Covering envelope for food product vessel

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a covering envelope for vessels, particularly food product vessels, comprising a die-cut plate element (1) which can be folded on a vessel body (2) and may be clamped by joining opposite flaps of the die-cut element.
The die-cut element, in a folded condition thereof, defines a top covering element (4), two sidewalls (5) and a bottom element (6).
The main feature of the invention is that, at least a sidewall, the covering envelope comprises at least an open portion (10) for allowing to see a corresponding portion of the vessel (2).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering envelope; specifically designed for covering food product vessels.

[0002] As is known, food product vessels conventionally comprise plastics material trays, or cups, which are closed, at the top thereof, by a laminate material.

[0003] Said vessels are usually wound by a covering envelope, which is made starting from a paper material die-cut element, which encompasses the vessel or vessels, by leaving only their longitudinal end portions free.

[0004] Thus, in such an approach, it is not possible to see the product contents and, moreover, it is very difficult to withdraw or remove the vessel form the covering envelope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problem, by providing a covering envelope for food product vessels which allows to cover and protect the vessel, while allowing the vessel contents to be easily seen.

[0006] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such a vessel covering envelope which facilitates the vessel contents removal, without the need of performing efforts for opening the vessel.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a vessel covering envelope which owing to its specifically designed constructional features, is very reliable and safe in operation.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a covering envelope which can be easily made starting from easily commercially available elements and materials and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a covering envelope for food product vessels, comprising a die-cut plate element which can be folded on at least a vessel and clamped by coupling opposite flap portions of said die-cut element, said die-cut element defining, in a folded condition thereof, a top covering element, two sidewalls and a bottom element, and being characterized in that it further comprises, at least one of said sidewalls, at least an open portion to allow a corresponding portion of said vessel to be seen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of a covering envelope for vessels, in particular food product vessels, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative but not limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the die-cut element forming the covering envelope;

Figure 2 shows that same die-cut element in a folded condition thereof;

Figure 3 is a side elevation view showing the covering envelope applied to a vessel;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the covering envelope applied to a tray vessel;

Figure 5 shows the covering envelope applied to a plurality of cup-shaped vessels; and

Figures 6 and 7 show the covering envelope applied to two cup-shape vessels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the covering envelope for vessels, in particular food product vessels, according to the present invention, comprises a plate-like element, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1 which is advantageously made of a paper material die-cut element, having a substantially rectangular configuration.

[0012] More specifically, said plate-like die-cut element can be folded on a vessel, generally indicated by the reference number 2, which, in a possible embodiment thereof, is made of a tray having a substantially flat configuration.

[0013] The covering envelope is made by joining opposite flaps or edges of the plate-like element 1 so as to define a top covering element 4, adjoining a pair of sidewalls 5, which are coupled, at the bottom thereof, by a bottom element 6, where, preferably, the opposite flaps of the die-cut element are connected.

[0014] The main feature of the invention is that, at the sidewalls, open portions made of cut-outs 10 for allowing to see a corresponding portion of the vessel 2, are provided.

[0015] Said cut-outs 10, in addition to providing a perfect displaying of the food product arranged inside the vessel, allows to easily remove the vessel covering envelope.

[0016] As is shown in figure 5, it is also possible to provide a covering envelope including a plurality of vessels, constituted, for example, by cup-like vessels, generally indicated by the reference number 2'.

[0017] From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0018] In particular, the fact is to be pointed out that the invention provides a covering envelope which, owing to the provision of the cut-outs 10, can be used in a very rational and easy manner.

[0019] The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention.

[0020] Moreover, all the constructional details can be replaced by other technically equivalents.

[0021] In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements.

Claims

1. A covering envelope for food product vessels, comprising a die-cut plate element which can be folded on at least a vessel and clamped by coupling opposite flap portions of said die-cut element, said die-cut element defining, in a folded condition thereof, a top covering element, two sidewalls and a bottom element, characterized in that it further comprises, at least one of said sidewalls, at least an open portion to allow a corresponding portion of said vessel to be seen.

2. A covering envelope, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said open portion comprise a cut-out formed in said plate-like element.

3. A covering envelope, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said covering envelope comprises cut-outs at end portions of at least a sidewall.

4. A covering envelope, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cut-outs are formed at both said sidewalls of said vessel.

5. A covering envelope, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cut-outs are so designed as to facilitate the removal of said vessel from said covering envelope therefor.

6. A covering envelope, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said covering envelope comprises a plurality of vessels arranged in the plate-like element, in a folded condition of the latter.

7. A covering envelope for vessels, in particular food product vessels, according to the preceding claims, and substantially as broadly disclosed and illustrated for the intended aim and objects.

Drawing