Food transport container for transporting a meal

Abstract

The invention relates to a food transport container for transporting food, comprising a base and several side walls. wherein the base and side walls of the food transport container together form a transport area for the food in a folded state, and the food transport container is in a flatter shape in an unfolded state compared to its folded state. The invention is characterized in that the food transport container has a folding reinforcement area which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container, connects two of the side walls which are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein one of the two adjacent side walls is a side wall to be reinforced, for which the folding reinforcement area, in the folded state of the food transport container, forms a reinforcement consisting of at least two layers which at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced. The invention is further characterized by the fact that the food transport container is at least partially made of a biodegradable plastic material. The invention also relates to a food intake, the use of a food transport container, the use of a food intake, and the use of a food intake detachably connected to a food transport container.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a food transport container for transporting food, comprising a base and several side walls. wherein the base and side walls of the food transport container together form a transport area for the food in a folded state, and the food transport container is in a flatter shape in an unfolded state compared to its folded state.

[0002] The invention also relates to the use of a food transport container for transporting food and to the use of a food intake detachably connected to a food transport container during the transport of food. State of the art

[0003] From EP 1 992 574 A1, a container for transporting hot food is known. The known container is a pizza box folded from a single piece of insulating corrugated cardboard, which is stabilized by interlocking tongues. According to EP 1 992 574 A1, such a cardboard container is more environmentally friendly than a comparable plastic container.

[0004] A disadvantage of the container known from EP 1 992 574 A1 is that, although it is environmentally friendly, it has only limited stability. Task

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved food transport container, in particular a stable, environmentally friendly or easy-to-store food transport container. Description of the invention

[0006] This problem is solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the food transport container has a folding reinforcement area which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container, connects two of the side walls that are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein one of the two adjacent side walls is a side wall to be reinforced, for which the folding reinforcement area in the folded state of the food transport container forms a reinforcement consisting of at least two layers, which at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced.

[0007] Furthermore, this problem is solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 24 by the fact that the food transport container is at least partially made of a biodegradable plastic material.

[0008] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] Another independent claim is directed towards a food intake for a food transport container for the transport of food.

[0010] The use of a food transport container according to the invention, the use of a food receiver according to the invention, and the use of a food receiver detachably connected to a food transport container during the transport of food are each the subject of further independent claims.

[0011] The folding reinforcement area provided in the invention, in addition to the base area, allows one of the side walls of the food transport container according to the invention to be significantly reinforced with minimal use of additional material. The resulting advantageous increase in the stability of the food transport container can thus be achieved with minimal additional resources and is therefore particularly environmentally friendly.

[0012] The food transport container or the folding reinforcement area according to the invention can, in principle, consist of or comprise any foldable material. The food transport container or the folding reinforcement area according to the invention can, for example, consist of or comprise plastic or paper, in particular semi-cardboard, cardboard and / or carton.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the food transport container or the folding reinforcement area can be made, for example, from a material with a basis weight of at least 80 g / m². 2 , at least 100 g / m² 2 , at least 120 g / m² 2 , at least 150 g / m² 2 , at least 200 g / m² 2 , at least 250 g / m² 2 , at least 400 g / m² 2 , at least 600 g / m² 2 , at least 800 g / m² 2 , at least 1000 g / m² 2 or at least 2000 g / m² 2 The food transport container or the folding reinforcement area can, for example, be made of a material with a maximum basis weight of 100 g / m². 2 , maximum 120 g / m² 2 , maximum 150 g / m² 2 , maximum 200 g / m² 2 , maximum 250 g / m² 2 , maximum 400 g / m² 2 , maximum 600 g / m² 2 , maximum 800 g / m² 2 or a maximum of 1000 g / m² 2, maximum 2000 g / m² 2 or a maximum of 5000 g / m² 2 exist or contain such material.

[0014] The food transport container or the folding reinforcement area can additionally or alternatively consist of, for example, a bio-based material, in particular a bio-based plastic material, or incorporate such a material. Bio-based materials are materials that are derived at least partially or entirely from renewable raw materials. The bio-based material or bio-based plastic material can, for example, be at least partially or entirely of plant and / or animal origin. Preferably, the bio-based material or bio-based plastic material contains no petroleum and / or petroleum-derived chemicals.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in the present invention, the food transport container and / or the folded reinforcement area can also be dishwasher-safe and / or tasteless and / or odorless. The food transport container and / or the folded reinforcement area can, for example, be designed or dishwasher-safe according to the standard DIN EN 12875-1. The standard DIN EN 12875-1 was published by Beuth Verlag GmbH, 10772 Berlin, Germany. The publication date of this standard is August 2005.

[0016] In the present invention, the food transport container and / or the folding reinforcement area can, for example, consist of or comprise a material containing or consisting of kaolinite and / or calcium carbonate and / or cellulose and / or at least or exactly one derivative, tautomer, stereoisomer, hydrate, anhydride, or salt of one of these compounds. The food transport container and / or the folding reinforcement area in the present invention can, for example, consist of or comprise a material containing or consisting of kaolin and / or chalk and / or cellulose.

[0017] The food transport container according to the invention can, in its folded state, have, for example, a width and / or length of at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 18 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 25 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 40 cm, or at least 50 cm. Additionally or alternatively, the food transport container according to the invention can, in its folded state, have, for example, a width and / or length of a maximum of 15 cm, at most 18 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 22 cm, at most 25 cm, at most 30 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 75 cm, at most 100 cm, or at most 200 cm. The length and / or width of the food transport container according to the invention can thus, for example, range from 15 cm to 50 cm in its folded state.

[0018] The food transport container according to the invention, its side walls and / or at least one of the side walls, can, for example, have a height of at least 0.5 cm, at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm when folded. Additionally or alternatively, the food transport container according to the invention, its side walls, and / or at least one of the side walls, when folded, can also have a height of, for example, a maximum of 2 cm, a maximum of 3 cm, a maximum of 4 cm, a maximum of 5 cm, a maximum of 6 cm, a maximum of 7.5 cm, a maximum of 10 cm, a maximum of 20 cm, a maximum of 30 cm, a maximum of 40 cm, a maximum of 50 cm, or a maximum of 100 cm. The height of the food transport container according to the invention, its side walls, and / or at least one of the side walls, when folded, can thus be, for example, 0.5 cm to 10 cm, 2 cm to 7.5 cm, or 4 cm to 7.5 cm.

[0019] The side walls, or at least one of the side walls, the folding reinforcement area, and / or the base of the food transport container can have a thickness of, for example, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm when folded and / or unfolded. Additionally or alternatively, the side walls, or at least one of the side walls, the folding reinforcement area, and / or the base of the food transport container can also have a thickness of, for example, a maximum of 0.5 mm, a maximum of 0.75 mm, a maximum of 1 mm, a maximum of 1.5 mm, a maximum of 2 mm, a maximum of 5 mm, a maximum of 10 mm, or a maximum of 50 mm when folded and / or unfolded. The thickness of the side walls, or at least one of the side walls, the folding reinforcement area, and / or the base of the food transport container can thus, for example,The dimensions may range from 0.1 mm to 50 mm, 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0020] The reinforcement according to the invention can, for example, be arranged at least partially or completely within the transport area according to the invention. Preferably, the layers of the reinforcement are arranged on the same side of the side wall to be reinforced. It is particularly preferred if at least one of the layers of the reinforcement is in at least partial or complete contact with the wall to be reinforced.

[0021] Particularly preferred, as provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is that the reinforcement has a reinforcing fold edge via which at least two of the layers of the reinforcement are connected to one another. This allows the layers of the reinforcement to be formed by folding only when the food transport container is transferred from the unfolded to the folded state, so that the food transport container can be stored in a particularly space-saving manner in its unfolded form. Furthermore, the connection of the two layers of the reinforcement via the reinforcing fold edge has a positive effect on the overall stability of the reinforcement and thus of the food transport container as a whole.

[0022] A particular advantage of the present invention is that, as provided in a further preferred embodiment, the folding reinforcement area has a reinforcement fold mark. This facilitates the folding of the folding reinforcement area. The reinforcement fold mark can, for example, be a marking or include a marking. Such a marking allows a user to see how to fold the folding reinforcement area. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcement fold mark can, for example, also be a recess and / or perforation of the folding reinforcement area or include such a recess and / or perforation.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement fold mark is designed to form the reinforcement fold edge when the food transport container is transferred from the unfolded state to the folded state. This embodiment advantageously ensures that the folding reinforcement area is folded correctly when the food transport container is transferred from the unfolded to the folded state due to the reinforcement fold mark.

[0024] Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the reinforcement fold mark runs at least partially diagonally within the fold reinforcement area. In principle, in the present invention, the reinforcement fold mark can also run completely diagonally within the fold reinforcement area. For example, a line segment connecting two non-adjacent corners in a square and / or rectangular fold reinforcement area has a completely diagonal course within this fold reinforcement area.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unfolded state of the food transport container provides that the folding reinforcement area has a first opening and the side wall to be reinforced has a second opening. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the food transport container is lighter due to the openings without any significant loss of stability and, because of the material savings, also more cost-effective to manufacture.

[0026] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the first opening is arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the second opening, and the axis of symmetry of this mirror-symmetrical arrangement forms a folding edge of the food transport container when it is transferred from the unfolded state to the folded state. With such a mirror-symmetrical arrangement, the first and second openings form a common opening of the food transport container when it is folded.

[0027] Such a common opening in the food transport container is advantageous because, on the one hand, it allows ventilation of the transport area, and on the other hand, it is advantageously reinforced by the reinforcement that at least partially surrounds the common opening. This is particularly advantageous because otherwise, precisely in the area of ​​an opening in the food transport container, there is a risk that it will tear or be damaged in some other way at such a structurally weakened point.

[0028] In the present invention, it is particularly advantageous if the first opening of the folding reinforcement area has at least two opening sub-areas, wherein, in the folded state of the food transport container, one of the opening sub-areas is arranged in one layer of the reinforcement and the other opening sub-area is arranged in the other layer or in one of the other layers of the reinforcement. As a result, the second opening and the opening sub-areas lie on top of each other and also form a common opening of the food transport container, which is advantageously at least partially surrounded by a multi-layered reinforcement and is also advantageously reinforced by it.

[0029] The food transport container can, for example, have a folding mark designed to form the fold line when the container is transferred from its unfolded to its folded state. As already described for the reinforcement folding mark, the folding mark can be, for example, a marking or encompass a marking. Additionally or alternatively, the folding mark can also be, for example, a recess and / or perforation in the food transport container or encompass such a recess. The fold line and / or the folding mark can, for example, be located between the folding reinforcement area and the side wall to be reinforced, or connect them.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food transport container is provided to have an additional reinforcement area, - which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container, is connected to the side wall to be reinforced and - which, in the folded state of the food transport container, forms an additional reinforcement consisting of at least one layer for the side wall to be reinforced, which at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced.

[0031] In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the food transport container has an additional reinforcement beyond the existing reinforcement, thus providing further reinforcement to the side wall. The additional reinforcement can, for example, comprise one or more tabs, such as at least three tabs, which, when the food transport container is folded, engage in a corresponding tab receptacle(s), which may be located, for example, in the base, thereby securing the additional reinforcement to the side wall to be reinforced in a form-fitting or force-fit manner.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous if the reinforcement and the additional reinforcement strengthen a common section of the wall to be reinforced. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the additional reinforcement, at least section by section, forms a three-layer reinforcement with the reinforcement for the side wall to be reinforced, comprising at least three layers. Preferably, the layers of the three-layer reinforcement are arranged on the same side of the side wall to be reinforced and / or within the transport area.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food transport container is provided to have several folding reinforcement areas and / or additional reinforcement areas. This advantageously increases the stability of the food transport container. The food transport container can also, for example, have several folding marks and / or folding edges according to the invention.

[0034] The stability of the food transport container according to the invention can be advantageously improved further if, as is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two of the folding reinforcement areas each reinforce the same side wall of the food transport container at least partially in the folded state.

[0035] The food transport container can generally be used openly for transporting food. However, it is advantageous if, as provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it has a lid designed to close the transport area. Closing the transport area by means of the lid is advantageous because it also contributes to the increased stability of the food transport container.

[0036] The lid can, for example, have a lid reinforcement area which, in the folded state of the food transport container, forms a lid reinforcement consisting of at least one layer for the side wall to be reinforced. For this purpose, the lid reinforcement can, for example, in the folded state of the food transport container, abut a section of the side wall to be reinforced and / or the additional reinforcement.

[0037] Preferably, in the present invention, the lid reinforcement or the lid reinforcement area has at least one recess which, in the folded state of the food transport container, together with a recess of the additional reinforcement or the additional reinforcement area, forms a common opening in the food transport container, in particular a side wall and / or a side wall to be reinforced. The food transport container according to the invention, in particular a side wall and / or a side wall to be reinforced, can also, in the folded state, have several common openings – e.g., at least or exactly two – each formed by a recess of the lid reinforcement or the lid reinforcement area and a recess of the additional reinforcement or the additional reinforcement area. Additionally or alternatively, the lid reinforcement or the lid reinforcement area and / or the additional reinforcement or the additional reinforcement area can also have a common opening.The additional reinforcement area, for example, has a T-shaped structure.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid is connected to one of the side walls of the food transport container in its unfolded state. This further improves stability. The side wall in question can be, for example, the side wall to be reinforced, or, if the food transport container according to the invention has several folding reinforcement areas, the side wall to be reinforced and / or one of the side walls to be reinforced. The lid can, for example, include a temperature sensing device designed to detect the temperature prevailing within the transport area sealed by the lid.

[0039] In general, as provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the food transport container can have a temperature sensing device configured to detect the temperature prevailing within the transport area when the lid is closed. The temperature sensing device can, for example, be configured to display the temperature. It is advantageous that the temperature prevailing in the transport area with the lid closed can be detected and displayed. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the lid to check the temperature prevailing in the transport area. This also contributes to an improvement in the stability of the food transport container according to the invention, since the loss of stability associated with opening the lid is thereby avoided.

[0040] The invention is further based on the understanding that the stability of the food transport container according to the invention can be further increased if the freedom of movement of the food transported by the invention is restricted during transport. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food transport container is designed to divide the base and / or the transport area into at least two subdivisions by means of a partition wall. The partition wall can, for example, be detachably connected to the food transport container, in particular to the base. Additionally or alternatively, the partition wall can also be connected to the food transport container and / or the base by, for example, a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection.A detachable connection within the meaning of this application is a connection that can be disconnected without damaging the interconnected components. The partition wall can, for example, be connected to the food transport container and / or the floor surface via a detachable plug connection.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the partition wall is a foldable partition wall connected to the floor surface. In a first unfolded state, it divides the floor surface and / or the transport area into at least two subdivision sections and can be folded from this first unfolded state towards the floor surface into a second, folded-down state. It is advantageous that the partition wall can be used particularly easily to subdivide the floor surface or the transport area as needed by folding it either from the first to the second state or back again.

[0042] In the present invention, food to be transported can, for example, be placed on the base. However, it is particularly advantageous if, as provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the food transport container has a connecting component designed for the detachable connection of the base to a food receiving area that can be inserted into the transport area and which includes a food receiving base designed to receive the food. The detachable connection can, for example, be or comprise a plug connection. The connecting component can, for example, be or comprise a plug and / or a socket.In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the food tray, which can be placed in the transport area, can be detachably connected to the base surface by means of the connecting component, thereby effectively preventing the food tray and thus the food stored on its base surface from slipping unintentionally.

[0043] Alternatively, the food transport container can also already have such a food receptacle. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the food transport container is formed in at least two parts: a food transport container base comprising the bottom surface and the side walls, and a food receptacle detachably connected to the bottom surface and arranged at least partially within the transport area, which includes a food receptacle base designed to receive the food.

[0044] It is particularly advantageous if, as provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the food transport container has a connection system with two connecting elements that can be detachably connected to one another, wherein the connection system detachably connects the base and the food compartment, and one of the connecting elements is arranged on the base and the other on the food compartment. The connection system can, for example, be or comprise a plug-in system. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one of the connecting elements can be designed as a plug and the other as a corresponding socket. The plug can, for example, be a plugThe connector may have a diameter and / or height of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, or at least 5 mm and / or a maximum of 0.5 mm, at most 0.75 mm, at most 1 mm, at most 1.5 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 6 mm, at most 7 mm, at most 10 mm, at most 25 mm, at most 50 mm, or at most 100 mm. The connector may therefore, for example, have a diameter and / or height of 0.1 mm to 50 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, or 4 mm to 6 mm. The same applies if the connecting component of the present invention is a connector or comprises one.

[0045] In general terms, the food receiving area in the present invention can be, for example, a plate in which the food receiving area is at least partially or completely surrounded by a plate rim. The plate can, for example, have a thickness or height of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the plate can also have a thickness or height of a maximum of 0.5 mm, a maximum of 0.75 mm, a maximum of 1 mm, a maximum of 1.5 mm, a maximum of 2 mm, a maximum of 5 mm, a maximum of 10 mm, or a maximum of 50 mm. The thickness or height of the plate can thus be, for example, 0.1 mm to 50 mm, 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The plate rim can be, for example,The rim of a plate can have a height of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, or at least 5 mm, and / or a maximum of 0.5 mm, a maximum of 0.75 mm, a maximum of 1 mm, a maximum of 1.5 mm, a maximum of 2 mm, a maximum of 5 mm, a maximum of 6 mm, a maximum of 7 mm, a maximum of 10 mm, a maximum of 25 mm, a maximum of 50 mm, or a maximum of 100 mm. The rim of the plate can therefore, for example, have a height of 0.1 mm to 50 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, or 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0046] In general, according to the present invention, the food transport container base and / or the food holder can be made of, for example, a foldable material, plastic, and / or paper, in particular half-cardboard, cardboard, and / or carton. Additionally or alternatively, the food transport container base and / or the food holder can be made of, for example, a material with a basis weight of at least 80 g / m². 2 , at least 100 g / m²2 , at least 120 g / m² 2 , at least 150 g / m² 2 , at least 200 g / m² 2 , at least 250 g / m² 2 , at least 400 g / m² 2 , at least 600 g / m² 2 , at least 800 g / m² 2 , at least 1000 g / m² 2 or at least 2000 g / m² 2 The food transport container base and / or the food holder can be made of a material with a maximum weight of 100 g / m². Alternatively, the base and / or the food holder can be made of a material with a maximum weight of 100 g / m². 2 , maximum 120 g / m² 2 , maximum 150 g / m² 2 , maximum 200 g / m² 2 , maximum 250 g / m² 2 , maximum 400 g / m² 2 , maximum 600 g / m² 2 , maximum 800 g / m² 2 or a maximum of 1000 g / m² 2 , maximum 2000 g / m² 2 or a maximum of 5000 g / m² 2 exist or contain such material.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the food transport container base and / or the food holder can be made of, or contain, a bio-based material, in particular a bio-based plastic. Bio-based materials are materials that are derived at least partially or entirely from renewable resources. The bio-based material or bio-based plastic can, for example, be at least partially or entirely of plant and / or animal origin. Preferably, the bio-based material or bio-based plastic contains no petroleum and / or petroleum-derived chemicals.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, in the present invention, the food transport container base and / or the food holder can also be, for example, dishwasher-safe and / or tasteless and / or odorless. The food transport container base and / or the food holder can, for example, be designed or dishwasher-safe according to the standard DIN EN 12875-1. The standard DIN EN 12875-1 was published by Beuth Verlag GmbH, 10772 Berlin, Germany. The publication date of the standard is August 2005.

[0049] In the present invention, the food transport container base and / or the food receptacle can, for example, consist of or comprise a material containing or comprising kaolinite and / or calcium carbonate and / or cellulose and / or at least or exactly one derivative, tautomer, stereoisomer, hydrate, anhydride, or salt of one of these compounds. The food transport container base and / or the food receptacle can, for example, consist of or comprise a material containing or comprising kaolin and / or chalk and / or cellulose.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the food intake has several food intake side walls, wherein the food intake base surface and the food intake side walls together form a food intake area for the food in a folded state of the food intake, and the food intake is in a flatter form in an unfolded state compared to its folded state.

[0051] In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the food intake can also be folded into a collapsed state and, in this state, can be stored in a particularly space-saving manner, for example.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the food receiving surface has several openings. This is advantageous because no moisture can accumulate under the food stored on the food receiving surface. Furthermore, the food receiving surface can be manufactured with less material and is therefore more cost-effective.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the food receiving unit is configured to divide the food receiving base and / or the food receiving area into at least two food compartments by means of a food receiving partition. This advantageously restricts the freedom of movement of the food during transport. It is particularly advantageous if the food receiving partition is a foldable food receiving partition connected to the food receiving base, which, in a first unfolded state, divides the food receiving base and / or the food receiving area into the at least two food compartments and can be folded down from this first unfolded state towards the food receiving base into a second folded-down state.

[0054] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the food transport container is at least partially made of a biodegradable plastic material.

[0055] In general, the invention is based on the understanding that an improved food transport container, in particular a more stable and environmentally friendly food transport container, can be created if it is made of or incorporates a biodegradable plastic material. In the present invention, the food transport container, the folding reinforcement area, the food transport container base, and / or the food intake can, for example, be made of or incorporate a biodegradable plastic material.

[0056] An independent claim is therefore made to a food transport container for transporting food, comprising a base and several side walls, wherein the base and side walls together form a transport area for the food in a folded state of the food transport container, and the food transport container is in a flatter form in an unfolded state compared to its folded state. where the food transport container is at least partially made of a biodegradable plastic material, directed. In a preferred embodiment, the food transport container has a folding reinforcement area which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container, connects two of the side walls that are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein one of the two adjacent side walls is a side wall to be reinforced, for which the folding reinforcement area, in the folded state of the food transport container, forms a reinforcement consisting of at least two layers that at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, the food transport container is designed according to one of claims 2 to 22.

[0058] Another independent claim is for a food receiving area for a food transport container for transporting food, comprising a food receiving base and multiple food receiving side walls. wherein the food receiving base and the food receiving side walls together form a food receiving area for the food in a folded state of the food receiving unit, and the food receiving unit is in a flatter form in an unfolded state compared to its folded state, wherein the food intake side walls in the folded state of the food intake each have a double wall structure formed from two layers, wherein the layers of the double wall structure are connected to each other via a food intake folding edge, directed.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the food receiving area is limited only by exactly two food receiving side walls and the food receiving base. In this embodiment, for example, with a rectangular or square food receiving base, only two of the sides of the food receiving base are enclosed by one of the food receiving side walls each, while the remaining two sides of the food receiving base are open. The two food receiving side walls can, for example, be arranged on opposite sides of the food receiving base. More generally, the two food receiving side walls and the food receiving base can, for example, be arranged in a U-shape when the food receiving unit is folded.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the food receiving unit is configured to divide the food receiving base and / or the food receiving area into at least two food compartments by means of a food receiving partition. For example, the food receiving unit can be configured to divide the food receiving base and / or the food receiving area into at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or fifteen food compartments by means of at least or exactly two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or fifteen food compartments.

[0061] Further independent claims are directed to the use of a food transport container according to one of claims 1 to 26 for transporting food, the use of a food receptacle according to one of claims 27 to 29 for transporting food, and the use of a food receptacle detachably connected to a food transport container for transporting food, wherein the food transport container is designed according to one of claims 1 to 26 and / or the food receptacle according to one of claims 27 to 29.

[0062] The biodegradable plastic material in the present invention can, for example, be a plastic material that is biodegradable according to the standard DIN EN 13432. In other words, a plastic material that meets the biodegradability requirements described in the standard DIN EN 13432 can be a biodegradable plastic material within the meaning of the present invention.

[0063] In general, in the present invention, the food transport container, the folding reinforcement area, the food transport container base and / or the food intake can be biodegradable according to the standard DIN EN 13432 or meet the requirements for biodegradability described in the standard DIN EN 13432.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the food transport container, the folding reinforcement area, the food transport container base, and / or the food intake in the present invention can also be designed, at least partially or completely, in accordance with the standard DIN EN 13432. Partial design in accordance with DIN EN 13432 exists, for example, if only some of the tests described in the standard are passed. Complete design in accordance with DIN EN 13432 exists if all tests relevant to DIN EN 13432 are passed.

[0065] The standard DIN EN 13432 was published by Beuth Verlag GmbH, 10772 Berlin. The publication date is December 2000. This standard includes two corrigenda, published in October 2007 and distributed by Beuth Verlag GmbH, 10772 Berlin, under the title DIN EN 13432 Ber 2:2007-10.

[0066] In the present invention, the biodegradable plastic material can be, for example, a thermoplastic, in particular a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, or comprise such a material.

[0067] The explanations and disclosures relating to one article of the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to all other articles of the invention, provided that these do not contradict the specific explanations and disclosures of the other articles of the invention. For example, the explanations and disclosures relating to food intake in the context of the description of the food transport container according to the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to food intake according to the invention, and vice versa, provided that these do not contradict the specific explanations and disclosures made in the context of the food transport container according to the invention or food intake according to the invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the explanations and disclosures for one component of an object according to the invention also apply to the other components of that object, provided they do not contradict the specific explanations and disclosures of the other components of the object according to the invention. For example, the explanations and disclosures made with regard to the folding reinforcement area also apply mutatis mutandis to the additional reinforcement area and vice versa, provided they do not contradict the specific explanations and disclosures made in the context of the folding reinforcement area or the additional reinforcement area, respectively.

[0069] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. Brief description of the characters

[0070] They show: Fig. 1: A first embodiment of a food transport container according to the invention Fig. 2: Several folding steps for the in Fig. 1. Example shown Fig. 3: The one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Example shown in the folded state Fig. 4: The one in the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a closed lid in the folded state. Fig. 5: A second embodiment of a food transport container according to the invention Fig. 6: A third embodiment of a food transport container according to the invention Fig. 7: An embodiment of a food intake device according to the invention Description of preferred embodiments

[0071] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a food transport container 1 according to the invention in its unfolded state. The food transport container 1 has a base 2 and four side walls 10, 20, 30 and 40. Fig. Figure 1 also shows that the food transport container 1 has four folding reinforcement areas 15, 25, 35 and 45, wherein folding reinforcement area 15 connects the two adjacent side walls 10 and 20, folding reinforcement area 25 connects the two adjacent side walls 20 and 30, folding reinforcement area 35 connects the two adjacent side walls 30 and 40, and folding reinforcement area 45 connects the two adjacent side walls 40 and 10. Each of the folding reinforcement areas has a diagonally extending reinforcement fold mark 15a, 25a, 35a, 45a, which is designed as a perforation.

[0072] The food transport container 1 also has a lid 3, which has a T-shaped lid reinforcement area 31 and two lid side walls 32. The lid side walls 32 are not connected to the folded reinforcement areas 35 and 45, but are separated from them by incisions 32a. A T-shaped additional reinforcement area 21, which has three tabs 210, is connected to the side wall 20. The bottom surface 2 has three tab receptacles 211, which in this embodiment are designed as slot openings in the bottom surface 2. Furthermore, in Fig. 1 can be seen that the additional reinforcement area 21 has recesses 21a and 21b and the cover reinforcement area 31 has recesses 31a and 31b.

[0073] In addition to the reinforcement fold marks 15a, 25a, 35a, 45a already described, the food transport container 1 has further fold marks a to i, which are located in Fig. 1 are represented by dashed lines. The fold mark a is the axis of symmetry of the mirror-symmetric arrangement of the first opening 451 of the folding reinforcement area 45 to the second opening 402a of the side wall 40. The fold mark c is the axis of symmetry of the mirror-symmetric arrangement of the first opening 351 of the folding reinforcement area 35 to the second opening 402b of the side wall 40. In addition, the side wall 40 has a further side wall opening 400.

[0074] In Fig. 1 are also folds A of a first folding step for transferring the food transport container 1 from the in Fig. Figure 1 shows the unfolded state in its folded state. The result of these folds A along the fold marks a and c, which take place during the first folding step, is shown in Figure 1. Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0075] Fig. Figure 2 shows the food transport container 1. Fig. 1 after the folds A of the first folding step. In addition, in Fig. 2 several further folding steps for the in Fig. The second folding step comprises the simultaneous folds B. These are the folds B made by 180 degrees along the reinforcement fold marks 15a, 25a, 35a, 45a, and the folds B made by 90 degrees along the fold marks a, b, c, and d.

[0076] Following the folds B, a third folding step involves a 180-degree fold C along the fold mark i. After this fold, the tabs 210 are inserted into the tab receptacles 211, thereby fixing the additional reinforcement area 21 to the inside of the side wall 20. The additional reinforcement area 21 thus forms an additional reinforcement that strengthens the side wall 20 by means of the layer additionally arranged on its inside in the form of the additional reinforcement area 21.

[0077] As can be seen particularly in conjunction with Fig. As follows, after the folds B of the second folding step, the fold reinforcement areas 35 and 45 lie as a double layer and thus in two layers on the inside of the side wall 40. Similarly, after the folds B, the fold reinforcement areas 15 and 25 lie in two layers on the inside of the side wall 20. The inside of the side wall 20 is in the Fig. However, this is not visible from the chosen perspective. Fig. Figure 3 shows the inside of side wall 40 and the outside of side wall 20.

[0078] The two-layered folding reinforcement areas 35 and 45, which abut the side wall 40 from the inside, each form reinforcements for the side wall 40, thus at least partially reinforcing the same side wall of the food transport container. The same applies accordingly to the folding reinforcement areas 15 and 25, which abut the side wall 20 from the inside in two layers. In this embodiment, the side walls 20 and 40 are the side walls of the food transport container 1 that are to be reinforced. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the reinforcements each have reinforcing fold edges 45b and 35b, via which the two layers of the reinforcements are connected to each other. In addition, the first opening 451 with the second opening 402a and the first opening 351 with the second opening 402b each form a common opening in the side wall 40.

[0079] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a fourth folding step with folds D. These are the folds D, each made at 90 degrees along the fold marks e, f, g, and h. With the folds D, the lid 3 closes the transport area formed by the base surface 2 and the side walls 10, 20, 30, and 40. After the folds D, the lid reinforcement area 31 rests against the additional reinforcement from the inside, so that the lid reinforcement area for the side wall 20 forms a lid reinforcement consisting of at least one layer.

[0080] Fig. Figure 4 shows the food transport container 1 after the folds D with the lid 3 closed. It can also be seen that the food transport container 1 has a common opening formed by the recesses 21 a and 31 a and a common opening formed by the recesses 21 b and 31 b.

[0081] Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a food transport container according to the invention. The one in Fig. The food transport container shown in section 5 is identical except for the differences explained below, such as the one shown in the Fig. The food transport containers shown in figures 1 to 4 are set up as follows: The difference is that the one in Fig. The food transport container 1 shown has a partition wall 5 which is connected to the base surface 2. The partition wall 5 can be separated from the base surface 2. Fig. The position shown in 5 is transformed into a folded-down position by folding E towards the base surface 2.

[0082] Fig. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a food transport container 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, a food receptacle 6, designed as a plate, is detachably connected to the base surface 2 via a plug connection. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 shows that the food receiving floor surface 60 of the food receiving area has several, in this case seven, openings 600, whereby for the sake of clarity only one of these openings is shown in Fig. 6 is marked with a reference symbol.

[0083] Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a food receiving device 6 according to the invention, comprising a food receiving base 60 and two food receiving side walls 61. Furthermore, in Fig. 7 shows that the food intake has 6 food intake folding marks j, k, l, m.

[0084] Furthermore, in Fig. Seven folds are shown for the embodiment illustrated there. These are the folds F, each made by 180 degrees along the food intake fold marks j and m, and the folds G, each made by 90 degrees along the fold marks k and l. After these folds, the tabs 210 are inserted into the tab receptacles 211, thereby fixing the food-receiving side walls 61 after the folds. After folds F and G, the food-receiving side walls 61 each have a double-wall structure formed from two layers, with these two layers being connected to each other via the food-receiving fold edges formed by the folds F at the food-receiving fold marks j and m, respectively. Fig. Figure 7 also shows that three opening slots 62 are provided in the food receiving floor surface 60, into which a food receiving partition wall 5a can be inserted. The opening slots 62 thus enable the food receiving unit 6 to be divided into at least two food compartments by means of a food receiving partition wall 5a, thus allowing the food receiving floor surface 60 and / or the food receiving area to be subdivided into at least two food compartments.

[0085] Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical or analogous elements.

[0086] Naturally, the embodiments discussed in the detailed description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative examples of the present invention. In light of this disclosure, a wide range of possible variations is available to the person skilled in the art. Reference symbol list 1 food transport container 2 Floor area 3 lids 5 Partition wall 5a Food intake partition wall 6. Food intake 10, 20, 30, 40 side panels 15, 25, 35, 45 Folding reinforcement areas 15a, 25a, 35a, 45a Reinforcement folding mark 21 Additional amplification area 21a, 21b Exceptions 31 Cover reinforcement area 31a, 31b Exceptions 32 lid side walls 32a Incisions 35b, 45b Reinforcement fold edges 60 Food service floor area 61 Food intake side walls 62 breakthrough slots 210 tabs 211 flap shots 351 First Breakthrough 400 side wall penetration 402a, 402b Second breakthrough 451 First Breakthrough 600 Breakthrough a, b, c, d, e folding mark f, g, h, i folding mark j, k, l, m Food intake folding mark A, B, C, D, E, F, G folds QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 992 574 A1 [0003, 0004] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN 12875-1 [0015, 0048] DIN EN 13432

[0065]

Claims

[1] Food transport container (1) for transporting a food with a base surface (2) and several side walls, wherein the bottom surface and the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) together form a transport area for the food in a folded state of the food transport container (1), and the food transport container (1) in an unfolded state has a flatter shape than its folded state, characterized by , that the food transport container (1) has a folding reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45) which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container (1), connects two of the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) which are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein one of the two adjacent side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) is a side wall to be reinforced, for which the folding reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45) in the folded state of the food transport container (1) forms a reinforcement constructed from at least two layers, which at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced. [2] Food transport container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the reinforcement has a reinforcement folding edge (35b, 45b) via which at least two of the layers of the reinforcement are connected to one another. [3] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the folding reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45) has a reinforcement folding mark (15a, 25a, 35a, 45a). [4] Food transport container (1) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the reinforcing fold mark (15a, 25a, 35a, 45a) is designed to form the reinforcing fold edge (35b, 45b) when the food transport container (1) is transferred from the unfolded state to the folded state. [5] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reinforcement fold mark (15a, 25a, 35a, 45a) runs at least partially diagonally in the fold reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45). [6] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in the unfolded state of the food transport container (1), the folding reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45) has a first opening (351, 451) and the side wall to be reinforced has a second opening (402a, 402b). [7] Food transport container (1) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the first opening (351, 451) is arranged mirror-symmetrically to the second opening (402a, 402b) and the mirror axis of this mirror-symmetrical arrangement forms a folding edge of the food transport container when the food transport container (1) is transferred from the unfolded state to the folded state. [8] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the food transport container (1) has an additional reinforcement area (21), - which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container (1), is connected to the side wall to be reinforced and - which, in the folded state of the food transport container (1), forms an additional reinforcement for the side wall to be reinforced, which is constructed from at least one layer and at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced. [9] Food transport container (1) according to claim 8, characterized bythat the additional reinforcement, at least in sections, together with the reinforcement, forms a 3-layer reinforcement having at least three layers for the side wall to be reinforced. [10] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the food transport container (1) has a plurality of folding reinforcement areas (15, 25, 35, 45) and / or additional reinforcement areas (21). [11] Food transport container (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that at least two of the folding reinforcement regions (15, 25, 35, 45) each at least partially reinforce the same side wall (10, 20, 30, 40) of the food transport container (1) in the folded state. [12] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the food transport container (1) has a lid (3) designed to close the transport area. [13] Food transport container (1) according to claim 12 characterized by that the lid (3) is connected to one of the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) of the food transport container (1) in the unfolded state. [14] Food transport container (1) according to one of claims 12 to 13 characterized by that the food transport container (1) has a temperature detection device which is designed to detect a temperature prevailing within the transport area closed by the lid (3). [15] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the food transport container (1) is designed to divide the base surface (2) and / or the transport area into at least two subdivision sections by means of an intermediate wall. [16] Food transport container (1) according to claim 15, characterized bythat the intermediate wall is a foldable intermediate wall connected to the base surface (2), which in a first unfolded folding state divides the base surface (2) and / or the transport area into the at least two subdivision sections and can be transferred from this first unfolded folding state in the direction of the base surface (2) into a second folded-down folding state. [17] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the food transport container (1) has a connecting component which is designed for the detachable connection of the base surface (2) to a food receptacle (6) which can be introduced into the transport area and which comprises a food receptacle base surface (60) designed to receive the food. [18] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, characterized byin that the food transport container (1) is formed at least in two parts from a food transport container base comprising the bottom surface (2) and the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) and a food receptacle (6) which is detachably connected to the bottom surface (2) and arranged at least partially within the transport area and which comprises a food receptacle bottom surface (60) designed to receive the food. [19] Food transport container (1) according to claim 18, characterized by that the food transport container (1) has a connection system with two connecting elements that can be releasably connected to one another, wherein the connecting system releasably connects the base surface (2) and the food receptacle (6) to one another and one of the connecting elements is arranged on the base surface (2) and the other connecting element is arranged on the food receptacle (6). [20] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 17 to 19, characterized byin that the food holder (6) has a plurality of food holder side walls (61), wherein the food holder base surface (60) and the food holder side walls (61) together form a food holder area for the food in a folded state of the food holder (6), and the food holder (6) in an unfolded state has a flatter shape than its folded state. [21] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 17 to 20, characterized by that the food receiving base surface (60) has several openings (600). [22] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 17 to 21, characterized by in that the food holder (6) is designed to divide the food holder floor surface (60) and / or the food holder area into at least two food subdivision sections by means of a food holder partition wall (5a). [23] Food transport container (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the food transport container (1) is at least partially made of a biodegradable plastic material. [24] Food transport container (1) for transporting a food with a base surface (2) and several side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein the bottom surface (2) and the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) together form a transport area for the food in a folded state of the food transport container (1), and the food transport container (1) in an unfolded state has a flatter shape than its folded state, characterized by , that the food transport container (1) is at least partially made of a biodegradable plastic material. [25] Food transport container (1) according to claim 24, characterized by , that the food transport container (1) has a folding reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45) which, in the unfolded state of the food transport container (1), connects two of the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) which are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein one of the two adjacent side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) is a side wall to be reinforced, for which the folding reinforcement region (15, 25, 35, 45) in the folded state of the food transport container (1) forms a reinforcement constructed from at least two layers, which at least partially reinforces the side wall to be reinforced. [26] Food transport container (1) according to claim 25, characterized by that the food transport container (1) is designed according to one of claims 2 to 22. [27] Food receptacle (6) for a food transport container (1) for transporting a food with a food receptacle base surface (60) and several food receptacle side walls (61), wherein the food receiving base surface (60) and the food receiving side walls (61) together form a food receiving area for the food in a folded state of the food receiving means (6), and the food receiving means (6) in an unfolded state is in a flatter shape than its folded state, characterized by , that the food receptacle side walls (61) in the folded state of the food receptacle (6) each have a double wall structure formed from two layers, wherein the layers of the double wall structure are connected to one another via a food receptacle folding edge. [28] Food receptacle (6) according to claim 27, characterized by that the food receiving area is limited only by exactly two food receiving side walls (61) and the food receiving floor area (60). [29] Food receptacle (6) according to one of claims 27 to 28, characterized byin that the food holder (6) is designed to divide the food holder floor surface (60) and / or the food holder area into at least two food subdivision sections by means of a food holder partition wall (5a). [30] Use of a food transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 26 for transporting a food. [31] Use of a food receptacle (6) according to one of claims 27 to 29 for transporting a food. [32] Use of a food holder (6) detachably connected to a food transport container (1) when transporting a food, characterized by that the food transport container (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 26 and / or the food receptacle (6) is designed according to one of claims 27 to 29.

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