GB2496364A - Nested containers for foodstuffs - Google Patents

Nested containers for foodstuffs Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2496364A
GB2496364A GB1114501.8A GB201114501A GB2496364A GB 2496364 A GB2496364 A GB 2496364A GB 201114501 A GB201114501 A GB 201114501A GB 2496364 A GB2496364 A GB 2496364A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
text
base portion
container
flange
flange portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1114501.8A
Other versions
GB201114501D0 (en
GB2496364B (en
Inventor
Mark Durston
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kobusch UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Kobusch UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kobusch UK Ltd filed Critical Kobusch UK Ltd
Priority to GB1114501.8A priority Critical patent/GB2496364B/en
Publication of GB201114501D0 publication Critical patent/GB201114501D0/en
Publication of GB2496364A publication Critical patent/GB2496364A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2496364B publication Critical patent/GB2496364B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
    • B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
    • B65D43/0222—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3216—Rigid containers disposed one within the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
    • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00509—Cup
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00685—Totality
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00796—Totality

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides a container suitable for packaging foodstuffs such as salads, prepared fruit, dips snacks or the like. A container 1 comprises a lower portion having a first base portion 3 defining a cavity 4 and having an opening 5, an upper portion 6 comprising a second base portion 7 and a lid portion 8, the second base portion being configured to close the opening of the lower portion. The upper compartment 7 is nested within the lower compartment 3 and forms the lid of the lower compartment. The lid 8 may be hinged to the second base portion 7.

Description

A multi-compartment container The present invention provides a container suitable for packaging foodstuffs such as salads, prepared fruit, dips snacks or the like. More particularly, the container is provided with multiple compartments, generally two compartments, for example to hold salad leaves separate from an accompaniment during transit, storage or when on retail display.
The upper compartment is nested within the lower compartment and forms the lid of the lower compartment.
Currently many food products are often packaged and merchandised in thermoformed so-called "deli" pots having a generally round footprint.
Products can include prepared salads, prepared fruit, dips, snacks, for example. These deli pots are usually sealed with a film and/or a clip-on lid.
Increasingly there is a demand for food products that include an accompaniment, which can be eaten separately or added to the main ingredient (e.g. toppings for salads). Currently available deli pots do not have a separate compartment, so do not have the facility to hold accompaniments separate from the main product content.
In order to reduce manufacturing costs it would be desirable to utilise existing deli pots to hold a main ingredient, whilst allowing for an accompaniment to be held separately. This would provide simple merchandising and make the pack versatile and convenient for people to carry and use when on the go'. Being able to use existing deli pots would have the benefit of utilising existing production tooling to keep tooling costs to a minimum.
According to the present invention there is provided a container comprising a lower portion comprising a first base portion defining a cavity and having an opening at an upper end thereof; an upper portion comprising a second base portion and a lid portion, the lid portion being configured to close the second base portion so as to form an upper lidded pot; characterised in that the first base portion is configured to receive within its cavity volume at least a portion of the second base portion and the second base portion is configured to close the opening at the upper end of the cavity defined by the first base portion so as to form a lid of the first base portion.
The second base portion and the first base portion together form a lower lidded pot.
The container so provided can hold ingredients separately in the upper and lower portions and the second base portion of the upper portion is the lid for the lower portion.
Preferably the first base portion comprises a bottom wall and at least one side wall upstanding from the bottom wall thereby defining a cavity having an opening at an upper end thereof.
In certain embodiments, the at least one side wall of the first base portion is upstanding from the bottom wall at or substantially at right angles to the bottom wall.
In alternative embodiments, the angle between the bottom wall and the side wall is obtuse. In the alternative embodiments, the width of the opening at the upper end of the cavity defined by the first base portion is greater than the width of the bottom wall.
It is preferable in such arrangements that the angle between the bottom wall and the side wall does not exceed 105 degrees.
In certain embodiments, the bottom wall and the one or more side walls are integrally formed.
More specifically, the bottom wall and one or more side walls are integrally formed from the same sheet of material.
In certain embodiments, the second base portion comprises any of the features of the first base portion described above either alone or in any combination.
Preferably the second base portion has the same footprint shape as the first base portion. It will be understood that the dimensions of the second base portion will be smaller than the dimensions of the first base portion.
Preferably all, or substantially all, of the second base portion is receivable into the cavity volume of the first base portion.
Most preferably when all, or substantially all, of the second base portion is received in the cavity volume of the first base portion, the one or more side walls of the second base portion are adjacent and in spaced relation to the one or more side wails of the first base portion. In this way, the second base portion will be received easily by the first base portion whilst also being a good fit for the first base portion.
Preferably when all, or substantially all, of the second base portion is received in the cavity volume of the first base portion the distance between the adjacent side walls is less than 3mm in width along its length.
One benefit of such an arrangement is that as the second base portion is a good fit for the first base portion with only a narrow channel between the side walls of the first and the second base portions this increases the flow path between the cavity volume of the first base portion and the environment external of the container providing increased fluid resistance and thus improved leak resistance.
Preferably, the upper portion of the side wall(s) of the second base portion is configured to be receivable by the upper edge of the side wall(s) of the first base portion. In this way, the second base portion forms the lid of the first base portion.
More specifically, the upper portion of the one or more side walls of the second base portion and the upper edge of the one or more side walls of the first base portion have complimentary profiles configured to interengage with one another.
Such an interengaging arrangement preferably provides a leak resistant lid and base arrangement.
In certain embodiments, the profile of the upper edge of the one or more side walls of the first base portion comprises a flange depending therefrom and extending outwardly of the one or more side walls of the first base portion.
In such embodiments it is much by preference that the upper portion of the one or more side walls of the second base portion also comprises an interlocking arrangement configured to provide interengagement with the upper portion of the one or more side walls of the first base portion which interlocking arrangement extends outwardly of the side wall(s) of the second base portion.
Preferably, the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion comprises a first flange portion, configured to extend outwardly from the upper edge of the side wall(s) of the second base portion.
In certain embodiments, the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion further comprises a second flange portion, which second flange portion preferably depends from the first flange portion at, or substantially at, right angles thereto and at an end thereof distal from the side wall of the second base portion from which the first flange portion depends.
Preferably the second flange portion extends downwardly from the first flange portion.
Preferably, at the end of the second flange portion remote from the first flange portion, the second flange portion is provided with a protrusion extending towards the outer surface of the side wall of the second base portion.
When the second base portion is in position nested within the cavity volume of the first base portion, the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion engages with the flange of the first base portion to form an interlocking engagement between the first and second base portions.
In this way, the second base portion forms a lid of the first base portion and closes the opening in the upper portion of the first base portion.
In certain embodiments, the apex of the protrusion on the second flange portion of the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion has a curved profile. In this way, the lead-in angle of the curved profile of the apex facilitates alignment of the second base portion on the first base portion.
Preferably the protrusion on the second flange portion comprises an undercut.
Preferably there is provided a substantially vertical section on the second flange portion located above the undercut connecting the undercut of the second flange portion with the first flange portion.
In certain embodiments, the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion further comprises a third flange portion, which third flange portion preferably depends from the second flange portion at, or substantially at, right angles thereto and at an end thereof distal from the side wall of the second base portion from which the first flange portion depends.
Preferably the third flange portion extends outwardly from the side wall(s) of the second base portion.
Preferably, the third flange portion depends from the protrusion of the second flange portion.
In such arrangements, as the first and second base portions are brought into engagement with one another, the protrusion of the second flange portion of the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion will initially be forced past the outer edge of the flange of the first base portion.
Preferably, the second flange portion of the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion is resiliently deformable.
Advantageously in this case, as the protrusion is depressed against the flange of the first base portion, the second flange portion of the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion is deformed outwardly of the side wall of the second base portion so as to move past the edge of the flange of the first base portion. Thereafter, the second flange portion will resiliently return to its starting configuration, thereby forming an interlocking engagement with the flange of the first base portion. In the interlocking arrangement, the end of the flange of the first base portion, is proximate the surface of the second portion of the flange of the second base portion. The resilient deformation of the second flange portion allows the second base portion to engage with the first base portion and to locate and retain the second base portion in engagement with the first base portion.
The first and second base portions form a nested arrangement. More specifically, when engaged with one another substantially all of the second base portion is received within the cavity defined by the first base portion.
The second base portion is configured to be push-fit onto the first base portion and to form the lid thereof.
The upper lidded pot comprises the second base portion and a lid. More specifically the second base portion and lid of the upper lidded pot may be hingedly connected. Alternatively, the second base portion and lid of the upper lidded pot may be engaged by way of a push-fit arrangement. The lid of the upper lidded pot is configured to close the second base portion.
Preferably the closure between the lid and the second base portion is leak resistant.
The opening in the upper end of the first and/or the second base portion(s) may be provided with a film. More specifically, a heat-activated film may provide a leak proof closure of the opening at the upper end of the first andlor the second base portion(s). By providing a film closure on the first andlor the second base portion(s) the base portion so provided becomes air-tight and leak proof Such arrangements are particularly suited to containing non-viscous fluids.
The container may suitably be formed of a thermoformable polymer. More specifically, the thermoformable polymer may be one or more of aPET, rPET, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and/or styrene, or the like.
The container may alternatively be formed by injection moulding. In such embodiments, the container will be formed of a suitable polymer material such as aPET, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and/or styrene, or the like.
The container may have any suitable footprint. For example, the container may have a circular, square, or rectangular footprint.
The external perimeter of the container is defined by the first base portion and the lid of the upper lidded pot; the whole of the second base portion is received within the cavity defined by the first base portion.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention embodiments will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings; Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention where the upper portion and lower portion are in a de-nested or separated configuration; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the container according to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 where the upper portion and lower portion are in a nested configuration; Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an interlocking arrangement, where the upper portion and lower portion are in a nested configuration; Figure 4 shows a plan view of an upper portion according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the upper portion of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention where the upper portion and lower portion are in a de-nested or separated configuration; and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the container according to the embodiment depicted in Figure 6 where the upper portion and lower portion are in a nested configuration.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
In the drawings, similar features are denoted by the same reference signs throughout.
A container 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is generally shown in figures 1 (de-nested configuration) and 2 (nested configuration). It can be seen that this embodiment comprises a thermoformed Topper' upper portion 6 and standard thermoformed deli pot lower portion 2.
The materials that may be used for the container are thermoformable polymers such as rPET; aPET, polypropylene; pvc; styrene or the like.
The thermoformed Topper' upper portion 6 ( shown separately in figures 4 and 5) is provided with a hinged lid 8 and a base portion 7. The lid 8 can be rotated around the hinge 9 and clipped onto the base section 7 using an integral leak resistant interlocking arrangement 10 or seal.
Although this embodiment describes a "topper" upper portion which has a hinged lid and base portion it would be readily understood that the lid 8 could be separate from the base portion 7 without impacting the present invention.
The thermoformed deli pot lower portion 2 (which in this embodiment is a known standard "deli pot") comprises a circular bottom wall 15 and a side wall 16 upstanding from the bottom wall 15 thereby forming a pot, defining a cavity 4, having an open top area 5 at an upper end thereof In this embodiment the side wall defines a frusto-conical first base portion 3.
It will be understood that in alternative embodiments (not shown) the shape of the bottom wall could be varied and the number of side walls upstanding therefrom will be compensurate with the shape of the first base portion and, indeed, the container itself. For example, in embodiments wherein the bottom wall ISis square, there will be four side walls upstanding therefrom, one from each edge of the bottom wall, thereby defining a cuboidal or rectangular obloid shaped first base portion.
In the present embodiment, and as best shown in figures 1 and 2, the angle (z) between the bottom wall 15 and the side wall will be obtuse, forming a wider opening at the upper end of the cavity than is defined by the bottom wall 15 of the first base portion, resulting in a frustoconical first base portion 3. It is preferable in such arrangements that the angle does not exceed 105 degrees.
In alternative embodiments (not shown), the side wall(s) of the first base portion may be upstanding from the bottom wall at, or substantially at, right angle(s) to the bottom wall. Where the base portion is circular as with the present embodiment, such a configuration of the side wall would result in a substantially cylindrical first base portion.
In alternative arrangements the bottom wall and side wall(s) may be integrally formed. More specifically, the bottom wall and side wall(s) may be integrally formed from the same sheet of material.
The base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 may comprise any of the features of the base portion 3 of the deli pot lower portion 2 described above either alone or in any combination.
In the present preferred embodiment the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 has the same circular footprint shape as the first base portion.
The interlocking arrangement 10 is shown more clearly in Fig. 3 (which is an exploded view of Fig. 2 where the Topper' upper portion 6 is received within the lower portion 2 and forms the lid of the same). The interlocking arrangement 10 comprises a first flange portion 19 configured to extend outwardly from the upper edge of the side wall of the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6, and a second flange portion 20, which second flange portion 20 depends from the first flange portion 19 at, or substantially at, right angles thereto at an end thereof distal from the side wall of the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 from which the first flange portion depends. The second flange portion 20 extends downwardly from the first flange portion and is provided with a further lip 18 extending outwards on a substantially parallel plane to the first flange portion 19.
The second flange portion 20 of the interlocking arrangement 10 on the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 includes a lead-in angle 13 at the lower section of the interlocking arrangement 10. The configuration of this lead-in angle 13 allows the Topper' upper portion 6 to be easily attached to deli pot lower portion 2 using a push fit or friction fit arrangement.
In use, the main food ingredient, e.g. salad leaves, is located in the cavity 4 of the deli pot lower portion 2. The outer top section of the deli pot lower section incorporates a fiat flange 12. In a prior art type deli pot this flat flange 12 would normally be sealed either with a film or a separate lid.
Instead, in accordance with the present invention, the deli pot lower portion 2 is able to interlock with the Topper' upper portion 6 such that the Topper' upper portion 6 forms the lid for the deli pot lower portion 2 as is described in more detail below.
All, or substantially all, of the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 is placed directly inside the open top area 5 of the deli pot lower portion 2 as the lead-in angle 13 locates onto the edge of the flat flange 12 on the deli pot lower portion 2. The side wall of the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 is adjacent but in spaced relation to the side wall of the deli pot lower portion 2. In this way, the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 is received easily by the deli pot lower portion 2 whilst also being a good fit with only a narrow channel between the side walls of the Topper' upper portion 6 and the deli pot lower portion 2. In the preferred embodiment the narrow channel is less than 3mm in width along its length, however it would be readily understood that it could be wider. One benefit of such an arrangement is that as there is only a narrow channel between the side walls the Topper' upper portion 6 and the deli pot lower portion 2 this increases the flow path between the cavity volume of the first base portion and the outside providing increased fluid resistance and thus improved leak resistance.
Above the lead-in angle 13 is an undercut feature 11, which has the dual benefit of allowing the lid 8 to attach to or clip' securely onto the base portion 7 and also acts as means of attaching the Topper' upper portion 6 to the deli pot lower portion 2. The second flange is resiliently biased towards the side wall of the Topper' upper portion 6. Once the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6 is placed inside the deli pot lower portion 2 such that the lead-in angle 13 is located onto the edge of the flat flange 12 on the deli pot lower portion 2, downward pressure can be applied to the outer edge of the Topper' upper portion 6. This pressure forces the lead-in angle 13 past the flange 12 of the deli pot. The undercut feature 11 then passes the flat flange 12 and locates securely over it.
Above the undercut feature 11 is a vertical section 14, which locates onto the very edge of the flat flange 12.
The diameter (x) of the flat flange 12 is very slightly bigger than the internal diameter (y) of the undercut feature 11. A combination of the lead-in angle 13 and the downward pressure allows the flat flange 12 to locate easily past the undercut feature 11. Once in this position the Topper' upper portion 6, and more specifically the base portion 7 of the Topper' upper portion 6, is securely attached to the deli pot lower portion 2.
As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 7, the Topper' upper portion 6 acts as a leak resistant lid for the deli pot lower portion 2. The main ingredient sits underneath the Topper' upper portion 6 in the cavity 4 defined by the deli pot lower portion 2. As the flat flange 12 of the deli pot lower portion 2 is now located securely under the interlocking arrangement of the Topper' upper portion 6, this prevents any leakage of the food.
It should be understood that the term leak resistant covers a non-airUght seal which is resistant to leakage in that fluid resistance is provided by an increased flow path from an area within a pot to the outside. This can be compared to leak proof seals such as sealed films or welded seals which prevent fluid flow. Leak resistant seals are not necessarily suitable for drinks containers for example, but are appropriate for the packaging of items such as dressed salads or the like.
As best shown in figures 6 and 7, the deli pot lower portion 2 and the "topper" upper portion 6 are initially provided separately of one another.
Each portion 2, 6 will be filled with a food product and, thereafter, the "topper" upper portion 6 will be located into the cavity 4 of the deli pot lower portion 2 and will provide the lid for that deli pot lower portion 2.
Once the food is ready for consumption, upward pressure can be applied to a portion of the outer edge of the Topper' upper portion 6. In the preferred embodiment an additional flange or lip 18 is provided at the outer edge of the interlocking engagement 10, which is easily accessible to a user to allow for this application of upward pressure. This pressure forces the undercut feature 11 past the flat flange 12 of the deli pot lower portion 2, releasing the Topper' upper portion 6. The Topper' upper portion 6 can then be opened via the opening tabs 17a,b located on the second base portion 7 and lid 8. The food inside the deli pot lower portion 2 is now accessible. Each food ingredient can now either be eaten separately or, alterriativety the contents of the Topper' upper portion 6 can be poured into the deli pot to mix with the main ingredient. The space at the top of the deli pot lower portion 2 which was used to locate the base portion 7 of the Topper upper portion 6 can now act as an area to mix the two ingredients together. Alternatively, the Topper' upper portion 6 can be replaced on the deli pot lower portion 2 so that a consumer can shake the container 1 to more effectively mix the two ingredients together.
It will be evident that various modifications and improvements could be made to the above-described method and assembly within the scope of the invention. Further modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention herein intended.
For example, and as best seen in Figure 6, the side wall(s) of the first and/or second base portions may be provided with a de-nest element 26.
More specifically, a local increase in the diameter/width of a base portion 3 provides a de-nest element 26 whereby a plurality of first base portions 3 and/or a plurality of second base portions each having a de-nest element may be provided in stacked relation without becoming adhered to one another and difficult or, indeed, incapable of separation from one another.
The bottom wall and the first base portion may have a profile complimentary to the lid of the upper lidded pot. In this way, adjacent containers may be stacked for storage, transportation and/or display.
The first base portion may be provided with a sleeve. The sleeve may be formed of a cardboard material, for example, which may be embossed and/or printed with indicia or the like.

Claims (1)

  1. <claim-text>Claims 1. A container comprising a lower portion comprising a first base portion defining a cavity and having an opening at an upper end thereof; an upper portion comprising a second base portion and a lid portion, the lid portion being configured to close the second base portion so as to form an upper lidded pot; characterised in that the first base portion is configured to receive within its cavity volume at least a portion of the second base portion and the second base portion is configured to close the opening at the upper end of the cavity defined by the first base portion so as to form a lid of the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A container as in Claim 1 wherein the second base portion and the first base portion together form a lower lidded pot.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the first base portion comprises a bottom wall and at least one side wall upstanding from the bottom wall thereby defining a cavity having an opening at an upper end thereof.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the at least one side wall of the first base portion is upstanding from the bottom wall at or substantially at right angles to the bottom wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A container as any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the angle between the bottom wall and the side wall is obtuse.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A container as in Claim 5 wherein the angle between the bottom wall and the side wall does not exceed 105 degrees.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A container as in any of Claims 3 to 6 wherein the bottom wall and the one or more side walls are integrally formed.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A container as in any Claim 7 wherein the bottom wall and one or more side walls are integrally formed from the same sheet of material.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the second base portion comprises any of the features of the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the second base portion has the same footprint shape as the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein all, or substantially all, of the second base portion is receivable into the cavity volume of the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A container as in Claim 11 wherein when all, or substantially all, of the second base portion is received in the cavity volume of the first base portion, the one or more side walls of the second base portion are adjacent and in spaced relation to the one or more side walls of the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A container as in any Claims 11 or 12 wherein when all, or substantially all, of the second base portion is received in the cavity volume of the first base portion the distance between the adjacent side walls is less than 3mm in width along its length.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A container as in any of Claims 3 to 13 wherein an upper portion of the at least one side wall of the second base portion is configured to be receivable by the upper edge of the at least one side wall of the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A container as in any of Claims 3 to 14 wherein the upper portion of the one or more side walls of the second base portion and the upper edge of the one or more side walls of the first base portion have complimentary profiles configured to interengage with one another.</claim-text> <claim-text>16.A container as in Claim 15 wherein the interengaging arrangement provides a leak resistant lid and base arrangement.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A container as in any of Claims 3 to 16 wherein the profile of the upper edge of the at least one side wall of the first base portion comprises a flange depending therefrom and extending outwardly of the at least one side wall of the first base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A container as in Claim 17 wherein the upper portion of the one or more side walls of the second base portion comprises an interlocking arrangement configured to provide interengagement with the upper portion of the one or more side walls of the first base portion which interlocking arrangement extends outwardly of the at least one side wall of the second base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A container as in Claim 18 wherein the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion comprises a first flange portion, configured to extend outwardly from the upper edge of the one or more side walls of the second base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A container as in any of Claims 18 to 19 wherein the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion further comprises a second flange portion, which second flange portion preferably depends from the first flange portion at, or substantially at, right angles thereto and at an end thereof distal from the side wall of the second base portion from which the first flange portion depends.</claim-text> <claim-text>21.A container as in Claim 20 wherein the second flange portion extends downwardly from the frst flange portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A container as in any of Claims 20 to 21 wherein the end of the second flange portion remote from the first flange portion, the second flange portion is provided with a protrusion extending towards the outer surface of the side wall of the second base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A container as in Claim 22 wherein, the apex of the protrusion on the second flange portion of the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion has a curved profile.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A container as in any of Claims 22 to 23 wherein the protrusion on the second flange portion comprises an undercut.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A container as in any of Claims 20 to 24 comprising a substantially vertical section on the second flange portion located above the undercut connecting the undercut of the second flange portion with the first flange portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A container as in any of Claims 18 to 25 wherein the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion further comprises a third flange portion, which third flange portion preferably depends from the second flange portion at, or substantially at, right angles thereto and at an end thereof distal from the side wall of the second base portion from which the first flange portion depends.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A container as in Claim 26 wherein the third flange portion extends outwardly from the at least one side wall of the second base portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>28. A container as in any of Claims 26 to 27 wherein, the third flange portion depends from the protrusion of the second flange portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>29. A container as in any of Claims 20 to 28 wherein the second flange portion of the interlocking arrangement of the second base portion is resiliently deformable.</claim-text> <claim-text>30. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the first and second base portions form a nested arrangement.</claim-text> <claim-text>31. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein second base portion is configured to be push-fit onto the first base portion and to form the lid thereof.</claim-text> <claim-text>32. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the upper lidded pot comprises the second base portion and a lid.</claim-text> <claim-text>33. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the second base portion and lid of the upper lidded pot are hingedly connected.</claim-text> <claim-text>34. A container as in any of Claims 1 to 32 wherein the second base portion and lid of the upper lidded pot may be engaged by way of a push-fit arrangement.</claim-text> <claim-text>35. A container as in any of the previous Claims wherein the opening in the upper end of the first and/or the second base portion(s) is provided with a film.</claim-text> <claim-text>36. A container as in Claim 35 wherein the film is a heat-activated film which provides a leak proof closure of the opening at the upper end of the first and/or the second base portion(s).</claim-text> <claim-text>37. A container as in any of the previous Claims which is formed of a thermoformable polymer.</claim-text> <claim-text>38. A container as in Claim 37 wherein the thermoformable polymer is one or more selected from the group comprising a PET, rPET, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and/or styrene, or the like.</claim-text> <claim-text>39. A container as in any of Claims 1 to 36 which is formed by injection moulding.</claim-text>
GB1114501.8A 2011-08-23 2011-08-23 A multi-compartment container Expired - Fee Related GB2496364B (en)

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IT201600069387A1 (en) * 2016-07-04 2018-01-04 Isi Plast S P A Double lid for a container

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US20050051549A1 (en) * 2003-02-11 2005-03-10 Nelson James L. Dual separable containers
US20050220939A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-06 Sonoco Development, Inc. Food product package having nested cup and cup holder
US20070172554A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-07-26 Pactiv Corporation Modular container assembly and merchandizing container display
US20080277397A1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2008-11-13 Terry Vovan Integrated food packaging system
US20090200301A1 (en) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-13 The Wornick Company Containers and Container Assemblies
WO2011002618A2 (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-01-06 Plano Molding Company Utility box lid

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US4340138A (en) * 1980-08-05 1982-07-20 Daniel Bernhardt Multiple compartment multiple seal container
US20050051549A1 (en) * 2003-02-11 2005-03-10 Nelson James L. Dual separable containers
US20050220939A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-06 Sonoco Development, Inc. Food product package having nested cup and cup holder
US20070172554A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-07-26 Pactiv Corporation Modular container assembly and merchandizing container display
US20080277397A1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2008-11-13 Terry Vovan Integrated food packaging system
US20090200301A1 (en) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-13 The Wornick Company Containers and Container Assemblies
WO2011002618A2 (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-01-06 Plano Molding Company Utility box lid

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201600069387A1 (en) * 2016-07-04 2018-01-04 Isi Plast S P A Double lid for a container

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GB2496364B (en) 2015-04-01

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