Lid for a container for food or beverage

Abstract

A lid for a container for food or beverage, comprising: an outer layer, an inner layer, wherein: the outer layer and the inner layer comprise paperboard and / or cardboard, the outer layer comprises at least one flap, configured to be arranged in a closed position wherein the flap at least partially closes an opening in the outer layer, and an opened position wherein said opening is uncovered, wherein flap is configured to be moved from the closed position to the opened position by being moved in a direction away from the inner layer

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging food or beverages, for example for take-away, delivery, fast food, or disposable packing. The invention relates in particular to a lid for a container, a container, and a method for packaging food or beverage.

[0002] When food or beverage is packaged, e.g. for take-away, it is usually arranged in a container which is closed. The consumer cannot see from the outside what is inside the container. This is inconvenient when an order contains several products, e.g. for multiple people.

[0003] In some cases, the people preparing the food or beverage (or the people arranging in the container), will write on the container or packaging what is inside. However, this has drawbacks since the handwriting is not always legible and it may not be desired that people handling food or beverage are also touching a permanent marker.

[0004] For some products, e.g. soda beverages in fast food chains, it is known to provide the lid with several product indications. Depending on the beverage in the container, the person preparing the drink can press a premade indicated, from which the consumer can determine what is in the container. These lids are usually made from plastic which enables them to be pressed in. However, due to the environmental impact of plastic, it is desired to reduce the use of plastic. In some jurisdictions, this is even mandatory by law.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide an alternative to the prior art. It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a way of indicating which food or beverage is arranged in a container, while reducing the use of plastics.

[0006] One or more objects are achieved with a lid for a container for food or beverage, wherein the lid comprises:

[0007] an outer layer comprising an outer surface extending in a first plane,

[0008] an inner layer comprising an inner surface extending in a second plane, wherein optionally the second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane, wherein the inner surface is configured to face the inside of the container,

[0009] wherein:

[0010] optionally the outer layer and the inner layer comprise paperboard and / or cardboard material,.

[0011] the outer layer comprises at least one flap, wherein the flap

[0012] is configured to be arranged in

[0013] a closed position wherein the flap at least partially closes an opening in the outer layer, and

[0014] an opened position wherein said opening is uncovered, wherein e.g. flap is configured to be moved from the closed position to the opened position by being moved in a direction away from the inner layer.

[0015] The invention thus relates, in embodiments, to a lid. The lid can be used for a container. The lid is configured to be arranged on the container (e.g. on a container base comprising a bottom, a side wall, and an open top) for closing the container. Optionally, the lid is configured to be an element separate from the container base. That is, the lid can be detachably arranged on the container base. Thus, the lid can also be removed from the container base, and is not fixed to the container base.

[0016] Food or beverage can be arranged in the container. The lid (and container) can e.g. be used for fast food, and / or take-away, and / or delivery, and / or for a disposable packaging of the food or beverage. The food can e.g. include chicken wings, chicken nuggets, fries, a hamburger, sushi, poke bowl, Asian food, a salad, popcorn, barbecued food, dessert (e.g. cake or pie), ice cream, pizza, sandwich, pastry. The beverage can e.g. include coffee, soda, water, beer, tea.

[0017] The lid comprises an outer layer and an inner layer. Optionally, the outer layer and inner layer are arranged parallel to each other. For example, an outer surface of the outer layer extends in a first plane and an inner surface of the inner layer extends in a second plane. The second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane. Optionally, the inner layer and outer layer are spaced from each other. That is, an open space is present between the outer layer and the inner layer.

[0018] The inner layer is arranged on the inside of the lid, e.g. towards the inside of the container when the lid is arranged on the container base. In particular, the inner surface faces the inside of the container. The outer layer is arranged towards the outside of the container. For example, the outer surface may be in contact with surrounding air. For example, the outer surface is visible from the outside (e.g. to a user and / or a consumer).

[0019] When the lid is arranged on the container base, the first plane and second plane may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container. For example, when the container is arranged on a flat surface (such as a table or countertop), the first plane and second plane may each extend in a horizontal plane. The longitudinal axis of the container may e.g. extend in a vertical plane direction in that situation. It will be understood, however, that in some cases small deviations are possible because of manufacturing tolerances and / or tolerances / flexibility for arranging the lid on the container.

[0020] Optionally, the outer layer and / or the inner layer comprise paperboard and / or cardboard material. Optionally, the outer layer and / or inner layer are (substantially) made out of paperboard and / or cardboard material. Paperboard and / or cardboard may e.g. include paper, boxboard, cartonboard, fiberboard, containerboard, chipboard.

[0021] The outer layer comprises at least one flap. Optionally, the outer layer comprises multiple flaps, e.g. two flaps, three flaps, four flaps, five flaps, six flaps, seven flaps, or more than seven flaps. Although below several possible features for a single flap are described, it will be understood that each flap may be embodied similarly when lid comprises multiple flaps.

[0022] The flap can be arranged in a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the flap at least partially covers an opening the outer layer. In the opened position, said opening is uncovered. The flap can be moved from the closed position to the opened position be moving the flap in a direction away from the inner layer. Thus, the flap is configured to be moved away from the container (base). When the container is arranged on a flat surface, the flap can e.g. be configured to be moved upwards.

[0023] When the flap is being moved from the closed position to the opened position, it may be possible that the flap is tilted and / or folded. For example, the flap may be configured to be peeled up. For example, the flap may remain connected to the outer layer at a first outer end, wherein a second outer end of the flap (opposite of the first outer end) is moved away from the inner layer. The first outer end and second outer end may be opposite ends of the flap when seen in the first plane, when the flap is in the closed position.

[0024] The lid as described about advantageously allows the (appropriate) flap to be moved to the opened position, depending on which product (food or beverage) is arranged in the container. The person preparing or packaging the product may decide to arrange the (appropriate) flap in the opened position. The consumer, who may not be able to see inside the container without removing the lid, can detect from the opened flap which product it in the container.

[0025] Since the lid can be made from paperboard and / or cardboard material, the use of plastics is no longer required for the lid, while still providing the above-mentioned functionality of product indication. The inventors have found that opening a flap as described herein is an easy and efficient way of providing the product indication, especially when paperboard and / or cardboard material is used. By providing the inner layer below the outer layer (and thus below the opening uncovered when opening the flap), any possible contamination is prevented from entering the container through the uncovered opening. In addition, for hot products the inner layer avoids hot air coming through said opening, which could otherwise burn the person opening the flap.

[0026] In embodiments, when the flap is configured to be pivoted towards a longitudinal centre axis of the lid for moving the flap from the closed position to the opened position. This is an intuitive operation for the person having to open the respective flap.

[0027] In embodiments, the lid comprises a product indication associated with each flap. For example, the lid may comprise one product indication for each flap. Thus, the number of product indications and the number of flaps may be equal. The product indication may e.g. be arranged in the vicinity of the flap, e.g. on the outer layer, e.g. between the flap and an outer edge (e.g. a rim). It may also be possible that the product indication is arranged on inner layer below the respective flap, to be visible when the flap is in the opened position. In case the lid comprises more than one flap, each flap may have a respective product indication associated with the respective flap, wherein the respective product indications are different from each other. This enables to indicate for different products, which product is arranged in the container, by opening the respective flap.

[0028] The product indication is configured to inform a consumer of which product is arranged in the container. When a flap is in the opened position, the consumer knows that the product indicated in the product indication in the vicinity of said flap is in the container. The product indication may e.g. relate to a type of product (e.g. chicken wings vs chicken nuggets; or normal soda vs diet / zero sugar soda), a sauce arranged on the product, or a characteristic of the product (e.g. how spicy the product is). The product indication may be premade (e.g. preprinted) on the lid (e.g. on the outer layer or the inner layer). The product indication can e.g. be a text. The product indication can e.g. be a logo.

[0029] In some embodiments, the number of flaps (and e.g. corresponding product indications) may correspond to the number of types of products that the lid is configured to be used with. That is, for each type of product a single flap (e.g. with product indication) is provided. In other embodiments, more variations of product can be indicated by different combinations of flaps. For example, for a coffee or tea product, a flap for sugar and a flap for milk can be used for all possible combinations.

[0030] In embodiments, in the closed position the flap is fixed by a breakable connection to the outer layer, and in the opened position said breakable connection is irreversible broken. Thus, once the flap has been moved to the opened position, it cannot be moved back to the closed position (at least not permanently). The flap is moved from the closed position to the opened position by breaking the breakable connection. These embodiments provide the advantage that a consumer can still detect which flap had been opened, even if the flap is moved back towards the lid to cover the opening. This can for example happen when something (e.g. another container) is arranged on the lid during transport of the food or beverage. An example of this is when a take-away or delivery order is transported.

[0031] In embodiments, each flap comprises tearing lines configured to be torn when the flap is moved from the closed position to the opened position (i.e. when the flap is opened). The flap can e.g. comprise two tearing lines. The tearing lines can e.g. be perforated lines. The tearing lines are premade weakening in the outer layer. The tearing lines are a breakable connection between the flap and the outer layer. Each flap may e.g. comprise a first tearing line on a first side and a second tearing line on a second side opposite of the first side. The tearing lines assist a user in arranging the flap in the opened position, and also indicate to the user how to break the breakable connection.

[0032] In embodiments, each flap is configured to be physically connected to the outer layer in the opened position. Thus, the flap is not removed when being moved to the opened position. For example, the flap may comprise a connection to the outer layer. The connection may e.g. form a connection line between the ends of two tearing lines. The flap can e.g. be configured to be peeled and / or pivoted around the connection line when being moved to the opened position. The flap can e.g. be configured to be peeled and / or pivoted in directions away from the inner layer and at the same time towards a longitudinal centre axis of the lid (and container). The connection (and connection line) is not configured to be broken, e.g. it is not a perforated line. Of course, it will be understood that with much force it may still be possible to break said connection.

[0033] In embodiments, each flap is arranged at a distance of an outer edge (e.g. a rim) of the lid. Thus, the flaps are not arranged at the edge of outer layer. The flaps are arranged radially inward of an edge of the outer layer.

[0034] In embodiments, the outer layer comprises a cut-out adjoining to each flap. Optionally the cut-out is arranged at a side of the flap opposite of where the flap is physically connected to the outer layer in the opened position, thus e.g. an opposite side in comparison to a connector line. The flap may e.g. be configured to be moved to the opened position by peeling the flap away from the cut-out. The cut-out may be an opening in the outer layer. When the respective flap is in the opened position, the uncovered opening and the cut-out may form a combined opening. The cut-out advantageously makes it easier for a user to grab and open the flap.

[0035] In embodiments, the flap has a (partial) elliptical shape. Optionally, the long edges of the elliptical shape are formed by tearing lines. A short edge of the elliptical shape is formed by the cut-out that is adjoining the flap. An opposite short edge opposite of said short edge may be formed by the connection to the outer layer that is maintained when the flap is in the opened position. Said opposite short edge may be a short edge of the elliptical shape, or may be a straight edge between ends of the tearing lines.

[0036] In embodiments, the cut-out has a moon-shape. For example, a first curved edge adjoining the flap has a first radius of curvature, which may e.g. correspond to the radius of curvature of the adjoining edge of the flap. A second curved edge of the cut-out is arranged further away from the flap, and has a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature. The fist curved edge and the second curved edge together define the shape of the cut-out, and intersect at two intersection points.

[0037] In embodiments, the inner layer extends continuously below each flap of the outer layer, e.g. both when the flap is in the closed position and when the flap is in the opened position. Optionally, when the outer layer comprises a cut-out adjoining to each flap, the inner layer also extends continuously below said cut-out. The inner layer extending continuously on said locations, entails that the no openings or cut-outs are present in the inner layer on said locations. Thus, when the flap is in the opened position and the opening is uncovered, the inner layer still protects the contents (food or beverage) of the container from contamination. Furthermore, the contents will stay warm longer, and at the same time the person opening the flap is protected from hot air which could otherwise come out of the opening.

[0038] In embodiments, the inner layer below the flap is configured to remain extending continuously below the flap during use. That is, the inner layer is not opened as well, e.g. to reveal an opening for drinking the product.

[0039] In embodiments, the lid comprises a drinking opening, wherein the drinking opening is offset from the at least one flap, seen in a direction parallel to the outer surface. Optionally, the drinking opening is configured to be adapted from being closed to being opened, e.g. by moving a straw though the outer layer for opening the drinking opening and / or by tearing a part of the outer layer and inner layer. In these embodiments the lid may in particular be configured to be used with a container for containing a beverage. In these embodiments, the opening of the flap(s) does not open the drinking opening. The flap(s) and the drinking opening are provided on distinct locations of the lid.

[0040] In embodiments, the lid is configured to be used with a container for containing an edible product, wherein optionally lid is configured to be removed before consuming the edible product. That is, to provide access to the edible product arranged within the container, the lid needs to be removed. The lid does not comprise an opening that provides access to the interior of the container.

[0041] In embodiments, the inner layer is not transparent. Thus, when the flap is opened, it is not possible to see through the inner layer which product is inside the container. This allows for example to use standards paperboard or cardboard material for the inner layer.

[0042] In embodiments, the inner layer comprises at least one ventilation hole, wherein optionally said ventilation holes are offset (e.g. in a direction parallel to the first plane and / or second plane) to any opening or hole of the outer layer. Thus, the ventilation holes are not facing any opening or hole in the outer layer. The inner layer may e.g. comprise one ventilation hole, or two ventilation holes, or three ventilation holes, or more than three ventilation holes. The ventilation holes advantageously allow some ventilation which may be beneficial for maintaining the freshness of the food or beverage. By being offset, the likelihood of contamination entering the container through the ventilation holes is reduced. The ventilation holes may e.g. be smaller than the opening(s) covered by the flap(s), e.g. at least 10 times smaller, e.g. at least 50 times.

[0043] In embodiments, the outer layer also comprises at least one ventilation hole, wherein optionally the ventilation holes of outer layer are offset (e.g. in a direction parallel to the first plane and / or second plane) relative to the ventilation holes of the inner layer. This allows ventilation through both the inner and outer layer, while reducing likelihood of contamination. Optionally, the inner layer and outer layer comprise the same number of ventilation holes (e.g. two). This may be advantageous for the air flow. Optionally, the ventilation holes in the inner layer and the ventilation holes in the outer layer are arranged at a same distance (in the first and second plane) from an outer edge (e.g. rim) of the lid, and are offset relative to each other by a rotation around a (longitudinal) centre axis of the lid.

[0044] Optionally, when the outer layer comprises ventilation holes, the inner layer also extends continuously below said ventilation holes.

[0045] In embodiments, the inner layer is spaced (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and / or second plane) from the outer layer. For example, an air space may be present between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0046] In embodiments, the lid is double-layered. The double-layered may consist of the inner layer and the outer layer. Thus, the lid does not comprise any layers in addition to the inner layer and the outer layer, in particular when seen in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and / or the second plane.

[0047] In embodiments, the lid comprises at least three, four, five, six, or seven flaps.

[0048] In embodiments, the lid further comprises an outer edge for arranging the lid on the container (base), wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are both connected to the outer edge. The outer edge may e.g. be a rim. The outer edge may e.g. extend in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and / or the second plane. The outer edge may e.g. have an annular shape.

[0049] In embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer are connected to the outer edge by ultrasonic bonding or welding.

[0050] In embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer comprise a plurality of connecting protrusions that are folded into a sleeve of the outer edge for connecting the inner layer and outer layer to the outer edge.

[0051] In embodiments, the outer edge comprises one or more protrusions or threads for positioning the inner layer and the outer layer within the outer edge.

[0052] In embodiments, the lid has a circular shape. In embodiments, the lid has a rectangular shape. In embodiments, the lid has a square shape. In embodiments, the lid has an elliptical shape.

[0053] In embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer have the same size when seen in the first plane and the second plane. For example, the diameter, or the length and width, of the inner layer and outer layer are equal.

[0054] In embodiments, the lid (or the outer layer and / or the inner layer) can have a dimension (e.g. a diameter, length, or width) in the first plane and / or second plane between 150-250 mm, e.g. 175-2250 mm, e.g. 180-200 mm, e.g. about 185 mm. Such dimensions can e.g. be advantageous when the container is intended for a food product, e.g. a meat product such as chicken wings. In embodiments, the lid can have a dimension (e.g. a diameter, length, or width) in the first plane and / or second plane of 30-120 mm, e.g. 50-100 mm, e.g. 75-90 mm, e.g. about 80 mm. Such dimensions can e.g. be advantageous when the container is intended for a beverage product, e.g. a hot beverage such as coffee.

[0055] In embodiments, the ventilation holes have a diameter between 1-5 mm, e.g. 2-4 mm, e.g. about 3 mm.

[0056] In embodiments, the flaps have a largest dimension between 25-35 mm, e.g. 27-32 mm, e.g. approximately 30 mm. When the flaps have a (partially) elliptical shape, said largest dimensions may e.g. be the maximal distance between the short edges (e.g. a short elliptical edge adjoining to the cut-out and a short straight edge where the flap remains attached to the outer layer in the opened position). A maximal distance between two long (e.g. perforated) edges of the elliptical shape may e.g. be between 15-25 mm, e.g. 17-22 mm, e.g. 18-20 mm, e.g. approximately 19 mm.

[0057] In embodiments, the invention relates to a container for food or beverage, comprising a lid according to any of the embodiments described herein. The lid can e.g. be arranged removably onto a container base for closing the container. The container base can e.g. comprise a bottom, a side wall, and an open top. The container base may e.g. comprise an outer edge (e.g. a ridge) that is configured to interact with the outer edge of the lid. The container can e.g. have a cylindrical shape, conical shape, or a beam-like shape, or a cuboidal shape. The container can e.g. comprise or be made out of paperboard and / or cardboard material. The container can e.g. be disposable.

[0058] The invention further relates to a method for packaging a food or beverage. Although the method can be performed using the lid or container according to the invention; neither the lid / container, nor the method is limited thereto. Features explained herein with reference to the lid / container have the same meaning with respect to the method unless explicitly defined otherwise. Features explained with reference to the lid / container can be applied mutatis mutandis to the method to achieve the similar advantages, and vice versa.

[0059] One or more objects of the invention can be achieved with a method for packaging food or beverage, comprising a step of using a lid according to the any of the embodiments described herein, e.g. for indicating which food or beverage is arranged in the container.

[0060] One or more objects of the invention can be achieved with a method for a method for packaging food or beverage, comprising the following steps:

[0061] arranging the food or beverage in a container,.

[0062] closing the container with a lid (e.g. according to any of the embodiments described herein),

[0063] opening one (or more) of the flaps on the lid, e.g. based on which food or beverage is arranged in the container and / or e.g. to indicate which food or beverage is arranged in the container.

[0064] The method further relates to a method for manufacturing a lid or container according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0065] One or more objects of the invention can be achieved with a method for manufacturing a lid or container according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

[0066] providing the flaps in the outer layer, e.g. by providing the breakable connections and optionally the cut-out associated with each flap,

[0067] providing the product indication associated with each flap,

[0068] optionally, providing ventilation holes in the inner layer and optionally the outer layer,

[0069] connecting the inner layer and the outer layer to an outer edge of the lid, wherein the outer edge e.g. is a rim.

[0070] It will be understood that the method of manufacturing can further include any of the required manufacturing steps to obtain the features of the lid and / or container as described herein.

[0071] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described using the figures. It is to be understood that these figures merely serve as example of how the invention can be implemented and are in no way intended to be construed as limiting for the scope of the invention and the claims. Like features are indicated by like reference numerals along the figures. In the figures:

[0072] FIG. 1A: schematically illustrates a container with lid in a cross-section, while a flap is being moved to the opened position;

[0073] FIG. 1B: schematically illustrates a container with lid in a perspective view, wherein one flap is in the opened position and three flaps are in the closed position;

[0074] FIG. 2: schematically illustrates a lid in top view;

[0075] FIG. 3A: schematically illustrates a lid having seven flaps from above;

[0076] FIG. 3B: schematically illustrates the lid from FIG. 3A from below.

[0077] FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a container 1 in cross-section and FIG. 1B shows the container in a perspective view. The container 1 is intended to be used for take-away, delivery, or fast-food packaging, and as a disposable packaging. The container 1 comprises container base 10 which has a bottom 14 and a conical side wall 11. An open space 12 is present in the container base 10. A product, being food in the present example, can be arranged in the open space 12. The food in the examples of the figures might be a meat-product (e.g. chicken wings), but it will be understood that the principles of the present invention can be applied to other food or beverage products as well. Examples include chicken nuggets, fries, a hamburger, sushi, poke bowl, Asian food, a salad, popcorn, barbecued food, dessert (e.g. cake or pie), ice cream, pizza, sandwich, pastry, coffee, soda, water, beer, tea.

[0078] The container base 10 has an open top 13. The product can be arranged into the open space 12 via the open top 13. This will usually be done shorty after the product has been prepared (or in some cases the product may be (partially) prepared in the container 1). When the prepared product is in the open space, the container 1 can be closed using a lid 20. The lid 20 is an element separate from the container base 10. The lid 20 has a rim 30 with a protrusion 31, which can be clamped over a ridge 14 of the container base 10. The rim 30 also has an upper ridge 32.

[0079] To reduce the environmental impact, the container 1 preferably comprises a little as plastic as possible. Instead of plastics, it can e.g. be advantageous to use paperboard and / or cardboard. Preferably, both the container base 10 and the lid 20 are made of paperboard and / or cardboard. These materials are usually not transparent. The consumer can, therefore, not see what is in the container 1 after the lid 20 has been arranged on the container base 10. This may in particular be annoying if the order includes multiple containers 1, e.g. with different products (e.g. for different people).

[0080] To overcome this problem, the lid 20 comprises a plurality of flaps 41. In the example of FIG. 1A-1B, the lid 20 comprises four flaps 41. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a user 2 can grab a flap 41 and move the flap 41 upwards. In particular, the user 2 can peel the flap 41 upwards as illustrated by arrow 3. The lid 20 comprises a different product indication 21 associated with each flap 41. FIG. 1B illustrates the product indication 21 as a coloured surface 21 below the flap 41. The product indication 21 becomes visible when the flap 41 is arranged in the opened position. Each product indication 21 may have a different colour, wherein each colour is linked to a possible product that can be arranged into the container. Other embodiments of the product indication 21 are possible, as illustrated further below. The user 2 that opens the flap 41 may be somebody working in the kitchen where the product is prepared, and as such knows which product is arranged in the container 1. Said user 2 can thus select the correct flap 41 and arrange said flap 41 in the opened position. Based on which flap 41 is opened, a consumer of the product knows from the associated product indication 21 which product is arranged in the container 1.

[0081] The lid 20 comprises an outer layer 40 and an inner layer 50. The inner layer 50 has an inner surface 501 which faces the inside of the container 1, in particular the open space 12. The outer layer 40 has an outer surface 401 which is exposed to the surrounding air. The outer surface 401 is visible to the user 2 and consumer, and comprises the flaps 41. When the container 1 is arranged on a flat surface (e.g. situation as in FIG. 1A) and the lid 20 is on top of the container base 10, the outer layer 40 is arranged above the inner layer 50. The outer surface 401 extends in a first plane, and the inner surface 501 extends in a second plane. The first and second plane are parallel to each other. In the shown situation, the first and second plane both extend parallel to the XY plane, while a longitudinal axis if the container 1 extends parallel to the Z direction.

[0082] When the flap 41 is in the opened position, an opening that was previously covered by said flap 41 will be uncovered. The inner layer 50 is still arranged between said opening and the product inside the container 1, and the inner layer 50 extends continuously below said opening. This avoids that contamination come through said opening and into contact with the product in the container 1. In addition, when the product is hot, the inner layer 50 avoids that hot air escapes through said opening being uncovered by the flap 41 that is opened by the user 2. Such hot air could otherwise burn the user 2.

[0083] When in the closed position, each flap 41 is connected the rest of the outer layer 40 by two breakable connection 42. The breakable connection 42 in this case is a perforated line 42. This aids the user 2 in tearing the flap 41 according to these perforated lines 42. A cut-out 43 is provided in the outer layer 40 adjoining to each flap 41. The cut-out 43 makes it easier for the user 2 to grab the flap 41 when moving it from the closed position to the opened position.

[0084] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the lid 20 from a top view. The edge of the rim 30 is schematically shown, and the outer layer 40 is visible. The lid 20 comprises four flaps 41 in this example. The product indications 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D in this example are formed by text printed on (the outer surface of) the outer layer 40. Each product indication 21A-21D is located in the vicinity of a flap 41. This way the consumer easily understands with which flap 41 each product indication 21A-21D is associated. From the text on the product indication 21A-21D and which flap 41 has been opened, a consumer can easily know which product is inside the container.

[0085] The flaps 41 have a partially elliptical shape. Two long edges 42 of the elliptical shape are formed by the perforated lines 42. A short side 45 of the elliptical shape is formed by the edge that adjoins the cut-out 43. Finally, a straight edge 44 of the flap 41 is formed by a straight line between outer ends of the long edges 42. Said straight edge 44 deviates from the elliptical shape. Said straight edge 44 remains a connection between the flap 41 and the outer layer 40 when the flap 41 is in the opened position. The opening of the flap 41 entails peeling and / or pivoting the flap 41 around said straight edge 44, while tearing the perforated lines 42.

[0086] The cut-out 42 has a moon-shape, which is formed by a first curved edge 432 adjoining the flap 41 and having a first radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature correspond to the radius of curvature of the adjoining edge 45 of the flap 41. A second curved edge 431 of the cut-out 43 is arranged further away from the flap 41, and has a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature.

[0087] The upper layer 40 furthermore comprises ventilations holes 46, in this example two ventilation holes 46. The ventilation holes 46 allow for some ventilation of the open space 12 in the container, and also for some heat escape. This may be desirable for certain food products to maintain the freshness of the product.

[0088] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a lid which has seven flaps 41, and second associated product indications 21. The product indications 21 are printed text in this example. For illustration purposes, more than one flap 41 has been arranged in the opened position in FIG. 3A. Some of those have been pivoted back in the direction of the closed position, e.g. the bottom flap 41 with the associated product indication 21 stating “Mini Fillet Bucket”. In practice, it may also happen that an opened flap 41 is pushed down again, e.g. during transport for a take-away or delivery order. FIG. 3A illustrates that even in that case it is possible to see that the flap 41 has been opened, because the breakable connection with the perforated lines is still broken and the flap 41 therefore is loose.

[0089] FIG. 3A also illustrates that below the openings and holes of the outer layer 40, the inner layer 50 extends continuously. This is the case for the ventilation holes 46, the cut-outs 43, and the openings uncovered by the flaps 41 that have been opened. Since the inner layer 50 is present at these locations, the product in the container is protected from contamination.

[0090] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates the lid 20 shown in FIG. 3A from below. The rim 30 and the inner layer 50 are visible. The inner layer 50 comprises two ventilations holes 56. The ventilation holes 56 provide an air flow path together with the ventilation holes in the outer layer, for ventilation and heat escape. However, it can be seen that the upper layer 40 extends below the ventilation holes 56 of the inner layer 50. The ventilation holes 56 of the inner layer and the ventilation holes of the outer layer 40 are offset in a direction parallel to the first plane and the second plane. This reduces the likelihood that contamination enters the container through the ventilation holes of the outer and inner layer. The ventilation holes 56 of the inner layer are also offset to any other openings or cut-outs in the outer layer.

[0091] To provide the air flow path, the inner layer 50 and outer layer 40 may furthermore be spaced from each other in vertical direction z (direction perpendicular to first and second plane), as illustrated e.g. spacing 22 in FIG. 1A.

[0092] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various ways. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to practice the present invention in various ways in virtually any suitable detailed structure. Not all of the objectives described need be achieved with particular embodiments.

[0093] Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to limit the invention, but to provide an understandable description of the invention. The words “a”, “an”, or “one” used herein mean one or more than one, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “a multiple of”, “a plurality” or “several” mean two or more than two. The words “comprise”, “include”, “contain” and “have” have an open meaning and do not exclude the presence of additional elements. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0094] The mere fact that certain technical features are described in different dependent claims still allows the possibility that a combination of these technical measures can be used advantageously.

[0095] A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of various components mentioned in the description and claims, e.g. of processing units or control units, or the functionality of a single processing unit or control unit described herein can in practice be distributed over multiple components, optionally physically separated of each other. Any communication between components can be wired or wireless by known methods.

[0096] The actions performed by the control unit can be implemented as a program, for example computer program, software application, or the like. The program can be executed using computer readable instructions. The program may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, a source code, an object code, a shared library / dynamic load library and / or other set of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

[0097] A computer program or computer-readable instructions can be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Claims

1. A lid for a container for food or beverage, said container e.g. being a disposable container for fast food, take-away, or delivery; wherein the lid comprises:an outer layer comprising an outer surface extending in a first plane,an inner layer comprising an inner surface extending in a second plane, wherein the second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane, wherein the inner surface is configured to face the inside of the container,wherein:the outer layer and the inner layer comprise paperboard and / or cardboard material,the outer layer comprises at least one flap, wherein the flapis configured to be arranged ina closed position wherein the flap at least partially closes an opening in the outer layer, andan opened position wherein said opening is uncovered, wherein flap is configured to be moved from the closed position to the opened position by being moved in a direction away from the inner layer.

2. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a product indication associated with each flap.

3. The lid according to claim 2, wherein the lid comprises more than one flap, wherein each flap has a respective product indication associated with the respective flap, wherein the respective product indications are different from each other.

4. The lid according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position the flap is to the outer layer fixed by a breakable connection, and in the opened position said breakable connection is irreversible broken.

5. The lid according to claim 1, wherein each flap comprises two perforated lines configured to be torn when the flap is moved from the closed position to the opened position.

6. The lid according to claim 1, each flap is configured to be physically connected to the outer layer in the opened position.

7. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises a cut-out adjoining to each flap, optionally at a side of the flap opposite of where the flap is physically connected to the outer layer in the opened position.

8. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer extends continuously below each flap of the outer layer.

9. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises at least one ventilation hole, wherein said ventilation holes are offset in a direction parallel to the first plane and / or second plane to any opening or hole of the outer layer, and wherein the outer layer also comprises at least one ventilation hole, wherein the ventilation holes of outer layer are offset in a direction parallel to the first plane and / or second plane relative to the ventilation holes of the inner layer.

10. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is spaced from the outer layer when seen in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and / or the second plane.

11. The lid according to claim 1, comprising at least three, four, five, six, or seven flaps.

12. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a rim for arranging the lid on the container, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are both connected to the rim.

13. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a circular shape.

14. A container for food or beverage, comprising a lid according to claim 1.

15. A method for packaging food or beverage, comprising the following steps:arranging the food or beverage in a container,closing the container with a lid according to claim 1,arranging one of the flaps on the lid in the opened position, to indicate which food or beverage is arranged in the container.

16. A method for manufacturing a lid according to claim 1, comprising the following steps:providing the flaps in the outer layer, e.g. by providing the breakable connections and optionally the cut-out associated with each flap,providing the product indication associated with each flap,.optionally, providing ventilation holes in the inner layer and optionally the outer layer,connecting the inner layer and the outer layer to an outer edge of the lid, wherein the outer edge e.g. is a rim.

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