GB2501397A

GB2501397A - Microwavable Container with Ribs and a Label

Info

Publication number: GB2501397A
Application number: GB1307042.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Bagnall
Original assignee: Innavisions Ltd
Current assignee: Innavisions Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-20
Filing date: 2013-04-18
Publication date: 2013-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-18
Also published as: GB201307042D0; GB201206942D0; GB2501397B

Abstract

A microwaveable plastic container 10 has a base 12 and an upstanding wall 14 which terminates at a rim 16 defining a mouth 22 of the container 10. The outer side of the container wall 14 is provided with a plurality of ribs 36 which are spaced around the container wall 14. The container 10 is further provided with a label 40, which may be an adhesive label, which overlies the ribs 36, which may define a gripping surface by which a user holds the container 10. The ribs 36 and label may co-operate to define a plurality of air pockets around the container 10 which reduce heat transfer from the container 10 to the label 40. The ribs 36 may extend fully or partially along the container wall 14, and the ends of the label 40 may overlap one another. The container may be provided with a reinforcing ring adjacent to the mouth 22; the ribs 36 may extend from below this ring. In the inside surface of the container wall 14 may be formed, and may be formed on the opposite side of the wall 14 to each of the ribs 36. The container base may be circular or elliptical.

Description

IMPROVED CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a food container. Particularly, the present invention relates to a food container suitable for liquid or semi-solid foodstuffs such as soups and sauces which is suitable for heating in a microwave apparatus.

It is known to vend foodstuffs such as soups and sauces in a container within which thc foodstuff can bc heated in a microwave apparatus. During hcating, the temperature of the foodstuff can approach 100 degrees Centigrade, with the container reaching a similar temperature. This can present problems for a user in gripping the container for removal from the microwave apparatus and subsequent dispensing of the foodstuff According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a microwaveable plastic container having a base and an upstanding wall which terminates at a rim which defines a mouth of the container, wherein the outer side of the container wall is provided with a plurality of ribs which are spaced around the container wall, the container further being provided with a label which overlies the ribs.

Thc label dcfincs a gripping surface by which thc containcr can bc held by a uscr. The label and ribs co-operate to define a plurality of air pockets around the container wall which reduce heat transfer from the container to the label once the container has been heated.

The ribs preferably extend in a longitudinal direction and are positioned between the rim and the base of the container. The ribs may exiend Fully along the lengih of Lhc container wall from the rim to to the base. Alternatively the ribs may extend partially along the length of the container wall. The ribs may extend fully around the periphery of the wall. Alternatively, the ribs may extend partially around the periphery of the wall. Where the ribs extend partially around the periphery of the wall, ribbed sections of the wall may be interspersed by unribbcd sections of the wall.

The ends of the label may overlap one another. Preferably the label is an adhesive label.

The container may be provided with a reinforcing ring adjacent the mouth. The ribs preferably extend from below the ring in the direction of the base. The ribs are formed integrally with the container during moulding thereof The base may be circular. Alternatively the base may be elliptical. The upstanding wall preferably tapers in the direction from the mouth of the container to the base. As such, the container may have a generally frustoconical shape having either a circular or elliptical cross-section.

Grooves may be formed in the inside surface of the container wall. Preferably, a groove is formed opposite to each rib.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided microwaveable plastic container having a base and an upstanding wall which terminates at a rim defining a mouth of the container, wherein the outer side of the container wall is provided with a plurality of integral ribs which are spaced around the container wall, wherein the ribs define a location to which a label is subsequently applied.

The container of the second aspect does not include a label.

The ribs may extend in a longitudinal direction and be positioned between the rim and the base of the container. The ribs may extend fully along the length of the container wall from the rim to the base. Alternatively, the ribs extend partially along the length of the container wall. The ribs may extend ifilly around the periphery of the wall.

Alternatively, the ribs may extend partially around the periphery of the wall. Where the ribs extend partially around the periphery of the wall, ribbed sections of the wall may be interspersed by unribbed sections of the wall.

The container may be provided with a reinforcing ring adjacent the mouth. In such an embodiment the ribs may extend from below the ring in the direction of the base.

The base of the container may be either circular or elliptical.

Grooves may be formed in the inside surface of the container wall. In such an embodiment a groove may be formed on the opposite side of the container wall to each rib. The provision of such grooves allows label free containers to be closely nested within one another, for example during bulk transport of the containers.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows atop plan view of the container of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a further side view of the container of figure 1; Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional view indicated by arrows A-A on figure 3; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the detail circled on figure 4; Figure 6 shows a side view of the container of figure 1 including a label; Figure 7 shows a bottom plan view of the container of figure 6; Figure 8 shows a further side view of the container of figure 6; Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional view indicated by arrows B-B on figure 8; Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the detail circled on figure 9.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the container of figure 11 including a label; Figure 13 shows a side view of the container of figure 11; Figure 14 shows a further side view of the container of figure 11; Figure 15 shows a side view of the container of figure 12; Figure 16 shows a further side view of the container of figure 12; Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a container according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figurc 18 shows a side view of the container of figure 17; Figure 19 shows the cross-sectional view indicated by arrows C-C on figure 18; Figure 20 shows an enlarged view of the detail circled on figure 19; and Figure 21 shows a top plan view of the container of figure 17; Figures 1 to 10 show a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10. The container 10 has a circular base 12 and an upstanding wall 14 which terminates at a lip 16. The base 12 and wall 14 co-operate to define an interior space 18 of the container 10, which the lip 16 defines a mouth 22 of the container 10. The container 10 shown has an approximate volume of 670 ml and is manufactured from polypropylene by injection moulding. The lip 16 is provided with a peripheral barb formation 20 which enables a lid (not shown) to be securely attached to the lip 16 in order to retain foodstuffs within the interior space 18.

The container 10 is generally frusto-conical in shape which allows empty containers 10 to nested within one another. It will be appreciated that the container 10 may embody other shapes.

The container 10 is further provided with a reinforcing ring 24 which acts to rigidify the container mouth 22. The ring 24 is comprised of a band 26 and an annular web 28 which extends between the band 26 and the wall 14 of the container 10. The ring 24 rigidifies the mouth 22 of the container 10 afler heating. The band 26 can also serve as a location by which the container 10 can be gripped after the container 10 has been heated, however the relatively narrow width of the band 26 means that a user can generally only grip the container 10 between their thumb and forefinger. Such as grip is less than preferable, especially when the container contents arc hot. The band 26 further serves to shroud a lid fitted to the container 10. The upper edge 36 of the band 26 is provided at a height which is above the lower edge of the lid when fitted to the container 10 To permit access to the lower edge of the lid the band 26 is provided with a gate portion 30 having a living hinge 32 at one end and a frangible link 34 at an opposing end. It will be understood that access to the lower edge of the lid can be gained by breaking the frangible link 34 then pivoting the gate portion 30 away from the container wall 14.

S

The external face of the wall 14 of the container 10 is further provided with a plurality of ribs generally designated 36. The ribs 36 are spaced equidistantly around the circumference of the wall 14. The ribs 36 extend over an upper portion 38 of the container 10 which extends from the ring 24 to a position approximately midway between the container mouth 22 and base 12. It will be appreciated that this rib length is given by way of example, and that the container 10 may be provided with ribs 36 that are either longer or shorter. The ribs 36 are formed integrally with the container when it is injection moulded.

For a 670mJ polypropylene container 10 of the type shown, the container 10 may be provided with ribs 36 having a thickness of approximately 0.5mm and a height of 2.0mm. The ribs 36 may a spacing of approx 5mm around the circumference of the container 10. It will be appreciated that other rib dimensions and spacings may be used depending upon such factors as the volume of the container 10, the material of the container 10 and the heating temperature of the foodstuff which the container 10 is intended to contain.

In use, an adhesive label generally designated 40 is attached to the container 10 such that the label 40 overlies the ribs 36 as shown in figures 6 to 10. The adhesive label 40 can be used to display product information relating to the contents of the container including, for example, serving suggestions, ingredient lists and heating instructions. As the label 40 covers the ribs 36 which, as described above, only extend over an upper portion 38 of the container 10, it will be appreciated that the contents of the container 10 can be viewed through the non-occluded lower portion 42 of the container 10.

The label 40 further serves as a gripping location by which a user can grip the container 10. The label 40 and ribs 36 co-operate to define a plurality of air pockets 44 which are spaced around the container 10 underneath the label 40. In use, the air pockets 44 ensure that the outer surface of the label 40 is cooler than the container wall 14 after heating of the container 10 and its contents. It will be appreciated that the only conductive heat transfer path between the container wall 14 and the label 40 is defined by the narrow ribs 36.

As can be scen in figure 6, the label 40 is provided with an overlap portion 46. This overlap 46 provides the label 40 with resistance to peeling during heating of the container 10 either by a consumer or during retort processing during manufacture.

The label 40 may be manufactured from the same material as the container 10, fbr example polypropylene. The label 40 may be opaque. Alternatively, the label 40 may be clear and provided with a printed "fill level" gap. Advantageously the label 40 can be affixed to the container 10 by conventional labelling apparatus.

Referring now to Figures 11 to 16, there is shown a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 110. Features similar to the cmbodimcnt of figure 1 are identified with like refcrcncc numerals prefixed with!.

The container 110 has an elliptical base 112 and an upstanding wall 114 which terminates at a lip 116. The base 112 and wall 114 co-operate to define an interior space (not shown) of the container 110, which the lip 116 defines a mouth 122 of the container 110. The container 110 shown has an approximate volume of 670 ml and is manufactured from polypropylene by injection moulding. The lip 116 is provided with a peripheral barb lbrmation 120 which enables a lid generally designated as 150 (see Figure 15) to be securely attached to the lip 116 in order to retain thodstufil within the interior space. The container 110 is generally frusto-conical in shape which allows empty containers 110 to nested within one another. It will be appreciated that the container 110 may embody other shapes.

The container 110 is further provided with a reinforcing ring 124 which acts to rigidity the container mouth 122. The ring 124 is comprised of a band 126 and an annular web (not shown) which extends between the band 126 and the wall 114 of the container 110. The ring 124 rigiditIes the mouth 122 of the container 110 after heating. The band 126 can also serve as a location by which the container 110 can be gripped after the container 110 has been heated. The band 126 further serves to shroud a lid 150 fitted to the container 110. The upper edge 136 of the band 126 is provided at a height which is above the lower edge of the lid when fitted to the container 110 To pemiit access to the lower edge of the lid 150 the band 126 is provided with a gate portion 130 having a frangible link at ends 132, 134, and mid-section 133. It will be understood that access to the lower edge of the lid 150 can be gained by breaking the frangible links 132, 133, 134 then separating the gate portion 130 away from the container wall 114.

The external face of the wall 114 of the container 110 is further provided with a plurality of ribs generally designated 136. The ribs 136 are spaced equidistantly around the periphery of the wall 114 in two regions A and B along the longer sides of the ellipse. The ribs 136 extend over an upper portion 138 of the container 10 which extends am the ring 124 to a position approximately midway between the container mouth 122 and base 112. It will be appreciated that this rib length is given by way of example, and that the container 110 may be provided with ribs 136 that are either longer or shorter.

For a 670m1 polypropylene container 110 of the type shown, the container 110 may be provided with ribs 136 having a thickness of approximately 0.5mm and a height of 2.0mm. The ribs 136 may a spacing of approx 5mm around the circumference of the container 110. It will be appreciated that other rib dimensions and spacings may be used depending upon such factors as the volume of the container 110, the material of the container 110 and the heating temperature of the foodstuff which the container 110 isintendedtocontain.

In use, two adhesive labels generally designated 140 are attached to the container 110 such that they overlie the ribs 136 as shown in figures 12, 15 and 16. The adhesive labels 140 can be used to display product information relating to the contents of the container 110 including, for example, serving suggestions, ingredient lists and heating instructions. The elliptical shape of the container 110 presents a larger forward-facing area for the label 140. As the labels 140 covers the ribs 136 which, as described above, only extend over an upper portion 138 of the container 110, it will be appreciated that the contents of the container 110 can be viewed through the non-occluded lower portion 142 of the container 110.

As can be seen in figure 16, the labels 140 do not overlap portion, instcad the ends 146 of labels 146, partially bound a region 148 of the outside surface of the container which does not feature any label. This region 148 provides a window such that the contents of the container 110 may be viewed.

The labels 140 further serves as a gripping location by which a user can grip the container 110. The labels 140 and ribs 136 co-operate to define a plurality of air pockets (not shown) which are spaced around the container 110 underneath the labels 140. In use, the air pockets ensure that the outer surface of the labels 140 is cooler than the container wall 114 after heating of the container 110 and its contents. It will be appreciated that the only conductive heat transfer path between the container wall 114 and the labels 140 is defined by the narrow ribs 136. Furthermore, the shorter sides of the ellipse form a pouring spout at the lip 116 to enable controlled dispensing of the contents of the container 110.

Referring now to Figures 17 to 21, there is shown a container according to a third embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 210. Features similar to the embodiment of figure 1 are identified with like reference numerals prefixed with 2.

The container 210 is substantially similar to the container 110 of Figures 11 to 16 and as such only the distinguishing features shall be described.

Like container 110 of the second embodiment, the container 210 is elliptical in cross section and has two regions of rib coverage A, B, along its longer sides. However, the structure of the ribs 236 and container wall 214 in these regions A, B is different. As shown in figure 20, the container wall 214 and ribs 236 together form a substantially wave-like cross-section, such that a groove 260 is formed on the inside surface of container wall 214, opposite to each rib 236.

The container 210 is generally ftusto-eonieal in shape which allows empty containers to nested within one another. The provision of the grooves 260 further supports nesting of the empty containers (without labels applied) as the rib 236 of one container 210 are received within the grooves 260 of another container 210. This arrangement allows more un-labelled empty containers 110 to be stacked together for a given height, for example, for shipping the un-labelled empty containers to a site for filling and labelling.

Claims

Claims 1. A microwaveable plastic container having a base and an upstanding wall which terminates at a rim defining a mouth of the container, wherein the outer side of the container wall is provided with a plurality of ribs which are spaced around the container wall, the container further being provided with a label which overlies the ribs.
2. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in claim I wherein the label defines a gripping surface by which the container can be held by a user.
3. A mierowaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the label and ribs co-operate to define a plurality of air pockets around the container wall which reduce heat transfer from the container to the label once the container has been heated.
4. A microwaveablc plastic container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the ribs extend in a longitudinal direction and are positioned between the rim and the base of the container.
5. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the ribs extend fully along the length of the container wall.
6. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the ribs extend partially along the length of the container wall.
7. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the ends of the label overlap one another.
8. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the label is an adhesive label.
9. A microwaveable plastic containcr as claimed in any preceding claim wherein thc container is provided with a reinforcing ring adjacent the mouth.
10. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 9 wherein the ribs extend from below the ring in the direction of the base.
11. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is circular.
12. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base is elliptical.
13. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein grooves are formed in the inside surface of the container wall.
14. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 13 wherein a groove is formed on the opposite side of the container wall to each rib.
15. A microwaveable plastic container having a base and an upstanding wall which terminates at a rim defining a mouth of the container, wherein the outer side of the container wall is provided with a plurality of integral ribs which are spaced around the container wall, wherein the ribs define a location to which a label is subsequently applied.
16. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 15 wherein the ribs extend in a longitudinal direction and are positioned between the rim and the base of the container.
17. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the ribs extend fully along the length of the container wall.
18. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17 wherein the ribs extend partially along the length of the container wall.
19. A micmwavcablc plastic container as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18 wherein the container is provided with a reintbrcing ring adjacent the mouth.
20. A micrewaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 19 wherein the ribs extend from below the ring in the direction of the base.
21. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the base is circular.
22. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the base is elliptical.
23. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in any of claims 15 to 22, wherein grooves are formed in the inside surface of the container wall.
24. A microwaveable plastic container as claimed in claim 23 wherein a groove is formed on the opposite side of the container wall to each rib.
25. A microwaveable plastic container substantially as hereinbefore described with referencetoorasshowninfigures ito 5,orfigures6to 10,orfigures 11, 13,l4and 17 to 21, or figures 12, 15 and 16 the accompanying drawings.