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(11) | EP 3 090 960 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | COMPLEMENTARY SYSTEM FOR CONTAINERS THAT REQUIRE THE USE OF TOOLS OR UTENSILS IN ORDER FOR THE CONTENTS OF THE CONTAINER TO BE USED OR CONSUMED |
| (57) The invention relates to a complementary system for packaging or containers. The
system consists of a device conveniently housed inside the packaging or container,
said device storing therein a tool or utensil that is removed when the lid is opened
and formed for use by means of a self-locking, retractable sleeve-plunger type mechanism.
The complementary system for packaging or containers is suitable for use in all types
of industries, business lines or applications in which packaging or containers require
additional tools or utensils for the use thereof. |
Technical Sector
State of the art
[0002] In general, containers or packages (cans, drums, plastic containers, ardboard etc.) whose contents require an additional tool or implement for use or consume do not include a tool or utensil. There are some exceptions in the case of food such as ice cream, soups or yogurts, in which a spoon is included on the outside of the container or is given to the user when purchasing the unit to be consumed .In most of the cases this supplementary item is not included and the user must solve its absence.
[0003] A typical case, to mention one of many, is the can of paint, which requires a certain rod suitable to stir its contents before using it. Users should spend valuable resources (time, money) to deal with this classic dilemma, which includes among its solutions, to pull out a tree branch.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0004] A system has been designed that complements the package or container, providing the user with the tool or utensil inside it, so that when opened, a mechanism will enable such a tool or utensil to emerge from the surface level of the contents of the container or package, ready for the user to use, for example, for consuming (for food), stirring (in the case of a paint can), from one side or lateral space, etc. as it is convenient.
[0005] The mechanism to enable the tool or utensil emerges from the level of the package or container, so that the user can immediately use it, may consist of a retractable sleeve-plunger type which is deployed at the time of opening the package or container, forming the tool or utensil required; it can also be a similar system, in which the tool or utensil is driven to emerge by the pressure of an inert compressed gas at the bottom of the mechanism, a spring or any ejector system.
Brief description of the drawings
[0006] Figure 1 is a complementary system for yogurt containers in side view with its lid open which shows, emerging from inside, the extended retractable handle of a spoon. The system is conveniently attached to one of the side inner walls. Below, there is a complementary top view that lets you see the position of the system.
[0007] The system has a hollow outer body (1), with the implement or tool, in this case a spoon (2), in its lower part, constituting an inner body that slides within an outer body. The handle (3) is shown fully extended and fixed at the end of its travel by a self-locking mechanism (6) that allows forming the spoon.
[0008] The container (5) has a rail or compartment (4) so that the implement (7) located inside the container is kept in the desired position while the package or container is closed, and is easily removed when the package or container is opened.
[0009] References (8) and (9) show complementary views of the implement (7) extended forming a spoon, in front and side views.
[0010] References (10) and (11) show complementary views of the implement (7) with the handle stored, in front and side views.
[0011] Figure 2 shows an application of the complementary system for paint cans, which in this case stores inside a paddle for stirring or mixing paint.
[0013] A complementary system for packaging or containers consists in a mechanism which is conveniently lodged inside the container or package, storing therein a tool or utensil which emerges and is formed, for its use, at the moment of opening, by a self-retractable sleeve - plunger mechanism.
Industrial application
1. Complementary system for packaging or containers CHARACTERIZED by a device that is stored inside these packaging or containers, and is exposed when
opening the lid or cover, forming a tool or utensil to use, consume, move, carry,
or expel content, using a retractable sleeve - plunger mechanism.
2. Complementary system for packaging or containers, according to claim No. 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the mechanism which enables the tool or utensil to emerge, so that the user can take
it and use it, can be activated by a compressed inert gas that drives the sleeve -
plunger assembly when removing the cover or lid, forming the required tool or utensil.
3. Complementary system for packaging or containers, according to claim No. 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the lid or cover of the containers or packaging acts at the same time as a lid or
cover for the system that stores the tool or utensil, keeping it clean and not contaminated
by the contents of the packaging or container.
4. Complementary system for packaging or containers, according to claims No. 1 and No.
3, CHARACTERIZED in that the mechanism that stores the tool or utensil can have its own seal, protective cover
or chamber to avoid being contaminated by the content.
5. Complementary system for packaging or containers, according to claims No. 1, No. 2
and No. 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the sleeve - plunger mechanism has a self-locking device in a part of its relative
travel, allowing it to form a tool or utensil.
6. Complementary system for packaging or containers, according to claims No. 1 and No.
3, CHARACTERIZED in that the mechanism forming the tool or utensil can be constituted by a guiding device
which allows the part forming the handle to slide with respect to the bottom of the
tool or utensil.