Lid for a food storage container

Abstract

A lid (20) for connection to a food storage container (10), wherein a latching element is formed on a pivotably connected latching tab (30), which latching element can be latched onto a locking projection (14) on the storage container (10). The lid (20) comprises a central region (21) and an edge region (23) surrounding the central region, which edge region is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. A vent valve (40) is formed on the lid (20), which valve comprises at least one vent channel (41) extending through the elastomeric edge region (23) and a closure element (42) for closing an opening of the vent channel (41). The valve closure element (42) is designed as a convex partial body and is molded onto the underside of the latching tab (30). The cross-section of the valve closure element (42) is larger than the opening cross-section of the opening of the vent channel (41).In the locking position, the closure element (42) engages with part of its height in the elastically deformed edge region (23; 23') around the mouth of the venting channel (41).

Description

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

[0002] Such a lid as part of 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. As the lid snaps into place, a force is exerted on the lid, pulling it, with its elastomer seal, onto the upper edge and holding it in a pre-tensioned position. The air- and liquid-tight connection enables hygienic storage of food as well as problem-free transport. Users find it disadvantageous 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] It is also known to provide an additional vent valve in a central area of ​​such a lid, for example, to heat food contained in the storage container set in a microwave oven without having to remove the lid from the container. The vent valve comprises an elastomer plug that can be inserted into an opening in the lid. A disadvantage is that a separate part is required for the vent, which, on the one hand, incurs manufacturing costs. On the other hand, it must be operated separately before opening in order to equalize the pressure with the container interior before opening the lid.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to further develop a lid for a storage container of the type mentioned above in such a way that more convenient operation is possible when opening and closing the lid, in particular, locking and unlocking the lid and pressure equalization can be achieved simultaneously. At the same time, a reliable airtight and liquid-tight connection between the storage container and the lid should be ensured when the lid is locked to the container.

[0005] This object is achieved by a lid having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The vent valve is integrated into the lid, allowing pressure to be equalized with the ambient temperature. This eliminates the pressure differential between the lid and the storage container. Removing the lid requires only minimal force to overcome the frictional force of the sealing lip rubbing against the inner wall of the container. The vent valve thus facilitates one-handed operation, or even makes it possible 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 and locked.

[0007] 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.

[0008] The invention preferably provides that the lid comprises a central region and a surrounding edge region made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The vent valve comprises at least one vent channel extending through the elastomeric edge region and a closure element for closing an opening of the vent channel.

[0009] According to the invention, the elastic edge region not only serves as a deformable seal between the lid and the storage container, but also allows for deformability around the opening of the vent channel. The associated valve closure element is designed as a concave part that is molded onto the underside of the lid's movable locking tab. When the locking tab is pivoted toward the storage container for locking, the valve closure element simultaneously closes the opening of the vent channel.

[0010] The valve closure element engages only with a part of its height in the elastically deformed edge area around the mouth of the vent channel, and only to the extent that the tightness of the closed storage container set with the lid is ensured by an elastic deformation and a resulting elastic restoring force.

[0011] Compared to such known solutions, in which a small elastic valve closure element is pressed from the outside onto a vent opening via a movable tab, this offers the advantage of simple and cost-effective production. It avoids the need to manufacture and attach a separate elastic sealing element, or the risk of it becoming detached and lost during use.

[0012] Compared to a similarly known solution, in which a rod-shaped element is pushed from the outside into the venting channel as a valve closure element, the advantage is that damage, for example due to bending and the resulting leakage of the storage container set, is avoided.

[0013] In order for the valve closure element to cause the elastic deformation of the edge region without becoming stuck in the venting channel due to excessive penetration, it is provided that the cross section of the valve closure element is larger than the opening cross section of the mouth of the venting channel and thus only engages with a part of its height in the elastically deformed edge region around the mouth of the venting channel.

[0014] Preferably, the valve closure element is designed in the shape of a spherical segment, and the portion of the height of the valve closure element pressed onto the edge region that engages the elastically deformed opening of the venting channel is less than 70% of its total height and / or between 30% and 80% of its diameter. This ratio ensures that the spherical segment-shaped valve closure element penetrates far enough into the venting channel to securely seal it, but not so far that it becomes jammed. Preferably, only half of the spherical segment-shaped valve closure element penetrates the venting channel.

[0015] A preferred embodiment provides for two venting channels to open next to each other in a portion of the edge region, with a recessed grip formed between them in the edge region. The movable locking tab accordingly has two similar valve closure elements on its underside. The recessed grip allows for easier gripping and unlocking of the locking tab, which rests tightly against the edge region in the locked position.

[0016] If the lid is combined with a suitable storage container, the result is a storage container set that is easier to use and has good sealing.

[0017] In particular, it is provided that the lid engages under an edge of the storage container with a rigid hook section on one side and, on the circumference opposite the hook section, only a movable locking tab is provided which must be operated.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 web that forms part of the central region of the lid. The central region of the lid is made of a plastic that is harder than the plastic of the edge section. For example, the central region is made of polypropylene, and the edge section is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0022] 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 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.

[0023] In addition, the support web supports the central section of the elastomer 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.

[0024] To further prevent the container wall from being pushed outward, a clamping ring is 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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, when closed, is positioned between the outer clamping ring and the inner center bar, 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.

[0027] The profiling of the edge region, including the adjacent sections of the central region, is essential to ensure 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.

[0028] Thus, the transverse section, 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.

[0029] Furthermore, the profiling of the edge area must allow the lid to be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Since significant inward deformation of the elastomeric edge area is impossible due to the hard central area with its support web, demolding of the lid from an injection mold must be enabled by forming a trapezoidal interior space with a slightly upward cross-section between the outer clamping ring and the central web, and by the support web of the central area extending downward only far enough to allow the curved section with the sealing lip to deflect under the lower edge of the support web.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Such a storage container set therefore only provides 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 attached 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.

[0032] 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 at the opposite end and positively locked to the storage container using the movable locking tab located there.

[0033] In this preferred embodiment with only one rigid and 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.

[0034] 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 zones on the storage container in which the several functionally similar locking elements are arranged.

[0035] 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 form fit is achieved.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] This makes it possible to combine the same lid with storage containers made of different materials.

[0039] 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 shows a section of a perspective view of a storage container set according to a second embodiment, with the locking tab open from below; Fig. 13 the storage container set with the lid open in side view; and Fig. 14 an enlarged section of a longitudinal section through the storage container set with the locking tab closed.

[0040] 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 between side wall sections 11.1, 11.2. The side wall 11 is provided with a stacking edge 15.

[0041] 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.

[0042] On the narrow side of the storage container 10 opposite the hook section 25, a locking tab 30 is connected to a bridge region 26 of the edge region 23 via a film hinge 32. The locking tab 30, film hinge 32, and bridge region 26 form a unit with the central region 21 and are therefore made of the same material.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In Fig. 2, the lid 20 is shown in a perspective view from below. A sealing lip 23.4 running around the inside is particularly visible. Below the locking tab 30, the edge region 23 is interrupted in an edge 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 uninterrupted over the entire circumference.

[0046] 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 venting channel 41 can be closed when the locking tab 30 is lowered and locked to the container edge.

[0047] Fig. Figure 13 shows how the lid 20 is brought toward the storage container 10 for closing. It is tilted and hooked with the lower hook portion 25 under the locking projection 14 and then placed on the upper edge 134, as indicated by the arrow.

[0048] 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 set 100. 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The edge area 23 is partially interrupted in the edge section 28. Part of the upper cross section 23.1 is missing, and part of the clamping ring 23.5 located below it has been removed. Nevertheless, there is no interruption in the contact area with the side wall 11, ensuring the tightness of the storage container set. The still unsealed vent channel 41 allows air to flow into or out of the container interior.

[0057] Fig. 9 shows the same view as in Fig. 8, but without the storage container. Here, the position of the ventilation channel 41 is particularly clear. This extends from the mouth in the edge region section 28 to the interior, wherein the ventilation channel 41 is guided so deep that the jacket of the ventilation channel 41 emerges from the cross-sectional profile of the edge section 23 and at this point connects to the edge region 23 as a transverse web 24. Due to this course of the ventilation channel 41, the central section 21 can, on the one hand, be arranged high in order to develop its stiffening effect for 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 is unchanged. A lid 20' also largely corresponds to the above-described embodiment of the lid 20. The difference is that two ventilation channels 41 open into an edge region section 28' of an edge region 23', and a gripping 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.

[0061] In Fig.Figure 14 shows an enlarged section of a longitudinal section through the storage container set with the locking tab closed, in particular to illustrate the relationship between the outer diameter of the hemispherical valve closure element 42 and the diameter of the vent channel 41. According to the invention, the valve closure element 42 is not simply pressed onto the opening of the vent channel 41 from the outside, but rather partially penetrates, but only with approximately half of its height and diameter, in particular with less than 70% of its total height and / or between 30% and 80% of its diameter. As a result, the valve closure element 42 does not jam in the vent channel and can be easily removed therefrom. Nevertheless, a good sealing effect is achieved. 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] Lid (20) for connection with a storage container (10) for food, wherein at least one locking element is formed on at least one locking tab (30) pivotably connected to the lid (20), which can be engaged on a locking projection (14) on the storage container (10); and characterized by , - that the lid (20) comprises a central area (21) and a surrounding edge area (23) made of a thermoplastic elastomer; - that a vent valve (40) is formed on the lid (20), which comprises at least one vent channel (41) extending through the elastomeric edge region (23) and a closing element (42) for closing an opening of the vent channel (41), - that the valve closure element (42) is designed as a convex subbody and is formed on the underside of the locking tab (30) which is to face the edge area (23) in the locking position, - that the cross-section of the valve closure element (42) is larger than the opening cross-section of the outlet of the vent channel (41) and - that the locking element (42) in the locking position engages with part of its height in the elastically deformed edge area (23; 23') around the opening of the vent channel (41). [2] Lid (20) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the valve closure element (42) is shaped in the form of a spherical segment. [3] Lid (20) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the portion of the spherical segment-shaped valve closure element (42) pressed onto the edge region (23) which engages in the elastically deformed environment at the opening of the vent channel (41) is less than 70% of its total height and / or between 30% and 80% of its diameter. [4] Lid (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the vent channel (41) extends from the opening above a support area for the upper edge (13) of the storage container (10) through the edge area (23) to an underside of the lid (20). [5] Lid (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the cross-section of the vent channel (41) tapers from the interior of the container to the outlet on the outside of the sealing profile. [6] Lid (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage container (10) has a rectangular cross-section with two short and two long side wall sections (11.1, 11.2) and the locking tab and the vent valve are each located in the middle of a short side wall section (11.2). [7] Lid (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the central area (21) is made of a thermoplastic material that is harder than the outer section (23); [8] Lid (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the edge section (23; 23') has a J-shaped profile in cross-section, wherein an upper transverse section (23.1) is followed by a central section (23.2), which is led downwards along the support web (22) and supported on it and is bonded to it in a material-locking manner and which continues in an arc section (23.3) that leads away from the support web (22) and ends in a sealing lip (23.4) which is designed to abut an inner wall of the storage container (10). [9] Lid (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cover (20) has a rectangular cross-section with two pairs of guide web sections of the guide web (25) opposite each other in plan view, wherein adjacent guide web sections are each connected to each other via an arc section. [10] Food storage container set (100; 100') comprising a storage container (10) and a lid (20; 20') detachable therefrom according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container (10) has a base (12) and a side wall (11) which terminates at an upper edge (13) and has at least one locking element on at least two side wall sections (11.1, 11.2). [11] Storage container set (100; 100') according to claim 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 it as a latching hook (31) on a pivotable latching 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 at the upper edge of a recess in the side wall (11) and - that the vent channel (41) starts from the top of the edge area (23) and extends diagonally downwards, running only slightly above the top edge (13) of the storage container (10), and then opens into the interior of the container below the central area (21).

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