DE202014003590U1 - Stackable containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Stackable containers, consisting of a bowl and a suitable lid, which are characterized in that (a) the bowl (a1) has a rectangular base area and (a2) has a rectangular upper boundary surface which is spanned by the four side parts, (a3) wherein the shell opens upwards uniformly in the x and y directions, and (a4) the boundary surface is approximately 5 to approximately 20% larger than the base surface, and (a5) the upper edge is folded down into an arc that opens downwards, (a6) the arc running perpendicularly towards the shell wall and (a7) at the end forming a first circumferential support edge, and (b) the cover (b1) has a base area which corresponds to the boundary surface of the shell, so that the shell can be closed with the lid, (b2) the lid having a wall height of approximately 5 to approximately 15 mm, and (b3) the wall having a constriction at approximately half the height and thereby a second circumferential contact edge sforms, and (b4) a circumferential bead is applied to the surface of the lid, the surface of which corresponds to the base of the shell, so that it can be fitted here.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of packaging and relates to stackable containers for holding objects, especially food.

STATE OF THE ART

In the catering sector as well as in private households there is the need food, such. B. finished cooked food or raw materials to save space, to transport and / or store. Containers that basically meet these requirements are well known in the art and life experience.

For example, from the EP 0391155 A1 (NIRO PLAN) Gastronomy container for transporting, storing and offering food, especially in large kitchens, self-service restaurants and the like. The containers consist of a lower bowl-shaped part, a removable lid and a seal arranged therebetween. For this container is suitable for longer storage times or transport routes, its lid has an opening in which a vacuum valve is installed. These containers, however, are not stackable.

Subject of the EP 0657131 B1 (FIRST BAYRIC PORCELAIN FACTORY) are catering trays that are essentially rectangular and stackable. From a floor protrude two transverse and two longitudinal walls, which merge into one another at the corner areas and carry an outwardly projecting handle ledge, which forms pronounced corners in the corner areas, and in which the transverse walls and the longitudinal walls are designed to be wider expansive to the outside form outwardly directed circumferential projection. The shells, however, can not be closed.

The disadvantage, however, is that the known products are characterized by the fact that they can not be safely stacked in the closed state. As a rule, when stacking constructions are created, which even when lightly touched fluctuate in the sway and in total very easily fall over - with all the negative consequences that may result from it. In areas where it is important to stockpile such products in bulk and to deliver them to the customer - for example, in fast food restaurants - the problem is that the containers are sold in larger containers, in which - usually trained as trays - Containers pressed into each other and are difficult to separate. The associated lids are always stored as loose goods anyway. Keeping space in this way proves to be difficult.

The object of the present invention, however, was to remedy the disadvantages described and instead to provide resealable containers in which both the sealed containers, as well as each container and lid can be stacked separately safe and in large quantities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

• (a) die Schale (a1) eine rechteckige Grundfläche sowie (a2) eine rechteckige obere Begrenzungsfläche aufweist, die durch die vier Seitenteile aufgespannt wird, (a3) wobei sich die Schale nach oben in x- und y-Richtung gleichmäßig öffnet, und (a4) die Begrenzungsfläche etwa 5 bis etwa 20% größer als die Grundfläche ist, und (a5) die Oberkante zu einem sich nach unten offenen Bogen umgeklappt ist, (a6) wobei der Bogen in Richtung auf die Schalenwand senkrecht verläuft und (a7) dabei am Ende eine erste umlaufende Auflagekante ausbildet, und
• (b) der Deckel (b1) eine Grundfläche aufweist, die der Begrenzungsfläche der Schale entspricht, so dass die Schale mit dem Deckel verschlossen werden kann, (b2) wobei der Deckel eine Wandhöhe von etwa 5 bis etwa 15 mm aufweist, und (b3) die Wand auf etwa halber Höhe eine Einschnürung aufweist und dabei eine zweite umlaufende Auflagekante ausbildet, und (b4) auf der Oberfläche des Deckels eine umlaufender Wulst aufgebracht ist, dessen Fläche der Grundfläche der Schale entspricht, so dass diese hier eingepasst werden kann.

The invention relates to stackable containers, consisting of a shell and a matching lid, which are characterized in that

• (a) the shell (a1) has a rectangular base surface and (a2) a rectangular upper boundary surface which is spanned by the four side parts, (a3) the shell opens uniformly in the x and y direction, and ( a4) the boundary surface is about 5 to about 20% larger than the base surface, and (a5) the top edge is folded down to a downwardly open arc, (a6) the arc is perpendicular to the shell wall and (a7) thereby at the end of a first circumferential bearing edge forms, and
• (b) the lid (b1) has a footprint corresponding to the boundary surface of the bowl so that the bowl can be closed with the lid, (b2) the lid having a wall height of about 5 to about 15 mm, and (b3 ) has the wall at about half height, a constriction and thereby forms a second circumferential support edge, and (b4) on the surface of the lid, a circumferential bead is applied, whose surface corresponds to the base of the shell, so that it can be fitted here.

With the aid of the present invention, it is possible to safely stack both the trays closed by the lid and the trays and lids in each case, which is associated with a significant space saving. It is essential to the invention that both the shell and the lid are provided with peripheral support edges, on which the respective next element to be stacked can rest safely. The lids are also equipped with a circumferential bead, in which the next shell can be securely fitted.

Common features of shell and lids

The geometry of trays and lids plays a minor role in the invention. Basically, the dimensions are to be understood in each case so that shell and cover fit together. Thus, the ratio length: width: height of the base of the shells can be about 10: (2 to 10) :( 2 to 10). Thus, it concerns trays / lids with rectangular and in special case square base. Typical containers have a length of about 10 to about 50 cm, and a width also about 10 to about 50 cm, with respect to the trays and their associated lids. Specific dimensions are, for example, in centimeters: 10 × 10, 20 × 20, 30 × 30, 40 × 40, 50 × 50, 10 × 20, 20 × 30 and 30 × 50, and any intermediate dimensions. The shells also have a height of about 2 to about 50 cm, d. H. they can be very flat containers, for example for packaging cheese slices or else for storage containers, for example for flour, sugar or coffee. Preferably, the tray and associated lid have a length: width ratio of about 10: 2, 10: 5, 10: 7 or 10:10 at a height of about 2 to about 5 cm. The wall thickness of the bowls can be 1 to 3 mm, the lids may be designed a little stronger.

The volumes of the containers may vary between about 0.5 and about 10 liters, preferably between about 1 and about 8 liters, and more preferably between about 1.5 and about 5 liters.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the shell and the associated lid have rounded edges. This can go so far - and therefore corresponding embodiments of the invention are expressly included - that the rectangular base assumes an oval or even round shape.

The shells and lids may consist of the same or different materials and be rigid or flexible. Typical examples are polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, for the lid also come in addition elastomers in question. The shells and lids can be independent of each other opaque or transparent and, if desired, also colored.

The invention is described below by the to explained in more detail, without being limited to these embodiments.

Invention elements of the shell

shows a side view of a shell without a lid, which here is the case of a rectangular shape.

The elements of the invention are in , which shows a side sketch (section AA) in more detail. It can be seen first that the base area is reduced compared to the upper boundary surface defined by the sides. This necessarily results from the fact that the side parts are not perpendicular to the base, but the shell opens upwards. The opening angle is largely uncritical; it should not be so large that the contents slip out of the shell and should not be too small, so that there is a noticeable tendency. The latter, however, serves more aesthetic aspects, ie, embodiments are conceivable that function analogously, but in which the walls are perpendicular to the base. The angle of inclination is spanned between the solder, which is aimed at the center of the shell and the inclined wall at half height and may be about 10 to about 20 degrees.

Another important element of the shell is that the top edge is folded down to a downwardly opening arch. In the plan view, the upper edge thus has a diameter of about 2 to about 5 mm and is thus significantly wider than the wall thickness of the shell, which is 1 to 3 mm. In addition, the top edge is rounded, which means that a precisely fitting lid, which has a corresponding joint - optionally still provided with a separate seal - closes airtight and secure.

Another important design element will be in (Section Bb) shown in the illustrated how two shells can be safely stacked. The half-arch created by folding down the upper edge has a height of typically 10 to 15 mm and thereby opens downwards. In the direction of the shell wall, however, the arch is not round but straight and vertical. As a result, two important effects are achieved: in the edge region, the wall thickness is significantly increased, which contributes significantly to the strength of the shell. Otherwise, when the cover is pressed on, the edge often yields or even tears. On the other hand, however, an edge is thereby created, which is such that when fitting the first shell in a second shell located underneath, the first shell with the curved edge rests exactly on the rounded upper edge of the second shell and can be safely stacked in this way ,

Preferably, the arc generated by folding over the upper edge is designed so that the outer boundary is approximately higher than the lower inner edge. This results in the stacking of the shells between the curved upper edges creates a gap of about 2 to 4 mm, which facilitates the separation of the shells.

Inventive elements of the lid

shows a cover in the side elevation, here again in the case of a rectangular embodiment. On the rectangular base sits a second slightly smaller area with rounded edges, the wall height is about 5 to about 15 mm. This embodiment is optional, although preferred, because this design feature creates lips at the four corners, which typically also protrude from the underlying shell and make it easier for the consumer to remove the lid. The thickness of this lip is typically 1 to 2 mm.

shows how the lids can be stacked. The design principle is similar to both shells. The lids have namely in the wall on a circumferential constriction, which serves as a support edge. When stacking the lid, the underside of the upper lid lies exactly on the constriction of the lower lid and so can not slip.

Finally, the lid has on its upper side a circumferential bead, which is designed in terms of their dimensions so that a shell can be accurately fitted with its base. This embodiment thus serves to stack one another, which are closed with lids.

It can not be seen that the cover has a circumferential groove on its underside, which is designed so that the rounded upper edge of the shell fits exactly.

Embodiments of the invention

• (a) eine Vollzeichnung,
• (b) einen mit Maßen versehenen Seitenaufriss und
• (c) eine mit Maßen versehene Aufsicht.

The others to show trays with different cross sections and heights, respectively

• (a) a full drawing,
• (b) a dimensioned side elevation and
• (c) dimensional control.

In this case, the embodiments of the to the following heights and volumes:

: Height 65 mm - volume 1 l

: Height 65 mm - volume 2.4 l

: Height 100 mm - volume 1.6 l

: Height 100 mm - volume 3.8 l

: Height 150 mm - volume 2.5 l

: Height 150 mm - volume 5.8 l

: Height 200 mm - volume 3.3 l

: Height 200 mm - volume 7,8 l

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0391155 A1 [0003]
• EP 0657131 B1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Stackable containers, consisting of a bowl and a matching lid, which are characterized in that (a) the shell (a1) a rectangular base as well (a2) has a rectangular upper boundary surface, which is spanned by the four side parts, (a3) with the shell opening uniformly in the x and y direction, and (a4) the boundary surface is about 5 to about 20% larger than the footprint, and (a5) the top edge is folded down to a downwardly open arc, (a6) wherein the arc is perpendicular to the shell wall and (a7) forms at the end of a first circumferential support edge, and (b) the lid (b1) has a base area which corresponds to the boundary surface of the shell, so that the shell can be closed with the cover, (b2) wherein the lid has a wall height of about 5 to about 15 mm, and (B3) the wall at about half height has a constriction and thereby forms a second circumferential bearing edge, and (B4) on the surface of the lid, a circumferential bead is applied, whose surface corresponds to the base of the shell, so that it can be fitted here. Containers according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio length: width: height of the base surface of the shell is about 10: (2 to 10) :( 2 to 10). Containers according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the shell and the associated lid have a length of about 10 to about 50 cm. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shell and the associated lid have a width of about 10 to about 50 cm. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shell has a height of about 2 to about 50 cm. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shell and the associated lid has a ratio of length: width of about 10: 2, 10: 5, 10: 7 or 10:10 at a height of about 2 to about 5 cm. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the shell and the associated lid has a wall thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the angle A, which is spanned between the solder at the center of the shell and the shell wall at half height, is about 10 to about 20 degrees. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shell and the associated lid have rounded edges. Containers according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that they consist of polyethylene, polypropylene and / or polyvinyl chloride.

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