Lid for a food preservation container

Abstract

The invention relates to a lid (20) for a food preservation box (10), which is to be positioned on the upper edge (13) of the side wall (11) of the preservation container (10) and is interlockable therewith. The lid (20) has an elastomer peripheral sealing profile. It comprises a central region (21) made of a hard thermoplastic material with a support bar (22) extending downwards and an edge region (23) surrounding the central region (21); this edge region (23) is made of a less hard thermoplastic elastomer and the sealing profile is integrated therein. The edge region (23) has a clamping ring (23.5) on the outer periphery, and has a receiving region for the upper edge (13) of the preservation container (10) which is formed between the support bar (22) on the inner side and the clamping ring (23.5) on the outer side.

Description

Lid for a food storage container FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a lid for a food storage container. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A lid is described in document DE 10 2004 063 398 A1. The peripheral sealing gasket on the underside of the lid presses against the upper edge of the storage container, creating a liquid-tight seal when the lid is snapped into place using a locking tab located against the side wall of the container. This snapping action is achieved via several tabs distributed around the periphery. During snap-on operation, a force is applied to the lid. The lid, along with its elastomer sealing gasket, is pulled up to the upper edge and held in a pre-tensioned position. This airtight and liquid-tight seal ensures hygienic food storage and easy transport.Users find it inconvenient that they have to apply a high preload to the locking tabs and that significant forces are required to open and close them. Furthermore, multiple locking tabs must always be opened or closed, typically two pairs of tabs facing each other. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to improve a lid for a storage container of the prior art mentioned above, so that more comfortable handling is made possible when opening and closing the lid, in particular with fewer locking positions, a reliable airtight and liquid-tight connection being guaranteed as before and dependable between the storage container and the lid after closure.

[0004] This objective is achieved by means of a lid for connection with a food storage container, where the lid is to be placed on the upper edge of the side wall of the storage container and can be locked with the storage container, and has at least one peripheral sealing profile made of elastomer,

[0005] characterized in that the lid comprises a central area with a support crossbar extending downwards and an edge area surrounding the central area, this edge area is composed of a thermoplastic elastomer and in which the sealing profile is integrated; the central area is composed of a thermoplastic material harder than that of the elastomer edge area; the edge area has on its outer periphery a clamping ring or is connected to it, and has a receiving area for an upper rim of the storage container which is formed between the support crossbar on the inner side and the clamping ring on the outer side.

[0006] The solution features an edge zone entirely formed from an elastomeric material with a specific geometry. When connected to a storage container, the lid ensures the airtightness of the entire storage container assembly through fewer locking points than is typical in the prior art.

[0007] Furthermore, a special sealing system is provided, which is based on a flexible sealing lip that is applied from the inside against the wall of the container. The sealing lip forms the end of a sealing profile designed and configured in a J-shape in cross-section, which also forms an edge area of ​​the lid and is made of an elastomeric material, in particular TPE.

[0008] In this way, an upper cross-section of the sealing profile is designed to come into contact with the upper edge of the side wall when the lid is placed. Even though a pressure force from this cross-section on the upper edge may only be exerted in the peripheral areas where the locking units are arranged, the upper elastomer cross-section nevertheless increases the sealing of the entire storage box assembly by creating a second sealing layer in addition to the sealing lip located inside.

[0009] The shaping of the sealing profile will be described below. A central section connects to the upper cross-section, which is then guided downwards towards the interior of the container. It extends into an arched section at the end of which the sealing lip is formed. Thanks to this arched shape, the sealing lip can conform to various shapes and spring back elastically when the lid is placed on the storage container, while remaining firmly pressed against the inner wall.

[0010] In order to maintain the sealing effect resulting from the elastic restoring force of the arched section and the sealing lip over the long term, the invention provides two additional measures:

[0011] Thus, what is called the central section, from which the arched section originates, is supported against a vertical support beam that forms part of the central area of ​​the lid. The central area of ​​the lid is made of a plastic material that is harder than the plastic material of the edge area. For example, the central area is made of polypropylene and the edge area of ​​a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0012] The central zone comprises a surface section that covers the entire interior space within the edge element and also features at least one inclined support crossbar in contact with the elastomer edge zone. Thanks to the support crossbar of the central zone, its contact area with the elastomer edge zone is increased, thus making the bond between the two materials more secure against delamination.

[0013] In addition, the support crossbar fully supports the central section of the elastomer edge zone, thus preventing it from having the possibility of moving inwards under the effect of elastic prestress, whereby the sealing lip could lose its firm contact with the inner wall of the container.

[0014] Furthermore, to prevent the container wall from being pushed outwards by the elastic rim area, a clamping ring connects to the rim area, which is located immediately before the outer wall of the container. The clamping ring prevents the container wall from bulging outwards.

[0015] The clamping ring is preferably an external profile section integrated into the lid's edge area, formed from an elastomer. When the storage container is closed, the upper edge of the container is positioned between the external clamping ring and the internal central section. This central section maintains a sufficient distance from the inner side of the container wall to allow for the deformation of the curved area and the sealing lip. Furthermore, the clamping ring sits directly against the outer wall of the container to prevent outward deformation of the container wall during tightening.

[0016] The profiling of the edge area, including the adjacent sections of the central area, is important to achieve the sealing of the storage box assembly according to the invention; however, it must also fulfill other functions during the use of the storage box assembly, such as for the manufacture of the lid.

[0017] Thus, the cross section, the central and arched sections connecting to it, and the sealing lip connecting to it in turn are preferably profiled so that the upper side of the sealing lip is oriented horizontally with respect to a lifting plane when the whole forming a storage box is closed, or even ends slightly sloping outwards, in any case so that the formation of a groove in which liquid can accumulate is avoided.

[0018] Furthermore, the edge area profiling must allow the lid to be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Since significant inward deformation of the elastomer edge area is not possible due to the hardness of the central area, preferably made of a hard material with its support cross member, the preferred embodiment must allow for demolding of the lid from an injection molding tool.

[0019] Thus, between the outer clamping ring and the central section, an internal space with a trapezoidal cross-section is formed, its cross-section narrowing slightly towards the top. Furthermore, the support crossbar of the central area extends downwards only until the arched section with the sealing lip can be separated below the lower edge of the support crossbar.

[0020] Preferably, a parting plane is located in the injection mold approximately at the height of the bearing surface formed by the upper cross-section, so that the outer periphery of the edge zone is divided into a lower and an upper part, both parts extending towards the parting plane at a slight outward angle. The lower part of the outer periphery of the edge zone is formed by the clamping ring, which, viewed in cross-section, has a slightly trapezoidal shape and tapers downwards.

[0021] Furthermore, to facilitate the release of the lid, which is previously attached to the storage container, at least one vent valve is preferably integrated into the lid so that pressure equalization with the surrounding environment can be achieved. This eliminates the pressure exerted by the lid on the storage container, based on differential pressure. Lifting the lid then requires only minimal force from the user to overcome the friction of the sealing lip against the inner wall of the container. The vent valve thus facilitates one-handed operation or makes it possible when, due to temperature differences between the food inside the container and the ambient temperature, a pressure difference develops after the lid has been placed and locked.

[0022] The venting valve includes at least one venting channel extending from the outer side of the lid, through the elastomer rim area, and to an opening in the container. A venting channel opening on the outer side is locked by a valve closure element when the movable locking tab is engaged against the storage container. This creates a leak-proof seal. When the locking tab is disengaged, the venting channel is also released, allowing pressure equalization between the inside of the container and the surrounding environment.Whereas in the prior art, for ventilation openings, a small elastic valve closing element is most often pressed against an opening in a rigid structure, the invention reverses the choice of material properties, that is, a rigid valve closing element is pressed against a mouth opening in an elastic structure. In doing so, a small, concave, hump-shaped valve closing element suffices, which is formed directly against the snap-on tab. Therefore, no separate part of the snap-on tab is necessary, as such a separate part would have had to be fixed as a single piece and could easily detach during use.

[0023] The lid according to the invention can be combined with a storage container having a base and a side wall, a locking projection being formed against the outer wall of the storage container, against the upper edge, which locking projection preferably extends continuously and without interruption around the entire periphery. The locking projection serves to attach the lid's snap-on elements and, moreover, due to the widening of its cross-section, provides reinforcement for the upper edge of the outer wall of the container.

[0024] The lid according to the invention and the corresponding storage container form a storage box assembly with a minimum of two facing locking units on the periphery of the lid. Among these units, at least one locking position is configured with at least one pivoting snap-on tab connected to the lid. This snap-on tab can be fixed, without a hinge, by means of a molded element, against a locking projection on the storage container.

[0025] The second locking unit is formed either by a second locking tab of the same type or, according to a preferred embodiment, by a fixed, non-movable locking element which, when the lid is positioned slightly at an angle to the container, can be hooked or engaged under the locking protrusion of the storage container and initially hold the lid on one side by complementary shape. The lid is then pressed against the upper rim of the storage container and locked against the container by complementary shape with the movable locking tab present at its opposite end.

[0026] In this preferred embodiment with a single fixed locking element and a single movable locking element, only one locking element, in the form of a movable snap tab, needs to be manipulated to connect the lid to the storage container or to release it from it, thus creating a liquid seal. This facilitates one-handed operation: the lid can first be hooked against the storage container on one side, and then the movable snap tab is pressed down with one hand on the other side until it reaches the hooked position. Conversely, to open, it is sufficient to release a single snap tab, position the lid at an angle, and then remove it from the hook by aligning its shape with the storage container.

[0027] The locking units described on facing sides can also be formed by several locking elements located close to each other but separated from one another. In this case, the locking locations refer to facing locking areas arranged against the storage container, in which several locking elements are arranged side by side in the same functional manner.

[0028] The locking projection positioned against the container wall should preferably have an undercut in the profile, as should the corresponding movable or non-movable locking element, so that a reliable form complementarity is obtained.

[0029] The locking protrusion can, for example, be designed as a crossbar extending outwards from the outer wall of the container. This configuration is preferred for plastic containers to allow for a thinner wall. It is also preferred for stainless steel containers, where a thinner wall is essential.

[0030] A recess can also be designed into the outer side of the container, the upper edge of which forms the locking protrusion. This is advantageous for thick-walled storage containers, such as those made of ceramic or glass.

[0031] Thus, it is possible to combine the same lid with storage containers made of different materials.

[0032] Preferred, but not limiting, aspects of this lid, alone or in combination, are as follows: the edge area is profiled in a J-shape in the cross-section, a central section connecting to an upper cross-section, which central section is guided downwards along the support cross-section and is supported against it while being connected to it by complementary material, and extends into an arched section that moves away from the support cross-section and terminates in a sealing lip that is designed for application against an inner wall of the storage container; against the edge of the lid is designed at least one fixed hook section and on the periphery and facing it, at least one snap hook is arranged on a pivoting snap tab that is connected to the lid.The snap tab is connected to the central area via a non-elastic plastic bridge area, which extends beyond the edge area. A pivoting snap tab and the hook section are arranged facing each other on at least two facing sections of the lid's periphery. The lid has at least one vent valve comprising at least one vent channel and at least one movable closure element via the snap tab for closing the vent channel, wherein the vent channel extends through the sealing profile, above the bearing area against the lid on the upper edge of the storage container and to a lower side of the lid. The cross-section of the vent channel narrows from the interior space of the container to the opening on the outer side of the sealing profile.

[0033] According to the invention, a food storage box assembly is also proposed, comprising a storage container and a lid according to the invention described above which can be separated from it, in which the storage container has a base and a side wall which terminates against a top edge and has at least one locking element against at least two side wall sections respectively.

[0034] Preferred but not limiting aspects of this storage container assembly, alone or in combination, are as follows: at least one locking element is formed against the storage container by a peripheral locking projection against the side wall and / or by a snap-on edge against the upper edge of a recess in the side wall of the storage container; the lid placed on the storage container engages with the hook section under the locking projection arranged on the side wall or under the snap-on edge arranged on the upper edge of a recess in the side wall; from the upper side of the rim area extends a ventilation channel which runs diagonally downwards, which is situated just slightly above the upper rim of the storage container, and then opens into the interior space of the container below the central area. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The figures show in detail:

[0036] And

[0037] respectively an assembly forming a storage box in a perspective view;

[0038] the lid in a perspective view seen from below;

[0039] a cross-sectional perspective view;

[0040] an enlarged representation of the area marked in the;

[0041] a cross-section of the entire storage box assembly in the area of ​​the locking unit;

[0042] a detail of a perspective view seen from the bottom of the assembly forming a storage box with the snap tab open (not engaged);

[0043] a detail of a perspective view seen from the bottom of the assembly forming a storage box with the snap-lock tab closed (engaged);

[0044] a detail of a perspective view seen from the bottom of the assembly forming a storage box with the snap tab open (not engaged);

[0045] a detail of a perspective view seen from the bottom of the lid with the snap tab open (engaged);

[0046] a portion of a longitudinal section through the entire storage box assembly with the snap tab closed (engaged);

[0047] a portion of a longitudinal section through the assembly forming a storage box with the snap tab open (not engaged);

[0048] a detail of a perspective view seen from the bottom of an assembly forming a storage box according to a second embodiment, with the snap tab open (not engaged);

[0049] the whole forming a storage box with the lid open in a side view and

[0050] an enlarged detail of a cross-sectional representation through the rim area of ​​the storage container and lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Lamontre shows a storage box 100 with a storage container 10 and a lid 20 placed on top, in a perspective view. The storage container 10 comprises a base 12 and a side wall 11 with an essentially rectangular cross-section, and strongly rounded transition zones 11.3 existing between sections of the side wall 11.1 and 11.2. The side wall 11 has a stacking edge 15.

[0052] The lid 20 consists of a central zone 21 made of a transparent plastic material, for example polypropylene, and an edge zone 23 made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The lid 20 engages with a hook section 25 under a locking projection, not visible here in the figure, arranged on the outer side of the storage container 10. The hook section 25 and the locking projection form a first locking unit.

[0053] On the narrow side of the storage container 10, facing the hook section 25, a snap-on tab 30 is connected to a bridge area 26 of the edge area 23 via a film hinge 32. The bridge area 26 is composed, like the snap-on tab 30 and the film hinge 32, of the same plastic material as the central area 21.

[0054] The snap tab 30 contains two snap hooks 31 on its lower side to be oriented towards the side wall 11. The snap tab 30 and the hook section 25 serve to connect by complementary shape with the side wall sections 11.1, 11.2 facing each other in pairs, and form a second locking unit.

[0055] Lamontre shows the entire assembly forming the storage box 100 completely closed in a perspective view. The snap-on tab 30 is brought closer by pivoting against the side wall 11, so that there is a locking mechanism by complementary shape between the lid 20 and the storage container 10.

[0056] Lamontre shows the lid 20 alone in a perspective view from below. In this case, a continuous, internally peripheral sealing lip 23.4 is particularly visible. Below the snap-on tab 30, the edge zone 23 is interrupted in a section of the edge zone 28 to allow for the tight and precise application of the snap-on tab 30 against the side wall 11 of the storage container. The sealing lip 23.4 extends without any interruption around its entire periphery.

[0057] On the lower side of the snap-on tab 30 are formed two snap-on hooks 31 as well as a valve closing element 42, through which the inlet opening of a ventilation channel 41 can be closed when the snap-on tab 30 is lowered and locked against the edge of the container.

[0058] Lamontre shows how the lid 20 is brought closer to the storage container 10 by guiding it to close it. For this purpose, it is positioned at an angle and hooked under the locking projection 14 with the hook section 25 located at the bottom towards the container 10, then pivoted downwards until it reaches the upper edge 13, as indicated by the arrow.

[0059] Lamontre shows a perspective cross-sectional view running along the central axis between the two longer side walls 11.2 of the storage container 100. The edge zone 23 of the lid 20 rests on and encloses an upper edge 13 of the side wall 11. The elastomer edge zone 23 is pressed inward against a support cross member 22 of the central zone 21, which is made of a hard thermoplastic material. The central zone 21 is connected to the support cross member 22 by complementary materials. The support cross member 22 is interrupted where a ventilation channel 41 opens into the interior space of the container.

[0060] This is an enlarged representation of the area marked in the upper left corner. The profiling of the edge zone 23 becomes particularly detailed in this representation. It comprises, firstly, an upper cross-section 23.1 which has a bearing surface on its lower side against which the edge zone 23 rests on the upper edge 13 of the side wall 11. On an inner flank, the cross-section 23.1 is connected by complementary material to the support beam 22 of the central region 21. On this side and moving downwards, the cross-section 23.1 continues as a central section 23.2. The central section 23.2 is also supported by the support beam 22. The edge zone 23 is connected to the central zone 21 by complementary shape.

[0061] Below the support cross member 22, the central section 23.2 extends into an arched section 23.3 which terminates in a continuous sealing lip 23.4. On the outer side of the edge area 23, another vertical cross member is provided, extending downwards from the cross section 23.1 and acting as a clamping ring 23.5 to grip the side wall 11 and prevent it from swelling under the pressure of the arched area 23.3, including the elastically deformed sealing lip 23.4.

[0062] In the representation of the, the tip of the sealing lip 23.4 appears to continue into the side wall of the container 11. This representation is evident from the fact that the sealing lip 23.4 and the arched section 23.3 are shown undeformed and are in fact designed with a certain excess to ensure a constant application of the sealing lip 23.4 against the inner wall of the container in the context of maintaining a constant prestress.

[0063] Lamontre shows a cross-section of the whole forming the storage box in the area of ​​the hook section 25. Thus, it is visible that the hook section 25 is designed and configured with an undercut and that it is hooked into the area of ​​the upper edge 13 under the locking projection 14 also with an undercut.

[0064] This is a detail of a perspective view taken obliquely from the bottom of the assembly forming a storage box. The lid 20 is placed on the side wall 11. The snap-on tab 30 is not engaged and is folded upwards; the valve closing element 42 arranged against it is away from the ventilation channel.

[0065] The watch shows the same view as after the downward pivoting of the snap-in tab 30 and the start of its engagement. The snap-in hooks 31 of the snap-in tab 30 engage under the locking projection 14 of the side wall 11. The snap-in tab 30 is applied tightly against the storage container 10 so that its outer side is essentially flush with the edge area 23 of the lid 20.

[0066] Lamontre again shows the situation before the locking of the lid 20 with the storage container 10 from a slightly different, but similar, angle of approach. Thus, the position of the valve closing element 42 near the opening of the vent channel 41 is particularly visible. The valve closing element 42 and the vent channel 41 together form a vent valve 40. The vent channel 41, not yet closed, allows air to enter or leave the interior space of the container.

[0067] The edge zone 23 is partially interrupted in the edge zone section 28. In the edge zone section 28, a portion of the upper cross-section 23.1 is missing from the profile. A portion of the clamping ring 23.5 is also missing, having been removed. However, there is no interruption in the contact area with the side wall 11 to ensure the airtightness of the assembly forming the storage container. The ventilation channel 41, which is not yet closed, allows air to enter or exit the interior of the container.

[0068] Lamontre uses the same approach as above, but without the storage container. The position of the ventilation channel 41 is particularly visible. This extends from the opening in the edge zone section 28 to the interior space. The ventilation channel 41 is guided so deeply that its outer casing extends beyond the cross-sectional profile of the edge zone 23 and connects at this point, as a cross member 24, to the interior of the edge zone 23. Thanks to this design of the ventilation channel 41, the central zone 21 can, on the one hand, be arranged vertically to provide stiffening for the edge zone 23, which is particularly evident in Figures 3 to 5.On the other hand, the cross member 24 also serves to support the elastomer area all around the ventilation channel 41, because in this area an interruption of the support cross member 22 is necessary for the mouth of the ventilation channel 41 (see).

[0069] The diagram shows a portion of a longitudinal section that runs through the locking area of ​​the lid 20 with the storage container 10 by means of the snap-on tab 30. The valve closing element 42, on the rear side of the snap-on tab 30 made of hard plastic, presses against the relatively softer environment of the rim area 23, and thus closes the opening of the ventilation channel 41. It is clearly visible in the diagram that the ventilation channel 41, starting from the upper side of the rim area 23, runs just slightly above the upper edge 13 of the storage container 10, extending diagonally downwards, and then opening into the interior space of the container below the central area 21.

[0070] Lamontre presents an identical representation to that of the, but with the ratchet tab 30 open. The valve closing element 42 on the rear side of the ratchet tab 30 is moved away by pivoting from the opening of the ventilation channel 41 so that the latter is now open.

[0071] Figure 10 represents a detail of a perspective view of a storage container assembly 100' according to a second embodiment, viewed from below from a latching tab 30'. The storage container 10 with its side wall 11 remains unchanged. A lid 20' also largely corresponds to the embodiment of the lid 20 described above. The difference with the lid 20' is that two ventilation channels 41 open into a section of the edge zone 28' of an edge zone 23', and a recessed handle 29' is designed between the two. This allows the latching tab 30', which is held tightly against the side wall 11 in the locked position, to be more easily grasped and unlocked.

[0072] Figure 1 shows an enlarged detail of a cross-section through the edge zone 23 of the storage containers 10 and lid 20 to illustrate the geometric relationships that enable the specific functionality of the storage container assembly according to the invention. The lid 20 with the edge zone 23 is preferably manufactured using a two-component injection molding process, the edge zone 23 being made of a thermoplastic component that is more flexible than the material of the central zone 21, which is in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. A support plane 23.6, with which the edge zone 23 rests against the upper edge 13 of the side wall 11, corresponds to the parting plane in the injection molding tool.

[0073] The following dimensions are particularly important in this respect: A vertical opening dimension t between the tip of the sealing lip 23.4 and the lower side of the clamping ring 23.5. A horizontal opening dimension u between the tip of the sealing lip 23.4 and the inner side of the clamping ring 23.5. A vertical distance v between a bearing surface 23.6, with which the edge area 23 rests on the upper edge 13 of the side wall 11, and a horizontal tangent against the lower outer arched area 23.2. A horizontal distance w, which is measured between a vertical tangent against the inner arched area 23.2 and the bearing surface for the tip of the sealing lip 23.4 against the inner side of the container side wall 11. The distance w is generally about 6 mm. An overhang x, which indicates how far the tip of the sealing lip 23.4 protrudes.4, in its undeformed state, theoretically extends beyond its bearing surface on the inner side of the container side wall 11. A distance y, which is measured between a vertical tangent against the outer arched area 23.2 and the tip of the sealing lip 23.4. The distance y is generally about 9 mm. A gap z, measured between the widest extension of the locking projection 14 beyond the outer side of the container side wall 11 and the inner side of the clamping ring 23.5. An angle α, measured in cross-section between the bearing plane 23.6 and an outer surface of the edge area 23.5 above the bearing plane 23.6 or an outer surface of the edge area 23.5 below the bearing plane 23.6.

[0074] The overhang x is, in all cases, non-zero and greater than zero, and is in particular between 1.6 mm + / - 0.5 mm to guarantee sufficient support force on the inner side of the container wall.

[0075] The gap z is, in all cases, non-zero and greater than zero, and is in particular between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm at the narrowest location to ensure that the lid 20 can on the one hand be lowered down to the edge of the container without resistance due to friction forces, and on the other hand be close to the clamping ring 23.5 after the locking of the lid 20 against the container 10 so that the side wall of the container 11 rests sufficiently early against the clamping ring 23.5 and that an excessive bulge of the container 10 is avoided.

[0076] The distance w must be at least 4 mm to allow sufficient mobility of the sealing lip 23.4, and preferably it is between 4 and 10 mm. The sealing lip 23.4 must be able to move elastically into the gap defined by the dimension w, particularly when the lid 20 is placed on the rim of the container 13. The sum of the distances u + z should be at least 3 mm and the opening dimension t at least 2 mm.

[0077] The horizontal dimensions x and z mentioned are preferably applied to the center of the long sides in the case of a rectangular lid 20, since, in use, significant deformations such as outward bulging are expected in this area. In contrast, in arched corner areas, there is greater dimensional stability due to the arched shape, so the x dimension can be reduced to as little as 1.2 mm and the z dimension from approximately 2.0 mm to just 1.2 mm.

[0078] These geometric conditions not only ensure that the sealing lip 23.4 and the arched area 23.3 are designed to be sufficiently flexible and, in use, apply against the inner wall of the container, but also that the sealing lip 23.4 and parts of the arched area 23.3, as well as parts of the injection molding tool, can be deformed to the point of not being damaged when the elastomer edge area 23 is demolded from the injection molding tool.

[0079] Furthermore, the watch shows that, when the cover is placed, the lower edge of the clamping ring 23.5 is approximately at the height of the lower side of the locking projection 14 and the lower side of the support cross member 22. Below this imaginary plane are only the arched area 23.3 and the sealing lip 23.4.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment shown, the curved area 23.3 narrows from a thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm at the end of the support cross member 22 to a thickness of 1 mm to 3 mm against the tip of the sealing lip 23.4. In addition to the geometric relationships described above, a reduction in the cross-section 23.1 to less than 50% is advantageous for allowing the undamaged removal of the edge area 23 from the injection mold. Furthermore, the greater thickness at the curved area 23.3 results in a stronger restoring force. The thinner sealing lip 23.4 facilitates its deformation when the lid 20 is placed on the container 10, so that the lid 20 can be fitted with minimal effort. Reference signs:

[0081] 100; 100' set forming storage box

[0082] 10 storage containers

[0083] 11 side wall

[0084] 11.1, 11.2 side wall sections

[0085] 12 background

[0086] 13 top border

[0087] 14 locking projection

[0088] 15 stacking border

[0089] 20, 20' lid

[0090] 21 central zone

[0091] 22 support crossbeam

[0092] 23, 23' edge zone

[0093] 23.1 upper cross-section

[0094] 23.2 central section

[0095] 23.3 arched section

[0096] 23.4 sealing lip

[0097] 23.5 clamping ring

[0098] 23.6 support plan

[0099] 24 crossbeam

[0100] 25 crochet sections

[0101] 26 bridge zone

[0102] 28, 28' edge zone section

[0103] 29" recessed handle

[0104] 30; 30' snap-on tab

[0105] 31; 31' snap hook

[0106] 32 film hinge

[0107] 40 ventilation valve

[0108] 41 ventilation duct

[0109] 42 valve closing element

Claims

Lid (20; 20') intended to be connected to a food storage container (10), wherein the lid (20; 20') is to be placed on an upper edge (13) of a side wall (11) of the storage container (10) and can be locked with the storage container (10), and has at least one peripheral sealing profile made of elastomer, characterized in that the lid (20; 20') comprises a central zone (21) with a support crossbar (22) extending downwards and an edge zone (23) surrounding the central zone (21), this edge zone (23) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and in which the sealing profile is integrated; the central zone (21) is made of a thermoplastic material harder than that of the edge zone (23) made of elastomer; the edge zone (23) has on its outer periphery a clamping ring (23.5) or is connected to it, and has a receiving area for the upper rim (13) of the storage container (10) which is formed between the support cross member (22) on the inner side and the clamping ring (23.5) on the outer side. Lid (20; 20') according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge area (23) is profiled in the shape of a J in the cross section, in which a central section (23.2) connects to an upper cross section (23.1), which central section is guided downwards along the support cross member (22) and is supported against it while being connected to it by complementarity of material, and extends into an arched section (23.3) which moves away from the support cross member (22) and terminates in a sealing lip (23.4) which is designed for application against an inner wall of the storage container (10). Lid (20; 20') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has against its edge at least one fixed hook section (25) and further has on the periphery and facing, at least one snap hook (31) arranged on a pivoting snap tab (30; 30') which is connected to the lid (20; 20'). Lid (20; 20') according to claim 3, characterized in that the snap-on tab (30; 30') is connected to the central area (21) via a bridge area (26) made of non-elastic plastic material, which extends beyond the edge area (23). Lid (20; 20') according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the pivoting snap tab (30; 30') and the hook section (25) are arranged facing each other respectively on at least two facing sections of the periphery of the lid (20; 20'). Lid (20; 20') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (20; 20') has at least one ventilation valve (40) which includes at least one ventilation channel (41) and at least one closure element (42) movable via the snap tab (30; 30') for closing the ventilation channel (41), in which the ventilation channel (41) extends through the sealing profile, above the bearing area against the lid (20; 20') on the upper edge (13) of the storage container (10) and down to a lower side of the lid (20; 20'). Lid (20; 20') according to claim 6, characterized in that the cross-section of the ventilation channel (41) narrows from the interior space of the container to the mouth on the outer side of the sealing profile. Assembly forming a food storage box (100; 100') with a storage container (10) and a lid (20; 20') which can be separated from it according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container (10) has a base (12) and a side wall (11) which terminates against a top edge (13) and has at least one locking element against at least two side wall sections (11.1, 11.2) respectively. Assembly forming storage box (100; 100') according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one locking element is formed against the storage container (10) by a peripheral locking projection (14) against the side wall (11) and / or by a snap-on edge against the upper edge of a recess in the side wall (11) of the storage container (10); the lid (20; 20') placed on the storage container (10) engages with the hook section (25) under the locking projection (14) arranged on the side wall (11) or under the snap-on edge arranged on the upper edge of a recess in the side wall (11). Assembly forming storage box (100; 100') according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that from the upper side of the edge area (23) runs an air channel (41) which extends diagonally downwards, which is located just slightly above the upper edge (13) of the storage container (10), then opens into the interior space of the container below the central area (21).

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