A lockable plastic storage container intended for storage purposes

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a resealable plastic storage container, particularly intended for storage purposes, which is designed especially as a food storage container or box, a tray, or a meal container, with a seal arranged in a sealing plane and having a contact surface that is liquid-tight in the closed position for use, for a removable lid, wherein the storage container has several manually operable fixing means arranged on an edge of the storage container for positive and / or force-fit fixing of the lid in a position in contact with the seal. The invention further relates to a seal equipped with a contact surface for a sealable storage container.

[0002] These types of storage containers, also known as food storage containers or airtight containers, are used in households in a variety of shapes and sizes, and also for storing other items outside of their intended purpose. Such containers are made of plastic and are sealed with a separate lid.

[0003] The familiar storage containers are typically airtight and liquid-tight. In the operating position, the lid is pressed onto the top edge of the storage container along the sealing plane, with an elastomeric seal, designed as a sealing ring, positioned between them. This seal is often permanently integrated into the lid.

[0004] Such lids, as shown for example in WO 2012 / 101 288 A1, can be firmly and securely sealed to the storage container, so that even liquids can be stored and transported in them without leakage.

[0005] Due to apparent prior use, a seal without gaps is also known, which is firmly connected to the lid, so that no gaps are created into which germs can penetrate.

[0006] The storage containers are typically made of polypropylene, with the fastening elements, designed as closure flaps, being integrally bonded to the lid body. In particular, the fastening elements are pivotally attached to the lid, for example, via a film hinge.

[0007] EP 0 342 618 A1 describes a storage container, such as a freezer or food storage container, with a tight-fitting closure achieved through the design of the container's rim and the corresponding lid rim. For this purpose, the upper rim of the storage container has two inclined legs converging at an upward-pointing point. One leg merges into the container wall, while the other faces away from the container wall and points downwards. A groove or channel, open towards the interior of the container and completely circumferential, is provided in a transition area between the container wall and the adjoining leg.

[0008] A storage container according to DE 10 2004 063 398 A1 has outwardly facing locking projections to which a lid can be fixed by means of pivoting locking tabs. The lid has a circumferential, molded sealing ring made of a thermoplastic elastomer, comprising a base and a protruding sealing lip, which allows the lid and sealing ring to be manufactured using two-component injection molding.

[0009] From EP 1 475 313 ​​A2, a container is known which comprises a body and a lid for closing an opening in the body. The lid has a circumferential edge section with a cross-section that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the body. Flaps on different sides of the lid serve to secure the lid.

[0010] DE 20 2010 007 217 U1 discloses a lid with a circumferential sealing ring and cantilevered edge for a storage container, which has locking tabs for engaging locking projections of the storage container. To achieve easy locking onto the storage container, the locking tabs are designed as extended segments of the cantilevered edge and connected to the fixed areas of the cantilevered edge via a flexible connecting bridge.

[0011] Although food storage containers exist where the lid is attached to the container as a single piece, thus preventing loss, in practice, models where the container and lid are completely separable are widely preferred. This usually results in comparatively less storage space, as several containers can be stacked inside each other. However, matching the lid to the correct container can often be somewhat difficult, especially when selecting the right lid from a large number of similar ones by trial and error.

[0012] It often happens that a food storage container proves to be too small, for example, while being filled with food. Then the food has to be transferred to a larger container, and the previously used container has to be cleaned. The invention aims to create a way to flexibly combine identical or different storage containers, thereby allowing the storage container volume to be adapted to the specific needs. In particular, it should also enable convenient and trouble-free use by eliminating the need to search for a suitable lid. Furthermore, an improved seal is to be created that is easy to clean and provides a reliable seal during use. A container according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from FR 2 518 498 A1.

[0013] The first-mentioned problem is solved according to the invention with a storage container according to the features of claim 1. Further embodiment of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the invention, a storage container is provided in which the rim is divided into several symmetrical or congruent rim regions, which are arranged in pairs opposite each other with respect to an axis of symmetry lying in the sealing plane, and in which two opposite rim regions form a rim region pair, wherein at least one fixing means is arranged in at least one, preferably in each rim region, wherein in each rim region pair the rim regions are divided into at least two adjacent, preferably adjoining rim part regions, wherein two rim part regions of equal size, opposite each other with respect to the axis of symmetry, form a rim part region pair, such that each rim part region pair is assigned exactly one fixing means arranged in one of the two rim part regions of the rim part region pair.The fixing agents do not extend into the geometric center of the area spanning the edges, or rather, the fixing agents exclude the geometric center. This creates, for the first time and in a surprisingly simple way, a way to use identical storage containers for a tight seal by using the second container as a lid. The combination is not limited to identical containers; rather, containers with matching dimensions in the contact area and the seal can be combined, allowing for variable storage depth. Thus, the required volume can be easily adjusted and varied as needed by combining containers of different depths.Furthermore, identical or different storage containers can be stacked inside each other, resulting in a small space requirement for storing the storage containers.

[0015] Naturally, these storage containers are suitable for food storage and microwave use, as is generally the case. Polypropylene is a key material component of the container, or it may be made entirely from this material. Furthermore, the container is dishwasher-safe and intended for multiple uses or reusable systems, though not limited to these. The seal is integrated during the container's manufacturing process, and polypropylene is also a particularly suitable plastic for this purpose. This results in single-material construction, which offers the advantage of easy recycling.

[0016] The essential inventive concept lies in the fact that, regardless of whether the storage container has a rectangular, oval or round base shape, opposing edge areas of different edge areas in the sealing plane with respect to a respective axis of symmetry form a pair of edge areas, with the fixing means being arranged exclusively in one of the two edge areas, since when the same storage container is used as a lid, the respective contact surfaces of the two storage containers and thus also the respective fixing means are mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0017] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is one in which the rim area is divided into two equal sections by a central axis, and two pairs of rim sections with the same length or extent, measured from the central axis towards or parallel to the axis of symmetry, are attached on either side of the central axis. This ensures that the fixing elements of identical storage containers, when used as lids and storage containers, bear against rim sections of sufficient length, and in particular, of identical length. This makes it possible, in particular, to create storage container shapes in which the fixing elements are arranged directly around the rim or distributed at close intervals when the storage container is closed, thus achieving a further improved seal.

[0018] Another particularly promising embodiment of the invention is achieved by arranging a fixing element in a first edge region of a first pair of edge regions and a sealing section without a fixing element in a second edge region of a second pair of edge regions, so that in the operating position two storage containers abut each other along the sealing plane and can be sealed together by simultaneously actuating different fixing elements in the opposing edge regions. This results in a homogeneous or symmetrical force transmission of the manual actuation force required to actuate the fixing elements, thereby avoiding undesirable one-sided loading that could lead to displacement from the intended position or undesirable deformation of the storage containers.

[0019] It has also proven advantageous if the fixing agents of two opposing edge regions of different, in particular adjacent, pairs of edge regions have a matching distance from the central axis in different directions parallel to the axis of symmetry, so that the fixing agents of the two storage containers in the use position border each other almost without gaps in the edge regions.

[0020] Another particularly promising modification of the invention is achieved by making the seal elastically deformable and / or compressible, wherein in a non-use position the contact surface protrudes relative to the sealing plane, and in the use position the contact surface lies within the sealing plane. This results in a flat contact surface of the seal in the use position, allowing two identical or compatible housings to be easily joined. In particular, this eliminates the need for sealing profiles with positive or negative contours, which are preferably arranged corresponding to the arrangement of the fixing elements, thus significantly simplifying the seal.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven particularly promising if the contact surface is inclined relative to the sealing plane in the non-use position, forming a sloping surface, and if the contact surface has a flat orientation parallel to the sealing plane in the use position. Thus, by deforming or compressing the sloping surface, which protrudes wedge-shaped relative to the sealing plane in the non-use position, through the preload force of the second storage container transmitted by the fixing elements, a relatively large contact area is created compared to the prior art, namely in a transverse direction of the contact surface perpendicular to the main extent of the seal.Unlike the prior art, a flat surface is created as a sealing surface in the operating position, whereas in the prior art, a section of a sealing profile that is typically flat in the operating position is pressed in by an angle or a rib-shaped contact element of the cover, thus forming a groove-shaped recess in the operating position. According to the invention, the flat contact surface, on the other hand, enables lower wear while simultaneously improving the sealing effect and facilitating easier cleaning.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous if, in the non-use position, the contact surface of the seal has two equally sized inclined surfaces parallel to the longitudinal extent of the seal, forming an obtuse angle between 130° and 180° and, in particular, exhibiting an angle congruent with the sealing plane. The symmetrical design of the two inclined surfaces, as seen from above, results in a uniform, bilateral deformation in the lateral direction of the seal when a force acts in the use position in the direction of the surface normal to the sealing plane. Therefore, any transverse forces that may occur in the seal cancel each other out, so that the seal remains free of stresses in the sealing plane even in the deformed use position.

[0023] For this purpose, it has already proven particularly advantageous if the seal has at least one groove-shaped recess that laterally delimits at least one inclined surface, the base of which is therefore recessed relative to the sealing plane. Thus, the recess creates a space for the deformed, and in particular displaced, inclined surface, into which the sealing components forming the inclined surface are displaced in the operating position.

[0024] A particularly practical variant of the invention is realized by the fact that the seal, in particular that of the inclined surface, and the recess have a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, so that their deformation properties are independent of the orientation of the seal on the storage container.

[0025] According to another, equally promising embodiment of the invention, the seal is formed as a single piece with a wall surface of the storage container, thus forming an integral part of the container. This allows the storage container according to the invention to be manufactured with minimal effort. Furthermore, the elimination of gaps or spaces leads to a longer shelf life for both the stored food and the container itself. Besides other common plastics, polypropylene is particularly suitable as a material. Preferably, the fixing element is equipped with a snap-lock mechanism that forms an undercut with an edge region of another storage container, in order to enable quick and reliable fixation in the operating position. The necessary pivoting mobility is advantageously achieved by a film hinge.

[0026] The further task of creating an improved seal that is easy to clean and seals reliably in use is solved with an elastically deformable or compressible seal, particularly intended for a storage container, by the fact that the seal has a contact surface which, in a non-use position, protrudes from the sealing plane with an inclined surface of the contact surface, and in a use position lies in the sealing plane, and that the seal has at least one, at least one of the inclined surfaces, laterally bounding a groove-shaped recess parallel to a principal extension direction of the seal, wherein the seal preferably has a mirror-symmetric or axis-symmetric cross-sectional shape.By designing the seal to be elastically deformable and / or compressible, and by protruding slightly above the sealing plane in its non-use position, the force exerted by the adjacent cover in the use position causes it to be pressed flat and partially repositioned into the recess, resulting in a perfectly flat contact surface within the sealing plane. This design is comparatively fault-tolerant, as it allows for effective sealing even in the event of deviations from the closed intended position, such as those caused by deformation.

[0027] The invention allows for various embodiments. To further illustrate its basic principle, one of these is shown in the drawing and described below. This shows in Fig. 1 a perspective view of a storage container according to the invention; Fig. 2 a top view of the storage container; Fig. 3 a sectional side view of the storage container with an integrated seal; Fig. 4 a detail view of the Figure 3 shown seal.

[0028] A sealable storage container 1 according to the invention, also referred to as a food storage container or box, made of plastic, in particular polypropylene, and designed for storing food, is described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 4The special feature of the storage container 1 according to the invention lies primarily in the fact that it can simultaneously be used as a lid for another storage container 1 that is identical in construction or that matches the connection dimensions but is otherwise different. This allows for flexible use and adjustment of the required storage container volume and also reduces manufacturing costs. For this purpose, the storage container 1 has several fixing means 3 on its rim 2, designed as snap-lock or clip closures, for the form-fitting and / or force-fit fixing of the other storage container 1 in a closed operating position (not shown).

[0029] With respect to one of several possible symmetry axis 4, as described in the Figure 2As illustrated by example, the fixing agents 3 are distributed such that each is arranged only in one of two opposing edge regions 8. Therefore, an identical storage container 1, used as a lid, does not come into contact with the fixing agents 3 of the storage container 1, but rather with a designated free sealing surface without fixing agents 3.

[0030] For this purpose, the edge is divided into several symmetrical or congruent edge regions 5, which are arranged in pairs opposite each other with respect to the axis of symmetry 4 lying in a sealing plane 6. The edge regions 5 are subdivided into several edge sub-regions 8, which are of the same size and extend on both sides of a central axis 7, with each pair of edge sub-regions 8 opposite each other with respect to the axis of symmetry 4 forming an edge sub-region pair 9. Each edge sub-region pair 9 is assigned exactly one fixing element 3, namely one located only in one of the two edge sub-regions 8 of an edge sub-region pair 9. The edge region 5 is not limited to exactly two edge sub-regions 8. Rather, the edge sub-regions 5 shown can themselves be subdivided.

[0031] It is easy to understand that with the square base shown, two storage containers 1 can also be connected to each other in different relative angular positions, whereas the angular position, for example with an oval base, is predetermined according to the main and secondary axes.

[0032] As in the Figures 3 and 4 As shown, a particularly simple design of a seal 10 for the opposing storage containers 1 results from the fact that the respective seal 10 runs in the sealing plane 6, wherein the seal 10 is designed to be elastically deformable and / or compressible such that it is in a position in the Figure 4 In the non-use position shown, the contact surface 11 protrudes from the sealing plane 6 at a distance A, and in the use position the contact surface 11 lies in the sealing plane 6.

[0033] The contact surface 11 has two in the Figure 4In an enlarged view, symmetrical inclined surfaces 12 are visible, which in the non-use position are inclined at an angle α relative to the sealing plane 6 and enclose an obtuse angle β between them. On both sides of the seal 10, a groove-shaped recess 13 is provided, which laterally delimits the inclined surface 12 and is recessed relative to the sealing plane 6. Thus, the recess 13 creates a space for the deformed inclined surface 12, into which the inclined surface 12 fits into the groove in the Figure 4 The dashed line indicates the operating position is displaced. The flat contact surface 11 ensures effortless cleaning and improved sealing, even if the storage container 1 becomes deformed. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0034] 1 Storage container 2 Edge 3 Fixing agent 4 Axis of symmetry 5 Edge area 6 Sealing plane 7 Center axis 8 Edge area 9 Edge area pair 10 Seal 11 Contact surface 12 Slanted surface 13 Recess Distance α Angle β Angle

Claims

1. Closeable storage container (1) made of plastic and comprising a seal (10) which is located in a seal plane (6) and has a contact surface (11), wherein the storage container (1) has multiple manually actuable fixing means (3) located on a periphery (2) of the storage container (1) and intended for form- and force-fitting fixing in a use position, wherein the periphery (2) is divided into multiple symmetrical or congruent peripheral regions (5) situated opposite one another in pairs with respect to an axis of symmetry (4) lying in the seal plane (6) and wherein at least one fixing means (3) is located in at least one peripheral region (5), wherein the peripheral regions (5) are divided into at least two adjacent peripheral sub-regions (8), wherein two respective peripheral sub-regions (8) situated opposite one another with respect to the axis of symmetry (4) form a peripheral sub-region pair (9), and in that each peripheral sub-region pair (9) is assigned exactly one fixing means (3) located in one of the two peripheral sub-regions (8) of the peripheral sub-region pair (9), characterized in that the fixing means (3) is provided with a latching closure which forms an undercut with a peripheral region (5) of a further storage container (1), wherein an ability to pivot of the fixing means (3) is afforded by a film hinge.

2. Storage container (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral region (5) is divided into two portions of the same size by a centre axis (7) and, on either side of the centre axis (7), two peripheral sub-region pairs (9) with peripheral sub-regions (8) of the same length as measured from the centre axis (7) adjoin one another in the direction of, or parallel to, the axis of symmetry (4).

3. Storage container (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first peripheral sub-region (8) of a first peripheral sub-region pair (9) contains a seal portion of the seal (10) and a fixing means (3), and a second peripheral sub-region (8), adjacent to the first peripheral sub-region (8), of a second peripheral sub-region pair (9) contains a seal portion of the seal (10) and no fixing means (3).

4. Storage container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (3) of two opposite peripheral sub-regions (8) of different peripheral sub-region pairs (9) have a matching distance (A) from the centre axis (7) in different directions parallel to the axis of symmetry (4).

5. Storage container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (10) is elastically deformable and / or compressible and, in a non-use position, the contact surface (11) projects beyond the seal plane (6) with a distance (A) and, in the use position, the contact surface (11) lies in the seal plane (6).

6. Storage container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the non-use position, the contact surface (11) is inclined relative to the seal plane (6) and forms an oblique surface (12) and, in the use position, the contact surface (11) has a flat orientation which is parallel to the seal plane (6).

7. Storage container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the non-use position, the contact surface (11) of the seal (10) has, parallel to the longitudinal extent of the seal, two oblique surfaces (12) of the same size (10) which form an obtuse angle (β).

8. Storage container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (10) has at least one recess (13) which is in the form of a groove and laterally delimits or is adjacent to at least one oblique surface (12).

9. Storage container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (10) has a symmetrical cross-sectional shape.