Container for receiving, storing and / or transporting goods

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for receiving, storing and / or transporting goods, in particular foodstuffs, comprising a shell-like first container part and a shell-like second container part, wherein: the first container part has a first base part, a circumferential first side wall part connected to the first base part, and a first connection piece; the first connection piece is arranged circumferentially on the first side wall part and is arranged on the opposite side of the first base part; the second container part has a second base part, a circumferential second side wall part connected to the second base part, and a second connection piece; the second connection piece is arranged circumferentially on the second side wall part and on the opposite side of the second base part; the first and the second connection piece have a substantially flat shape and thus form complementary first and second connecting surfaces; first latching means are provided on the first connection piece of the first container part and, in a connected state of the container, are latched on the second connection piece of the second container part.

Description

[0001] CONTAINERS FOR THE RECEPTION, STORAGE AND / OR TRANSPORT OF GOODS

[0002] The invention relates to a container for receiving, storing and / or transporting goods, in particular foodstuffs, and a method for opening a container.

[0003] JP3202469U shows a container for holding and preparing ready meals in the microwave. The container has several container sections and inserts that are connected to each other via a continuous locking mechanism.

[0004] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device by means of which goods can be filled, stored, transported, prepared and / or consumed in a simple and environmentally friendly manner, as well as a method for easily opening the container.

[0005] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0006] The container according to the invention for receiving, storing and / or transporting goods, in particular foodstuffs, comprises a bowl-shaped, first container part and a bowl-shaped, second container part, wherein the first container part has a first base part, a circumferential first side wall part connected to the first base part and a first web; wherein the first web is arranged circumferentially on the first side wall part and on the opposite side of the first base part; wherein the second container part has a second base part, a circumferential second side wall part connected to the second base part and a second web; wherein the second web is arranged circumferentially on the second side wall part and on the opposite side of the second base part; wherein the first and the second web are shaped essentially flat and thus form complementary first and second connecting surfaces;wherein first locking means are provided on the first web of the first container part, which, when the container is connected, are locked to the second web of the second container part, and wherein second locking means are provided on the second web of the second container part, which, when the container is connected, are locked to the first web of the first container part. This ensures a secure connection between the first and second container parts. It is advantageous if the container is a stackable, reusable container comprising at least one stacking aid. This ensures environmentally friendly reuse in the cycle and space-saving transport.

[0007] The container can be a plastic container, in particular made of one or a combination of several plastics from the group polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, modified polyester plastic, polycarbonate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, starch-based thermoplastics or polylactide, thus ensuring cost-effective production and food-safe storage.

[0008] Advantageously, the container can be made at least partially of cellulose, paper or other fiber materials in order to achieve compostability.

[0009] It can be cost-effective if the container is manufactured using an injection molding or deep drawing process.

[0010] For certain applications, it may be advantageous for the container to be manufactured using a folding, folding, gluing or thermoforming process in order to be particularly resource-efficient.

[0011] The fact that the first and second connecting surfaces are held and aligned with each other by the first and second locking means in the connected state of the container can be particularly advantageous in order to be able to guarantee safe storage of the goods.

[0012] An even better sealing of the contents of the container can be achieved if the first and second connecting surfaces are pressed against each other by the first and second locking means when the container is connected.

[0013] In order to enable gas- and / or liquid-tight storage of the warning, it may be advantageous for the first and / or second connecting surface to be designed as a sealing surface.

[0014] It may be particularly advantageous for possible multiple uses if the connecting surfaces are designed for multiple sealing, with or without cleaning between resealing processes after use. Alternatively, a seal may be arranged on the first and / or second connecting surface to ensure sealing of the interior of the container while simultaneously ensuring reusability.

[0015] It may also be advantageous to have an insert part between the first and second container parts or within a container part in order to be able to keep other goods separate from one another.

[0016] It may be advantageous if the insert part is designed to be sealable against the first and / or second connecting surface in order to better hold it or to be able to seal off one container part from another container part.

[0017] In order to enable an even more secure connection of the container parts, each of the two container parts can have at least two locking means.

[0018] It may be advantageous for all locking means of the two container parts to jointly form an apron-shaped collar that extends around a large part of the circumference of the webs around the container when the container is connected. This creates the largest possible and therefore most secure holding and locking area.

[0019] The first locking means can form first collar areas, and the second locking means can form second collar areas. It is advantageous to have opposing holding forces distributed around the circumference.

[0020] Advantageously, the first and second collar regions are formed in a ramp-shaped or curved manner in an overlap region arranged in the direction of an axis perpendicular to a contact surface of the first or second base part. This allows one container part to be lifted off the other container part during a twisting movement. In addition, the overlap also ensures better shielding of the webs and connecting surfaces.

[0021] In order to be able to recognize the contents, it may be useful for the base part to be transparent at least in part

[0022] To ensure labeling and authenticity verification, a banderol can be provided on the container, which is attached to the collar area or between the first and second connecting surfaces. To ensure secure and traceable multiple use, a machine-readable element, in particular an RFID chip and / or an antenna, can be arranged in at least one container part.

[0023] The invention further relates to a method for opening a container, comprising the method steps of: deforming at least one first and one second locking means; disengaging a first and / or a second locking means from the first and / or second web; disengaging the further first and second locking means from the first and second web; and lifting the first container part from the second container part. The advantage here is that easy opening for the user can be achieved while simultaneously ensuring high storage security.

[0024] It can be particularly advantageous if the deformation of the first and second locking means is effected by a user via a deformation of a base part, since this allows a greater pivoting of the locking lugs on the locking means to be achieved.

[0025] A particularly convenient opening allows the deformation of the first and second locking means by a user rotating the two container parts relative to each other and thereby lifting the first container part towards the second container part by means of the ramp-shaped or curved shape in the overlapping area of ​​the first and second collar areas.

[0026] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0027] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0028] Fig. 1 schematic representation of the container in the connected state;

[0029] Fig. 2 schematic representation of a container part;

[0030] Fig. 3 Sectional view of the container in the connected state;

[0031] Fig. 4 schematic representation of the container in the partially opened state;

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the container in a partially open state. By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals or identical component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference numerals or identical component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and in the event of a change in position, these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a container 1 for receiving, storing, and / or transporting goods 2, in particular foodstuffs. Goods can include, for example, foodstuffs, cereals, vegetables, fruit, soups, ready-to-eat (convenience) foods, consumables, detergents, snacks, or generally food and non-food items.

[0034] The goods 2 can be accommodated in the container 1 in a solid or liquid state. The container 1 can be designed to be liquid-tight, gas-tight, high-temperature resistant, and / or microwaveable. The container 1 can further have one or more valves 32 or openings to allow pressure relief or vapor release during heating or to ensure a desired atmospheric condition in the interior 33. The valve 32 can, for example, be provided at or in place of an injection point.

[0035] The container 1 comprises a bowl-shaped, first container part 3 and a bowl-shaped, second container part 4. The first container part 3 has a first base part 5, a circumferential first side wall part 7 connected to the first base part 5, and a first web 9, wherein the first web 9 is arranged circumferentially on the first side wall part 7 and on the opposite side of the first base part 5. Opposite here means that the web is arranged vertically offset from the base part 5 with respect to the vertical axis of the container, which is aligned perpendicular to the base part 5, by a vertical extent 34 of the side wall part 7.

[0036] The second container part 4 has a second base part 6, a circumferential second side wall part 8 connected to the second base part 6, and a second web 10, wherein the second web 10 is arranged circumferentially on the second side wall part 8 and on the opposite side of the second base part 6. The first and second webs 9, 10 are essentially flat and thus form complementary first and second connecting surfaces 11, 12.

[0037] First locking means 13 are provided on the first web 9 of the first container part 3, which, when the container 1 is connected, are locked to the second web 10 of the second container part 4. The locking means can, for example, have a locking lug 15, which can engage over the web 9, 10 of the other container part 3, 4.

[0038] On the second web 10 of the second container part 4, second locking means 14 are provided which, when the container 1 is connected, are rusted on the first web 9 of the first container part 3.

[0039] Due to the elastic deformability of the first and second collar regions 21, 22, the locking means can be guided over the web 9, 10 of the respective other container part 3, 4 when connecting and separating the container parts 3, 4 and then lock into place there.

[0040] The first and second container parts 3, 4 can have the same or different heights 34. The container parts 3, 4 can be arranged at the top or bottom as desired. The first and second base parts 5, 6 can form the bottom of the container 1 or its lid as desired. The first and second base parts 5, 6 can also be used independently for consumption, eating, or removing goods 2 after opening.

[0041] The preparation, heating or cooling of food can also take place when the container 1 is connected or when the two container parts 3, 4 are separated.

[0042] The container (1) can be a plastic container, in particular made of one or a combination of several plastics from the group consisting of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, modified polyester plastic, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, starch-based thermoplastics, or polylactide. Of course, other plastics, multilayer plastic structures, composite materials such as fiber-reinforced plastics, and also material composites such as paper / plastic combinations can also be used for the shell-shaped structure of the container parts 3, 4 or for the container 1. The container 1 can be formed at least partially from cellulose, paper, or other fiber materials; this can be realized in a mixture of materials or in a layered structure.

[0043] The container 1 can be manufactured by an injection molding or deep drawing process.

[0044] Alternatively, the container 1 can also be manufactured, for example, by a folding, fold-glue, or thermoforming process. The locking lug 15 can also be manufactured, for example, by folding.

[0045] The first and second connecting surfaces 11, 12 can be held and aligned with each other by the first and second locking means 13, 14 in the connected state of the container 1, or can even be pressed against each other by the first and second locking means 13, 14 in the connected state of the container 1.

[0046] Each of the two container parts 3, 4 can have at least two locking means 13, 14. However, even more locking means can be provided. It is important that a firm connection of the container parts 3, 4 can be ensured around the entire circumference of the container 1.

[0047] First and second collar regions 21, 22 are formed in a ramp-shaped or curved manner in an overlap region 24 arranged in the direction of an axis 31 perpendicular to a contact surface 23 of the first or second base part 5, 6.

[0048] The base part 5, 6 can be transparent at least in a partial area 26. Of course, one or both container parts 3, 4 can also be transparent.

[0049] For example, for tamper evidence or product labeling, a banderol 27 can be provided on the container 1, which can be held on the collar 20 or between the first and second connecting surfaces 11, 12.

[0050] A banderol can be a thin band made of paper, film, or plastic sleeve for strapping one or more containers 1 or container parts 3, 4. A banderol can bundle one or more containers 1 or container parts 3, 4, secure them for transport, seal them, label them with pre-printed or just-in-time information, or advertise them at the point of sale. The banderol can include an opening indication or proof of authenticity.

[0051] Decorations and prints, IMLs (in-mold labeling) or labels (permanently attached or washable) can be applied to the container parts 3, 4, the base parts 5, 6, and / or the side wall parts 7, 8. Sleeves or laser engraving can also be applied there.

[0052] A machine-readable element 28, in particular an RFID chip 29 and / or an antenna 30, can be arranged in at least one container part 3, 4.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows the second container part 4, but the explanations also apply to the first container part 3. The container part 4 can accommodate goods 2, which can be separated from the contents of the first container part 3 or the environment by an insert part 19. Such an insert part 19 can be a flexible or rigid part, flat or a shaped body. The insert part 19 can be made, for example, of paper, plastic, film, metal such as aluminum, steel or stainless steel, of iron or non-ferrous metals. In such an insert part 19 or in a part of the interior of a container part 4 formed thereby, other goods such as cutlery, sauces, dressings, toppings or the like can be accommodated separately.

[0054] The container parts 3, 4 can have a first and / or second connecting surface 11, 12, which are designed as a sealing surface 17.

[0055] The connecting surfaces 11, 12 can be designed for multiple sealing, with or without cleaning between resealing processes after use. This is important in the recycling economy to ensure that used containers can be fully reused after cleaning.

[0056] Alternatively, it can be provided that a seal 18 is arranged on the first and / or second connecting surface 11, 12.

[0057] The insert part 19 can be designed to be sealable against the first and / or second connecting surface 11, 12. The sealing can be effected only against one of the two connecting surfaces 11, 12 of the two container parts 3, 4 or against both. The container 1 can be designed as a stackable, reusable container. Reusable here means that the container 1 is not disposed of after a single use or subjected to a recycling process, but is used multiple times, for example, cleaned, refilled or redelivered. Independent of this, but useful for reusable use, it is for a container part 3, 4 to comprise at least one stacking aid 16. A stacking aid can be a stacking edge, stacking knobs, webs or projections. The container parts 3, 4 can be conical to enable nesting.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows in section that, when the container 1 is connected, all the locking means 13, 14 of the two container parts 4, 5 can jointly form an apron-shaped collar 20 that extends around a large part of the circumference of the webs around the container 1. The first locking means 13 can form first collar regions 21, and the second locking means 14 can form second collar regions 22. The collar 20 can also be stepped, or the collar regions 21, 22 can be arranged at a height offset from one another.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows the container 1 in a partially opened state. The method for opening the container 1 can be described with reference to this figure. First, deform at least a first and a second locking means 13, 14; the deformation can occur through direct user intervention on the locking means 13, 14 or on collar regions 21, 22 or indirectly through another movement or deformation of the two container parts 3, 4. Then, disengagement of a first and a second locking means 13, 14 on the first and / or second web 9, 10. Further, disengagement of the further first and second locking means 13, 14 on the first and second web 9, 10. Finally, lifting the first container part 3 from the second container part 4.

[0060] The deformation of the first and second locking means 13, 14 can be effected by a user via a deformation of a base part 5, i.e. indirectly.

[0061] Alternatively, the deformation of the first and second locking means 13, 14 can, as already shown in Fig. 5 in the partially open state of the container 1, be achieved by a user rotating the two container parts 3, 4 relative to one another and thereby lifting the first container part 3 towards the second container part 4 by means of the ramp-shaped or curved shape 25 in the overlap region 24 of the first and second collar regions 21, 22. The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not restricted to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments are also possible and this variation possibility lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action based on the invention in question.

[0062] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0063] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0064] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0065] Reference number list

[0066] Container 31 Axis

[0067] Product 32 Valve first container part 33 Interior second container part 34 Height extension first base part second base part first side wall part second side wall part first web second web first connecting surface second connecting surface first locking means second locking means

[0068] locking lug

[0069] Stacking aid Sealing surface Seal

[0070] Insert part collar first collar area second collar area contact area overlap area ramp or curved

[0071] Form transparent part banderole machine-readable element RFID chip

[0072] antenna

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Container (1) for receiving, storing and / or transporting goods (2), in particular foodstuffs, comprising a bowl-shaped, first container part (3) and a bowl-shaped, second container part (4), wherein the first container part (3) has a first base part (5), a circumferential first side wall part (7) connected to the first base part (5), and a first web (9); wherein the first web (9) is arranged circumferentially on the first side wall part (7) and on the opposite side of the first base part (5); wherein the second container part (4) has a second base part (6), a circumferential second side wall part (8) connected to the second base part (6), and a second web (10), wherein the second web (10) is arranged circumferentially on the second side wall part (8) and on the opposite side of the second base part (6);wherein the first and second webs (9, 10) are substantially flat in shape and thus form complementary first and second connecting surfaces (11, 12); wherein first locking means (13) are provided on the first web (9) of the first container part (3), which, when the container (1) is in a connected state, are locked to the second web (10) of the second container part (4); characterized in that second locking means (14) are provided on the second web (10) of the second container part (4), which, when the container (1) is in a connected state, are locked to the first web (9) of the first container part (3).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is a stackable reusable container (1) comprising at least one stacking aid (16).

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (1) is a plastic container, in particular made of one or a combination of several plastics from the group polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, modified polyester plastic, polycarbonate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, starch-based thermoplastics or polylactide.

4. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container (1) is at least partially formed from cellulose, paper or other fiber materials.

5. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container (1) is produced by an injection molding or deep-drawing process.

6. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that the container (1) is produced by a folding, folding-gluing or thermoforming process.

7. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first and second connecting surfaces (11, 12) are held and aligned with one another by the first and second locking means (13, 14) in the connected state of the container (1).

8. Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first and second connecting surfaces (11, 12) are pressed against each other by the first and second locking means (13, 14) in the connected state of the container (1).

9. Container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and / or second connecting surface (11, 12) are designed as a sealing surface (17).

10. Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connecting surfaces (11, 12) are designed for multiple sealing, with or without cleaning between new sealing operations after use.

11. Container according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a seal (18) is arranged on the first and / or second connecting surface (11, 12).

12. Container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an insert part (19) is provided between the first and the second container part (4,5) or within a container part (4,5).

13. Container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the insert part (19) is designed to be sealable against the first and / or second connecting surface (11, 12).

14. Container according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each of the two container parts (3, 4) has at least two locking means (13, 14).

15. Container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in the connected state of the container (1) all the locking means (13, 14) of the two container parts (4, 5) together form an apron-shaped collar (20) which runs around a large part of a circumference of the webs around the container (1).

16. Container according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first locking means (13) form first collar regions (21) and the second locking means (14) form second collar regions (22).

17. Container according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first and second collar regions (21, 22) are formed in a ramp-shaped or curved manner in an overlap region (24) arranged in the direction of an axis (31) perpendicular to a contact surface (23) of the first or second base part (5, 6).

18. Container according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the bottom part (5, 6) is transparent at least in a partial area (26) 19. Container according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that a banderole (27) is provided on the container (1), which is held on the collar (20) or between the first and second connecting surface (11, 12).

20. Container according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a machine-readable element (28), in particular an RFID chip (29) and / or an antenna (30) is arranged in at least one container part (3, 4).

21. A method for opening a container according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising the steps -deforming at least one first and one second locking means (13, 14); - disengaging a first and a second locking means (13, 14) on the first and / or second web (9, 10); - disengaging the further first and second locking means (13, 14) on the first and second webs (9, 10) - Lifting the first container part (3) from the second container part (4).

22. A method for opening a container according to claim 21, characterized in that the deformation of the first and second locking means (13, 14) is effected by a user via a deformation of a base part (5, 6).

23. Method for opening a container according to claim 21, characterized in that the deformation of the first and the second locking means (13, 14) via a rotation of the two container parts (3, 4) against each other by a user and a resulting lifting of the first container part (3) towards the second container part (4) by means of the ramp or curved shape (25) in the overlap region (24) of the first and second collar regions (21, 22).

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