Lid for a Container for Food or Beverage

The present invention relates to the field of packaging food or beverages, for example for take-away, delivery, fast food, or disposable packing. The invention relates in particular to a lid for a container, a container, and a method for packaging food or beverage.

When food or beverage is packaged, e.g. for take-away, it is usually arranged in a container which is closed. The consumer cannot see from the outside what is inside the container. This is inconvenient when an order contains several products, e.g. for multiple people.

In some cases, the people preparing the food or beverage (or the people arranging in the container), will write on the container or packaging what is inside. However, this has drawbacks since the handwriting is not always legible and it may not be desired that people handling food or beverage are also touching a permanent marker.

For some products, e.g. soda beverages in fast food chains, it is known to provide the lid with several product indications. Depending on the beverage in the container, the person preparing the drink can press a premade indicated, from which the consumer can determine what is in the container. These lids are usually made from plastic which enables them to be pressed in. However, due to the environmental impact of plastic, it is desired to reduce the use of plastic. In some jurisdictions, this is even mandatory by law.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide an alternative to the prior art. It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a way of indicating which food or beverage is arranged in a container, while reducing the use of plastics.

One or more objects are achieved with a lid for a container for food or beverage, wherein the lid comprises:

The invention thus relates, in embodiments, to a lid. The lid can be used for a container. The lid is configured to be arranged on the container (e.g. on a container base comprising a bottom, a side wall, and an open top) for closing the container. Optionally, the lid is configured to be an element separate from the container base. That is, the lid can be detachably arranged on the container base. Thus, the lid can also be removed from the container base, and is not fixed to the container base.

Food or beverage can be arranged in the container. The lid (and container) can e.g. be used for fast food, and/or take-away, and/or delivery, and/or for a disposable packaging of the food or beverage. The food can e.g. include chicken wings, chicken nuggets, fries, a hamburger, sushi, poke bowl, Asian food, a salad, popcorn, barbecued food, dessert (e.g. cake or pie), ice cream, pizza, sandwich, pastry. The beverage can e.g. include coffee, soda, water, beer, tea.

The lid comprises an outer layer and an inner layer. Optionally, the outer layer and inner layer are arranged parallel to each other. For example, an outer surface of the outer layer extends in a first plane and an inner surface of the inner layer extends in a second plane. The second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane. Optionally, the inner layer and outer layer are spaced from each other. That is, an open space is present between the outer layer and the inner layer.

The inner layer is arranged on the inside of the lid, e.g. towards the inside of the container when the lid is arranged on the container base. In particular, the inner surface faces the inside of the container. The outer layer is arranged towards the outside of the container. For example, the outer surface may be in contact with surrounding air. For example, the outer surface is visible from the outside (e.g. to a user and/or a consumer).

When the lid is arranged on the container base, the first plane and second plane may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container. For example, when the container is arranged on a flat surface (such as a table or countertop), the first plane and second plane may each extend in a horizontal plane. The longitudinal axis of the container may e.g. extend in a vertical plane direction in that situation. It will be understood, however, that in some cases small deviations are possible because of manufacturing tolerances and/or tolerances/flexibility for arranging the lid on the container.

Optionally, the outer layer and/or the inner layer comprise paperboard and/or cardboard material. Optionally, the outer layer and/or inner layer are (substantially) made out of paperboard and/or cardboard material. Paperboard and/or cardboard may e.g. include paper, boxboard, cartonboard, fiberboard, containerboard, chipboard.

The outer layer comprises at least one flap. Optionally, the outer layer comprises multiple flaps, e.g. two flaps, three flaps, four flaps, five flaps, six flaps, seven flaps, or more than seven flaps. Although below several possible features for a single flap are described, it will be understood that each flap may be embodied similarly when lid comprises multiple flaps.

The flap can be arranged in a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the flap at least partially covers an opening the outer layer. In the opened position, said opening is uncovered. The flap can be moved from the closed position to the opened position be moving the flap in a direction away from the inner layer. Thus, the flap is configured to be moved away from the container (base). When the container is arranged on a flat surface, the flap can e.g. be configured to be moved upwards.

When the flap is being moved from the closed position to the opened position, it may be possible that the flap is tilted and/or folded. For example, the flap may be configured to be peeled up. For example, the flap may remain connected to the outer layer at a first outer end, wherein a second outer end of the flap (opposite of the first outer end) is moved away from the inner layer. The first outer end and second outer end may be opposite ends of the flap when seen in the first plane, when the flap is in the closed position.

The lid as described about advantageously allows the (appropriate) flap to be moved to the opened position, depending on which product (food or beverage) is arranged in the container. The person preparing or packaging the product may decide to arrange the (appropriate) flap in the opened position. The consumer, who may not be able to see inside the container without removing the lid, can detect from the opened flap which product it in the container.

Since the lid can be made from paperboard and/or cardboard material, the use of plastics is no longer required for the lid, while still providing the above-mentioned functionality of product indication. The inventors have found that opening a flap as described herein is an easy and efficient way of providing the product indication, especially when paperboard and/or cardboard material is used. By providing the inner layer below the outer layer (and thus below the opening uncovered when opening the flap), any possible contamination is prevented from entering the container through the uncovered opening. In addition, for hot products the inner layer avoids hot air coming through said opening, which could otherwise burn the person opening the flap.

In embodiments, when the flap is configured to be pivoted towards a longitudinal centre axis of the lid for moving the flap from the closed position to the opened position. This is an intuitive operation for the person having to open the respective flap.

In embodiments, the lid comprises a product indication associated with each flap. For example, the lid may comprise one product indication for each flap. Thus, the number of product indications and the number of flaps may be equal. The product indication may e.g. be arranged in the vicinity of the flap, e.g. on the outer layer, e.g. between the flap and an outer edge (e.g. a rim). It may also be possible that the product indication is arranged on inner layer below the respective flap, to be visible when the flap is in the opened position. In case the lid comprises more than one flap, each flap may have a respective product indication associated with the respective flap, wherein the respective product indications are different from each other. This enables to indicate for different products, which product is arranged in the container, by opening the respective flap.

The product indication is configured to inform a consumer of which product is arranged in the container. When a flap is in the opened position, the consumer knows that the product indicated in the product indication in the vicinity of said flap is in the container. The product indication may e.g. relate to a type of product (e.g. chicken wings vs chicken nuggets; or normal soda vs diet/zero sugar soda), a sauce arranged on the product, or a characteristic of the product (e.g. how spicy the product is). The product indication may be premade (e.g. preprinted) on the lid (e.g. on the outer layer or the inner layer). The product indication can e.g. be a text. The product indication can e.g. be a logo.

In some embodiments, the number of flaps (and e.g. corresponding product indications) may correspond to the number of types of products that the lid is configured to be used with. That is, for each type of product a single flap (e.g. with product indication) is provided. In other embodiments, more variations of product can be indicated by different combinations of flaps. For example, for a coffee or tea product, a flap for sugar and a flap for milk can be used for all possible combinations.

In embodiments, in the closed position the flap is fixed by a breakable connection to the outer layer, and in the opened position said breakable connection is irreversible broken. Thus, once the flap has been moved to the opened position, it cannot be moved back to the closed position (at least not permanently). The flap is moved from the closed position to the opened position by breaking the breakable connection. These embodiments provide the advantage that a consumer can still detect which flap had been opened, even if the flap is moved back towards the lid to cover the opening. This can for example happen when something (e.g. another container) is arranged on the lid during transport of the food or beverage. An example of this is when a take-away or delivery order is transported.

In embodiments, each flap comprises tearing lines configured to be torn when the flap is moved from the closed position to the opened position (i.e. when the flap is opened). The flap can e.g. comprise two tearing lines. The tearing lines can e.g. be perforated lines. The tearing lines are premade weakening in the outer layer. The tearing lines are a breakable connection between the flap and the outer layer. Each flap may e.g. comprise a first tearing line on a first side and a second tearing line on a second side opposite of the first side. The tearing lines assist a user in arranging the flap in the opened position, and also indicate to the user how to break the breakable connection.

In embodiments, each flap is configured to be physically connected to the outer layer in the opened position. Thus, the flap is not removed when being moved to the opened position. For example, the flap may comprise a connection to the outer layer. The connection may e.g. form a connection line between the ends of two tearing lines. The flap can e.g. be configured to be peeled and/or pivoted around the connection line when being moved to the opened position. The flap can e.g. be configured to be peeled and/or pivoted in directions away from the inner layer and at the same time towards a longitudinal centre axis of the lid (and container). The connection (and connection line) is not configured to be broken, e.g. it is not a perforated line. Of course, it will be understood that with much force it may still be possible to break said connection.

In embodiments, each flap is arranged at a distance of an outer edge (e.g. a rim) of the lid. Thus, the flaps are not arranged at the edge of outer layer. The flaps are arranged radially inward of an edge of the outer layer.

In embodiments, the outer layer comprises a cut-out adjoining to each flap. Optionally the cut-out is arranged at a side of the flap opposite of where the flap is physically connected to the outer layer in the opened position, thus e.g. an opposite side in comparison to a connector line. The flap may e.g. be configured to be moved to the opened position by peeling the flap away from the cut-out. The cut-out may be an opening in the outer layer. When the respective flap is in the opened position, the uncovered opening and the cut-out may form a combined opening. The cut-out advantageously makes it easier for a user to grab and open the flap.

In embodiments, the flap has a (partial) elliptical shape. Optionally, the long edges of the elliptical shape are formed by tearing lines. A short edge of the elliptical shape is formed by the cut-out that is adjoining the flap. An opposite short edge opposite of said short edge may be formed by the connection to the outer layer that is maintained when the flap is in the opened position. Said opposite short edge may be a short edge of the elliptical shape, or may be a straight edge between ends of the tearing lines.

In embodiments, the cut-out has a moon-shape. For example, a first curved edge adjoining the flap has a first radius of curvature, which may e.g. correspond to the radius of curvature of the adjoining edge of the flap. A second curved edge of the cut-out is arranged further away from the flap, and has a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature. The fist curved edge and the second curved edge together define the shape of the cut-out, and intersect at two intersection points.

In embodiments, the inner layer extends continuously below each flap of the outer layer, e.g. both when the flap is in the closed position and when the flap is in the opened position. Optionally, when the outer layer comprises a cut-out adjoining to each flap, the inner layer also extends continuously below said cut-out. The inner layer extending continuously on said locations, entails that the no openings or cut-outs are present in the inner layer on said locations. Thus, when the flap is in the opened position and the opening is uncovered, the inner layer still protects the contents (food or beverage) of the container from contamination. Furthermore, the contents will stay warm longer, and at the same time the person opening the flap is protected from hot air which could otherwise come out of the opening.

In embodiments, the inner layer below the flap is configured to remain extending continuously below the flap during use. That is, the inner layer is not opened as well, e.g. to reveal an opening for drinking the product.

In embodiments, the lid comprises a drinking opening, wherein the drinking opening is offset from the at least one flap, seen in a direction parallel to the outer surface. Optionally, the drinking opening is configured to be adapted from being closed to being opened, e.g. by moving a straw though the outer layer for opening the drinking opening and/or by tearing a part of the outer layer and inner layer. In these embodiments the lid may in particular be configured to be used with a container for containing a beverage. In these embodiments, the opening of the flap(s) does not open the drinking opening. The flap(s) and the drinking opening are provided on distinct locations of the lid.

In embodiments, the lid is configured to be used with a container for containing an edible product, wherein optionally lid is configured to be removed before consuming the edible product. That is, to provide access to the edible product arranged within the container, the lid needs to be removed. The lid does not comprise an opening that provides access to the interior of the container.

In embodiments, the inner layer is not transparent. Thus, when the flap is opened, it is not possible to see through the inner layer which product is inside the container. This allows for example to use standards paperboard or cardboard material for the inner layer.

In embodiments, the inner layer comprises at least one ventilation hole, wherein optionally said ventilation holes are offset (e.g. in a direction parallel to the first plane and/or second plane) to any opening or hole of the outer layer. Thus, the ventilation holes are not facing any opening or hole in the outer layer. The inner layer may e.g. comprise one ventilation hole, or two ventilation holes, or three ventilation holes, or more than three ventilation holes. The ventilation holes advantageously allow some ventilation which may be beneficial for maintaining the freshness of the food or beverage. By being offset, the likelihood of contamination entering the container through the ventilation holes is reduced. The ventilation holes may e.g. be smaller than the opening(s) covered by the flap(s), e.g. at least 10 times smaller, e.g. at least 50 times.

In embodiments, the outer layer also comprises at least one ventilation hole, wherein optionally the ventilation holes of outer layer are offset (e.g. in a direction parallel to the first plane and/or second plane) relative to the ventilation holes of the inner layer. This allows ventilation through both the inner and outer layer, while reducing likelihood of contamination. Optionally, the inner layer and outer layer comprise the same number of ventilation holes (e.g. two). This may be advantageous for the air flow. Optionally, the ventilation holes in the inner layer and the ventilation holes in the outer layer are arranged at a same distance (in the first and second plane) from an outer edge (e.g. rim) of the lid, and are offset relative to each other by a rotation around a (longitudinal) centre axis of the lid.

Optionally, when the outer layer comprises ventilation holes, the inner layer also extends continuously below said ventilation holes.

In embodiments, the inner layer is spaced (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and/or second plane) from the outer layer. For example, an air space may be present between the inner layer and the outer layer.

In embodiments, the lid is double-layered. The double-layered may consist of the inner layer and the outer layer. Thus, the lid does not comprise any layers in addition to the inner layer and the outer layer, in particular when seen in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and/or the second plane.

In embodiments, the lid comprises at least three, four, five, six, or seven flaps.

In embodiments, the lid further comprises an outer edge for arranging the lid on the container (base), wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are both connected to the outer edge. The outer edge may e.g. be a rim. The outer edge may e.g. extend in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and/or the second plane. The outer edge may e.g. have an annular shape.

In embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer are connected to the outer edge by ultrasonic bonding or welding.

In embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer comprise a plurality of connecting protrusions that are folded into a sleeve of the outer edge for connecting the inner layer and outer layer to the outer edge.

In embodiments, the outer edge comprises one or more protrusions or threads for positioning the inner layer and the outer layer within the outer edge.

In embodiments, the lid has a circular shape. In embodiments, the lid has a rectangular shape. In embodiments, the lid has a square shape. In embodiments, the lid has an elliptical shape.

In embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer have the same size when seen in the first plane and the second plane. For example, the diameter, or the length and width, of the inner layer and outer layer are equal.

In embodiments, the lid (or the outer layer and/or the inner layer) can have a dimension (e.g. a diameter, length, or width) in the first plane and/or second plane between 150-250 mm, e.g. 175-2250 mm, e.g. 180-200 mm, e.g. about 185 mm. Such dimensions can e.g. be advantageous when the container is intended for a food product, e.g. a meat product such as chicken wings. In embodiments, the lid can have a dimension (e.g. a diameter, length, or width) in the first plane and/or second plane of 30-120 mm, e.g. 50-100 mm, e.g. 75-90 mm, e.g. about 80 mm. Such dimensions can e.g. be advantageous when the container is intended for a beverage product, e.g. a hot beverage such as coffee.

In embodiments, the ventilation holes have a diameter between 1-5 mm, e.g. 2-4 mm, e.g. about 3 mm.

In embodiments, the flaps have a largest dimension between 25-35 mm, e.g. 27-32 mm, e.g. approximately 30 mm. When the flaps have a (partially) elliptical shape, said largest dimensions may e.g. be the maximal distance between the short edges (e.g. a short elliptical edge adjoining to the cut-out and a short straight edge where the flap remains attached to the outer layer in the opened position). A maximal distance between two long (e.g. perforated) edges of the elliptical shape may e.g. be between 15-25 mm, e.g. 17-22 mm, e.g. 18-20 mm, e.g. approximately 19 mm.

In embodiments, the invention relates to a container for food or beverage, comprising a lid according to any of the embodiments described herein. The lid can e.g. be arranged removably onto a container base for closing the container. The container base can e.g. comprise a bottom, a side wall, and an open top. The container base may e.g. comprise an outer edge (e.g. a ridge) that is configured to interact with the outer edge of the lid. The container can e.g. have a cylindrical shape, conical shape, or a beam-like shape, or a cuboidal shape. The container can e.g. comprise or be made out of paperboard and/or cardboard material. The container can e.g. be disposable.

The invention further relates to a method for packaging a food or beverage. Although the method can be performed using the lid or container according to the invention; neither the lid/container, nor the method is limited thereto. Features explained herein with reference to the lid/container have the same meaning with respect to the method unless explicitly defined otherwise. Features explained with reference to the lid/container can be applied mutatis mutandis to the method to achieve the similar advantages, and vice versa.