Package for food products

Abstract

Packaging for food, in particular for sushi, comprising a base element (2) and a lid (3), wherein the base element (2) has a receiving area (4) which receiving area (4) is arranged in a floor plane (5), wherein the base element (2) has at least one edge structure (6) which surrounds the receiving area (4) at its edge, preferably completely, and is raised above the receiving area (4), and wherein the lid (3) in a closed position of the packaging (1) is inserted into the at least one edge structure (6) such that the at least one edge structure (6) substantially inhibits lateral movements of the lid (3) relative to the base element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging for food, in particular sushi, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Accordingly, the invention relates to a food packaging with a base element and a lid, wherein the base element has a receiving area which receiving area is arranged in a bottom plane.

[0003] Sushi packaging is typically made of plastic and consists of a cup and a lid. From a sustainability perspective, such single-use plastic packaging is far from ideal.

[0004] It is also generally known that sushi is packaged in paper containers. Cups and lids are used in this process, with the cups being deep so that the overlap with the lid creates a structure stable enough to protect the contents from external influences.

[0005] Firstly, the deep cup makes it difficult to eat directly from the packaging. Secondly, these types of paper packaging do not convey a high-quality impression to the end customer. Especially with sushi, packaging that projects a premium image is crucial, as the freshness of the ingredients and the chef's skill are paramount, particularly when dealing with partially raw ingredients.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide packaging for food, in particular for sushi, wherein the type of material can be chosen more freely than in the prior art, for example according to aspects of sustainability, and at the same time acceptable, if not improved, properties of the packaging with regard to external appearance, stability and handling can be achieved.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1 in that the base element has at least one edge structure which surrounds the recording area at its edge, preferably completely, and is raised above the recording area. and by inserting the lid into the at least one edge structure in a closed position of the packaging in such a way that the at least one edge structure substantially inhibits lateral movements of the lid relative to the base element.

[0008] The raised edge structure into which the lid is inserted creates a stable and high-quality-looking packaging, even though the packaging can be made of paper, for example.

[0009] The increased stability in the closed position can be achieved by making at least one edge structure particularly stable and inserting the lid within the edge structure.

[0010] The insertion of the lid into the at least one edge structure can be understood as meaning that the lid can be brought towards the base element from above and is then arranged within the at least one edge structure in the closed position. In particularly preferred embodiments, the lid, viewed exclusively in a projection onto an imaginary surface parallel to the base plane, is arranged exclusively within the at least one edge structure in the closed position.

[0011] Furthermore, the height of at least one edge structure can be chosen so that the aforementioned stability of the packaging is ensured, but the direct eating from the base element is not disturbed, or not much more so, than with a normal plate.

[0012] At least one boundary structure can preferably have a constant height. However, variable heights of at least one boundary structure are of course also conceivable in principle.

[0013] In preferred embodiments, the lid is a separate element from the base element, but embodiments are also conceivable in which the lid is, for example, articulated to the base element, for example by folding, so that the lid can be folded onto the base element.

[0014] The function of the receiving area is to hold the intended packaging contents, such as sushi or other food items or dishes. In other words, the packaging contents can be placed on the receiving area.

[0015] It should be noted that, according to the present disclosure, the packaging was developed for food in general and sushi in particular, but can also be used for other goods, with protection being sought for the packaging regardless of the specific contents of the packaging.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the receiving area of ​​the base element is arranged essentially flat in the plane of the ground.

[0017] However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the receiving area has a structure, for example, ribbing or a defined roughness depth, so that the receiving area is still arranged in the plane of the ground, but the receiving area itself does not have to be absolutely flat. In other words, the receiving area is a surface area that is large enough to serve as a holding area for the packaging contents, but does not have to be absolutely flat.

[0018] The ground plane is an imaginary plane in which the recording area is at least partially located.

[0019] At least one edge structure is arranged around the perimeter of the base and the receiving area. This edge structure does not need to completely encircle the receiving area. For example, recesses may be provided at the corners or other points along the edge of the receiving area. However, the function of the edge structure must be maintained when the packaging is closed – that is, when the lid is inserted into the edge structure.

[0020] Preferably, exactly one completely circumferential edge structure can be provided.

[0021] The fact that at least one edge structure is raised above the recording area can be understood to mean that the height of at least one edge structure – with a horizontal arrangement of the base plane and the recording area – is greater than the height of the recording area, so that the lid can be inserted into the at least one edge structure.

[0022] This allows the function to be realized that at least one edge structure essentially inhibits lateral movements of the lid relative to the base element, because the lid inserted into the at least one edge structure abuts the edge structure.

[0023] In particularly preferred embodiments, the shape of the lid corresponds, preferably exactly, to the shape formed by the interior of the at least one edge structure. This minimizes the lateral movements of the lid relative to the base element because the lid has no freedom of movement.

[0024] Particularly favored is the inhibition of all lateral movements of the lid, except for play relative to the base element.

[0025] Lateral movements can be understood as those that are parallel to the plane of the ground or whose main component is parallel to the plane of the ground.

[0026] The clearance of the lid is preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm or less than 1 mm. Movements resulting from deformations of the lid and base element are not included in this clearance measurement. It is therefore purely geometric clearance.

[0027] The base area of ​​the recording area can be polygonal, preferably with four corners. A rectangular base area is particularly preferred.

[0028] Protection is also sought according to claim 15 for a sheet of material with fold lines, which is designed such that the sheet of material, in a folded and optionally glued state, forms a package of the type described.

[0029] It is particularly desirable to have separate sheets of material for the base element and the lid.

[0030] In particularly preferred embodiments, the at least one edge structure can be designed as a channel whose central axis surrounds the receiving area at the edge, preferably completely.

[0031] Other structures, such as folded bellows or solid plastic structures, are also conceivable in principle as at least an edge structure.

[0032] The channel may preferably be hollow and / or filled with a channel material, preferably foam, which differs from the remaining material in at least one edge structure.

[0033] Preferably, at least one boundary structure has a boundary width in an imaginary continuation of the ground plane.

[0034] The at least one boundary structure can be essentially unchanged along the perimeter of the ground plane or it can be variable along the perimeter of the ground plane. For example, the boundary width can change continuously or discontinuously along the perimeter of the ground plane.

[0035] The at least one edge structure can have a cross-section with a basic rectangular shape, preferably wherein the height of the at least one edge structure is greater than the edge width of the at least one edge structure. Of course, embodiments are also conceivable in which the edge width is greater than the height of the at least one edge structure.

[0036] The edge width can be greater than a material thickness, preferably greater than twice the material thickness, and particularly preferably greater than three times the material thickness, wherein the material thickness is that of a cover material of the cover and / or of an edge material of the at least one edge structure.

[0037] The edge width can be more than 2 mm, preferably more than 3 mm and particularly preferably more than 5 mm.

[0038] The lid may preferably have additional contact surfaces which, in the closed position, are arranged essentially parallel to the ground plane and placed on the receiving area.

[0039] The base element and / or the lid can be made of paper and / or cardboard and / or card stock, with the lid optionally including a viewing window made of a different material.

[0040] Cardboard can refer to solid board and / or corrugated board (for example, mini-flute, especially F- and / or G-flute).

[0041] The basis weight of the cardboard or paperboard from which the tray and / or lid are made can be more than 150 g / m², preferably more than 225 g / m², and particularly preferably 300 g / m² or more. Generally, a basis weight of 150 g / m² or more is referred to as cardboard. A basis weight of 225 g / m² or more, or sometimes even 300 g / m² or more, is usually referred to as paperboard.

[0042] The base element and / or the lid can be made from a foldable sheet of material, in particular paper, cardboard and / or carton.

[0043] It is preferential to provide flaps and openings which, when the packaging is closed, work together to provide resistance against unwanted opening of the packaging.

[0044] The tabs can be located on the base and the openings on the lid, or vice versa. Hybrid configurations are also possible, with some tabs and openings on the lid and some on the base.

[0045] The tabs can be preferably arranged on the upper side of at least one edge structure and essentially parallel to the base plane, pointing inwards towards the base element. This ensures a secure hold of the lid on the base element. Furthermore, it makes it easy for a person to deform the lid and push the opening away from the tab, thus allowing the lid to be removed.

[0046] The fact that the tabs point inwards in relation to the base element can be understood to mean that the tabs, in the closed position, point through the openings of the lid and / or that the tabs extend into the space above the receiving area.

[0047] The lid may preferably have: at least a lid area which is oriented substantially parallel to the bottom plane, and / or side walls which, in the closed position of the packaging, interact with the at least one edge structure to inhibit the lateral movements of the lid relative to the bottom element, preferably wherein the side walls, in the closed position of the packaging, are arranged substantially perpendicular to the bottom plane or at an angle which deviates from it by less than 30°, preferably less than 20° and particularly preferably less than 10°.

[0048] As already mentioned, a viewing window can be arranged in the lid, preferably at least in at least one cover area, so that the receiving area can be seen when the packaging is closed.

[0049] The viewing window can, for example, consist of a transparent plastic film (e.g., PET, OPP, biofilms, cellophane and / or acetate films) that is glued to the rest of the lid.

[0050] Viewing windows without a plastic film or the like are also conceivable; that is, viewing windows can simply be designed as openings in the lid.

[0051] Particularly advantageous embodiments have proven to be those in which the packaging is folded from sheets of cardboard or corrugated board and the at least one edge structure is designed as a folded hollow channel. Also particularly advantageous in this context are optional flaps, which are arranged on the upper side of the at least one edge structure, essentially parallel to the base plane, and point inwards with respect to the base element.

[0052] Further advantages and details can be found in the figures and their accompanying descriptions. These include: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a package, Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of the bottom element of the package made of Fig. 1 Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of an embodiment of a lid from below, Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a lid, Figs. 6a and 6b are schematic and partial sectional views through a package, Fig. 7 is a schematic material sheet for producing a bottom element of a package, and Fig. 8 is a schematic material sheet for producing a lid of a package.

[0053] In Fig. 1 A package 1 is shown schematically in a closed position, with a base element 2 and a lid 3 present.

[0054] The floor element 2 is in Fig. 2 Additionally, it is shown schematically in isolation.

[0055] An exemplary embodiment of a lid 3 is shown in the Fig. 3 and 4 Additionally, it is shown schematically in isolation from two different perspectives. It should be noted that lid 3, compared to... Fig. 1 It is arranged upside down, so that the internal structure of lid 3 is visible. Another perspective view of lid 3 from the Fig. 3 and 4 is in Fig. 5 depicted.

[0056] The base element 2 has a receiving area 4, which is arranged in a floor plane 5 (see also Figs. 5a and 5b and the corresponding description below).

[0057] A border structure 6 is provided completely around the recording area 4, which is raised above the recording area 4.

[0058] In this embodiment, the edge structure 6 is designed as a hollow channel, which makes the edge structure particularly easy to manufacture, which is also due to Fig. 6 and the corresponding description is below.

[0059] In this embodiment, an imaginary central axis of the edge structure 6 in the form of a channel completely surrounds the recording area 4.

[0060] Lid 3 is in Fig. 1 equipped with a partially cut-out section, so that the internal structure and, in reality, of course, the contents of the packaging 1 are at least partially visible even in the depicted closed position of the packaging 1. The cut-out section thus forms a viewing window 14.

[0061] A foil backing may be present over the viewing window 14 (indicated by dashed lines), so that the contents of the packaging are visible to people even when closed, but environmental influences cannot reach the contents of the packaging.

[0062] The lid 3 has a deck area 12, at least in which the optional viewing window 14 is preferably arranged, and in this embodiment four side walls 13.

[0063] However, the lid 3 does not necessarily have to have a viewing window 14, for which purpose we refer to the Fig. 3 bis 5 to be referred to.

[0064] A key aspect of the present disclosure is that the lid 3 in the Fig. 1 The closed position of the packaging 1 shown is inserted into the at least one edge structure 6 in such a way that the at least one edge structure 6 essentially inhibits lateral movements of the lid 3 relative to the base element 2.

[0065] Specifically, in this embodiment, it is the side walls 13 of the lid 3 which are located in the Fig. 1 The closed position of the packaging 1 shown interacts with at least one edge structure 6 to inhibit the lateral movements of the lid 3 relative to the base element 2.

[0066] In this embodiment, the side walls 13 are arranged at an angle to the floor plane 5 and the receiving area 4 in the closed position of the packaging 1, which deviates from a vertical by less than 10°.

[0067] In this embodiment, the lid 3 has additional contact surfaces 18 (see Fig. 3 and 4 ), which in the closed position are arranged essentially parallel to the floor plane 5.

[0068] The contact surfaces ensure that the lid 3 is placed particularly stably on the base element 2 and inserted into the edge structure 6, because instead of the essentially line contact that can be seen, for example, in the embodiments of the Fig. 6a und 6b This results in surface contact between the receiving area 4 and the contact surface 18 of the lid 3.

[0069] Another advantage of the mounting surfaces 18 is an overall stiffening of the lid 3.

[0070] Tabs 9 and openings 10 are provided which, when the packaging 1 is closed, work together to provide resistance against unwanted opening of the packaging 1.

[0071] That means the tabs 9 extend as in Fig. 1 shown through the openings 10 and thus prevent the lid 3 from being removed from the base element 2 without resistance.

[0072] This secures the lid 3 against both lateral and vertical movements relative to the base element 2.

[0073] By slightly deforming the lid 3, it can be ensured that the tabs 9 no longer extend through the openings 10 and the lid 3 can be easily removed.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the tabs 9 are arranged on the base element 2 and the openings 10 are arranged in the lid.

[0075] In this embodiment, the tabs 9 are specifically arranged on an upper surface 11 of the at least one edge structure 6 and essentially parallel to the base plane 5. As shown Fig. 1 As can be seen, the tabs point inwards in relation to the base element 2.

[0076] Both the base element 2 and the lid 3 can each be made from a sheet of material 8 by folding and optionally gluing, for which purpose on Fig. 7 and 8 to be referred to.

[0077] In Fig. 6a A further embodiment is shown schematically in a partial section.

[0078] Analogous to the exemplary embodiments from the Fig. 1 bis 5 A floor element 2 with a receiving area 4 and an edge structure 6 is present. Even if this is in Fig. 6a Although not apparent, the edge structure 6 also surrounds the receiving area 4 in this embodiment, although not necessarily completely, but for example only to 80% of the circumference of the receiving area 4.

[0079] Also visible is a side wall 13 of the lid 3, which is placed here in a closed position on the receiving area 4.

[0080] In contrast to the exemplary embodiments from the Fig. 1 bis 5 A contact surface 18 on the lid 3 is not provided here, so that an essentially linear contact between the side wall 13 and the receiving area 4 results.

[0081] It can be seen that the flat recording area 4 is arranged in the imaginary floor plane 5 shown with dashed lines, where the floor plane 5 in the representation of the Fig. 6a It had to be moved slightly downwards, otherwise it would not have been visible due to the overlap with the line of recording area 4.

[0082] In this embodiment, the edge structure 6 is again designed as a hollow channel.

[0083] The edge structure 6 has an edge width B in an imaginary continuation of the ground plane 5.

[0084] Perpendicular to this, the edge structure 6 has a height H.

[0085] The at least one edge structure 6 has a cross-section with a basic shape of a rectangle, wherein the height H of the edge structure 6 is greater than the edge width B of the edge structure 6.

[0086] In this embodiment, the edge width B is greater than one material thickness, greater than twice the material thickness, and greater than three times the material thickness of the cover material of the cover 3 and the edge material of the edge structure 6.

[0087] There is some play between the side wall 13 and the edge structure 6, allowing the lid 3 to perform certain minor lateral movements relative to the base element 2. However, as soon as the side wall 13 abuts the edge structure 6, further movements in this direction are prevented (as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 6a to the left) is inhibited, provided that deformations of the base element 2 or the lid 3 do not occur.

[0088] In Fig. 6b A further embodiment is schematically shown in a partial section, which is initially analogous to the embodiment shown in Fig. 6a is.

[0089] In contrast to the embodiment from Fig. 6a is in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 6b the edge structure 6 is not a hollow channel but a channel that is filled with a channel material 7, here for example a foam.

[0090] In contrast to the embodiment from Fig. 6a In the exemplary embodiment, the recording area 4 is... Fig. 6b It is not flat, but as can be seen, it has elevations and depressions.

[0091] Of course, the receiving area 4 still forms a plane in a certain sense, on which the packaging contents can be placed. This plane is the imaginary bottom plane 5 or parallel to it.

[0092] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 The material sheets 8 show how a base element 2 or a lid 3 can be produced by folding and optionally gluing in a manner known to experts.

[0093] In this embodiment, the lid 3 has a viewing window 14.

[0094] The material sheets 8 of the exemplary embodiments from Fig. 7 and 8 They may, for example, be made of cardboard or paperboard, although any viewing window 14 in the lid may be made of a different material.

[0095] In the Fig. 7 and 8 Solid lines denote cutting lines 17.

[0096] In the Fig. 7 and 8 Dotted lines denote fold lines 15.

[0097] In the Fig. 7 and 8 Dashed lines denote grooves 16.

[0098] As at Fig. 7 As can be seen, the edge structure 6 is formed from several different folded surfaces. However, since the final result is a continuous, circumferential edge structure 6 (see Fig. 1 and 2 ), it is considered a single boundary structure 6. This would be different, of course, if the boundary structure 6 had, for example, breaks. Legende Regarding the reference numbers:

[0099] 1 Packaging 2 Base element 3 Lid 4 Receiving area 5 Base level 6 Edge structure 7 Channel material 8 Material arc 9 Tabs 10 Openings 11 Top 12 Cover area 13 Side walls 14 Viewing window 15 Crease lines 16 Grooving 17 Cut line 18 Mounting surfaces Border width, height

Claims

1. Packaging for food, in particular for sushi, comprising a base element (2) and a lid (3), wherein the base element (2) has a receiving area (4) which receiving area (4) is arranged in a bottom plane (5), characterized by the fact that the base element (2) has at least one edge structure (6) which - surrounds the receiving area (4) at its edge, preferably completely, and - is raised above the receiving area (4), and that the lid (3) in a closed position of the packaging (1) is inserted into the at least one edge structure (6) in such a way that the at least one edge structure (6) substantially inhibits lateral movements of the lid (3) relative to the base element (2).

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the at least one edge structure (6) is designed as a channel whose central axis surrounds the receiving area (4) at the edge, preferably completely.

3. Packaging according to claim 2, wherein the channel is hollow and / or filled with a channel material (7), preferably foam, which differs from a remaining material of the at least one edge structure (6).

4. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one edge structure (6) has an edge width (B) in an imaginary continuation of the bottom plane (5).

5. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one edge structure (6) has a cross-section with a basic shape of a rectangle, preferably wherein a height (H) of the at least one edge structure (6) is greater than the edge width (B) of the at least one edge structure (6).

6. Packaging according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the rim width (B) is greater than a material thickness, preferably greater than twice the material thickness, particularly preferably greater than three times the material thickness, wherein the material thickness is that of a lid material of the lid (3) and / or of a rim material of the at least one rim structure (6).

7. Packaging according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the edge width (B) is more than 2 mm, preferably more than 3 mm and particularly preferably more than 5 mm.

8. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) and / or the lid (3) is made of paper and / or cardboard and / or carton.

9. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) and / or the lid (3) is made from a foldable sheet of material (8).

10. Packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein tabs (9) and openings (10) are provided which, in the closed state of the packaging (1), cooperate to provide resistance against unintentional opening of the packaging (1).

11. Packaging according to claim 10, wherein the tabs (9) are arranged on the base element (2) and the openings (10) are arranged on the lid (3), or vice versa.

12. Packaging according to claim 11, wherein the tabs (9) are arranged on a top surface (11) of the at least one edge structure (6) and substantially parallel to the bottom plane (5) and point inwards with respect to the bottom element (2).

13. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (3) comprises: - at least one cover area (12) which is oriented substantially parallel to the base plane (5), and / or - side walls (13) which, in the closed position of the packaging (1), interact with the at least one edge structure (6) to inhibit the lateral movements of the lid (3) relative to the base element (2), preferably wherein the side walls (13), in the closed position of the packaging (1), are arranged substantially perpendicular to the base plane (5) or at an angle deviating from it by less than 30°, preferably less than 20° and particularly preferably less than 10°.

14. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a viewing window (14) is arranged in the lid (3), preferably at least in at least one cover area (12), whereby the receiving area (4) is visible in the closed position of the packaging (1).

15. Sheet of material with fold lines (15) which is designed such that the sheet of material (8) in a folded and optionally glued state forms a packaging (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Material sheet according to claim 15, wherein separate material sheets (8) are provided for the base element (2) and the lid (3).

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