Multi-use package

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable packaging in the form of a container (1) which is in combination with a lid (2) that can be pressed into the container (1), wherein the container (1) has a conical press-in area at its upper edge and a container rim (8) above the press-in area, and wherein the lid (2) has a downwardly offset lid base (3) and a conical lid wall (4) rising from it, wherein the lid (2) with its conical lid wall (4) can be pressed into the press-in area of ​​the container (1), wherein the lid (2) has at least one engagement element (5) which adjoins the upper edge of the conical lid wall (4) and projects upwards beyond it, wherein the engagement element (5) has at least one opening (6) and wherein, when the lid (2) is pressed in, there is a gap between the upper edge of the opening (6) and the upper container rim (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a reusable container with a press-fit lid.

[0002] A reusable container is a packaging that can be used multiple times, either in a deposit system or remaining with a customer for multiple uses.

[0003] Currently, reusable containers are mostly cups or bottles with screw caps. Containers with clip-on lids, where the lid rim extends beyond the outer wall of the container, are also known.

[0004] The next most advanced technology is probably milk transport cans, which have a clip-on lid with a central handle for lifting. The lid rests on the top edge of the can. Pressed-in metal lids are also known from paint cans, where, again, the upper edge of the lid lies above and overlaps the press-fit opening.

[0005] From DE 8613072 U1, a disposable packaging is also known which is essentially designed like a conventional foil-sealed yogurt cup, wherein the foil is inserted into the cup so that an additional paper lid can be placed on top of the foil. The paper lid has a flat base from which individual flaps protrude, which are folded upwards when inserted into the cup and then lie against the inside of the cup. Tightly pressing the lid in is neither possible nor necessary, as the seal is provided by the foil.

[0006] The present lid differs from that of DE 8613072 U1 in that it is dimensionally stable. Furthermore, the present lid has a completely closed conical lid wall. In the present packaging, the lid itself seals the reusable container. No additional welded film is present. Moreover, in DE 8613072 U1, the opening in one of the flaps is located well above the upper edge of the cup. In the present invention, the engagement element of the lid has at least one opening, and when the lid is pressed in, a gap exists between the upper edge of the opening and the upper edge of the container. In other words, in the present invention, the gap is limited by the upper edge of the opening of the engagement element and the upper edge of the container.

[0007] Furthermore, US2010206763A1, DE 202007015728 U1 and US 2015251825 A1 are further publications that also define the general state of the art.

[0008] US2063185A discloses a lid whose wall is not conical, with sealing achieved via a horizontal sealing shoulder and a sealing ring. As can be seen from the figures, the container is only conical in the area below the lid, so that the lid does not have a conical press-fit area. The lid is held in place by vacuum formation at the sealing shoulder, which, however, requires filling with a hot contents.

[0009] US1778175A relates to a packaging container that, after being emptied, can be used as a flower pot with a saucer. No interlocking element is disclosed.

[0010] EP0161909A2 relates to a tubular container whose lid is equipped with lamellar, elastic wedge elements.

[0011] DE102011112505A1 and US1403571A concern the general state of the art regarding the technological background.

[0012] The object underlying the invention is to create a reusable container that can be sealed well and manufactured with minimal material usage.

[0013] To solve the problem, a reusable packaging according to claim 1 is proposed.

[0014] A reusable packaging is proposed in the form of a container combined with a lid that can be pressed into the container, wherein the container has a conical pressing-in area at its upper edge and a container rim above the pressing-in area, and wherein the lid has a downwardly offset lid base and a conical lid wall rising from it, wherein the lid with its conical lid wall can be pressed into the pressing-in area of ​​the container, wherein the lid has at least one engagement element which adjoins the upper edge of the conical lid wall and projects upwards above it, wherein the engagement element has at least one opening, and wherein, when the lid is pressed in, there is a gap between the upper edge of the opening and the upper container rim, wherein the upper edge of the opening is above the container rim and the lower edge of the opening is below the container rim.

[0015] It is preferred that the gap from the outside of the lid to the inside of the lid is completely open.

[0016] Preferably, the engagement element comprises a tab with an opening, wherein, when the lid is pressed on, the upper edge of the opening is above the container rim and the lower edge of the opening is below the container rim.

[0017] Preferably, the engagement element has the same inclination as the cover wall and is integrally connected to it. In one embodiment, the cover comprises two engagement elements located opposite each other on the cover wall.

[0018] In one variant, it is provided that the lid or the container or both include a crimp, wherein the crimp of the lid is on the inside with respect to the lid wall and the crimp of the container is on the outside with respect to the container wall.

[0019] In one variant, it is provided that the lid has a circumferential groove in the outer surface of the lid wall and that a sealing ring can be inserted or is inserted in this groove.

[0020] It is preferred that the lid and the container are dimensionally stable, at least in the press-fit area.

[0021] It is preferred that the lid and the container are dimensionally stable bodies.

[0022] It is preferred that the lid wall is closed in the circumferential direction and comprises a hollow frustoconical surface.

[0023] One design variant concerns a filled, reusable physical packaging in which a medium to be packaged, in particular a foodstuff, is present and the lid is pressed into the container.

[0024] In one variant, a sealing or adhesive substance is provided between the lid and the container, which is preferably applied in liquid form before being pressed in.

[0025] In one variant, the sealing of the reusable packaging takes place exclusively between the lid wall and the press-fit area of ​​the container.

[0026] The reusable packaging in question comprises a container with a conical indentation at its upper edge. The container is combined with a lid that has a downwardly offset base and a conical wall rising from it, which can be pressed into the indentation of the container. The lid also has at least one engagement element that connects to the upper edge of the conical wall and projects upwards beyond it. The engagement element preferably takes the form of a tab with an opening. When the lid is pressed in, the engagement element projects beyond the upper edge of the container. The opening of the engagement element is located partially above and partially below the upper edge of the container.

[0027] To remove the lid, a tool must be placed between the gripping element and the upper edge of the container and used to pry the lid open. The tool is inserted through the opening of the gripping element. Opening the reusable packaging without such a tool is virtually impossible. A suitable tool is something narrow enough to fit into the opening of the tab, such as a wooden stick or the handle of a fork or spoon. A suitable tool may be included with some versions of the reusable packaging.

[0028] The conical wall of the lid is closed all around. The lid wall preferably has a hollow, frustoconical surface that is closed in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The side of the lid's base facing away from the lid wall is oriented towards the bottom of the container. Preferably, there is no additional separating or sealing element, such as a sealing film, between the lid and the contents of the container.

[0030] The lid preferably does not have a handle centrally located on the underside for opening it. However, in a version with two gripping elements, a carrying handle can be positioned within these two gripping elements.

[0031] With a pressed-in lid, the upper edge of the lid's conical wall is preferably located below the upper edge of the container. Below the pressed-in area, the container can have any shape. For example, the area below the pressed-in area can be conical, vertical, or cylindrical. Preferably, the empty containers are stackable, as is known from drinking cups.

[0032] The angle between the container wall and the vertical in the press-fit area is preferably between 3 and 13 degrees.

[0033] The angle between the lid wall and the vertical is preferably between 3 and 13 degrees.

[0034] The container and the lid are preferably circular in design, so that the lid can be placed on the container in any orientation.

[0035] The lid has at least one engagement element. In a preferred embodiment, the lid has two opposing engagement elements. The engagement element or elements are preferably integrally connected to the lid and are preferably located in direct extension of the conical lid wall.

[0036] The lid can be pressed into the container without any additional means, with a strong hold created solely by the conical shapes of the two parts. This effect can be described as a conical action. The connection between the container and lid is a self-locking conical joint.

[0037] In one version, a wetting agent or adhesive substance can also be applied between the lid and the container.

[0038] In another embodiment, an elastic sealing element, in particular a sealing ring, can be located between the lid and the container.

[0039] The adhesive substance or the elastic sealing element can contribute to forming a hermetic or airtight package. In a preferred embodiment, the container and the lid are made of metal, preferably stainless steel or titanium. The container and the lid are preferably each deep-drawn from a single sheet of metal.

[0040] The wall thickness of the container and / or the lid is preferably in the range of 0.3-1.3 mm.

[0041] In a less preferred design, the container or lid can be made of a different material, such as plastic or glass. Suitable plastics include rigid plastics, especially thermosets.

[0042] Preferably, the container and the lid are part of the reusable packaging, in the sense that both parts are reused multiple times and / or are part of a closed-loop system.

[0043] In another variant, only the container is designed as reusable packaging (especially with a deposit), whereby the lid, in particular in the form of a plastic, cardboard or fiber material lid, can be disposed of.

[0044] Preferably, the container and the lid are dimensionally stable bodies, so that when the lid is pressed in, the container wall and the lid wall cannot be moved apart in a radial direction. The lid can only be removed from the container in an axial direction.

[0045] The upper edge of the container may be crimped outwards. The upper edge of the lid may be crimped inwards. The gripping element may have a crimp on its outer edge. The opening of the gripping element may have a crimp.

[0046] The opening can be formed by completely cutting out an area of ​​the flap. Alternatively, the opening can be formed by partially cutting out (for example, in a U-shape, H-shape, or star shape) and folding or rolling the cut tongue(s).

[0047] The lid preferably does not rest on the upper edge of the container and / or does not overlap the edge of the container in a radial direction.

[0048] The invention is illustrated by drawings: Fig. 1: shows a section through a schematically illustrated example of a reusable packaging. Fig. 2: shows the example of a reusable packaging in 3D and in a detailed sectional view through the opening of the opening element. Fig. 3: shows a variant of the container rim. Fig. 4: shows a variant of the opening of the opening element. Fig. 5: shows a combination of the two previous variants. Fig. 6: shows a variant of the container. Fig. 7: shows a variant of a tall container with a sealing ring. Fig. 8: shows a variant of a shallow container. Fig. 9: illustrates opening the packaging with a spoon. Fig. 10: illustrates another variant of the reusable packaging.

[0049] As in Fig. 1-3 As illustrated, the reusable packaging comprises a container 1, which is combined with a lid 2. The lid 2 includes a lid base 3, which is surrounded by a conical lid wall 4. The lid wall 4 extends obliquely outwards and upwards from the lid base 3. The lid wall 4 is preferably monolithically connected to the lid base 3.

[0050] The lid 2 comprises at least one engagement element 5, which extends upwards from the lid wall 4. As shown, the engagement element 5 is preferably monolithically connected to the lid wall 4. The engagement element 5 preferably has the same angle of inclination as the lid wall 4. The engagement element 5 has an opening 6. The opening 6 is located at least partially above the lid rim 7. According to the invention, the opening 6 is located partially above the lid rim 7 and partially below the lid rim 7. An upper section 14 of the engagement element 5 is located above the opening 6. The engagement element 5 is positioned such that, when the lid 2 is pressed on, a tool can be placed in the gap between the upper section 14 of the engagement element 5 and the container rim 8. The gap is continuously open from the outside of the lid 2 to the inside of the lid 2.This means that a tool can be moved any far into the gap without coming into contact with the lid wall 4. In other words, there is an opening between the upper section 14 of the engagement element 5 and the container rim 8, which leads into the interior of the lid 2. The interior of the lid 2 is the area that is bounded all around by the lid wall 4.

[0051] Below the upper section 14 of the engagement element 5, the lower edge of the opening 6 is located below the container rim 8, in order to apply a lever force between the container rim 8 and the upper section 14 of the engagement element 5 using the tool. To prevent deformation caused by the lever force, the upper section 14 of the engagement element 5 is connected to the lid wall 4 on both sides. The engagement element 5 is preferably formed by a tab that has exactly one opening 6. When the lid 2 is pressed on, the upper edge of the opening 6 is located above the container rim 8. When the lid 2 is pressed on, the lower edge of the opening 6 is located below the container rim 8. The opening 6 can be round as shown, but can also be oval or rectangular with rounded corners, for example.

[0052] The position of the lid edge 7 away from the engagement elements 5 is not decisive, so that in these areas, when the lid 2 is pressed on, the lid edge 7 is either below the container edge 8 ( Fig. 2 and 3 ) or flush with the edge of the container 8 ( Fig. 1 ) or also above the container rim 8 (not shown). However, it is preferred that the lid rim 7 lies below the container rim 8 in these areas when the lid 2 is pressed on. In this case, damage to the upper container rim 8 does not necessarily lead to damage, e.g., scratching, of the outer lid wall 4. The lower edge of the opening 6 preferably lies below the lid rim 7, away from the engagement elements 5.

[0053] Preferably, the container rim 8 is located at a height of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the opening 6 when the lid 2 is pressed on. Particularly preferably, the container rim 8 is located at approximately half the height of the opening 6 when the lid 2 is pressed on.

[0054] The distance between the upper edge of the opening 6 of the engagement element 5 and the container edge 8 is preferably at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm, and more particularly at least 3 mm.

[0055] The distance between the lower edge of the opening 6 of the engagement element 5 and the container edge 8 is preferably at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm, and more particularly at least 3 mm.

[0056] As in the Fig. 1-3 As illustrated, the container rim 8 and the lid rim 7 can be without a flange, i.e., with a simple edge. The exposed edges are preferably rounded. Preferably, the container rim 8 and / or the lid rim 7 have a simple edge that is oriented upwards. Preferably, the simple edge is a direct extension of, or the upper edge of, the conical lid wall 4. Preferably, the simple edge is a direct extension of, or the upper edge of, the conical press-fit area of ​​the container 1.

[0057] Fig. 3 This illustrates that the container wall at the container edge 8 can be formed outwards (and preferably downwards). The flange 9 can also be made thicker, so that the free edge rests against the outside of the container wall and / or is concealed by the flange 9.

[0058] In one embodiment not shown, a carrying handle can be attached to the container 1 at or below the crimp 9, as is known, for example, from buckets.

[0059] A carrying handle, especially made of wire with hook-shaped ends, can also be detachably attached in the openings 6 of two engagement elements 5, regardless of the design of the container 1.

[0060] In an embodiment not shown, the container 1 can have two opposing tabs with openings for a carrying handle, similar to the lid 2 shown. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the lid 2 has three or more engagement elements 5, or if the two engagement elements 5 are not arranged opposite each other. This ensures that, regardless of the orientation of the lid 2, one engagement element 5 always remains uncovered by a tab of the container 1.

[0061] In Fig. 4 The illustration shows that the opening 6 of the engagement element 5 can have an inwardly formed opening edge. If only the upper edge of the opening 6 is formed, the forming can also be outward. The flange 10 can also be more pronounced than shown, so that the free edge rests against the cover wall 4 and / or is concealed by the flange 10. Likewise, a die-cut material tongue from the engagement element 5 can be formed outwardly upwards or inwards to create the opening 6 (not shown).

[0062] In Fig. 5 It is illustrated that both the container 1 and the lid 2 can have a crimp 9, 10.

[0063] In the Fig. 1-4 The entire container wall is depicted as conical. The container wall can have a constant slope along its entire height. The slope of the outer surface of the container wall and the inner surface can differ slightly, which can be achieved by varying the material thickness of the container wall at the top and bottom. The outer and / or inner surface of the container wall can also have a kink, thus exhibiting at least two areas with different slopes.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the container wall is provided with a structure or engraving on the outside. This facilitates the separation of empty, nested containers 1 from one another, as air can pass through channels in the structure or engraving. The container has a flat and smooth surface on the inside in the press-fit area.

[0065] Preferably, the inner surface of the container is polished or mirror-smooth, at least in the press-fit area (i.e., not brushed or otherwise textured). Below the press-fit area, the inner surface of the container wall may have a structure or raised areas; for example, an embossed pattern consisting of a depression on the outer surface and a raised area on the inner surface of the container wall.

[0066] The lid wall 4 is flat and smooth on its outer surface, in particular polished or mirror-smooth.

[0067] The container base is shown flat in the figures, but it can also be domed inwards. The lid base 3 is shown flat in the figures, but it can also be domed inwards or domed outwards.

[0068] It is preferred that the lower end of the container 1 fits inside the lid 2 (formed by the lid base 3 and the lid wall 4) so ​​that filled reusable containers can be stacked well.

[0069] In the Fig. 6 and 7 The illustration shows that the container 1 can have a differently shaped area, in particular a vertical or cylindrical area 11, below the upper conical press-fit area. This design is advantageous for reusable packaging in the form of bottles. At its lower end, the container 1 can have a downwardly tapered area, so that the lower end of a container 1 can be placed inside a lid 2.

[0070] As described above, the contents of the reusable packaging can be sealed simply by pressing in the lid 2, especially if the reusable packaging is used multiple times by a customer, for example as a lunchbox. Improved sealing can be achieved by wetting the packaging, for example with an adhesive liquid. The liquid is preferably food-grade or a foodstuff; for example, the liquid could contain sugar and be in the form of a syrup (beet, maple, etc.).

[0071] In Fig. 7 Another sealing variant is shown, in which a sealing ring 13 is located between the container wall and the lid wall 4. As shown, it is preferred that the sealing ring 13 is located in a groove in the lid wall 4. The groove is preferably formed by an annular constriction 12 in the lid wall 4. The groove can be located approximately halfway between the lower edge of the lid wall 4 and the lower edge of the openings 6. It is assumed that this packaging is advantageous when partial quantities are repeatedly removed from it, since a seal is created by the sealing ring when resealing. This type of packaging is particularly suitable for liquids, for example, milk, juices, and other beverages.

[0072] As in Fig. 8 As illustrated, in addition to cup-shaped or bottle-shaped packaging, bowl- or plate-shaped packaging can also be realized. The height and width of container 1 and their ratio can therefore be dimensioned differently depending on the intended use.

[0073] The engagement element(s) 5 is preferably designed discretely, as shown in the figures, and thus extends only over a partial area of ​​the cover wall 4.

[0074] In Fig. 9 Figure 1 illustrates how a tool, for example in the form of a spoon 15, can be inserted through the opening 6 in order to apply a force between the rim of the container 8 and the upper edge of the opening 6. This force causes the lid 2 to move upwards or axially out of the container 1.

[0075] The engagement element 5 can also be continuous, surrounding the cover wall 4 and be provided with at least one opening 6, in particular several openings 6 ( Fig. 10 In this case, the upper edge of the engagement element forms the upper lid edge 7, which is then located above the container edge 8. The lid edge 7 can be crimped outwards in this case, with the crimp preferably extending (at most) to the upper edge of the opening 6. In the area of ​​the opening 6, or each opening 6, there is an upper section 14 of an engagement element 5 or of a single engagement element 5. A disadvantage is the increased material requirement compared to the other variants of the Fig. 1-9 .

[0076] However, an engagement element 5 with multiple openings 6 can also extend over a partial area of ​​the cover wall 4, for example as a tab with two openings 6.

Claims

1. Reusable packaging in the shape of a container (1) which is present in combination with a lid (2) that can be pressed into the container (1), wherein the container (1) has a conical press-in area in its upper peripheral region and a container edge (8) above the press-in area, and wherein the lid (2) has a downward-offset lid bottom (3) and a conical lid wall (4) rising therefrom, wherein the lid (2) can be pressed into the press-in area of the container (1) with its conical lid wall (4), wherein the lid (2) has at least one engaging element (5) adjoining and protruding above the upper edge of the conical lid wall (4), wherein the engaging element (5) has at least one opening (6), characterised in that, when the lid (2) is pressed in, a gap is present between the upper edge of the opening (6) and the upper container edge (8), wherein the upper edge of the opening (6) is above the container edge (8) and the lower edge of the opening (6) is below the container edge (8)2. The reusable packaging of claim 1, characterised in that the gap is open all the way from the outer side of the lid (2) to the inner side of the lid (2).

3. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the engaging element (5) has the same slope as, and is integral with, the lid wall (4).

4. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the lid (2) comprises two engaging elements opposite one another on the lid wall (4).

5. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the lid (2) or the container (1) or both comprise(s) crimped edges (9, 10), wherein the crimped edge of the lid (2) is on the inside with respect to the lid wall (4) and the crimped edge of the container (1) is on the outside with respect to the lid wall (4).

6. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the lid (2) has a circumferential groove in the outer surface of the lid wall (4) and in that a seal ring (13) can be or is inserted into said groove.

7. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the lid (2) and the container (1) are each dimensionally stable at least in the press-in area.

8. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the lid (2) and the container (1) are dimensionally stable bodies.

9. The reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the lid wall (4) is closed in a circumferential direction and comprises a hollow-frustoconical lateral surface.

10. Filled, reusable packaging of any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a medium to be packaged, in particular aliment, is present in the same and the lid (2) is pressed into the container (1).

11. The filled, reusable packaging of claim 10, characterised in that a sealing or adhesive substance is present between the lid (2) and the container (1), which has preferably been applied in a liquid state prior to the press-in process.

12. Filled, reusable packaging of any one of claims 10 and 11, characterised in that sealing of the reusable packaging takes place exclusively between the lid wall (4) and the press-in area of the container (1).

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