Molded pulp lid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable lid 100 for closing an opening 211 of a container 210 for holding a food product 220 in an installation direction 190, the container having a circumferential rim portion 212 surrounding the opening. The lid is composed of two or more lid portions 101, 102, each integrally made by molding pulp and complementary to each other to form the lid. The lid comprises a cover portion 110 for covering the container opening, a skirt portion 120 extending from the cover portion and circumferentially defining, together with the cover portion, a receiving space 105 for receiving the rim portion inside the lid when the lid closes the opening, and a fastening structure 140 for providing a form-closed / force-closed connection. The fastening structure protrudes laterally from a lateral inner side 121 of the skirt portion, transversely to the installation direction 190, toward and into the receiving space 105. Each lid portion comprises a section of the fastening structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for releasably closing an opening of a container for holding a food product, the lid having an internal fastening structure for providing a positive and / or force-closed connection between the container and the lid. The present invention also relates to a system for storing a food product comprising the lid and a container for holding the food product. [Background technology]

[0002] Any reference herein to prior art should not be taken as an admission that such prior art is well known in the art or forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] It is known in the art to store food products such as instant coffee, chocolate powder, or powdered milk in jars or similar types of food containers. Generally, a lid is used to close an otherwise open jar or food container. Typically, such a lid can be fixedly attached to the jar or food container via a threaded or snap connection to ensure the freshness and integrity of the food product contained inside the jar or food container.

[0004] These types of lids are usually made from plastics such as polypropylene and are generally designed to be discarded after the bottle or food container is emptied. Unfortunately, even when so-called "bioplastics" are used in the lids instead of traditional petrochemical plastic materials, recycling or even composting the plastic materials generally appears to be difficult. Thus, plastic waste is often either incinerated or landfilled, thereby negatively impacting the environment.

[0005] Known recyclable alternatives to plastics are metal lids, such as steel or aluminum. Although metal lids can be more easily recycled, they have a significant impact on CO2 emissions during their manufacturing process and are therefore not a viable alternative for food items sold for frequent daily consumption.

[0006] Other known alternatives to plastics that are recyclable and less environmentally problematic are materials such as wood or paper or molded pulp fibres. The advantages of molded pulp fibres are that they are environmentally friendly, sustainable materials, suitable for intimate contact with food products and recyclable in the paper stream.

[0007] However, using molded cellulose pulp as a material for screw-on or snap-on lids is technically challenging because the design and construction of such lids appears incompatible with molded pulp.

[0008] For example, a lid that snaps or screws onto a bottle typically has a thread or snap rib on the inner surface of the lid that extends toward the center of the lid. This creates a so-called "undercut" or "negative draft" in the shape of the lid. For example, an undercut can be a depression or protrusion on the inside of a part that prevents the part from being directly ejected from the mold. Similarly, a draft can be understood, for example, as an angle relative to the demolding direction. A positive draft can be beneficial to the demolding process, while a negative draft prevents direct demolding from the mold.

[0009] For certain types of plastic lids, the shape of the lid is not an issue, as injection molding is typically used using a so-called "foldable core" that can be used to form the lid with threads or snap ribs and then reduced in size before the mold is opened, allowing the plastic lid to be provided as a single-piece item in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

[0010] In contrast, cellulose pulp cannot be injected into a mold like a plastic polymer. Molding of cellulose pulp is achieved by first placing wet pulp into a cavity (e.g., a female mold) and then compressing the wet pulp material in the cavity using a core piston (e.g., a male mold). This causes the pulp to take the shape of the mold defined by the cavity and the core piston. When the mold is opened to remove the molded pulp product, if an undercut exists in the shape, it is impossible to move the core piston out of the cavity without damaging the item. The use of a mold with a collapsible core is not feasible for cellulose pulp molding due to process complexity and cost constraints. This highlights the importance of item design and structure for the success of the pulp molding process. Therefore, current designs of lids that snap or screw onto bottles are not compatible with the pulp molding process.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lid for a bottle or other food container, made from molded pulp and including structure that allows the lid to be attached to the bottle in a positive and / or force-closed connection.It is a further object of the present invention to provide a recyclable lid and system for storing food products.

[0012] These and other objects which become apparent on reading the detailed description of the invention are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0013] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a removable lid for closing an opening of a container for holding a food product. The lid is adapted (and / or configured) to close the opening in an installation direction. The container closed by the lid has a circumferential rim portion surrounding the opening. The lid is composed of two or more individual, connected lid portions. Each of the lid portions is integrally made by molding pulp. The lid portions complement each other to form the lid. The lid comprises a cover portion having an upper surface for covering the opening of the container. The lid further comprises a skirt portion extending from the cover portion and defining, together with the cover portion, a circumferential receiving space for receiving the rim portion inside the lid when the lid closes the opening. The lid further comprises a fastening structure for providing a form- and / or force-closed connection. The fastening structure protrudes from a lateral inner side of the skirt portion transversely to the installation direction, toward and into the receiving space. At least two of the lid portions each comprise at least one section of the fastening structure.

[0014] The configuration of the present invention makes it possible to provide a lid (e.g., cover, covering or top) for closing (e.g., covering, closing, locking or sealing) a food container (e.g., container, (glass) jar or box) from one side (e.g., in the installation direction), the lid being made from molded pulp and comprising fastening means at least on the inside of the lid. The fastening means is suitable for forming a geometrically and / or force-closed connection on the inside of the lid. The expression "geometrically and / or force-closed connection" in this specification can be understood as any connection that can be established by the action of a force between connection partners, such as, for example, a frictional force or a spring force (e.g., a non-positive connection / joint), and / or any connection that can be established by one connection partner obstructing the path of another connection partner (e.g., a positive connection / joint). The problems surrounding the step of demolding a pulp item using such fastening means can be addressed in the present invention by constructing (e.g., designing, combining, and / or forming) a lid from a plurality of individual (e.g., distinct, different, and / or preferably separate) lid portions (e.g., sections and / or segments), each of which comprises at least part of the structure of the fastening means, and all of which together add to the final shape and structure (e.g., complement) of the lid. This allows each individual lid portion to be designed so that no structure in the pulp molding process prevents the lid from being demolded. Therefore, each lid portion can be formed separately from the other lid portions in the pulp molding process. This completely avoids the problems that would otherwise exist in demolding a lid due to internal shape constraints. Thus, a lid can be provided from molded pulp, thereby solving the problem of disposing of the lid after use. The lid can also be provided with a fastening structure that allows the container opening to be tightly closed, thereby ensuring the integrity and freshness of the product.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the lid may comprise at least one dividing line and / or dividing surface, which may extend at least partially between adjacent lid portions. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one dividing line and / or dividing surface may pass through the physical boundary between the individual lid portions. Preferably, the dividing line and / or dividing surface may intersect the (geometric) center of the top surface of the cover portion. Alternatively or additionally, the dividing line and / or dividing surface may intersect at least one section of the cover portion and the skirt portion. Preferably, the dividing surface may define each of the lid portions such that any cross-section of the respective lid portion in a direction perpendicular to the dividing surface has an inner shape that defines a receiving space without undercuts or negative draft angles.

[0016] This allows for greater freedom in designing the lid, as the shape and design of each lid section can be adapted to the (internal) structure of the lid. In particular, joining two lid sections along a plane can improve the structural integrity between the respective lid sections. By dividing the lid along a line or plane passing through the center of the top surface, the lid sections can be separated at their maximum diameter, simplifying the release of the corresponding lid sections. In addition, the lid sections can be laterally released from the cover section, making release easier.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening structure may comprise one or more fastening elements. For example, the fastening elements may be female threads and / or snap-fit ​​connectors. Preferably, each of the lid portions may comprise at least one of the fastening elements or one section of a fastening element. The fastening elements may extend partially or intermittently along the periphery of the skirt portion. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements may be distributed (preferably evenly) around the periphery of the skirt portion. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements may be provided laterally in one or more opposing pairs on the inner side. For example, the fastening elements may be arranged in opposing pairs on opposite sides of the receiving space and / or on opposite sides of the dividing line and / or dividing surface.

[0018] Thereby, the lid can be provided with fastening means capable of applying a closing force in the direction of attachment, the fastening means being evenly distributed along the periphery of the lid. In particular, the above-mentioned fastening elements can facilitate that the connection between the lid and the container can be reversed at any time, so that the lid can be moved to open or close the container at the discretion of the user.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, each of the lid portions may comprise a lateral end section, and each lid portion may be open opposite the laterally inward direction. Preferably, in the lid, at least two of the lid portions may abut each other at their respective lateral end sections. Alternatively or additionally, in the lid, at least two of the lid portions may each sandwich one of the dividing lines and / or dividing surfaces.

[0020] This makes it easy and simple to demold the side of the lid portion (e.g., the side perpendicular to the installation direction, or the side opposite the section of the fastening structure relative to the receiving space) so that the inside of the lid portion can be formed from one section of the fastening structure.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the lid portions may comprise one or more connection sections for forming a connection between at least two of the lid portions. Preferably, the connection section(s) of each of the lid portions may be provided on the lateral end sections.

[0022] This allows the respective lid parts to be connected on defined portions of the lid parts so that the integrity and functionality of the lid can be ensured.

[0023] For example, the connection sections may be formed as surface sections that can preferably face transversely to the mounting direction. Alternatively or additionally, the connection sections may be formed as flange portions that extend laterally from the skirt portion, preferably transversely to the cover portion along the outer contour of the respective lid portion. For example, the flange portions may preferably extend along the outer contour of the lateral end sections. For example, in the lid, the lid portions may be glued to each other at at least one of their respective connection sections.

[0024] This allows the lid sections to be aligned and connected on the outer surface of the lid. Therefore, the structure intended for joining the lid sections does not interfere with other structures on the lid sections. Also, it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the individual wall sections of the lid sections to provide a sufficient surface for applying adhesive, for example in the form of adhesive dots. Instead, the two lid sections can be connected across the top surface and along the skirt section.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the connection section may be formed as a hinge section, and at least two of the lid portions may be integrally molded with the hinge section such that folding the two respective lid portions towards each other causes the at least two lid portions to at least partially abut.

[0026] This can simplify assembly and manufacturing of the lid and ensure an integral connection between such lid portions. Note that, despite this integral configuration of the connecting section, each of the lid portions so connected can still be considered an "individual" lid portion, as each can be molded independently of the others.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid may further comprise a member for providing barrier properties and / or for exerting a lifting force on the cover portion by expanding between the cover portion and the rim portion of the container when the lid closes the opening. For example, the member can provide a barrier against oxygen and / or moisture. The member may be disk-shaped. In the lid, the member may be provided in the receiving space between the cover portion and the fastening structure. Here, preferably, the member can abut against and / or completely cover the upper surface of the cover portion (opposite the upper surface). For example, the member may be glued to the cover portion on the inside of the lid. Preferably, the member can comprise plastic, foam, paper, metal, or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the member may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The member may comprise or be made of an elastic material and / or a heat-sealable material.

[0028] This can provide a lid with an oxygen or moisture barrier, thereby ensuring the shelf life and integrity of the food contained in the container. Depending on the material composition of the member, it may further be possible to heat seal the member onto the rim portion, for example by applying an induction seal. Also, compression of the member can provide additional friction between the mating structures, thereby improving the strength or tightness of the threaded or snap connection between the lid and the container.

[0029] According to preferred embodiments, the lid, cover portion, skirt portion, and / or fastening structure may comprise a coating or laminate to provide barrier properties and / or increase surface friction. Preferably, the coating or laminate may be a biodegradable substance or material. Preferably, the coating or laminate is capable of providing an oxygen and / or moisture barrier.

[0030] The above arrangement can improve the shelf life of the product enclosed by the lid by preventing moisture and / or oxygen from entering, and can also improve the strength or tightness of the threaded or snap connection between the lid and the container.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid may further comprise a lid operating portion for manually handling the lid. Here, the lid operating portion may preferably comprise a top portion including an outer surface extending along a peripheral edge. Furthermore, the lid operating portion may comprise a second skirt portion, which may extend from the peripheral edge of the top portion and, together with a second inner side, may define a second receiving space opposite the outer surface for at least partially or completely receiving two or more lid portions.

[0032] This allows the lid portion to be provided inside the cover or cap, which can be freely designed and does not require any fastening means on the inside. Therefore, the lid operation portion can be molded from pulp without technical difficulties. Furthermore, since the lid operation portion is not exposed to the mechanical forces resulting from attaching the lid to the rim portion, it can be provided with any desired shape, texture, or thickness, including a relatively thin material thickness. This allows the molded pulp lid of the present invention to replicate various shapes and designs of existing plastic lids, allowing ergonomic and tactile design considerations to also be taken into account in the lid design.

[0033] Preferably, the lid part can be received and / or connected to the lid operating part inside the second receiving space. This connection can preferably be established by an adhesive bond, a press-fit connection, and / or a snap-fit ​​connection between the top surface and the second inner side of the second skirt part, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the above-mentioned connection can be established between the skirt part of the lid part and the second inner side of the second skirt part, respectively.

[0034] This allows the lid portion with the fastening means to be securely positioned on the lid operation portion and connected to the lid operation portion, thereby not only providing the lid with the function of the fastening means but also maintaining design freedom for designing the shape and texture of the lid operation portion that the user will handle (and that is most visible).

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the various (individual) parts of the lid, i.e., at least the lid part and the lid operating part, can be connected to each other by adhesive closure (e.g., material bonding), form closure, and / or force closure. Preferably, the lid operating part may comprise second surface features for clipping the lid part to the inside of the second skirt part in order to transmit torque and / or force to the lid part. Preferably, the second surface features can correspond to surface features provided on the outside of the skirt part and / or the outside of the cover part and / or on one or more of the connection sections, if provided.

[0036] This allows torque and / or force to be transmitted from the lid operating portion to the lid portion via the second surface feature, for example, a user screwing the lid can be transmitted from the lid operating portion to the lid portion and then to the fastening structure.

[0037] According to further preferred embodiments, the lid and / or the lid operating portion may have a non-circular, square or rectangular cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and / or preferably the second receiving space may be non-circular, square, rectangular or circular when viewed in the installation direction. Preferably, the lid portion may have a complementary shape for receiving and / or transmitting torque to and / or from the lid operating portion when the lid is rotated about the installation direction.

[0038] This allows the design and shape of the lid to be adapted depending on the application of the lid.

[0039] According to preferred embodiments, the lid or lid operating portion may have a material thickness of 100 μm to 6 mm, 100 μm to 3 mm, or 150 μm to 2 mm, or 200 μm to 1 mm.

[0040] This allows the lid to have a thickness that facilitates induction sealing, making the lid particularly suitable for use in food applications that require primary sealing of the food container with a heat-sealable membrane (e.g., member).

[0041] According to further preferred embodiments, the lid, each of the lid portions, and / or the lid handling portion may be made (preferably entirely) from pulp, wherein the pulp may preferably comprise at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% cellulosic fiber material. The cellulosic fiber material or pulp may preferably be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugarcane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, rags, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the lid may be (configured to be) recyclable in the paper recycling stream and / or compostable.

[0042] Here, the term "recyclable" can be understood as a material that can be completely reused for a new product or a new purpose after being mechanically or chemically treated, for example, using industrial or natural processes. For example, the pulp material used in the present invention can be collected after use and mixed with water and / or chemicals to decompose, e.g., repulped. For a material to be successfully recycled, the amount of plastic coating on the recycled material or the polymer content in the recycled material may be no more than about 50% of its total weight, preferably no more than about 5% of its total weight. Furthermore, the term "compostable" can be understood to mean, for example, that when the material is composted, it can be substantially decomposed into organic matter within a few weeks or months. This can be achieved in industrial composting facilities and / or home composters. International standards, such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400, provide a legal framework for specifying technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0043] This may ensure the recyclability and / or compostability of the lid.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the lid may comprise two lid parts which may be formed as two complementary halves of the lid, wherein the lid may preferably include one dividing surface which may extend through the center of the cover parts along the mounting direction.

[0045] This makes it possible to provide the lid with a particularly advantageous design for producing the lid reliably by moulding the pulp.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system for storing food products. The system includes a container for holding a food product. The container includes an opening surrounded by a circumferential rim portion. The system further includes the above-mentioned removable lid for removably closing the opening. According to further preferred embodiments, the system may be recyclable. According to preferred embodiments, the container may be filled with a food product, such as coffee (e.g., roast and ground coffee or soluble coffee powder); a coffee powder mixture, such as a combination of soluble coffee, whitener, and optionally a sweetener; a malt beverage; a milkshake powder; a chocolate drink powder; a milk powder; an infant formula; a seasoning powder; a sauce; a spice; or a confectionery product, and may be sealed, preferably by a sealable member on the rim portion. According to preferred embodiments, the container may include a second fastening structure that can be configured to correspond to the fastening structure of the lid. According to further preferred embodiments, the lid may be removably connected to the container. For example, the lid may be removably connected to the container by reversible engagement of the fastening structure with the second fastening structure.

[0047] In addition to the advantages discussed above for the lid, the system of the present invention further facilitates the provision of a fully recyclable system for storing food products without compromising the product integrity and shelf life of the stored products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] Further features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, for example, where numerals are omitted from the figures for clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figures. [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lid portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of a lid according to one embodiment of the present invention formed by the two lid portions shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3]10 is a perspective view of a lid having a lid operating portion according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a perspective view of two lid portions according to a further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Figures 1-5 show different views and aspects of different embodiments of a removable lid 100 and a system 200 for storing food products according to the present invention, where Figures 1-5 show different views, aspects and portions of a removable lid 100 in different embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a system 200 according to the present invention.

[0050] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a removable lid 100 suitable for (and / or configured to) close an opening 211 in an attachment direction 190. FIGS. 1-3 and 5 show different exemplary embodiments of the lid 100. The lid 100 is configured to engage with a container 210, such as a jar, suitable for (and / or configured to) hold a food product 220 and having a circumferential rim portion 212 surrounding the opening 211. FIG. 5 exemplarily shows the lid 100 attached to the container 210. From this figure, it can be seen that the lid 100 can preferably completely cover the opening 211. Here, the lid 100 can close the opening 211 in a direction opposite to the attachment direction 190. Preferably, the lid 100 can form a side and / or physical barrier for the container 210 when attached to the container 210. Preferably, the attachment direction 190 can be perpendicular to the surface defined by the rim portion 212. The lid 100 can be placed over the opening 211 by being moved relative to the container 210 along the attachment direction.

[0051] The lid 100 can have any shape. The lid 100 can be a body of revolution. For example, when viewed in the mounting direction 190 (e.g., a top view), the lid 100 can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular. The lid 100 can preferably have a non-circular, square, or rectangular cross-section. Figures 2 and 3 exemplarily show a lid 100 having a rectangular shape when viewed in the mounting direction 190. Figure 5 shows a lid 100 having a rectangular cross-section.

[0052] The lid 100 comprises a cover portion 110. Figures 1 to 5 exemplarily show the cover portion 110. The cover portion 110 comprises an upper surface 111 for covering the opening 211 of the container 210. The upper surface 111 may be continuous so as to cover the opening 211. Preferably, the upper surface 111 may be defined by a peripheral edge or rim 112 (Figure 1). Preferably, the cover portion 110 may form the top of the lid 100 in the normal operating position.

[0053] The lid 100 further includes a skirt portion 120. FIGS. 1 to 5 exemplarily show the skirt portion 120. The skirt portion 120 extends from the cover portion 110. Preferably, the skirt portion 120 may extend from the top surface 111. For example, the skirt portion 120 may extend continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction from the cover portion 110. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the skirt portion 120 may be formed by several sections that are discontinuously arranged around the periphery of the cover portion 110 (preferably the top surface 111 or the peripheral rim 112). The skirt portion 120, together with the cover portion 110, circumferentially defines a receiving space 105 for receiving the rim portion 212 inside the lid 100 when the lid 100 closes the opening 211 (e.g., defines the (physical) limit of the receiving space 105). FIG. 5 exemplarily shows how the rim portion 212 can be received inside the receiving space 105 when the container 210 and the lid 100 together close the opening 211 .

[0054] The lid 100 includes a fastening structure 140 for providing a positive and / or force-closed connection. For example, the fastening structure 140 may be an internal threaded connector and / or an internal snap-on connector. The fastening structure 140 protrudes laterally from a lateral inner side 121 of the skirt portion 120, transversely to the attachment direction 190, toward and into the receiving space 105. FIGS. 1 , 2 , 4 , and 5 exemplarily illustrate this. Here, “laterally” may be generally understood to refer, for example, to the direction of extension of the skirt portion 120 from the cover portion 110 and / or transversely to the attachment direction 190. For example, the lateral inner side 121 may be an inner surface of the skirt portion 120. Preferably, the lateral inner side 121 may extend continuously in the circumferential direction along (or together with) the peripheral rim 112 of the cover portion 110.

[0055] Preferably, the fastening structure 140 may include one or more fastening elements 141. For example, the fastening element 141 may include an internal thread and / or a snap-fit ​​connector. For example, these may be considered typical examples of connection elements that establish a closed connection by form and / or force. However, other configurations of the fastening element 141 are contemplated. The fastening element 141 may extend partially or intermittently along the periphery of the skirt portion 120. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements 141 may be distributed around the periphery of the skirt portion 120. For example, the fastening elements 141 may be evenly distributed around the periphery of the skirt portion 120. The fastening elements 141 may be provided on the lateral inner side 121 as one or more opposing pairs, which may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the receiving space 105. FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 exemplarily show that the inner side 121 of the skirt portion may be provided with an internal thread as the fastening structure 140, formed by its discontinuous thread sections 142.

[0056] The lid 100 is comprised of two or more individual, connected lid portions 101, 102, which complement each other to form the lid 100. The lid portions 101, 102 may have the same or different configurations. In Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the lid 100 is illustratively shown as being comprised of two lid portions 101, 102 formed as complementary halves of the lid 100. Preferably, the lid portions 101, 102 may have a triangular or semi-elliptical shape when viewed in top view.

[0057] Preferably, each of the lid portions 101, 102 may include a lateral end section 150, with each lid portion 101, 102 opening away from the lateral inward side 121. Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5 exemplarily illustrate this. Preferably, the lid 100 may be configured such that at least two of the lid portions 101, 102 can abut each other at their respective lateral end sections 150. In the lid 100, the lid portions 101, 102 may be aligned along their lateral end sections 150. For example, the lateral end sections 150 may be front or peripheral edges (sections) extending transversely relative to the peripheries of the lid portions 101, 102.

[0058] Each of the lid portions 101, 102 may preferably comprise one or more connection sections 160 for forming a connection between at least two of the lid portions 101, 102. For example, the connection section 160 of each of the lid portions 101, 102 may be provided on the lateral end section 150. This is exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5. Various configurations of the connection section 160 are contemplated herein.

[0059] For example, at least one of the connection section(s) 160 may be formed as a flange portion 161. Figures 1 and 2 show such a configuration. The flange portion 161 may extend laterally from the skirt portion 120. Alternatively or additionally, the flange portion 161 may extend transversely to the cover portion 110. Preferably, the flange portion 161 may extend along the outer contour of the respective lid portion 101, 102 and / or along the outer contour of the lateral end section 150.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the connection section(s) 160 may be formed as a surface section 162. The surface section 162 may preferably be configured to face transversely to the mounting direction 190. This is exemplarily shown in FIG.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the connection section(s) 160 may be formed as a hinge section. For example, at least two of the lid portions 101, 102 may be integrally molded with a hinge section, whereby the at least two lid portions 101, 102 may be at least partially abutted by folding the two respective lid portions 101, 102 towards each other.

[0062] It is generally contemplated that in the lid 100, the lid portions 101, 102 may be adhered to one another at at least one of their respective connection sections 160. For example, Figure 2 shows that the two lid portions 101, 102 are adhered to one another along their respective flange portions 161 to form the lid 100.

[0063] Each of the lid portions 101, 102 is integrally made by molding pulp, for example, each of the lid portions 101, 102 may form a single part or item.

[0064] At least two of the lid portions 101, 102 each include at least one section of the fastening structure 140. The section of the fastening structure 140 may include at least one of the fastening elements 141. Preferably, therefore, each of the lid portions 101, 102 may include at least one of the fastening elements 141 or a section of a fastening element 141. For example, Figures 2, 4, and 5 exemplarily show that each of the lid portions 101, 102 may include at least one section 142 of an internal thread as the fastening structure 140.

[0065] The lid 100 may preferably include at least one dividing line and / or dividing surface 180. The lid 100 may be configured such that two of the lid portions 101, 102 sandwich the dividing line and / or dividing surface 180. By properly defining the dividing line and / or dividing surface 180, demolding may be facilitated and / or simplified. Figures 1, 2, and 5 exemplarily show a lid 100 including at least one dividing surface 180 that may extend along an attachment direction 190 and through a center point of the top surface 111 of the cover portion 110.

[0066] The dividing line and / or dividing surface 180 may extend at least partially between adjacent lid portions 101, 102. Thus, the dividing line and / or dividing surface 180 may pass through the physical boundary between the individual lid portions 101, 102. FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate this. The dividing line and / or dividing surface 180 may intersect the center of the cover portion 110. Alternatively or additionally, the dividing line and / or dividing surface 180 may intersect at least one section of the cover portion 110 and the skirt portion 120. Preferably, the dividing surface 180 may define each of the lid portions 101, 102 such that any cross-section of the respective lid portions 101, 102 in a direction perpendicular to the dividing surface 180 has an inner shape that defines the receiving space 105 without undercuts or negative draft angles. The fastening elements 141 may be positioned on opposite sides of the dividing line and / or dividing surface 180.

[0067] Preferably, the lid 100 may further include a member 170 for providing barrier properties, such as an oxygen or moisture barrier. Alternatively or additionally, the member 170 may be configured to exert a lifting force on the cover portion 110 by expanding between the cover portion 110 and the rim portion 212 of the container 210 when the lid 100 closes the opening 211. This is exemplarily shown in FIG. 5 . The member 170 may have any shape, such as a disk. In the lid 100, the member 170 may preferably be provided in the receiving space 105 between the cover portion 110 and the fastening structure 140. Here, the member 170 may abut against and / or completely cover the upper surface 111 of the cover portion 110. For example, the member 170 may be adhered to the cover portion 110 on the inside of the lid 100. The member 170 may include plastic, foam, paper, metal, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, member 170 may have a single layer or a multi-layer construction. Alternatively or additionally, member 170 may comprise an elastic material and / or a heat-sealable material.

[0068] The lid 100 may further include a lid operation portion 103 for manually handling the lid 100. FIG. 3 shows one example of the configuration of the lid operation portion 103. The lid operation portion 103 may have any shape. For example, the lid operation portion 103 may have a non-circular, square, or rectangular cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, when viewed in the mounting direction 190, the lid operation portion 103 may be non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular. The lid operation portion 103 may be cup-shaped and / or form a cap. Alternatively or additionally, the lid operation portion 103 may include an upper portion 131 including an outer surface 132 extending between peripheral edges 133. Furthermore, the lid operating portion 103 may include a second skirt portion 134 extending from the peripheral edge 133 of the top portion 131, thereby defining, together with a second inner side, a second receiving space opposite the outer surface 132 for at least partially or completely receiving two or more lid portions 101, 102.

[0069] The lid portions 101, 102 can be received within the lid operation portion 103. Alternatively or additionally, the lid portions 101, 102 may be connected to the lid operation portion 103. The lid portions 101, 102 may be fixed to the inside of the second receiving space, for example, via an adhesive bond between the outer surface sections of the lid portions 101, 102 (e.g., the top surface 111 and / or the skirt portion 120) and the second inner side of the second skirt portion 134. Alternatively or additionally, the lid portions 101, 102 may be fixed to the inside of the second receiving space by a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection between the lid portions 101, 102, or more specifically, by a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection between at least one of the top surface 111 and the skirt portion 120 and the second inner side of the second skirt portion 134. To this end, the lid operating portion 103 may comprise second surface features for clipping the lid portions 101, 102 on the inside of the second skirt portion 134 in order to transmit torque and / or force to the lid portions 101, 102. The second surface features may preferably correspond to surface features provided on the outside of the skirt portion 120 and / or the cover portion 110. It is also contemplated that surface features may be provided on one or more of the connection sections 160, which may preferably correspond to the second surface features.

[0070] The second receiving space may be non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular when viewed in the mounting direction 190. The lid portions 101, 102 may be configured to have a shape that facilitates receiving and / or transmitting torque to and / or from the lid operating portion 103 when the lid 100 is rotated about the mounting direction 190 (e.g., when handling the lid 100).

[0071] 2 and 4 exemplarily show that the lid 100 can have a non-circular, generally rectangular shape in top view, and that the dividing surface 180 can extend diagonally between the two larger sides of the lid 100. Preferably, the lid portions 101, 102 can form complementary (triangular) halves of the lid 100. The lid 100 may further include a lid operation portion 103, whose second receiving space also has a non-circular, generally rectangular shape in top view. Thus, the shape of the second receiving space can correspond to the (triangular) shape of the lid portions 101, 102 so that the lid portions 101, 102 cannot move within the second receiving space. Therefore, such a configuration of the lid 100 can be particularly advantageous when torque or force is transmitted from the lid operation portion 103 to the fastening structure 140, for example, when the female thread of the lid 100 is engaged with the male thread of the rim portion 211. In addition, the lid portions 101, 102 may only need to be fixed to the lid operating portion 103 by adhesive dots on their upper surfaces 111 to provide mechanical stability, while lateral application of adhesive may be omitted (but may, of course, be applied as well).

[0072] The lid 100, lid portions 101, 102, and lid operation portion 103 may each be made entirely from pulp, where the pulp may comprise at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% cellulosic fiber material. The cellulosic fiber material may be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugarcane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, rags, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the lid 100 and / or its components may be configured to be recyclable in the paper recycling stream and / or compostable. The lid 100, lid portions 101, 102, and / or lid operation portion 103 may have a material thickness of 100 μm to 6 mm, 100 μm to 3 mm, 150 μm to 2 mm, or 200 μm to 1 mm.

[0073] It is further contemplated that the lid 100 or any one of its structures or components can be provided with a coating or surface laminate to provide barrier properties. The coating or laminate can be a biodegradable substance or material. For example, the lid operation portion 103 or the cover portion 110, the skirt portion 120, and / or the fastening structure 140 can be provided with a coating or laminate to provide barrier properties and / or increase surface friction. For example, a barrier to oxygen and moisture can be provided by thermal lamination of a biodegradable liner such as BVOH or a liner such as PP / EVOH. Additionally, increased friction and tightness with the glass threads of the container 210 can be provided by providing such a laminate.

[0074] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system 200 for storing food products 220. Figure 5 exemplarily shows one configuration of the system 200. Preferably, all components of the system 200 may be individually and / or collectively recyclable.

[0075] The system 200 comprises a container 210 for holding a food product 220. For example, the container 210 may be a jar, a box, or a container. The container 210 preferably comprises a circumferential rim portion 212 surrounding an opening 211 through which the food product 220 can be removed from or added to the container 210 before the container 220 is removably closed with a lid. To this end, the system 200 preferably comprises the removable lid 100 described above, which can be removably connected to the container 210.

[0076] The container 210 may be filled with a food product 220, such as coffee (e.g., roast and ground coffee or soluble coffee powder); coffee powder mixtures, such as a combination of soluble coffee, whitener, and optionally a sweetener; malt beverages; milkshake powders; chocolate drink powders; milk powders; infant formula; seasoning powders; sauces; spices, or confectionery. Preferably, the container 210 may include a second fastening structure 214, which may be configured to correspond to the fastening structure 140 of the lid 100 to form a reversible geometrically and / or force-closed connection. This allows the fastening structure 140 and the second fastening structure 214 to reversibly engage to removably connect the lid 100 with the container 210. Preferably, the member 170 of the lid 100 may be heat-sealed to the rim portion 212 to provide a primary seal for the enclosed food product 220.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, as long as it is encompassed by the appended claims. All features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any possible way and provided interchangeably.

Claims

1. A removable lid (100) for closing, in an installation direction (190), an opening (211) of a container (210) for holding a food product (220), said container (210) having a circumferential rim portion (212) surrounding said opening (211); the lid (100) is composed of two or more individual connected lid parts (101, 102) each integrally made by molding pulp and complementary to each other to form the lid (100); The lid (100) a cover portion (110) having an upper surface (111) for covering the opening (211) of the container (210); a skirt portion (120) extending from the cover portion (110) and defining, together with the cover portion (110), a receiving space (105) in the circumferential direction for receiving the rim portion (212) inside the lid (100) when the lid (100) closes the opening (211); a fastening structure (140) for providing a geometrically and / or force-closed connection, the fastening structure (140) protruding laterally from a lateral inner side (121) of the skirt portion (120) in a direction transverse to the mounting direction (190), towards and into the receiving space (105); Equipped with At least two of the lid portions (101, 102) each comprise at least one section of the fastening structure (140); Lid (100).

2. the lid (100) comprises at least one dividing line and / or dividing surface (180), the dividing line and / or dividing surface (180) extending at least partially between adjacent lid portions (101, 102) and / or passing through the physical boundary between the individual lid portions (101, 102); Preferably, said dividing line and / or dividing plane (180) intersects the center of said top surface (111) or intersects at least one section of said cover portion (110) and said skirt portion (120), and / or Preferably, the dividing surface (180) defines each of the lid portions (101, 102) such that any cross section of each of the lid portions (101, 102) in a direction perpendicular to the dividing surface (180) has the inner shape that defines the receiving space (105) without undercuts or negative draft angles. The lid (100) of claim 1.

3. the fastening structure (140) comprises one or more fastening elements (141), such as internal threads and / or snap-fit ​​connectors, and preferably each of the lid parts (101, 102) comprises at least one of the fastening elements (141) or a section of one of the fastening elements (141); said fastening element (141) extends partially or intermittently along the periphery of said skirt portion (120); and / or said fastening elements (141) are preferably evenly distributed around the periphery of said skirt portion (120); and / or the fastening elements (141) are provided on the lateral inner side (121) in one or more opposing pairs, the opposing pairs being arranged on opposite sides with respect to the receiving space (105) and / or preferably on opposite sides with respect to the dividing line and / or dividing surface (180); A lid (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the lid portions (101, 102) has a lateral end section (150), and each of the lid portions (101, 102) is open on a side opposite the lateral inner side (121), and preferably, in the lid (100), at least two of the lid portions (101, 102) abut each other at their respective lateral end sections (150) and / or two of the lid portions (101, 102) sandwich the dividing line and / or dividing surface (180).

5. each of said lid portions (101, 102) comprises one or more connection sections (160) for forming a connection between at least two of said lid portions (101, 102), preferably said connection sections (160) of each of said lid portions (101, 102) being provided on said lateral end sections (150); Preferably, said connection section (160) comprises: a flange portion (161) extending laterally from said skirt portion (120), preferably transversely to said cover portion (110), along the outer contour of each said lid portion (101, 102), preferably along the outer contour of said lateral end section (150); a surface section (162) preferably facing transversely to said mounting direction (190), and / or a hinge section, wherein at least two of the lid portions (101, 102) are integrally molded with the hinge section such that folding the two respective lid portions (101, 102) toward each other causes the at least two lid portions (101, 102) to at least partially abut; and / or Preferably, in the lid (100), the lid portions (101, 102) are glued together at at least one of the connection sections (160) of each of the lid portions (101, 102). A lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the lid (100) further comprises a preferably disk-shaped member (170) for providing barrier properties and / or for exerting a lifting force on the cover portion (110) by expanding between the cover portion (110) and the rim portion (212) of the container (210) when the lid (100) closes the opening (211); Preferably, said member (170) comprises plastic, foam, paper, metal, or any combination thereof; and / or Preferably, said member (170) has a single layer or a multi-layer structure, and / or Preferably, said member (170) comprises an elastic material and / or a heat-sealable material, and / or Preferably, in the lid (100), the member (170) is provided in the receiving space (105) between the cover part (110) and the fastening structure (140), more preferably, the member (170) abuts against and / or completely covers the upper surface (111) of the cover part (110), and even more preferably, the member (170) is adhered to the cover part (110) on the inside of the lid (100). A lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The lid (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid (100), the cover portion (110), the skirt portion (120), and / or the fastening structure (140) are provided with a coating or laminate to provide barrier properties and / or to increase surface friction, preferably the coating or laminate is a biodegradable substance or material.

8. The device further includes a lid operating portion (103) for manually handling the lid (100), and the lid operating portion (103) includes: an upper portion (131) having an outer surface (132) extending between peripheral edges (133); a second skirt portion (134) extending from the peripheral edge (133) of the top portion (131) and defining, together with a second inner side, a second receiving space for at least partially or completely receiving the two or more lid portions (101, 102) opposite the outer surface (132); Equipped with the lid portions (101, 102) are received and / or connected to the lid operating portion (103) inside the second receiving space, preferably via an adhesive bond, a press-fit or a snap-fit ​​connection between the top surface (111) of the lid portions (101, 102) or the skirt portion (120) and the second inner side of the second skirt portion (134), respectively; A lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. 9. The lid (100) of claim 8, wherein the lid operating portion (103) comprises a second surface feature for clipping the lid portion (101, 102) to the inside of the second skirt portion (134) to transmit torque and / or force to the lid portion (101, 102), the second surface feature preferably corresponding to a surface feature provided on the outside of the skirt portion (120) and / or the cover portion (110) and / or preferably on one or more of the connection sections (160).

10. the lid (100), preferably the lid handling portion (103), has a non-circular, square or rectangular cross section, and / or the lid (100), preferably the second receiving space, when viewed in the mounting direction (190), is non-circular, square, rectangular or circular; Preferably, the lid portions (101, 102) have complementary shapes for receiving and / or transmitting torque to and / or from the lid operating portion (103) when the lid (100) is rotated about the mounting direction (190). A lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lid (100), preferably the lid operating portion (103), has a material thickness of 100 μm to 6 mm, 100 μm to 3 mm, or 150 μm to 2 mm, or 200 μm to 1 mm.

12. 12. The lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lid (100) and / or each of the lid portions (101, 102), and / or preferably the lid operator (103), is preferably made entirely from pulp, the pulp preferably comprising at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% cellulosic fiber material, the cellulosic fiber material preferably being selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugarcane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, rags, or combinations thereof, and / or the lid (100) is recyclable in the paper recycling stream and / or compostable.

13. The lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lid (100) comprises two lid parts (101, 102) formed as two complementary halves of the lid (100), and preferably the lid (100) comprises one dividing surface (180) extending through the center of the cover part (110) along the mounting direction (190).

14. A system (200) for storing food products (220), said system comprising: a container (210) for holding a food product (220), the container (210) having an opening (211) with a circumferential rim portion (212) surrounding the opening (211); a removable lid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for removably closing said opening (211); A system (200) comprising:

15. the container (210) comprises a second fastening structure (214) configured to correspond to the fastening structure (140) of the lid (100); and / or the lid (100) is removably connected to the container (210), preferably by reversible engagement of the fastening structure (140) with the second fastening structure (214); and / or the container (210) is filled with a food product (220), such as coffee, and is sealed by the member (170), preferably sealed onto the rim portion (212); and / or The system (200) is recyclable. The system (200) of claim 14.

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