Reusable package having an indicator device, and method for closing a reusable package

Abstract

The invention describes a reusable package having a latching closure, the reusable package having an indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable package can be identified. The invention further describes a method for closing a reusable package and to a method for filling reusable packages, preferably with food, the closed reusable package being visually inspected with respect to the latching closure being in the latching position.

Description

[0001] Reusable packaging with indicator device and method for closing a reusable packaging

[0002] The invention describes a reusable package with a snap closure, wherein the reusable package has an indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable package can be recognized. The invention further describes a method for closing a reusable package and a method for filling reusable packages, preferably with foodstuffs, wherein the closed reusable package is visually checked with regard to the snap closure being in the locked position.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Reusable packaging is already well-known and is being used more and more. Reusable packaging is becoming increasingly popular, especially for food and in the catering sector, as demand and legal requirements are moving further and further away from single-use packaging.

[0005] Since 2023, caterers, delivery services, and restaurants have been required to offer reusable packaging as an alternative to disposable containers for takeaway and delivery food and drinks. Exceptions are only made for small businesses that can fill customers' own containers with food and drinks.

[0006] Consequently, there is a growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging options, as single-use packaging waste has become a major problem. It is foreseeable that this trend will continue to grow.

[0007] If reusable packaging is tightly sealed, this is usually achieved through measures that prevent the user from accidentally opening it, preferably with a snap closure. The disadvantage of this is that operators (caterers, delivery services, and restaurants) and end customers cannot be certain that the reusable packaging has not been opened, either accidentally or intentionally, on its way to them.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reusable packaging whose closure status can be quickly and reliably identified.

[0009] It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for sealing reusable packaging, preferably with a foodstuff, with which the sealing status of the reusable packaging can be quickly and reliably identified.

[0010] It is further an object of the invention to provide a method for filling reusable packaging, preferably with a foodstuff, with which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be quickly and reliably identified.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The problem is solved by means of the reusable packaging according to the invention, preferably for the packaging of foodstuffs. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0013] The reusable packaging according to the invention, preferably for packaging food, comprises a container and a closure element. The container has the volume to hold the food and can be closed with the closure element. The closure element has a first locking element of a snap closure, and the container has a second locking element of the snap closure. The container can be closed with the closure element using the snap closure, which is locked in the closed position. The reusable packaging is therefore protected against unintentional opening.

[0014] According to the invention, the reusable packaging has a display device, the display device indicating the closure status of the reusable packaging. The display device optionally shows whether the snap closure is engaged in the closed position; it also optionally indicates the open state of the reusable packaging.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, the container can be repeatedly closed using the snap closure. Optionally, the closure status of the reusable packaging can also be repeatedly identified. This has the advantage that even after multiple uses, the user can see whether the reusable container is properly closed. Properly closing the reusable packaging prevents the ingress of air, foreign objects, and / or animals into the reusable packaging, as well as leakage and / or spillage, for example, if the filled reusable packaging is tilted.

[0016] For the purposes of this document, the closure status of the reusable packaging according to the invention indicates whether the reusable packaging is properly closed by means of the snap closure or not. In particular, the closure status indicates whether the snap closure is in the locked position, i.e., engaged in a closed position, or whether the snap closure is in an open position, i.e., not engaged.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closure status is visually recognizable. The closure status of the reusable packaging can therefore be quickly determined. Optionally, the closure status of the reusable packaging can also be determined by touch. It is thus possible to see whether the snap closure is properly engaged or not.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, elements of the indicator device are arranged on both the closure part and the container. The position of the elements of the indicator device relative to each other can be changed by closing and / or opening the snap closure, thus indicating the closure status of the reusable packaging.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking status of the snap closure is indicated by the display device. The display device shows the locking status of the reusable packaging visually and / or optionally also haptically. In a further embodiment of the invention, the snap closure has a locking position, whereby the reusable packaging is closed in the locking position of the snap closure. The reusable packaging is protected against unintentional opening in the locking position of the snap closure.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator device comprises a marking on the container and / or on the locking element that reflects the position of the locking element. When the locking mechanism is locked, the markings are positioned differently relative to each other on the container and / or locking element than when the locking mechanism is open. The locking status is therefore quickly recognizable by optically detecting the relative positions of the markings.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking element is designed as a rotary lock, wherein the locking element has a marking arranged on the side of the rotary lock. Optionally, the marking has a different position when the locking lock is in the locked position than when it is open.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container has a marking, wherein the marking is arranged adjacent to the closure element when the reusable packaging is closed. Optionally, the markings are aligned with each other in the locked position, i.e., in the closed state, while they are spaced apart when the snap closure is not locked and / or open. The closure status can therefore be quickly determined by visually detecting the relative positions of the markings.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator device comprises a locking element arranged on the container and / or a locking element arranged on the closure part, wherein the position of the locking element arranged on the container or the position of an element coupled to the locking element arranged on the container is visible. The locking mechanism thus simultaneously serves as the indicator device by which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized. In a further embodiment of the invention, the closure part has an opening and / or a window through which the locking element of the container is visible. The opening forms part of the locking mechanism and is simultaneously part of the indicator device by which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, the locking element of the container is visible in the closed position. When the locking mechanism is open, the locking element of the container is not visible, so the closed status is easily and quickly recognizable visually.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator device comprises an elastic element of the closure part, wherein the elastic element is movable relative to the container by movement of the closure part. The elastic element optionally includes a locking element of the closure part. The locking closure thus simultaneously serves as the indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the elastic element assumes a different position in the closed position of the snap closure than in other positions of the snap closure. The elastic element optionally includes a locking element of the closure part. The snap closure thus also serves as an indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the positions of the elastic element are visually distinguishable. The elastic element optionally includes a locking element of the closure part. The locking mechanism thus also serves as an indicator device by which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0028] The problem is further solved by means of the inventive method for closing a reusable package, preferably for packaging food.

[0029] The inventive method for closing a reusable package, preferably for food packaging, comprises three process steps: In the first process step, a closure part of the reusable package is placed onto a container of the reusable package, wherein the reusable package has a snap closure. At this point, the snap closure is not engaged, i.e., the reusable package is open. The snap closure is engaged in the closed position. The reusable package is therefore protected against unintentional opening.

[0030] In the second process step, the closure element is moved relative to the container. Optionally, the closure element is moved by means of a rotary motion. This movement locks the snap closure, thus preferably creating a reversible closure for the reusable packaging.

[0031] In the third process step, a display on the reusable packaging changes due to the movement of the closure element relative to the packaging. The display optionally indicates whether the snap closure is locked; it can also optionally indicate whether the reusable packaging is open.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, the movement of the locking element relative to the container causes the snap closure to enter a latching position, with the indicator of the display device changing upon reaching the latching position. The display device optionally indicates whether the snap closure is locked in the closed position; also optionally, the display device indicates the unlocked and / or open state of the reusable packaging.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the display of the indicator device changes when the locking mechanism engages. The display only changes when the locking mechanism is engaged. When the locking mechanism is not engaged, the display remains unchanged. The engagement state, and thus the closure status of the reusable packaging, is therefore easily and reliably visible.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator device comprises a marking on the container and / or on the closure part, wherein the position of the marking changes when the closure part moves relative to the container. When the latch is in the locked position, the markings are positioned differently relative to each other on the container and / or closure part than when the latch is open. The closure status is therefore quickly recognizable by optically detecting the relative positions of the markings.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking element is designed as a rotary lock, wherein the locking element has a marking arranged on the side of the rotary lock. Optionally, the marking has a different position when the locking lock is in the locked position than when it is open.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container has a marking, wherein the marking is arranged adjacent to the closure element when the reusable packaging is closed. Optionally, the markings are aligned with each other when closed, while they are spaced apart when the snap closure is open. The closure status can therefore be quickly determined by visually detecting the relative positions of the markings.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator device comprises a locking element arranged on the container and / or a locking element arranged on the closure part, wherein the position of the locking element arranged on the container or the position of an element coupled to the locking element arranged on the container is visible. The locking closure is thus simultaneously the indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the closure part has an opening and / or a window through which the locking element of the container is visible. The opening forms part of the locking mechanism and is simultaneously part of the indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, the locking element of the container is visible in the closed position. When the snap closure is open, the locking element of the container is not visible, so the closure status is easily and quickly recognizable. In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicator device includes an elastic element of the closure part, wherein the elastic element is movable relative to the container by movement of the closure part. The elastic element optionally includes a locking element of the closure part. The snap closure thus simultaneously serves as the indicator device by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the elastic element changes its position relative to the closure part when the snap closure reaches the closed position. The elastic element optionally incorporates a locking element of the closure part. The snap closure thus also serves as an indicator device by which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, the positions of the elastic element are visually distinguishable. The elastic element optionally includes a locking element of the closure part. The locking mechanism thus also serves as an indicator device by which the closure status of the reusable packaging can be recognized.

[0042] The inventive method for filling reusable packaging, preferably with foodstuffs, comprises four process steps: In the first process step, a reusable packaging container is provided. The reusable packaging has a container for holding the foodstuff and a closure element for closing the container.

[0043] In the second process step, the container is preferably filled with a food product. In the third process step, a closure part of the reusable packaging is placed onto the container of the reusable packaging, which has a snap closure. At this point, the snap closure is not locked, meaning the reusable packaging is open. The snap closure is then rusted in the closed position. In the fourth process step, the container is closed with a closure part of the reusable packaging, whereby the reusable packaging is closed by means of a snap closure, with the snap closure being in the locked position. The reusable packaging is therefore protected against unintentional opening.

[0044] According to the invention, the sealed reusable packaging is checked with regard to the locking mechanism being in the latching position, the check being carried out by visual inspection. The reusable packaging optionally has a display device by means of which the latching state and thus the closure status of the reusable packaging can be indicated.

[0045] In a further development of the invention, the reusable packaging includes a display device designed and suitable for indicating the closure status of the snap fastener. The display device optionally shows whether the snap fastener is locked in the closed position; it also optionally indicates the open state of the reusable packaging.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, the display device is a display device according to claims 1 to 14.

[0047] Fig. 1a: Top view of the inside of a closure part

[0048] Fig. 1b: Side view of a container

[0049] Fig. 1c: Detail view of the top of a container

[0050] Fig. 2a: Side view of a locking part

[0051] Fig. 2b: Side view of a container

[0052] Fig. 2c: Side view of a reusable package, not latched

[0053] Fig. 2d: Side view of a reusable packaging, locked in place

[0054] Fig. 3a: Side view of a locking part

[0055] Fig. 3b: Side view of a container

[0056] Fig. 3c: Side view of a reusable package, not latched

[0057] Fig. 3d: Side view of a reusable packaging, locked in place

[0058] Fig. 4a: Perspective view of the outside of a locking component. Fig. 4b: Perspective view of the inside of a locking component.

[0059] Fig. 4c: Side view of a container

[0060] Fig. 4d: Top view of the upper side of a locking part, not latched

[0061] Fig. 4e: Perspective view of a reusable packaging, not locked in place

[0062] Fig. 4f: Top view of the upper side of a locking part, latched

[0063] Fig. 4g: Perspective view of a reusable packaging, locked in place

[0064] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the reusable packaging 1 according to the invention, preferably for containing foodstuffs. The reusable packaging 1 comprises a container 10 (Fig. 1b) and a matching closure part 20 (Fig. 1a). The closure part 20 is designed as a twist lock and has five first locking elements 31. Complementarily, the container 10 also has five second locking elements 32 on its outer surface (Fig. 1c). The first locking elements 31 and the second locking elements 32 form the snap lock 30. The container 10 can be reversibly closed by placing the closure part 20 onto the container 10 and rotating the container 10 and closure part 20 relative to each other. The snap lock 30 engages in the closed position (lock position).

[0065] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a reusable packaging 1 according to the invention, which has a display device 40. The display device 40 has a marking 41 on the closure part 20 (Fig. 2a) and a marking 42 on the container 10 (Fig. 2b). The markings 41 and 42 are arranged on the sides of the closure part 20 and the container 10, respectively, and are designed as arrows. The container 10 can be closed by means of the closure part 20 and the snap closure 30, as described in Fig. 1.

[0066] To close the reusable packaging 1, after the container 10 has been positioned, the closure part 20 is placed onto the container 10 (Fig. 2c). The markings 41, 42 of the container 10 and the closure part 20 are spaced apart. A relative rotational movement of the closure part 20 and the container 10 is then performed, with the closure part 20 typically being moved. As the closure part 20 moves relative to the container 10, the snap closure 30 engages in a latching position, and the indicator of the display device 40 changes (Fig. 2c): During the rotational movement of the closure part 20, the distance between the first marking 41 and the second marking 42 decreases until the closure part 20 engages with the container 10 in the latching position. In the rest position, the markings 41, 42 are arranged so that they are adjacent to each other (Fig. 2 d).

[0067] To fill the reusable packaging 1, after the container 10 has been provided, the container 10 is preferably filled with a food product, and the closure part 20 is placed onto the container 10 (Fig. 2c). The markings 41, 42 of the container 10 and the closure part 20 are spaced apart. A relative rotational movement of the closure part 20 and the container 10 is then performed, with the closure part 20 typically being moved. As the closure part 20 moves relative to the container 10, the snap closure 30 enters a latching position, and the indicator of the display device 40 changes (Fig. 2c): During the rotational movement of the closure part 20, the distance between the first marking 41 and the second marking 42 decreases until the closure part 20 snaps into the latching position with the container 10. In the rest position, the markings 41, 42 are arranged so that they are adjacent to each other (Fig. 2 d).The filled reusable packaging 1 is then inspected for its closure status. In the closed position, the locking mechanism 30 is engaged, and the markings 41 and 42 are aligned. The inspection therefore checks whether the markings 41 and 42 are aligned and antiparallel to each other. The inspection is carried out visually by a filler and / or a user of the reusable packaging 1, but can also be performed automatically, for example, by a camera and an attached evaluation unit.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a reusable packaging 1 according to the invention, which has a snap closure 30 that differs from the embodiments shown previously (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2). The indicator device 40 is also designed differently. In this embodiment, the snap closure 30 has the first locking element 31, which is arranged as an opening 43 on the side of the closure part 20 (Fig. 3a). The second locking element 32 is designed as a protrusion on an outer surface of the container 10 and is dimensioned such that, in the snap position of the reusable packaging 1, the second locking element 32 is arranged in the opening 43 (Fig. 3d). To close the reusable packaging 1, after the container 10 has been placed in position, the closure part 20 is placed on the container 10 (Fig. 3c). The opening 43 and the second locking element 32 are spaced apart from each other.A relative rotational movement of the closure part 20 and the container 10 is then performed, during which the closure part 20 is moved. This rotational movement of the closure part 20 relative to the container 10 causes the snap closure 30 to enter a latching position, with the second latching element 32 being positioned in the opening 43. The second latching element 32 thus engages in the opening 43 (Fig. 3d). The closure part 20 is made of an elastic material so that the second latching element 32 can slide along the inner side edge 21 of the closure part 20 even during the relative rotational movement. In the latching position, the inner side edge 21 of the closure part 20 is flush with the upper outer side edge of the container 10, thus closing the container 10.

[0069] In the locked position, the second locking element 32 is visible in the opening 43. The locking mechanism 30, comprising the first locking element 31 designed as the opening 43 and the second locking element 32 designed as a complementary protrusion, therefore forms an indicator device 40 by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging 1 can be checked.

[0070] To fill the reusable packaging 1, after the container 10 has been provided, the container 10 is preferably filled with a food product, and the closure part 20 is placed onto the container 10 (Fig. 3c). The opening 43 and the second locking element 32 are spaced apart. A relative rotational movement of the closure part 20 and the container 10 is then performed, during which the closure part 20 is moved. This movement of the closure part 20 relative to the container 10 causes the locking mechanism 30 to enter a locking position, with the second locking element 32 being positioned in the opening 43. The second locking element 32 thus engages in the opening 43 (Fig. 3d). The closure part 20 is made of an elastic material so that the second locking element 32 slides on the inner side edge 21 of the closure part 20 even during the relative rotational movement.The inner edge 21 of the closure element 20 is flush with the upper outer edge of the container 10 in the locked position, thus sealing the filled container 10. The reusable packaging 1 is then checked for its closure status. In the closed position, the locking mechanism 30 is engaged, and the second locking element 32 is visible in the opening 43. The check verifies whether the second locking element 32 is visible in the opening 43. This check is performed visually by a filler and / or a user of the reusable packaging 1, but can also be performed automatically, for example, by a camera and an attached evaluation unit. Alternatively or additionally, the check can be performed haptically.

[0071] A variant of the above embodiment (see Fig. 3) is shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment as well, the snap closure 30 simultaneously serves as the indicator device 40. In this embodiment, the snap closure 30 has a first locking element 31, which is arranged as a protrusion on an elastic element 44 on the inside of the side edge 21 of the closure part 20 (Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b). The second locking element is formed as a recess on the outside of the container 10 (Fig. 4c) and is dimensioned such that, in the locked position of the reusable packaging 1, the first locking element 31 is arranged within the second locking element 32 (Fig. 4f, Fig. 4g).

[0072] To close the reusable packaging 1, after the container 10 has been provided, the closure part 20 is placed onto the container 10 (Fig. 4d, Fig. 4e). The first 31 and second locking element 32 are spaced apart from each other, and the elastic element 44 with the first locking element 31 is at an angle to the side edge 21 of the closure part. In the unrusted closed state of the reusable packaging 1, the elastic element 44 is therefore visible in a top view of the upper surface of the closure part 20 (Fig. 4d).

[0073] A relative rotational movement of the closure part 20 and the container 10 is then performed, whereby the closure part 20 is moved. Due to the rotational movement of the closure part 20 relative to the container 10, the snap closure 30 enters a latching position, whereby the first latching element 31 is positioned within the second latching element 32 and engages with the second latching element (Fig. 4f, Fig. 4g). In the latching position, the elastic element 44 is at no angle to the side edge 21 of the closure part (Fig. 4f). The inner side edge of the closure part 20 is flush with the upper outer side edge of the container 10 in the latching position, thus closing the container 10.

[0074] In the locked position, the elastic element 44 is therefore not visible from above on the top side of the closure part. The elastic element 44 thus forms an indicator 40 by means of which the closure status of the reusable packaging 1 can be visually checked by looking at the top side of the closure part 20.

[0075] To close the reusable packaging 1, after the container 10 has been provided, the container 10 is preferably filled with a food product and the closure part 20 is placed onto the container 10 (Fig. 4d, Fig. 4e). The first locking element 31 and the second locking element 32 are spaced apart from each other, and the elastic element 44 with the first locking element 31 is at an angle to the side edge 21 of the closure part. In the unlocked closed state of the reusable packaging 1, the elastic element 44 is therefore visible in a top view of the upper surface of the closure part 20 (Fig. 4d).

[0076] A relative rotational movement of the closure part 20 and the container 10 is then performed, whereby the closure part 20 is moved. Due to the rotational movement of the closure part 20 relative to the container 10, the snap closure 30 enters a latching position, whereby the first latching element 31 is positioned within the second latching element 32 and engages with the second latching element (Fig. 4f, Fig. 4g). In the latching position, the elastic element 44 is at no angle to the side edge 21 of the closure part (Fig. 4f). The inner side edge of the closure part 20 is flush with the upper outer side edge of the container 10 in the latching position, thus closing the filled container 10.

[0077] The reusable packaging 1 is then inspected for its closure status. In the closed position, the snap closure 30 is engaged, and the elastic element 44 is not visible from above on the top of the closure part 20. Therefore, it is checked whether the elastic element 44 is visible from above on the top of the closure part 20. The inspection is carried out visually by a filler and / or a user of the reusable packaging 1, but can also be performed automatically, for example, by a camera and an attached evaluation unit. Alternatively or additionally, the inspection can be performed haptically. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

[0078] Reusable packaging

[0079] container

[0080] Closure part

[0081] Closure part side edge

[0082] Snap-lock fastener

[0083] First locking element of the locking mechanism (locking part)

[0084] Second locking element of the locking mechanism (container)

[0085] Display device

[0086] Marking of the locking part

[0087] Container marking

[0088] Opening / Window

[0089] Elastic element of the closure part

Claims

PATENTA SPECIALS 1. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs containing: • a container (10) and • a closure part (20), wherein the closure part (20) has a first locking element (31) of a snap closure (30), wherein the container (10) has a second locking element (32) of the snap closure (30), wherein the container (10) can be closed with the closure part (20) using the snap closure (30), characterized in that the reusable packaging (1) has a display device (40), wherein the closure status of the reusable packaging (1) is recognizable by the display device (40).

2. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 1 , characterized in that the closure status is visually recognizable.

3. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 2, characterized in that elements of the display device (40) are arranged on the closure part (20) and on the container (10).

4. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure status of the snap closure (30) is recognizable by means of the indicator device (40).

5. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the snap closure (30) has a locking position, wherein the reusable packaging (1) is closed in the locking position of the snap closure (30).

6. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator device (40) comprises a marking (41) on the container (10) and / or on the closure part (20) which reflects the position of the locking element (31 , 32).

7. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 6, characterized in that the closure part (20) is designed as a screw cap, wherein the closure part (20) has a marking (41) which is arranged on the side of the screw cap.

8. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the container (10) has a marking (41), wherein the marking (41) is located adjacent to the closure part (20) in the case of a closed reusable packaging (1).

9. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (40) comprises a locking element (31, 32) arranged on the container (10) and / or a locking element (31, 32) arranged on the closure part (20), wherein the position of the locking element (32) arranged on the container (10) or the position of an element coupled to the locking element (32) arranged on the container (10) is visible.

10. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure part (20) has an opening and / or a window (43) through which the locking element (32) of the container (10) is visible.

11. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the locking element (32) of the container (10) is visible in the closed position.

12. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (40) has an elastic element (44) of the closure part (20), wherein the elastic element (44) is movable by movement of the closure part (20) relative to the container (10), and wherein the elastic element (44) of the closure part (20) is movable relative to the closure part (20).

13. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 12, characterized in that the elastic element (44) assumes a different position in the closed position of the snap closure (30) than in another position of the snap closure (30).

14. Reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 13, characterized in that the positions of the elastic element (44) are visually distinguishable.

15. Method for sealing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs comprising the following process steps: • Placing a closure part (20) of the reusable packaging (1) onto a container (10) of the reusable packaging (1), wherein the reusable packaging (1) has a snap closure (30), • Moving the locking part (20) relative to the container (10) and • Changing a display of a display device (40) of the reusable packaging (1) as a result of the movement of the closure part (20) relative to the reusable packaging (1).

16. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking mechanism (30) enters a locking position through the movement of the closure part (20) relative to the container (10), the display of the indicator device (40) changes when the detent position is reached.

17. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 16, characterized in that the change of the display of the display device (40) is effected by the locking of the snap closure (30).

18. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the indicator device (40) comprises a marking (41) on the container (10) and / or on the closure part (20), wherein the position of the marking (41) changes when the closure part (20) is moved relative to the container (10).

19. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 18, characterized in that the closure part (20) is designed as a screw cap, wherein the closure part (20) has the marking (41), wherein the marking (41) is arranged on the side of the screw cap.

20. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 19, characterized in that the container (10) has a marking (41), wherein the marking (41) is arranged on the container (10) adjacent to the closure part (20) when the reusable packaging (1) is closed.

21. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the indicator device (40) comprises a locking element (31, 32) arranged on the container (10) and / or a locking element (31, 32) arranged on the closure part (20), wherein the position of the locking element (32) arranged on the container (10) or the position of an element coupled to the locking element (32) arranged on the container (10) is visible.

22. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 21 , characterized in that the closure part (20) has an opening and / or a window (43) through which the locking element (32) of the container (10) is visible.

23. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 22, characterized in that the locking element (32) of the container (10) is visible in the closed position.

24. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to one or more of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the indicator device (40) has an elastic element (44) of the closure part (20), wherein the elastic element (44) is moved by the movement of the closure part (20) relative to the container (10) of the closure part (20), wherein the movement of the elastic element (44) is relative to the closure part (20).

25. Method for closing a reusable packaging (1) preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 24, characterized in that the elastic element (44) changes its position relative to the closure part (20) when the locking position of the snap closure (30) is reached.

26. Method for closing a reusable packaging, preferably for packaging foodstuffs according to claim 25, characterized in that the positions of the elastic element (44) are visually distinguishable.

27. Method for filling reusable packaging (1) preferably with foodstuffs comprising the following process steps: • Providing a container (10) of a reusable packaging (1), • Filling the container (10) preferably with a foodstuff, • Placing a closure part (20) of the reusable packaging (1) onto a container (10) of the reusable packaging (1), wherein the reusable packaging (1) has a snap closure (30), • Closing the container (10) with a closure part (20) of the reusable packaging (1), wherein the reusable packaging (1) is closed by means of a snap closure (30), wherein the snap closure (30) is in the locked position of the reusable packaging (1), characterized in that the closed reusable packaging (1) is checked with regard to the snap closure (30) being in the locked position, wherein the check is carried out by a visual inspection.

28. Method for filling reusable packaging (1) preferably with foodstuffs according to claim 27, characterized in that the reusable packaging (1) has a display device (40) which is designed and suitable for indicating the closure status of the snap closure (30).

29. Method for filling reusable packaging (1), preferably with foodstuffs according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the display device (40) is one or more of the features of a display device (40) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14.

30. Method for filling reusable packaging (1), preferably with foodstuffs according to one or more of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the method comprises one or more of the method steps for closing a reusable packaging according to one or more of claims 15 to 26.

Images