WO2018157199A1

WO2018157199A1 - Container system

Info

Publication number: WO2018157199A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jamie Forsyth; Brett CAPRON
Original assignee: Cumulo Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-28
Filing date: 2018-02-25
Publication date: 2018-09-07
Also published as: AU2018211267B2; AU2018211267A1

Abstract

The invention provides a resealable container system (1), and sealing system. The container system comprises one or more containers (3,7,8), each having a corresponding container opening bounded by a corresponding container rim (31,71,81); a sealing element (9,10,11) comprising an elastic membrane (11) supported at a perimeter thereof (13) by one or more securing elements (9,10); and a sealing element retainer (4,5,90,91,92) configured to releasably hold the sealing element against one or more of the corresponding container rims (31,71,81) in sealing engagement. The elastic membrane (11) is free to transversely deform within the perimeter (13) so that the sealing element (9,10,11) is adapted to be placed over one or more of the containers (3,7,8) with the elastic membrane (11) engaging with and stretching around the one or more corresponding rims (31,71,81) to provide the sealing engagement.

Description

CONTAINER SYSTEM FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to resealable containers. The invention has wide application to different types of

containers, including but not limited to domestic storage food containers for cupboards, refrigerators and freezers and also food containers adapted for transporting and consuming food servings for individuals, such as lunchboxes .

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are many types of resealable container known in the art, and several interrelated problems associated with design of the seal .

[0003] One common problem is sensitivity to product dimensions. Particularly with items such as glass bowls, it can be difficult to manufacture reliable seals because each individual glass bowl has slightly different dimensions owing to the glass forming manufacturing process. Typically, reliable seals against glass containers can require considerable mechanical force to effect.

[0004] An inconvenience of existing seals is that it is

generally not possible to seal different container types with a single seal element. In each case, the seal element must be designed and dimensioned appropriately to each particular container. Further, it is generally not possible to seal

multiple containers at once, for example one container disposed inside another container, except in the case of a specifically designed partitioned lid with rigidly dimensioned seals and rigidly positioned containers. Further also, it is generally not possible to seal multiple containers made from different

materials - for example aluminium, plastic and steel are made with different processes and different tolerances.

[0005] A further inconvenience or complexity of many existing seals is the need to provide an air pressure venting mechanism which allows air to escape when assembling and removing the lid from the base, as the act of sealing usually traps air and then reduces the volume within the container as the seal is pushed down .

[0006] A still further disadvantage of many existing seals is difficulty of cleaning. Many existing seals have ridges and channels in which food and bacteria may become lodged and difficult to extract by typical domestic cleaning processes.

[0007] There is therefore a need to provide an improved food container system which overcomes one or more of the

abovementioned disadvantages in an alternative manner to

existing container systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with a first broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a resealable container system, comprising: one or more containers , each having a corresponding container opening bounded by a corresponding container rim;

a sealing element comprising an elastic membrane supported at a perimeter thereof by one or more securing elements ; and

a sealing element retainer configured to releasably hold the sealing element against the one or more corresponding container rims in sealing engagement; wherein the elastic membrane is free to transversely deform within the perimeter so that the sealing element is adapted to be placed over one or more of the containers with the elastic membrane engaging with and stretching around the one or more corresponding rims to provide the sealing engagement.

[0009] In one embodiment, the one or more containers comprise an outer container and one or more inner containers sized to fit within the outer container; wherein a rim height of the one or more inner containers is higher than a rim height of the outer container sufficient to maintain sufficient sealing force against each of the containers.

[0010] In one embodiment, the securing elements comprise a first securing element and a second securing element, the elastic membrane being secured between the first securing element and the second securing element at the perimeter. The first securing element and second securing element may secure the elastic membrane continuously around the perimeter.

[0011] In one embodiment, the elastic membrane is supported by the one or more securing elements under tension.

[0012] In one embodiment, the resealable container system further comprises a base element adapted to hold the one or more food containers on an opposite side from the sealing element and to engage with the sealing element retainer so as to be urged towards the sealing element to provide the releasable holding of the sealing element against the one or more corresponding container rims in sealing engagement. The sealing element retainer may comprise one or more elastic straps attached to the base element and stretchable around the sealing element

[0013] In one embodiment, the resealable container system further comprises a lid configured to house the sealing element on an underside thereof. The lid and sealing element may be configured so that an airtight space is formed between the sealing element and the lid, providing additional sealing force of the elastic membrane against the corresponding rims of the containers .

[0014] In one embodiment, the sealing element retainer comprises a bag shaped to fit snugly over the sealing element and the one or more containers. The sealing element retainer may further comprise one or more elastic straps attached to the bag so as to provide sufficient force for the sealing engagement.

[0015] In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a resealable sealing system for one or more containers , each of the containers having a corresponding container opening bounded by a corresponding container rim, the resealable sealing system comprising:

a sealing element retainer configured to releasably hold the sealing element against the one or more corresponding container rims in sealing engagement;

wherein the elastic membrane is free to transversely deform within the perimeter so that the sealing element is adapted to be placed over one or more of the containers with the elastic membrane engaging with and stretching around the one or more corresponding rims to provide the sealing engagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled container according to an embodiment of the current invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of major

components of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in daily use; and

[0019] Figure 4 is a radial cross sectional view of the

embodiment of Figure 1 for functional explanation.

[0020] Figures 5a-5f are views of an alternative embodiment incorporating an elastic bag as the sealing element retainer, installed in place over the outer container 3.

[0021] Figures 6a-6f are corresponding views of the isolated elastic bag of Figures 5a-5f .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] An embodiment of the current invention will now be described, adapted for holding and transporting a meal for an individual such as a working lunch.

[0023] Referring first to Figure 1, the container system 1 of this embodiment comprises a lid 2, outer container 3, a sealing element retainer comprising base 4 and elastic retaining strap 5 adapted to engage with base 4 and to retain lid 2 in a sealing contact with outer container 3 and inner containers not shown in the diagram. Retaining strap 5 is composed of Santoprene™ thermoplastic, with generally circular cross-section. Suitable material types for retaining strap 5 may include other

silicones, rubber or elastomers. Lid 2 comprises strap positioning elements in the form of shoulders 21 and 22 to assist in preventing strap 5 slipping off lid 2. Cutlery

container 6 is sized and shaped to conveniently sit within a depression 23 of lid 2 and also to be retained at either end by retaining strap 5. Lid 2 is composed of pressed and anodised aluminium and is adapted to hold a membrane seal over a top opening of container 3 as described below. Outer container 3 is adapted for containing food and may be composed of glass, plastic, metal or other suitable material.

[0024] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an exploded perspective view of the major components of the embodiment of Figure 1. Elastic membrane 11 may be stretched and secured in a stretched state around a perimeter thereof between first securing element 9 and second securing element 10. The composite seal element formed by elastic membrane 11 secured within securing elements 9 and 10 is typically assembled during

manufacture and is not designed for user disassembly, but may be so constructed. Composite seal element 9, 10, 11 is positionable and retainable in an underside of lid 2 engaging with lid 2 around a periphery of lid 2, and is typically removable and replaceable within lid 2 by a user for cleaning. Elastic membrane 11 is composed of a 1 mm thick silicone rubber sheet.

[0025] Configured for positioning within outer container 3 are inner containers 7 and 8. Inner containers 7 and 8 are

appropriately shaped and sized for utility in storing different meal components which are desired to be separated during

transportation, such as a sauce or liquid or a different meal course such as a desert. Each of containers 3, 7 and 8 are open at a top and comprise a container rim of an appropriate height for engagement with elastic membrane 11 as described below.

Inner containers 7 and 8 may be constructed from the same or different materials as outer container 3. Outer container 3 has a substantially flat floor 31 and in the containers 7 and 8 are positionable wherever desired on floor 31 so as to accommodate the meal components flexibly.

[0026] Elastic retaining strap 5 is shown configured in the installed shape, but when free of base 4 does not necessarily retain that shape owing to its flexibility. Elastic retaining strap 5 comprises a loop of rubber or other elastomer and engages with base 4 in the following manner. A portion 52 of retaining strap 5 is positioned under a raised ledge 47 between endpoints 45, 46, and adjacent portions 51, 53 are positioned in channels 41 and 42 respectively. A similar opposite portion 54 is positioned underneath a corresponding ledge (not shown) between channels 44 and 43 on an opposing side of base 4 , and adjacent portions 55, 56 are positioned in channels 44, 43 similarly. Elastic strap 5 is slightly wider in at least an unstretched state than side walls of base 4, and outer container 3 is sized to fit loosely within base 4 in the absence of retaining strap 5, but when retaining strap 5 is installed, outer container 3 bears on the thicker upwards pointing portions 51, 53, 55, 56 protruding from channels 41, 42, 44, 43. When retaining strap 5 is stretched around lid 2, retaining strap 5 reduces in diameter throughout its length including in upwards pointing portions 51, 53, 55, 56. This causes container 3 to become securely bedded within base 4 as retaining strap 5 is stretched around lid 2, container 3 bearing against and sliding down further past stretched sides of the upwards pointing portions 51, 53, 55, 56. The advantage of this design is that container 3 is securely wedged in base 4 when lid 2 is removed and retaining strap 5 correspondingly expands, providing

additional bearing force against container 3. This enables a user to eat a meal with outer container 3 still installed on base 4 if desired. Alternatively, a user can easily and smoothly remove outer container 3 if desired for eating without base attached, for cleaning, or other reasons by pulling outer container 3 out from base 4 with sufficient force to overcome friction between the sides of container 3 bearing elastic retaining strap 5.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the system in daily use, with outer container 3 installed within base 4 bearing against retaining strap 5. Inner containers 7 and 8 may be placed within outer container 3 and lid 2 placed on top, forming a seal as described below against a rim of container 3, and secured by retaining strap 5 as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0028] Now referring to Figure 4, there is shown a radial cross section of the installed and sealed containers. Retaining strap 5 of course passes through this cross-section but is omitted for simplicity as its operation has been described above.

[0029] Lid 2 is shown with shoulders 21, 22 and side walls 24, 25 for fiction fit engagement with composite seal element 9, 10, 11, through engagement of side walls 24, 25 with elastic

membrane 11 at an outer edge 110. Before proceeding to describe how the seal works in normal operation, Figure 4 also

illustrates how composite seal element 9, 10, 11 fits together during manufacture. Elastic membrane 11 may be held in a

stretched state and secured around a perimeter 13 between first securing element 9 and second securing element 10 through cooperation between protrusion 93 on securing element 9 and protrusion 15 on securing element 10. Elastic membrane 11 is moulded slightly thicker at outer edge 110 to provide stability.

[0030] In this embodiment, composite seal element 9, 10, 11 is removable and replaceable within lid 2 via the above-mentioned friction fit engagement of side walls 24, 25 with outer and 110 of elastic membrane 11. In alternative embodiments, a friction fit may be provided between engagement of side walls 2 , 25 and other elements such as securing element 10.

[0031] Lid 2 may contain locating lugs or edges (not in this cross-section) to locate the composite seal element 9, 10, 11 in the position shown.

[0032] Outer container 3 is shown inside base 4.

[0033] The sealing mechanism will now be described.

[0034] As perimeter 13 in the retained position is below each of the rims 31, 71, 81, elastic membrane 11 deforms transversely and engages each of outer container 3 and inner containers 7 , 8 on rims 31, 71, 81. Rims 71 and 81 of inner containers 7, 8 are higher than rim 31 of outer container 3 in order to provide sufficient elastic downwards sealing force on all rims 31, 71 and 81. It can be seen that the containers can have varying diameters, dimensions and relative position yet still be sealed by elastic membrane 11 as long as the rim of each container engages the elastic membrane and the appropriate height

relationship of inner containers is provided. It can also be appreciated that the system is very tolerant to imperfections in manufacture and allows arbitrary positioning of the containers under membrane 11. It has been found that seals produced by the invention are substantially airtight and liquid tight, allowing liquids to be stored in inner containers without leakage into outer containers even after tipping during transport. Further, irregular items such as fruit, sandwiches and loose food items can be stored in the containers even if they extend above the rim of the container, because the membrane 11 readily deforms around the fruit.

[0035] Since the sealing process involves stretching a membrane portion over each rim as the lid is secured rather than

providing downwards movement of a closure surface, there is no compression of the sealed volume and hence no need for venting the container space to perfect the seal .

[0036] In this embodiment, an airtight space 12 is formed between lid 2 and membrane 11. This assists in providing

downwards sealing force on the rims 31, 71 and 81 as air

pressure inside airtight space 12 elevates during the sealing process as membrane 11 is deformed around rims 31, 71, 81 and reduces the volume of airtight space 12.

[0037] Referring back to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 4, a further feature in this embodiment concerns composite seal element 9, 10, 11 which has another use as a lid for microwave heating. Vents 91 are provided spaced around first securing element 9, and an annular horizontal ledge 92 provides an engagement surface for rim of 31 when composite seal element nine, 10, 11 is removed from lid 2 and turned upside down and placed on top of rim 31, providing a vented microwave lid.

[0038] Referring now to figures 5a-f and 6a-f, a second

embodiment is shown where the sealing element retainer of the previous embodiment, comprising retaining strap 5 and base 4, is replaced by a bag 90 reinforced by straps 91, 92. Figure 5a to 5f and 6a to 6f shows the top, perspective, left side, back side, right side, and under side views respectively of the bag 90 isolated or in use on outer container 3 and lid 2. The construction of outer container 3 and lid 2 with shoulders 21,22 and all internal containers and components of the first embodiment are also used in this embodiment. Elastic bag 90 comprises top panel 98, side panel 99 and base panel 97 each constructed from 2 mm thick neoprene material and stitched together along seams 95, 96. Elastic straps 91, 92 are 1 mm thick and 25 mm wide and are positioned on bag 90 in a cross configuration and are secured to bag 90 at each end thereof with stitching near a junction between side panel 99 and base panel 97 visible in Figure 5f and 6f . Referring to the top view Figure 5a, 6a, elastic straps 91, 92 are also stitched together at a crossover region, but not through to the top panel 98 to allow for relative movement during expansion. Bag 90 is constructed to fit container 3 and lid 2 snugly and is shaped such that top panel 98 and bottom panel 99 are greater than a semicircle presenting an opening 100 of less than the diameter of the outer container 3 in a non-stretched state. Bag 90 is adapted to be stretched by the elasticity of the neoprene over the diameter of the outer container 3 and lid 2 and to be held securely in place by elastic straps 91, 92 which provide the required pressure for provision of the seal of the sealing element. Because the neoprene material is elastic, bag 90 presents an aesthetically pleasing smooth surface when stretched over outer container 3 and lid 2. Shoulders 21 or 22 of outer container 3 also assist in helping to keep elastic straps 91, 92 and bag 90 in place.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to systems comprising a range of containers adapted to be used singly or together, which may be supplied in a kit.

Alternatively, embodiments of the invention may be applied to containers already owned by the user.

[0040] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, which is determined from the

broadest scope and claims.

[0041] For example, there are many configurations and methods by which the elastic membrane may be releasably secured to the rim or rims of the one or more containers. For example, outer container 3 may comprise attachment projections on an outer surface, and securing associated with the elastic membrane may engage with the attachment projections to hold the elastic membrane securely in position. Such configurations and methods are well known from prior art containers.

[0042] Further, while the embodiment described above involves pretension in the elastic membrane on the periphery much like a drum, pre-tensioning may not be necessary in other embodiments, which could rely on a floppy untensioned membrane in the

unsealed position, generating tension during the sealing process by configuring the system to provide sufficient stretching by deformation around the container rims in the retained position of the membrane .

[0043] Further still, while the embodiment described above involves a sealing element of circular shape, sealing elements of rectangular or other shapes are within the broadest scope of the invention.

[0044] Further also, while the embodiment described above involves the securing element securing the elastic membrane continuously around the perimeter, embodiments where the

securing elements secure the elastic membrane at discrete parts of the perimeter sufficient to secure the elastic membrane for the purpose at hand, such as at four or more space points around the perimeter, are within the broadest scope of the invention. Embodiments are also envisaged where the elastic membrane is bonded to the perimeter rigid polymer securing element

permanently by being moulded together in a two shot injection moulding process.

[0045] Further again, while the embodiment described above involves a membrane which is free to transversely deform at all points within the perimeter, embodiments are envisaged within the broadest scope of the invention having one or more

transverse movement restricting elements disposed above the membrane at locations within the perimeter, such that the membrane is free to transversely deform at all points within the perimeter except where prevented by the restricting elements. Such restricting elements may be useful for example if designing a system adapted to seal two containers side-by-side, whereby a transverse movement restricting element disposed above the membrane in between the normal positioning of the containers would assist in improving the sealing force around the entire rim of each of the containers in this instance. Accordingly, the term "free to transversely deform within the perimeter" in the claims does not require freedom at all points within the

perimeter and is to be interpreted purposively having regard to the required function of sealing around the rims of the

containers. It will be appreciated that different containers may require different design details of the elastic membrane and its transverse deformation.

[0046] Embodiments are also envisaged where one of the

containers, preferably one of the inner containers, comprises a cold or hot pack which enables the contents within that

container to be maintained at a desired cold or hot temperature, while other containers in the system are not directly impacted and tend to stay at an ambient temperature. [0047] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or

"comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Further, any method steps recited in the claims are not necessarily intended to be performed temporally in the sequence written, or to be performed without pause once started, unless the context requires it.

[0048] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. A resealable container system, comprising:

one or more containers , each having a corresponding container opening bounded by a corresponding container rim;

a sealing element retainer configured to releasably hold the sealing element against one or more of the corresponding

container rims in sealing engagement;

2. The resealable container system of claim 1, wherein the one or more containers comprise an outer container and one or more inner containers sized to fit within the outer container; wherein a rim height of the one or more inner containers is higher than a rim height of the outer container sufficient to maintain sufficient sealing force against each of the

containers .

3. The resealable container system of claim 1, wherein the securing elements comprise a first securing element and a second securing element, the elastic membrane being secured between the first securing element and the second securing element at the perimeter .

4. The resealable container system of claim 3, wherein the first securing element and second securing element secure the elastic membrane continuously around the perimeter.

5. The resealable container system of claim 1, wherein the elastic membrane is supported by the one or more securing elements under tension.

6. The resealable container system of claim 1, wherein the one or more securing elements comprises a rigid polymer

perimeter securing element bonded to the elastic membrane in a two-step injection moulding process.

7. The resealable container system of claim 1, further comprising a base element adapted to hold the one or more containers on an opposite side from the sealing element and to engage with the sealing element retainer so as to be urged towards the sealing element to provide the releasable holding of the sealing element against the one or more corresponding container rims in sealing engagement.

8. The resealable container system of claim 7, wherein the sealing element retainer comprises one or more elastic straps attached to the base element and stretchable around the sealing element .

9. The resealable container system of claim 1, further comprising a lid configured to house the sealing element on an underside thereof.

10. The resealable container system of claim 9, wherein the lid and sealing element are configured so that an airtight space is formed between the sealing element and the lid, providing additional sealing force of the elastic membrane against the corresponding rims of the containers .

11. The resealable container system of claim 1, wherein the sealing element retainer comprises a bag shaped to fit snugly over the sealing element and the one or more containers.

12. The resealable container system of claim 11, wherein the sealing element retainer further comprises one or more elastic straps attached to the bag so as to to provide sufficient force for the sealing engagement.

13. A resealable sealing system for one or more containers, each of the containers having a corresponding container opening bounded by a corresponding container rim, the resealable sealing system comprising: