REUSABLE STORAGE BOX FOR BUCKWHEAT CAKES

Abstract

REUSABLE STORAGE BOX FOR BUCKWHEAT CAKES Storage box (1) for cakes comprising a rigid cylindrical base (12) forming a receiving receptacle capable of receiving a plurality of flat cakes superimposed thereon, said base (12) having a height of less than 2 cm. Figure for the abstract: Fig.1

Description

Title of the invention: REUSABLE STORAGE BOX FOR BUCKWHEAT CAKES Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to that of storage boxes and packaging for transporting food while preserving its flavor. State of the art

[0002] Currently, there are known single-use flexible plastic boxes or packaging for transporting food. In particular, there are storage boxes for transporting pancakes or crepes. These boxes can be circular-cylindrical in shape but they are generally not suitable for transporting and storing buckwheat pancakes.

[0003] Indeed, existing boxes are often oversized and not suitable for holding pancakes flat in a receptacle. As a result, the pancakes or crepes being transported are most often torn and end up drying out as soon as the packaging is opened because it cannot be resealed.

[0004] There is a need to define a solution for manufacturing a container suitable for storing and transporting pancakes or crepes. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a storage box for buckwheat pancakes comprising a rigid cylindrical base forming a receiving receptacle capable of receiving a plurality of flat pancakes superimposed on each other and a lid adapted to close the receiving receptacle, said box having a height of less than 2 cm. An advantage is that it allows the transport of several buckwheat pancakes while preserving the aromas, flavors and freshness of the latter.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the storage box is made of polypropylene.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the storage box is made of material plant-based plastic type. One advantage is that it is biodegradable.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the storage box is made of one of the following materials: polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, thermoplastic starch, polyethylene of biological origin or polyethylene terephthalate of biological origin.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the storage box comprises raised points arranged on the surface of the bottom of the receptacle.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the storage box comprises a lid for closing said box, the lid comprising a rim for hermetically closing the box.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the storage box comprises a semi-rigid film or flexible disc or a rigid or semi-rigid disc intended to cover a wafer arranged on the upper part of a set of wafers arranged within the receptacle.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the cover comprises a disc secured to said cover and means for exerting a return force on said disc, said disc being made mobile by deformation of the means for exerting a return force, said disc being intended to hold wafers arranged inside said box.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the base comprises a lower compartment for storing at least one semi-rigid film.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the storage box has a diameter of between 28 and 42 cm.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the storage box has a diameter of between 30 and 40 cm.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the base has a height of less than 1.5 cm.

[0017] An advantage of the invention is to provide an airtight storage container, rigid and reusable. Such a container can be used as a deposit. Another advantage is that it allows for a variation in recyclable plastic. Another advantage is having a container with sufficient width to accommodate buckwheat and / or wheat cakes.

[0018] Another advantage is to provide a container having a simple closure system for storing the cakes. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.l]: an example of a storage box of the invention comprising a base and a lid in the open position; • [Fig.2]: an example of a storage box of the invention comprising a base and a lid in the closed position; • [Fig.3]: an example of a lid according to the invention comprising a rim for hermetically closing the box; • [Fig.4]: an example of a base forming a receptacle for wafers arranged flat on top of each other; • [Fig.5]: an example of a semi-rigid film or a flexible, rigid or semi-rigid disc allowing the covering of the superimposed disc(s) inside the receptacle for better conservation; • [Fig.6]: an example of superposition of discs interposed with semi-rigid films or flexible discs; • [Fig.7]: an example of a semi-rigid film or a flexible disc with openings; • [Fig.8]: an example of a receptacle comprising a storage compartment for holding at least one semi-rigid film or at least one flexible, rigid or semi-rigid disc, • [Fig.9]: an example of a cover comprising a means or means for exerting a restoring force in order to keep the wafers flat inside the housing.

[0020] [Fig.l] represents an exemplary embodiment of a box 1 for storing pancakes 2, such as buckwheat pancakes or crepes. According to one embodiment, the box 1 comprises a base 12 forming a receptacle for receiving flat pancakes 2. The receptacle 12 advantageously comprises an interior cavity. The interior cavity comprises a flat or substantially flat bottom 120 delimited according to a circular perimeter. The surface of the cavity has a disc shape adapted to receive pancakes 2 of a substantially identical or smaller diameter.

[0021] The housing 1 comprises a cover 11 adapted to cover the base 12. The cover 11 advantageously comprises means for fixing the base 12 to the cover 11 so as to make the assembly integral and the housing hermetic to the outside. One advantage is to allow good conservation of the wafers 2 arranged inside the box 1.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the base 12 comprises a rim 121 whose height is between 1 cm and 3 cm so as to arrange a few wafers 2 superimposed inside. According to one embodiment, the base 12 comprises a rim 121 whose height is between 1 cm and 2 cm to allow a thinner and more easily transportable case to be obtained.

[0023] Other variants make it possible to form a receptacle with a slightly greater height of up to 3 cm and others with a height of less than 1 cm, for example 8 mm. One advantage is to form different boxes suitable for storing from 2 to 15 wafers depending on the circumstances.

[0024] [Fig.2] shows a storage box 1 for pancakes 2 when it is closed. The cover 11 is made integral with the base 12. The cover 11 can be clipped using a rim 110 visible in [Fig.3].

[0025] [Fig.2] represents the diameter d of the case. It is preferably between 25 and 40 cm. According to one example, it is between 30 and 40 cm. According to one example, the diameter is 35 cm.

[0026] According to one example, the housing has a height h, also considered as the thickness of the housing because it is the smallest dimension.

[0027] According to one example, the case has a height of less than 2 cm. According to another example, it has a height of less than 1.5 cm, allowing it to be slipped between two pockets in a bag.

[0028] [Fig. 3] shows the cover 11 in the inverted position in a mode where it comprises a rim 110 allowing it to be placed on the circumference of the circular rim 121 of the base 12. In this case, the internal diameter of the rim 110 of the cover 11 is adjusted to exert a holding force on the external rim 121 of the base 12.

[0029] Additionally, according to certain embodiments, a groove and / or a circumferential projection may be arranged on the circumference of the flanges to improve the cooperation of the flanges 121 and 110 with each other and increase the sealing of the housing 1.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the cover 11 is screwed onto the base 12 by means of an internal thread of the rim 110 and an external thread of the rim 121 of the base 12.

[0031] [Fig.4] represents the base 12 and therefore the receptacle comprising a bottom 120 supporting a plurality of wafers 2 superimposed on each other within the housing 1.

[0032] [Fig. 5] represents an example of a housing in which the bottom 120 of the housing 1 comprises relief elements 13 forming spikes. According to one example, these relief elements are bumps with a slight curvature so as not to damage the pancakes 2 and allowing a better grip. Furthermore, these relief elements make it possible to avoid or reduce the sticking of the pancakes or crepes 2 to each other or to the bottom, in particular thanks to the presence of air pockets and a controlled air circuit inside the housing 1.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises at least one semi-rigid film or one flexible or rigid disc 3 allowing better preservation of the wafers 2 within the housing. Indeed, when the housing 1 comprises a plurality of wafers 2 superimposed on each other but the housing 1 is not completely filled, the semi-rigid film or the disc 3 is affixed to the last wafer 2 superimposed on the others and thus prevents the wafers 2 from being in contact with too large a volume of residual air in the box 1.

[0034] According to one embodiment, at least one disc 3 comprises a tab for lifting the disc. One advantage is to release the disc from the box more easily. One advantage is in particular to move a disc on the surface of said disc more easily.

[0035] [Fig.5] shows a semi-rigid film 3 used to cover the disc which is inserted into the box 1.

[0036] [Fig.6] represents an example case where several semi-rigid films 3 are used to interpose between wafers 2. Therefore according to one embodiment, the housing 1 comprises a plurality of semi-rigid films 3 which can be used or not depending on the use cases.

[0037] [Fig.7] represents an example of a semi-rigid film 3' comprising openings 30 to allow slight ventilation of the wafers.

[0038] Indeed, vents make it possible to control conservation while limiting the fact that the pancakes 2 do not stick together when they are superimposed on each other.

[0039] According to one example, the flexible, rigid or semi-rigid disk is made of the same material as the casing.

[0040] Advantageously, the flexible, rigid or semi-rigid disc makes it possible to separate different types of pancakes or, for example, to separate pancakes and crepes in order to respect the flavors of each food.

[0041] The semi-rigid films 3 are advantageously stored within the box 1 when the box 1 is empty for their transport. The semi-rigid films 3 can then be used or not at the convenience of a user.

[0042] [Fig.8] represents an example of a case 1 comprising a storage compartment 122 in particular for storing semi-rigid films or discs 3. This latter compartment 122 can form a double bottom of the base 12 and be accessible via another cover or a part of the base 12 made removable. Restoring force

[0043] According to one embodiment, the cover 11 comprises a means 115 making it possible to exert a return force FR on a second disc 3” made integral with the cover 11 and made mobile. The mobility of such a second disc 3” makes it possible to keep the latter in contact with the pancakes or crepes 2 arranged inside the housing 1 within the receptacle 12.

[0044] The means for exerting a restoring force may be springs 115 or any other deformable element allowing reversible elastic deformation tending to return the deformable element(s) to its initial position.

[0045] [Fig.9] represents an example of embodiment of a second 3” disc held by springs and made mobile so as to exert a return force towards the discs 2 when the cover 11 is fixed to the base 12.

[0046] According to another example, a pusher element forming a movable lug under the effect of the weight of at least one disc exerts a restoring force making it possible to move the 3” disc over a few millimeters. Such a lug can be positioned in the center and makes it possible to move the 3” disc which is resting on the latter. According to other embodiments, several lugs can be arranged between the bottom of the housing and the 3” disc.

[0047] According to another example, a deformable material, for example a shape memory material, can be used to be arranged between the bottom of the case and the 3” disc. Materials

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 1 is made of a plastic or metal type material providing sufficient rigidity to prevent it from bending and damage to the discs arranged inside the housing 1.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the casing 1 is made of recyclable material, for example polypropylene, which makes it possible to obtain a casing with good rigidity to prevent the wafers from breaking during transport and use over a long period. This material has the advantage of being biosourced.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the housing 1 is made of a plant-based plastic material. An advantage is that the housing is made completely recyclable and compostable. However, in this case it has a lifespan limited to a certain number of uses.

[0051] According to a first example, the material is made of polylactic acid known as “PLA”. PLA is a bioplastic made from fermented corn starch, sugar cane or tapioca roots.

[0052] According to a second example, the material is made of polyhydroxyalkanoates called "PHA". PHA is produced by microorganisms when fed with vegetable oils or sugars. This bioplastic is biodegradable.

[0053] According to a third example, the material is a thermoplastic starch. For example, a starch made from corn, wheat, or potatoes. This modified starch is a bioplastic that can be used as an alternative to traditional plastics.

[0054] According to a fourth example, the material is a regenerated cellulose. Such cellulose can be derived from plants such as cotton or wood pulp and be processed into a bioplastic.

[0055] According to a fifth example, the material is a polyethylene of biological origin, called “bio-PE”. This polyethylene is chemically identical to traditional polyethylene, however Bio-PE is made from ethanol, which can be produced from sugar cane, wheat, or corn.

[0056] According to a fifth example, the material is a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate, known as “Bio-PET”. It is similar to traditional PET but made partially from renewable raw materials such as sugar cane.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the flexible, rigid or semi-rigid disc is in one of the materials presented to define the material of the box. The disc 3 or 3” and the case 1 can be made of identical or different materials. According to one example, the second disc 3” is made of plastic and the disc(s) 3 can be made of plant-based plastic type materials.

Claims

Claims

1. Storage box (1) for wafers (2) comprising a rigid cylindrical base (12) forming a receiving receptacle capable of receiving a plurality of wafers (2) flat and superimposed on each other and a cover (11) adapted to close the receiving receptacle, said box (1) having a height of less than 2 cm.

2. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it is made of polypropylene.

3. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it is made of plant-based plastic material.

4. Storage box (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that it is made of one of the following materials: polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, thermoplastic starch, polyethylene of biological origin or polyethylene terephthalate of biological origin

5. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises raised points (13) arranged on the surface of the bottom (120) of the receptacle.

6. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a cover (11) allowing said box (1) to be closed, the cover (11) comprising a rim (110) allowing the box (1) to be hermetically closed.

7. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a semi-rigid film or flexible disc or a rigid or semi-rigid disc (3) intended to cover a wafer (2) arranged on the upper part of a set of wafers (2) arranged within the receptacle (12).

8. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the cover (11) comprises a disc (3) made integral with said cover (11) and means (115) for exerting a return force (FR) on said disc (3), said disc (3) being made mobile by deformation of the means for exerting a return force (115), said disc being intended to hold wafers (2) arranged inside said box (1).

9. Storage box (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the base (12) comprises a lower compartment (122) allowing at least one semi-rigid film (3) to be stored.

10.

11.

12. Storage box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a diameter of between 28 and 42 cm. Storage box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a diameter of between 30 and 40 cm. Storage box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (12) has a height of less than 1.5 cm.

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