ES2717529T3 - Edge for a container - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Edge for a container

Background

This invention relates to a flange assembly for a container, to a container that includes a flange assembly, and to a method for forming a container that includes a flange assembly.

There is a general desire and need to reduce the amount of waste that is produced and a unit to recycle as much as possible. One area in particular that is receiving a lot of attention is packaging.

Containers for hazardous liquids, such as paints, are difficult to dispose of in an environmentally safe manner and very few containers are recycled due to contamination of the paint, oil or other similar substance.

Known paint containers and similar containers filled with liquids dangerous to the environment are typically made of a semi-rigid plastic material or metal. After use, the container remains contaminated with paint residues or the like and the entire container must be disposed of in an appropriate manner depending on the type of hazardous liquid. Often the containers end up in a specialized dump. However, the cost associated with handling these containers means that it is increasingly difficult to dispose of them conveniently and cost-effectively.

It is known to provide containers for liquids such as paint comprising a main body formed of cardboard and having an inner plastic liner, such as that described in the United Kingdom patent application. GB 2492887. These containers have the advantage that the contaminated plastic coating can be separated from the cardboard cover for disposal once the contents of the container have been used.

Typically, the contents of the container are not all used at the same time and, therefore, it is necessary to be able to repeatedly seal the container and prevent the liquid contents from evaporating or drying between uses. However, it is often difficult to form a good seal, ie, a liquid-proof seal, between a container made of cardboard or laminated cardboard and a lid if it is necessary to be able to repeatedly remove the lid from the container.

For example, it is known how to seal a paper cup or container with an aluminum foil lid that is heat sealed on the container flange. These caps can provide a good seal; however, they are designed for single use and once they have been removed, the container can not be resealed. It is also known that plastic lids snap onto the rolled flange of a typical paper container or cup, such as those with a drinking hole for the disposable coffee cups. These caps can be used repeatedly to close the container; however, they do not provide a good seal. As such, any liquid contents of the container can spill through small spaces between the container flange and the lid. This is especially problematic near the overlapping seams in the container due to the change in the thickness of the sidewall and flange in this region.

WO 2012/107212 discloses a flange assembly according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method according to the preamble of claim 13.

A cover engages the liner and main body to releasably secure the liner assembly to the main body. This allows to reuse or recycle the main body of the container. DE 10 2012 109559 describes a cover for a container that includes a plurality of tabs that engage with the container to releasably secure the cover to the container. The tabs are held in place by a circumferential band.

WO 2005/051792 discloses a closure for a container that includes a plurality of safety lugs that engage with the container to releasably secure the closure to the container. A locking ring secures the lugs coupled with a side wall of the container.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sealing element for a container that allows a reliable and repeated sealing of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a flange assembly according to claim 1 is provided.

Typically, the tabs are spaced around and extend from a periphery of the frame member. Each of the tabs may include a channel or recess for receiving a portion of the retaining means. In preferred embodiments, the securing tabs are configured in such a way that, during use, when the tabs are in the second position, each of the coupling members extends completely through the opening. respective. In some embodiments, the securing tabs are configured in such a manner that when the tabs are in the second position, each of the coupling members comes into contact with the frame member.

Preferably, the flange assembly is configured such that, during use, when the safety tabs are in the second position, each of the safety tabs extends downwardly on an outer surface of the side wall of the main body. .

To simplify the manufacture of the frame element, the securing tabs and the sealing means are preferably parts of a unitary flange element. Each of the safety tabs is preferably connected to the frame element by means of a live hinge.

The retaining means can be formed integrally with the securing tabs and / or the frame element or, alternatively, the retaining means can be separated from the rest of the flange assembly. In some preferred embodiments, the retaining means comprises a strap. The retaining means may comprise a band or tape.

Each of the security tabs preferably has a first surface and a second surface. In these embodiments, the coupling member extends from the first surface and, during use, when the safety tabs are in the second position, the retaining means is in contact with the second surface of each of the tabs.

Typically, the sealing means and the safety tabs will be provided on opposite sides of the frame member.

To allow the flange assembly to fit a cylindrical container, the frame member is preferably in the form of an annular member.

The flange assembly may further comprise at least two coupling members connected to the frame member for coupling from a handle to the flange assembly. The coupling means may allow a handle to be rotatably coupled to the flange assembly. In some of these embodiments, when the retaining means are engaged with the securing tabs for retaining said tabs in the second position, the point of attachment of the handle to each of the coupling members is below the upper edge of the container that the means of retention.

To allow the flange assembly to be easily removed from the main body of the container after use, the articulated connection between each of the securing tabs and the frame member is preferably pressed so that, during use, when they are removed the retaining means, the safety tabs are pushed to move from the second position to the first position.

According to a preferred embodiment, a container according to claim 7 is provided.

The retaining means preferably comprises a belt that extends around and applies a force to all the safety tabs.

To simplify the manufacture of the frame element, the securing tabs and the sealing means are preferably parts of a unitary flange element. Normally, the flange element is made of a relatively rigid plastic material.

In preferred embodiments, the main body of the container is made of a cardboard material. The container may further comprise a coating formed of a thin film flexible plastic material. In these embodiments, the liner may be attached to the frame member of the rim assembly and the liner may extend over and cover internal surfaces of the main body. Preferably, the liner is firmly attached to the frame member of the rim assembly and the liner is preferably slightly adhered to the internal surfaces of the main body, so that, during use, the rim assembly and the liner can be completely separated from the body. main body of the container.

In preferred embodiments, the container further comprises a handle connected to the frame member of the flange assembly by means of coupling members located on an exterior side of the side wall of the main body.

The container can be used to store at least one of paint, varnish, wood care liquid, adhesive, filler and putty.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing a container according to claim 13.

Typically, the container further comprises a cover for covering the opening, and the method preferably comprises coupling the cover with a sealing means of the flange assembly, the sealing means being configured for a repeated sealing engagement with the cover of the container.

The method preferably also comprises:

• securely attaching the liner to the frame member of the flange assembly, and

• lightly adhere the coating to the internal surfaces of the main body, so that, during use, the flange assembly and the coating can be completely separated from the main body of the container. The method may further comprise coupling a handle to the flange assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail in Figures 16 to 25, by way of example only. Figures 1 to 15 describe embodiments that do not form part of the present invention.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first example of a container including an edge element;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a pair of stacked containers, the containers are only partially assembled;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an outer cover of a main body of a container;

Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the flange element of Figure 1 in a partially assembled state;

Figure 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the rim element of Figure 1 in a fully assembled state, with the lid separated from the body of the container;

Figure 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the rim element of Figure 1 in a fully assembled state, with the lid connected to the body of the container;

Figure 7 is a cut away perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in which the container is completely assembled and the lid has been removed;

Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a second example of a container that includes an edge element;

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view from below of the line connector of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows the flange element of Figure 8 in a first unsecured configuration;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an upper region of the container of Figure 8 showing the flange element in a second secured configuration;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11 indicated by a discontinuous circle;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an upper region of the container of Figure 8 showing a liner of the container and the rim element in a second secured configuration and illustrates, in particular, a handle region of the rim member;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 13 indicated by a broken circle;

Figure 15 is a top perspective view of a container including a handle;

Figures 16 and 17 are side views of the container of Figure 15 with the handle omitted;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a flange element for a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the flange element of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a main body or cover of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 21 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the flange element of Figure 18 coupled with the main body of Figure 20, and showing in particular a safety tab of the flange element coupled with an opening in the body principal;

Figure 22 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the flange element of Figure 18 coupled with the main body of Figure 20, and showing in particular a coupling part of the flange element for connection to a handle;

Figure 23 is a side view of an assembly comprising the flange element of Figure 18 coupled with the main body of Figure 20, and illustrates a retaining strap coupled with the safety tabs;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a view of a part of the assembly of Figure 24, showing in particular a locking tab coupled with the safety tabs.

Detailed description

Figures 1, 2 and 7 illustrate a first example of a container 1 comprising a flange element 2. The container 1 includes a main body or outer cover 8, a cover 6, an inner lining 10 and the flange element 2. Preferably, the main body or the outer cover 8 is made of a cardboard material, the inner lining 10 is made of a thin film plastic material and the rim element 2 is made of a plastic material. In this example, the container 1 also comprises a handle 12 (shown in Figure 1).

The flange element 2 is designed to be coupled with a complementary sealing element 14 in the cover 6 in such a way as to allow a repeated coupling and uncoupling of the cover 6 with the main body 8 of the container 1. This allows to open the container 1, Remove some of the contents and reseal container 1 reliably. In addition, the seal formed between the flange element 2 and the cover 6 is such that any liquid contents of the container 1 can not escape from the container.

Figure 1 shows a container 1 in the form of a paint container or other similar container which may contain liquid or semi-liquid products, for example, paint or varnish. The container can also be used to contain other products such as pastes, for example, slurry, or colloidal suspensions, for example, hand creams. The container can be designed to contain and store dangerous or non-hazardous products such as paints, cleaning products, cosmetics and food products.

The outer cover 8 of the container 1 is made of a suitable cardboard or cardboard material without coating or lamination of wax or plastic. The cover 8 comprises a base 16 and a side wall 18, the side wall 18 extends completely around the periphery of the base 16 and extends upwards from the base. The base 16 and the side wall 18 thus define an interior volume of the main body of the container 1, as shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 7.

The outer cover 8 is made of sheet cardboard that has been bent and glued to form the final shape of the cover. In particular, a first sheet of cardboard is cut and folded to form the base 16 of the cover 8, and a second sheet of cardboard is cut and folded to form the side wall 18 of the cover 8. The base 16 adheres to the side wall 18 around a lower flange 20 of the container 1.

In this example, the base 16 has a rounded rectangular shape and the side wall 18 includes curved corner panels 22 and substantially straight side panels 24. As shown in Figure 3, the cover 8 is manufactured in such a way that, initially, the height of each of the side panels 24 is greater than the height of each of the corner panels 22; the corner panels 22, each of them has a first height, and the side panels 24, each of them has a second height. In this manner, the tongue portions 25 of the side panels 24 extend upwardly beyond the height of the corner panels 22.

To finish forming the cover 8 of the container 1, the tongue portions 25 fold outward as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3. Once folded, the tongue portions 25 form the skirt portions 26 that extend downwardly. on an outer side of the side panels 24. The folded or curved top edge 28 of each of the skirt portions 26 is preferably flush with an upper edge 30 of each of the corner panels 22, thus forming an edge continuous top or flange 32 of the cover 8; however, the upper edge 28 of each of the side panels 24 may be above the upper edge 30 of the corner panels 22 as shown in Figure 1.

Although in this example the outer cover 8 is made of a cardboard or cardboard material, the outer cover 8 can alternatively be made of a plastic material.

The flange element or collar 2, which is shown more clearly in Figures 4 to 7, includes an annular member 34 which adheres and extends around the rim 32 of the cover 8 of the container 1. Accordingly, in this example, the annular member 34 is substantially non-circular, having a rounded rectangular shape comprising the corner regions 36 and the side regions 38.

The flange element 2 comprises a mounting portion 40, a safety portion 42 and a coupling or sealing means 44. The mounting portion 40 includes a first inner annular wall 46, and a second outer annular wall 48. The annular inner walls and outer 46, 48 are connected at their respective upper edges, thereby defining a channel 50 therebetween that extends completely around the flange element 2. When the flange element 2 is secured to the cover 8, the element 2 sits on the rim 32 of the cover 8 so that the inner annular wall 46 extends downwardly on an inner surface 47 of the side wall 18 of the cover 8, the second the outer annular wall 48 extends downwardly around an exterior of the cover 8, and the rim 32 of the cover 8 is positioned within the channel 50.

In this example, a first part of the coupling or sealing means 44, in the form of a rail member 52, extends upwardly from the mounting portion 40. The rail element 52 extends continuously around the flange element 2. A second part of the coupling means 44, in the form of a rib or tip 54, projects from an outer surface of the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting portion 40. The coupling means 44 are designed to be coupled with an element of complementary seal 14 in the lid 6 of the container 1, as described below.

As shown more clearly in Figure 5, the arrangement of the rail member 52 and the inner and outer annular walls 46, 48 is such that a vertical cross section through the mounting portion 40 and the coupling means 44 substantially fork shape.

In this example, the security portion 42 is connected to the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting portion 40. The security portion 42 is arranged to engage with the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8 to secure the flange element 2. to cover 8. Security portion 42 comprises a substantially U-shaped channel member 56 having two parallel arm members 58, 60 that extend along the length of channel member 56 and a base member 62 connecting the two arm members 58, 60, so that an opening 63 is defined between the arm members 58, 60. A flange of a first one of the arm members 58 is hingedly connected to the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting portion 40. One edge 64 of the other of the arm members 60 is a free edge 64.

In this example, the annular member 34 of the flange element 2 is a unitary member and the arm member 58 is hingedly connected to the outer annular wall 48 by a natural or living hinge 66 formed in the plastic material of the flange element. 2. It will be appreciated, however, that the articulated connection can be formed in any other suitable way. The connection between the mounting portion 40 and the security portion 42 can be made in any suitable manner that allows rotation or rotation of the security portion 42 with respect to the mounting portion 40.

The articulated connection allows the securing portion 42 of the flange element 2 to rotate with respect to the mounting portion 40 between an uncoupled position, which is shown more clearly in Figure 4, and a coupled position, which is shown with greater clarity in Figure 5. In the decoupled position, the security portion 42 is placed on an exterior side of the mounting portion 40, with the channel 50 of the mounting portion 40 and the opening 63 of the security portion 42 oriented in the same direction. In the coupled position, the security portion 42 is positioned below the mounting portion 40 so that the channel 50 of the mounting portion 40 and the opening 63 of the security portion 42 are oriented in opposite directions. Further, in this coupled position, the arm member 58 is substantially continuous with the outer annular wall 48 of the mounting portion 40, and the free edge 64 of the arm member 60 is located between the inner and outer annular walls 46, 48 .

To secure the flange element 2 to the outer cover 8, the mounting portion 40 is pressed onto the upper edge 28 of each of the skirt portions 26. The security portion 42 is then moved from the uncoupled position to the position coupled so that the channel member 56 is located around and below the skirt portion. In the coupled position, the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8 is located in the opening 63 of the security portion 42 and the arm member 60 is located between the side panel 24 and the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8.

As shown in Figure 1, separate skirt portions 26 are formed along each of the side panels 24 of the cover 8 and separate security portions 42 are formed along each of the side regions 38 of the annular member 34. Once all of the securing portions 42 have been moved to their engaging position and have engaged with the respective skirt portion 26, the flange element 2 is then preferably, fully secured to the cover 8 using suitable means of retention.

The retaining means are preferably in the form of an adhesive tape (not shown) that is completely placed around the rim element 2 in contact with the outer annular wall 48 and all the arm members 58. In this way, with the tape attached to the flange element 2, the security portions 42 can not move out of their coupled positions back to the disconnected positions without first removing the retaining means.

In this example, the flange element 2 further comprises coupling means 68 in the form of a pair of mounting tabs or supports 68 to which the handle 12 can be attached. As shown in Figure 1, the mounting tabs 68 they are positioned centrally along the opposite side regions of the annular member 34. Each of the mounting tabs 68 includes a hole 70 for engaging a portion of the handle 12.

The handle 12 has a substantially U-shape and is formed of a suitable plastic material. Preferably, the handle 12 is made of the same plastic material as the flange element 2. The handle 12 includes two arm portions 72, one extending from each end of a central grip portion 74. At one free end of each from the arm portions there is a pin or stump projecting inward 76.

When the handle 12 engages the main body 4 of the container 1, each of the trunnions 76 is located in a respective hole 70 in the mounting tabs 68 of the flange element 2. In this manner, a rotary connection is made between the handle 12 and main body 8 of container 1.

When a user lifts the container 1 by the handle 12, an upward force is exerted on the rim member 2, which attempts to extract the rim member 2 from the upper part of the side wall 18 of the cover 8. However, because the security portion 42 of the flange element 2 engages the skirt portion 26, and in particular because the arm member 60 is located between the side panel 24 and the skirt portion 26 of the cover 8, not the flange element 2 can be pulled upwards relative to the cover 8, and the flange element remains firmly attached to the cover 8.

As shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the cover 6 includes a sealing element 14 which engages the coupling means 44 of the flange element 2 when the cover 6 is placed on the main body 4 of the container. In this example, the sealing element 14 of the lid 6 comprises a channel portion 78 that is dimensioned to receive the rail member 52, and a projection or tip 80 extending inwardly from an inner surface of an outer side wall. 82

When the sealing element 14 of the lid 6 is pressed down on the rim element 2 of the main body, there is a thrust adjustment of the rail element 52 in the channel portion 78, and the outer side wall 82 extends towards down on the outer annular wall 48. The outer side wall 82 can be flexibly resilient in such a way that the tongue 80 of the sealing element 14 engages the tongue 54 of the rim element 2 to retain the lid 6 on the main body 8, as shown in Figure 6.

The cover 6 can be removed from the main body 8 by flexing the outer side wall 82 to uncouple the tabs 54, 80 and then pull the cover 6 upwards to remove the rail member 52 from the channel portion 78.

Because both the flange element 2 and the sealing element 14 are formed from a suitable plastic material, the coupling and the seal between the flange element 2 and the sealing element 14 can be formed repeatedly during the use of the container one.

In preferred examples, the main body of the container includes an inner liner 10 made of a thin film plastic material, which is shown in Figure 1. This liner 10 acts as a barrier layer which prevents leakage of the contents of the container 1 through of the cardboard cover 8. The barrier properties of the coating 10 can further prevent moisture or gases from entering or leaving the container 1, which can spoil or degrade the contents of the container 1.

Taking into account the paints in particular, water-based paints are usually purged with formaldehyde, or a similar substance, immediately before being sealed inside a container to prevent the growth of fungi or bacteria in the paint. In the same way, it is necessary to avoid the evaporation of volatile additives from oil-based paints. In both examples, therefore, the barrier properties of the coating 10 must be adapted to prevent gas permeation through the coating 10.

In this example, the liner 10 is made of thin film polyethylene; however, the coating 10 can be made of any suitable thin film plastic material. In particular, it may be preferable that the liner 10 be a laminate formed of various plastic materials. These laminates may include a barrier material for gases such as EVOH which, among other things, will prevent odors of paint from being released from the container 1. The laminates may additionally or alternatively include a layer of nylon that provides tear resistance. Preferably, the thickness of the coating 10 is less than 200 μm, and more particularly around 100 μm. The thinner the coating 10, the lower the cost of the materials and the less waste will be formed. However, the coating 10 must be thick enough so that it does not tear during the manufacturing process or during the use of the container 1, for example, when the contents are stirred, and in particular during the removal of the coating 10 from the cover 8, as described below.

In preferred examples, the liner 10 is inserted and secured to the cover 8 of the container 1 after the rim element 2 has been secured to the rim 32. In particular, once the mounting portion 40 of the rim element 2 has been placed on the rim 32 of the cover 8, a preformed liner 10 which at least substantially conforms to the internal shape of the cover 8 is placed inside the interior of the cover 8, and subsequently the lining 10 adheres to the internal surfaces 47 of the side wall of the cover 8, an internal surface 84 of the base 16 of the cover 8 and the inner annular wall 46 of the flange element 2.

Preferably, the liner 10 is secured to the cover 8 and to the rim member 2 using a suitable adhesive. The adhesive should have a low peel strength, but moderate shear strength, similar to the adhesive used in the Post-It Notes (RTM). The moderate shear strength of the adhesive means that the thin film coating 10 will remain adhered to the inner surfaces 47, 84 of the outer cover 8 during the use of the container 1. Furthermore, because the containers 1 may be nested during transport or storage before filling, it is important that, when the containers 1 are separated from one another, the liner 10 does not come out of the outer cover 8. In contrast, the low peel strength means that a minimum force is required to take off the liner 10 of the outer cover 8 after use, to dispose of and recycle the liner 10 and the outer cover 8 separately. Preferably, the peel strength of the use of adhesive to bond the coating 10 to the wrapper 8 is less than 0.05 N, and more preferably between 0.02 N and 0.04 N.

The adhesive is preferably activated by heat. The use of a heat-activated adhesive means that the adhesive is only sticky when heated above a certain temperature. In this way, the liner 10 can be inserted into the cover 8 in a non-activated state in which the adhesive is not tacky. Once the liner 10 is correctly positioned within the cover 8, heat is applied to increase the temperature and cause activation of the adhesive. The activated adhesive, which is sticky, then adheres the coating 10 to the inner surfaces 47, 84 of the cover 8 and the inner annular wall 46 of the flange element 2.

In other examples, the adhesive can be activated by pressure. As such, the adhesive only becomes sticky once sufficient pressure is applied. In other examples, the adhesive can be activated by pressure and heat.

The advantage of using an activated adhesive is that neither the inner surfaces 84 of the cover 8 nor the outer surfaces of the coating 10 are tacky when the coating is inserted into the cover 8. This allows the coating 10 to be placed and repositioned. , exactly as desired, before the coating 10 finally adheres to the cover 8. In particular, it allows the coating to be placed against the inner surfaces 84 of the cover 8 so that there are no wrinkles or creases in the coating 10.

In preferred examples, the liner 10 is more firmly adhered to or bonded to the rim member 2 than to the inner surfaces 84 of the liner 8. The safer bonding of the liner 10 to the rim member 2 allows the rim member 2 and the The liner 10 is separated from the cover 8 without the liner 10 separating from the rim element 2, as described below.

Because the liner 10 is secured to the rim member 2, a full layer of plastic material is provided that covers the inner surfaces 47, 84 of the cover 8 and extends over the rim 32 of the cover 8, thus protecting the cover of cardboard 8 of the contents of the container 1.

Once the liner 10 has been secured in the cover 8, the security portions 42 of the rim member 2 engage the skirt portions 26 and the retention means are placed around the rim member 2, as described above. . In other examples, the security portions 42 of the flange element 2 can be coupled with the skirt portions 26 before the liner 10 is secured within the cover 8.

When a user wishes to dispose of the container 1, he can separate the plastic rim member 2 and the liner 10 from the cardboard cover 8 to enable it to be disposed of or recycled separately. To do this, a user first removes the retaining means from around the rim element 2. The securing portions 42 are then released from the skirt portions 26 and the rim member 2 is pulled up to disengage the flange 32 from the flange. the cover 8 of the mounting portion 40. The relatively low peel strength of the adhesive used to adhere the coating 10 to the inner surfaces 47, 84 of the cover 8 allows the liner 10 to be separated from the cover 8 when the cover is removed. flange element 2, so that the flange element 2 and the liner 10 are removed together as a single piece. This allows the plastic and cardboard portions of the container 1 to be disposed of or recycled separately.

The outer cover can be made of a plastic material and an inner liner can be provided to prevent the contents of the container 1 from contaminating the cover. Therefore, the construction of the container allows the rim element and liner, which have been contaminated, to be easily separated from the uncontaminated container cover.

In some cases, the flange element 2 and the liner 10 can be removed from the cover 8 separately.

Figures 8 to 14 illustrate a second example of a container 101 comprising a flange element 102. This container 101 includes many features that are the same or comparable to the characteristics of the container 1 of the first example described above. Similar characteristics have been indicated by reference numbers increased by 100.

A main body or outer cover 108 of the container 101 is made of a suitable cardboard or cardboard material without coating or lamination of wax or plastic. The cover 108 comprises a substantially circular base 116 and a side wall 118, the side wall 118 extends completely around the periphery of the base 116 and extends upwardly from the base.

In this example, the cover 108 comprises an inner side wall 118a and an outer side wall 118b in contact with each other, as shown more clearly in Figure 12. The outer side wall 118b is substantially cylindrical and extends between an upper edge 131b and a lower flange 121b. An upper region 126 of the outer side wall 118b proximate the upper edge 131b is positioned radially outwardly with respect to the remainder of the outer side wall 118b, thereby forming an adjoining abutting or abutting edge 127. This upper region 126 can having the shape of a rolled edge or a skirt portion 126 extending downward on an outer side of the outer side wall 118b.

The inner side wall 118a comprises a plurality of tongues 119 extending from a lower edge. The tongues 119 extend radially inwardly and the base 116 of the cover 108 is joined to an upper surface of the tongues 119.

The upper edges 131a, 131b of the inner and outer side walls 118a, 118b together form a rim 132 of the cover 108 that extends around and defines an opening 105 of the cover 108.

Although in this example the container 101 has inner and outer side walls 118a, 118b, it will be appreciated that the container may include a single side wall 118.

The flange element 102, which is shown more clearly in Figures 10 and 12, comprises a mounting portion 140 for mounting the flange element 102 on the flange 132 of the cover 108, a security portion 142 for securing the element. of flange 102 to the side wall 118 of the cover 108, and the coupling or sealing means 144 configured to releasably engage with a cover (not shown) of the container 101. Typically, the flange element 102 will be made of a material suitable plastic.

The mounting portion 140 includes an annular member 134 that extends around the rim 132 of the cover 108. The annular member 134 includes a wall portion or frame member 146 that, when engaged with the cover 108 of the container 101, is extends downward on an inner surface 147 of the inner side wall 118a. As such, the outer diameter of the wall portion 146 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner side wall 118a. An upper edge of the wall portion 146 includes a flange or lip 145 that extends radially outwardly. This flange 145 will typically abut or seat in the flange 132 of the cover 108 when the mounting portion 140 fully engages the cover.

The mounting portion 140 further comprises stacking elements 186 connected to a radially outer flange of the tongue 145. Each of the stacking members 186 comprises a plate member 188 extending substantially perpendicular to the tongue 145. The plate member 188 has a first portion 189 extending upwardly from the tongue 145 and a second portion 190 extending downwardly from the tongue 145. The second portion 190 of the plate member 188 therefore extends substantially parallel to the part of the plate member 188. portion 146 of the annular member 134, and a gap is defined between the second portion 190 of the plate member 188 and a portion of the wall portion 146. When the mounting portion 140 engages the cover 108, a portion of the flange 132 of the cover 108 is located in each of these recesses provided by the stacking members 186. The second portions 190 of the stacking elements 186 help , therefore, to retain the mounting portion 140 coupled with the side wall 118 of the cover 108.

The first portions 189 of the plate members 188 protrude above the rest of the annular member 134 and define a space to receive a base from another container 101 when the containers are stacked.

In this example, four stacking members 186 are provided at separate locations around the annular member 134; however, different numbers of stacking members can be provided. In general, at least two stacking members located on diametrically opposite sides of the annular member are provided.

The sealing means 144 extends generally radially inwardly from the mounting portion 140, and includes an upwardly directed channel 192. The sealing means 144 is configured to engage with a complementary sealing element in the lid of the container 101, so that the lid can be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled from the remainder of the container 101.

In this example, the security portion 142 comprises a plurality of security tabs 194 extending from the tongue 145 of the annular member 134. The security portion 142 is arranged to engage the abutting support 127 of the cover 108 to secure the flange element 102 to the cover 108. Each of the tongues 194 is hingedly connected to the annular member 134 at an upper edge, so that the safety portion 142 can be moved between a first decoupled position, shown with greater clarity in Figure 10, and a second coupled position, which is shown more clearly in Figure 12.

In this example, the flange element 102 is a unitary member and each of the tongues 194 is hingedly connected to the tongue 145 by a natural or living hinge 166 formed in the plastic material of the flange element 102. In other examples , the articulated connection can be formed in any other suitable way. In still other examples, the connection between the mounting portion 140 and the security portion 142 can be made in any suitable manner that allows rotation or rotation of the security portion 142 with respect to the mounting portion 140.

Each of the tongues 194 comprises first and second opposite faces 193, 195. When the tongue 194 is in the engaged position, the second face 195 is remote from the side wall 118 of the cover 108 and the first face 193 is located radially inward of the second face 195 and is oriented towards the side wall 118 of the cover 108. A retaining member 196 protrudes from the first face 193 of each of the tabs 194. The retaining member 196 is positioned in such a manner that, when the tongue 194 is in the second position, the retaining member 196 extends below the support shoulder 127 of the cover 108. The location of the retaining members 196 is, therefore, such that, when the portion safety 142 is in the second position and an upward force is applied to the flange element 102, the retaining members 196 come into contact with the abutment 127 and prevent the flange element 102 which is removed from deck 108.

In this example, each tab 194 further comprises a pair of rail members 197 extending from the second face 195. The rail members 197 are separated such that a channel 198 is defined therebetween. The rail members 197 preferably extend substantially parallel to the upper edge of the tongue 194. The channel 198 between the rail members 197 is sized to receive a portion of a retaining means 199, which is described below.

In use, with the tabs 194 of the security portion 142 in the first position, the annular member 134 engages the rim 132 of the container 101, so that the wall portion 146 extends downwardly on the inner surface 147 of the side wall 118 and the second portions 190 of the stacking elements 186 extend downwards on an outer surface of the side wall 118. Each of the tabs 194 of the security portion 142 is rotated, by means of the hinge , to the second position, so that the retaining member 196 is located below the upper region 126 projecting outwardly from the side wall 118.

Once all the tabs 194 are in the second position, the retaining means 199 in the form of an elongated strap or band 199 is secured around the outside of the tabs 194 so that the strap or band 199 is located in the channels 198. provided on the tabs 194. The strap or band 199 is tightened, that is, the diameter of the strap 199 is reduced, to apply a radially inwardly directed force to the tabs 194 to retain the tabs 194 in the second position. Locating the strap 199 in the channels 198 means that once the strap 199 has been tightened and secured, the strap 199 can not be easily removed around the security portion 142 without cutting the strap 199. The retaining strap 199 can be made of a suitable plastic material or a cardboard material having sufficient strength to retain the tabs 194 in the engaged position during storage and use of the container 101.

The container 101 preferably further comprises a liner 110 which extends over and covers the inner surfaces 147 of the cover 108. The liner 110 is preferably made of a thin film plastic material and acts as a barrier layer which prevents leakage of the contents of the container 101 through the cardboard cover 108. The barrier properties of the coating 110 may further prevent moisture or gases from entering or leaving the container, which may damage or degrade the contents of the container 101.

The size and shape of the liner 110 is such that it substantially conforms to the internal shape of the cover 108. A region of the upper edge of the liner 110 is located between the side wall 118 of the cover 108 and the wall portion 146 of the element. of rim 102, as illustrated in Figure 14. This region of the upper edge of the liner 110 is joined or welded to the wall portion 146 to form a seal between the liner 110 and the rim element 102.

Typically, the liner 110 will not adhere to the side wall 118 of the cover 108, but the liner 110 may adhere to the base 116 of the cover 108 to retain the liner 110 in the correct position with respect to the cover 108.

In these examples, once the container 101 has been used, the rim element 102 and the liner 110 can be separated from the cover 108 of the container 101 for disposal or recycling.

To remove the rim element 102 from the flange 132 of the cover 108, the retaining strap 199 is cut in such a way that the safety tabs 194 can be moved at least partially towards the first position. In particular, each of the securing tabs 194 is moved such that the retention member 196 is removed from below the projecting upper edge 126 of the cover 108. The rim element 102 can then be lifted and separated from the side wall. 118 of cover 108.

Because the liner 110 is attached to the mounting portion 140 of the rim element 102, the liner 110 is removed together with the rim element 102. In the containers in which the liner 110 adheres to the base 116 of the cover 108, the level of adhesion is such that the liner 110 can be removed or detached from the base 116 without tearing the liner 110.

In this example, the rim element 102 further comprises coupling means 168 for a handle. The coupling means 168 comprises a pair of coupling plates 168 connected to the tongue 145 of the mounting portion 140. Each of the coupling plates 168 includes an opening 170 for receiving a portion of an end of a handle. The coupling means 168 is preferably configured such that the handle can be rotatably connected to the flange element 102.

A further example of a container 201 that includes a handle 212 is shown in Figure 15. The ends of the handle 212 are attached to the rim member 202 by means of engagement plates 268 positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the mounting portion 240. The handle 212 and the handle coupling means 212 to the flange element 202 are substantially identical to the handle 12 and its coupling means described above in relation to the first example of a container 1 and will not be described further here.

The example of the container 201 illustrated in Figures 15 to 17 is substantially identical to the example illustrated in Figures 8 to 14, except for the depth of the container 201, that is, a height of the side wall 218, is increased to provide a container of larger volume 201. The diameter of this container 201 is the same as the diameter of the lower volume container 101 shown in Figures 8 to 14. This means that the same flange element 102, 202 can be used in both container sizes. In addition, the two different sizes of the container 101, 201 can be stacked together.

Figures 18 to 25 illustrate portions of a container 301 comprising a flange element 302 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This container 301 includes many features that are the same or comparable to the characteristics of the containers of the previous examples described above and similar characteristics have been indicated by reference numbers increased by 100.

An outer cover or main body 308 of the container 301 is made of a suitable cardboard or cardboard material without coating or lamination of wax or plastic. The main body 308 comprises a substantially circular base and a side wall 318. The side wall 318 extends completely around the periphery of the base and extends upwardly from the base. An upper edge 331 of the side wall 318 extends around and defines an opening 305 of the main body 308.

A plurality of openings 317 are formed in the side wall 318 of the main body 308 near the upper edge 331. The openings 317 are spaced apart and a line of openings 317 extends around the side wall 318. In this embodiment, the openings are elongated with the long axis of each of the openings 317 extending substantially parallel to the upper edge 331.

Two notches 333 are formed in the upper edge 331 of the side wall 318. The notches 333 are placed diametrically opposite each other. In this embodiment, a depth of each of the notches 333 is greater than the distance between the openings 317 and the upper edge 331.

The flange element 302, which is shown more clearly in Figures 18, 19 and 24, comprises a frame member 346, sealing means 344 and an securing portion 342. The flange element 302 will typically be made of a plastic material. substantially rigid adequate.

In this embodiment, the flange element 302 is configured to be joined to a cylindrical main body 308 and, as such, the frame member 346 is an annular member having a circular shape. The frame member 346, when coupled with the main body 308 of the container 301, extends downwardly on an inner surface 347 of the side wall 118. As such, the outer diameter of the frame member 346 is substantially the same as the outer diameter. internal diameter of the side wall 118.

The sealing means 344 of the rim element 302 is configured to engage with a complementary sealing element 314 on the lid 306 of the container 301, so that the lid 306 can be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled from the remainder of the container 301, as described in relation to previous examples.

The safety portion 342 comprises a plurality of safety tabs 394 extending from an upper edge of the frame member 346. Each of the tabs 394 is hingedly connected to the frame member 346, so that the tabs 394 they can move between a first decoupled position, which is shown more clearly in Figure 18, and a second coupled position, which is shown more clearly in Figure 24.

In this embodiment, the flange element 302 is a unitary element and each of the tabs 394 is hingedly connected to the frame member 346 by a natural or living hinge 366 formed in the plastic material of the sealing element 302. In other For example, the articulated connection can be formed in any other suitable way. In other forms of additional embodiment, the connection between the frame member 346 and the securing tabs 394 can be made in any suitable manner that allows rotation or rotation of the tabs 394 with respect to the frame member 346.

Each of the tongues 394 comprises a first and a second opposing face 393, 395. When the tongue 394 is in the engaged position, the first face 393 is facing the side wall 318 of the main body 308, and the second face 395 is remote from the side wall 318 of the main body 308. A coupling or retaining member 396 protrudes from the first face 393 of each of the tabs 394 near a distal or lower flange 387 of the tongue 394. The coupling member 396 is located in such a way that, when the tongue 394 is in the second position, the coupling member 396 extends through one of the openings 317 in the main body 308, as shown more clearly in Figure 21.

In this way, when the safety tabs 394 are in the second position and an upward force is applied to the rim member 302, the coupling members 396 prevent the rim member 302 from being removed from the upper edge of the main body 308.

In this embodiment, each tab 394 further comprises a pair of rail elements 397 extending from the second face 395. The rail members 397 are separated such that a channel 398 is defined therebetween. The rail elements 397 preferably extend substantially parallel to the lower edge 387 of the tang 394. The channel 398 between the rail members 397 is sized to receive a portion of a retaining means 399.

To secure the rim element 302 to the main body 308 of the container 301, the frame member 346 is inserted through the opening 305 so that the frame member 346 extends downwardly on the interior surface 347 of the side wall 318 The depth of the frame member 346 is greater than the distance between the openings 317 and the upper edge 331 of the side wall 318, so that the frame member 346 extends downwardly from the interior surface 347 of the side wall below. of the openings 317.

Each of the tongues 394 is rotated, by means of the hinge, from the first position to the second position, so that the coupling member 396 extends through one of the openings 317 of the side wall 318. In In this embodiment, the coupling members 396 extend completely through the openings 317 and a distal end 355 of each of the coupling members 396 comes into contact with the frame member 346.

Once all of the tabs 394 are in the second position, the retaining means 399 in the form of an elongated strap or band 399 is secured around the outside of the tabs 394 so that the strap or band 399 is located in the channels 398. provided on the tabs 394. The strap or band 399 is tightened, that is, the diameter of the strap 399 is reduced, to apply a radially inwardly directed force to the tabs 394 to retain the tabs 394 in the second position.

Locating the strap 399 in the channels 398 means that once the strap 399 has been tightened and secured, the strap 399 can not be easily removed from around the security portion 342. With respect to this, the preferred embodiments of the strap element 399 can be removed. flange 302 further comprise a locking tab 311 which extends over and covers the ends of the belt 399 once it has been secured around the safety portion 342. The locking tab 311, which is shown more clearly in Figures 18 , 24 and 25, is hingedly connected to the frame member 346 in the same manner as the safety tabs 394 and is located between two of the safety tabs 394. The locking tab 311 is, therefore, movable between a first position in which the locking tab 311 does not engage with the retaining means 399 or the tabs 394, which are shown in Figure 18, and a second position in which the locking tab 311 s e extends downward on retaining strap 399, which is shown in Figures 24 and 25.

The lock tab 311 includes a lock plate 313 at a lower edge of the lock tab 311. A lock tab 394 located on each side of the lock tab 311 includes a lobe 315 extending from a bottom edge of the lock. safety tab 394 in a direction toward the locking tab 311. During the assembly of the container 301, once the safety tabs 394 have moved to the second position and the retaining strap 399 has been tightened around the tabs 394 , the locking tab 311 moves to its second position. The coupling of the closure plate 313 with the locking lobes 315 in the adjacent tabs 394, due to the strength of one or both of the closing lobes 315 and the closing plate 313, retains the locking tab 311 in the second one. position so that the locking tab 311 covers the ends of the belt 399.

When a user wishes to remove the rim element 302 from the main body 308, a user applies a force to the locking tab 311 to decouple the closing plate 313 from the locking lobes 315, moving the locking tab 311 to the first position and revealing the ends of the strap 399. A user can uncouple the retaining strap 399 around the securing tabs 394 to uncouple the tabs 394 from the openings 317. The securing tabs 394 are preferably inclined so that when the tape is removed from the openings 394. strap 399 tabs 394 automatically move in a direction toward the first position, so that coupling members 396 disengage from openings 317.

The retaining strap 399 may be made of a suitable plastic material or a cardboard material having sufficient strength to retain the tabs 394 in the engaged position during storage and use of the container 301.

The container 301 further comprises a liner (not shown) that extends over and covers the inner surfaces 347 of the main body 308. The liner is made of a thin film plastic material and acts as a barrier layer which prevents leakage of the contents of the body. container 301 through the main cardboard body 308. The barrier properties of the coating can further prevent moisture or gases from entering or leaving the container, which can spoil or degrade the contents of container 301.

The size and shape of the liner is such that it substantially conforms to the internal shape of the main body 308. A region of the upper edge of the liner is located between the side wall 318 of the main body 308 and the frame member 346 of the rim element. 302. This region of the upper edge of the liner is joined or welded to the frame member 346 to form a hermetic seal between the liner and the rim element 302.

The liner may be slightly adhered to the side wall 318 and the base of the main body 308 to retain the liner in the correct position. The adhesion of the coating to the main body 308 is typically such that the coating can be separated from the main body 308 with the intact coating. As such, once the container 301 has been used, the rim member 302 and the liner can be separated from the main body 308 of the container 301 for disposal or recycling. Because the liner is securely attached to the frame member 346 of the rim member 302, the liner is removed together with the rim element 302.

In this embodiment, the flange element 302 further comprises coupling means 368 for a handle. The coupling means 368 comprises a pair of coupling plates 368 connected to the frame member 346. Each of the coupling plates 368 includes an opening 370 for receiving a portion of an end of a handle. The coupling means 368 is preferably configured so that the handle can be rotatably connected to the flange element 302.

Each of the coupling plates 368 includes a first upper section 367 on which the retaining strap is located, as shown more clearly in Figures 22 and 24, and a second lower section 369 in which the opening 370 is located. In this way, the coupling point of the handle to the rim element 302 is located below the upper edge 331 of the container 301 as the retaining means 399. Furthermore, the coupling plates 368 are configured in such a way that the ends of Handles are located on an outer side of the side wall 318 of the main body 308 and the retaining strap 399.

When the flange element 302 engages the upper edge 331 of the main body 308, the coupling plates 368 are aligned with the notches 333 in the side wall 318 of the main body 308. As illustrated in Figure 22, this provides sufficient space behind the coupling plates 268 to allow the ends of the handle to be easily joined and to allow free rotation of the ends of the handle around the coupling plates 368.

It will be appreciated that, although the containers 1, 101, 201, 301 have been described above as separate examples or embodiments, the characteristics of one example or embodiment may be found or incorporated in another of the examples or embodiments. However, protection is defined by the appended claims. For example, although the container 301 has been described as substantially cylindrical, the container 301 may have a rounded rectangular shape as described in connection with the first example of a container 1.

The present invention provides a flange element for a container and a method for forming a container that includes a flange element that allows the container to repeatedly reseal and also allows the plastic and cardboard portions, or portions contaminated and not contaminated, from the container can be easily separated for disposal or recycling.

Claims (15)

Claims 1. A flange assembly for a container, the container (301) comprising a main body (308) and a lid (306), the main body (308) includes a side wall (318) having a plurality of openings ( 317) and a top portion the rim (331) defining an opening (305) of the container (301), and the flange assembly comprising: - a frame member (346) that can be received within the opening (305) of the container (301) so that the frame member (346) extends around an interior surface (347) of the side wall (318) ) of the main body (308); - a plurality of safety tabs (394) connected to the frame member (346), each tab (394) includes a coupling member (396); - sealing means (344) configured for a repeated sealing coupling with said cover (306) of the container (301); Y - a coating for spreading and covering the inner surfaces of the main body (308), formed by a flexible thin-film plastic material, the coating is secured to the frame member (346), wherein, during use, each of the safety tabs (394) can be moved between a first position in which the coupling member (396) disengages from said opening (317) and a second position in which the coupling member (396) is coupled with one of said openings (317), characterized in that the plurality of safety tabs (394) are hingedly connected to the frame member (346), because the coating is secured to the frame member (346) so that, during use, The region of the upper edge of the liner is disposed between the side wall (318) of the container (301) and the frame member (346), and in that the rim assembly further comprises a retaining means (399) configured for re-assembly. having the safety tabs (394) in the second position, so that the flange assembly is secured to the main body (308) of the container (301) around the upper edge (331). A flange assembly according to claim 1, wherein, during use, when the safety tabs (394) are in the second position, each of the coupling members (396) extends completely through the the respective opening (317). A flange assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the securing tabs (394) are in the second position, each of the coupling members (396) comes into contact with the member. of frame (346). A flange assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame member (346), the securing tabs (394) and the sealing means (344) are portions of a unitary flange element (302) , and wherein each of the safety tabs (394) is connected to the frame member (346) by means of a living hinge (366). A flange assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the securing tabs (394) has a first surface (393) and a second surface (395) and the coupling member (396) extends from the first surface (393), and wherein, during use, when the safety tabs (394) are in the second position, the retaining means (399) is in contact with the second surface (395) of each of the tabs (394). A flange assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least two coupling members (368) connected to the frame member (346) for coupling a handle to the flange assembly and wherein, during use, when the retaining means (399) engages with the securing tabs (394) to retain said tabs (394) in the second position, the coupling point of said handle to each of the coupling members (368) is more below the upper edge (331) of the container (301) than the retaining means (399). 7. A container (301), comprising: - a main body (308) including a base and a side wall (318), having the side wall (318) an upper edge (331) defines an opening (305) of the container (301) and a plurality of openings ( 317); - a lid (306) to cover the opening (305); - a flange assembly according to claim 1, comprising: - the frame element (346) extending around an inner surface (347) of the side wall (318) of the main body (308) below the upper edge (331); - a sealing means (344) configured for a repeated sealing engagement with the cover (306); - the plurality of safety tabs (394) connected in an articulated manner to the frame member (346), each tab (394) includes the coupling member (396), the coupling member (396) of each tab (394) being engages with a respective opening (317); Y - a retaining means (399) configured to apply a force to the securing tabs (394) to retain each coupling member (396) in the respective opening (317) so that the flange assembly is secured to the main body ( 308) around the upper edge (331); Y - the coating formed by the flexible thin-film plastic material, the coating is secured to the frame member (346) of the flange assembly so that the region of the upper edge of the coating is disposed between the side wall (318) of the container ( 301) and the frame member (346), the liner extends over and covers the internal surfaces of the main body (308). A container according to claim 7, wherein the main body (308) of the container (301) is made of a paperboard material. A container according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the frame member (346), the securing tabs (394) and the sealing means (344) are portions of a unitary flange element (302). ), and the flange element (302) is made of a relatively rigid plastic material. A container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the liner is firmly attached to the frame member (346) of the rim assembly and the liner is slightly adhered to the internal surfaces of the main body (308) , so that, during use, the flange assembly and the liner can be completely separated from the main body (308) of the container (301). A container according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a handle connected to the frame member (346) of the flange assembly by means of coupling members (368) located on an exterior side of the wall side (318) of the main body (308). A flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a container according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the retaining means (399) comprises a belt that extends around and applies a force to all the safety tabs (394). 13. A method for constructing a container, the container (301) comprising a main body (308) including a base and a side wall (318), the side wall (318) having an upper edge (331) defining a opening (305) of the container (301) and a plurality of openings (317) formed in the side wall (318), a flange assembly and a coating formed of a flexible and thin film plastic material, the method comprising: - inserting a frame member (346) of the flange assembly through the opening (305) so that the frame member (346) extends around an interior surface (347) of the side wall (318) of the body main (308), a region of the upper edge of the liner engages the frame member (346), the liner extends over and covers the internal surfaces of the main body (308); - moving a plurality of safety tabs (394) of the flange assembly from a first position in which the safety tabs (394) do not engage the side wall (318) of the main body (308) to a second position in wherein a coupling member (396) of each of the safety tabs (394) engages with one of said openings (317); characterized in that the method comprises, in addition: - arranging the region of the upper edge of the lining between the side wall (318) of the main body (308) and the frame element (346); Y - retaining the safety tabs (394) in the second position by means of a retaining strap (399) configured to apply a force to each of the safety tabs (394), so that the flange assembly is fixed to the main body (308) of the container (301) around the upper edge (331). A method for constructing a container according to claim 13, wherein the container (301) further comprises a cover (306) for covering the opening (305), and wherein the method comprises coupling the cover (306) with a sealing means (344) of the flange assembly, the sealing means (344) is configured for a repeated sealing engagement with the cover (306) of the container (301). 15. A method for constructing a container according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the method comprises: - securely attaching the liner to the frame member (346) of the flange assembly, and - slightly adhering the coating to the internal surfaces of the main body (308), so that, during use, the flange assembly and the coating can be completely separated from the main body (308) of the container (301).