (8, 108) comprising a base (16) and a side wall (18, 118), the side wall has an upper edge (32, 132) defining an opening of the container; - a cover (6) to cover and seal the opening (8, 108) of the cover; Y - a sealing element (2, 102) secured around the upper edge of the side wall of the cover, the sealing element comprises: - a mounting part (40, 140) comprising an annular member (34, 134) to engage with the upper edge of the side wall; - coupling means (44, 144) configured for repeated sealing coupling with said container lid; Y - a fixing part (42, 142) configured to secure the sealing element to the side wall, the fixing portion is articulated connected to the mounting part and can be moved movably between a first position in which the 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 mounting portion can be engaged and disengaged from said upper edge, and a second position in which the fixing part prevents the mounting part from decoupling from said upper edge; characterized in that the cover (8, 108) is made of a cardboard material. 10. A container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the container further comprises a liner (10, 110) covering the internal surfaces of said cover. A container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the coating (10, 110) is made of a thin film plastic material and the sealing element (2, 102) is made of a relatively rigid plastic material. 12. A container as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the annular member (34, 134) comprises a wall portion (46, 146) which, in use, extends downwardly onto a surface ( 47, 147) inside the side the wall of the cover and the lining (10, 110) is attached to the wall portion (46, 146). 13. A method of constructing a container, the container comprises: - a cover (8, 108) comprising a base (16) and a side wall (18, 118), the side wall has an upper edge (32) defining an opening of the container; Y - a sealing element (2, 102) according to claim 1, comprising a mounting part (40, 140) comprising an annular member (34, 134) to engage with the upper edge of the side wall, means (44, 144) coupling configured for a repeated sealing hitch with a container lid, a fixing part (42, 142) configured to secure the sealing element (2, 102) to the side wall, the portion (42 , 142) of fixing is articulated connected to the assembly (40, 140) and movable between a first position in which the mounting portion can be engaged and disengaged from said upper edge, and a second position in which the fixing portion prevents the mounting portion is disengaged from said upper edge, and retaining belt, band or tape (199), and Understanding the method the steps of: - with the fixing portion (42, 142) in the first position, seat the mounting portion (40, 140) of the sealing element (2, 102) on the upper edge of the side wall; - moving the fixing part (42, 142) to the second position to secure the sealing element (2, 102) to the side wall; Y - fasten the retaining belt, band or tape (199) to the sealing element (2, 102) to retain the fixing part (42, 142) in the second position to prevent the sealing element from disengaging from the upper edge of the side wall. 14. A method of constructing a container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mounting portion (40, 140) of the sealing element (2, 102) comprises a wall portion (46, 146) and the The container further comprises a lining (10, 110) covering interior surfaces (47, 147) of said cover (8, 108), and wherein the method comprises: - seating the mounting portion (40, 140) so that the wall portion (46, 146) extends downwardly onto an inner surface of the side wall and an upper region of said liner (10, 110) is located between the side wall (18, 118) and the wall portion (46, 146) of the sealing element (2, 102); Y - joining the wall portion (46, 146) of the sealing element to said coating (10, 110). 15. A method of constructing a container as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the fixing portion (142) comprises a plurality of tabs (194) articulatedly connected to the mounting portion (140), and wherein The method comprises moving each of said tabs (194) from the first position to the second position once the mounting part (140) has been coupled with the upper edge of the cover. 16. A method of constructing a container as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fixing part (42, 142) comprises a channel (198) for receiving said belt, band or tape (199) of retention, and in which method comprises placing the belt, band or tape (199) in the channel (198) and adjusting the belt, band or tape (199) so that the belt, band or tape applies a force to the fixing part (42, 142) to retain the security portion in the second position.