Patent Grant
11072471
Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Application No. 10 2018 127 380.0 filed Nov. 2, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
The invention relates to a lid for a container.
Currently on the market are lids or closures with troughs which are closed by an adhesive label or a sealing foil and into which the desired items of cutlery have been inserted. The size of the trough predetermines the maximum size of the item of cutlery. As a consequence, the item of cutlery can be only as long as the largest dimension of the lid or closure. As an optimized solution for that purpose there are foldable items of cutlery or pluggable items of cutlery. Disadvantages of these known solutions are:
There has become known from of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,604,645 and 5,695,084 a removable lid for a container with a spoon which is integrated in a trough in a stiff lid body and which is connected by way of film hinge with an outer edge of the lid body and intended for the purpose of being separated from the lid body so as to be used as a separate spoon for eating a content of the container.
A removable lid for a container has become known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,324 B1, in which, in a stiff lid body, passages in which two spoon parts respectively connected by way of a plurality of frangible locations with the lid body are formed. These spoon parts are intended for the purpose of being separated from the lid body and combined to form a separate spoon in order to then be used for eating a content of the container.
A removable lid for a container has become known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,176, which consists of an elastic-flexible material and in which a spoon able to be folded out is integrated, the spoon being integrally connected with the lid body and of the same material. In order to fold out the spoon the lid has to be resiliently compressed by hand onto the lid edges which, as considered in a direction perpendicular to the spoon longitudinal axis, face away from one another and, in order to eat the content of the container, has to always be kept compressed so as to avoid folding back of the spoon. The base of this spoon is integrally connected in the region of pre-formed V-shaped fold lines with an inner edge of an encircling container engagement-over edge. The spoon base in the compressed state of the lid, in which the spoon projects out beyond the lid outer edge, is in fact supported on the outer edge of the container engagement-over edge, but the necessarily elastic-flexible material makes possible only use for eating foodstuffs of comparatively low viscosity. Apart from that, loading of the spoon is possible substantially only in a main direction.
Similar removable lids for containers have become known from U.S. Pat. No. 2,598,987 and WO 2008/061080 A2. In these lids, spoon parts are each connected by way of a respective arcuate or straight fold seam with the lid body, the seams being provided either directly at the outer edge of the lid body or at a small spacing outside the outer edge of the lid body. Only loading of the respective spoon substantially in a main direction is possible with these lids as well.
It is an object of the invention to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a lid and an eating utensil produced therefrom with the following advantages:
This object is fulfilled with respect to the container by the features according to the invention. Accordingly, the invention relates to a lid, particularly removable lid for a container, preferably portable container, particularly packaging container, for reception of contents such as comestibles, preferably foodstuffs, particularly higher viscosity or high-viscosity, tough and/or frozen contents such as, for example, soft cheese or ice-cream, with a lid body comprising a handling body, which has a lid outer edge, and an eating utensil part, particularly a spoon, fork or knife, which is integrally connected with the handling body via a rectilinearly extending eating utensil part hinge in such a way that the eating utensil part can be folded out, preferably through approximately 180 degrees, relative to the handling body about an eating utensil part hinge pivot axis of the eating utensil part hinge from a not-folded-out, non-use setting not intended for eating into an eating use setting which is for eating a content of a container and in which the eating utensil part extends in the direction of its eating utensil part longitudinal axis transversely or perpendicularly away from the eating utensil part hinge beyond the lid outer edge of the handling body, wherein the handling body comprises a plurality of handling parts of which a first handling part and a second handling part are integrally connected together via a rectilinearly extending first lid hinge in such a way that the second handling part is foldable relative to the first handling part about at least one first lid hinge pivot axis of the first lid hinge from a basic setting not intended for eating into a first handling setting in which the handling parts form a handle for manual operation of the eating utensil part, which is folded out into its eating use setting, for eating a content of the container, wherein at least one securing means for securing the handling parts, which are folded together to form a handle, against unintended folding back is provided, and wherein the eating utensil part hinge has a hinge spacing from the lid outer edge of the handling body, preferably as considered in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the eating utensil part hinge, wherein an eating utensil part engagement-behind support body of the first handling part is formed between the eating utensil part hinge or the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis and the lid outer edge of the handling body and wherein the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body is opposite the eating utensil part in the eating use setting on a first eating utensil part side of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in a first force direction the eating utensil part is or can be directly or indirectly supported on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body, and the second handling part is formed with a first eating utensil part engagement-over support body which in the first handling setting is opposite the eating utensil part in the eating use setting on a second eating utensil part side, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in a second force direction opposite the first force direction the eating utensil part is or can be directly or indirectly supported on the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body.
According to a preferred variant of embodiment it can be provided that the eating utensil part has a hinge length and that the hinge spacing is at least the same size as or larger than the hinge length of the eating utensil part hinge. Particularly advantageous supporting and stability conditions can thereby be realized.
According to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the eating utensil part in its not-folded-out, non-use setting not intended for eating is integrated in the lid body. As a result, the lid can be produced particularly simply and economically and demands comparatively little space.
According to a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the first handling part is constructed as an eating utensil part receiving part with an eating utensil part receiving passage in which the eating utensil part, which is pivotably connected by way of the eating utensil part hinge with the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body of the first handling part of the handling body, in its not-folded-out, non-use setting not intended for eating is arranged. As a result the foregoing advantages can be realized to a particular extent.
According to a particularly preferred variant of embodiment it can be provided that the eating utensil part in its not-folded-out, non-use setting not intended for eating is completely surrounded by the lid outer edge of the handling body. As a result, in addition to the foregoing advantages a greater degree of stability of the lid can be achieved. Moreover, the eating utensil part then not only does not project beyond the lid outer edge, but also leaves the lid outer edge entirely free of contact, so that better and more secure handling results.
According to a preferred development it can be provided that the first lid hinge extends with interruption or without interruption continuously between a first outer edge part of the lid outer edge and a second outer edge part, which faces away from the first outer edge part of the lid outer edge. As a result, a greater degree of stability or stiffness and greater functional reliability can be achieved.
According to an embodiment it can be provided that the first lid hinge or the first lid hinge pivot axis extends parallel to the eating utensil part longitudinal axis or parallel to a center longitudinal axis of the first handling part. Improved handling and functional reliability can thereby be achieved.
According to a particularly preferred variant of embodiment it can be provided that the first lid hinge pivot axis extends perpendicularly to the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis. Even better handling and functional reliability can thereby be achieved.
According to an advantageous development it can be provided that the first lid hinge is a first lid film hinge. A particularly high degree of functionality and functional reliability together with particularly simpler and more economic capability of production can thereby be achieved.
According to an advantageous development it can be provided that the eating utensil part hinge is a film hinge. A particularly high degree of functionality and functional reliability together with particularly simpler and more economic capability of production can thereby be achieved.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that a first eating utensil part support body and a second eating utensil part support body are arranged at the first handling part in the region of the lid outer edge of the handling body or at the lid outer edge of the handling body at a longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge to respectively adjoin the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body and as considered in a direction parallel to the eating utensil part hinge at a mutual transverse spacing the same size as or slightly larger than an eating utensil part width which the eating utensil part has in the longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge, or that a first eating utensil part support body and a second eating utensil part support body are arranged at the second handling part in the region of the lid outer edge of the handling body or at the lid outer edge of the handling body at a longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge to respectively adjoin the eating utensil part engagement-over support body and as considered in a direction parallel to the eating utensil part hinge at a mutual longitudinal spacing the same size as or slightly larger than an eating utensil part width which the eating utensil part has in the longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge or that a first eating utensil part support body is arranged at the first handling part in the region of the lid outer edge of the handling body or at the lid outer edge of the handling body at a longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge to adjoin the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body and that a second eating utensil part support body is arranged at the second handling part in the region of the lid outer edge of the handling body or at the lid outer edge of the handling body at a longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge to adjoin the eating utensil part engagement-over support body, wherein the first eating utensil part support body and the second eating utensil part support body in the handling setting in which the first handling part and the second part are folded to form a handle are, as considered in a direction parallel to the eating utensil part hinge, arranged at a mutual transverse spacing the same size as or slightly larger than an eating utensil part width which the eating utensil part has in the longitudinal spacing from the eating utensil part hinge. As a result, there is the possibility of even better support of the eating utensil part against lateral use forces than is possible due to the rectilinearly extending eating utensil hinge.
According to a particularly preferred variant of embodiment it can be provided that attached to the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body of the first handling part is a support pin which extends transversely or perpendicularly away, preferably with a conical taper, from an inner surface of the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body up to its free pin end and that the eating utensil part has an eating utensil part passage for reception of a pin part of the support pin, through which in the eating use setting of the eating utensil part the pin part of the support pin extends so that in the eating use setting of the eating utensil part the eating utensil part is either supportable on the pin by way of passage edges of its eating utensil part passage or is supported on the support pin by way of passage edges of its eating utensil part passage. As a result there is the possibility of even better support of the eating utensil against lateral use forces and use moments than is possible solely by way of the eating utensil hinge.
According to a preferred development provision can be made for fixing means for fixing the eating utensil part in a non-use setting against unintended folding out from the eating utensil part receiving passage of the first handling part, and/or for repeated fixing of the eating utensil part after it has been folded out from the eating utensil part receiving passage, to be provided.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment the lid body can consist of a plastics material, preferably thermoplastic plastics material, particularly of polypropylene, or of another inherently stiff or intrinsically stable material.
According to a preferred variant the lid body can be produced in an injection-molding method.
According to an advantageous embodiment provision can be made to provide a cover which covers the eating utensil part and the handling body together or individually at the upper side in sterile manner and which is either connected by way of a manually releasable adhesion connection with the handling body and with the eating utensil part or is connected with the handling body at least partly by way of a non-detachable connection and either freely bears against the eating utensil part or adheres to the eating utensil part to be manually releasable. These measures are particularly advantageous when the eating utensil part reaches to the upper side of the lid, thus forms, together with the handling body, the lid upper side. Advantageous hygienic conditions can thereby be created.
According to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the cover is a cover foil. Weight and production costs can thus be saved, in company with reduced environmental loading.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the detachable connection of the cover with the lid body is effected in one working step with the production of the lid body. For this purpose, production of the lid together with the cover can be carried out particularly advantageously in a so-called in-mold method, particularly by a so-called in-mold labelling method (IML method).
According to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the lid and the cover consist of the same plastics material, preferably thermoplastic plastics material, particularly polypropylene. Category-pure recycling can thereby be guaranteed. However, it is also possible for the lid, optionally together with the cover, to be produced from different materials, preferably similarly in a one-step process.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the handling body comprises a third handling part, which is integrally connected by way of a rectilinearly extending second lid hinge with the first handling part in such a way that the third handling part is foldable relative to the first handling part about a second lid hinge pivot axis, which extends parallel to the first lid hinge pivot axis, of the second lid hinge from a second basic setting not intended for eating into a second handling setting, wherein the second handling part in its first handling setting and the third handling part in its second handling setting form together with the first handling part a handle for manual operation of the eating utensil part, which is folded out into its eating use setting, for eating a content of the container, and wherein the third handling part comprises a second eating utensil engagement-over support body which in the second handling setting of the third handling part is opposite the eating utensil part in the eating use setting on the second eating utensil side, which faces away from the first eating utensil side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in a third force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supportable or supported on the second eating utensil engagement-over support body. As a result, a more complete and stable handle capable of simple handling can be achieved from the lid after folding out the eating utensil part into the eating use setting, by way of which handle the folded-out eating utensil part can be loaded in all directions for eating or removal of a container content without folding in or folding back of the eating utensil part occurring. A lid of that kind can be produced comparatively simply and economically. Manipulation of the lid for forming the handle by the folded-out eating utensil part as well as manipulation of the eating utensil produced from the lid are particularly simple.
According to a preferred development it can be provided that the second handling part and the third handling part each have an outer profile formed symmetrically with respect to a center longitudinal axis of the first handling part or symmetrically with respect to the eating utensil part longitudinal axis. Production and handling can thereby be further improved.
It will be obvious that the lid can have almost any desired shape. In particular, the lid can have a circular or circularly round outer edge, a rectangle-shaped or rectangular outer edge, a four-corner-shaped or four-cornered outer edge or an oval outer edge.
According to a preferred development it can be provided that the second lid hinge extends with interruption or without interruption continuously between a third outer edge part of the lid outer edge and a fourth outer edge part, which faces away from the third outer edge part, of the lid outer edge. An even greater stability or stiffness and an even greater functional reliability can thereby be achieved.
According to an embodiment it can be provided that the second lid hinge or the second lid hinge pivot axis extends parallel to the eating utensil part longitudinal axis or parallel to a center longitudinal axis of the first handling part. Further improved handling and functional reliability can thereby be achieved.
According to an advantageous development it can be provided that the second lid hinge is a second lid film hinge. An even greater degree of functionality and functional reliability together with even simpler and more economic capability of production can thereby be achieved.
According to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the first handling part and/or the second handling part and/or the third handling part is or are provided with abutments which on folding-over of the second handling part relative to the first handling part about the first lid hinge and on folding-over of the third handling part relative to the first handling part about the second lid enable abutment in each instance in an angular setting corresponding with an angle, preferably an angle of the same size, particularly 90 degrees. As a result a handle which is more stable in shape and advantageously with a better capability of handling is produced from the lid in simpler and more economic mode and manner.
According to an advantageous development it can be provided that the second handling part is provided with first securing means and the third handling part is provided with second securing means which is adapted thereto and at or in which the first securing means of the second handling part is securable, preferably securable to be detachable again, in order to secure the handling parts—which are folded together in the first and second handling settings to form the handle—against unintended folding back or at or in which the first securing means of the second handling part is secured, preferably securable to be detachable again, when the handling parts are folded together to form the handle so that the handling part is secured against unintended folding back.
In that case it can preferably be provided that the first securing means is detent means and that the second securing means is counter-detent means, at or in which the detent means is detentable with formation of a detent connection, particularly a snap connection, preferably to be releasable again, or at or in which the detent means is detented with formation of a detent connection, particularly a snap connection, preferably to be releasable again, when the handling parts are folded together to form the handle. Alternatively, it can be provided that the first securing means is a clamping means and that the second securing means is a counter-clamping means, at or in which the clamping means can be firmly clamped, preferably to be releasable again, with formation of a clamping connection or at or in which the clamping means is firmly clamped, preferably to be releasable again, with formation of a clamping connection when the handling parts are folded together to form the handle. This makes possible particularly simple handling and functional reliability.
According to a preferred variant of embodiment it can be provided that the lid has a container engagement-over edge, which is partly or completely encircling and which extends in a direction transversely or perpendicularly to an inner cover surface of the lid body out beyond the inner cover surface, for engagement over a container edge of a container to be covered or closed by means of the lid. A lid constructed in that manner can be used particularly advantageously as a closure for a container, which closure has a matching opening geometry of the container opening to be covered and closed. The lid can preferably be constructed as a closure lid. The container engagement-over edge can be provided with one or more closure means for releasable closing of a container.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the container engagement-over edge has a first container engagement-over edge part associated with the second handling part and a second container engagement-over edge part associated with the third handling part, and wherein the first eating utensil engagement-over support body of the second handling part is a component of the first container engagement-over edge part and wherein the second eating utensil engagement-over support body of the third handling part is a component of the second container engagement-over edge part and wherein the container engagement-over edge has a third container engagement-over edge part associated with the second handling part and a fourth container engagement-over edge part associated with the third handling part, particularly wherein the third container engagement-over edge part is preferably approximately opposite the first container engagement-over edge part and the fourth container engagement-over edge part is preferably approximately opposite the second container engagement-over edge part, and wherein the third container engagement-over edge part has a first edge part which in the first handling setting is opposite a body part, particularly edge part, of the first handling part and wherein the fourth container engagement-over edge part has a second edge part which in the second handling setting is opposite the body part of the first handling part. Even greater stability or stiffness can thereby be achieved together with easier handling.
In that case according to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that a fifth container engagement-over edge part, which can also be called first opening flap, of the container engagement-over edge and the first handling part are integrally connected, preferably with the same material, by way of a first engagement-over edge hinge, particularly formed as a film hinge, arranged in the region of the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body, and that the fifth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the first container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible first engagement-over edge frangible location and that the fifth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the second container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible second engagement-over edge frangible location, and that a sixth container engagement-over edge part, which can also be called second opening flap, of the container engagement-over edge and the first handling part are integrally connected, preferably with the same material, by way of a second engagement-over edge hinge, particularly formed as a film hinge, arranged in the region of the body part, particularly edge part, of the first handling part and that the sixth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the third container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible third engagement-over edge frangible location and that the sixth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the fourth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of manually destructible fourth engagement-over edge frangible location, so that after destruction, preferably manual destruction, of the first engagement-over edge frangible location and the second engagement-over edge frangible location the fifth container engagement-over edge part is foldable away outwardly or inwardly about a first engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis of the first engagement-over edge hinge and after destruction, preferably manual destruction, of the third engagement-over edge frangible location and the fourth engagement-over edge frangible location the sixth container engagement-over edge part is foldable away outwardly or inwardly about a second engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis of the second engagement-over edge hinge, so that the second handling part is foldable about the first lid hinge pivot axis of the first lid hinge and the third handling part about the second lid hinge pivot axis of the second lid hinge relative to one another to form the handle. A handling capability which is particularly simple and reliable and a particularly high level of functionality together with a particularly simpler and more economic capability of production are thereby achieved.
Alternatively, but less preferably, it can be provided that a fifth container engagement-over edge part, which can also be called first opening flap, and the second container engagement-over edge part are integrally connected together, preferably with the same material, by way of a first engagement-over edge hinge, which is preferably constructed as a film hinge, arranged in the region of the second eating utensil part engagement-over support body and preferably extending rectilinearly and that the fifth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the first container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible first engagement-over edge frangible location arranged in the region of the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body, and that a sixth container engagement-over edge part, which is preferably opposite the fifth container engagement-over edge part and which can also called second opening flap, of the container engagement-over edge and the fourth container engagement-over edge part are integrally connected by way of a second container engagement-over edge hinge, which is arranged in the region of the body part, particularly edge part, of the first handling part, and that the sixth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the third container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible second engagement-over edge frangible location so that after destruction of the first engagement-over edge frangible location the fifth container engagement-over edge part can be folded away outwardly or inwardly about a first engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis of the first engagement-over edge hinge and after destruction of the second engagement-over edge frangible location the sixth container engagement-over edge part can be folded away outwardly or inwardly about a second engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis of the second engagement-over edge hinge, so that the second handling part about the first lid hinge pivot axis of the first lid hinge and the third handling part about the second lid hinge pivot axis of the second lid hinge are foldable relative to one another to form the handle, or a fifth container engagement-over edge part, which can also be called opening flap, and the second container engagement-over edge part are integrally connected, preferably with the same material, by way of a first engagement-over edge hinge, particularly constructed as a film hinge, which is arranged in the region of the first eating utensil part engagement-over edge support body and which preferably extends rectilinearly, and that the fifth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the second container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible first engagement-over edge frangible location arranged in the region of the second eating utensil engagement-over support body and that a sixth container engagement-over edge part, which is preferably opposite the fifth container engagement-over edge part and which can also be called second opening flap, of the container engagement-over edge and the third container engagement-over edge part are integrally connected by way of a second engagement-over edge hinge arranged in the region of the body part, particularly edge part, of the first handling part and that the sixth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, and the fourth container engagement-over edge part, preferably in the region of its lower edge, are connected by way of a manually destructible second engagement-over edge frangible location so that after destruction of the first engagement-over edge frangible location the fifth container engagement-over edge part can be folded away outwardly or inwardly about a first engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis of the first engagement-over edge hinge and after destruction of the second engagement-over edge frangible location the sixth container engagement-over edge part can be folded away outwardly or inwardly about a second engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis of the second engagement-over edge hinge so that the second handling part about the first lid hinge pivot axis of the first lid hinge and the third handling part about the second lid hinge pivot axis of the second lid hinge are foldable relative to one another to form the handle. As a result, a comparatively simple and reliable capability of handling as well as a high functionality and functional reliability together with particularly simpler and more economic capability of production can still be achieved.
The invention also relates to an eating utensil which is produced directly from the lid according to the invention, particularly with one or more of the foregoing features, wherein the eating utensil part is folded out about the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis of the eating utensil part hinge into its eating use setting for eating a content of the container, in which the eating utensil part extends in the direction of its eating utensil part longitudinal axis transversely or perpendicularly away from the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis out beyond the lid outer edge of the handling body and in which the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body of the first handling part either is opposite, preferably at a small spacing, the eating utensil part on a first eating utensil part side of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supportable on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body or bears directly or indirectly against the eating utensil part on a first eating utensil part side of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supported on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body, and wherein the first handling part and the second handling part in their first handling setting are folded about the first lid hinge pivot axis of the first lid hinge, in which the first handling part and the second handling part form a handle for manual operation of the eating utensil part, which is folded out into its eating use setting, for eating a content of the container and in which the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body of the second handling part either is opposite, preferably at a small spacing, the eating utensil part on a second eating utensil part side, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the second force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supportable on the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body or bears directly or indirectly against the eating utensil part on a second eating utensil part side, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the second force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supported on the eating utensil part engagement-over support body and in which the handling parts are secured by way of the at least one securing means against unintended folding back. The advantages mentioned in the introduction are achieved to a particular degree with an eating utensil produced or constructed in that way.
The invention also relates to an eating utensil which is produced directly from the lid according to the invention, particularly with one or more of the foregoing features, wherein the eating utensil part is folded out about the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis of the eating utensil part hinge into its eating use setting for eating a content of the container, in which the eating utensil part extends in the direction of its eating utensil part longitudinal axis transversely or perpendicularly away from the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis out beyond the lid outer edge of the handling body and in which the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body of the first handling part either is opposite, preferably at a small spacing, the eating utensil part on a first eating utensil part side of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supportable, preferably by way of a first opening flap, on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body or bears directly or indirectly, preferably by way of a first opening flap, against the eating utensil part on a first eating utensil part side of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supported on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body, and wherein the second handling part is disposed in its first handling setting folded about the first lid hinge pivot axis of the first lid hinge and the third handling part is disposed in its second handling setting folded about the second lid hinge pivot axis of the second lid hinge, in which handling settings the second handling part, the first handling part and the third handling part form a handle for manual operation of the eating utensil part, which is folded out into its eating use setting, for eating a content of the container, and in which handling settings the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body of the second handling part either is opposite, preferably at a small spacing, the eating utensil part on a second eating utensil part side, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the second force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supportable on the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body or bears directly or indirectly against the eating utensil part on a second eating utensil part side, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the second force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supported on the eating utensil part engagement-over support body, and in which handling settings the second eating utensil part engagement-over support body of the third handling part either is opposite, preferably at a small spacing, the eating utensil part on the second eating utensil part side, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the third force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supportable on the second eating utensil part engagement-over support body or bears directly or indirectly against the eating utensil part on the second eating utensil part side which faces away from the first eating utensil part side, of the eating utensil part so that for acceptance of use forces acting in the third force direction opposite to the first force direction the eating utensil part is directly or indirectly supported on the eating utensil part engagement-over support body and in which handling settings the handling parts are secured by way of the at least one securing means against unintended folding back. The advantages mentioned in the introduction can be achieved to particular extent also with an eating utensil produced or constructed in that way, wherein in addition the advantages evident from the following description part are achievable. An eating utensil of that kind can be produced particularly advantageously from a closure lid according to the invention. In this case, there is the advantageous possibility of converting the eating utensil back into a closure lid so as to again close a matching container opening of a container closed by the original closure lid, for example in order to avoid entry of insects.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the support pin extends by its pin part through the eating utensil part passage of the eating utensil part so that the eating utensil part is either supportable on the pin by way of the passage edges of its eating utensil part passage or is supported on the support pin by way of the passage edges of its eating utensil part passage. The eating utensil part can thereby be supported against lateral use forces and use moments even better than is possible solely due the eating utensil hinge.
According to an advantageous development it can be provided that the first eating utensil engagement-over support body and the second eating utensil engagement-over support body in the respective basic setting of the first and second handling bodies extend rectilinearly and parallel to one another or are bounded by edge wall parts extending rectilinearly and parallel to one another. Advantageous supporting and stability conditions can thereby be achieved.
It will be apparent from the description herein that the foregoing features can be combined as desired within the scope of feasibility.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
In the drawings,
A preferred embodiment of a lid 10 according to the invention is shown in
A container content (not shown in the figures), for example a foodstuff such as soft cheese or ice-cream, can be stored in the container 12. The container 12 is a packaging container. The container 12 has a circular container opening 13, a circular container base 14 and a conical container circumferential wall 15. The container circumferential wall 15 bounds, together with the container base 14, a container cavity 16. The container opening 13 is bounded by an encircling rim 17. In order to protect the container content from contaminants, the container opening 13 can be tightly closed by means of the sealing membrane 18, which is shown in
The closure lid 10 is intended for covering and closing the container 12 shown in
The lid body 23 of the closure lid 10 comprises a handling body 25, which is bounded by a lid outer edge 26. The handling body 25 comprises a plurality of handling parts 27.1, 27.2, 27.3 and, specifically, a first handling part 27.1, a second handling part 27.2 and a third handling part 27.3. The first handling part 27.1 forms a middle part of the closure lid 10. The second handling part 27.2 forms a first closure half of the closure lid 10 and the third handling part 27.3 forms a second closure half of the closure lid.
The first handling part 27.1 formed as middle part comprises an integrated eating utensil part 30, a first eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 at its first handling part end 31.1, and a body part 33, which is constructed as an edge part, at its second handling part end 31.2 extending away from the first handling part end 31.1 in an opposite direction. The eating utensil part 30 and the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 are non-detachably integrally connected together, preferably of the same material, by way of a rectilinearly extending eating utensil part hinge 35 in such a way that the eating utensil part 30 is pivotable or foldable out relative to the first handling body or middle part 27.1 about an eating utensil part hinge pivot axis 36 of the eating utensil part hinge 35 from a not-folded-out, non-use setting 37, which is shown in
The eating utensil part 30 has an eating functional part 42 at its free eating utensil part end 41 facing away from the eating utensil part hinge 35. In the illustrated embodiment the eating functional part 42 is a spoon basin, which is also termed bowl. A spoon stem part 43 is formed between the spoon basin 42 and the eating utensil part hinge 35. The eating utensil part 30 is thus, for example, a spoon part of a spoon 44. The eating utensil part hinge 35 as considered in a direction perpendicular to the eating utensil part hinge 35 is arranged at a hinge spacing 45 from the lid outer edge 26.1 of a first handling part or middle part 27.1 of the handling body 25. The eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 is arranged between this lid outer edge 26.1 and the eating utensil part hinge 35.
In the non-use setting 37 the eating utensil part 30 extends perpendicularly away from the eating utensil part hinge 35 parallel to its eating utensil part longitudinal axis 40. In the eating use setting 38 the eating utensil part 30 extends perpendicularly away from the eating utensil part hinge 35 in the direction of its eating utensil part longitudinal axis 40 out beyond the lid outer edge 26; 26.1. In its non-use setting 37 the eating utensil part 30 is completely surrounded by the lid outer edge 26 of the handling body 25. The first handling part or middle part 27.1 is constructed as an eating utensil part receiving part with an eating utensil part receiving passage 46; 46.1, 46.2, which is here formed with a first eating utensil part receiving passage 46.1 and a second eating utensil part receiving passage 46.2. The eating utensil part 30, which is pivotably connected by way of the eating utensil part hinge 35 with the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32, in its non-use setting 37 is received in the eating utensil part receiving passage. In the non-use setting 37 of the eating utensil part 30 the body part 33 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 is opposite the spoon basin 42. The eating utensil part 30 is provided, preferably at least in the region of its eating functional part 42, particularly at the free end 41 of the eating functional part 42 or of the eating utensil part 30, with at least one manually detachable or manually destructible fixing means 47, for example in the form of a connection, for fixing the eating utensil part 30 against unintended folding out from the eating utensil part receiving passage 46; 46.1, 46.2. The at least one fixing means 47 can also be a means for repeat fixing of the eating utensil part 30 against unintended folding out from the at least one eating utensil part receiving passage 46; 46.1, 46.2 after the eating utensil part 30 has been folded at least once about the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis 36 out from the eating utensil part receiving passage 46; 46.1, 46.2. If, as in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing means 47 is provided, then if the eating utensil part 30 is in its non-use setting 37 the eating utensil part receiving passage 46 is divided by the fixing means 47 into the two eating utensil part receiving passages 46.1, 46.2. The two eating utensil part receiving passages 46.1, 46.2 then each form a gap.
A support pin 72 is fastened to the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 of the first handling part 27.1. The support pin 72 extends from its first pin end 73.1 perpendicularly away from an inner surface 49 of the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 to its second, free pin end 73.2. The eating utensil part 30 has an eating utensil part passage 48 for reception of a pin part of the support pin 72. The eating utensil part passage 48 spans a passage cross-section, which is preferably circular. The passage cross-section is slightly smaller than a support pin cross-section which spans the support pin 72 and which the support pin 72 has in a pin region arranged between the first pin end 73.1 thereof and the second, free pin end 73.2.
The first handling part or middle part 27.1 comprising the eating utensil part 30 is bounded by two parallel lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 and, specifically, by a first lid hinge 50.1 and by a second lid hinge 50.2. These lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 and the lid hinge pivot axes 51.1, 51.2 thereof extend parallel to a center longitudinal axis 52 of the first handling part 27.1. In the non-use setting 37 and also in the eating use setting 38 of the eating utensil part 30 the two lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 and the lid hinge pivot axes 51.1, 51.2 thereof extend parallel to the eating utensil part longitudinal axis 40. The first lid hinge 50.1 is a first lid film hinge. The second lid hinge 50.2 is a second lid film hinge. The first lid hinge 50.1 and the second lid hinge 50.2 are of the same form. The two lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 and the lid hinge pivot axes 51.1, 51.2 thereof extend perpendicularly to the eating utensil part hinge 35 and perpendicularly to the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis 36 thereof. The first lid hinge 50.1 extends without interruption continuously between a first outer edge part 53.1 and a second outer edge part 53.2, which faces away from the first outer edge part 53.1, of the lid outer edge 26 or the container engagement-over edge 21. The second lid hinge 50.2 extends without interruption continuously between a third outer edge part 53.3 and a fourth outer edge part 53.4, which faces away from the third outer edge part 53.3, of the lid outer edge or the container engagement-over edge 21.
The second handling part 27.2, which is constructed as first closure half, and the first handling part 27.1, which is constructed as middle part, are integrally connected together, preferably with the same material, by way of the rectilinearly extending first lid hinge 50.1 in such a way that the second handling part 27.2 is foldable relative to the first handling part 27.1, which is constructed as middle part, about the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1 of the first lid hinge 50.1 through a pivot angle of approximately 90 degrees from a first basic setting 54.1, which is not intended for eating and which is shown in
The third handling part 27.3, which is constructed as second closure half, and the first handling part 27.1, which is constructed as middle part, are integrally connected together, preferably by the same material, by way of the rectilinearly extending second lid hinge 50.2 in such a way that the third handling part 27.3 is foldable relative to the first handling part 27.1, which is constructed as middle part, about the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2 of the first lid hinge 50.1 similarly through a pivot angle of approximately 90 degrees from a second basic setting 54.2, which is not intended for eating and which is shown in
The second handling part 27.2 and the third handling part 27.3 or the first closure half and the second closure half each have an outer profile formed symmetrically with respect to the center longitudinal axis 52 of the first handling part 27.1. This center longitudinal axis 52 extends parallel to the lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 or parallel to the lid hinge pivot axes 51.1, 51.2.
In order to limit the pivotation or folding-over of the second handling part or the first closure half 27.2 relative to the first handling part or middle part 27.1 about the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1 of the first lid hinge 50.1 to the said first pivot angle of approximately 90 degrees and also to limit the pivotation or folding-over of the third handling part or the second closure half 27.3 relative to the first handling part or middle part 27.1 about the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2 of the second lid hinge 50.2 to the said second pivot angle of approximately 90 degrees the first handling part or the middle part 27.1 is preferably provided with a plurality of support bodies 57.1, 57.2, which are also termed abutments. These can preferably be formed at the first eating utensil part engagement-behind support part 32 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 and also at the opposite body part 33 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1. The support bodies or abutments 57.1, 57.2, which are formed at the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32, can preferably be constructed at the same time as eating utensil part support bodies for supporting the eating utensil part 30, which is folded out about the eating utensil part pivot axis 36 of the eating utensil part hinge 35 from its non-use setting 37 into its eating use setting 38, against lateral movements of the eating utensil part 30 and for acceptance of lateral use forces. For this purpose, a first eating utensil part support body 57.1 and a second eating utensil part support body 57.2, which as considered in a direction parallel to the eating utensil part hinge 35 are arranged at a transverse spacing 59 from one another, can thus be formed at the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 38 to be arranged at a longitudinal spacing 58 from the eating utensil part hinge 35 as considered in a direction parallel to the lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 or to the lid hinge pivot axes 51.1, 51.2 thereof. This transverse spacing 59 is the same size as or slightly smaller than an eating utensil part width 60 which the eating utensil part 30 in the said longitudinal spacing 58 has from the eating utensil part hinge 35.
The closure lid 10 has a completely encircling container engagement-over edge 21 for engagement-over of a container edge 19 of the container 12 closable by means of the lid 10. The container engagement-over edge 21 extends in a direction transverse or perpendicular to an inner cover surface 62 of the lid body 23 out beyond the inner cover surface 62. The container engagement-over edge 21 has in the region of the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 a first container engagement-over edge part 63.1, which is associated with the second handling part or the first closure half 27.2. In addition, the container engagement-over edge 21 has in the region of the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 a second container engagement-over edge part 63.2, which is associated with the third handling part or the second closure half 27.2.
The first container engagement-over edge part 63.1 of the second handling part 27.2 has a first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1. The first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1 extends transversely to the first lid hinge 50.1 and transversely to the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1. The first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1 in the first handling setting 55.1, in which the second handling part 27.2 is pivoted relative to the first handling part 27.1 through an angle of approximately 90 degrees about the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1 of the first lid hinge 50.1, and in the eating use setting 38 of the eating utensil part 30 is opposite the eating utensil part 30 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 on a second eating utensil part side 34.2, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side 34.1, of the eating utensil part 30 so that the eating utensil part 30 is directly supportable or supported on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 for acceptance of use forces acting in a second force direction 39.2 against the first force direction 39.1 (see
The second container engagement-over edge part 63.2 of the third handling part 27.3 has a second eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.2. The second eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.2 extends transversely to the second lid hinge 50.2 and transversely to the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2. The second eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.2 in the second handling setting 55.2, in which the third handling part 27.3 is pivoted relative to the first handling part 27.1 through an angle of approximately 90 degrees about the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2 of the second lid hinge 50.2, and in the use setting 38 of the eating utensil part 30 is opposite the eating utensil part 30 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 on the second eating utensil part side 34.2, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side 34.1, of the eating utensil part 30 so that the eating utensil part 30 is directly supportable or supported on the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 for acceptance of use forces acting in a third force direction 39.3, which preferably extends parallel to the second force direction 39.2, opposite to the first force direction 39.1 (see
The first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1 is a component of the first container engagement-over edge part 63.1. The second eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.2 is a component of the second container engagement-over edge part 63.2.
The container engagement-over edge 21 has a third container engagement-over edge part 63.3 associated with the second handling part 27.2 and a fourth container engagement-over edge part 63.4 associated with the third handling part 27.3. In the case of the second handling part 27.2, the third container engagement-over edge part 63.3 is approximately opposite the first container engagement-over edge part 63.1. In the case of the third handling part 27.3 the fourth container engagement-over edge part 63.4 is approximately opposite the second container engagement-over edge part 63.2. The third container engagement-over edge part 63.3 has a first edge part 66.1 which in the first handling setting 55.1 is opposite the body part 33 of the first handling part 27.1. The first edge part 66.1 extends transversely to the first lid hinge 50.1 and transversely to the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1 thereof. The fourth container engagement-over edge part 63.4 has a second edge part 66.2 which in the second handling setting 55.2 is similarly opposite the body part 33 of the first handling part 27.1. The second edge part 66.2 extends transversely to the second lid hinge 50.2 and transversely to the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2 thereof. The body part 33, which is constructed as an edge part, of the first handling part 27.1 is opposite the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 as considered in a direction parallel to the lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 and parallel to the lid hinge pivot axes 51.1, 51.2 thereof or is opposite the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 as considered in a direction perpendicular to the eating utensil part hinge 35 and perpendicular to the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis 36.
A fifth container engagement-over edge part 63.5, which is also termed first opening flap, of the container engagement-over edge 61 and the first handling part 37.1 are integrally connected by way of two engagement-over edge hinges 67.1, 67.2 arranged in the region of the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1. The engagement-over edge hinges 67.1, 67.2 are film hinges. A first engagement-over edge hinge 67.1 of the two engagement-over edge hinges 67.1, 67.2 and a second engagement-over edge hinge 67.2 of the engagement-over hinges 67.1, 67.2 are arranged opposite one another at a first transverse spacing.
The fifth container engagement-over edge part or the first opening flap 63.5 and the first container engagement-over edge part 63.1 are respectively connected together in the region of the lower edge thereof by way of a manually destructible first engagement-over edge frangible location 68.1. The fifth container engagement-over edge part or the first opening flap 63.5 and the second container engagement-over edge part 63.2 are respectively connected together in the region of the lower edge thereof by way of a manually destructible second engagement-over edge frangible location 68.2.
A sixth container engagement-over edge part 63.6, which is also termed second opening flap, of the container engagement-over edge 61 and the first handling part 27.1 are integrally connected together by way of two engagement-over edge hinges 67.3, 67.4 arranged in the region of the body part 33, which forms an edge part and is opposite the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32, of the first handling part 27.1. The engagement-over edge hinges 67.3, 67.4 are film hinges. A third engagement-over edge hinge 67.3 of the engagement-over edge hinges 67.1, 67.2 and a fourth engagement-over edge hinge 67.4 of the engagement-over edge hinges 67.3, 67.4 are arranged at a second transverse spacing from one another. The second transverse spacing is preferably the same size as the first transverse spacing.
The sixth container engagement-over edge part or the second opening flap 63.6 and the third container engagement-over edge part 63.3 are respectively connected in the region of the lower edge thereof by way of a manually destructible third engagement-over edge frangible location 68.3. The sixth container engagement-over edge part or the second opening flap 63.6 and the fourth container engagement-over edge part 63.4 are respectively connected in the region of the lower edge thereof by way of a manually destructible fourth engagement-over edge frangible location 68.4.
After—preferably manual—destruction of the first engagement-over edge frangible location 68.1 and after—preferably manual—destruction also of the second engagement-over edge frangible location 68.2 the fifth container engagement-over edge part or the first opening flap 63.5 is foldable away about a first engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.1 of the first engagement-over edge hinge 67.1 and about a second engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.2 of the second engagement-over edge hinge 67.2 inwardly in direction towards the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32 (see
After—preferably manual—destruction of the third engagement-over edge frangible location 68.3 and after—preferably manual—destruction also of the fourth engagement-over edge frangible location 68.4 the sixth container engagement-over edge part or the second opening flap 63.6 is foldable away about a third engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.3 of the third engagement-over edge hinge 67.3 and about a fourth engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.4 of the fourth engagement-over edge hinge 67.4 inwardly in direction towards the edge part or body part 33 of the first handling part 27.1 (see
The lid body 23 of the closure lid 10 consists of an intrinsically stiff material. In the embodiment, the lid body 23 consists of a thermoplastic plastics material, preferably polypropylene. The lid body 23 is preferably produced in an injection-molding method.
The cover foil 70 applied over the upper outer surface 64 of the lid body 23 covers the first handling part or the middle part 27.1 and consequently also covers the eating utensil receiving passage 46; 46.1, 46.2 of the first handling part or middle part 27.1. The cover foil 70 also covers an upper outer surface of the second handling part or the first closure half 27.2 as well as an upper outer surface of the third handling part or the second closure half 27.3. The eating utensil part 30 is covered on its second eating utensil part side 34.2 in sterile manner relative to the environment by means of the cover foil 70 (see
In order to produce the eating utensil 11, which is shown in
If the closure lid 10, as shown in
Starting from the closure lid able to be freely handled, the cover foil 70, at least the first foil part 77.1 covering the eating utensil part 30, can be manually pulled off the eating utensil part 30 along the perforations 71 forming the frangible locations. The pulled-off first foil part 77.1 is then still fixedly connected with the remaining second foil part 77.2 of the cover foil 70, which is fixedly connected with the second and third handling parts 27.2, 27.3 by way of the non-detachable connection.
Subsequently, or even beforehand, the first opening flap, thus the fifth container engagement-over edge part 63.5, of the closure lid 10 is manually detached. For this purpose the first engagement-over edge frangible location 68.1 and the second engagement-over edge frangible location 68.2 are manually destroyed in that the first opening flap 63.5 is pressed inwardly in the direction of the eating utensil part engagement-behind support body 32. The pressing inwardly takes place about the first engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.1 of the first engagement-over edge hinge 67.1 and about the second engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.2 of the second engagement-over edge hinge 67.2 and, in particular, until the first opening flap 63.5 rests on the eating utensil engagement-behind support body 32 of the first handling part 27.1 (cf.
The eating utensil part 30 is subsequently manually pivoted or folded from its non-use setting 37 about the eating utensil part hinge pivot axis 36 of the eating utensil part hinge 35 formed as a film hinge beyond the intermediate pivot setting 76, which is shown in
The second opening flap, thus the sixth container engagement-over edge part 63.6, of the closure lid 10 is subsequently manually detached. For this purpose, the third engagement-over edge frangible location 68.3 and the fourth engagement-over edge frangible location 68.4 are manually destroyed in that the second opening flap 63.6 is pressed inwardly in the direction of the body part 33, which is formed as an edge part, of the first handling part or middle part 27.1. The pressing inwardly takes place about the third engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.3 of the third engagement-over edge hinge 67.3 and about the fourth engagement-over edge hinge pivot axis 74.4 of the fourth engagement-over edge hinge 67.4 and, in particular, until the second opening flap 63.6 rests on the body part 33, which is formed as an edge part, of the first handling part or middle part 27.1 (see
The second handling part or the first closure half 27.2 is subsequently pivoted or folded about the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1 of the first lid hinge 50.1 into its first handling setting 55.1 and the third handling part or the second closure half 27.3 is pivoted or folded about the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2 of the second lid hinge 50.2 into its second handling setting 55.2, until these two handling parts or closure halves 27.2, 27.3 are each arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first handling part or middle part 27.1 and extend approximately parallel to one another in the same directions away from the first handling part or middle part 27.1. In the context of this pivoting or folding movement the clamping means 69.1 of the second handling part 27.2 detents at or in the counter-clamping means 69.2 of the third handling part 27.3 so that then the second and third handling parts or the two closure halves 27.2, 27.3 are fixed to one another to be detachable again and in such a way that they cannot unintentionally fold back.
In these two handling settings 55.1, 55.2 the second and third handling parts or the first and second closure halves 27.2, 27.3 form, together with the first handling part or middle part 27.1, a complete handle 56 for operation of the eating utensil part 30 folded out into its eating use setting 38 (see
Moreover, use forces, which act in any force directions 39.4 perpendicularly thereto, thus perpendicularly to the second force direction 39.2 and to the parallel third force direction 39.3, and which can be exerted in use of the eating utensil part 30, can be accepted by the eating utensil part hinge 35, by the lateral eating utensil part support bodies 57.1, 57.2 and above all also by way of the support pin 72 projecting by a pin part through the eating utensil part passage 48. In the case of the eating utensil 11, a pin part of the support pin 72 extends through the eating utensil part passage 48 of the eating utensil part 30, wherein the eating utensil part 30 is supported by way of passage edges of its eating utensil part passage 48 on the support pin 72 so that in the eating use setting 38 of the eating utensil part 30 the pin part is connected with the eating utensil part passage 48 in interlocking manner to be releasable again.
Accordingly, the eating utensil part 30 or the functional part 42 thereof, thus here the spoon basin (bowl), can be loaded with forces in all or any directions, wherein these forces can be advantageously absorbed by the handle 56 without folding back or unlatching of the eating utensil part 30 taking place.
By virtue of the afore-described production method it is possible for the eating utensil 11 shown in
In the eating utensil lithe second handling part or the first closure half 27.2 is disposed in its first handling setting 55.1 folded about the first lid hinge pivot axis 51.1 and the third handling part or the second closure half 27.3 is disposed in its second handling setting 55.2 folded about the second lid hinge pivot axis 51.2, in which the second handling part or the first closure half 27.2, the first handling part or the middle part 27.1 and the third handling part or the second closure half 27.3 form the handle 56 for manual operation of the eating utensil part 30, which is folded out into its eating use setting 38, for eating a content of the container 12. In that case, the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1 of the second handling part or the first closure half 27.2 is directly opposite the eating utensil part 30 on the second eating utensil part side 34.2, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side 34.1, of the eating utensil part 30 so that the eating utensil part 30 is supported on the first eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.1 for acceptance of use forces acting in the second force direction 39.2 opposite to the first force direction 39.1. In addition, in the eating utensil 11 the second eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.2 of the third handling part or the second closure half 27.3 is directly opposite the eating utensil part 30 on the second eating utensil part side 34.2, which faces away from the first eating utensil part side 34.1, of the eating utensil part 30 so that the eating utensil part 30 is supported on the second eating utensil part engagement-over support body 65.2 for acceptance of use forces acting in the third force direction 39.3 opposite to the first force direction 39.1. Finally, in the case of the eating utensil 11 the handling parts or the first and second closure halves 27.2, 27.3 are secured relative to the first handling part or the middle part 27.1 by way of the at least one securing means 69.1, 69.2 against unintended folding back. Stated in simple terms, the invention relates to an eating utensil 11 which is produced directly from the lid or closure 10 and, in particular, through folding or pivotation of lid parts of the lid or closure 10.
In summary, the invention can also be described as follows: In the presented solution, the actual lid or closure 10 of the container 12 is formed into an eating utensil part 30 and a handle 56 of the eating utensil part 30. The lid or closure 10 consists of an intrinsically stiff material, particularly of plastics material. The overall length can be increased to a ratio from 1 to approximately 1.9 by this folding procedure via hinges 35, 50.1, 50.2, which are preferably constructed as film hinges, without the individual parts having to be separated out. This is achieved in that the peelable, i.e. able to be pulled-off, cover 70, particularly IML foil (IML=‘In-Mold Labelling’), which closes the lid plane over the passages 46.1, 46.2, is partially or entirely pulled off and the eating utensil part 30, which comprises a functional part 42, of the eating utensil 11 is folded outwardly by way of an eating utensil part hinge 35, which is preferably constructed as a film hinge, of a middle part 27.1 through approximately 180 degrees. After the folding-out of the eating utensil part 30 pivotably connected with the middle part 27.1 the lefthand and righthand closure halves 27.2, 27.3 are pivoted by way of lid hinges 50.1, 50.2 relative to the middle part 27.1 and brought together over the folded-out eating utensil part 30 at a spacing from the eating utensil part hinge 35. The two closure halves 27.2, 27.3 temporarily detent to or with one another and form together with the middle part 27.1 a stable unit which can be used as a fully-fledged handle 56. Through the support of the eating utensil part 30, which is folded through approximately 180°, on the middle part 27.1 of the closure 10 and through the two lefthand and righthand closure halves 27.2, 27.3 folded thereover there is guarantee of maximum stiffness. The functional part 42 of the eating utensil 11 can be loaded by way of the handle 56 in all directions relative to the handle 56 without an undesired folding in or folding back of the eating utensil part 30 occurring. It is achieved by the folding via the hinge that the original lid or closure 10 is converted into an integral eating utensil 11. After use it is possible to convert this unit back into the lid or closure. The production of the lid or closure 10 according to the invention takes place in a one-step process, in which case the lid 10 can be made from only one raw material. However, it is also possible to produce the closure in a one-step process from different materials. Since the or each functional part 42 of the eating utensil 11 is part of the original lid or closure 10 and was not added as a separate part it is possible to save corresponding raw material. Moreover, each region of the eating utensil 11 can be adapted in simple manner in load-bearing capability by appropriate changes in thickness. The lid or cover 10 according to the invention can be recycled as a whole entirely as mono-material. The eating utensil part 30, particularly spoon, fork or knife, is accommodated within the cover or closure 10 for a container 12, for example cup, dish, bowl, wide-neck vessel or the like. There is no longer addition of single-use cutlery (cost reduction, preservation of the environment). The eating utensil part 30 can reach as far as the base of the container 12. The invention makes possible a high degree of stability for the removal of frozen and tough contents from a container 12 to be covered or closed.
Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2018 127 380.0 | Nov 2018 | DE | national |
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| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 204323961 | May 2015 | CN |
| 2008061080 | May 2008 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200140161 A1 | May 2020 | US |
