Food storage container set

Abstract

A storage container set (100) for food, comprising a storage container (10) having a base (12) and a side wall (11) ending at an upper edge, the side wall (11) having at least one locking element on at least two side wall sections (11.1, 11.2), and comprising a lid (20) which is detachable therefrom and which can be fastened to the storage container (10) via the locking elements by means of a positive connection without hinges, the lid having at least one circumferential elastomeric sealing profile, and the lid having an inner support web on its underside which can be positioned within the upper edge. At least one locking element is formed as a fixed hook section (25) on the edge of the lid (20), and opposite thereto on the periphery, at least one locking element is formed as a latching hook (31) on a pivotable latching tab (30). On the storage container (10), a locking element is formed by a circumferential locking projection (14) on the side wall (11). The lid (20), placed on the storage container (10), engages with the hook section (25) under the locking projection (14) on the side wall (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage container set for food, comprising a storage container and a detachable lid, having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a storage container set is known from DE 10 2004 063 398 A1. The circumferential seal on the underside of the lid, which presses against the upper edge of the storage container, creates a liquid-tight connection as soon as the lid is snapped into place by means of the several snap-in tabs distributed around the circumference onto a locking projection on the side wall of the storage container. At the same time, a force is exerted on the lid. The lid, with its elastomer seal, is pulled onto the upper edge and held in a pre-tensioned position. The air- and liquid-tight connection enables hygienic storage of food as well as problem-free transport. Users perceive the disadvantage as being that a high pre-tension must be applied via the snap-in tabs, which means that high forces are required to close and open the snap-in tabs.In addition, several locking tabs always have to be closed or opened, usually two pairs of locking tabs facing each other.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further develop a storage container set of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that more convenient operation is possible when opening and closing the lid, in particular with fewer locking points, whereby a reliable, air- and liquid-tight connection between the storage container and the lid should still be provided after closing.

[0004] This object is achieved by a storage container set having the features of claim 1.

[0005] This solution requires only a minimum of two locking units, located opposite each other around the perimeter of the lid. At least one of these locking points is designed with at least one pivoting locking tab connected to the lid. This locking tab can be hingelessly attached to a locking projection of the storage container by means of a molded-on element.

[0006] The second locking unit is formed either by a second, similar locking tab or, according to a preferred embodiment, by a fixed locking element that, when the lid is slightly tilted, can be hooked under the locking projection of the storage container and initially holds the lid in place on one side by positive locking. The lid is then pressed onto the top edge of the storage container and positively locked to the storage container with the movable locking tab at the opposite end.

[0007] In this preferred embodiment with at least one rigid and at least one movable locking element, only a single locking element in the form of a movable locking tab needs to be operated to connect the lid to the storage container, creating a liquid-tight seal, or to release it from it. This facilitates one-handed operation: the lid can first be hooked onto the storage container on one side, and the movable locking tab is then pressed down into the locking position on the other side with one hand. Conversely, to open it, it is sufficient to release only one locking tab, tilt the lid, and then remove it from the positive engagement with the storage container.

[0008] The described locking units on opposite sides can also be formed by several locking elements located closely adjacent to one another but separated from one another. In this case, the locking points identify opposing locking zones on the storage container, in which the several functionally similar locking elements are arranged side by side.

[0009] The locking projection on the container wall should preferably have an undercut in the profile, as should the associated movable or non-movable locking element, so that a secure positive fit is achieved.

[0010] The locking projection can, for example, be designed as a web that protrudes outward from the outer wall of the container. This design is preferred for plastic containers in order to keep the wall thickness of the storage container low. It is also preferred for stainless steel storage containers, where a low wall thickness is absolutely necessary.

[0011] However, a recess can also be formed in the exterior of the container, the upper edge of which forms the locking projection. This is advantageous for thick-walled storage containers made of ceramic or glass, for example.

[0012] This makes it possible to combine the same lid with storage containers made of different materials.

[0013] To ensure the tightness of the closed storage container set despite the reduced number of locking points compared to the state of the art, a special sealing system is provided. This system is based on a flexible sealing lip that adheres to the container wall from the inside. The sealing lip forms the end of a sealing profile with a J-shaped cross-section, which also forms an edge section of the lid and is made of an elastomeric material, in particular a TPE.

[0014] An upper cross-section of the sealing profile is designed to contact the upper edge of the side wall when the lid is in place. Even though the pressing force of this cross-section on the upper edge can only be exerted in those peripheral areas where the locking units are located, the elastomeric upper cross-section nevertheless increases the tightness of the storage container set by creating a second sealing level in addition to the internal sealing lip.

[0015] The shape of the sealing profile is also crucial in the further course of the container. For example, the upper cross-section is followed by a central section that extends downwards toward the container's interior and then transitions into a curved section, at the end of which the sealing lip is formed. The curved shape allows the sealing lip to spring back when the lid is placed on the storage container, while still remaining in contact with the inner wall.

[0016] In order to permanently maintain the sealing effect caused by the elastic restoring force of the curved section and the sealing lip, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides two further measures: The so-called central section, from which the curved section extends, is supported by a vertical support bar that forms part of the central area of ​​the lid. The central area of ​​the lid is made of a plastic that is harder than the plastic of the edge section.

[0017] For example, the central area is made of polypropylene and the edge section is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0018] The central region comprises a surface section that covers the entire interior space within the edge element and also has at least one support web positioned at an angle to it, which is in contact with the elastomeric edge region. The support web of the central region increases its contact area with the elastomeric edge region, thus making the bonded connection between the two more secure against detachment.

[0019] In addition, the support web supports the central section of the elastomeric edge area and thus prevents it from shifting inwards under the effect of the elastic preload, which could cause the sealing lip to lose its firm contact with the inner wall of the container.

[0020] To further prevent the container wall from being pushed outward, a clamping ring is preferably attached to the edge section, located directly in front of the outer wall of the container. The clamping ring prevents the container wall from bulging outward.

[0021] Preferably, the outer wall of the storage container is provided with a locking projection on the upper edge, which extends continuously around the entire circumference and is thus present not only at the points where the locking units described above are located. The locking projection serves to hook locking elements onto the lid and, due to the widened cross-section, also has a stiffening function for the upper edge area of ​​the outer wall of the container.

[0022] The clamping ring is preferably an integrated, outer profile section of the elastomer-formed edge portion of the lid. The upper edge of the storage container is positioned between the outer clamping ring and the inner center bar in the closed storage container set, with the center bar maintaining a sufficient distance from the inside of the container wall to facilitate the deformation of the curved area and the sealing lip. Furthermore, the clamping ring rests directly against the outer wall of the container to prevent the container wall from springing outward.

[0023] The profiling of the edge region, including the adjacent sections of the central region, is important for ensuring the tightness of the storage container set according to the invention; however, it must also fulfill other functions in the use of the storage container set, such as in the manufacture of the lid.

[0024] Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the lid, a transverse section of the edge region, the adjoining central and curved sections and the sealing lip adjoining thereto are preferably profiled in such a way that the upper side of the sealing lip is aligned horizontally to a support plane when the storage container set is closed, or even slopes slightly outwards, in any case in such a way that the formation of a groove in which liquid can collect is avoided.

[0025] Furthermore, the profiling of the edge region must allow the lid to be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Since significant inward deformation of the elastomeric edge region is not possible due to the preferably hard central region with its support web, the preferred embodiment must enable demolding of the lid from an injection mold by forming a trapezoidal interior space with a slightly upward tapered cross-section between the outer clamping ring and the central web, and by the support web of the central region extending downward only far enough for the curved section with the sealing lip to deflect below the lower edge of the support web.

[0026] Preferably, a parting plane in the injection mold is located approximately at the level of the support surface formed by the upper transverse section, so that the outer circumference of the edge section is divided into a lower and an upper part, with both parts tapering slightly outward toward the parting plane. The lower part of the outer circumference of the edge section is formed by the clamping ring, which has a slightly trapezoidal shape in cross-section and tapers downwards.

[0027] To facilitate the removal of the lid previously connected to the storage container, at least one vent valve is preferably integrated into the lid so that pressure equalization with the ambient temperature can be achieved. This eliminates the pressure-based pressing force of the lid against the storage container. Only a small amount of force is then required to remove the lid to overcome the frictional force of the sealing lip rubbing against the inner wall of the container. The vent valve therefore facilitates one-handed operation or makes it possible in the first place if a pressure difference arises due to temperature differences between the food placed in the container and the ambient temperature after the lid has been placed on and locked.

[0028] The vent valve comprises at least one vent channel that extends from the outside of the lid through the elastomeric edge region to an opening in the container interior. An opening of the vent channel on the outside is blocked by a valve closure element when the movable locking tab on the storage container is engaged. This seals the container. When the locking tab is released, the vent channel is also released, allowing pressure to equalize between the container interior and the environment. While in the prior art, vent openings usually involve a small elastic valve closure element being pressed onto an opening in a rigid structure, the invention provides for the reverse selection of material properties, i.e., a rigid valve closure element is pressed onto an opening in an elastic structure.This means that a small, concave, hump-shaped valve closure element molded directly onto the locking tab is sufficient. This eliminates the need for a separate part attached to the locking tab that could easily become detached during use.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The figures show in detail: Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B shows a storage container set in perspective view; Fig. 2 the lid in perspective view from below; Fig. 3 a perspective sectional view; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of the Fig. 3 marked area; Fig. 5 a section through the storage container set in the area of ​​the locking unit; Fig. 6 a section of a perspective view of the storage container set with the locking tab open from below; Fig. 7 a section of a perspective view of the storage container set with closed locking tab from below; Fig. 8 a section of a perspective view of the storage container set with the locking tab open from below; Fig. 9 a section of a perspective view from below of the lid with the locking tab open; Fig. 10 shows part of a longitudinal section through the storage container set with the locking tab closed; Fig. 11 shows part of a longitudinal section through the storage container set with the locking tab open; Fig. 12 a detail of a perspective view of a storage container set according to a second embodiment, with the locking tab open from below; and Fig. 13 The storage container set with the lid open in side view.

[0030] Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a storage container set 100 comprising a storage container 10 with a lid 20 in place. The storage container 10 comprises a base 12 and a side wall 11 with a substantially rectangular cross-section, with strongly rounded transition areas 11.3 between side wall sections 11.1, 11.2. The side wall 11 is provided with a stacking edge 15.

[0031] The lid 20 is composed of a central region 21, which is made in particular of a transparent plastic such as polypropylene, and an edge region 23 made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The lid 20 engages with a hook portion 25 under a locking projection (not visible here) on the outside of the storage container 10. The hook portion 25 and the locking projection form a first locking unit.

[0032] On the narrow side of the storage container 10 opposite the hook section 25, a locking tab 30 is connected to a bridge area 26 of the edge area 23 via a film hinge 32. The bridge area 26, like the locking tab 30 and the film hinge 32, is made of the same plastic as the central area 21.

[0033] The locking tab 30 contains two locking hooks 31 on its underside facing the side wall 11. The locking tab 30 and the hook section 25 serve for the positive connection with the side wall sections 11.1, 11.2 lying opposite one another in pairs and form a second locking unit.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the fully closed storage container set 100. The locking tab 30 is pivoted toward the side wall 11, creating a positive locking connection between the lid 20 and the storage container 10.

[0035] In Fig. 2, the lid 20 is shown in a perspective view from below. In particular, an inner circumferential sealing lip 23.4 is visible. Below the locking tab 30, the edge region 23 is interrupted in an edge region section 28 to allow the locking tab 30 to fit tightly against the side wall 11 of the storage container. The sealing lip 23.4 extends without any interruption over the entire circumference.

[0036] On the underside of the locking tab 30, two locking hooks 31 and a valve closure element 42 are formed, via which the inlet opening of a vent channel 41 can be closed when the locking tab 30 is lowered and locked to the container edge.

[0037] Fig. Figure 13 shows how the lid 20 is brought toward the storage container 10 for closing. For this purpose, it is tilted and hooked with the lower hook portion 25 under the locking projection 14 and then pivoted down to the upper edge 134, as indicated by the arrow.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective sectional view taken along the central axis between the two long side walls 11.2 of the storage container 10. The edge region 23 of the lid 20 rests on and clasps an upper edge 13 of the side wall 11. The elastomeric edge region 23 is supported inwardly on a web of the central region 21 made of a hard thermoplastic material. The central region 21 is integrally connected to the support web 22. The support web 22 is interrupted where a vent channel 41 opens into the container interior.

[0039] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the Fig. 3 top left. This illustration particularly clearly shows the profiling of the edge section 23. This comprises an upper transverse section 23.1, which has a support surface on its underside, with which the edge region 23 rests on the upper edge 13 of the side wall 11. On an inner flank, the transverse section 23.1 is firmly bonded to the support web 22 of the central region 21. The transverse section 23.1 continues downwards on this side in a central web 23.2. The central web 23.2 is also supported by the support web 22. The edge region 23 is firmly bonded to the central region 21.

[0040] Below the support web 22, the central web 23.2 continues in a curved section 23.3, which terminates in a tapered sealing lip 23.4. On the outer side of the edge region 23, another vertical web is provided, extending downward from the transverse section 23.1 and serving as a clamping ring 23.5 to prevent the side wall 11 from bulging under the pressure of the elastically deformed curved section 23.3 including the sealing lip 23.4.

[0041] In the presentation in Fig. 4, the tip of the sealing lip 23.4 appears to extend into the container side wall 11. This representation is due to the fact that the sealing lip 23.4 and the curved section 23.3 are shown undeformed and are actually formed with a certain oversize in order to ensure constant contact of the sealing lip 23.4 with the container inner wall while constantly maintaining a certain prestress.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a section through the storage container set in the area of ​​the hook section 25. It can be seen that the hook section 25 is formed with an undercut and, in the area of ​​the upper edge 13, claws under the locking projection 14, which is also undercut.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 is a section of a perspective view of the storage container set, taken diagonally from below. The lid 20 is placed on the side wall 11. The locking tab 30 is folded up; the valve closure element 42 molded onto it is moved away from the vent channel.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows the same view as in Fig. 6 after pivoting down the locking tab 30. The locking hooks 31 of the locking tab 30 engage under the locking projection 14 on the side wall 11. The locking tab 30 lies closely against the storage container 10 so that its outer side is substantially flush with the edge region 23 of the lid 20.

[0045] Fig. Figure 8 shows the situation before locking the lid 20 on the storage container 10 from a slightly different angle, but similar to Fig. 6. The position of the closure element 42 near the opening of the vent channel 41 is particularly evident. The valve closure element 42 and the vent channel 41 together form a vent valve 40. The still unclosed vent channel 41 allows air to flow into or out of the container interior.

[0046] The edge area 23 is partially interrupted in the edge area section 28. In the edge area section 28, part of the upper cross section 23.1 of the profile is missing, and part of the clamping ring 23.5 located below it is also removed. Nevertheless, there is no interruption in the contact area with the side wall 11, ensuring the tightness of the storage container set.

[0047] Fig. 9 shows the same view as in Fig. 8, but without the storage container. The position of the venting channel 41 is particularly clear here. This extends from the opening in the edge region section 28 to the container interior, wherein the venting channel 41 is guided so deep that the casing of the venting channel 41 emerges from the cross-sectional profile of the edge region 23 and at this point connects to the edge region 23 as a transverse web 24. Due to this course of the venting channel 41, the central section 21 can, on the one hand, be arranged high in order to exert its stiffening effect on the edge region 23, which is particularly important in the Fig. 3 to 5. On the other hand, the crosspiece 24 also serves to support the elastomeric area around the venting channel 41, since in this area an interruption of the support piece 22 is required for the opening of the venting channel 41 (see Fig. 3).

[0048] In Fig. 10 shows a part of a longitudinal section through the locking region of the lid 20 to the storage container 10 by means of the locking tab 30. The valve closure element 42 on the back of the locking tab 30 made of hard plastic presses against the surroundings of the relatively softer edge region 23 and thereby closes the opening of the venting channel 41. Fig. 10 good that the ventilation channel 41 starting from the top of the edge region 23 runs only slightly above the upper edge 13 of the storage container 10, extends diagonally downwards and then opens into the container interior below the central region 21.

[0049] A similar representation as in Fig. 10, but with the locking tab 30 open, is in Fig. 11. The valve closure element 42 on the back of the locking tab 30 is pivoted away from the opening of the vent channel 41, so that the latter is now open.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 12 shows a section of a perspective view of a storage container set 100' according to a second embodiment, specifically looking from below at a locking tab 30'. The storage container 10 with its side wall 11 is unchanged. A lid 20' also largely corresponds to the above-described embodiment of the lid 20. What is different about the lid 20' is that two ventilation channels 41 open into an edge region section 28' of an edge region 23', and a grip recess 29' is formed between them. This allows the locking tab 30', which rests closely against the side wall 11 in the locked position, to be better gripped and unlocked. Reference symbol: 100; 100' storage container set 10 storage containers 11 Side wall 11.1, 11.2 Side wall sections 12 Floor 13 Top edge 14 Locking projection 15 Stacking edge 20, 20' lid 21 Central Area 22 Support bridge 23, 23' edge area 23.1 upper transverse section 23.2 Middle section 23.3 Arch section 23.4 Sealing lip 23.5 Clamping ring 24 crossbar 25 hook section 26 Bridge area 28, 28' edge area section 29' recessed grip 30; 30' locking tab 31; 31' locking hook 32 film hinge 40 vent valve 41 Ventilation duct 42 Valve closure element

Claims

[1] Food storage container set (100; 100') comprising a storage container (10) and a detachable lid (20; 20') wherein the storage container (10): - has a bottom (12) and a side wall (11) that ends at a top edge (13) and - the side wall (11) has at least one locking element on at least two side wall sections (11.1, 11.2); and wherein the cover (20; 20') - can be attached to the storage container (10) via the locking elements by means of a positive locking connection without hinges, - has at least one circumferential elastomeric sealing profile, and - has at least one internal support rib (22) on its underside, extending at least partially along the circumference of the lid (20; 20'), which can be positioned within the upper edge (13) of the storage container (10), characterized by , - that at least one locking element is formed on the lid (20; 20') as a fixed hook section (25) on the edge of the lid (20; 20') and at least one locking element is formed on the circumference opposite as a locking hook (31) on a pivotable locking tab (30); - that at least one locking element is formed on the storage container (10) by a circumferential locking projection (14) on the side wall (11) and / or by a locking edge on the upper edge of a recess in the side wall (11) of the storage container (10); - that the lid (20; 20') placed on the storage container (10) engages with the hook section (25) under the locking projection (14) on the side wall (11) or under the detent edge on the upper edge of a recess in the side wall (11). [2] Storage container set (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - that the cover (20; 20') comprises a central area (21) with the downwardly extending support rib (22) and an elastomeric edge area (23; 23') surrounding the central area (21), in which the sealing profile is integrated or which is formed by the sealing profile; and - that outside the perimeter of the side wall (11) in the edge area (23; 23') a clamping ring (23.5) is formed, which extends to below the top edge (13) of the storage container (10). [3] Storage container set (100) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the clamping ring (23.5) extends downwards to below the top edge (13) of the storage container (10). [4] Storage container set (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the edge area (23; 23') is profiled in a J-shape in cross-section, wherein on one side the tension ring (23.5) connects to the upper transverse section (23.1) and on the other side the middle section (23.2) with the arc section (23.3) and the sealing lip (23.4). [5] Storage container set (100) according to claim 4, characterized by , that - when the lid is in place, an upper transverse section (23.1) of the edge area (23; 23') contacts the upper edge (13) of the side wall (11), - a central section (23.2) is led downwards along the support rib (22) and supported on it; - the central section (23.2) continues in an arc section (23.3) that leads away from the support web (22) and ends in a sealing lip (23.4) that contacts the inner wall of the side wall (11). [6] Storage container set (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by, that the entire outer area (23; 23') is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and the central area (21) of a comparatively harder thermoplastic polymer. [7] Storage container set (100) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the locking tab (30) is connected to the central area (21) of the lid (20; 20') via a bridge area (26) made of non-elastic plastic. [8] Storage container set (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the storage container (10) has a rectangular cross-section with two short side wall sections (11.1) and two long side wall sections (11.2) and - that the locking tab (30; 30') and the hook section (25) are arranged opposite each other in the short side wall sections (11.1). [9] Storage container set (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one vent valve (40) is provided on the lid (20; 20') which includes at least one vent channel (41) and at least one closing element (42) movable via the locking tab (26) for closing the vent channel (41), wherein the vent channel (41) extends through the edge region (23; 23').

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