Improved GN standard container and plastic lid

Abstract

Lid (1) which is suitable for use for catering purposes, is approximately rectangular and meets the dimensional requirements of a standard catering container, characterized in that the lid (1) is made of plastic, in particular as a plastic injection molded part.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid and a container which are suitable for use for gastronomic purposes and which meet the dimensional requirements for standard gastronomy containers (GN containers).

[0002] Such lids and containers are used, for example, in the catering industry for processing, storing and / or transporting food and / or kitchen utensils such as cutlery. GN containers have standardized dimensions, in particular a standardized length and a standardized width at least in one section of the container, such as the top of the container. Length and width dimensions correspond to the DIN EN 631 standard and are usually specified in the form "GN-A / B". For example, a GN 1 / 1 container has a width "A" of 325 mm and a length "B" of 530 mm, while a GN 1 / 3 container has a width "A" of 325 mm and a length "B" of 176 mm. Accordingly, a GN 1 / 3 container is approximately three times shorter than a GN 1 / 1 container.Such standardization improves the compatibility of GN containers and their lids with each other, as well as the compatibility of GN containers of different size categories. For example, GN containers are inserted into designated holding devices, e.g., on food serving counters, and arranged adjacent to other containers. In particular, such a holding device comprises a rail system, with the edges of the GN containers resting on the rails, and the rails each having a distance from each other that is coordinated with the dimensions of the DIN EN 631 standard. This allows containers of different size categories that have at least the same length and / or width to be positioned next to each other in the holding device.For example, a holding device that can accommodate one GN 1 / 1 container can also accommodate three GN 1 / 3 containers, or one GN 2 / 3 and one GN 1 / 3 container, adjacent to each other. Containers of the same size category (GN A / B) can, in particular, have different depths.

[0003] GN containers are known in the prior art, which are made of ceramic, for example, and are used in food distribution areas, particularly because of their aesthetically pleasing design. However, such ceramic containers have the disadvantage, among other things, that they are generally heavy, have a smooth surface, and are fragile when exposed to strong and / or impact mechanical stress. GN containers and lids made of metal, in particular stainless steel and / or aluminum, are also known in the prior art. While such metal containers and lids are robust when exposed to strong mechanical stress, they can also have smooth surfaces. Particularly when smooth outer surfaces of a container or lid are moist, there is a risk that a person could lose their grip on such a container or lid while handling it.Particularly when a container is heavily filled and / or contains hot food, there is a greater risk of injury. Furthermore, with containers and lids made of metal, the contents of the container cannot be seen from the outside. In this case, labeling must be provided so that the contents can be identified without opening the container. Another disadvantage with conventional containers and lids is when a container filled with hot food is closed with a lid. If the food cools down while closed, the lid can be sucked onto the container due to the resulting negative pressure. The lid can then usually only be removed from the container with considerable force, which in turn poses a risk of injury to the user.

[0004] Against this background, the object of the present invention was to provide a lid and a container suitable for use in catering applications and to address the disadvantages of known solutions. In particular, the safety of persons using the lid and container should be improved.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a lid which is suitable for use for gastronomic purposes, is approximately rectangular, meets the dimensional requirements of a standard gastronomic container and is made of plastic and in particular as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0006] According to an important feature of this aspect, the lid is made of plastic. Compared to known solutions, this material offers high robustness against strong and / or impact-induced mechanical stress, even with a low material weight. In particular, the lid can be made of a transparent plastic, which further offers the advantage that items stored in a container closed with the lid can be viewed and identified from the outside. In particular, the plastic from which the lid is made is food-safe and / or BPA-free. Alternatively, if no food contact is intended through the lid, the lid can be made of a polycarbonate-based plastic. In particular, the lid is manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part, more preferably as a continuous workpiece. A plastic injection-molded part can be produced quickly, inexpensively, and precisely in large quantities.Especially if the lid is manufactured as a single, continuous component, there are no joints between multiple sections of the lid where, for example, food residue can accumulate and stick. Contamination from a component without such joints is also easier to remove.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the lid has at least one gripping recess, wherein the gripping recess defines an undercut, wherein a surface of the undercut serves as a gripping surface. A gripping recess can, for example, be formed as part of a closed surface of a lid, in particular a lid in the form of a plastic injection-molded part, preferably in the form of a continuous plastic injection-molded part. This avoids joints that arise, for example, if additional gripping elements were attached to the lid. By having a surface of an undercut defined by the gripping recess serve as a gripping surface, the lid can be gripped more firmly by a person. Compared to, for example, a vertical gripping surface without an undercut, the risk of slipping off the gripping surface is reduced if such an undercut is provided.

[0008] In a further development of the preferred embodiment, the lid has at least two adjacent grip recesses, wherein the undercuts of the grip recesses are aligned with one another such that they define a grip section of the lid. In particular, such a grip section can be gripped by a person with opposed fingers of one hand because the undercuts are arranged in such an aligned manner. This means that the grip section can be gripped, for example, with the thumb in one grip recess and the remaining fingers in another grip recess. This allows a person to grip the lid more firmly and securely and to exert more manual force on the lid, for example when it is to be removed from a container that is closed with the lid.In particular, if the lid is securely connected to a container, for example if the container is closed with the lid, the lid and container can be gripped together at the handle section and, for example, lifted and / or transported.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the lid has a circumferential edge, wherein the circumferential edge is designed to lie approximately flat against an edge of the container when the lid closes a container substantially along an entire circumferential direction of the lid and the container, wherein the circumferential edge of the lid comprises a lever-out curvature on at least a portion of the edge, which is designed to be spaced from the edge of the container when the lid closes the container such that an auxiliary object, in particular a tool and / or a kitchen utensil, can be inserted between the lever-out curvature and the edge of the container. The lever-out curvature is designed to transfer a lever force exerted by the auxiliary object to the lid.When a lid closes a container, the lid can often be so tightly attached to the container that it can only be removed with great force. For example, the lid can be fixed to the container due to a vacuum in the container or dried-on food residue. Often, the force required to remove the lid cannot be applied using hands alone. A lever-out bulge, as described here, offers the advantage that the lid can be removed from the container more easily and safely. A rod- or handle-like object can be inserted between the lever-out bulge and the container and used as a lever, so that the lid can be lifted and removed from the container using leverage. If no lever-out bulge were provided, a flat auxiliary object could simply be placed on the contact surface between the lid and container.Such a flat auxiliary object can potentially bend, break, or slip under leverage, posing a risk of injury to people and damage to the lid and container. The lever-out curve, on the other hand, allows the use of objects with a greater thickness, particularly those with a cylindrical profile such as the handle of an elongated, blunt kitchen utensil, which can more reliably apply greater leverage. The term lever-out curve is not limited to continuous, curved curves, but can also refer to curves that are roughly rectangular, roughly triangular, roughly semicircular, or of other shapes.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the lid comprises a stacking section, wherein the stacking section has a support region, wherein the support region is defined on an upper side of the lid, in particular by a recess or a flat surface, and defines a substantially flat support plane, and wherein the stacking section has a stacking projection on an underside of the lid, wherein a stacking edge is defined on the stacking projection, which defines a substantially flat standing plane. The stacking projection is designed such that the stacking edge, when the lid is stacked on a second lid, rests substantially flat on the support region of the second lid. Such a stacking section offers the advantage that the lid can be placed stably on the stacking edge without the lid wobbling relative to its base.Furthermore, such a stacking section offers the advantage that at least two, in particular a plurality of lids can be stably stacked on top of one another without them tipping or wobbling against one another. This reduces the risk of a stack of a plurality of lids tipping over unexpectedly and uncontrollably. The stacking edge is in particular dimensioned such that stacked lids only touch at the stacking edges and support areas. If a grip recess is provided on the lid, this is in particular dimensioned such that it does not touch a second lid on which the lid is stacked. In particular, if the support area is in the form of a trough, a lid standing on it is secured against, for example, horizontal displacement by an engagement between the trough and the stacking projection, so that stacking of lids can be carried out even more stably.

[0011] In a further development of this preferred embodiment, the support area, the stacking projection, and the stacking edge are arranged along the entire circumferential direction of the lid. This increases the standing and support surface, for example, when a lid is placed down and / or several lids are stacked, thus increasing the stability of the lids. In particular, by arranging the stacking projection along the entire circumferential direction, the stability of the lid and its torsional rigidity can be improved.

[0012] In a further development of the preferred embodiment, a stand element is provided on the previously described stacking projection, wherein the stand element defines the stacking edge and is made of a plastic which has a higher surface adhesion than the plastic from which other elements of the lid are made. Such a stand element helps in particular to place the lid down more securely or to stack several lids more securely. Due to the higher surface adhesion, slipping of the lid, in particular horizontally, relative to a surface and / or a second lid on which the lid is stacked is made more difficult. Greater forces are required to slip the lid, so that, for example, a stack of lids is better protected against being knocked over or tipping over.

[0013] Advantageously, the stand element is molded directly onto the lid using an injection molding process, in particular using a two-component injection molding process. By molding the stand element directly onto the lid, there are no joints between the stand element and the lid where, for example, food residues can collect and become stuck. Contamination can also be removed more easily from a component without such joints. In particular, using a two-component injection molding process to mold the stand element onto the lid offers the advantage that a lid with a stand element can be manufactured in a single work run and with two different plastics with different material properties, in particular different surface adhesion. It is not necessary to machine a component in multiple work steps and / or stations.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the lid has a seal, wherein the seal is arranged along an entire circumferential direction of the lid and is made of a plastic which has greater flexibility than the plastic from which other elements of the lid are made. In particular, the plastic from which the seal is made also has greater elasticity than the plastic from which other elements of the lid are made. With the help of a seal, for example, an interior of a container which is closed with the lid can be sealed off from the environment. This means that, for example, no contaminants can penetrate into the interior of the container and / or no substances, in particular no fluids, can inadvertently escape from the container. The seal can preferably be designed in the form of a clamp seal.Because the plastic from which the seal is made exhibits greater flexibility and, in particular, elasticity than other components of the lid, the seal can be adapted to a gap between the lid and the container and / or to an inner wall of the container when the container is closed with the lid. This allows the seal to be preferably clamped between the lid and the container, thus achieving a sealing effect. In particular, due to its flexibility, the seal can compensate for unevenness in the contact surface with the lid and / or container, as well as varying distances between the lid and the container.

[0015] In a further development of this preferred embodiment, the seal is molded directly onto the lid using an injection molding process, in particular using a two-component injection molding process. Because the seal is molded directly onto the lid, there are no joints between the seal and the lid where, for example, food residues could collect and become stuck. Contamination can also be removed more easily from a component without such joints. In particular, using a two-component injection molding process to mold the seal onto the lid offers the advantage that a lid with a seal can be manufactured in a single work run and using two different plastics with different material properties, in particular different flexibility and preferably different elasticity. It is not necessary to machine a component in multiple work steps and / or stations.

[0016] Advantageously, the seal comprises at least two sealing elements, in particular at least two sealing lamellae, wherein the sealing elements are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another along the entire circumferential direction of the lid, and wherein the seal comprises a pressure compensation device which is defined in that the sealing elements each have a recess and the recesses of the sealing elements are arranged spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the lid. In general, a sealing element is pressed against a surface of a container which is closed with the lid and is deformed in the process. Advantageously, the sealing element is so flexible and / or elastic that this deformation creates a restoring force and contact is maintained between the sealing element and the surface of the container.By maintaining a contact surface between the sealing element and the container, the sealing effect of the sealing element is achieved. Providing at least two sealing elements has the advantage that the sealing effect of the seal is further increased with each additional sealing element. In particular, when two spaced-apart sealing elements are provided, which are arranged parallel to one another and along the entire circumferential direction of the lid, a gap is generally defined by the sealing elements and a surface of a container with which the sealing elements are in contact. This gap is usually sealed off from the interior of the container closed with the lid and from the environment. A sealing lamella as a sealing element is generally bent over when it is pressed against a surface of the container.Particularly in the case of flexible and / or elastic sealing lamellas, a restoring force exists so that a section of the sealing lamella presses against the surface of the container and a sealing surface is formed. Providing a pressure equalization unit offers the advantage that the interior of a container closed with the lid and the surrounding area can be in fluid communication with one another in a predetermined manner. In particular, the exchange of air is advantageous in order to prevent the development of overpressure and / or underpressure in the closed container. Such overpressure and / or underpressure can arise in particular when the container is closed and / or opened with the lid, or when hot food stored in the container closed with the lid cools down. In particular, a underpressure in the closed container makes it difficult to open the container and remove the lid.In an embodiment with at least two sealing elements as described above, an intermediate space is defined between these sealing elements. By providing recesses in the sealing elements, fluid exchange is enabled between the interior of the container closed with the lid and the intermediate space, as well as between the intermediate space and the environment, so that the effect of a pressure equalization device is achieved. By arranging the recesses spaced from one another along the circumferential direction of the lid, a dead space is defined in the intermediate space between the recesses. Through this section of the intermediate space, air can continue to be exchanged between the interior space and the environment. In contrast, liquid, for example, which passes through the recess connecting the interior space and the intermediate space cannot escape directly from the container into the environment.This would first have to pass through the dead-run volume and also pass through the further recess. This effectively seals the container closed with the lid using the pressure compensation device described above.

[0017] Advantageously, if the lid has a stacking projection arranged along the entire circumferential direction of the lid, the seal is arranged on the stacking projection from the outside in a radial direction of the lid. In particular, the stacking projection is designed such that it protrudes into the interior of a container when this container is closed with the lid. Furthermore, the stacking projection is preferably arranged on the lid such that a seal arranged on the stacking projection from the outside is clamped between the stacking projection and a surface of an inner side of the container, thus achieving the sealing effect of the seal.By clamping the seal over an entire circumferential direction of the lid and container and preferably in an approximately horizontal direction between the stacking projection and the container, the sealing effect is achieved and preferably the lid is fixed to the container in such a way that no additional fastening means such as fastening clamps are required to achieve the sealing effect and to fix the lid to the container.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a container which is suitable for use for gastronomic purposes, is approximately cuboid-shaped, has four side walls and a bottom and is open at the top, and meets the dimensional requirements of a standard gastronomic container, the container being made of plastic and in particular as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0019] According to an important feature of this aspect, the container is made of plastic. Compared to known solutions, this material offers high robustness against strong and / or impact mechanical stress, even with low weight. In particular, the container can be made of a transparent plastic, which further offers the advantage that items stored in the container can be viewed and identified from the outside, even when the container is closed. In particular, the plastic from which the container is made is food-safe and / or BPA-free. Alternatively, if no food contact is intended through the container, the container can be made of a polycarbonate-based plastic. In particular, the container is manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part, more preferably as a single workpiece. A plastic injection-molded part can be produced quickly, inexpensively, and precisely in high volumes.Especially if the container is manufactured as a single, continuous component, there are no joints between several parts of the container where, for example, food residues can accumulate and stick. Contamination from a component without such joints can also be removed more easily.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the container has stiffeners on at least two opposite side walls, in particular grooves or stepped offsets, which structurally reinforce the container. Reinforcing the container with such stiffeners also offers the advantage that forces, such as shear forces acting on the container, can be distributed in a targeted manner across the entire structure of the container. This allows, for example, the same stability of the container to be achieved with thinner walls, the weight of the container can be reduced, and the container can be manufactured more cost-effectively due to material savings.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the second aspect, a supporting edge is defined on the inner sides of at least two opposite side walls and adjacent to the base, wherein the supporting edge is configured to support an insert element, in particular a drip tray. Such a supporting edge can be realized, for example, by means of a thickening in the material of the side wall or by means of a stepped offset of the side wall towards the interior of the container. The supporting edge is preferably arranged along an entire circumferential direction of the container. By arranging the supporting edge adjacent to the base, the interior of the container can be divided, in particular, into two sub-areas. For this purpose, an insert element such as, for example, an insert shelf and / or a draining sieve can preferably be used. Various items can, for example, be stored in these sub-areas.Furthermore, in the upper part, especially when a colander is used, an item that is to be stored dry or dried, such as washed salad, can be stored, with excess liquid being collected in the lower part.

[0022] Advantageously, the stiffeners on the side walls are further configured to guide an insert element, which is inserted into the container, to a predetermined insertion position on the support edge. In particular, if an insert element is inserted into the container in a tilted and / or twisted manner, it can become jammed and stuck on the side walls of the container and must be realigned and inserted again. If the insert element is guided to a predetermined insertion position by the stiffeners in the side walls, the insert element can be successfully inserted even if it is inserted into the container in a tilted and / or twisted manner. This allows for faster insertion and requires less work precision.In an exemplary embodiment, stepped stiffeners can follow an arcuate shape, with each arcuate shape describing a path that continuously approaches a vertical center axis of the side wall as it extends away from the top toward the bottom of the container. Preferably, the insert element can also have, on a peripheral edge thereof, stepped offsets in a radial direction of the insert element and / or projections that are configured to engage with a stiffener during insertion such that the insert element is guided along the path described by the stiffener to the insertion position.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the second aspect, at least one handle element can be fastened and detachably and / or attached to an upper side of the container in such a way that it is movable between a gripping position and a stowage position, wherein the handle element is configured to be gripped in the gripping position and is closer to the container in the stowage position with respect to the gripping position. Holding devices, for example of food dispensers into which GN containers are inserted, are usually flush and flat with, for example, a work surface. In particular, if a GN container has an approximately horizontal, circumferential edge on the upper side, this edge rests flat on an edge of the holding device or the work surface when it is positioned in the holding device.If a person manually places a GN container into such a holding device, there is a risk, for example, that this person could trap their fingers between the surrounding edge of the container and the edge of the holding device and / or work surface. This risk is increased if the person can only grip the GN container by the edge and the container is heavily filled. Likewise, it is difficult to grip the surrounding edge of a GN container inserted in the holding device in order to lift the container out of the holding device if the surrounding edge of the container is resting flat on, for example, the edge of the holding device and / or work surface. By providing a handle element on the container, the container can be positioned in and lifted out of the holding device more easily, in a more controlled and safe manner.By making the holding device movable between a gripping position and a stowage position, wherein the gripping element in the stowage position is closer to the container with respect to the gripping position, on the one hand the advantages of a gripping element can be utilized and on the other hand, for example, several containers can be stacked inside each other without the gripping elements of the containers to be stacked inside each other hindering the stacking.

[0024] Preferably, an edge of the container, which is arranged on a top side of the container, has a clamping recess, wherein the clamping recess is configured such that a clamping element, in particular a holder for auxiliary objects and / or a closure clip, can be captively fastened thereto. Such a clamping recess can advantageously be designed such that an object to be clamped is locked in a predetermined clamping position at the clamping recess. Preferably, such a clamping recess can define a groove and be configured such that a clamped object is in clamping engagement with such a groove and is thereby captively fastened to the container.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a container system suitable for use for catering purposes, comprising a lid and a container, each as described above. By providing a lid and a container as part of a container system, these two components can be coordinated with each other and compatibility optimized. For example, the dimensions of the lid and container can be coordinated such that the container can be effectively closed with the lid.

[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a plan view of a lid 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a side view of the lid 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a cross section of the lid 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a cross-section of several stacked lids 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 a side view of a container 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 is an isometric view of the container 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 is a side view of a cross section of the container 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a container system 3 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 9 a side view of a diagonal cross section of the container system 3 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a lid 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. This lid is made in particular from transparent plastic as a plastic injection-molded part and is suitable for use for catering purposes. In particular, all plastic elements of the lid 1 are made from food-safe and / or BPA-free plastic. Alternatively, if no food contact is intended through the lid 1, selected plastic elements of the lid 1 can be made from a polycarbonate-based plastic. The lid 1 is in particular approximately rectangular in plan view and preferably has rounded corners. For example, it meets the dimensional requirements of a GN 1 / 3 container with a width A of 325 mm and a length B of 176 mm.In particular, it has two adjacent recessed grips 100, each with an undercut 100*, wherein a grip section 102 of the lid 1, defined by the undercuts 100*, is preferably arranged between the recessed grips 100. The recessed grips 100 have, in particular, such a curved basic shape that the grip section 102, together with the undercuts 100*, has an approximately convex shape and is preferably approximately knob-shaped. Furthermore, the lid 1 has, in particular, a peripheral edge 104 and, in particular, four lever-out curvatures 106. These lever-out curvatures 106 are arranged here, by way of example, at the four rounded corners of the lid 1. In particular, edge cutouts 105 can be provided, wherein preferably one edge cutout 105 is arranged on each of the opposite longitudinal sides of the peripheral edge 104.Advantageously, the lid 1 comprises a stacking section 108, wherein a support region 110 of the stacking section 108 is defined on an upper side of the lid 1. The support region 110 is arranged, for example, along an entire circumferential direction of the lid 1 and is defined by a recess. The support region 110 further defines a substantially flat support plane.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the lid 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Shown as an example is a section of the circumferential edge 104 with lifting curvatures 106. The lid 1 further comprises, in particular, a circumferential stacking projection 112 of the stacking section 108 on an underside of the lid 1, a standing element 116, and a seal 120, wherein the standing element 116 and the seal 120 are arranged, for example, on the stacking projection 112. The grip recesses 100 have, in particular, an approximately flat underside. The standing element 116 is arranged, in particular, on the underside of the stacking projection 112 and defines a stacking edge 114, which defines a substantially flat standing plane. Both the stacking projection 112 and the standing element 116 are preferably arranged along an entire circumferential direction of the lid 1.In this exemplary embodiment, the seal 120 is arranged in a radial direction of the lid 1 from the outside on the stacking projection 112 and along an entire circumferential direction of the lid 1. The seal 120 comprises, in particular, two sealing elements 122, preferably in the form of sealing lamellae 122, which are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another along the entire circumferential direction of the lid 1. The sealing elements 122 each comprise, in particular, a recess 124a, 124b, which are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the lid 1. This arrangement of the recesses 124a, 124b defines, in particular, a pressure compensation device. Typically, a seal 120 seals the interior of a container closed with the lid 1 from the environment, in particular in an airtight manner, by the sealing elements 122 being pressed, for example, against an inner side of the container.In this exemplary embodiment, a closed intermediate space is defined between the sealing elements 122 and the interior of the container. By providing recesses 124a, 124b, air, for example, can flow through these recesses 124a, 124b and through a portion of the defined intermediate space located between the recesses 124a, 124b. This is particularly advantageous when opening and / or closing the container with the lid 1 and / or when hot food cools inside a container closed with the lid 1, in order to avoid overpressure or underpressure in the interior of the closed container. In particular, the portion of the defined intermediate space between the recesses 124a, 124b spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the lid 1 defines a dead space 124c.For example, if liquids are stored in the container and reach the seal 120, they may reach one of the recesses 124a, which faces the interior of the container. Even if the liquids pass through this recess 124a, they are collected in the dead-flow volume 124c, preventing them from immediately leaving the sealed container, and the container closed with the lid 1 is effectively sealed by the seal 120.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows an isometric view of a cross-section of the lid 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. In this cross-sectional view, further details of the handle section 102, the peripheral edge 104, the stacking section 108, and the seal 120 are shown by way of example. The handle section 102, which is in particular knob-shaped, is defined by the mutually aligned undercuts 100* of the adjacent, curved grip recesses 100. The bottom of the grip recesses 100 is in particular approximately flat. The peripheral edge 104 in particular has a downwardly curved section 104*. The exemplary stacking section 108 comprises a support area 110 on the upper side of the lid 1, which is defined in particular by a recess preferably extending over the entire circumferential direction of the lid 1 and defines a substantially flat support plane. The stacking projection 112 of the stacking section 108 is arranged on the underside of the lid 1.On an underside of the stacking projection 112, the standing element 116 is provided, for example, which defines the stacking edge 114. The stacking projection 112, the standing element 116, and the stacking edge 114 are preferably arranged continuously along the entire circumferential direction of the lid 1 and in particular below the support area 110. The seal 120 is arranged, in particular in a radial direction of the lid 1, from the outside on the stacking projection 112 and preferably comprises two sealing elements 122, in particular two sealing lamellas 122. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the seal 120 and the standing element 116 are defined, for example, by a continuous plastic element, which is injection-molded directly onto the stacking projection 112 of the lid 1, in particular by means of a two-component injection molding process.This continuous plastic element is arranged in the radial direction of the lid 1 from the outside on the side of the stacking projection 112 and circumferentially around a lower edge of the stacking projection 112. The plastic from which this continuous plastic element is made is more flexible, in particular more elastic, and at the same time offers higher surface adhesion than the plastic from which other elements of the lid 1 are made. Providing the seal 120 and the stand element 116 as such a continuous plastic element and attaching it directly to the lid by means of a two-component injection molding process simplifies the construction of the lid 1, avoiding joints between several parts of the lid 1 and reducing the manufacturing effort of the lid 1. A central region of the lid 1, in which the grip recesses 100 and the grip region 102 are arranged, is preferably lowered relative to the top side of the lid 1.Such a depression serves in particular to stiffen the lid 1 for improved mechanical stability. The undersides of the recessed grips 100 can, for example, as a result of such a depression, represent the deepest area of ​​the lid 1 and thus a support area for the lid 1 on a surface. Because the undersides of the recessed grips 100 are particularly flat, the lid 1 can rest stably on a level surface. In particular, if the undersides of the recessed grips 100 represent the deepest area of ​​the lid 1, a rubber coating can preferably be provided on the undersides of the recessed grips 100. The plastic of this rubber coating advantageously has a higher surface adhesion than the plastic from which other elements of the lid 1 are made, so that the lid 1 is secured against slipping on the surface.Preferably, this rubber coating is injected directly onto the lid 1 using a two-component injection molding process.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a cross section of several stacked lids 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 3. The cross-sections of the stacking sections 108 of the lids 1 shown show how the stacking edges 114, which are defined by the support elements 116 on the stacking projections 112 on the undersides of the lids 1, rest on the support areas 110 defined by troughs on the upper sides of the lids 1 arranged underneath. By positioning the stacking projections 112 in the troughs, the stacking sections 108 of lids 1 arranged on top of one another can engage, and slipping of the stacked lids 1 against one another is prevented.Likewise, the plastic of the stand element 116, which at the stacking edge 114 is in contact with the support area 110 of a lid 1 arranged underneath and has a higher surface adhesion than the plastic from which other elements of the lid 1 are made, offers increased adhesion between the stacked lids 1, so that the risk of the lids 1 slipping against one another is reduced. By securing the lids 1 against slipping against one another, the risk of the stack of lids 1 falling over is also reduced when this stack is being transported or when this stack is knocked sideways, for example. In particular, only the stacking edge 114 of one lid 1 rests on the support area 110 of another lid 1 positioned underneath. Other elements, such as the undersides of recessed grips 100 and the top sides of lids 1, preferably do not touch one another.Furthermore, since the stacking edge 114 defines a substantially flat standing plane and the support area 110 defines a substantially flat supporting plane, the lids 1 rest flat on top of one another and cannot tip over against one another. This makes stacked lids 1 even more stable.

[0031] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show a side view and an isometric view, respectively, of a container 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The container 2 is made, in particular, of transparent plastic as a plastic injection-molded part and is suitable for use for gastronomic purposes. In particular, all plastic elements of the container 2 are made of food-safe and / or BPA-free plastic. Alternatively, if no food contact is intended through the container 2 or through a selected plastic element of the container 2, the container 2 or the selected plastic element of the container 2 can be made of a polycarbonate-based plastic.The container 2 is in particular approximately cuboid-shaped with four side walls 200 and a base 202 and is open at the top, wherein it satisfies, for example, the dimensional requirements of a GN 1 / 3 container and has a width A of 325 mm and a length B of 176 mm at an upper side of the container 2. In particular, the length and width of the container 2 taper in an area between the top and the base 202. Such a taper of length and width over the height of the container 2 facilitates, for example, the stacking of several containers 2. In the two side walls 200 of the wide side, stiffeners 204 in the form of arched, curved step offsets are provided, for example. Preferably, a part of the stiffeners 204 extends to an adjacent side wall 200. In the area of ​​the bottom 202, a further, approximately horizontal step offset is provided, by way of example, through which the length and width of the container 2 taper in a step-like manner towards the bottom 202.This approximately horizontal step offset defines, in particular, a supporting edge 206, which is arranged on the inner sides of the container 2 adjacent to the bottom 202. In . Fig. 6 also shows, by way of example, a clamping recess 210 and two handle recesses 212, which are arranged in particular on a circumferential edge 208 of the container 2.

[0032] Fig. 7 shows a side view of a cross section of the container 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. In this view, it can be seen that the peripheral edge 208 on the top side of the container 2 comprises, in particular, a downwardly curved section 208*. In particular, handle recesses 212 are arranged on the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2, with two handle recesses 212 preferably being provided on each of the long sides of the container 2. By way of example, on each of the long sides, a handle element 213, in particular a strip-like handle, is guided from above through two handle recesses 212 in each case.In particular, the grip elements 213 comprise an engagement portion at each of their two ends, which is configured to be guided from above through a grip recess 212, to engage, for example, with an edge of the grip recess 212 when the grip element 213 is in a gripping position from below, and preferably to be removable again from the grip recess 212. The grip elements 213 are shown in . Fig. 7 is shown by way of example in a gripping position in which the handle elements 213 can be grasped directly with the hands. A stowed position of the handle elements 213 is, with respect to the gripping position, particularly closer to the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2 in that the handle elements 213 are guided further through the handle recesses 212. In such stowed positions, for example, several containers 2 can be stacked more easily inside one another without the handle elements 213 hindering stacking. Furthermore, by way of example, a clamping recess 210 is arranged on the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2 and a clamping element 211 is attached to the clamping recess 210. This clamping element 211 is in particular in clamping engagement with the clamping recess 210 and is designed to be released and clamped again. In particular, a clamping element 211 can serve to attach signs or other objects to the container 2.In particular, near the base 202, a support edge 206 is preferably defined by an approximately horizontally extending step offset. On the inside of the container 2, an insert element 214, for example in the form of a draining sieve, preferably rests on the support edge 206 in an insertion position. The stiffeners 204 are preferably designed such that they define insertion guide paths 216 that converge conically to a vertical center axis of the side walls 200 on two wide sides of the container 2. An insert element 214, which engages with a stiffener 204 during insertion, is guided along the insertion guide path 216 defined thereby to the insertion position. Advantageously, the insert element 214 comprises guide steps 214* that are configured to engage with the stiffeners 204.

[0033] Fig. Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a container system 3 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Shown are the previously described lid 1 and the previously described container 2, with the lid 1 exemplarily closing the container 2. The peripheral edge 104 of the lid 1 rests in particular on the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2. At the lever-out curvatures 106 of the lid, these two edges 104, 208 are spaced apart from one another in such a way that gaps are defined into which an auxiliary object, in particular a tool and / or a kitchen utensil, can be inserted. For example, a handle-like auxiliary object can be inserted into such a gap, placed on the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2 as a lever base, and used to release the lid 1 from the container 2 using leverage.In particular, edge recesses 105 of the lid 1 are arranged on the peripheral edge 104 of the lid 1 in an area of ​​the container system 3 in which clamping recesses 210, handle recesses 212, and / or handle elements 213 are also arranged on the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2. This prevents a collision between, for example, the handle elements 213 and the peripheral edge 104 of the lid 1. Advantageously, the edges and corners between the base 202 and the side walls 200 of the container 2 are rounded. Furthermore, the outline of the base 202 of the container 2, together with the rounded corners and edges, is designed in particular such that the base can be inserted into the depression in the center of the lid 1 with a form-fitting fit, and the base 202 of the container 2, with its rounded edges and corners, engages with the lid 1.This allows several such containers 2, each sealed with a corresponding lid 1, to be stacked on top of each other and secured against slipping. Several sealed containers 2 can therefore be stacked more securely.

[0034] Fig.9 shows a side view of a diagonal cross-section of the container system 3 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. In particular, the downwardly curved sections 104*, 208* of the peripheral edge 104 of the lid 1 and the peripheral edge 208 of the container 2 preferably lie on one another in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the downwardly curved sections 104*, 208* engage and additionally fix the lid 1 to the container 2 in such a way that horizontal displacement of the lid 1 relative to the container 2 is prevented. In the region of the lever-out curvatures 106, the edge 104 of the lid 1 is spaced from the edge 208 of the container 2 in such a way that, as described above, a gap is defined. The sealing elements 122 of the seal 120 on the stacking projection 112 of the lid 1 are in particular in contact with an inner side of the side walls 200 of the container 2 in such a way that the interior of the container 2 is sealed from the environment. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DIN EN 631

[0002]

Claims

[1] Lid (1) which is suitable for use for gastronomic purposes, is approximately rectangular and meets the dimensional requirements of a standard gastronomic container, characterized by that the lid (1) is made of plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. [2] Lid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the lid (1) has at least one grip recess (100), wherein the grip recess (100) defines an undercut (100*), wherein a surface of the undercut (100*) serves as a gripping surface. [3] Lid (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the lid (1) has at least two adjacent grip recesses (100), wherein the undercuts (100*) of the grip recesses (100) are aligned with one another such that they define a grip section (102) of the lid (1). [4] Lid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lid (1) has a peripheral edge (104), wherein the peripheral edge (104) is designed to lie approximately flat against an edge of the container when the lid (1) closes a container, substantially along an entire circumferential direction of the lid (1) and the container, wherein the peripheral edge (104) of the lid (1) comprises, on at least one section of the edge (104), a lever-out curvature (106) which is designed, when the lid (1) closes the container, to be spaced from the edge of the container in such a way that an auxiliary object, in particular a tool and / or a kitchen article, can be inserted between the lever-out curvature (106) and the edge of the container, wherein the lever-out curvature (106) is designed to transmit a lever force exerted by the auxiliary object to the lid (1). [5] Lid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the lid (1) comprises a stacking section (108) which - has a support area (110), wherein the support area (110) is defined on an upper side of the lid (1), in particular by a recess or a flat surface, and defines a substantially flat support plane, and - has a stacking projection (112) on an underside of the lid (1), wherein a stacking edge (114) is defined on the stacking projection (112), which defines a substantially flat standing plane, wherein the stacking projection (112) is designed such that the stacking edge (114), when the lid (1) is stacked on a second lid (1), rests substantially flat on the support region (110) of the second lid (1). [6] Lid (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the support area (110), the stacking projection (112) and the stacking edge (114) are arranged along an entire circumferential direction of the lid (1). [7] Lid (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that a stand element (116) is provided on the stacking projection (112), wherein the stand element (116) defines the stacking edge (114) and is made of a plastic which has a higher surface adhesion than the plastic from which other elements of the lid (1) are made. [8] Lid (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the stand element (116) is injection-moulded directly onto the lid (1) by means of an injection-moulding process, in particular by means of a two-component injection-moulding process. [9] Lid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the lid (1) has a seal (120), wherein the seal (120) is arranged along an entire circumferential direction of the lid (1) and is made of a plastic which has a higher flexibility than the plastic from which other elements of the lid (1) are made. [10] Lid (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the seal (120) is injection-moulded directly onto the cover (1) by means of an injection-moulding process, in particular by means of a two-component injection-moulding process. [11] Lid (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the seal (120) has at least two sealing elements (122), in particular at least two sealing lamellas (122), wherein - the sealing elements (122) are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another along the entire circumferential direction of the cover (1), and wherein the seal (120) has a pressure compensation device which is defined in that - the sealing elements (122) each have a recess (124a, 124b) and - the recesses (124a,124b) of the sealing elements (122) are arranged spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the cover (1). [12] Lid (1) according to claim 6, according to one of claims 9 to 11 and in particular according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by that the seal is arranged in a radial direction of the lid (1) from the outside on the stacking projection (112). [13] Container (2) which is suitable for use for gastronomic purposes, is approximately cuboid-shaped, has four side walls (200) and a bottom (202) and is open at the top, and meets the dimensional requirements of a standard gastronomic container, characterized by that the container (2) is made of plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. [14] Container (2) according to claim 13, characterized by that the container (2) has stiffeners (204), in particular grooves or step offsets, on at least two opposite side walls (200), in particular which structurally reinforce the container (2). [15] Container (2) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that a supporting edge (206) is defined on the inside of at least two opposite side walls (200) and adjacent to the base (202), wherein the supporting edge (206) is designed to support an insert element (214), in particular a drip tray. [16] Container (2) according to claims 14 and 15, characterized by that the stiffeners (204) on the side walls (200) are further adapted to guide an insert element (214), which is inserted into the container (2), to a predetermined insertion position on the support edge (206). [17] Container (2) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized by that at least one handle element (213) is attachable and detachable and / or attached to an upper side of the container (2) in such a way that it is movable between a gripping position and a stowage position, wherein the handle element (213) - in the gripping position is designed to be gripped, and - in the stowed position, it is closer to the container (2) in relation to the gripping position. [18] Container (2) according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized by that an edge (208) of the container (2), which is arranged on an upper side of the container (2), has a clamping recess (210), wherein the clamping recess (210) is designed so that a clamping element (211), in particular a holder for auxiliary objects and / or a closure clip, can be captively fastened thereto. [19] Container system (3) suitable for use for gastronomic purposes, comprising - a lid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, and - a container (2) according to one of claims 13 to 18.

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