LID STRUCTURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lid structure (200) for a container (100), the lid structure comprising: a first lid member (210), and a second lid member (220), the first lid member connected to the second lid member to form a gas tight cavity (230) between the first lid member and the second lid member, the gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere: wherein the first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure (240) configured to be operable by the user to pierce the second lid member and release the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity. The present invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a lid structure and a container and a method (600) of producing a lid structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lid structure for a container. The invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a lid structure and a container and a method of producing a lid structure.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There is a benefit in extending the period of time which perishable goods, such as food produce, remain fresh. By increasing the freshness time, the goods remain fit for use or consumption longer, reducing the risk of the goods soiling before use and being wasted.

One way to increase the freshness time is to modify the atmosphere within which the goods are packaged. For example, using a modified atmosphere to prevent food waste is well known in the art. However, once this modified atmosphere is released from the packaging, the user has a limited period in which to consume the goods before they soil. This is a particular issue when the goods are not fully consumed once opened.

In this way, there is a need for a means to restore and reintroduce a modified atmosphere after the initial modified atmosphere of the packaging has been broken.

Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid structure for a container, the lid structure comprising; a first lid member, and a second lid member, the first lid member connected to the second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between the first lid member and the second lid member, the gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere; wherein the first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce the second lid member and release the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity.

In this way there is provided a means to reintroduce an inert atmosphere into a container. As such, a modified atmosphere for prolonging the freshness of the container contents can be restored. Such a lid structure is particularly advantageous for prolonging the freshness of perishable food items, such as salad and other produce and in applications wherein the container contents are not fully spent or consumed. In the following description, it is understood that an inert atmosphere is a dedicated or modified atmosphere beneficial to the application of the lid structure. Namely, the inert atmosphere differs from the external atmosphere in a way that is beneficial in the application.

Preferably, the second lid member comprises a film. In particular, it is envisaged that the film is a plastic, foil or paper film.

Preferably, the piercing structure comprises at least one piercing member. Preferably, the at least one piercing member is positioned substantially centrally within the piercing structure. In this way, the piercing member is configured to pierce the second lid member at substantially the weakest point of the second lid member, reducing the force required during user operation.

Preferably, the at least one piercing member comprises a spike. Preferably, the at least one piercing member comprises at least one rib. Preferably, the at least one rib comprises a plurality of ribs located symmetrically about the spike. In this way, the at least one rib improves the strength of the spike, increasing the piercing strength of the at least one piercing member.

Preferably, the piercing structure is positioned substantially centrally within the first lid member. Preferably, the piercing structure comprises a plurality of ribs. More preferably, the plurality of ribs are located symmetrically about the piercing member. The plurality of ribs improve the rigidity and strength of the piercing structure, increasing the force required to deform the piercing structure. In this way, the risk of accidental deformation of the piercing structure, and thus accidental puncturing of the second lid member, is reduced. This is particularly advantageous during transportation, storage and display, such as when a plurality of containers comprising the lid structure are stacked on top of one another.

Preferably, the piercing structure is configured to irreversibly deform after operation by the user. In this way, the piercing structure remains in a deformed state to assist the release of the entire inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity. Further, the deformed state of the piercing structure provides serves as visual evidence of tampering and accidental operation of the piercing structure.

Preferably, the operation of the piercing structure by the user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 30% of its initial volume. More preferably, the operation of the piercing structure by the user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 20% of its initial volume. Still more preferably, the operation of the piercing structure by the user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 10% of its initial volume.

Preferably, the second lid member comprises a frangible portion. Preferably, the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness or point of weakness. More preferably, the frangible portion comprises a plurality of lines of weakness or points of weakness. In this way, the second lid member is configured to intentionally deform along the line of weakness or point of weakness.

Preferably, the inert atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas is non-reactive with food, preserving texture, flavour and extending shelf life.

Preferably, the connection between the first lid member and the second lid member comprises a heat weld. Alternatively, the connection between the first lid member and the second lid member comprises an adhesive.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts, the kit of parts comprising: the lid structure of the first aspect of the invention, and a container, wherein the lid structure is sized to form a substantially gas tight fit with the container.

Preferably, the container comprises a base portion and a sealing member, wherein the base portion and the sealing member are connected to form a second gas tight cavity. Preferably, the second gas tight cavity is substantially filled with an inert atmosphere.

Preferably, the sealing member is configured to be removed from the base portion by the user. Preferably, the lid structure is reversibly removable from the container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing the lid structure of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: providing the first lid member, providing the second lid member, and connecting the first lid member to the second lid member to form a gas tight cavity whilst encapsulating an inert atmosphere within the gas tight cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the lid structure of the first aspect of the present invention attached to a container, in use;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross section view of the lid structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an interior view of the second lid member of the lid structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the lid structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the lid structure of FIG. 1 attached to a container, in use; and

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of the method of the third aspect of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a lid structure 200 fitted to a container 100. The lid 200 is removably retainable on the container 100. In this embodiment, the contents of the container 100 are a salad, however the contents to be contained by the container 100 are not particularly limited.

The lid 200 comprises a first lid member 210 connected to a second lid member 220 to form a gas tight cavity 230 between the first lid member 210 and the second lid member 220. The gas tight cavity 230 is substantially filled with an inert atmosphere. In this embodiment, the inert atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas is beneficial in preserving food items such as salad and extending the freshness of the container contents.

The second lid member 220 comprises a film and the connection between the first lid member 210 and the second lid member 220 comprises an adhesive. The nitrogen gas in the gas tight cavity 230 is at a pressure such that the pressure of the gas in the cavity 230 does not unintentionally break the film of the second lid member 220.

The first lid member 210 comprises a piercing structure 240 configured to be operable by a user to pierce the second lid member 220 and release the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity 230. The piercing structure 240 comprises a piercing member 250 positioned substantially centrally within the piercing structure 240. The piercing structure 240 comprises a substantially rectangular base which tapers towards the piercing member 250.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the piercing member 250 comprises a cylindrical portion 255 and a spike 260. The spike is located at the distal end of the piercing member 250 from the piercing structure 240 and is configured to pierce the film of the second lid member 220. The piercing member 250 comprises plastic such that when the user operates the piercing structure 240 to pierce the second lid member 220, the film is broken and the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity 230 is released.

The piercing member 250 further comprises three piercing member ribs 270 located symmetrically about the spike 260. The piercing member ribs 270 extend the length of the cylindrical portion 255 and the spike 260. The piercing member ribs 270 extend towards one another within the piercing member 250. The piercing member ribs 270 and the cylindrical member 255 improve the piercing strength of the spike 260 by reinforcing the strength of the piercing member 250.

The piercing structure 240 is positioned substantially centrally within the first lid member 210 and comprises two piercing structure ribs 280. The piercing structure ribs 280 are located on either side of the piercing member 250 and extend to the edge of the piercing structure 240. In this way, the piercing structure ribs 280 are located substantially symmetrically about the piercing member 250. The ribs comprise a substantially curved surface 285 and extend towards the surface of the first lid member 210 distal the container 100 when the lid 200 is attached to the container 100. The piercing structure ribs 280 improve the strength of the piercing structure 240, increasing the force required to deform the piercing structure 240.

In use, the user applies a force to the piercing structure 240. The force applied by the user deforms the piercing structure and brings the spike 260 into contact with the second lid member 220. The piercing member 250 pierces the second lid member 220, releasing the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity 230. When attached to a container 100, the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity 230 is released into the container 100.

The second lid member 220 comprises a frangible portion comprising a plurality of lines of weakness 290. The lines of weakness 290 surround the piercing structure 240 and extend from each of the four corners of the rectangular base of the piercing structure 240 to the piercing member 250. The piercing structure 240 deforms along the lines of weakness 290.

The piercing structure 240 is configured to irreversibly deform after operation by the user. The operation of the piercing structure 240 by the user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity 230 to less than 10% of its initial volume. In this way, the height of the piercing structure 240 is reduced after operation by the user.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, there is depicted a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the kit of parts comprises the lid structure 200 and the container 100. The lid 200 is sized to form a substantially gas tight fit with the container 100 and is reversibly removable from the container 100. In this way, the user may remove the lid 200 from the container 100 to access the container 100 contents and then consequently replace the lid 200.

The container 100 comprises a base portion 110 and a sealing member (not pictured), wherein the base portion 110 and the sealing member are connected to form a second gas tight cavity 120 substantially filled with an inert atmosphere. The base portion 110 comprises an opening for access to the container 100 contents, and the sealing member extends across the opening to form the gas tight cavity 120.

The sealing member is configured to be removed from the base portion 110 by the user, such that any initial inert atmosphere within the container 100 is released into the external environment. In this way, the user can remove both the lid 200 and the sealing member to access the contents of the container. Next, the user can replace the lid 200 on the container 100. The user can then operate the piercing structure 240, releasing the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity 230 into the base portion 110 of the container 100. The inert atmosphere provides a portion of the new atmosphere for the remaining contents of the container 100, aiding preservation of the remaining contents of the container 100. This is particularly advantageous when the contents of the container 100 are food that has not been fully consumed.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a method 600 of producing the lid structure 200 of the first aspect of the invention. The method 600 comprises a PROVIDE FIRST LID MEMBER step 601, wherein the first lid member 210 is provided. There follows a PROVIDE SECOND LID MEMBER step 602, wherein the second lid member 220 is provided. There follows a CONNECT step 203 comprising connecting the first lid member 210 to the second lid member 220 to form the gas tight cavity 230 whilst encapsulating an inert atmosphere within the gas tight cavity.

Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, there may be different shapes and/or relative dimensions of the container, lid structure and features of the lid structure. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the Figures could be used, for example.

Claims

1. A lid structure for a container, said lid structure comprising: a first lid member, anda second lid member,said first lid member connected to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between said first lid member and said second lid member,said gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere;wherein said first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce said second lid member and release said inert atmosphere from said gas tight cavity.

2. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said second lid member comprises a film.

3. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said piercing structure comprises at least one piercing member.

4. The lid structure of claim 3, wherein said at least one piercing member is positioned substantially centrally within said piercing structure.

5. The lid structure of claim 3, wherein said at least one piercing member comprises a spike.

6. The lid structure of claim 3, wherein said at least one piercing member comprises at least one rib.

7. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said piercing structure is positioned substantially centrally within said first lid member.

8. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said piercing structure comprises a plurality of ribs.

9. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said piercing structure is configured to irreversibly deform after operation by said user.

10. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein the operation of said piercing structure by said user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 30% of its initial volume.

11. The lid structure of claim 10, wherein the operation of said piercing structure by said user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 10% of its initial volume.

12. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said second lid member comprises a frangible portion.

13. The lid structure of claim 12, wherein said frangible portion comprises a line of weakness or point of weakness.

14. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein said inert atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas.

15. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein the connection between said first lid member and said second lid member comprises a heat weld.

16. The lid structure of claim 1, wherein the connection between said first lid member and said second lid member comprises an adhesive.

17. A kit of parts, said kit of parts comprising: a lid structure comprising: a first lid member; anda second lid member;said first lid member connected to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between said first lid member and said second lid member,said gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere,wherein said first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce said second lid member and release said inert atmosphere from said gas tight cavity; anda container, wherein said lid structure is sized to form a substantially gas tight fit with said container.

18. The kit of parts of claim 17, wherein said container comprises a base portion and a sealing member, wherein said base portion and said sealing member are connected to form a second gas tight cavity.

19. The kit of parts of claim 18, wherein said second gas tight cavity is substantially filled with an inert atmosphere.

20. The kit of parts of claim 18, wherein said sealing member is configured to be removed from said base portion by said user.

21. The kit of parts of claim 17, wherein said lid structure is reversibly removable from said container.

22. A method of producing a lid structure having a first lid member, and a second lid member, said first lid member connected to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between said first lid member and said second lid member, said gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere, wherein said first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce said second lid member and release said inert atmosphere from said gas tight cavity, said method comprising: providing said first lid member,providing said second lid member, andconnecting said first lid member to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity whilst encapsulating an inert atmosphere within said gas tight cavity.