Storage Container, Methods of Manufacturing and Use Thereof

Abstract

A storage container 10 is provided which has a container body 12, a lid 14, a detent mechanism 16, a first engagement element 18, and a second engagement element 20. The lid 14 is engageable with the

Description

The present invention relates to a storage container. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the storage container. The invention also relates to a method of use of the storage container. 5 Items, such as food or other perishable items are frequently stored in tins. Tins formed of a rigid material provide a protective barrier. The shelf life of the product may be increased if sealed within a tin, particularly in a vacuum or following heat treatment. Tins also increase the ease of transport, especially if the tins conform to the same design specifications. In particular, cylindrical tins minimise the amount of material required 10 during manufacture for a given volume whilst enabling stackability. However, the current solutions have issues. Tins in the art typically obscure the internal contents. Many types of tin are not or not easily stackable. In some scenarios, It is not always practical or possible to store cylindrical tins upright. As such, a cylindrical tin may need to be laid on its side, which may result in the cylindrical tin accidentally rolling away. 15 If several layers of cylindrical tins are stacked in this orientation, the weight of a layer of tins may cause the cylindrical tins of the layer or layers below to roll away. If laid on its side in a vehicle, the cylindrical tin may roll whenever the vehicle turns a corner, or accelerates and decelerates. Similarly, a cylindrical tin which is dropped may also roll away, requiring time and effort from a user to walk to and optionally bend down, to 20 retrieve the tin. The physical effort required bars certain users from being able to handle standard tins, reducing the range of potential workers in factories and shops. The required physical effort also increases the risk of injury. An additional problem with cylindrical tins are that they are single use. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. 25 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage container comprising: a container body; a lid engageable with the container body, the lid having a window element and a lid peripheral wall; the container body having an opening closeable by the lid, a body end wall opposite the opening, a body peripheral wall extending between the body end wall and the opening, the body peripheral wall including 30 at least twelve planar outward faces for preventing or inhibiting movement of the storage container upon engagement of a said planar outward face with a support-surface, wherein the lid peripheral wall is flush or substantially flush with at least part of the body 27 04 26 peripheral wall when the container body and the lid are engaged; a detent mechanism for preventing or inhibiting accidental disengagement of the lid from the container body when the storage container is on its side; a first engagement element provided on the body end wall; and a second engagement element provided on the lid and the opening, 5 the first and second engagement elements being complementarily shaped for enabling the storage container to be engaged with at least one further said storage container via respective first and second engagement elements. The storage container can be used to store an item. The storage container is designed so that it can be stored in several orientations: upright or on its side. 10 The detent mechanism, a said planar outward face and the lid peripheral wall being flush or substantially flush with the body peripheral wall all synergistically cooperate to enable the storage container to be stable when stored on its side. The detent mechanism prevents or inhibits the lid from disengaging from the container body. The flush arrangement enables the lid and the body peripheral wall to be in contact with the support 15 surface, which may increase the area of contact. In comparison, any storage container of the prior art which has an outwardly protruding rim, the area of contact would be reduced to the contact between the outwardly protruding rim and the support surface. The provision of at least one planar outward face prevents or inhibits the storage container from rolling when the storage container is on its side. The storage container 20 can be stored in a stable manner on its side with no or minimal risk of rolling away. If the storage container when on its side has enough existing momentum or inertia such that the storage container is rolling, the storage container may roll until the or at least one said planar outward face enters into contact with the support surface. The engagement of the planar outward face and the support surface is sufficient to halt or 25 arrest the rolling of the storage container. This limits the distance travelled by the storage container away from a starting position. As such, the storage container may remain in the vicinity of its starting position, such as near a user. Furthermore, the first and second engagement elements enable the storage container to be vertically stacked with at least one further storage container. 30 The ability to select the orientation presents a number of advantages. Firstly, where vertical spacing between shelves in a shop may prevent or inhibit a storage container from being stored in an upright position, the user can opt to place the storage container 27 04 26 on its side instead. Secondly, a planar outward face of one storage container can become a planar support surface for a further container laid on top. Thirdly, the ability to store the storage container on its side in a stable condition also provides a synergistic effect with the window element of the lid. When the storage container is on its side, the 5 contents of the storage container are visible via the window element such as when stored on a shelf in a shop. The display of the actual product may beneficially entice a shopper into buying the product. Stock taking and management may also be easier as the contents of all or a large number of containers are simultaneously visible, rather than simply the first row of containers. 10 The number of planar outward faces is also beneficial. A circle provides the maximum surface area for a given circumference. Increasing the number of faces results in the container being increasingly similar to a circle, and thereby increasing the cross-sectional surface area of the container. However, it is not desirable to provide a cylindrical container which has a circle in transverse cross-section, as a cylindrical container suffers 15 the issues highlighted in the background. Too many outward faces may result in a reduced ability of the container to self-stabilise and / or stop rolling when a face is in contact with a support-surface, for example due to greater inertia of the rolling container. In the case of twelve outward faces, the container body has a polygonal transverse cross-section which is a dodecagon. A, preferably regular, dodecagon may provide a 20 compromise between the benefits of a circular cross-section, which are the maximum cross-sectional area of the container for a given circumference; whilst also eliminating or reducing the risk of experiencing the issues associated with a cylindrical container. Preferably, the container body may have a first body portion having a first dimension in transverse cross-section and a second body portion having a second dimension in 25 transverse cross-section, wherein the first dimension may be smaller than the second dimension such that the container body narrows inwardly for accommodating the lid peripheral wall so that the lid peripheral wall may be flush or substantially flush with at least part of the body peripheral wall. The container narrows inwardly which allows the thickness of the lid peripheral wall to be accommodated, in order for the outer surface of 30 the lid and the container body to be flush or substantially flush. Beneficially, the body peripheral wall may have a shoulder formed at the interface between the first body portion and the second body portion, the shoulder providing an abutment surface against which the lid peripheral wall may be abuttable. Rather than the 27 04 26 second body portion smoothly tapering into the first body portion forming no edge, the container body abruptly transitions from the second body portion to the first body portion. This results in an edge or shoulder around the perimeter of the body peripheral wall. The shoulder is part way along a longitudinal extent of the container body. The shoulder 5 provides a surface against which the lid may be abutted. Abutment of the lid against the shoulder means it is visually easier to check whether the storage container is closed. Furthermore, abutment of the lid against the abutment surface may provide a seal. Part of the lid peripheral wall can overlap with the body peripheral wall before abutting against the abutment surface of the shoulder. 10 Additionally, the lid peripheral wall may have a lip. Furthermore, the lip may be formed by folding or rolling an end of the lid peripheral wall. Folding or rolling part of the lid peripheral wall to form the lip results in an integrally formed lip. An integrally formed lip has greater structural strength, at least compared to a secondarily-added structure. As the secondary lip may be formed from the same original sheet of material, no additional 15 material and / or no additional manufacture step is required to provide the secondary lip, which simplifies manufacture, reducing materials required, time and costs. Rolling or folding also prevents or inhibits any sharp edges of material being exposed, thereby increasing user safety when handling the container. Preferably, the lip may extend transversally inwardly. The lip bulging or extending 20 inwardly means that the lip is able to engage with the container body. Furthermore, the lip may be abuttable against the abutment surface. It may be the lip specifically that interacts with the abutment surface, for instance to create a seal. Preferably, the container body may further comprise a lid-engaging ridge. The lid may interact with a lid-engaging ridge, for example to prevent or inhibit accidental 25 disengagement of the lid from the container body. Furthermore, part of the container body may widen transversally to form the lid-engaging ridge. The lid-engaging ridge may be integrally formed with the container body. This may be easier, cheaper and / or faster to manufacture than a secondarily added lid-engaging ridge. 27 04 26 Beneficially, the lid-engaging ridge may be positioned between the opening and the shoulder. If a shoulder is provided, the lid-engaging ridge is positioned relative to the shoulder in a location where the lid can interact with the lid-engaging ridge. Preferably, the lid-engaging ridge and the lip together may form the said detent 5 mechanism. The lid-engaging ridge and the lip are dimensioned so as to be interactable for preventing or inhibiting accidental disengagement of the lid from the container body. The lip can interact or engage with the lid-engaging ridge. The interaction or engagement provides the said detent mechanism. The lip may thus have a plurality of functions. A first function may be to in-use abut against the abutment surface. Simultaneously, the lip 10 may engage with the lid-engaging ridge to prevent or inhibit accidental disengagement of the lid from the container body. Depending on the distance between the lid-engaging ridge and the abutment surface, the lid-engaging ridge and the abutment surface may cooperate together to immobilise the lip between them. Advantageously, the lid may further comprise a lid end wall, and the window element 15 may be in the lid end wall. The window is positioned so that the whole volume of the container body, and any item stored within, is visible via the window. The lid peripheral wall may extend from the lid end wall so as to define a volume of the lid. The lid peripheral wall may also be overlappable with the container body, such as by being partly receivable in or around container body. The overlap may even enable the 20 lid to close the container body via interference fit. Preferably, the window element may be secured by folding or rolling a perimetric region of the window element together with part of the lid. No additional securing mechanism is required, which simplifies the manufacture, increasing manufacturing speed and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, folding or rolling reduces or eliminates the 25 risk of injury on a sharp edge. Optionally, the window element may have a shape which may match the shape in transverse cross-section of the lid. Matching shapes may be aesthetically pleasingly. More preferably, the window element may be dodecagonal in plan view. A dodecagon has straight edges, which may be easier to form during manufacture than curved 30 surfaces. Furthermore, in the case where the window element is secured to the 27 04 26 surrounding lid end wall, it is easier to roll two straight edges together, than roll two curved edges together. Optionally, the window element may include a UV absorber for preventing or inhibiting UV damage to an item within the storage container. UV damage to an item within the 5 container may be reduced or eliminated. The shelf life of the product may be prolonged. Additionally, at least one of: first engagement element and the second engagement element may include a rim portion. Furthermore, at least one of: first engagement element and the second engagement element may include a recessed portion. Preferably, the first engagement element may include a said rim portion and the second 10 engagement element may include a said recessed portion, the rim portion being complementarily engageable with the recessed portion. The rim portion is preferably complementarily engageable with the recessed portion. As the engagement elements of the storage container are standardised, any storage container can be engaged with another said storage container. A plurality of storage container can be stacked on top of 15 each other. Beneficially, the first engagement element, and more preferably, the rim portion, may be formed by folding or rolling a perimetric region of the body end wall and an end of the body peripheral wall together. As the first engagement element, which is preferably a rim portion in the illustrated embodiment, is formed by shaping the container body, the first 20 engagement element is integrally formed with the container body. An integrally-formed structure may have greater structural integrity, at least compared to a secondarily-added structure. Furthermore, as there is no need to add the first engagement element secondarily, manufacture is simplified, saving time and materials. Rolling or folding the body end wall and the body peripheral wall together is also a simple yet effective way of 25 insuring a, preferably fluid-tight, seal between the body end wall and the body peripheral wall. Rolling or folding also prevents or inhibits any sharp edges of material being exposed, thereby increasing user safety when handling the container. Preferably, at least part of the storage container may be formed of tin, and more preferably food-grade tin. Furthermore, the container body may include tin. 30 Advantageously, the tin may be food-grade tin. Tin is an easy and cheap material to use during manufacture. Food may be stored within the container, without requiring any additional lining or packaging to prevent direct contact between the food and the tin. 27 04 26 Beneficially, the planar outward faces may form a regular polygon in transverse crosssection. A container having a shape in the form of a regular polygon may be easier to manufacture, at least compared to an irregular polygon. Furthermore, the lid peripheral wall may have at least one planar inward face. If the 5 container body has at least one planar outward face in an overlap between the lid peripheral wall and container body when in the closed condition. The planar inward face and the planar outward face may engage or abut against each other to prevent or inhibit the lid being accidentally rotatable relative to the container body. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of 10 manufacturing a storage container, the method comprising forming: a lid, a container body, a detent mechanism, a first engagement element and a second engagement element, the lid having a window element and a lid peripheral wall; the container body having an opening closeable by the lid, a body end wall opposite the opening, a body peripheral wall extending between the body end wall and the opening, the body 15 peripheral wall including at least twelve planar outward faces, wherein the lid peripheral wall is flush or substantially flush with at least part of the body peripheral wall when the container body and the lid are engaged; a detent mechanism; a first engagement element provided on the body end wall; and a second engagement element provided on the lid and the opening, the first and second engagement elements being 20 complementarily shaped for enabling the storage container to be engaged with at least one further said storage container via respective first and second engagement elements. Optionally, the method of manufacturing a storage container may further comprise the step of engaging the lid with the container body. Preferably, the storage container may be in accordance with the first aspect of the 25 invention. The storage container is easy to manufacture. The storage container is easy to use. Furthermore, the lid may be disengaged from and re-engaged with the container body, such that the container is re-usable, rather than single use. This is environmentally friendly. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage container 30 comprising: a container body; a lid engageable with the container body and having a window; the container body having an opening, a body end wall opposite the opening, a 27 04 26 body peripheral wall extending between the body end wall and the opening, the body peripheral wall and / or the lid including at least one planar outward face for preventing or inhibiting movement of the storage container upon engagement of the at least one planar outward face with a support surface; a first engagement element provided at or adjacent 5 the body end wall; and a second engagement element provided at or adjacent the lid and / or the opening, the first and second engagement elements being complementarily shaped for enabling the storage container to be engaged with at least one further said storage container via respective first and second engagement elements. Optionally, the body peripheral wall and / or lid peripheral wall may include at least six 10 planar outward faces for preventing or inhibiting movement of the storage container upon engagement of a said planar outward face with a support-surface. Six planar outward faces results in a hexagonal cross-section which is the most efficient shape for packing containers together. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with 15 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of an embodiment of a storage container in accordance with the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention, in a compact condition; Figure 2 illustrates the storage container of Figure 1 in an exploded condition; 20 Figure 3 is a top plan representation of the storage container of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a side representation of the storage container of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a cut-away side representation of the storage container of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a close-up representation of rectangle A shown in Figure 5; 25 Figure 7 is a close-up representation of rectangle B shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a flow diagram of the method of manufacture of the storage container, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and 27 04 26 Figure 9 is a flow diagram of the method of use of the storage container, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a container, indicated generally at 10, in a closed condition. Figure 2 illustrates the same container 10 in an exploded or open 5 condition. The container 10 in-use enables an item to be stored within. The container 10 may be referred to as a storage container 10. The item may be a perishable item. For instance, the item may be a food item. The container 10 has a plurality of orientations in which the container 10 may be positioned or be stable. In other words, the container 10 has a plurality of equilibrium or stable states, orientations or positions. The container 10 10 may thus be referred to as a multi-orientation storage container 10. The container 10 or part thereof is made from a material which may be: metal, plastics, wood, glass, carbonfibre, glassfibre, card, cardboard, fabric, any other suitable material, a plurality of any of the above, and a combination of any of the above. More preferably, at least part of the container 10 comprises metal. The term “metal” includes metal alloys. 15 Aluminium, steel, and tin are examples of suitable metals. Acetate is an example of a plastics material. The material may be food-grade. In other words, the material may be suitable for contact with a foodstuff. In the preferred example, at least part of the storage container 10 is formed of food-grade tin. Optionally, the container 10 may be treated, such as with heat, or with a chemical or compound. For example, a coating or layer of 20 chemical may be deposited in or on any surface or combination of surfaces of the container 10. The chemical may be a paint. The container 10 can thereby be decorated. Information about the contents of the container 10 may be provided. The chemical may be an anti-rust chemical. The chemical may be a food-grade chemical, to enable the container 10 to be food grade. The container 10 may comprise a food safe coating. 25 The container 10 preferably includes a container body 12, a lid 14, a detent mechanism 16, a first engagement element 18 and a second engagement element 20, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The container body 12 in-use defines a volume within which an item may be received. The volume may thus alternatively be referred to as an item-receiving volume or internal 30 for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the container body 12 preferably includes tin, and more preferably food-grade tin. The container body 12 is engageable, and more preferably, sealingly engageable with the lid 14, but non-sealingly may be envisioned. The container body 12 and the lid 14 may be engageable by interference fit. 27 04 26 The container body 12 may be considered to have or be divided, preferably axially, into a first body portion 22a and a second body portion 22b. Additional body portions may be envisioned. Additionally, the container body 12 has a central axis 24, a body end wall 26, a body peripheral wall 28, and an opening 30, but any of the above may be omitted 5 and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The central axis 24 extends from the body end wall 26 to the opening 30 and / or lid 14. The central axis 24 is illustrated as a dot in Figure 3 and a dashed line in Figure 4. For clarity, any extent, dimension, direction or plane that includes or extends parallel with the central axis 24 may be referred to as an axial or longitudinal extent, dimension, direction 10 or plane. Any extent, dimension , direction or plane that perpendicularly intersects the central axis 24 may be referred to as a transverse or radial extent, dimension, direction or plane, for clarity. The first body portion 22a has a first dimension or area in transverse cross-section. The second body portion 22b has a second dimension or area in transverse cross-section. 15 The first dimension and second dimension are preferably measured in corresponding locations in each body portion. The first dimension or area is preferably smaller than the second dimension. In other words, the container body 12 narrows inwardly. As part of the lid 14 is received around the outside of the container body 12, preferably, the first body portion 22a is the body portion which is engageable with the lid 14. The first body 20 portion 22a is narrower so as to accommodate the lid 14 to enable the lid 14 to be flush or substantially flush with at least part of the body peripheral wall 28. The body end wall 26 is preferably opposite the opening 30. The body end wall 26 may be referred to as a base, at least when the container 10 is in an upright or vertical orientation or condition. The body end wall 26 may or may not be contactable with a 25 support surface when in an upright condition. The body end wall 26 is preferably planar or substantially planar, but non-planar or part planar may be envisioned. For instance, the body end wall may be curved. The body end wall 26 has a peripheral portion 26a which terminates at a perimeter. The body peripheral wall 28 extends between the body end wall 26 and the opening 30. 30 The body peripheral wall 28 preferably upstands or extends from at or adjacent the perimeter of the body end wall 26. The body peripheral wall 28 includes at least three spaced-apart co support-surface-contact points 32. The contact points 32 may be coplanar and / or non-colinear. In other words, the support-surface-contact points 32 may 27 04 26 form a triangle. The support-surface-contact points may for example, be part of two edges, ridges or stabiliser fins, extending at least in part axially along the outside of the container body. At least three spaced apart protrusions extending from the body peripheral wall may be an alternative option. In-use, simultaneous engagement of the at 5 least three support-surface-contact points 32 with a, preferably planar, support surface prevents or inhibits movement of the container 10 due to the contact points 32 being coplanar, non-colinear and spaced-apart from each other. If the outside of the body peripheral wall has curvature, the storage container may roll a distance before the at least three support-surface-contact points enter into simultaneous engagement with a 10 support-surface and prevent or inhibit rolling or further rolling of the container. More preferably, the body peripheral wall 28 includes at least one and more preferably a plurality of planar or substantially planar outward faces 34. A planar outward face in-use prevents or inhibits movement of the storage container 10 upon engagement of a said planar outward face 34 with a support-surface. The support-surface-contact points 15 32 may be part of the or a said planar outward face 34. Preferably, the body peripheral wall 28 has at least six planar outward faces 34. Even more preferably, there are twelve planar outward faces 34, as shown. However, any number may be envisioned, such as none, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or at least thirteen. The planar outward faces 34 may form a polygon, and more preferably a regular polygon 20 in transverse cross-section. Optionally the body peripheral wall 28 may have an inwardly-facing surface. The inwardly-facing surface may be at least in part curved. However, more preferably, the inwardly-facing surface has at least one, and more preferably a plurality of planar inward faces. The container body 12 and more preferably the body peripheral wall 28 thereof has a lip 25 36, a shoulder 38, and a lid-engaging ridge 40, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The lip 36, shoulder 38, and lidengaging ridge 40 are visible in Figure 5 and more clearly visible in Figure 6 which is a close-up view of the rectangular box A in Figure 5. The lip 36 of the container body 12 and more preferably of the body peripheral wall 28 30 may be referred to as a primary lip 36 for clarity. An end of the body peripheral wall 28 may be folded or rolled, preferably inwardly, so as to form the said primary lip 36. The primary lip 36 therefore preferably protrudes or projects inwardly. When the lid 14 and container body 12 are engaged, the primary lip 36, also referred to as a primary 27 04 26 protrusion, is preferably axially spaced-apart from the lid 14 but non-spaced-apart, such as abutting may be an option. Folding or rolling the end of the body peripheral wall 28 may reduce or eliminate the risk of injury to a user, at least compared to a non-rolled or non-folded sharp end of the body peripheral wall 28. 5 The shoulder 38 of the body peripheral wall 28 is formed at the interface between the first body portion 22a and the second body portion 22b. The shoulder 38 defines or provides an abutment surface 38a. Part of the lid 14 may be abutted or abuttable against the abutment surface 38a, when the storage container 10 is in a closed condition. The shoulder 38 is preferably also spaced apart from the opening 30 and / or the primary lip 10 36. The shoulder 38 is preferably also spaced apart from the body end wall 26. In the shown embodiment, the shoulder 38 is formed by a narrowing of part of the container body 12. The shoulder 38 may thus alternatively be referred to as a perimetric edge. The shoulder is preferably an outer shoulder 38. In other words, the lid 14 encloses part of the container body 12 when the lid 14 is engaged with the container body 12. The 15 opposite arrangement could be considered, whereby the shoulder is an inner shoulder or overhang, and the lid 14 is at least in part enclosed by the container body 12 when engaged therewith. The lid-engaging ridge 40, also referred to as a protrusion, projection or bulge, in-use provides or improves the engagement between the lid 14 and the container body 12. In 20 the shown embodiment, part of the container body 12 extends or bulges in a transverse direction, preferably outwardly, to form the lid-engaging ridge 40. The lid-engaging ridge is preferably positioned between the shoulder 38, and the opening 30 and / or primary lip 36 of the container body 12. The lid-engaging ridge 40 is preferably integrally formed but non-integrally formed, such as separably or non-separably connected, may be 25 envisioned. In the preferred embodiment, part of the container body 12 widens transversally to form the lid-engaging ridge 40. The opening 30 is defined by the primary lip 36. The opening 30 is preferably closeable by the lid 14. The lid 14 includes a lid body 41 and a window element 42, but any of the above may be 30 omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. 27 04 26 The lid body 41 preferably include a lid end wall 44 and a lid peripheral wall 46, but once again, any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The lid end wall 44 preferably faces the body end wall 26, at least when the container 10 5 is in an assembled or closed condition. The lid end wall 44 is preferably planar or substantially planar, but non-planar or part planar are options. Furthermore, at least part of the lid end wall 44 may be parallel or substantially parallel with the body end wall 26. The lid peripheral wall 46 depends or extends from at or adjacent a, preferably outer, perimeter of the lid end wall 44. The lid peripheral wall 46 preferably extends at least in 10 part longitudinally. Preferably, the lid peripheral wall 46 and the lid end wall 44 define together a lid cavity or lid volume. The lid peripheral wall 46 is preferably formed of metal, but non-metal may be envisioned. More preferably, the lid peripheral wall 46 comprises tin, and more preferably food-grade tin, but any alternative to tin may be considered. When the container body 12 and the lid 14 are engaged, the lid peripheral wall 46 is flush 15 or substantially flush with at least part of the body peripheral wall 28. The lid peripheral wall 46 has an inwardly-facing surface 48, and an outwardly-facing surface 50, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The lid 14 may also comprise a lip or flange. For clarity, the lip of the lid 14 may be referred to as a secondary lip 52. 20 The secondary lip 52 may be provided at the lid peripheral wall 46. The secondary lip 52 extends at least in part in a transverse direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lip 52 extends inwardly relative to the lid peripheral wall 46 and / or an inward face thereof, but outwardly could additionally or alternatively be considered. Thus, the secondary lip 52 extends at least in part radially or transversally, and more preferably at 25 least in part radially or transversally inwards, from the lid peripheral wall 46. The secondary lip 52 is preferably integrally formed with the lid peripheral wall 46. However, the lip could be formed or added secondarily to the lid peripheral wall, such as by being connected or separably connected therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lip 52 is formed by folding or rolling an end of the lid peripheral wall 46. The 30 secondary lip 52, and more preferably a rim defined by the secondary lip 52, is preferably abuttable against the abutment surface 38a of the container body 12. Additionally, the lid-engaging ridge 40 and the secondary lip 52 or part thereof are dimensioned so as to be interactable for preventing or inhibiting accidental disengagement of the lid 14 from 27 04 26 the container body 12. Thus, the lid-engaging ridge and the secondary lip 52 together form the said detent mechanism 16 in the present embodiment. The inwardly-facing surface 48 of the lid peripheral wall 46 faces inwardly, in other words, towards the central axis 24. The inwardly-facing surface 48 defines or bounds the lid 5 volume. The inwardly-facing surface 48 may be curved, such as circular in transverse cross-section. Preferably however, the inwardly-facing surface 48 comprises at least three spaced-apart co-planar and non-colinear contact points. More preferably yet, the inwardly-facing surface 48 comprises at least one planar or substantially planar inward face. The at least three spaced-apart co-planar and non-colinear contact points of the 10 inwardly-facing surface 48 may be part of the or a said planar inward face. The benefit of having a planar face or at least three spaced-apart co-planar and non-colinear contact points on the inwardly-facing surface 48 is that the contact points and / or planar face may brace against the container body 12 and prevent or inhibit rotation of the lid 14 relative to the container body 12, particularly if the container body 12 is non-curved in transverse 15 cross-section. The inwardly-facing surface 48 may include as many planar or substantially planar inward faces as the container body 12. Thus, the inwardly-facing surface 48 preferably includes at least six, and more preferably twelve inward faces, but any number of faces may be envisioned, such as none, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 20 eleven, or at least thirteen inward faces. The outwardly-facing surface 50 faces outwardly, in other words, away from the central axis 24. Similarly to the inwardly-facing surface, the outwardly-facing surface 50 may be curved, such as by being circular in transverse cross-section. Preferably however, the outwardly-facing surface 50 comprises at least three spaced-apart co-planar and non-25 colinear support-surface contact points. More preferably yet, the outwardly-facing surface 50 comprises at least one planar outward face 54. It is understood that planar may also include substantially planar. The at least three spaced-apart co-planar and non-colinear contact points of the outwardly-facing surface 50 may be part of the or a said planar outward face 54. The benefit of having a planar face 54 or at least three spaced-30 apart co-planar and non-colinear support-surface contact points on the outwardly-facing surface 50 is that the contact points may stabilise the storage container 10 when on the storage container 10 is on its side and the contact points of the outwardly-facing surface 50 simultaneously contact the support-surface. Thus, the lid 14 may be able to prevent 27 04 26 the storage container 10 from rolling or may limit the distance of rolling of the storage container 10, regardless of the transverse cross-sectional shape of the container body 12. The outwardly-facing surface 50 may include as many planar or substantially planar outward faces 54 as the container body 12 and / or as the inwardly-facing surface 48. 5 Thus, the outwardly-facing surface 50 preferably includes at least six, and more preferably twelve outward faces 54, but any number of faces may be envisioned, such as none, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or at least thirteen. Preferably, the inward faces and / or outward faces 54 form a polygon in transverse cross-section, and more preferably a regular polygon. 10 The window element 42 in-use enables a user to view inside the container 10. The window element 42 is preferably provided in the lid end wall 44, but additionally or alternatively, anywhere in the lid, or even in the container body may be envisioned. The window element 42 may be any shape. The shape preferably matches a shape in transverse cross-section of the lid 14. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the window 15 element 42 is dodecagonal in plan view. In the shown embodiment, the window element 42 is connected or secured to the lid body 41 by folding or rolling a perimetric region of the window element 42 together with part of the lid 14. This is illustrated most clearly in Figure 6. The window element 42 is preferably distinct from the lid end wall 44, however, this is 20 optional. For example, the lid may be partly or wholly formed of a transparent or translucent material. The window element 42 includes a, partially or fully, transparent or translucent material. The material is preferably a plastics material such as acetate, but any alternative to a plastics material may be envisioned, such as glass. Optionally, the window element 42 may include a UV absorber. The UV absorber may be separate or 25 included within the material of the window element 42. A UV absorber may prevent or inhibit UV damage to an item within the container 10. The detent mechanism 16 in-use preventing or inhibiting accidental disengagement of the lid 14 from the container body 12 when the storage container 10 is on its side. Any suitable detent mechanism may be envisioned, such as matingly engageable parts. The 30 detent mechanism 16 is distinct from the first engagement element 18 and second engagement element 20. 27 04 26 The first engagement element 18 and second engagement element 20 are complementarily shaped for enabling the storage container 10 to be engaged or engageable with at least one further said container via respective first and second engagement elements 18,20. The standardisation of the complementary first 5 engagement element 18 and second engagement element 20 enables the storage container 10 to be engaged with at least one further said storage container 10 via respective first and second engagement elements 18,20. In other words, the first engagement element 18 in-use enables the container 10 to be engageable or connectable to a, notionally second, said container 10. Similarly, the second engagement 10 element 20 in-use enables the container 10 to be engageable or connectable to a, notionally third, said container 10. Thus, the container 10 may be engaged with either or both of: the notionally second container 10 and the notionally third container 10. The first engagement element 18 and / or second engagement element 20 are preferably integrally formed with the lid and / or container body 12 but non-integrally formed, such as 15 connected or connectable, separably or non-separably, may be envisioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement element 18 is preferably provided at or adjacent the body end wall 26. The second engagement element 20 is preferably provided at or adjacent the lid 14 and / or at or adjacent the opening 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the second engagement element 20 is provided at the lid 14 and more 20 preferably at or adjacent the junction between the lid peripheral wall 46 and the lid end wall 44. At least one of: the first engagement element 18 and the second engagement element 20 includes a rim portion. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of: the first engagement element 18 and the second engagement element 20 may include a 25 recessed portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement element includes the said rim portion and the second engagement element 20 includes the said recessed portion. The rim portion is preferably complementarily engageable with the recessed portion. Optionally, the first engagement element 18, which is preferably the rim portion may be formed by folding or rolling a peripheral portion 26a of the body end wall 26 and 30 an end of the body peripheral wall 28 together. This is most clearly illustrated in Figure 7. This may be similar or identical to the formation of the primary lip 36 and / or of the secondary lip 52. 27 04 26 In-use, the user may want to use a storage container 10 for storing one or more items within. If a container 10 is not already available, the container 10 may need to be manufactured first. Any known method may be used to form any parts of the container 10. Manufacturing may include any or any combination of the following methods: 5 extrusion, rolling, stretching, deforming, stamping, cutting, folding, shaping a sheet of material such as metal and / or plastics, around a former. Welding, bonding using a joining or bonding agent such as an adhesive, moulding, additive manufacture, and any other suitable method. Referring to Figure 8, to manufacture a container 10, the user may carry out one or more 10 of the following steps, not necessarily in the following order and not necessarily at the same time and / or in the same location. For instance, the lid 14 may be formed independently of the container body 12 and combined to provide the container 10 in a further location. The user forms the lid 14. The window element 42 and the lid body 41 are provided at 15 Step S100. The window element 42 is engaged with the lid body 41 at Step S300. In the preferred embodiment, the second engagement element 20 is a recessed portion in the lid 14. Thus, the second engagement element 20 may be shaped formed or added to the lid 14 at Step S300, before, during or after connecting the window element 42 to the lid body 41. The lid 14 may be shaped as required, for example to provide a polygonal 20 shape in transverse cross-section and / or the secondary lip 52. Before, during or after formation of the lid 14, the user forms the container body 12, the first engagement element 18 and the second engagement element 20. To form the container body 12, the body peripheral wall 28 and the body end wall 26 are provided at Step S400. The body end wall 26 and / or the body peripheral wall 28 may 25 need to be shaped at Step 500, for example so as to have a polygonal shape in transverse cross-section, and / or to provide the primary lip 36, shoulder 38, and lidengaging ridge 40. The body peripheral wall 28 and the body end wall 26 are connected together at Step S600, preferably by rolling or folding. In the illustrated embodiment, the joining of the 30 body peripheral wall 28 and the body end wall 26 also forms the first engagement element 18, which is preferably a rim portion. The shoulder 38 and / or the lid-engaging 27 04 26 ridge 40 are preferably formed from the same sheet of material as the rest of the container body 12 or at least the body peripheral wall 28 thereof, such as by folding. The container 10 is in an at least partly assembled condition. Optionally, the user assembles the container 10, by connecting the lid 14 and the 5 container body 12 at Step S700. If the lid 14 is connected to the container body 12, the container 10 is in a fully assembled or closed condition. The secondary lip 52 is preferably abutted against the shoulder 38. The lid 14 and more preferably the secondary lip 52 also preferably engages with the lid-engaging ridge 40. Referring now to Figure 9, to use the container 10, if the lid 14 is engaged with the 10 container body 12, the user disconnects or disengages the lid 14 from the container body 12 at Step S1100. The user can then access the opening 30 and volume within the container body 12 at Step S1200. An item, such as a foodstuff, may be inserted within and / or retrieved from the container body 12. The user can then close the container 10, preferably sealingly, by engaging the lid 14 with the container body 12 at Step S1300. 15 If desired, the container 10 may be connected to at least one further container 10 via the engagement of the first engagement element 18 of one of the containers 10 with the second engagement element 20 of the other of the containers 10. Here, the rim portion is engageable by being seatable in, on or around the recessed portion. Optionally, a further container 10 may be engaged such that the container 10 is positioned between 20 and engaged with two containers 10. Thus, the plurality of containers 10 are stackably engaged. The engagement of the first engagement element 18 and second engagement element 20 enables the stack to be stable or have greater stability than in the absence of the engagement elements. The engagement elements 18,20 also help to align the containers 10 with each other. The containers 10 may be stacked on a shelf, for example. 25 The container or containers 10 may optionally be transported to a second location, whether stackably engaged or not. If at any point, such as during transport and / or once in situ, the container 10 is on its side, for example due to being dropped or deliberately positioned thus, the contact points, and more preferably at least one planar face of the lid 14 and / or of the container 30 body 12 will prevent or inhibit the container 10 from rolling away. If part of the body peripheral wall 28 is curved and part is planar, the container 10 may roll a short distance 27 04 26 before being stopped by the planar face 34,54 and / or at least three contact points entering into engagement with the support surface. In any case, the container 10 remains in or close to the desired location, instead of rolling away. The user can view the contents of the container 10 at any point if a window element 42 5 is provided. To access the internal volume within the container body 12, the user disengages the lid 14 from the container body 12. The user may then re-engage the lid 14 with the container body 14. Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be 10 provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments. Moulding or overmoulding may be an alternative option for providing any of: the primary lip, the secondary lip, the first engagement element, the second engagement element, and the lid-engaging ridge. It is therefore possible to provide a storage container which is usable in a plurality of 15 orientations. Complementary engagement elements of a plurality of storage containers enable the plurality of storage containers to be vertically stacked upon one another. When the storage configuration is on its side, the at least three spaced-apart co-planar and non-colinear support-surface-contact points prevent the storage container from rolling away or limit the distance the storage container can roll when the support-surface-20 contact points are in or enter into contact with a support surface. If the three spaced-apart co-planar and non-colinear support-surface-contact points are part of a planar outward face of the storage container, the planar outward face of the storage container has additional support-surface-contact points, which provide greater stability and more effectively prevent rolling. 25 It is further possible to provide a method of forming a storage container. The method results in manufacture of a storage container having at least three spaced-apart coplanar and non-colinear support-surface-contact points, and more preferably at least a planar outward face, which prevents rolling or limits the distance which the storage container can roll. Furthermore, if the container body and / or body peripheral wall thereof 30 is integrally formed, manufacture may be simplified as it may involve extrusion or bending a single sheet. 27 04 26 It is further possible to use a storage container. The storage container is easy to use when wanting to insert and / or retrieve an item from within. The storage container is easier to handle as the storage container’s ability to roll when on its side is limited or eliminated. If a storage tin is stored on its side during transport, such as in a vehicle, the 5 storage container is constrained in its ability to move, for example when the vehicle is turning a corner, or accelerating or decelerating. If the user places or drops the storage container on a surface on the storage container’s side, the storage container remains in the vicinity of the user. As the user does not have to move or move far to retrieve the storage container, handling and transporting storage containers is faster and less effort. 10 Less physical effort being required of the user increases the range of potential user and / or reduces the risk of injury. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of 15 one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in 20 any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. 27 04 26

Claims

1. A storage container comprising:a container body;a lid engageable with the container body, the lid having5 a window element anda lid peripheral wall;the container body havingan opening closeable by the lid,a body end wall opposite the opening,10 a body peripheral wall extending between the body end wall andthe opening, the body peripheral wall including at least twelve planar outward faces for preventing or inhibiting movement of the storage container upon engagement of a said planar outward face with a supportsurface, wherein the lid peripheral wall is flush or substantially flush with 15 at least part of the body peripheral wall when the container body and thelid are engaged;a detent mechanism for preventing or inhibiting accidental disengagement of the lid from the container body when the storage container is on its side;20 a first engagement element provided on the body end wall; anda second engagement element provided on the lid and the opening, the first and second engagement elements being complementarily shaped for enabling the storage container to be engaged with at least one further said storage container via respective first and second engagement 25 elements.

2. A storage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container body has a first body portion having a first dimension in transverse cross-section and a second body portion having a second dimension in transverse cross-section, wherein the 30 first dimension is smaller than the second dimension such that the container bodynarrows inwardly for accommodating the lid peripheral wall so that the lid peripheral wall is flush or substantially flush with at least part of the body peripheral wall.27 04 263. A storage container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body peripheral wall has a shoulder formed at the interface between the first body portion and the second body portion, the shoulder providing an abutment surface against which the lid5 peripheral wall is abuttable.

4. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid peripheral wall has a lip.10 5. A storage container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lip is formed by folding orrolling an end of the lid peripheral wall.

6. A storage container as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the lip extends transversally inwardly.

157. A storage container as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 when depending on claim 3, wherein the lip is abuttable against the abutment surface.

8. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 20 container body further comprises a lid-engaging ridge.

9. A storage container as claimed in claim 8, wherein part of the container body widens transversally to form the lid-engaging ridge.25 10. A storage container as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 when depending on claim 3,wherein the lid-engaging ridge is positioned between the opening and the shoulder.

11. A storage container as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 when depending on30 any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the lid-engaging ridge and the lip together formthe said detent mechanism.

12. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid further comprises a lid end wall, and the window element is in the lid end wall.3527 04 2613. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window element is secured by folding or rolling a perimetric region of the window element together with part of the lid.5 14. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein thewindow element is dodecagonal in plan view.

15. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window element includes a UV absorber for preventing or inhibiting UV damage 10 to an item within the storage container.

16. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of: first engagement element and the second engagement element includes a recessed portion.1517. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of: first engagement element and the second engagement element includes a rim portion.20 18. A storage container as claimed in claim 17 when depending on claim 16, whereinthe first engagement element includes a said rim portion and the second engagement element includes a said recessed portion, the rim portion being complementarily engageable with the recessed portion.25 19. A storage container as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the rim portion isformed by folding or rolling a perimetric region of the body end wall and an end of the body peripheral wall together.

20. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at 30 least part of the storage container is formed of food-grade tin.

21. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar outward faces form a regular polygon in transverse cross-section.35 22. Method of manufacturing a storage container, the method comprising27 04 26forming: a lid, a container body, a detent mechanism, a first engagement element and a second engagement element, the lid having a window element and a lid peripheral wall; the container body having an opening closeable by the lid, a body end wall opposite the opening, a body peripheral wall extending between the5 body end wall and the opening, the body peripheral wall including at least twelveplanar outward faces, wherein the lid peripheral wall is flush or substantially flush with at least part of the body peripheral wall when the container body and the lid are engaged; a detent mechanism; a first engagement element provided on the body end wall; and a second engagement element provided on the lid and the10 opening, the first and second engagement elements being complementarilyshaped for enabling the storage container to be engaged with at least one further said storage container via respective first and second engagement elements.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising a step of engaging the lid with the container body.15

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