WO2016102928A1

WO2016102928A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: WO2016102928A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/053976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lee Buchanan Mallan
Original assignee: Pps East Limited
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-12-14
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

A reusable container including an open topped rectangular body (10) and a removable lid (44) sealingly mountable on top of the body (10) to close same. Co-operable profiled sealing parts (16, 50) are provided respectively around a rim of the body (10) and an edge of the lid (44). The body sealing part (6) has in cross section an upper part (72) extending into an outwardly projecting part with a recess (76) therebeneath. The lid sealing part (50) is provided with an inwardly pointing lip (66) which is engageable in the body sealing part recess (76) to retain the lid (44) in sealing engagement on the body (16).

Description

Container

This invention concerns a reusable container, and also a storage system.

Reusable containers are widely used to carry goods and produce for instance to supermarkets and other retail establishments. Problems can however be encountered when storing and carrying certain products in reusable containers. One such product is fish where it is imperative that no leakage occurs which otherwise could spoil adjacent products and/or cause an unpleasant or unacceptable leakage.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a reusable container, the container including an open topped at least generally rectangular body, and a removable lid, sealingly mountable on top of the body to close same, co-operable profiled sealing parts being provided around a rim of the body and an edge of the lid, the body sealing part having in cross section an upper part extending into an outwardly projecting part with a recess provided therebeneath, the lid sealing part being provided with an inwardly pointing lip which is engageable in the body sealing part recess, to retain the lid in sealing engagement on the body.

The lid sealing part lip may not be provided in corner areas of the lid, to facilitate removal of the lid from the body.

The body sealing part may include an inwardly facing surface on the rim of the body.

The lid sealing part may include an engagement part engageable against the body sealing part inwardly facing surface when the lid and body are bought together such that for the lid sealing part to engage in the body sealing part recess, the lid sealing part requires to be temporarily deformed. The lid sealing part engagement part may be inclined upwardly and outwardly.

The edge of the lid may be raised and may surround an at least generally planar support area.

The lid sealing part engagement part may extend over only part of the lid sealing part. The lid sealing part may be provided at spaced intervals along the sides and/or ends of the lid, and may be separated by abutment parts which define a space on the support area to receive the underside of a similar body. The abutment parts may present an at least generally planar abutment face facing the support area.

The underside of the body may be profiled such that the majority of any weight in the body is borne by corner areas of the body. A central part of the base of the body may be recessed gently upwardly so as to generally not be engageable with a surface beneath the body.

The underside of the side and/or end edges of the body between the body corners, may be recessed so as not to be generally engageable with a surface beneath the body. A continuous band which is engageable with a surface beneath the body may be provided on the underside of the body between the recessed central part and the side and end edges of the body. The body may be nestable with similar such bodies when lids are not provided thereon.

An inward step may be provided in the corners of the body. The inward step may be such that when two similar bodies nest together the respective inward steps engage with each other. Outwardly extending tabs may be provided at some or all corners of the lid to facilitate removal thereof from the body.

Outwardly extending tabs may be provided at some or all corners of the body spaced below the top of the body.

The outwardly extending tabs on the lid and body may be positioned so as to face each other when the lid is on the body, and be spaced apart. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a storage system, the system comprising a plurality of reusable containers according to any of the preceding thirteen paragraphs.

The containers may be such that when located adjacent each other the lids on adjacent bodies do not contact each other. An outwardly projecting flange may be provided around at least part of the bodies which extends outwardly beyond a lid mounted on the body. The outwardly projecting flange may be provided below the recess part of the body sealing part, and may be provided immediately below the recess part of the body sealing part.

The system may comprise containers some of a first smaller size and some of second larger size.

The bodies of the smaller size containers may be smaller than those of the larger size containers, and the same lids may be sealingly mountable on both the smaller and larger bodies.

The smaller and larger bodies may have similar dimensions across upper and lower parts thereof, but be of different depths. The system may be configured such that a plurality, and for instance two, smaller bodies with lids thereon stacked on each other, are substantially the same height as a larger body with a lid thereon. The inward step may be provided in the corners of the smaller bodies, and may be configured to support the lower corner of a larger body when nested therein.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a first container part according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view from below of the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic end view of the container part of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view from beneath of the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a second container part according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view from below of the container part of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a third container part according to the invention;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective from below of the container part of Fig. 9;

Fig. 1 1 is a diagrammatic end view of the container part of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic side view of the container part of Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic plan view of the container part of Fig. 9;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view from beneath of the container part of

Fig. 9;

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a lid of a container according to the invention;

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic perspective view from beneath of the lid of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic end view of the lid of Fig. 15; Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic side view of the lid of Fig. 15;

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic plan view of the lid of Fig. 15;

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view from beneath of the lid of Fig. 15; Fig. 21 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view through two lids as shown in Fig. 15 stacked together; Fig. 22 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional end view through two lids as shown in Fig. 15 stacked together;

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic perspective view from beneath of part of the lid of Fig. 15;

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of part of the lid of Fig. 15; Fig. 25 is a diagrammatic perspective view from below of part of the lid of Fig. 15;

Fig. 26 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view through part of the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 27 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a further part of the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 28 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a container with the container part of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 29 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a container with the container part of Fig. 9; Fig. 30 is a diagrammatic cross sectional side view of part of a container with a lid fitted on a body at a side part of the container;

Fig. 31 is a similar view to Fig. 30 but at a corner part of the container; Fig. 32 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of two container parts as shown in Fig. 1 nested together; Fig. 33 is a diagrammatic partially cut away view similar to Fig. 32;

Fig. 34 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a plurality of container parts according to the invention nested together;

Fig. 35 is a diagrammatic partially cut away view of Fig. 34;

Fig. 36 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a plurality of containers according to the invention stacked together and located adjacent each other;

Fig. 37 is a diagrammatic sectional view showing containers according to the invention located adjacent each other; and

Fig. 38 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above showing containers according to the invention stacked together and located adjacent each other.

Figs. 1 to 6 show a first body 10. The first body 10 has a generally rectangular configuration but with rounded corners 12, and side walls 14 which diverge upwardly. The first body 10 has a sealing part 16 around its rim which will be described in more detail subsequently. An outwardly projecting flange 18 is provided below the sealing part 16, and the flange 18 drops a short distance at each corner 12 to provide corner flanges 20. An inward step 22 is provided around two thirds of the way from the top of the body at each corner 12, for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

The first body 10 is configured such that most of the weight therein is borne around the corners 12 of the body. A central part 24 of the base 26 of the body 10 is recessed gently upwards so as to generally not be ground engaging. The underside 28 of the first body around the side and end edges between each of the corners 12, is recessed gently upwardly so as generally not be ground engaging which leaves a ground engaging ring 30 of material spaced from the ends and side edges of the first body 10, but connecting to the corners 12.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a second body 32 of a container which is similar to the first body 10 except that no inward steps are provided.

Figs. 9 to 14 show a third body 34 which is bigger than the first and second bodies 10, 32. The upper and lower dimensions of the third body 34 are the same as the first and second bodies 10, 32, but the third body 34 is deeper. Accordingly the third body diverges upwardly more gently than the side walls 14 of the first and second body. Again no inward step is provided on the third body 34. With the third body 34 two spaced flanges 38, 40 are provided, but only the lowermost flange 40 provides corner flanges. Figs. 15 to 25 show lids 44 according to the invention, which lids 44 can be used on any of the first, second or third bodies 10, 32, 34. The top of the lids 44 provide a generally rectangular planar support area 46 of a size to receive the underside of any of the first, second or third bodies 10, 32, 34. A raised edge 48 is provided around the support area 46, and the raised edge 48 includes a lid sealing part 50. As indicated the tops of the first, second and third bodies 10, 32, 34 have rounded corners 12, and the lid sealing part 50 follows this profile. A corner flange 52 extends from each corner of the lid.

The support area 46 definition and sealing part 50 are provided alternately around the raised edge 48 by alternate support area sections 54 and sealing part sections 56. The support area sections 54 provide substantially vertical side walls 58.

The lid sealing part 50 (see Fig. 30) comprises a space defined by an outwardly and upwardly inclined surface 60 extending from the support area 46 in the sealing part sections 56 which leads to an downwardly facing horizontal face 62 and an outer rim 64, which rim has an inner facing lip 66 at its lower end. The lip 66 is however not provided in the corner areas of the lid 44 (as shown in Figs. 22 and 31 ), to facilitate removal of the lid 44 from the bodies 10, 32, 34. The body sealing part 16 as perhaps best shown in Figs. 26, 30 and 31 comprises an upwardly extending rim 68 with a substantially vertical inner face 70. An upper portion 72 diverges downwardly from an upper surface 74 and is then cut in to provide a recess 76 above the flange 18. The sealing parts 16, 50 are configured such that as the body sealing part 16 enters the lid sealing part 50, this will cause the lid rim 64 to be temporarily deformed, and then the rim 64 will return to its previous alignment, now resting against the upper portion 72 of the body sealing part 16, with the lip 66, engaging in the recess 76 other than in the corner parts. This provides for a very good positive engagement between the lid 44 and the respective body 10, 32, 34 so as to provide a good seal to for instance sealingly retain fish and any juices in the containers.

The respective corner flanges 52, 20, 42 on the lid and bodies, enable the body 10, 32, 34 and lids 44 to readily be pulled apart when it is required to remove a lid 44. The corner flanges 52, 20, 42 also permit the lid 44 to be pushed onto a respective body 10, 32, 34 by a person's hand pushing the respective corner flanges 52, 20, 42 together. As is shown in Figs. 32 to 36 the bodies 10, 32, 34 can nest together.

Figs. 32 and 33 show two first bodies 10 nesting together, and the respective steps 22 engage against each other. The nested bodies can readily be separated by pushing apart between the respective corner flanges 20. Figs. 34 and 35 show a third body 34 resting on top of two first bodies

10. In this instance the third body 34 engages against the corner steps 22 in the uppermost first body 10. Without the feature of the corner steps 22, the third body 34 would probably become jammed in the first body 10.

Figs. 36 to 38 illustrate stacking of adjacent containers, with two first bodies 10 with lids 44 on, and a third body 34 with a lid 44 on. As can be seen the respective bodies 10, 34 are dimensioned such that two stacked first bodies 10 or second bodies 24, stacked together with lids 44 on, are the same height as a third body 34 with a lid 44 on. This means that adjacent stacks of different bodies 10, 24, 34 can be provided whilst retaining common heights despite different combinations of bodies 10, 24, 34 within each stack.

As can be seen particularly in Figs. 37 and 38, the flanges 18, 38 on the bodies 10, 34 extend sufficiently outwardly such that lids 44 on adjacent bodies 10, 34 do not contact each other. This therefore means that bodies 10, 24, 34 can be readily located adjacent each other, and without the danger of inadvertent removal of lids 44 which could lead to spillage and contamination, if for instance a body 10, 24, 34 is lifted from an adjacent stack. The recessed planar support area 46 on the lids 44 provides for secure stacking together of containers and also accurate and easy location of containers in a stack. The bearing of the weight in the containers largely in the corners, and then spaced from the edges of any bodies, generally prevents damage to or bending of the containers, and also damage occurring to the edges. Weight is borne particularly by the corners which will generally be the strongest parts of the containers.

There are thus described containers with differing bodies and lids, and also a system using such containers which provide for a number of advantageous features. A good seal is provided meaning for instance goods such as fish which could potentially provide leakage and/or contamination problems can be carried out such containers. As indicated such containers can readily be handled and nested together when empty or stacked together when full. As the lids do not contact each other on adjacent stacked containers, there is a significantly reduced danger of accidental opening of the containers. The features for instance of the corner flanges mean that lids can readily be located or removed from the respective bodies thereby leading to lids being properly fitted. With such containers it will be possible for the containers to be used for multiple use being readily transportable and cleanable between uses.

A number of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance different multiples of bodies could be provided of equal height for instance to a single body. A different sealing arrangement could be provided.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1 . A reusable container, the container including an open topped at least generally rectangular body, and a removable lid, sealingly mountable on top of the body to close same, co-operable profiled sealing parts being provided around a rim of the body and an edge of the lid, the body sealing part having in cross section an upper part extending into an outwardly projecting part with a recess provided therebeneath, the lid sealing part being provided with an inwardly pointing lip which is engageable in the body sealing part recess, to retain the lid in sealing engagement on the body.

2. A container according to claim 1 , characterised in that the lid sealing part lip is not provided in corner areas of the lid, to facilitate removal of the lid from the body.

3. A container according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the body sealing part includes an inwardly facing surface on the rim of the body.

4. A container according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lid sealing part includes an engagement part engageable against the body sealing part inwardly facing surface when the lid and body are bought together such that for the lid sealing part to engage in the body sealing part recess, the lid sealing part requires to be temporarily deformed.

5. A container according to claim 4, characterised in that the lid sealing part engagement part is inclined upwardly and outwardly.

6. A container according to claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the lid sealing part engagement part extends over only part of the lid sealing part.

7. A container according to claim 6, characterised in that the lid sealing part is provided at spaced intervals along the sides and/or ends of the lid.

8. A container according to claim 7, characterised in that the lid sealing part is separated by abutment parts which define a space on the support area to receive the underside of a similar body.

9. A container according to claim 8, characterised in that the abutment parts present an at least generally planar abutment face facing the support area.

10. A container according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the edge of the lid is raised.

1 1 . A container according to claim 10, characterised in that the edge of the lid surrounds an at least generally planar support area.

12. A container according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the underside of the body is profiled such that the majority of any weight in the body is borne by corner areas of the body.

13. A container according to claim 12, characterised in that a central part of the base of the body is recessed gently upwardly so as to generally not be engageable with a surface beneath the body.

14. A container according to claim 13, characterised in that a continuous band which is engageable with a surface beneath the body is provided on the underside of the body between the recessed central part and the side and end edges of the body.

15. A container according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the underside of the side and/or end edges of the body between the body corners, are recessed so as not to be generally engageable with a surface beneath the body.

16. A container according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body is nestable with similar such bodies when lids are not provided thereon.

17. A container according to claim 16, characterised in that an inward step is provided in the corners of the body.

18. A container according to claim 17, characterised in that the inward step is such that when two similar bodies nest together the respective inward steps engage with each other.

19. A container according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that outwardly extending tabs are provided at some or all corners of the lid to facilitate removal thereof from the body.

20. A container according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that outwardly extending tabs are provided at some or all corners of the body spaced below the top of the body.

21 . A container according to claims 19 and 20, characterised in that the outwardly extending tabs on the lid and body are positioned so as to face each other when the lid is on the body, and be spaced apart.

22. A storage system, the system comprising a plurality of reusable containers according to any of the preceding claims.

23. A storage system according to claim 22, characterised in that the containers are such that when located adjacent each other the lids on adjacent bodies do not contact each other.

24. A storage system according to claim 23, characterised in that an outwardly projecting flange is provided around at least part of the bodies which extends outwardly beyond a lid mounted on the body.

25. A storage system according to claim 24, characterised in that the outwardly projecting flange is provided below the recess part of the body sealing part.

26. A storage system according to claim 25, characterised in that the outwardly projecting flange is provided immediately below the recess part of the body sealing part.

27. A storage system according to any of claims 22 to 26, characterised in that the system comprises containers some of a first smaller size and some of second larger size.

28. A storage system according to claim 27, characterised in that the bodies of the smaller size containers are smaller than those of the larger size containers, and the same lids are sealingly mountable on both the smaller and larger bodies.

29. A storage system according to claim 28, characterised in that the smaller and larger bodies have similar dimensions across upper and lower parts thereof, but be of different depths.

30. A storage system according to any of claims 27 to 29, characterised in that the system is configured such that a plurality of smaller bodies with lids thereon stacked on each other, are substantially the same height as a larger body with a lid thereon.

31 . A storage system according to claim 30, characterised in that the system is configured such that two smaller bodies with lids thereon stacked on each other, are substantially the same height as a larger body with a lid thereon.

32. A storage system according to any of claims 22 to 31 when dependent on claim 18, characterised in that the inward step is provided in the corners of the smaller bodies.

33. A storage system according to claim 32, characterised in that the inward step is provided in the corners of the smaller bodies, and is configured to support the lower corner of a larger body when nested therein.

34. A reusable container, the container being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

35. A storage system, the system being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

36. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.