Thermoformed container with lid

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016000269-A1
Application number	US-201414769609-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Feb 24, 2014
Priority date	Feb 22, 2013
Publication date	Jan 7, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A container assembly includes a thermoformed tub of relatively thin plastic material having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space. A lower rim is connected to the upper edge of the tub, the lower rim defining an opening giving access to the product containing space and being formed of a relatively thicker plastic material. An upper rim is connectable to the lower rim and a lid is provided for selectively closing the opening. By the use of a thin walled thermoformed tub, the amount of material required for forming the body of the container is limited. Furthermore, the lower rim of relatively thicker plastic material provides the required support to the relatively thin material of the peripheral wall, allowing effective connection to the upper rim.

First claim

1 - 15 . (canceled)

16 . A container assembly for powdered nutritional product, comprising:
a thermoformed tub of relatively thin plastic material having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge forming an outwardly extending flange and defining a product containing space; a membrane seal for sealing the product containing space prior to use, wherein the membrane is sealed across the outwardly extending flange; a lower rim connected to the upper edge of the tub, the lower rim defining an opening giving access to the product containing space and being formed of a relatively thicker plastic material; an upper rim connectable to the lower rim; and a lid for selectively closing the opening.

17 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the membrane comprises a weakened tear line defining an opening region, and a pull tab.

18 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the upper rim and the lower rim are mechanically connected together by snap-fit connectors.

19 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the lower rim is permanently connected to the upper edge of the tub.

20 . The assembly according to claim 19 , wherein the lower rim is permanently connected to the upper edge of the tub by welding.

21 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the lower rim has a lower face for engaging the upper edge of the tub and an inner face defining the opening.

22 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the upper rim and the lid are hinged to one another.

23 . The assembly according to claim 22 , wherein the upper rim and the lid are hinged to one another by an integrally formed living hinge.

24 . The assembly according to claim 16 , further comprising a carton sleeve enveloping and supporting the thermoformed tub.

25 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the tub comprises polypropylene.

26 . The assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the peripheral wall has a thickness between 0.10 mm and 0.50 mm.

27 . The assembly according to claim 26 , wherein the peripheral wall has a thickness between 0.15 and 0.40 mm.

28 . Package comprising an assembly according to claim 16 , further comprising a quantity of powdered nutritional product sealed within the product containing space.

29 . The package according to claim 28 , wherein the powdered nutritional product comprises infant milk formula.

30 . Method of manufacturing a package of powdered material, comprising:
thermoforming a tub of relatively thin plastic material having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge with an outwardly extending flange and defining a product containing space; filling the product containing space with the powdered material; applying a membrane seal across the outwardly extending flange to seal the powdered material within the product containing space; connecting a lower rim to the upper edge, the lower rim defining an access opening; and connecting an upper rim to the lower rim, the upper rim being provided with a sealing lid for sealing the access opening.

31 . The method according to claim 30 , further comprising providing a carton sleeve enveloping and supporting the thermoformed tub.

Assignees

• Nutricia Nv

Inventors

• Van Puijenbroek Alexander Josephus Maricus
• Crusius Sjors Floris
• Roberts Priya Caroline
• Piette Benoit Marie Francois
• Van Baal Patrick Michael
• Perek Franck

Classifications

• A23L33/40 Primary

  Complete food formulations for specific consumer groups or specific purposes, e.g. infant formula · CPC title

• B65D51/18

  Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures {(B65D51/247 takes precedence)} · CPC title

• B65D2251/0081

  of the 43-type · CPC title

• B65D2543/00833

  Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar · CPC title

• B65D51/246 Primary

  provided with eating utensils or spatulas (applicator rods or brushes B65D51/32) · CPC title