DE20020175U1 - Bowl-shaped container - Google Patents

Description

GREENECKER

$£Ht/VANHOUSES

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GKS & S MAXIMIUANSTRASSE 58 D-80538 MUNICH GERMANY

German Patent and Trademark Office

Zweibrückenstr. 12
80297 Munich

YOUR REF.

LAWYERS PATENT ATTORNEYS PATENT ATTORNEYS LAWYERS EUROPEAN PATENT ATTORNEYS EUROPEAN PATENT ATTORNEYS MUNICH MUNICH COLOGNE DR. HELMUT EICHMANN DR. HERMANN KINKELDEY DR. MARTIN DROPMANN GERHARD BARTH PETER H. JAKOB DR. ULRICH 3LUMENRÖDER, LLM. WOLFHARD MEISTER CHEMNITZ CHRISTA NIKLAS-FALTER HANS HILGERS MANFRED SCHNEIDER DR. MAXIMILIAN KINKELDEY, LLM. DR. HENNING MEYER-PLATH SONJA SCHAEFFLER ANNELIE EHIMOLD BERLIN OR. KARSTEN BRAMOT THOMAS SCHUSTER DIETER JANDER ANJA FRANKE, LL.M. DR. KLARA GOLDBACH UTE STEPHANI MARTIN AUFENANGER DR. BERND ALLEKOTTE, LLM. GOTTFRIED KUTZSCH DR. HEIKE VOGELSANG-WENKE OF COUNSEL REINHARD KNAUER PATENT ATTORNEYS DIETMAR KUHL DR. FRANZ-JOSEF ZIMMER AUGUST GRÜNEECKER BETTINA K. REICHELT DR. GUNTER BEZOLD DR. ANTON K. PFAU DR. WALTER LANGHOFF DR. UDO WEIGELT RAINER BERTRAM JENS KOCH, M.S. (U of PA) M.S. BERND ROTHAEMEL DR. WILFRIED STOCKMAIR DR. DANIELA KINKELDEY (-1996I DR. MARIA ROSARIO VEGA USO EN / OUR REF. DATE 829/il 27.1 1.2000

Applicant: EMSA-Werke Wulf GmbH & Co. Grevener Damm 215-225 48282 Emsdetten

Bowl-shaped container

GRÜNECKER KINKELDEY TEL. +49 89 21 23 50

STOCKMAIR & SCHWANHAUSSER FAX (GR 3) +49 89 22 02 87

MAXIMIUANSTR. 58 ;**« ·*'* ·**. .**· .FAx'g« 4}* +49 89*2 1 *8*6* 52·<*3 * D-80538 MUNICH · J ·** ^·* · · · ·httpVAvwjv.gijineckei .de J* ***j

GERMANY · ···*··* ""'*

DEUTSCHE BANK MUNICH No. 17 51734 BLZ 700 700 SWIFT: DEUT DE MM

Bowl-shaped containers

The invention relates to a bowl-shaped container comprising a container base and a lid which can be placed thereon, wherein the container base has an edge which at least partially surrounds an upper container opening, to which the lid is detachably fastened at at least two fastening points which are substantially opposite one another relative to the container opening.

Such bowl-shaped containers are known from practice in which the lid is attached all the way around to the bottom of the container in order to achieve a sufficient seal between the lid and the bottom of the container. This is done, for example, by an edge of the lid that protrudes downwards towards the bottom of the container and engages under a corresponding edge bead or the like that surrounds the container opening.

Such a circumferential fastening of the lid to the container base is structurally complex and expensive. In addition, removing and fastening the lid to the container base is relatively labor-intensive and time-consuming for a user of the bowl-shaped container.

The invention is therefore based on the object of improving a bowl-shaped container of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a secure and tight fastening of the lid to the container base is quickly possible in a structurally simple manner.

This object is achieved in connection with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the lid and the container base, in particular the container edge thereof, are curved differently between the fastening points essentially in the direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the container opening.

This means that, for example, the lid is convexly curved towards the bottom of the container between the fastening points and the bottom of the container is flat and without curvature in the area of the container opening, i.e. with a curvature equal to 0. In another example, the lid is flat and the bottom of the container is in

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its areas extending between the fastening points are curved convexly in the direction of the lid. It is also possible for both the lid and the base of the container to be curved, whereby they have different curvatures, whereby. In this context, all variations of convex and concave curvature with regard to the lid or the base of the container are possible.

Due to the different curvatures of the lid and the container base between the fastening points, a certain deformation of at least the lid is required in order to releasably fasten it to the container base at the corresponding fastening points. This deformation of the lid creates a pressure force in the lid in the direction of the container base, which creates a simple and tight seal between the two parts of the bowl-shaped container.

In order to increase the contact pressure between the lid and the container base if necessary, the lid and/or the container base, in particular the container edge, can be convexly curved towards each other.

In order to obtain a bowl-shaped container that is easy to manufacture and has a simple arrangement of the fastening points, the lower part of the container can have a substantially square cross-section, with the fastening points being arranged on two opposite transverse walls of the container part. It should be noted at this point that the fastening points can also be selected in opposite corners in the case of a square cross-section, for example, or diametrically opposite in the case of a round container.

In order to achieve a corresponding curvature in the container base in this context, the container edge along the longitudinal walls connecting the transverse walls and/or their upper edges can be concave, convex or have a curvature equal to zero.

In order to enable simple fastening, the container edge can have at least one outwardly projecting locking element on each of the fastening parts, which engages with a counter-locking element projecting from the lid in the direction of the container base when the lid is in place.

In order to be able to use the locking element to handle the container base or the container at the same time, the locking element can be designed as a container tab that is angled downwards from the edge towards the lid.

In order to be able to design the counter-locking element in a simple manner, it can be designed as a locking lug that protrudes downwards from the edge of the lid towards the bottom of the container. When the lid is placed on the bottom of the container, this engages under the container tab, thereby securing the lid.

In order to be able to easily mold the locking lug onto the lid, the locking lug can be formed on an inner side of a lid tab protruding from the edge of the lid in the direction of the lower part of the container.

In order to simplify the assignment of the lid tab and container tab in a square container, for example, the lid tab can be offset outwards relative to the rest of the lid edge. This makes it immediately clear how the lid should be placed on the bottom of the container.

In order to achieve a sufficient seal between the lid and the container base in a simple manner, the container edge can have a substantially flat sealing surface with which the corresponding lid edge is in contact when the lid is put on.

In order to further improve the seal in this context, a sealing pad can be arranged on the underside of the lid along the edge of the lid and/or on the sealing surface. This is elastically deformed when the lid is placed on the bottom of the container and thus seals the lid and the bottom of the container along the entire sealing surface surrounding the container opening.

In order to obtain a kind of labyrinth seal, the container rim can have an edge that projects essentially upwards towards the lid and surrounds the container opening. From this, the sealing surface extends radially outwards, whereby

the corresponding sealing support is also radially outside the edge and/or, when the cover is in place, particularly in contact with the edge.

In order to further simplify or improve the placement of the lid and its sealing against the bottom of the container, the edge of the lid can be designed as a lid edge wall that protrudes downwards towards the bottom of the container. This can, for example, be pressed with its free end onto a corresponding sealing pad on the sealing surface when the lid is attached.

In order to be able to manufacture the lid from a less elastic material, the lid edge wall can overlap the edge of the container when the lid is placed on the container. This means that in this case the lid edge wall does not have to be curved as a whole by placing its free end on the edge of the container in order to compensate for the different curvatures of the lid and the base of the container. Instead, the lid edge wall overlaps the edge of the container, so that only the actual lid surface needs to be curved accordingly.

In the following, advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures attached to the drawing.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a container base;

Fig. 2 is a section along the line H-II of Fig. 1 for a first embodiment of a bowl-shaped container according to the invention, and

Fig. 3 is a section analogous to Fig. 2 for a second embodiment of a bowl-shaped container according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a container base 2 of a bowl-shaped container 1 according to the invention. A corresponding lid 3 for placing on the container base 2 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 for two different embodiments.

The container base 2 has a square and in particular rectangular cross-section. Two shorter transverse walls 9, 10 are connected to one another by longer longitudinal walls 11, 12. The walls 9, 10, 11, 12 surround a container opening 4, which can be closed by the lid 3 according to Fig. 2 and 3.

Fastening points 6, 7 for the lid are formed on the outside of the transverse walls 9, 10. These are implemented by container tabs 19, 20 that protrude outward from the transverse walls 9, 10 and continue downward from the lid 3 (see Fig. 2 and 3). The container tabs 19, 20 form locking elements 15, 16 with which corresponding counter-locking elements 17, 18 (see the following figures) on the lid can be brought into locking engagement in order to fasten the lid to the lower part of the container.

The container tabs 19, 20 have a first part which extends essentially perpendicularly from the transverse walls 9, 10 and an adjoining locking flange 32, 33 which runs approximately parallel to the transverse walls 9, 10 as a further part.

An opening surface 8 of the container opening 4 is surrounded by a container edge 5, from which the container tabs 19, 20 protrude outwards. It is also possible for the container tabs 19, 20, see the following embodiments, to be integrated in the container edge 5.

The container edge 5 has a substantially flat sealing surface 28 which extends outwards from the corresponding walls. A sealing support can be arranged on this sealing surface 28.

The container rim 5 further has an edge 31 which projects upwards towards the ceiling and directly surrounds the opening surface 8.

Fig. 2 is a section along the line H-II through the container part 2 according to Fig. 1. The lid 3 is also shown in a corresponding section. Lid 3 and container base 2 form an embodiment of a bowl-shaped container 1 according to the invention.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the lid 3 with its lid surface 36 runs horizontally and flat, wherein the lid surface 36 is surrounded by a lid edge 27 that projects downwards in the direction of the container base 2. This lid edge 27 is essentially formed by a lid edge wall that projects downwards from the lid underside 29.

At the points corresponding to the fastening points 6, 7 or the container tabs 19, 20, the lid edge wall 27 is extended in the direction of the container base 2 and has a lid tab 25, 26 there. On their respective flat inner sides 23, 24, a locking lug 21, 22 is arranged as a counter-locking element 17, 18. When the lid 3 is placed on the container base 2, this engages under the lower free ends of the locking flanges 32, 33 of the container tabs 19, 20.

On the lid underside 29, along the lid edge 27, a sealing pad 30 is arranged, which can be brought into contact with the sealing surface 28 of the container tabs 19, 20.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, in particular the longitudinal walls 11, 12 (see also Fig. 1) are convexly curved upwards and perpendicular to the opening surface 8 along their upper edges 13, 14. The curvature is shown in Fig. 2 only as an example and can be smaller or larger. In accordance with the curvature of the upper edges 13, 14 of the longitudinal walls 11, 12, the corresponding sections of the container edge 5 and the edge edges 31 are also curved. The upper edges 13, 14 of the transverse walls 9, 10 and the corresponding sections of the container edge 5 along the transverse walls essentially run in a plane that corresponds to the horizontal plane 35 shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a bowl-shaped container 1 according to the invention. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals, these will only be mentioned in part.

The embodiment of Fig. 3 differs in particular from that of Fig. 2 in that the lid 3 with its lid surface 36 is convexly curved in the direction of the container base 2, instead of the corresponding convex curvature of the longitudinal walls 11, 12 at their upper edges 13, 14. Otherwise, the bowl-shaped container 1 according to

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Fig. 3 is constructed like that of Fig. 2 and in particular also has fastening points 6, 7 formed on the transverse walls 9, 10, which are opposite one another. The fastening of the lid 3 takes place as in Fig. 2 by a corresponding locking engagement of locking elements 15, 16 and counter-locking elements 17, 18. The counter-locking element 17, 18 is again formed by a corresponding locking lug 21, 22 on the inner sides 23, 24 of lid tabs 25, 26. These locking lugs 21, 22 engage under lower free ends of locking flanges 22, 23 of the container tabs 19, 20.

It should also be noted that the curvatures of the lid surface 36 or the longitudinal walls 11, 12 along their upper edges 13, 14 can also be designed such that both are convexly curved in the direction of the other part, with only their curvatures being different. It is also possible for the lid surface or longitudinal walls 11, 12 to be concavely curved in the direction of the other part, with the concave curvature being less than the corresponding convex curvature of the other part. The different curvatures of the various parts ensure that when the lid is in place, the lid in particular is elastically deformed in such a way that a corresponding pressure force is generated in the direction of the container edge, which creates a seal between the lid and the lower part of the container.

If appropriate materials are selected for the lid and/or the container base for the parts of the lid and the container base that come into contact with each other, at least when the lid is placed on the container base, the seal can even be liquid-tight.

Claims (15)

1. Bowl-shaped container ( 1 ) comprising a container base ( 2 ) and a lid ( 3 ) placed thereon, the container base ( 2 ) having a container edge ( 5 ) which runs at least partially around an upper container opening ( 4 ), to which edge the lid ( 3 ) is detachably attached at at least two fastening points ( 6 , 7 ) which are essentially opposite one another relative to the container opening ( 4 ), characterized in that the lid ( 3 ) and the container base ( 2 ), in particular its container edge ( 5 ), are curved differently between the fastening points ( 6 , 7 ) essentially in a direction perpendicular to the opening surface ( 8 ) of the container opening ( 5 ), whereby a pressing force is generated in the direction of the container base between the fastening points via an elastic deformation of the lid. 2. Bowl-shaped container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid ( 3 ) and/or the container base ( 2 ), in particular its container edge ( 5 ), are convexly curved towards each other. 3. Shell-shaped container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container lower part ( 2 ) has a substantially square cross-section, wherein the fastening points ( 6 , 7 ) are arranged on two opposite transverse walls ( 9 , 10 ) of the container lower part ( 2 ). 4. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container edge ( 5 ) runs curved along longitudinal walls ( 11 , 12 ) connecting the transverse walls ( 9 , 10 ) and/or their upper edges ( 13 , 14 ). 5. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container edge ( 5 ) has at least one outwardly projecting locking element ( 15 , 16 ) at each of the fastening points ( 6 , 7 ), which engages with a counter-locking element ( 17 , 18 ) projecting from the lid ( 3 ) in the direction of the container base ( 2 ) when the lid is in place. 6. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element ( 15 , 16 ) is designed as a container tab ( 19 , 20 ) angled downwards from the container edge ( 5 ) in the direction of the lid ( 3 ). 7. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter-latching element ( 17 , 18 ) is designed as a latching nose ( 21 , 22 ) protruding downwards from the lid edge ( 27 ) in the direction of the container base ( 2 ). 8. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking lug ( 21 , 22 ) is formed on an inner side ( 23 , 24 ) of a lid tab ( 25 , 26 ) protruding from the lid edge ( 27 ) in the direction of the container base ( 2 ). 9. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid tab ( 25 , 26 ) is offset outwards relative to the remaining lid edge ( 27 ). 10. Shell-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container edge ( 5 ) has a substantially flat sealing surface ( 28 ). 11. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing pad ( 30 ) is arranged on a lid underside ( 29 ) along the lid edge ( 27 ) and/or on the sealing surface ( 28 ). 12. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container rim ( 5 ) has an edge ( 31 ) which projects substantially upwards in the direction of the lid ( 3 ) and surrounds the container opening ( 4 ). 13. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid edge ( 27 ) is designed as a lid edge wall projecting downwards in the direction of the container lower part ( 2 ). 14. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid edge wall ( 27 ) overlaps the container edge ( 5 ) when the lid ( 3 ) is placed on the container base ( 2 ). 15. Bowl-shaped container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing layer ( 30 ) is in contact with the edge ( 31 ) when the lid ( 3 ) is in place.