Containers with flaps

Abstract

Container (1) of an oval base shape with a base (2) and with a circumferential side wall (3), which in the area of ​​an opening (4) of the container (1) has a circumferential rim (5) with an engagement area (6) for interaction with a lid (7), wherein the rim (5) extends symmetrically to a transverse median plane (9) by means of opposing transverse vertices (10) and symmetrically to a longitudinal median plane (11) by means of opposing longitudinal vertices (12), and wherein a skirt (8) adjoins the rim (5), and with two tabs (13) which are attached in the area of ​​one of the two longitudinal vertices (12) on both sides of the longitudinal median plane (11), which are each connected to the container (1) via a pivot connection (14) and which can each be folded from a first position oriented essentially parallel to the skirt (8) into a second position pivoted with respect to the skirt (8),to at least partially release the lid (7) from the engagement area (6) of the rim (5) at the longitudinal apex (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container and a container comprising a container and a lid closing the container.

[0002] For familiar containers, a tab may be provided to simplify lid removal. This tab is typically located at the top of the container and is usually pivoted or folded over to release or lift the lid, which is locked to the container, in the area of ​​the tab. This allows the operator to grasp the lid in the lifted area and remove it completely from the container.

[0003] For containers with an oval base or cross-section, lifting the lid typically occurs along a pulling direction that does not run along the transverse or longitudinal center plane of the container. This presents the problem that the force applied when removing the lid is introduced into the container asymmetrically. As a result, comparatively large forces are required to remove the lid, which can lead to significant deflection of the lid as it is removed from the container. Such deflection can, for example, cause a filler substance adhering to the lid, such as paint, to detach or flake off unintentionally.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a container and a packaging that overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the container and the packaging should enable a particularly simple and convenient removal of the lid from the container.

[0005] This problem is solved by a container, in particular a bucket, of oval shape, with a bottom and a circumferential side wall, which in the area of ​​an opening of the container has a circumferential rim with an engagement area for interaction with a lid, wherein the rim is mirror-symmetrical to a transverse median plane by means of opposing transverse vertices and mirror-symmetrical to a longitudinal median plane by means of opposing longitudinal vertices, and a skirt adjoins the rim, and with two tabs which are attached in the area of ​​one of the two longitudinal vertices on both sides of the longitudinal median plane, each connected to the container by a pivot connection and each foldable from a first position oriented essentially parallel to the skirt to a second position pivoted with respect to the skirt.to at least partially release the lid from the engagement area of ​​the edge at its longitudinal apex and thus enable or facilitate the removal of the lid along the longitudinal median plane.

[0006] The two tabs, located on either side of the longitudinal center plane at one of the two longitudinal vertices, allow the lid to be at least partially released from the rim's gripping area when the tabs are pivoted or folded into their second position. This release occurs in the area between the two tabs, i.e., directly at the longitudinal vertex. The person removing the lid can thus grasp it directly at the longitudinal vertex. Typically, the person removing the lid will intuitively pull it away from the container in a direction that runs along the longitudinal center plane.

[0007] When the lid is pulled off along the longitudinal center plane, the force required for removal is advantageously applied symmetrically, meaning the force required to remove the lid is comparatively small. Moments about the vertical axis of the container or container caused by asymmetrical force applications are thus eliminated, as are excessive deformations of the lid. Pulling the lid off in a direction along the transverse center plane, where the (oval) container or container edge has a smaller longitudinal extent, could also result in a symmetrical force application, but would require more force to remove the lid. Furthermore, such a container would be less stable because increased bending moments would be exerted on the tabs located at the transverse apex when the lid was being carried.

[0008] Both tabs are connected to the container via a pivot joint, which is typically located near the container's rim to release the lid from the engagement area when the tabs are pivoted. The pivot joint can be designed, for example, as a film hinge, using a thinner and more elastic material section compared to the rest of the container wall thickness. The pivot joints of the respective tabs are typically positioned between the outer surface of the skirt and the outer surface of the side wall, and are thus covered by the lid or its rim when the container is closed. The placement of the pivot joints within the engagement area ensures that when the tabs are pivoted or folded from the first to the second position, the lid is at least partially lifted or levered off the container's rim.The interaction between the container and the lid typically occurs in a locking manner in the engagement area, e.g. by means of an undercut.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the container is one in which the edges of the tabs facing away from the longitudinal center plane run at an angle of no more than 40°, preferably no more than 30°, and particularly no more than 25° to the longitudinal center plane. This allows the lid to be lifted near its apex when the tabs are folded into the second position. This facilitates gripping the lid at its longitudinal apex for further removal along the longitudinal center plane.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the container has edges of the tabs facing the longitudinal center plane running at an angle of 5° or more, preferably 10° or more, to the longitudinal center plane. This leaves a free area between the edges of the tabs facing the longitudinal center plane, which can be used for other structural components, such as stabilizing struts, the attachment of a bracket, etc., and in which a user can grasp the raised lid.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the tabs are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane. This symmetrical arrangement facilitates the release and removal of the lid along the longitudinal center plane of the container, or the symmetrical opening of the container.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, a connection for a container bracket is formed in the region of the longitudinal apex between the tabs. The connection for the container bracket is typically formed between the edges of the tabs facing the longitudinal center plane and generally has an opening for receiving one end of the container bracket as well as, optionally, stabilizing webs. It is understood that a corresponding connection for the container bracket is arranged in the region of the other longitudinal apex of the container, so that the container bracket can be inserted with both ends into the corresponding openings of the connections.

[0013] A container is also preferred in which radii are formed in the area of ​​the pivot joint between the edges of the tab and the surrounding rim. These radii are intended to prevent the tab from breaking off when the lid is frequently removed or the tab is frequently operated.

[0014] A further preferred embodiment of the container features predetermined breaking points between the edges of the tabs facing the longitudinal center plane and / or those facing away from the longitudinal center plane. This allows for a tamper-evident seal, indicating whether the container has been opened since its initial (original) closure. These predetermined breaking points can be formed by relatively thin sections of material between the edges of the tabs and the skirt, which can be broken by an operator folding the tabs from their first to their second position.

[0015] Preferably, the container is made of plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or polyolefins. Containers made of these materials are typically inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, they possess advantageous properties, such as high durability due to high toughness and elongation at break. The container can, in particular, be manufactured (in one piece) using an injection molding process.

[0016] In another embodiment, the rim, skirt, and tabs are manufactured in one piece. This allows the container to be produced cost-effectively, for example, using injection molding, as subsequent joining techniques for connecting or attaching individual components are eliminated.

[0017] Finally, an embodiment is also preferred in which each tab has a tactile and / or visually perceptible marking. Such markings can provide the user of the container or package with instructions for the correct use of the tabs. For example, a printed or embossed arrow can indicate the direction in which the respective tabs should be folded to at least partially release the lid from the container.

[0018] The problem is also solved by a container comprising a vessel according to the invention and a lid that interacts with the circumferential engagement area of ​​the vessel. The container with the vessel and the lid utilizes the same advantages described in connection with the vessel according to the invention; that is, the lid is typically removed along a pull-off direction that runs along the longitudinal median plane.

[0019] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those described in more detail below can each be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples for illustrating the invention.

[0020] The invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b A perspective view of an embodiment of the container according to the invention ( Fig. 1a) and a section of an edge area of ​​the container with two tabs ( Fig. 1b), Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b Schematic representations of the container of Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, which is sealed with a lid, Fig. 3 a top view of the container of the Fig. 1a, Fig. 4 a side view of the container of the Fig. 1a, Fig. 5 a section of the container analogous to Fig. 1b with two labeled tabs, as well as Fig. 6. a section of the container analogous to Fig. 2b with bumps formed on the apron.

[0021] The one in the Fig. The container 1 (bucket) shown in 1a, b comprises a base 2 and a circumferential side wall 3. The side wall 3 has a circumferential rim 5 in the area of ​​an oval opening 4 of the container 1 with an engagement area 6 for snap-fit ​​interaction with a lid 7 (cf. Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b) on. A skirt 8 for stabilizing the surrounding edge 5 adjoins the edge 5.

[0022] The rim 5 and the skirt 8 run, on the one hand, mirror-symmetrically to a transverse median plane 9 of the container 1 by means of opposing transverse vertices 10, and on the other hand, mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal median plane 11 of the container 1 by means of opposing longitudinal vertices 12 (see also Fig. 3) The container 1 thus has an oval, in the example shown approximately elliptical, basic shape. Typically, the ratio L / B between the distance L of the longitudinal vertices 12 and the distance B of the transverse vertices 10 is L / B > 1.1, in particular > 1.2. As a rule, the ratio L / B is less than 1.6, in particular less than 1.5.

[0023] The container 1 comprises two tabs 13, which are attached in the region of one of the two longitudinal vertices 12 on either side of the longitudinal center plane 11. In the example shown, the tabs 13 are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane 11 and are each connected to the container 1 via a rotary joint 14 such that they are each aligned from a first position substantially parallel to the skirt 8 (see figure). Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b) are foldable into a second position, pivoted with respect to the apron 8, which is not shown in the illustration.

[0024] Fig. 2a, Fig. Figure 2b shows a container 15, which consists of the container 1 and a lid 7 covering or closing the container 1. The lid 7 engages with the circumferential engagement area 6 of the rim 5 of the container 1, in the example shown snapping into place, so that the contents inside the container 15 can be safely stored.

[0025] If the container 15 is to be opened to access its contents or to fill the container 1, the two tabs 13 can be folded or pivoted from the first position to the second position. The pivot connections 14 formed on the edge 5 of the container 1, which in the example shown are designed as film hinges (in the Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b (concealed by the lid 7) are arranged radially offset inwards by a small amount relative to the outer surface 16 of the skirt 8, i.e., towards the side wall 3 of the container 1, so that folding the tabs 13 up into the second pivoted position relative to the skirt 8 causes a support step 17, which is formed on the upper surface of each tab 13, to be raised. Consequently, folding the tabs 13 up into the second position at the longitudinal apex 12 releases the lid 7 at least partially from the engagement area 6 of the rim 5.

[0026] The two tabs 13 can be folded from the first to the second position simultaneously or sequentially. In both cases, the lid 7 is lifted, i.e., detached, at least in a circumferential area extending essentially from one edge 18 of the first tab 13 facing away from the longitudinal median plane 11 to one edge 18 of the second tab 13 facing away from the longitudinal median plane 11. The person opening the container 15 can then grasp the already detached portion of the lid 7, i.e., reach into a space created by the partial lifting of the lid 7 between the lid 7 and the edge 18, which is formed in the area of ​​the longitudinal apex 12 between the two tabs 13.

[0027] The person opening the container then intuitively lifts the lid 7 along a pull direction A (see figure). Fig. 2a) which runs in the direction of the longitudinal median plane 11. By pulling off the lid 7 along the pull-off direction A, the force required to open the container 15 is introduced symmetrically into the container 15, i.e., the direction of the release or lifting force runs essentially in the longitudinal median plane 11 and thus through the center of the container 15. In this way, no moments are generated that displace or pivot the container 15 and make handling the container 15 during the opening process more difficult. Furthermore, the force required to open the container 15 when pulling off the lid 7 along the pull-off direction A in the direction of the longitudinal median plane 11 is reduced compared to all other possible pull-off directions, so that opening the container 15 is particularly easy and convenient.

[0028] As particularly in Fig. 1b and in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2b, a connection 19 for a container bracket 20 is formed in the area of ​​the longitudinal apex 12 between the tabs 13. In the example shown, the connection 20 is arranged between the two edges 21 of the tabs 13 that face the longitudinal center plane 11. The connection 19 has an opening 22 to receive the container bracket 20. To be able to absorb the loads that occur when using the container bracket 20 (for example, when transporting the container 15), the connection 19 is stiffened or stabilized by webs.

[0029] The tabs 13 are over the (in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b concealed) rotary joints 14 are formed on the container 1, more precisely on the edge 5 of the container 1 (see Fig. 1b), wherein the tabs 13 have an edge-side section extending to the support steps 17 and an apron-side section adjoining the support steps 17. The apron-side sections of the tabs 13 typically terminate flush with the remaining apron 8 or with the connection 19. In the area of ​​the pivot joint 14, radii 24 are formed between the edges 21, 18 of the tabs 13 and the circumferential edge 5.

[0030] Between the edges 21, 18 of the tabs 13 and the apron 8 facing the longitudinal median plane 11 and / or facing away from the longitudinal median plane 11, predetermined breaking points may also be formed, for example as thin ridges or plastic films, which, due to their irreversible use, indicate whether the container 15 has already been opened or is still in its original, sealed state.

[0031] In Fig. 3 is container 1 from the Fig. 1a,b and Fig. Figures 2a and 2b show a top view, which makes the oval shape of the container 1 and the position of the transverse and longitudinal median planes 9 and 11 more apparent. The transverse median plane 9 contains the opposing transverse vertices 10, and the longitudinal median plane 11 contains the opposing longitudinal vertices 12. The transverse and longitudinal median planes 9 and 11 intersect at the center and central axis 25 of the container 1, respectively.

[0032] In the example shown, the edges 18 of the tabs 13 facing away from the longitudinal median plane 11 run at an angle α of approximately 21° to the longitudinal median plane 11, and the edges 21 of the tabs 13 facing the longitudinal median plane 11 run at an angle β of approximately 10° to the longitudinal median plane 11. The two angles α and β are chosen such that when the tabs 13 are actuated, the lid 7 is partially lifted from the edge 5 in the region of the longitudinal apex 12. In this way, the lifting effect of the tabs 13 on the lid 7 is limited to an area near the longitudinal apex 12, and a person opening the container 1 intuitively pulls the lid 7 off in the direction of the longitudinal median plane 11.

[0033] It is understood that, if necessary, two further tabs can be attached in the area of ​​the further longitudinal vertex 12 of the circumferential edge 5, so that an operator can also remove the cover 7 starting from the further longitudinal vertex 12 in the direction of the longitudinal median plane 11.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the container 1, revealing an angled position of the container handle 20, in which a grip roller 26 of the container handle 20 rests against the side wall 3 of the container 1. The container 1 is made of a plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide or polyolefins, wherein the rim 5, the skirt 8 and the tabs 13 are manufactured in one piece, in particular by injection molding.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of the rim of a container 1, on whose tabs 13 tactile and visually perceptible markings 27 are provided. According to the embossed marking 27 shown, which is shaped like an arrow, the user is given an indication in which direction (namely in the direction of the arrow) the tabs 13 are to be folded or pivoted into the second position.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 shows another container 1, on whose skirt 8 knobs 28 are formed. The knobs 28 extend along the skirt 8 over the entire circumference of the container 1 and facilitate the mutual contact of similar containers 15 or containers 1, for example for transport purposes, and can in particular largely prevent the mutual slippage of adjacent containers 15 or containers 1.

Claims

[1] Container (1) of an oval shape with a base (2) and with a circumferential side wall (3), which in the area of ​​an opening (4) of the container (1) has a circumferential rim (5) with an engagement area (6) for interaction with a lid (7), wherein the rim (5) extends symmetrically to a transverse median plane (9) by means of opposing transverse vertices (10) and symmetrically to a longitudinal median plane (11) by means of opposing longitudinal vertices (12), and wherein a skirt (8) adjoins the rim (5), and with two tabs (13) which are attached in the area of ​​one of the two longitudinal vertices (12) on both sides of the longitudinal median plane (11), which are each connected to the container (1) via a pivot connection (14) and which can each be folded from a first position oriented substantially parallel to the skirt (8) into a second position pivoted with respect to the skirt (8),to at least partially release the lid (7) from the engagement area (6) of the rim (5) at the longitudinal apex (12). [2] Container according to claim 1, wherein edges (18) of the tabs (13) facing away from the longitudinal median plane (11) extend at an angle (α) of not more than 40°, preferably not more than 30°, in particular not more than 25° to the longitudinal median plane (11). [3] Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edges (21) of the tabs (13) facing the longitudinal center plane (11) extend at an angle (β) of 5° or more, preferably 10° or more to the longitudinal center plane (11). [4] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tabs (13) are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the longitudinal center plane (11). [5] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a connection (19) for a container bracket (20) is formed in the area of ​​the longitudinal apex (12) between the tabs (13). [6] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the area of ​​the rotary joint (14) between the edges (21, 18) of the tabs (13) and the circumferential rim (5) roundings (24) are formed. [7] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein predetermined breaking points are formed between the edges (21, 18) of the tabs (13) facing towards and / or away from the longitudinal median plane (11) and the skirt (8). [8] Container according to any of the preceding claims, which is made of plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide or polyolefins. [9] Container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (5), the skirt (8) and the tabs (13) are manufactured in one piece. [10] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a tactile and / or visually perceptible marking (27) is provided on each of the tabs (13). [11] Container (15) comprising a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a lid (7) cooperating with the circumferential engagement area (6) of the container (1).

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