Storage container

Abstract

The present application relates to a method for manufacturing a storage container (16) comprising a ceramic receiving body (13) for receiving goods, in particular for receiving food products, in which the manufacturing of the receiving body (13) comprises: forming a precursor body of the receiving body (13) by isostatic pressing of a raw material; and firing the precursor body in order to obtain the ceramic receiving body (13), the production of the receiving body (13) further comprising the provision of at least one groove (14) for establishing a snap-fit connection with the at least one cover element (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container comprising a ceramic receiving body for receiving goods, particularly food, such as solid and / or liquid food. Background Technology

[0002] Storage containers (especially food storage containers) are widely recognized for their practicality in preserving a wide variety of items. Storage containers typically consist of a body (receiving body) and a lid. The body is usually made of polymer materials and / or glass, and similarly, the lid is made of polymer materials and / or glass. The connection between the lid and the body can be a push-fit (push-in connection) or a locking mechanism (locking connection). Locking mechanisms typically include a snap-fit ​​feature that secures the lid to the body until the user (e.g., by turning a flap and / or operating lever) disengages it. A push-fit connection involves pressing the lid against the top edge of the body to achieve a slightly loose press-fit seal within a groove on the lid. A significant drawback of push-fit designs is their tendency to loosen, potentially allowing leakage of contents (especially liquids).

[0003] Ceramic has also been used in the body of push-fit containers, providing many user-preferred benefits such as a smooth, hygienic surface and a beautiful, high-quality appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to develop a method for manufacturing a storage container that not only attracts users but also ensures the safe containment of its contents.

[0005] In particular, this objective is achieved through the subject matter of claim 1.

[0006] In particular, according to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for manufacturing a storage container comprising a ceramic receiving body for receiving goods, particularly food, preferably liquid food, wherein the manufacturing of the receiving body comprises forming a precursor body of the receiving body by isostatic pressing of raw materials and firing the precursor body to obtain the ceramic receiving body, and the manufacturing of the receiving body further comprises providing at least one groove for establishing a snap-fit ​​connection with at least one cover element.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved in particular by a method for manufacturing a storage container (preferably according to the method of the first aspect), the storage container comprising a ceramic receiving body for receiving goods (particularly food) and at least one lid element for closing the upper portion of the receiving body, wherein the receiving body and the lid element are configured to be fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism including a rotatable locking member as part of the lid element, wherein manufacturing the receiving body comprises forming a precursor body of the receiving body by isostatic pressing of raw materials and firing the precursor body to obtain the ceramic receiving body.

[0008] This invention introduces a novel method for manufacturing a storage container by combining a ceramic receiving body with a locking cap, the ceramic receiving body being formed by isostatic pressing of raw materials. This combination has proven not only appealing to users but also feasible to manufacture, a finding contrary to previous assumptions. The challenge likely lies in the idea that the groove structure necessary for the snap-fit ​​connection cannot be successfully molded into the ceramic body formed by isostatic pressing. This is presumably due to concerns that the groove would change its shape during firing, potentially compromising the fit.

[0009] However, the inventors recognized that, specifically by shaping the groove with a specific curve before firing, the groove could be transformed into the correct shape (e.g., a straight shape) after firing to fit a secure snap-fit ​​connection. The groove, formed after pressing but before firing, follows a curve that naturally straightens during the firing process. This method simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring that the shape of the groove in the final product is suitable for a reliable locking connection.

[0010] At least one slot can be set during the pressing process. Then, the additional step of setting the slot can be omitted.

[0011] In one embodiment, the groove is set by a drilling machine (especially before firing).

[0012] Preferably, the receiving body includes an upper edge portion that at least substantially defines a polygon, particularly a quadrilateral.

[0013] The receiving body may include an (upper) edge portion having at least one flat portion, wherein the flat portion includes a groove and / or is configured to establish a snap-fit ​​connection with the cover element.

[0014] The groove (preferably) is away from the main part (plate part) of the cover element and / or faces downward (when the storage container is placed on a flat surface).

[0015] The rotatable locking component of the cover member may include at least one tongue portion for engaging a corresponding slot. The tongue portion may be disposed on a flap portion that is rotatable about an axis disposed on the cover member (particularly the edge portion of the cover member).

[0016] In particular, the above objective is achieved by a storage container comprising a ceramic receiving body for receiving goods (especially food), preferably a storage container manufactured according to the above method, wherein the receiving body is formed by isostatically pressing raw materials into a precursor body and firing the precursor body, the receiving body comprising at least one groove for establishing a snap-fit ​​connection with at least one cover element.

[0017] In particular, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a storage container according to the foregoing paragraph, which is preferably manufactured according to the above-described method. The storage container includes a ceramic receiving body for receiving goods (especially food) and at least one cover element for closing the upper part of the receiving body. The receiving body and the cover element are configured to be (fixedly) connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which includes a rotatable locking member as part of the cover element. The receiving body is formed by isostatically pressing raw materials into a precursor body and firing the precursor body.

[0018] Preferably, the groove is at least substantially straight (after firing).

[0019] Preferably, the receiving body includes an edge portion that at least substantially defines a polygon, particularly a quadrilateral.

[0020] The receiving body may include an edge portion having at least one straight portion, wherein the straight portion includes a groove and / or is configured to establish a snap-fit ​​connection with a cover element.

[0021] Preferably, the groove is away from the body of the cover element.

[0022] Preferably, the rotatable locking component of the cover element includes at least one tongue portion for engaging with a corresponding slot.

[0023] The cover element may be made at least partially of a transparent material (particularly glass) and / or (optionally opaque) material (particularly polymer). Preferably, the substrate of the cover element is made of a transparent material (e.g., glass), and at least one frame component and / or locking component is made of a polymer. The polymer may include polyolefins, such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene.

[0024] In one embodiment, the transparent portion may include a transparent base. The cover element may include a transparent substrate (glass plate) surrounded by an opaque frame component (made of polymer).

[0025] A sealing element, such as one based on an elastomer (e.g., rubber), can be arranged between the cover element and the receiving body (in the assembled state of the storage container). The sealing element can be arranged in a groove on the inside of the cover element (especially the frame element).

[0026] The rotatable locking component can rotate about an axis disposed in and / or on the cover element (particularly the frame component). The rotatable locking component may have one or more tongue components. When multiple tongue components are present, they may be arranged in the same corresponding slot in the receiving body or in different slots.

[0027] The receiving body may include multiple slots, particularly at least two or at least four slots, preferably each slot for one side of the quadrilateral construction. Alternatively or additionally, the cover element may include multiple (e.g., at least two, preferably at least four) rotatable locking elements. In an embodiment, a locking element is arranged on each side of the quadrilateral cover element.

[0028] The receiving body may include a flange portion at the upper edge, and one or more slots are preferably arranged on the underside of the flange portion.

[0029] The internal volume of the receiving body and / or storage container can be at least 10 cm³. 3 Preferably at least 50cm 3 and / or less than 5000cm 3 Preferably less than 2000cm 3 Optionally less than 1000cm 3 .

[0030] The height of the receiving body can be at least 2cm, preferably at least 4cm, and / or less than 20cm, optionally less than 12cm.

[0031] The length of the receiving body can be at least 5cm, preferably at least 15cm, and / or less than 50cm, optionally less than 25cm.

[0032] The width of the receiving body can be at least 3cm, preferably at least 6cm, and / or less than 20cm, preferably less than 14cm.

[0033] Providing at least one slot may include providing a (sub)station comprising a drilling machine. This (sub)station may be part of a cleaning station. When forming the slot, the slot may be curved, particularly following the contour of the corresponding receiver body edge (flange). In embodiments, the curve of the slot is (completely) parallel to the curvature of the receiver body edge where the slot is located. Typically, the slot is formed such that it (after firing) is compatible with the cover element.

[0034] For the drilling step, robots can be used.

[0035] Through trial and error, it has been found that certain difficulties can be overcome, such as the reverse calculation of the tank geometry, the influence of firing characteristics, and the potential non-circular shape of the storage container. It has also been found that the firing temperature and / or particle composition need to be controlled accordingly.

[0036] Preferably, a uniform temperature is established within the firing apparatus. This then improves the accuracy of the (final) groove geometry. In this regard, it must be noted that for simple push-type caps, the cap element typically has a silicon edge, which allows it to absorb certain tolerances. For locking-type systems as described herein, a much smaller tolerance space exists.

[0037] A key advantage of isostatic pressing is that the particles are already dry at the raw material stage. Therefore, shrinkage is less of a problem compared to conventional casting methods.

[0038] The groove can also be formed (e.g., by drilling) after firing. However, this can be more difficult because the material may crack. Generally, drilling after firing appears to be more difficult and expensive.

[0039] The difficulty in setting grooves during the forming process (in isostatic pressing) lies in providing the necessary (relatively deep) grooves without damaging the structure during deformation.

[0040] Other embodiments will be clear from the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a storage container;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a view of the body precursor received after isostatic pressing;

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The receiving body precursor is after firing;

[0045] Figure 4 It is part of the receiving body of an embodiment of the storage container. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for parts that have the same or similar functions.

[0047] Figure 1The diagram illustrates an isostatic pressing apparatus 10. A precursor receiving body having at least one groove is formed in this pressing apparatus 10. The precursor receiving body is then moved to a drilling station 11, in which at least one groove is provided in the receiving body. The grooved precursor receiving body is then fired in a firing station 12.

[0048] Figure 2 The image shows the receiving body 13 as viewed from below before firing. The receiving body 13 includes four (four in this example, but this is not mandatory) slots 14 at and below the flange portion 15. Specifically, in Figure 2 The bottom 21 of the receiving body 13 can be seen on the lower side 20.

[0049] Figure 3 This indicates after firing. Figure 2 The structure is such that groove 14 can be seen to have straightened.

[0050] Figure 4 An embodiment of a storage container 16 is shown, which includes a receiving body 13 and a cover element 17. The cover element 17 includes a rotatable flap portion 18 that is rotatable to engage a tongue element 19 with a slot 14.

[0051] In this respect, it should be noted that all of the above-mentioned components are essential to the invention when viewed individually and in any combination, especially the details shown in the accompanying drawings. Variations of these components are familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be noted that the broadest possible scope of protection is sought. In this regard, the disclosure included in the claims can also be indicated by features described together with other features (although these other features are not necessarily included). It should be explicitly noted that parentheses and the term "in particular" are used to emphasize the optionality of a feature in the corresponding context (conversely, this does not mean that the feature would be considered mandatory in the corresponding context without such marking). The term "element / multiple elements" is preferably used to characterize a corresponding related structure that can be connected to at least one other structure (in order to form a possible monolithic and / or inherently immovable integral structure), or that can be defined with all other structures.

[0053] Figure Labels

[0054] 10 isostatic pressing device

[0055] Drilling Station 11

[0056] 12 firing stations

[0057] 13 Receiving Body

[0058] 14 slots

[0059] 15 Flange portion

[0060] 16 storage containers

[0061] 17 cover components

[0062] 18% off section

[0063] 19 tongue elements

[0064] 20 lower side

[0065] 21 bottom

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a storage container (16), said storage container comprising a ceramic receiving body (13) for receiving goods, particularly food, wherein, Manufacturing the receiver body (13) includes: forming a precursor body of the receiver body (13) by isostatic pressing of raw materials; and firing the precursor body to obtain a ceramic receiver body (13). Manufacturing the receiver body (13) also includes providing at least one groove (14) for establishing a snap-fit ​​connection with at least one cover element (17).

2. A method for manufacturing a storage container (16), the method being particularly the method according to claim 1, wherein the storage container comprises a ceramic receiving body (13) for receiving goods, particularly food, and at least one cover element (17) for closing the upper portion of the receiving body (13), wherein, The receiving body (13) and the cover element (17) are configured to be fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which includes a rotatable locking component as part of the cover element (17). Manufacturing the receiving body (13) includes: forming a precursor body of the receiving body (13) by isostatic pressing of raw materials; and firing the precursor body to obtain a ceramic receiving body (13).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A groove (14) is set after isostatic pressing and before firing, preferably a curved groove that straightens during firing.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A slot (14) is set during the pressing process.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The slot (14) is set by the drilling machine.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving body (13) includes an edge portion that defines at least a basic polygon, particularly a quadrilateral.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving body (13) includes an edge portion having at least one flat portion, the flat portion including the groove (14) and / or configured to establish a snap-fit ​​connection with the cover element (17).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The groove (14) is away from the body of the cover element (17).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rotatable locking component of the cover element (17) includes at least one tongue portion for engaging with a corresponding slot (14).

10. A storage container (16) comprising a ceramic receiving body (13) for receiving goods, particularly food, said storage container being manufactured, in particular, according to the method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The receiving body (13) is formed by isostatically pressing raw materials into a precursor body and firing the precursor body. The receiving body (13) includes at least one groove (14) for establishing a snap-fit ​​connection with at least one cover element (17).

11. A storage container (16), particularly according to the storage container of the preceding claim, preferably manufactured according to the method of any one of the preceding claims, the storage container comprising a ceramic receiving body (13) for receiving goods, particularly food, and at least one cover element (17) for closing the upper portion of the receiving body (13), wherein: The receiving body (13) and the cover element (17) are configured to be fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which includes a rotatable locking component as part of the cover element (17). The receiving body (13) is formed by isostatically pressing raw materials into a precursor body and firing the precursor body.

12. The storage container (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The groove (14) is at least substantially straight.

13. The storage container (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving body (13) includes an edge portion that at least defines a basic polygon, particularly a quadrilateral.

14. The storage container (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving body (13) includes an edge portion having at least one flat portion, the flat portion including the groove (14) and / or configured to establish a snap-fit ​​connection with the cover element (17).

15. The storage container (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The groove (14) is away from the body of the cover element (17).

16. The storage container (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rotatable locking component of the cover element (17) includes at least one tongue portion for engaging with a corresponding slot (14).

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