Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF IPER ANNEX UNDER PCT ARTICLE 36
PCT/EP2004/011196 H 1709 WO ME/WOS
July 11, 2006
HUHTAMAKI ALF 2005013448
- 1 -
Container
The invention relates to a container with bottom shell and cover
shell and with means for interlocking the cover shell with the
bottom shell.
Such a container is for example known from US 3,830,395 A.
Such containers are used for storing and transporting all kinds
of small items, particularly including food products, as, for
instance, fresh cheese, yoghurt, and similar, and, in the case of
the latter, also salad mixtures, which are provided with dressing
or to which only the dressing needs to be added.
Conventional containers, for example for yoghurt, with locking or
interlocking means that are as simple and as economically priced
as possible, are provided with a bottom shell with corresponding
cover shell, the cover shell having, in the area of the opening
rim, a so-called cover skirt with catch elements, which reach
under the shell rim. When opening the container, the cover skirt
is pulled over the opening rim. For this purpose, it is
necessary to reach under the cover skirt, to loosen the snap
lock, and to remove the cover. This is not only unhandy but
involves the risk of the fingers coming into contact with the
container contents.
The invention is based on the technical problem of providing a
container, the interlocking means of which allow, on the one
hand, firm interlocking between bottom shell and cover shell and,
on the other hand, easy opening, and offer the possibility of
even holding the container overhead, without causing the
interlock to be loosened.
KC-1388390-i
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
2
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
The solution of this technical problem is achieved by the characteristics of
the independent claim.
Advantageous enhancements are set forth by the dependent claims.
According to the invention, it became obvious that the above-stated technical
problem can be
solved by a container with a bottom shell and a cover shell and with means for
interlocking the
cover shell with the bottom shell, wherein the substantially circular opening
rim of the bottom
shell has at least two first sections with radial extension, each having at
least one undercut, the
cover shell having, at its opening rim, at least two second sections which
correspond to the first
sections as far as the radial extension is concerned, and each of the second
sections having at
least one undercut which corresponds to the undercut of the the appertaining
first section so that,
during a rotation of the bottom shell relative to the cover shell,
interlocking takes place in the
area of the undercuts of the first and associated second sections.
As undercut, one considers most particularly a slant, which allows positive
locking with a
corresponding counterpart. Particularly, lugs that can be gxasped from behind
are not undercuts
according to the invention.
The radial extension denotes horizontal rim areas of the shell and/or bottom
shell, which extend
radially outward or inward.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
3
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
The solution has the advantage that, even in the case of major forces
perpendicular to the plane
spanning the opening rim, the container remains tightly closed and that, in
spite of the high
locking force, easy unlocking is possible.
Moreover, the lock has the advantage that in case of light, solid items or of
liquids in the
container, nothing reaches the outside during opening. If, for example, a
salad with a salad
dressing is inside the container, there is no risk of salad dressing spurting
out when the container
is opened, and getting the user's hands dirty.
For closing and opening, bottom shell and cover shell are rotated against each
other. Depending
on the embodiment of the first and second sections, closing and opening can
take place in the
same direction of rotation. It is, however, also possible to close the
container by a rotation to the
right and opening it by rotating to the left. The first sections are
preferably formed by radial
increases in widthl of the bottom shell rim.
These radial increases in width can be designed in symmetry or in asymmetry to
a radial
intersecting line. In the first case, the opening rim has jaw-like increases
in width, by means of
which, while retaining the direction of rotation, the container can be closed
and opened. These
first sections alternate in a peripheral direction with unwidened sections of
the opening rim so
that, when setting on the cover shell, the corresponding second sections can
be inserted there and
then, by twisting bottom shell and cover shell, can be caused to engage with
the first sections.
The perimeters of the first and second sections are preferably equal in
length. It is, however, also
possible, for example, to select for the first sections a larger perimeter
than for the second
sections of the cover shell. In any case, the perimeters of the unwidened
sections of the opening
rim of the bottom shell must be appropriately adapted.
hypo: "Verbreitungen" (distributions, dispersions) instead of
"Verbreiterungen"
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
4
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
In the second case, as a result of the asymmetric sections, in a top view, the
opening rim has a
sawtooth-like structure. The corresponding second sections of the cover
element form a
sawtooth-like structure in the opposite direction. In this form of embodiment,
closing of the
container takes place by rotating bottom shell and cover element in one
direction and opening by
rotating in the opposite direction.
The undercuts of the first and second sections herein can, in fact, also be
designed corresponding
to each other, but different.
It is possible for the first and the corresponding second section to show the
shape of the letter Z
in a cross section. This simple profile provides an undercut in the section
that is slanted
downward and toward the container interior. The areas that extend outward
and/or inward assure
that, in the locked state, the corresponding undercuts of the first and the
second sections do not
become separated from each other because otherwise the locking force would be
reduced or lost.
Furthermore, it is possible for the first and the corresponding second
sections, in a radial cross
section, to show a profile that comprises three radial extension areas,
between which at least one
undercut as well as, as the case may be, an area that is substantially
oriented perpendicular to the
plane of the opening rims, is arranged. As a result, the hold of the cover,
compared to a Z-
profile, is over again improved.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
WO 20051035378 PCTlEP2004/011196
In an advantageous enhancement, the first and the second sections have an
undercut that is
designed thread-shaped. In this case, the slope of the undercut of the first
section relative to
perpendicular changes in the peripheral direction, initially increases to
cause the appertaining
second section to become additionally wedged, thereby increasing the locking
force over again.
The undercut surface herein is subjected to torsion up to the middle of the
section along the
peripheral direction, around a peripheral line. After passing the middle, the
slope of the undercut
decreases again, in order to allow opening of the container. Hence,
interlocking, both via an
rotation to the left and a rotation to the right is possible.
In addition to the above-stated designs of the undercuts, it is possible for
each of the first and the
second sections to have at least one thread cord. In this form of embodiment,
in each case, the
undercut is formed by the thread cord.
A fixrkher design provides for the first and the second sections to have ramps
that correspond to
each other, and the ramps can be designed thread-shaped, too.
Each ramp has at least one ramp surface, which is sloped in the peripheral
direction. The ramp
surfaces of the bottom shell preferably extend from the opening rim downward.
The ramp
surfaces of the cover shell are designed in a corresponding manner, with the
effect that, during
closing of the container, the ramp surfaces slide on each other, thereby
causing bottom shell and
cover shell to move on top of each other.
For each first and second section, two or more ramp surfaces can furthermore
be combined.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
6
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/O1 l 196
The ramps offer the advantage that the axial extension of the undercut
surfaces of the first and
second sections becomes enlarged, thereby improving interlocking.
In order to offer the user an aid about when the container is optimally
closed, it is possible to
provide for each of the first and the second sections in the area of their
greatest radial distance
from the center of the opening rim concerned to have a marking. It suffices if
at least one of the
sections concerned is provided with an appropriate marking to indicate to the
user of the
container the optimal locked position by matching markings. The marking can,
for instance, be a
color marking, a symbol, such as a triangle or an arrow. In addition to this
visual aid for optimal
interlocking of the container, the marking may also be selected in the form of
a notch, a
depression, or designed in another manner, thereby, in addition to the visual
aid, providing the
user a tactile means for detecting the optimal locked position.
For carrying out the rotary movement by hand, the container may be provided
with rotation aids.
Particularly for domed containers with a smooth surface, the possibility
suggests itself of
providing the cover shell and/or the bottom shell with a plurality of recesses
or bulges. These
may be molded into the cover shell and/or the bottom shell and be dimensionsed
in such a way
that a finger tip can be placed therein. Thereby, the hold of the forgers
while turning is improved
and the ease of use is increased.
For the same purpose, moreover an embodiment can be selected, in which the
lower area of the
bottom shell and/or the cover shell is designed polygonalIy, e.g. in the form
of a triangle or a
rhomb. In this case, the container also has a gripping aid, which prevents the
fingers fi-om
slipping off when using the container.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
WO 20051035378 PCT/EP20041011196
Preferably, in the locking area, the bottom shell or the cover shell is
equipped with a gasket. In
the rim area, the gasket is preferably molded on. The gasket may be arranged
situated inside and
is pressed inward during assembly of cover shell and bottom shell.
According to a special embodiment, the gasket can be formed by rim areas of
cover shell and
bottom shell, which are adjacent to each other in the closed stated. In order
to assure close
adjacency of the rim areas, the combination with a thread-like embodiment of
the undercuts is
preferred because during unscrewing of the cover, the rim areas are pressed
against each other.
This causes warping which assures tight sealing.
Preferably, the rim area of the cover shell is adjacent to the inside of the
bottom shell. As a
result, the sealing area is transferred into the interior of the bottom shell
which has the advantage
that no fluid can penetrate into the lock area, in particular the area of the
undercuts. After
removing the cover shell, this lock area is clean so that the user's fingers
don't become dirty when
gripping and transporting the bottom shell. A clean lock area has the
additional advantage that
the operation of the locking elements is not impaired.
Preferably, the cover shell is provided with a rim indent, which extends into
the interior of the
bottom shell. As a result, it becomes possible to transfer the sealing area
into the interior of the
bottom shell in a simple manner.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
8
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP20041011196
Bottom shell and cover element are preferably manufactured of plastic material
and by the deep-
drawing process. Hereinafter, the invention will be explained in Beater detail
based on the
figures showing in:
Fig. 1 A lateral top view of the interior of the bottom shell;
Fig. 2a a lateral top view of the outside of cover shell 2;
Fig. 2b a lateral top view of the inside of the cover shell,
Fig. 3 a closed container in a lateral view;
Fig. 3a-3d
cross sections of the lock area in a radial direction;
Fig. 4 form of embodiment of the lock area with ramps;
Fig. 5 radial cross section of a ramp of the bottom shell;
Fig. 6 a lateral top view of the interior of the bottom shell according to a
further form of
embodiment;
Fig. 7 a lateral top view of the outside of a cover shell 2 matching the
bottom shell according to
Fig. 6.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
9
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/O1l 196
Figure 1 shows a lateral top view of a bottom shell 1 with a view into the
interior of the bottom
shell. Circular opening rim 3 has a circular outward oriented horizontal
subarea 3a. Above and
on the plane spanning subarea 3a of opening rim 3, a substantially cylindrical
rise 15 is located.
Rise 15 has a total of four first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' with radial
extension, the radius of curvature
of which is substantially smaller than the circular opening radius. These
widened sections 6, 6',
6", 6"' are symmetrically designed. Sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' alternate with
areas 6a that are not
radially widened and extend over a certain peripheral area of the opening rim.
In deviation from the above-described design of opening rim 3 of bottom shell
1, additionally, a
design is furthermore possible, in which opening rim 3 does not have a flat
radially oriented
horizontal subarea 3a but, at wall 16 of bottom shell 1, passes directly into
outer perimeter wall
15a of rise 15 and the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"', e.g. via a molding of
the sections 6, 6', 6", 6"'
from the outside onto the container wall.
The perimeter of the sections 6a is equal to or greater than the perimeter of
the sections 6, 6', 6",
Each of the four first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' shown in Figure 1 has, on outer
perimeter wall 15a., an
undercutting or an undercut 4, 4', 4", 4"' respectively, of which, because of
the perspective of the
illustration, only two can be seen, namely the undercuts 4 and 4"' of the
first sections 6 and 6"'.
Undercut 4 is formed by a slope of outer perimeter wall 15a of sections 6, 6',
6", 6"'. The
simplest geometry exists whenever each of the undercuttings extends over the
entire perimeter of
sections 6, 6', 6", 6"'.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
Optionally, at least one of the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' has a marking
12. Herein, bottom shell 1
shows four markings 12, 12', 12", 12"' in the form of a notch. The notches 12,
12', 12", 12"',
designed in round form, are centrally located in sloped wall 15a, which forms
the undercuttings
4 4' 4" 4"'.
> > >
Bottom shell 1 has, as a rule, any desired shape below the substantially
circular opening rim 3. In
Figure 1, wall 16 below opening rim 3 is designed in cylinder-symmetrical
form. This cylinder-
symmetrical wall 16 is adjoined by a bulge 17, which is designed polygonally.
In Figure l, this
bulge 17 is hexagonal, projects outward, is molded onto bottom shell 1, and
when holding
bottom shell 1 from the rear, is used for better retaining the hold by the
hand while carrying out
the rotary movement. The hexagonally designed area 18a is adjoined by base 18b
and surface 19
which is slightly raised against base 18b.
Figure 2a shows a cover shell 2 from above in a lateral downward view. The
view is oriented to
the outside of cover shell 2.
Cover shell 2 also has a substantially circular opening rim 3', which is flat
and outward oriented.
The radius of this opening rim 3' corresponds to that of opening rim 3 of
bottom shell 1.
Corresponding to the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' of bottom shell l, cover
shell 2 has second
sections 7, 7', 7", 7"' with a slightly greater radial extension than2 the
first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' of
bottom shell 1, which alternate in the peripheral direction with the radially
outward projecting
sections 7a. Insofar, the second sections 7, T, 7", 7"' correspond to the
first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"'
and the areas 6a to the sections 7a. The perimeter of the second sections 7,
T, 7", 7"' herein
correspond to the perimeter of the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"'. Between the
sections 7, T, 7", 7"'
and the vaulted cover wall, there is an annular rim indent 2a, which extends
into the interior of
bottom shell 1.
ZGrammatical error here; German "wie" would actually translate to "like" (in
the meaning of "just like") but since it
is a well-known German regional grammatical error, we ignored it in English
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
11
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/O1 l 196
In the upper central area of cover shell 2, recesses 13 can be recognized
pointing into the
container interior. They allow positioning the fingers of the user in the
recesses 13 and prevent
slipping offwhile closing or opening the container.
Fig. 2b shows cover shell 2 from above in a lateral downward view, this time
the view being
oriented into the interior. The second, inward projecting sections 7, T, 7",
7"' of cover shell 2
with appertaining undercuts 5, 5', S", 5"' can be recognized, as a result of
the perspective, only
two of them, namely S and 5"', of the second sections 7 and 7"' being visible.
In this illustration,
the undercuts S, 5', 5", 5"' of cover shell 2 are formed by a constant slope
of inner perimeter wall
1 Sb.
The first and second sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' and 7, T, 7", 7"' provide, in the
form of the undercuts 4
and 5, conical surfaces which interlock during a rotary movement of bottom
shell 1 relative to
cover shell 2 by positive locking. The markings, for example in the form of a
colored marking or
ofprojections 12a, 12a', 12a", 12a"' as in Figure 2b indicate the optimal
position for firm locking.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
12
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/OI 1196
While a total of four markings 12 are provided in the bottom shell, it
suffices if, in deviation
from Fig. 2b, only one marking 12a is provided in cover shell 2.
In Fig. 2b, gasket 14 is additionally drawn in on the inner rim of opening rim
3. '
According to Figure 3, a container with cover shell 2 and bottom shell 1 can
be recognized, the
lock area of which is rimmed on the right outside via a circle. This marked
area is presented in
Figures 3a-d enlarged on the bottom in a cross section.
In Figs. 3a-d, rim indent 2a of cover 2 can be seen, being molded in in
annular form. Vaulted
cover wall 2b extends into the interior of bottom shell l and passes into an
ascending rim section
14b, which is adapted to the contour of rim section 14a of bottom shell 1.
When setting and/or
screwing cover shell 2 onto bottom shell 1, the rim sections 14a, 14b are
pressed against each
other so that a gasket 14 forms. Hence, liquid in the interior of the
container cannot get as far as
into the lock area of the undercuts 4, 5.
According to Figure 3a, cover shell 2 may have, in its outer area, a first
section with Z-shaped
profilation and insofar posseses an undercut 5, which is formed by a slanted
surface. Bottom
shell 1 has, corresponding thereto, a second section with Z-shaped profile and
also an
appertaining undercutting 4. Hence, cover and bottom shell have two radial
extensions or rim
areas 8, 8". As a result of the pressing pressure exerted when screwing
together cover and
bottom shell onto the rim sections 14a, b, area 8 can stand up, which is drawn
by the dashed line
in Fig. 3A in exaggerated form. As a result, rim section 14b is additionally
pulled inward and
against rim section 14a. The connection between cover 2 and bottom shell I
then takes place via
positive locking.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
13
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
In an additional embodiment according to Fig. 3b, the first and the
corresponding second sections
in the lateral view show a profile, which comprises three radial extension
areas 8, 8', 8", between
which at least one undercut 4 or S as well as, as the case may be, a
substantially vertically
naming area 9 is arranged, compare Fig. 3b.
In the form of embodiment shown in Fig. 3c, the undercut surfaces shown in
Fig. 3b are formed
by vertical surfaces. The undercuts 4, S are created by setoff 30, which is
also present in Fig. 3b.
An additional embodiment provides for the first and the second sections to
have thread cords 10,
10' that correspond to each other.
Each of the undercut surfaces 4 and 5 can represent a substantially vertically
running surface
while not being comically designed themselves, compare Fig. 3d. This surface
has thread cords
10, 10', which, in turn, have an undercut.
In an additional advantageous enhancement (Fig. 4), the first and the second
sections have ramps
11 and/or 11' that correspond to each other. Ramp 11 of cover shell 2 has a
triangular lateral wall
22 with ramp surfaces 24 and 24'. Corresponding thereto, the bottom shell has
a triangular lateral
wall 23 with ramp surfaces 25 and 25'. At the seam location of the ramp
surfaces 24 and 24'
and/or 25 and 25', a bulge 20' and/or a depression 20 corresponding thereto is
located. During
closing, bulge 20' snaps into depression 20, and the ramp surfaces 24, 24',
25, 25' concerned of
bottom shell l and cover 2 are in surface contact with each other. Via the
surface contact of the
sloped surfaces of the undercuts of both ramps which project into the ramps
11, 11', locking is
caused. The snapping of bulge 20' into depression 20 herein represents a
tactile aid optional to
the ramp for determining the optimal locked position.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
14
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
Via lateral wall 23, undercut 4 and appertaining bottom wall 28, a channel is
defined (see Fig. S),
into which the appertaining ramp 11 of cover shell 2 can drive. As a result of
this solution,
undercut 4 of bottom shell 1 is lengthened downward, thereby improving the
positive lock.
Vaulting 21 at the bottom of the channel represents the interlocking element
of the container
shell. '
Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the container according to the
invention. Fig. 6
shows a bottom shell 1 with four first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"', which
completely encompass
opening rim 3 of bottom shell 1 without any gap. Every first section 6, 6',
6", 6"' has a
continually increasing radial extension outward. After reaching the maximum
radial extension,
an additional first section 6, 6', 6", 6"' starts with an initially small and
subsequently increasing
radial extension. This results in the formation of corners 26, 26', 26", 26"'
and, in a top view, a
sawtooth-like embodiment. Every section 6, 6', 6", 6"' has, over the entire
perimeter extension,
an undercut 4, 4', 4", 4"'.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
Fig. 7 shows cover shell 2, corresponding to Fig. 6, with corresponding second
sections 7, T, 7",
7"'. While for the first sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' according to Fig. 6, the
radial extension increases
clockwise, it increases counter-clockwise for cover shell 2, compare Fig. 7.
In the case of cover
shell, the formation of corners 27, 2T, 27", 27"' and a corresponding sawtooth
structure occurs,
too. Thus, during closing, a positive lock occurs in the area of the first
sections 6, 6', 6", 6"' of
bottom shell l, namely in the area of the greatest radial extension.
In this form of embodiment, markings 12,12', 12", 12"' are also present in the
form of notches or
chases and inward oriented projections 12a, 12a', 12a", 12a"'. The cover shell
has recesses 13.
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
16
WO 2005/035378 PCTlEP2004/011196
Reference Mark List
1 Bottom Shell
2 Cover Shell
2a Rim Indent
2b Cover Wall
3 Opening Rim of Bottom Shell
3a Subarea of Opening Rim 3
3' Opening Rim of Cover Shell
4, 4', 4", Undercut of Bottom Shell
4"'
5,5', 5", Undercut of Cover Shell
5"'
6, 6', 6", First Section (of Bottom Shell)
6"'
6a Unwidened Area
7, T, 7", Second Section (of Cover Shell)
7"'
7a Radially Outward Projecting Section
8, 8', 8" Radial Extension Area
9 Vertical Area
10, 10' Thread Cord
11 Ramp of Cover Shell
11' Ramp of Bottom Shell
12,12',12",12"'Marking
12a,12a',12a",12a"'Projection
13 Recess
14 Gasket
14a Rim Area
14b Rim Area
15 Cylindrical Rise
15a Outer Perimeter Wall
15b Inner Perimeter Wall
16 Wall
17 Bulge
CA 02541830 2006-04-06
17
WO 2005/035378 PCT/EP2004/011196
18a Hexagonal Area
18b Base
19 Raised Surface
20 Depression .
20' Bulge ,
21 Vaulting
22 Lateral Wall of Cover
Shell
23 Lateral Wall of Bottom
Shell
24,24' Ramp Surface of Cover
Shell
25,25' Ramp Surface of Bottom
Shell
26,26',26",26"'Corner of Bottom Shell
27 Corner of Cover Shell
28 Bottom Wall
30 Setoff
