JP2004521033A - Hanging container - Google Patents

Abstract

, A support for a given container (2, 2 ′, 2 ″, 71, 81, 92, 94) having a rim in the upper opening, said support engaging the rim of the container. configured to, lid or supporting ring made of a synthetic resin (4, 4 ', 70, 80, and 90) includes a flexible finger suspenders (FS having become and the free end of a synthetic _resin, FS 1, FS ₂ , FS ₃ , FS ₄ ) are integrally formed with the lid or support ring and are refractible from the formed position to an upright position, and can carry the weight of the container in the upright position; Support.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to disposable packaging, improved techniques for carrying products in containers, take-out of packaged products, consumables, and arrangements for consumer packaging.
[0002]
Disclosure of the invention
The present invention provides manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, take-out counters, and customers with new forms of packaging, displays, and containers for containers supported by hanging members mounted on the rim or removable top of the jar. And provide a means of carrying. In many preferred embodiments, the hanging member is mounted in a manner in which the suspended container hangs substantially inclined by gravity. In many preferred embodiments, the container comprises a flexible wall and a thicker rim. Containers include molded plastic cans, cups or tubes with end beads, or conventional disposable paper or foam containers, or coffee cups or cereals or soup cups with rim beads, or metal or plastic Or a can for canning, which has an upper part and an end bead protruding outward. In many preferred forms, the center of the lid or support ring is transparent so that the contents are visible, or is a tamper evident seal. In addition, embodiments of the present invention have many important features and applications.
[0003]
According to one aspect of the invention, the lid of the container, or a support ring attached to the container, is an elongate plastic resin molded or otherwise formed integrally with the rim of the lid or support ring. It has a finger suspender.
[0004]
According to another aspect of the invention, the hanging members of the series of containers are configured and arranged to be mated together by passing one hanging member through the opening of another hanging member, whereby , The containers can be carried together or displayed together.
[0005]
According to another aspect of the invention, the hanging member is located off-center, so that when hung by the suspender member, the container hangs at a significant angle of inclination. In a preferred embodiment of this feature, when the product is suspended from a high position (e.g., a high unused space in a store), the side of the container faces the customer by tilting the container by the tilt angle. It has become. The side of the container is printed so that it can be easily noticed and distinguished. In another example, the brand and contents of a container can be easily seen by hanging the product below eye level (for example, near the floor) and tilting the top of the container towards the customer. You can read and read.
[0006]
According to another feature of the present invention, the finger suspender has two continuous openings along the suspender member for placing a finger, so that one of the openings can be selected and used according to a user's preference. It has become. This embodiment takes into account the case where the user wants to use the same hand for another purpose, or the size of one or a group of suspended containers. In embodiments in this aspect, the suspender opening for finger placement is to facilitate the breaking of the seal by applying force, or to bend a portion of the lid or ring back to remove it from the container. Are located. According to another feature of the invention, the opening itself for placing the finger in a substantially lying position serves as a finger suspender and / or as an auxiliary member to which force is applied when bending or lifting the lid or ring. It is configured to
[0007]
Another aspect of the present invention is a lifting ring having two opposing finger suspender members, each finger suspender being integrally formed with a suspension ring or lid, wherein the two finger suspenders are attached to one or more fingers. The container can be picked up and lifted. In a preferred embodiment, the suspender members are bifurcated in a plane and extend from a hinge root on either side of the rim of the lid or support ring.
[0008]
Containers filled with products may be hung one by one on the display shelf or may be hung together, and after purchase the user can put their fingers on the suspender member to support the container, so that other tasks can be performed with the same hand (for example, Carrying a cup of hot coffee, a cold drink, a bag of popcorn, a plate with food, a briefcase, a tennis racket, a paintbrush, a bag of food, etc.), or a child or parent You can keep your hands free so that you can hold your hand.
[0009]
The container can be assembled at low cost according to the present invention, and various decorative and characteristic appearances and trade dresses can be provided by decorating or printing the surface of the container. By printing on the sides of the container, you can make it look like a festive decoration or present. The shape of the container and the lid, and the aspect ratio, structure, and color thereof may be any as long as they are within the scope of the present invention.
[0010]
The detachable lid or the suspension ring attached to the suspension member according to the present invention can be removed from the container without damaging it when the contents of the container are partially consumed, and this can be removed again from the container. It is possible to attach to. Thus, the suspended container can also be used to store and carry the remaining contents. At home, the hanging package may be suspended in a space that is not usually used (for example, wasted space in a cabinet or a refrigerator). Good products to put in containers include pre-packaged dried soups, cereals, spices, grains, beans, dried fruits, cookies, crackers, coffee beans or powdered coffee, nuts, snacks, popcorn, candy, yogurt, Ice cream, butter, frozen concentrated juices, cheese dips and condiments, and any and all products usually included in cans (including heavy food products, hardware products, tennis balls, etc.).
[0011]
In one embodiment, the container is filled with a delicate product ranging from prepackaged chocolate truffles to a set of miniature bulbs. Preferably, the hanging container with a finger is filled with hot or cold content (eg hot soup, hot coffee, cold drink, ready-to-eat food, ice cream or yogurt) for a single or large group by providing insulation. May be.
[0012]
While the present invention provides a tamper-evident protection function and often allows the merchandise in the container to be visible, retailers and customers may fill the container on the spot.
[0013]
The containers according to the present invention can be displayed efficiently, such as being arranged on a counter rack having a single structure or a multi-layer structure, being formed in a tree shape, or being hooked on hooks arranged in a horizontal or vertical direction, and in a store with limited space or the like. Counters and kiosks also allow for the addition of virtually any display line.
[0014]
According to one aspect of the present invention, a disposable package containing consumables is combined with a flexible finger suspender as described above. The minimum horizontal dimension of the container mouth is at least 5 cm (2 inches), and the mouth is fitted with a removable lid or suspension ring. The upright wall of the container is usually made of a flexible material and extends from the bottom to the upper wide mouth. The width of the mouth portion of the container is substantially the same as the horizontal cross section of the container, and the wide mouth portion is constituted by a relatively thick rim former. The lid or suspension ring includes a rim portion extending over the rim formation of the container and removably engaging therewith. The configuration of the container lid or suspension ring, and this snap fit, provides support for the container and contents. Since the flexible finger suspender is made of the material of the rim portion and is formed integrally with the rim portion, the wide-mouthed container can be displayed by hanging it with a lid, or can be carried by being hooked on a finger of a hand.
[0015]
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention have one or more of the following features.
[0016]
The formed finger suspender extends flat across the top of the container, but is bent vertically around the flexible mounting root. In many cases, the flexible root of the suspender is preferably located within the rim area of the removable lid or support ring. Also, the length of the finger suspender is often greater than or equal to the radius of the rim of the container or greater than or equal to one-half the outer dimension, and in many preferred embodiments, about 3/4 of the outer diameter of the rim. Is the length of
[0017]
The lid or support ring has a rim made of an elastic plastic resin, and a suspension member made of this resin extends integrally from the rim. In one example, the suspension members lie in a pressure-free state lying in a plane coinciding with or parallel to the plane of the rim, preferably in the confining planes of the rim.
[0018]
In an important example, the suspension member lies inside the lid or rim portion of the support ring. For example, the suspension member may extend inwardly from the rim as a flexible or refractive integral projection to the free end, where the free end is sized for finger placement. Is configured.
[0019]
In another example, the suspension member lies outside the rim, extends as a bendable protrusion from the outside of the rim to a free end, and is sized to allow a finger to be placed at the free end. An opening is configured.
[0020]
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination comprising a disposable package for consumables and a suspension member. The package comprises a container having a minimum horizontal dimension in the mouth portion of 5 cm (2 inches) or more, which container can be at least partially closed by a removable lid or fitted with a support ring. The container has upstanding side walls made of a common flexible material and extending from the bottom to the upper wide mouth portion, the width of the mouth portion being substantially the same as the horizontal cross section of the container. The wide mouth portion is constituted by a relatively thick rim forming body. The lid or suspension ring also has a rim portion, which extends over the rim formation of the container and transmits a load thereto for releasable engagement. A single suspension member extends from and is integral with the rim area of the lid or support ring and is arranged to suspend the package in an inclined position.
[0021]
In many embodiments, the container is made of conventional molded plastic or resinous foam, integral with the side walls and bottom, or is made of paper, such as cup paper for drinks (eg, coffee cup paper). Consists of In all such embodiments, the container rim former advantageously comprises an outwardly projecting bead or roll-shaped bead. In many embodiments, it is advantageous to support the weight of the container by snap-fitting a plastic lid or plastic support ring to the bead or other rim formation of the container. In yet another example, the rim is in a folded condition, such as an ice cream container configured to frictionally fit a lid on top of the container.
[0022]
In one example, the flexible wall of the container is made of foamed plastic and the thickness of the foamed plastic of the rim former of the container is greater than the lower part of the wall of the container.
[0023]
When attaching the lid to the container, a plastic film band that contracts due to heat from the outside is often used, and this band forms an external seal for preventing unauthorized opening. Preferably, a seal surrounds the rim portion of the container body and the companion container lid or support ring to strengthen and stabilize the connection between the two.
[0024]
In a preferred embodiment in various aspects of the present invention, a lid or support ring for hanging with a finger is provided, wherein the central portion of the lid or support ring is open or transparent, from which the article is placed. And tamper-evident seals are visible. In one embodiment, the lid comprises a colored or opaque outer rim and a central region of transparent plastic. In another embodiment, the lid has a rim area and a central area integrally formed of transparent plastic, and a second colored or opaque rim member is attached to the transparent plastic rim to provide the colored or opaque rim. Provides a composite rim area.
[0025]
In one embodiment, the rim member of the lid or support ring has a dependent skirt that shrinks around the rim area of the container to form an outer seal.
[0026]
In another embodiment, a transparent plastic film member and an annular rim member are used, the transparent plastic film member extending throughout the center of the lid to form a viewing window and forming the upper rim formation of the container. It has a skirt that hangs over and is heat sealed in the area of the upper rim former.
[0027]
Various embodiments of the present invention are advantageously combined with a display shelf for suspending a package by a support member. Display shelves are provided with support rods or hooks on which multiple sets of packages are hooked and displayed at an elevated angle above the customer's head, or in a low position, for example, near the floor.
[0028]
The detailed features of the present invention will be described below. The invention has many uses, and while the invention itself is simple, it has never been known.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
1 to 1d show a suspension ring configured to fit into a container 2 having an outwardly extending bead 8 at the wide mouth.
[0030]
The suspension ring SR has a rim 4 made of an injection-molded plastic resin. The rim 4 is used for disposing a container 2 such as a disposable cup for a drink or a snap-fit type lid used for a plastic container, can, can, or the like. A downwardly extending circular formation adapted to fit into and engage with the circular bead 8 of FIG.
[0031]
The finger suspender FS is formed integrally with the rim 4 and has an inward projection whose overall length 1 is longer than the radius of the mouth portion of the container 2 ′ and made of plastic resin. As shown, the length l of the protrusion is at least 75% of the diameter of the mouth portion and the total length is at least 2 inches. The overall length 1 of the suspender FS includes a short root region R, a long leg region L, and a fingering portion F. The finger suspender FS is flexible, and in this embodiment, is made of a sheet having a certain thickness. The short root region R is configured to mainly function as a load bearing hinge (load bearing hinge). When a load is applied as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1d, the suspender flexes as shown by the hinges and the extended portion of the flexible suspender, resulting in a flat condition during molding (i.e., the suspender is Rim boundary planes P and P ₁ From a state parallel to and lying inside).
[0032]
Position O where the center of gravity of the container is significantly shifted from the lift point of suspender FS _S And the hinge is near the rim and the general flexibility of the suspender allows the container to rotate significantly. Thus, the container is tilted at an angle α, which makes it possible to obtain very ideal results as described below.
[0033]
The choice of the inclination angle α (degree of inclination) depends on the appropriate choice of width, thickness and length of the elongate suspender SF, in relation to the size and weight of the filled container and the desired inclination angle α. This depends on the physical properties of the plastic resin. Suitable materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and thermoplastic resins, which are conventionally used in injection molded snap-fit lids, and which typically have some degree of elasticity.
[0034]
Inner diameter d of finger ring opening F _i Is larger than the design value of the user's finger, so that the container can be hung with the finger as shown in FIG.
[0035]
The end of the base of the finger ring opening F is a slot S, which reduces the overall length ds of the outer diameter d of the head of the finger suspender. _o An opening is defined that is equal to or greater than. The purpose of this feature will be described later in connection with FIGS. 4 and 4a.
[0036]
FIG. 2 shows an important advantage of the container fitted with the support ring finger suspender FS. The user can move the counter with a cup of hot coffee with the same hand while supporting the cereal-filled container with only one finger. The relative position of the suspended cereal container is selected by how the user tilts the container with respect to the finger when first lifting the container. This allows the container to be carried in a safe condition as shown.
[0037]
The support ring is equally applicable to a tennis ball can 2 ''. The two ball cans can be carried using the fingers of a hand holding a tennis racket by fitting the rim of the support ring into the metal outer ring of the conventional metallic sealing lid of the tennis ball can (FIG. 3). ).
[0038]
In FIG. 3, the suspender rings of the two cans are supported by the same finger. Alternatively, if the suspender of the can is reasonably long, the features described below can be used to entangle the suspenders with each other and lift only one finger ring.
[0039]
Referring to FIG. 4a, a finger suspender FS attached to a container ₁ FS attached to another container by changing the direction of the head ₂ Head slot S. The first suspender FS ₁ You can hold both cans by grabbing the head, pulling it, and putting your finger on the ring.
[0040]
Indeed, as suggested in FIG. 4a, if the length of the flexible suspender is appropriate for the diameter of the container, it is possible to entangle three or more containers together and support them with one finger. it can.
[0041]
A point to be noted in FIG. 4 is that the hanging container is compactly packed for convenient carrying by utilizing the inclination angle of each container.
[0042]
Referring to FIG. 5, the tilt angle α achieved by the present invention is a very convenient point when displaying a store. It should be noted that, for example, the display space of a retail store determines the type and quantity of displayed products. As described above, the tilt angle caused by the off-center hanging makes it easy for the label on the side of the container to be easily seen and read by the customer when the product is displayed at an elevated position. It is very convenient in that it can be done. Similarly, even if products are placed below eye level, hanging them will tilt the container, making it easier for customers to read the label on the container lid and make the product brand easier. Can be recognized. Thus, the present invention is not only convenient for carrying, but also useful for display.
[0043]
Recognizing that it may not be desirable to apply an eccentric load to a somewhat resilient snap-fit lid or equivalent, due to concerns that the snap-fit ring may deform or become dislodged from the container. I have. However, according to the present invention, a wide range of weight loads is possible due to the illustrated functions and the selection of the parameters of the substance and the construction of the snap-fit elastic ring, and the features of the suspenders described above, No damage was found. It has been found that weight loads with significant safety factors are easily feasible. The strength of the integral finger suspender can be sufficient to exceed the disengagement force with a safety factor of 2 or more, at little cost. The weight of the product is thus carried and the suspenders are also used when applying more force to remove the rim from the container.
[0044]
In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 1d, 6 to 6d, 14, 15 and 16, a conventional disposable 8-oz paper cup 2 having a roll-shaped upper bead 8 and a conventional disposable A snap-fit suspension ring 4 or a snap-fit lid 4 'based on the features of a thermoformed snap-fit lid is used. Such paper cups have a tapered shape, for example, having a minimum diameter at the bottom of about 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) and a maximum diameter at the top of about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches). Inches), and this maximum diameter matches the mouth of the cup. The ring or lid is made of a suitable plastic resin, for example, 0.5 mm thick, the rim or lid and the cup are configured to mate, and the rim portion of the ring or lid is placed over the outer bead 8 of the container. Over it and engage with it.
[0045]
The container of FIGS. 1 to 1d, 6 to 6d, 14, 15, and 16 is made of a cellophane sheet or a transparent polyester film adhered to a rim 8 of the container described later with reference to FIGS. It may be partially sealed.
[0046]
The lid shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 is a hot drink lid made of opaque or colored plastic. However, unlike conventional beverage cup snap-on lids, the lid 4 of FIG. 16 has a central circular opening at the end 11, for example, a diameter of 4.25 cm. A disk 7 made of a transparent plastic resin having a diameter (for example, 6 cm) slightly smaller than the diameter of the annular ridge 10 is inserted into the rim of the lid of FIGS. Glue to. In either case, the viewing window is formed on the snap-fit lid by a transparent sealing sheet member.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 6a, the wall of the cup made of paper is terminated by a relatively strong upper bead 8, which forms the upper circular rim of the cup. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 16, the raised ridge 10 of the lid is about one centimeter above the rim of the cup when the cup and lid are snap-fitted. The cup wall 3 is initially manufactured as a flat sheet of paper, after which high-precision printing is performed in a flat state, and decoration, trade dress, material display and the like are applied. Thereafter, it is cut and formed into a conical shape with the tip cut off as shown in the figure by a general method of forming a drink cup, and is adhered. Usually, the bottom of the cup is formed from a separate bottom member 5 to which the inwardly curved edge at the bottom of the side wall 3 is glued. As is common with beverage cup lids, the lower rim of the thermoformed lid 4 is spaced at a series of inner indentations (not shown) that fit into the beads 8 of the rim of the cup. Then, the recess is elastically engaged with the lower portion of the bead 8, whereby the lid and the cup are securely fitted.
[0048]
The container shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 or FIG. 16 is a suitable product pre-packed with small chocolate truffles 18 (soft flavor ganache wrapped in chocolate shells) carefully twisted and packaged. This is an example. The chocolate truffles 18 are wrapped one by one with a metallized polyester wrapping film. As shown in FIG. 6, the free end of the torsion torsion package is flexible, while it also has some rigidity sufficient to cushion the impact between the truffles and the inner wall of the container. ing. As best seen in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the application of a transparent plastic inner layer 19 over the entire rim of the cup provides a hermetic seal and provides a tamper evident function.
[0049]
In one preferred embodiment, the outer seal band 21 shown in FIGS. 8b and 11 is attached over the entire seam of the lid or suspension ring and the cup. The outer seal band 21 provides safety and a function for preventing unauthorized opening. The seal member 21 is an annular preform made of a heat-shrinkable resin such as polyethylene or acetate, and is formed to have a size that surrounds the joint region of the container. After filling the container, heat is applied to the sealing preform 21 to shrink it so that the rim 4 or ring of the lid and the wall of the cup 3 are firmly engaged below the bead 8. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 6, a tearing mechanism 25 may be combined with the preformed body 21 so that this can be visually confirmed. To make the container usable, the seal must first be broken and then the container lid lifted. The tearing mechanism may be of a variety of well-known types, for example, a vertical perforated row, with or without pull tabs or strings.
[0050]
6a to 6c show the production order of the packaged product. First, the desired contents (in this example, small chocolate truffles in a twisted package) are filled into the cup 2 by gravity (FIG. 6a). Thereafter, a moisture barrier comprising a transparent plastic sheet 17 is adhered to the outer rim of the filled container, this moisture barrier extending relatively over the entire cup and providing a tamper-proof film part 19. I do. The film is recessed downwardly or bendable in the rim of the cup so that when the lid is snap-fitted into the cup, the protrusion can be accommodated in the space of the circular ridge or rim of the lid.
[0051]
FIG. 6c illustrates the mounting of the rim 4 of the suspension ring on the filled and sealed cup, and packaging of many of the products is now complete. However, in the case of the chocolate truffle product of FIG. 6, the seal preform 21 is further exposed to heat H from a hot air device having a suitable shape, which causes the film band 21 to thermally shrink, as shown in FIG. It becomes such a structure. The connection between the rim 4 and the cup 2 is strengthened by the film band 21. By forming such a seal, even if the contents are heavy, the containers and the contents can be suspended by the finger suspender during handling.
[0052]
In an embodiment in which the contents of the container are light, the outer seal 21 can be omitted, and in an embodiment in which it is not necessary to protect the product, the inner seal sheet 19 can be omitted.
[0053]
The user can use the contents by tearing the outer seal 21 (if any), grasping the finger suspender, and pulling the suspender with a force that greatly exceeds the weight of the package. Since the suspender is located off the center of the rim 4, a bending force is applied to the ring or lid when the user grips and fixes the cup firmly. By this operation, the lid starts to come off from the rim bead 8 of the cup, and when the lid forms an airtight seal, the lid comes off with a clicking sound. Thereafter, the user can peel off the internal sealing film 19, if any, and use the contents.
[0054]
In a preferred embodiment, the tearing mechanism 25 is located around and in line with the root hinge of the finger suspender FS. As described above, since the tearing mechanism 25 and the root hinge are in a cooperative relationship, by firmly pulling the suspender, the outer seal 21 can be broken in the tearing mechanism or the breaking mechanism, and at the same time, the lid can be removed.
[0055]
If necessary, low cost mechanisms and suspender systems can be combined to make the product visible or to protect the product from light and humidity while maintaining the desired degree of freshness and safety. Good.
[0056]
FIG. 6d shows that the container mouth can be easily sealed with a transparent film 19 or an alternative foil or opaque cover before the hanging rim is fitted into the container bead.
[0057]
In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the closure is completed by one snap-fit molded lid. The finger suspender FS is integrally molded with the upper portion of the rim, while a separate cavity extends below and parallel to the suspender cavity and continuously from end to end of the rim. Then, a closure film C is formed.
[0058]
In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a separate closure member C ₁ Is formed in advance, which is inserted into the suspension rim and bonded to the bottom surface of the rim with an adhesive. As shown, the closure member C ₁ Is larger than the diameter of the container, and when the hanging rim is snap-fitted into the mouth of the container, the closure member C is provided between the hanging rim and the rim of the container. ₂ Is pressed to form a seal.
[0059]
In the embodiment of FIG. 9, an inwardly projecting support flange formation F is molded inside the suspension ring skirt, thereby forming a peripheral slot, in which the preformed closure is formed. Insert the board and fix it firmly. The dimensions of the support flange forming body F are such that when the ring is fitted into the bead 8 of the container, ₂ Is pressed so as to be pressed.
[0060]
In the embodiment of FIG. 10, another conventional fitting type closure 4 a forms the outer peripheral bead B. The suspension ring 4 ″ (which may be of the construction described above) has a snap-in groove formed and arranged to be snap-fit to the bead B, so that the snap-fit The desired closure and suspension function are realized by the three components. An automatic machine with two stations first snaps the closure 4a to the container and then snaps the suspension ring 4 '' to the closure 4a. Alternatively, the ring and closure may first be automatically assembled and then the assembly snap-fitted to the container.
[0061]
In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a suspension ring is frictionally fitted into the mouth portion of the container and extends to cover the entire mouth portion. Engagement is sufficient to achieve weight transfer, depending on the volume of the container and the centrifugal compression force between the ring and the container, as determined by the relative sizing and material selection. This allows the container to be hung with a finger during transport or display. To further add security, the above-described heat shrink safety ring 21 may be applied.
[0062]
In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 12c, the lid 10 and the carton 11 are square or rectangular, and have other mechanisms similar to those described above. This embodiment provides an efficient use of the hanging space. As shown in FIG. 12c, there is almost no gap between adjacent packages suspended on a pole.
[0063]
FIG. 13 shows two finger openings F spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the suspender. ₁ And F ₂ 2 shows a finger suspender having Outer opening F ₂ Is used in the manner described above.
[0064]
Inner opening F ₁ May be used depending on the user's preference, such as when the container is more closely attached to the hand and suspended, or when the container is supported under the hand. Inner opening F ₁ Is sometimes useful for lifting the lid with the thumb. As shown in the figure, while pressing the center of the lid with the thumb, the opening F ₁ Insert a finger into the and apply force to bend backwards the part of the elastic lid with the suspender attached. In some cases, the outer end of the suspender may be omitted if only the inner opening is used, as shown in FIG. 13 or 13a and 13b.
[0065]
FIG. 14 shows a preferred embodiment of a container having a lid 4 'in which a finger suspender FS is integrally formed on the upper surface. The suspender FS extends from the proximal end, which is the attachment point, to the distal end. The suspenders during formation are in a relaxed state and are generally flat on top of the lid, which has the advantage of stacking lids and containers. As in the previous embodiments, an inner film laminate is affixed to the bottom surface of the rim of the lid 4 ', providing a seal between the contents of the container and the external environment. Also, as before, a hole is opened at the end of the suspender SF, and a container made of a combination of a lid and a cup as shown in the figure can be hung.
[0066]
Another embodiment, FIGS. 15 and 15a, shows a locking device for selectively securing a lid to a cup or other container. The locking device is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,056,144 issued May 2, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, lid 80 is provided with a lock formation 90 (only one shown) extending radially inward from lid flange 91. Further, the cup 81 is provided with a dent 92 (only one is formed) formed along the bead 93 of the lid, and as shown in FIG. When the cover 80 is put on the lock, the lock forming body 90 passes through the bead 93 and reaches below the bead.
[0067]
After the lock forming body 90 reaches below the bead 93, the lid 80 is rotated with respect to the cup 81 to shift the positions of the lock forming body 90 and the recesses 92. The lock formation 90 provides a fixed engagement with the bead 93 so that the lid does not come off the cup. With this structure, as shown in FIG. 15A, even if the content is relatively heavy, the container can be hung by the finger suspender FS without the lid coming off the cup.
[0068]
FIG. 16 shows a preferred embodiment of a container having a lid 70 integrally formed with a finger suspender FS '. Suspenders FS ₂ Extends from the proximal end 74 where it is attached to the distal end 76. A hole 78 is formed in the end portion 76, and the hole 78 functions as a loop, so that a container composed of a combination of a lid 70 and a cup 71 as shown can be hung.
[0069]
Suspender SF during formation ₂ Is in a relaxed state and extends downwardly from the lid 70 and parallel to the flange 73 of the lid. This arrangement of the suspenders allows the lid 70 to be stacked with a similar lid during manufacture, storage, and shipping of the lid. Furthermore, the suspender SF in the loose state ₂ Hangs parallel to the side of the cup and is substantially out of the way, so that containers comprising the cup 71 and the lid 70 and filled with product can be stacked during storage, shipping and transportation.
[0070]
Referring to FIG. 17, a pair of finger suspenders FS arranged in a branched manner for a large object. ₃ And FS ₄ Is provided. In this arrangement, the center axis A of each of the vertically long suspenders draws a curve, and the center of the two finger openings is the diameter d of the circular upper surface. ₁ It's above. The hinge root area of each suspender has a diameter d ₁ And it is asymmetrical. The root of the two suspenders is the diameter d ₂ In the diametrically opposite position above, with diameter d ₂ And form a substantial angle.
[0071]
When a load is applied, the positions of the two finger openings are not exactly aligned, but since the openings are formed appropriately large, one or more fingers may be placed depending on the area where the two openings overlap. A hole to be hung is defined.
[0072]
When the two suspenders are raised at the same time, the flexible rim of the telescoping ring tends to be pulled into an elliptical shape, and the rim of the suspension ring squeezes the sides of the container. This allows the suspension ring to effectively and securely grip the container.
[0073]
The use of this ring or this simple variant makes it possible to handle large bulk containers which have been difficult to handle conventionally. As shown, the container can be held with the hands free, so that other operations can be performed with the same hands.
[0074]
Such hanging rims, which fit into the conventional end beads of metal cans or paper containers, can be used to carry heavy cans for shortening and paint, or to carry popcorn containers in cinemas. If maximum load capacity is not required, the root region of the suspender may be stressed and straightened to provide more flexibility.
[0075]
Numerous variations and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will be understood by the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0076]
FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
1a is a plan view of the support ring of FIG. 1 during manufacture;
1b is a longitudinal sectional view of the support ring of FIG. 1 during manufacture.
FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the support ring of FIG. 1 during manufacture.
FIG. 1d is a perspective view when the support ring of FIG. 1 is in a use position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention suspended from a finger of a hand holding a cup.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view according to the present invention, showing a tennis player holding a racket in his hand lowering two tennis ball cans on the fingers of the same hand.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which finger suspenders of three containers similar to FIG. 1 are entangled with each other and these containers are connected;
FIG. 4a illustrates how finger suspenders are entangled with each other.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a product suspended at an angle, showing a product suspended on a shelf located overhead and a product suspended below eye level. .
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a completed product.
FIG. 6a is a view of the product of FIG. 6 in an assembly phase.
FIG. 6b is a view of the product of FIG. 6 during the assembly phase.
FIG. 6c is an illustration of the product of FIG. 6 in an assembly phase.
FIG. 6d is a longitudinal sectional view of the container of FIG. 6;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment provided with a seal mechanism.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment provided with a seal mechanism.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment including a seal mechanism.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment provided with a seal mechanism.
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment provided with a seal mechanism.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a rectangular container suspended by a finger.
12a is a view showing a state where the container of FIG. 12 is disassembled.
FIG. 12b shows the assembled container.
FIG. 12c shows a series of containers suspended from a finger suspender for display.
FIG. 13 shows a finger suspender with a double ring.
FIG. 13a illustrates the use of the lower finger opening in the operation of bending the lid.
FIG. 13b illustrates the use of the lower finger opening in the operation of bending the lid.
FIG. 14 illustrates the lid with a free end and an integral finger suspender formed by a portion that protrudes inward from the rim of the snap-on lid.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view in a state where a lid is removed.
FIG. 15a is a view showing a state where a container having a twist lock type lid is suspended.
FIG. 16 shows the lid with an integral finger suspender member having a free end and formed by a portion integrally projecting outwardly from the rim of the snap-on lid.
FIG. 17 is a plan view of a new double suspension member structure.
FIG. 17a shows the structure of FIG. 17 when the load is light, with the hands free to do other work.
FIG. 17b illustrates the use of a structure for carrying heavy cans.

Claims (35)

A support for a predetermined container (2, 2 ′, 2 ″, 71, 81, 92, 94) having a rim in an upper opening,
The support comprises a synthetic resin lid or support ring (4, 4 ', 70, 80, 90) configured to mate with the rim of the container;
Flexible finger suspenders having become and the free end of a synthetic resin _{(FS, FS 1, FS 2} , FS 3, FS 4) , together with the corresponding lid or supporting ring is integrally formed, the formation position A support that can be bent to an upright position and can carry the weight of the container in the upright position. The support according to claim 1, wherein the finger suspender is joined to the support by a flexible route (R) forming a flexible hinge joined to the lid or ring. The support according to claim 2, wherein the width of the flexible route (R) is wider than the width of the body of the flexible suspender. Since the finger suspender is joined to the lid or the support ring at a position substantially deviated from a center axis passing through the center of gravity of the container, when the container is supported by the finger suspender, the container is substantially The support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support is sufficient to be inclined vertically. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the finger suspender is joined to the lid or the support ring around a rim of the lid or the ring. 6. The support of claim 5, wherein the lid or support ring is between parallel interfaces and the finger suspender is located parallel to and along or between the interfaces. Utensils. Wherein in forming finger suspender _{(FS, FS 1, FS 2} , FS 3, FS 4) is located lying on the inside of the rim of the lid or supporting ring, any one of claims 1 to 6 A support according to claim 1. 8. The support according to claim 1, wherein the finger suspender (FS ₂ ) when formed is located outside the rim of the lid or the support ring. 9. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a support root base (R) of the finger suspender is joined to a rim of the lid or the support ring. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the body of the finger suspender is a sheet having a substantially constant thickness. The finger suspender has a longitudinal axis and comprises at least along the longitudinal axis a relatively short flexible root (R) region and a substantially long body, the body for supporting a container. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support device terminates at a portion large enough to receive the finger. The support according to claim 11, wherein the body comprises an elongated leg portion L and a head constituting a formation F on which a finger can be put. The support according to claim 12, wherein the lateral width of the leg portion L is smaller than the lateral width of the root portion R and the formation F on which the finger is put. 14. A support according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the finger suspender is sheet-shaped and the formation on which the finger rests is provided with an opening sized to receive a finger at a distal end of the suspender. The finger suspenders comprise at least two finger formations (F ₁ , F ₂ ), the first formation being closer to the base root of the suspender than the second formation. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising one finger suspender. 17. The flexible finger suspender according to claim 1, comprising two flexible finger suspenders, wherein an end of the flexible finger suspender has a movable range so that they can be engaged and supported by a finger at the same time. The support according to claim 1. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a length of the finger suspender including a root area (R) and a finger area (F) is at least 2 inches. 19. A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the suspender on which the finger rests is at least half the minimum cross section of the mouth portion of the container. It said portion for applying a finger of the finger suspenders (F ₁₎ is located lying in proximity to the base root of the suspender, brace according to any one of claims 1 to 19. 21. The support of claim 20, wherein the suspender is configured and arranged to apply a bending force such that the suspender buckles and assists in removing the lid or support ring from the container. 22. A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid or support ring is snap-fit to a mouth portion of the container. 23. The support of claim 22, wherein the lid or support is snap-fit to an external bead at a mouth portion of the container. 22. A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid or support ring is snap-fitted to a cover, and the cover is snap-fitted to the container. 22. A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid or support ring is friction fitted to a rim of the container. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the lid or the support ring is engaged and fixed to a rim of the container. Comprising a pair of finger suspenders formed inside the rim of the lid or support ring, wherein the axes of the suspenders are curved and the fingering formations of the suspenders are aligned on a first diameter (d); root base of the suspender is located on the second diameter d ₂ that forms the first diameter d ₁ substantially angular, brace according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The support is adapted to mate with another support having a similar structure, and each suspender has a head forming an opening sized to receive a finger. 28. The head of the suspender is configured to be able to pass through the opening of the other suspender, so that the container holding the support can be suspended at the same time. A support according to claim 1. The head comprises a hole sized to receive a finger and a head, the hole comprising a slot, the slot being sized to allow a head of another aligned, similar suspender to pass therethrough. 29. A support according to claim 28, wherein an opening is provided which expands into the opening. A container having a minimum horizontal dimension of 2 inches or more in the mouth portion, wherein the mouth portion can be at least partially closed with a removable lid or support ring, and the container is upright from the bottom to the upper wide mouth portion. A wall extends, the width of the mouth portion is approximately the same as the largest horizontal cross section of the container, the wide mouth portion is constituted by a relatively thick rim formation, and the lid or support ring defines the rim portion. The rim portion extends over and releasably engages the rim former to form at least a portion of the attachment of the lid or support ring to the container, the container lid or A container in which the container and its contents are supported by the structure of the support ring and their attachment;
A flexible suspender extending from the lid or support ring and adapted to be hooked on a support member such as a product display pole or hook, wherein the length of the suspender is about 2 inches or more; When the container is hooked on the support member, the container has an inclined angle, a flexible suspender,
Combination with. 31. The method of claim 30, comprising a length of at least about 2 inches, a pair of opposed flexible suspenders integrally formed with the lid or support ring and configured to simultaneously support the container. combination. 32. The combination of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the lid or support ring is configured to snap-fit to the container. 33. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the support has an opening in the central area for viewing the contents of the container. 34. The support of claim 33, wherein the container is closed or forms a seal with the rim of the lid or ring by a transparent plastic film or sheet. The support according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein a plastic heat-shrinkable band is attached to an outer periphery of a joint portion between the lid or the support ring and the container.