IES65773B2 - A container - Google Patents

Abstract

A lunch box (1) comprises a container (2) which defines a hollow interior region (6) for food which is closed by a lid (14), both the container (2) and lid (14) are of plastics material. A pair of sealed tubular storing members (16) are located on opposite sides of the lid (14) and contain a freezable liquid having a freezing point at or below 0°C for cooling the contents of the lunch box (1). The storing members (16) are joined by a central double skin portion (24) within which a heat insulating medium is located for preventing transfer of heat to the lunch box through the lid. Securing flaps (34) are hingedly carried on opposite sides of the container (2) for securing the lid (14) within a rim (10) of the container (2). Prior to use the lid (14) is placed in a deep freezer for freezing the freezable liquid in the storing members (16).

Description

A container The present invention relates to a container for storing contents thereof below the prevailing ambient temperature and in particular, though not limited, to a lunch box of the type, for storing food and/or a beverage.

In general, where food and beverages are to be stored, for example, in a lunch box or the like, it is desirable that the food and/or beverage should be maintained at a relatively low temperature to preserve the food and beverage. Such temperature, would typically be of the order of 4°C or less. This, in general, is below the prevailing ambient temperature, and would, in general, be below normal room temperature.

Accordingly, there is a need for a lunch box, and a container which is suitable for storing the contents therein below the prevailing the ambient temperature, and in particular, there is a need for such a container which can be produced at relatively low cost, and is relatively simple and easy to use.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a container.

According to the invention there is provided a container for storing contents thereof below the prevailing ambient temperature, the container having a main hollow interior region for the contents, a closure means for closing the main hollow interior region, and a cooling means associated with the container for maintaining the temperature of the main hollow interior region below ambient temperature, the cooling means comprising storing means for storing a freezable or coolable fluid which may be frozen or cooled prior to use of the container.

Preferably, the storing means of the cooling means comprises a storing compartment for receiving and storing the freezable or coolable fluid, the storing compartment being formed by at least one wall, at least portion of which said one wall communicates with the main hollow interior region. Advantageously, the storing compartment is provided in the closure means, and preferably, the closure means is provided by a lid, which advantageously, is releasably and preferably, sealably engagable with the container.

In one aspect of the invention the storing compartment is formed by an elongated tubular member extending along part of the periphery of the lid.

Advantageously, a releasable securing means for releasably securing the lid to the container cooperates with the tubular member for securing the lid to the container. Preferably, the securing means extends along the tubular member for minimizing the surface area of the tubular member exposed to ambient air.

In one embodiment of the invention an open mouth is provided to the main hollow interior region, and the closure means closes the open mouth. Advantageously, a rim extends around the open mouth and forms a recess for receiving the closure means. Preferably, the rim extends completely around the open mouth.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is a four sided container, which terminates in a four sided open mouth. Preferably, a pair of tubular storing members are provided on respective opposite sides of the lid.

Preferably, the two tubular storing members are spaced apart from each other and define a central portion in the lid extending between the tubular members. Preferably, the central portion is double skinned and defines an insulating compartment for containing an insulating medium, which in general, would be air.

Preferably, the freezable fluid is provided in the storing means, and advantageously, the freezable fluid is a freezable liquid. Preferably, the freezing point of the freezable liquid is at least at or below the freezing point of water, and preferably, the freezing point of the freezable liquid is approximately 0°C.

Alternatively, the freezable liquid is provided in a replaceable cartridge for mounting in the storing means.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is a lunch box.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container, in this case, a lunch box according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a sectional end elevational view of the lunch box of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lunch box of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a lunch box according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 is a sectional side elevational view of the lunch box of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lunch box of Fig. 4, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a lunch box according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a sectional side elevational view 10 of the lunch box of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lunch box of Fig. 7, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a lunch box according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 11 is a sectional side elevational view of the lunch box of Fig. 10, Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lunch box of Fig. 10, Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a lunch box according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 14 is a sectional side elevational view of 5 the lunch box of Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of portion of the lunch box of Fig. 13, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a lunch box according to a still further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 17 is a sectional side elevational view of the lunch box of Fig. 16, Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the lunch box of Fig. 16, Fig. 19 is a sectional side elevational view of a lunch box according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 20 is a sectional end elevational view of the lunch box of Fig. 19, Fig. 21 is a plan view of the lunch box of Fig. 19 with the lid of the lunch box removed, Fig. 22 is a sectional side elevational view of a detail of the lunch box of Fig 19, Fig. 23 is a plan view of portion of the lunch box of Fig. 19, and Fig. 24 is a plan view of portion of a lunch box according to a still further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 3 thereof, there is illustrated a lunch box according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for maintaining food and/or beverages at a temperature below ambient temperature. The lunch box 1 comprises a container 2 of injection moulded plastics material which comprises a base 3, a pair of upstanding side walls 4 joined by end walls 5, all of which together form a main hollow interior region 6 for the food and/or beverage. The side walls 4 are longer than the end walls 5 and accordingly, in plan view the main hollow interior region 6 is of rectangular crosssection. A lip 9 extends outwardly from the side and end walls 4 and 5, and a rim 10 extends upwardly from the lip 9 and defines an open mouth 11 to the main hollow interior region 6. The lip 9 and rim 10 are integrally injection moulded with the container 2, and form a recess 12 within which a closure means, namely, a lid 14 is retained for closing the main hollow interior region 6.

The lid 14 also of injection moulded plastics material comprises a cooling means for cooling and maintaining the temperature of the main hollow interior region 6 below ambient temperature. The cooling means is provided by a storing means, namely, a pair of elongated tubular storing members 16 which extend along opposite sides 17 of the lid 14 and form respective storing compartments 15 for storing a freezable fluid, in this case, a freezable liquid, such as, for example, a mixture of water and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose and a preservative. In this case the water constitutes 99.35% of the mixture, the sodium carboxy methyl cellulose 0.5% and the balance of the mixture is constituted by the preservative. The tubular storing members 16 are closed at opposite ends by respective end walls 18 and 19. A charging inlet 20 is provided in the end walls 19 for charging the storing compartments 15 with the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. Closure bungs 21 of plastics material close the inlets 20, and in practice, are permanently sealably secured in the inlets 20, typically by ultrasonic welding, after the storing compartments 15 have been charged with, the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. A double skinned central portion 24 extends between the storing members 16 which is formed by a pair of spaced apart top and bottom walls 25 and 26, respectively, which are joined by side walls 27 and end walls 29. The top, bottom and side and end walls 25, 26, 27 and 29 together define a secondary hollow interior region 30 for an insulating medium, in this case, air for preventing heat transfer between the main hollow interior region 6 and ambient air. The bottom wall 26 extends to the storing members 16 and forms a lower wall 32 of each of the tubular members 16 which communicates with the main hollow interior region 6 for heat transfer for maintaining the temperature of the main hollow interior region 6 below ambient temperature.

Releasable securing means for releasably securing the lid 14 in the recess 12 comprise a pair of securing flaps 34 of plastics material which are integrally formed with the container 2 and are connected to opposite sides of the rim 10 by plastic hinges 35.

Each securing flap comprises a hinged member 36 extending from the plastic hinge 35 and a retaining member 37 which together embrace and cover the corresponding storing member 16 for minimising heat transfer to the storing members 16 from ambient air.

The securing flaps 34 are pivotal in the direction of the arrows A from an open position illustrated in Fig. released from the lid 14 to a closed position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 engaging the storing members 16 for releasably securing the lid 14 in the recess 12. A portion of the hinge member 36 extends beyond the retaining member 37 of each securing flap 34 to form a lip 38 to facilitate releasing the securing flaps 34 from the lid 14. The central portion 24 of the lid 14 is shaped at 39 to accommodate a finger or thumb of an individual beneath the lips 38 for opening the securing flaps 34.

The lip 9 provides a seat for the lid 14, and since the bottom wall 26 and the lower walls 32 of the lid 14 form a planar surface, relatively good sealing is provided between the lid 14 and the lip 9. It is envisaged in certain cases, that to improve the seal between the lid 14 and the lip 9, a sealing member may be provided extending completely around the lip 9, or alternatively, around the bottom wall 26 and lower walls 32 of the lid 14.

In practice, the lunch box 1 is supplied with the storing compartments 15 of tubular storing members 16 charged with the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture and the bungs 21 sealably secured in the charging inlets 20.

In use, the lid 14 is removed from the container 2 and placed in a deep freezer or other suitable freezing means for freezing the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture in the storing compartments 15. On the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture being frozen, the lunch box 1 is ready for use. Lunch, a beverage or the like or any other article which is to be maintained below ambient temperature is placed in the main hollow interior region 6. The lid 14 with the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture frozen in the storing compartments 15 is placed in the recess 12 and secured by pivoting the securing flaps 34 in the direction of the arrows A into the closed position as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Since the lower wall 32 of each tubular storing member 16 communicates with the main hollow interior region 6 heat transfer takes place through the lower walls 32 thereby cooling and maintaining the main hollow interior region 6 below ambient temperature. The cool environment is maintained in the main hollow interior region 6 with the aid of the heat insulated central portion 24 of the lid 14. The lunch box 1 according to the Invention maintains the contents thereof in the main hollow interior region 6 below the ambient temperature for as long as the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture remains below ambient temperature, and indeed, in many cases, for some considerable time after the temperature of the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture has risen to ambient temperature.

The advantages of the invention are many. In particular, the lunch box according to the invention is a relatively simple easily constructed and manufactured lunch box. Additionally, the lunch box according to the invention is relatively simple and easy to use. Furthermore, by virtue of the fact that the securing flaps 34 extend along the entire length of the tubular storing members 16 and effectively cover the tubular storing members 16 there is little likelihood of condensation being formed on the outer surfaces of the lunch box, which could be in contact with other articles, or indeed, would be exposed to the hand while carrying the lunch box. The securing flaps 34 effectively act as a heat insulator, thereby preventing direct access of ambient air to the tubular storing members 16. In general, what little condensation which may form on the end walls 18 and 19 of the storing members 16 is relatively negligible, and does not present any problems.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 6 there is illustrated a lunch box according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The lunch box 40 is substantially similar to the lunch box 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the lunch box 40 and the lunch box 1 is in the lid 41 and the securing flaps 42. In this embodiment of the invention the lid 41 forms one single storing compartment 43 for the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture which is charged through a charging inlet 44 similar to the charging inlet 20 of the lid 14 of the lunch box 1. Parallel recesses 45 are formed in top and bottom walls 46 and 47 of the lid 41 to facilitate expansion and contraction of the freezable liquid. The securing flaps 42 in this embodiment of the invention are hingedly connected to the lip 9 which extends outwardly from the end walls 5. A retaining bead 48 extends longitudinally along the length of the retaining member 37 for engaging corresponding recesses 49 in the lid 41, see Fig. 5.

Use of this lunch box 40 is identical to that of the lunch box 1. The lid 41 is placed in a deep freezer or other suitable freezer means for freezing the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture in the storing compartment 43 prior to use.

Referring now to Figs. 7 to 9 there is illustrated a lunch box indicated generally by the reference numeral 50 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The lunch box 50 is substantially similar to the lunch box 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the lunch box 50 and the lunch box 1 is in the lid 51 and 10 the securing flaps 52 of the lunch box 50. The lid 51 is substantially similar to the lid 41 of the lunch box 40 in that it defines a single storage compartment 53 for the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. The securing flaps 52 each comprise a hinged member 54 which is hingedly connected to the rim 10 adjacent opposite end walls 5 of the container 2. A pair of openings 55 are provided in each hinged member 54 for engaging correspondingly shaped protrusions 56 on the lid 51 with a snap fit type action for releasably securing the lid 51 in the recess 12.

Use of the lunch box 50 is identical to that of the lunch box 1 and 40.

Referring now to Figs. 10 to 12 there is illustrated a lunch box according to a further embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The lunch box 60 is substantially similar to the lunch box 1 and similar components are.identified by the same reference numerals. The only difference in the lunch box 60 is in the lid 61. The lid 61 is substantially similar to the lid 41 of the lunch box 40 in that the lid 61 forms a single storage compartment 62 for the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. Instead of securing flaps being provided for releasably securing the lid 61 in the recess 12, protrusions 63 of circular cross-section extend from opposite side walls 64 of the lid 61 for releasably engaging correspondingly shaped openings 65 in the rim 10. The side walls 64 of the lid 61 are shaped at 66 for facilitating removal of the lid 61 from the recesses 12. Indeed, as also can be seen clearly in Figs. 10 and 11, the lip 9 extending from one of the end walls 5 of the container 2 is wider than the portion of the lip 9 extending from the other end wall 5 for accommodating a recess 67 in the lid 61 for accommodating the charging inlet 68. In this way an air tight seal is achieved between the lid 61 and the lip 9.

Indeed, although not illustrated in the lunch boxes 40 and 50, which are illustrated in Figs. 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 respectively, a similar arrangement of lip 9 will be provided for accommodating a similar recess to the recess 67 in the lids 41 and 51 to ensure a substantially airtight seal between the respective lids 41 and 51 and the lip 9.

Use of the lunch box 60 is similar to that of those already described.

Referring now to Figs. 13 to 15, there is illustrated a lunch box 70 according to a still further embodiment of the invention. The lunch box 70 is substantially similar to the lunch box 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the lunch box 70 and the lunch box 1 is in the lid 71 and the fact that a recess 12 formed by a lip 9 and a rim 10 is not provided. In this embodiment of the invention, the lid 71 comprises a lower wall 72 joined around its periphery to an upper wall 73 which together between them form a single storing compartment 74 for storing a freezable liquid, namely, a water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. Ά recess 75 extends around the lower wall 72 adjacent the periphery thereof for releasably and sealably engaging a top portion 76 of the side and end walls 4 and 5 with a type of snap fit action. Recesses 77 are formed in the lower wall 72 for strengthening the lower wall 72 and in turn the lid 71. It is envisaged that the storing compartment 74 will be charged with the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture through an opening which will be sealed by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing as illustrated at 78 in Figs. 13 and 15. A reinforcing lip 79 extends around the periphery of the container 2 adjacent the top portion 76 of the side and end walls 4 and 5, respectively.

Use of the lunch box 70 is substantially similar to 10 that of the lunch boxes already described.

The container portion 2 of the lunch box 70 is substantially similar to a standard type conventional lunch box.

Referring now to Figs. 16 to 18, there is illustrated a 15 lunch box according to a still further embodiment of the invention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 80. The lunch box 80 is substantially similar to the lunch box 70 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the lunch box 80 and the lunch box 70 is in the construction of the lid 81. The lid 81 is formed in two parts, namely, a lid part 82 and a storing compartment forming part 84, which together form a storing compartment 85 for storing the freezable liquid, which in this embodiment of the invention is provided in a replaceable cartridge 86 which is described below. The lid part 82 is provided with a peripheral recess 75 which releasably and sealably engages upper portions 83 of the side and end walls 4 and 5, respectively in similar fashion as the lid 71 engages the container 2 of the lunch box 70. The storing compartment forming part 84 is provided with a recess 87 extending around the periphery thereof, which releasably and sealably engages a corresponding lip 88 which extends around the lid part 82 with a snap fit action.

In this embodiment of the invention, the cartridge 86 is formed by a pair of polyethylene sheets which are sealably secured together in a quilted type formation to form a plurality of discrete pockets 90, each of which are precharged with the freezable liquid, namely, the mixture of water and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose.

A lip 89 extending around and downwardly from the base 3 which is similar to the lip 88 on the lid part 82 also receives the part 84 for forming a storing compartment 90 with the base 3 for storing the cartridge 86, should it be desirable to cool the main hollow interior region 6 through the base 3.

In use, the cartridge 86 is removed from the storing compartment 85 and frozen in a deep freezer, or other suitable freezing means. On being frozen, the cartridge 86 is replaced in the storing compartment 85 in the lid 81, or alternatively, in the storing compartment 91 in the base 3. Otherwise, use of the lunch box 80 is similar to use of the lunch boxes already described.

Referring now to Figs. 19 to 23, there is illustrated a lunch box 100 according to a still further embodiment of the invention. The lunch box 100 is substantially similar to those already described and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between this lunch box 100 and the lunch boxes already described is that the storing compartment for storing the freezable liquid, instead of being formed in the lid, is formed in the container 2. The container 2 is formed by a base 3 and side and end walls 4 and 5, which in this embodiment of the invention are double skinned comprising inner and outer walls 101 and 102, respectively, both of which extend upwardly from the base 3. The inner and outer walls 101 and 102 define a storing compartment 103 which extends completely around the main hollow interior region 6 for storing a cartridge 104 of the freezable liquid, namely, the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. The cartridge 104 is substantially similar to the cartridge 86 o£ the lunch box 80. It is formed by two sheets of polyethylene material sealed together in quilted type formation to form a plurality of pockets 105 which are precharged with the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture.

The lid 106 of the lunch box 100 is provided without a storing compartment, and is provided with a pair of recesses 107 and 108 which extend completely around the lid 106 for engaging the inner and outer walls 101 and 102, respectively, with a releasable and a substantially sealable snap fit type action for sealing both the storing compartment 103 and the main hollow interior region 6.

Prior to using the lunch box 100, the Cartridge 104 is removed from the storing compartment 103 and is frozen as already described with reference to the lunch box 80.

Use of the lunch box 100 is similar to the use of the lunch boxes already described.

Referring now to Fig. 24 there is illustrated a lunch box according to a further embodiment of the invention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. The lunch box 110 is somewhat similar to the lunch box 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. However, in this case, only the container 2 of the lunch box 110 is illustrated. The lid which is not illustrated for closing the main hollow interior region is substantially similar to the lid part 82 of the lid 81 of the lunch box 80 which is illustrated in Figs. 16 to 18. In other words, the lid of the lunch box 110 is substantially similar to a standard conventional type lid of a substantially standard conventional type lunch box. In this embodiment of the invention the cooling means is provided by a storing means, namely, a storing compartment 111 which is formed in the main hollow interior region 6 by a pair of spaced apart partition walls 112 extending upwardly from the base 3 and between the side walls 4 of the container 2. A cartridge which is substantially similar to the lid 41 of the lunch box 40 of Figs. 4 to 6 stores the freezable liquid, and is removable from the storing compartment 111 for freezing of the freezable liquid in a freezer or other suitable freezing means. In this embodiment of the invention the freezable liquid is also a water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. The partition walls 112 extend upwardly from the base 3 to a height just less than the height of the side and end walls 4 and 5 for enabling the lid (not shown) to engage the top portion of the side and end walls 4 and 5. The cartridge 114 is also dimensioned so that it likewise extends to a height just less than the height of the side and end walls 4 and 5.

Prior to use of the lunch box 110 the cartridge 114 is placed in a deep freezer or other suitable freezing means for freezing the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture. On the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture being frozen, the cartridge 114 is placed in the storing compartment 111 and the lunch box 110 is ready for use.

Use of the lunch box 110 is similar to that of the lunch boxes already described.

The lunch boxes just described are relatively small a 15 typical capacity of the main hollow interior regions 6 of the lunch boxes is 1,600 cucms. Although needless to say the lunch boxes may be smaller or larger, but in general the capacity will be in the range of 1,000 cucms to 3,000 cucms.

While the freezable fluid has been described as being a mixture of water and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, any other suitable freezable liquid may be used.

Indeed, it is envisaged in certain cases that the freezable liquid need not necessarily be freezable, it may be sufficient that it be coolable to a temperature sufficient to maintain the interior of the lunch box at a desired temperature. Typically, it is envisaged that the freezing point of the water/sodium carboxy methyl cellulose mixture will be in the order of 0°C, and this should be sufficient for maintaining the temperature of the main hollow interior region at approximately 4°C for a reasonable .period of time typically, four to eight hours.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail.

Dated this 4th day of February 1994 F.F.

BY: _1 EXECUTIVE Agents for the Applicants Clifton House Lower Fitzwilliam Street Dublin 2.

Claims (5)

1. A container for storing contents thereof below the prevailing ambient temperature, the container having a main hollow interior region for the contents, a closure 5 means for closing the main hollow interior region, and a cooling means associated with the container for maintaining the temperature of the main hollow interior region below ambient temperature, the cooling means comprising storing means for storing a freezable or 10 coolable fluid which may be frozen or cooled prior to use of the container.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1 in which the storing means for the cooling means comprises a storing compartment for receiving the freezable or coolable 15 fluid, the storing compartment being formed by at least one wall, at least portion of which one wall communicates with the main hollow interior region.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 2 in which the storing compartment is provided in the closure means. 20

4. A container as claimed in any preceding claim in which the freezable liquid has a freezing point at or below the freezing point of water.

5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim in which the container is a lunch box