SNAP-ON LID

Abstract

 A snap-on lid (10, 100) for a receptacle (2, 200) having an opening surrounded by a rim (3, 300) wherein said lid (10, 100) has a top portion and a side wall (12, 112) extending from said top portion, wherein said lid is made of a fibre based material and has a distal edge of said side wall which is folded inwards, forming an inward lip (20, 120) and optionally also circumferential recess (130) for engaging with said rim (3, 300) removably holding the lid (10, 100) in place on said receptacle (2, 200) when in use.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to packages and packaging technology, and in particular to so called snap-on or clip-on lids for cup-shaped receptacles.

Background

[0002] The development of packaging technologies has revolutionized how products are stored, distributed and sold, and nowhere is this more significant than in the food and beverages sector. Over time, glass and metal based packaging solutions have been replaced by plastic and lately also fibre based, i.e. cellulose based materials. Today, fibre based packaging materials are widely used for both packaging and serving both solid, semi-liquid and liquid foods. Examples include, but are not limited to cup-shaped and tray-shaped receptacles with removable lids. An illustrative example is the paper cup used for serving various beverages, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks. Such cups are frequently closed with a plastic snap-on lid, having an opening through which the beverage can be consumed, eigher directly or through a straw. Other examples are found in the convenience food sector, where for example ready meals are served on a fibre-based tray suitable for heating, and covered by a removable plastic lid.

[0003] US 4,589,569 discloses a thermoformed plastic snap-on lid for a drinking cup, having a mounting portion including a resilent annular gripping portion, configured to grip the bead on the lip of the cup and seal thereagainst. Such lids as disclosed in US 4,589,569 and similar constructions have become widely used.

[0004] European patents 1 367 001 B1 and 2 159 161 B1 disclose an improved plastic clip-on (snap-on) lid especially for a cup-shaped paper or cardboard receptacle having an outwardly projecting bead, especially a curled rim, wherein said lid is formed with a peripheral clamping groove which is open on the lower surface of the lid for receiving therein the bead of said receptacle.

[0005] Such lids are easily attached and provide a tight seal, and have become popular in the packaging of food and beverages, not only for take-away coffee, tea and soft drinks, although this remains the main use. The lids are made of food grade plastics, most frequently polypropylene. Billions of coffee cup lids are used every year, and it is estimated that only a small percentage of them are recycled. Therefore it is desirable to minimize or entirely avoid the use of plastic snap-on lids.

[0006] WO 2015/189130 discloses a new type of paper laminate having stretchable outer layers and an intermediate layer of less stretchability. The intermediate layer is designed to at least partly break when the new laminate is provided with folding lines, while the outer layers are designed to stretch and thus hold the laminate together at the folding lines. Further, the stretchable outer layers allow formation of reliefs in the laminate, e.g. by embossing, such that it can compete with plastics. Fig. 3 of WO 2015/189130 shows a lid, comprising two pairs of opposing side walls and an upper wall, formed in a paper laminate wherein the top portion comprises a bulge or relief formed by stretching a portion of the paper laminate. The disclosure of WO 2015/189130 however does not address how a lid for a receptacle, e.g. a cup-shaped or tray-shaped receptacle should be formed to allow a releasable attachment and at the same time creating a tight seal.

Summary

[0007] The present disclosure aims at solving problems associated with the use of non-renewable plastic snap-on lids, and to replace the plastic with a renewable, fibre based lid while maintaining or improving the functions associated with plastic lids. Other problems and solutions may be identified upon a closer study of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present description makes available a snap-on lid 10, 100 for a receptacle 2, 200 having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300 wherein said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid 10, 100 is made of a fibre based material and has a distal portion of said side wall which is folded inwards, forming an edge or lip 20, 120 for engaging with said rim 3, 300 removably locking or holding the lid 10, 100 in place on said receptacle 2, 200 when in use.

[0009] According to an embodiment of said first aspect, said side wall 12, 112 has a circumferential recess 130 for engaging with said rim 3, 300.

[0010] Preferably the side wall 12, 112 has an upper circumference proximal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, and a lower circumference distal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, wherein the lower circumference is larger than the upper circumference. In this embodiment, the lid has the shape of a truncated cone, making it possbly to stack the lids during manufacture, transport and storage.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the present description makes available snap-on lid 10, 100 for a receptacle 2, 200 having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300, and a membrane 40 affixed to said opening, wherein the area of said membrane 40 is larger than that of said opening, said membrane 40 extending outward over the rim 3, 300 of said opening, wherein said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid 10, 100 is made of a fibre based material, and in that a distal edge of said side wall 12, 112 is folded inwards, forming an edge or inward lip 20, 120 for engaging at least one of said rim 3, 300 and said membrane 40 to removably hold the lid in place on said receptacle 2, 200 when in use.

[0012] According to an embodiment of said second aspect, said edge or lip 20, 120 engages said membrane 40 to removably hold the lid 10, 100 in place.

[0013] According to another embodiment of said second aspect, said edge or lip 130 engages both said rim 3, 300 and said membrane 40 to removably hold the lid 10, 100 in place.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the side wall 12, 112 has an upper circumference proximal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, and a lower circumference distal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, wherein the lower circumference is larger than the upper circumference. This gives the lid the shape of a truncated cone, making it possbly to stack the lids during manufacture, transport and storage.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the present description makes available a receptacle 2, 200 having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300, and a membrane 40 affixed to said opening, wherein the area of said membrane 40 is larger than that of said opening and said membrane 40 projects outward over the rim 3, 300 of said opening, wherein said membrane 40 extends at least partially over the rim 3, 300 capable of forming a skirt 41 having a substantially circumferential edge positioned at or below said rim 3, 300 when a lid 10, 100 is attached to said receptacle.

[0016] According to an embodiment of said third aspect, said membrane 40 has an openable portion 50, which when open provides access to the inside of said receptacle 2, 200 without removal of the entire membrane 40.

[0017] According to another embodiment of said third aspect, said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid is made of a fibre based material, and wherein a distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an edge or lip 20, 120 for engaging with said membrane 40, preferably also for engaging with an edge of the skirt 41 which is formed when the lid is placed in position on said receptacle.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of said third aspect, said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid is made of a fibre based material, and wherein a distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an edge or lip 20, 120 for engaging with said membrane 40, and wherein said side wall has a circumferential recess 130 for engaging with said rim 3, 300 and optionally with said membrane 40. When engaging with said membrane, the lip 20, 120 and/or recess 130 is/are preferably also engaging with the edge of a skirt 41 formed by the membrane 40 when the lid is placed in position on said receptacle.

[0019] The desription also discloses a snap-on lid according to any one of the above aspects and embodiments, made substantially of a paper laminate comprising at least a first stretchable paper layer and a second stretchable paper layer, wherein the first and the second stretchable paper layer preferably have a stretchability (ISO 1924/3) of at least 5 % in both the machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD). Preferably the stretchability is at least 10 % in both the MD and CD, more preferably at least about 15 % the MD and at least about 10 % in the CD.

[0020] The laminate preferably also comprises an intermediate paper layer arranged between the first and the second stretchable paper layer, wherein the stretchability (ISO 1924/3) of said intermediate paper layer is less than 3 % in the MD and/or the CD.

[0021] The description further makes available a snap-on lid according to any one of the aspects and embodiments herein, further comprising an embossed shape or pattern 70 in the top portion of said lid.

[0022] The description also makes available a packaging comprising a lid according to any one of the aspects and embodiments.

[0023] Further, description also makes available a packaging comprising a receptacle having a membrane and a lid according to any one of the above aspects and embodiments.

[0024] The description also concerns a method for closing a receptacle having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300 using a lid 10, 100 according to any one of the aspects and embodiments above.

Brief description of the drawings

[0025] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the state of the art, here exemplified by a plastic snap-on lid 1 and a cup 2, for example a paper cup having a rolled rim 3.

Fig. 2 shows in cross section how the plastic lid 1 engages the rolled rim 3 of cup 2. Typically, snap-on lids according to the state of the art have a flared out lower portion, receiving the rolled rim of the cup or receptacle.

Fig. 3 is a partial cross section showing an embodiment wherein a fibre based lid 10 has a side wall 12, wherein the distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20 with an edge for engaging with the rolled rim 3 of a receptacle 2 when the lid 10 is placed on the receptacle 2.

Fig. 4 is a partial cross section showing another embodiment where a fibre based lid 100 has a side wall 112, wherein the distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an edge or inward lip 120, but where said side wall additionally has a circumferential recess 130 for engaging with the rim 3 when the lid 100 is placed on the receptacle 2.

Fig. 5 is a partial cross section showing another embodiment including a fibre based lid 10 having a side wall 12, wherein the distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20. Here, the opening of the receptacle 2 is covered with a membrane 40, for example glued or welded to the rim 3, wherein the area of the membrane is larger than the opening of the receptacle forming an overhang 41. Thus, when the lid 10 is in place, the overhang 41 of the membrane is pressed down at least partially over the rim 3, pinched between the rim 3 and the lid, and engages with the lip 20.

Fig. 6 is a partial cross section showing another embodiment where a fibre based lid 100 has a side wall 112, wherein the distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 120, but where said side wall additionally has a circumferential recess 130. Also here, the opening of the receptacle 2 is covered with a membrane 40, for example glued or welded to the rim 3, wherein the area of the membrane is larger than the opening of the receptacle, forming an overhang 41. Thus, when the lid 100 is in place, the overhang 41 of the membrane is pressed down at least partially over the rim 3, pinched between the rim 3 and the lid, and engages with the lip 120.

Fig. 7 is a partial cross section showing another embodiment including a fibre based lid 10 having a side wall 12, wherein the distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20. Here the lid 10 is shown placed on a receptacle 200, having a rim 300, which rim is not a rolled rim, wherein the lip 20 engages with the rim 300 of the receptacle 200 when the lid is placed on the receptacle.

Fig. 8 is a partial cross section showing another embodiment where a fibre based lid 100 has a side wall 112, wherein the distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 120, and where said side wall additionally has a circumferential recess 130. This lid is here shown placed on a receptacle 200, having a rim 300, which rim is not a rolled rim, wherein at least one of the features 120 and 130 engage with the rim 300 when the lid 100 is placed on the receptacle 200.

Fig. 9 is a partial cross section showing an embodiment wherein a receptacle 200 having a straight rim 300 is closed or sealed with membrane 40, attached to the rim 300. The area of the membrane 40 may be larger than the area of the opening of the receptacle including the rim 300, so the membrane 40 forms an overhang or skirt 41 (not shown), or in the alternative, the membrane 40 ends at or approximately at the circumference of the rim 300 (as shown in Fig. 9). When the lid 10 is in place, the lip 20 formed on the inside of the wall 12 engages the rim 300, holding the lid 10 securely in place. In the case there is an overhang, the membrane becomes pinched between the rim 300 and the lid 10, additionally improving the attachment of the lid to the receptacle.

Fig. 10 is a partial cross section showing a receptacle 200 with a rim 300 and a membrane 40, and a lid 100 having a side wall 112, wherein the distal egde of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 120. Additionally there is arranged a circumferential recess 130 in the side wall 112. When said lid is placed on the receptacle, at least one of the features 120 and 130 engage the rim 300, for example the recess 130 engages the rim 300 and the inward lip 120 engages rim 300 or an overhang or skirt formed by the membrane (not shown). Again, in the case there is an overhang, the membrane becomes pinched between the rim 300 and the lid 10, engaging the recess 130 and the inward lip 120, which additionally improves the attachment of the lid to the receptacle.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle 2 or 200 sealed with a membrane 40, the area of which is larger than the openting of the receptacle, so that the membrane 40 forms an overhang or skirt 41 which preferable extends below the rim 3 or 300. Fig. 11 also shows a lid 100 having a side wall 112 and an inward lip 120, and additionally a circumferential recess 130. It is also indicated that the top portion of the lid 100 may be embossed creating a raised shape or pattern 70, for example a purely decorative pattern, or a pattern conwaying information about content, use, or storage of the content of the packaging for which the lid is intended. Naturally also the lid 10 can have a raised shape or pattern 70 (not shown).

Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle as shown in Fig. 11, where the membrane can be removed totally, or in part, when the membrane 40 has a tearable part 50, for example a tab 60 and where a portion of the membrane is delimited by indented lines, perforations or similar, indicated as a dashed line in Fig. 12. Thus the membrane can be removed totally or in part, the contents accessed and the receptacle closed again, using the fibre based snap-on lid 10, 100.

Detailed description

[0026] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0027] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] According to a first aspect, the present description makes available a snap-on lid 10, 100 for a receptacle 2, 200 having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300 wherein said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid is made of a fibre based material and has a distal portion of said side wall which is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20 for engaging with said rim 3, 300 removably holding the lid 10, 100 in place on said receptacle 2, 200 when in use.

[0029] The expression "folded inwards" as used in the different aspects and embodiments, and thus freely combinable with any one of them, is used to describe how the fiber based material forming the side wall 12, 112 of a lid 10, 100 is folded about 180° towards the interior of the lid, forming a double-walled portion of the side wall. This double walled portion is however shorter than the total height of the side wall, in other words, it does not extend all the way to the top of the lid. The side wall is therefore thicker at the lower end thereof, and above the double-walled portion and the top of the lid, a space is formed, suitable for receiving and releasably holding a rim 3, 300 of a receptacle 2, 200.

[0030] The inward folded part of the side wall both reinforces the lower part of the side wall, and creates the above mentioned space for receiving a rim of a receptacle. Further, the upper edge of the folded material forms a shelf or abutment for engaging with a rim and/or a membrane of a receptacle, and releasably holding the lid in place on said receptacle. It is possible to vary the height of the double-walled portion as well as the finish of the edge. The space for receiving a rim can be made smaller or larger, thus influencing the thightness of the fit of the lid to the receptable. A sharp edge will also provide a stronger hold, in particular in combination with a membrane.

[0031] It is conceived that the inward folded, double-walled portion of the side wall extends for about half the height of the side wall, prefereably ending about 3 mm below the top of the lid, forming the space for receiving a rim of a receptacle.

[0032] In receptacles having a rolled rim, the diameter of this rim is usually 3 mm +/- 0.25 mm. For assuring a tight fit, the space for receiving a rim of a receptacle should be at least 3 mm, meaning that the double-walled portion of the side wall ends at least 3 mm below the top of the lid. For receptacles having a straight, non-rolled rim, the space for receiving the rim is adapted to the height of said rim.

[0033] According to an embodiment of said first aspect, said side wall 12, 112 also has a circumferential recess 130 for engaging with said rim 3, 300. This recess is preferably substantially semicircular in cross-section, having a radius of about 3 mm. The double-walled portion can extend into about half the height of said circumferential recess (as shown e.g. in Figs. 4, 6, 8, 10) or end at or below said circumferential recess (not shown). When extending into about half the height of said circumferential recess, the lid can receive and releasably hold both receptacles having a rolled rim 3 and receptacles having a straight, non-rolled rim 300, which is an advantage of this embodiment.

[0034] Preferably the side wall 12, 112 has an upper circumference proximal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, and a lower circumference distal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, wherein the lower circumference is larger than the upper circumference. In this embodiment, the lid 10, 100 has the shape of a truncated cone, making it possbly to stack the lids during manufacture, transport and storage.

[0035] According to a second aspect, the present description makes available snap-on lid 10, 100 for a receptacle 2, 200 having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300, and a membrane 40 affixed to said opening, wherein the area of said membrane 40 is larger than that of said opening, said membrane 40 extending outward over the rim 3, 300 of said opening, wherein said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid 10, 100 is made of a fibre based material, and in that a distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20, 120 for engaging at least one of said rim 3, 300 and said membrane 40 to removably lock or hold the lid in place on said receptacle 2, 200 when in use.

[0036] According to an embodiment of said second aspect, said inward lip 20, 120 engages said membrane 40 to removably lock or hold the lid in place.

[0037] According to another embodiment of said second aspect, said inward lip 20, 120 engages both said rim 3, 300 and said membrane 40, preferably an overhang or skirt 41 formed by said membrane, to removably lock or hold the lid in place. This is illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 9, 10 but not limited to these embodiments.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the side wall 12, 112 has an upper circumference proximal to the top portion of the lid 10, 100, and a lower circumference distal to the top portion of the lid, wherein the lower circumference is larger than the upper circumference. This gives the lid the shape of a truncated cone, making it possbly to stack the lids during manufacture, transport and storage, which is significant advantage over non-stackable lids.

[0039] According to a third aspect, the present description makes available a receptacle 2, 200 having an opening surrounded by a rim 3, 300, and a membrane 40 affixed to said opening, wherein the area of said membrane 40 is larger than that of said opening and said membrane 40 projects outward over the rim 3, 300 of said opening, wherein said membrane 40 extends at least partially over the rim 3, 300 forming a an overhang or skirt 41 having a substantially circumferential edge positioned at or below said rim 3, 300. Membranes for sealing receptacles are well known in the art, and can be made of metal foil, plastic foil, paper, or laminates of two or more of the materials metal, plastic and paper. A membrane can be glued, heat sealed or welded to the rim of the receptacle. When making the membrane larger that the opening of the receptacle, an overhang is formed. When placing a lid on such a receptacle, this overhang is pressed down at least partially over the rim 3, pinched between the rim 3 and the lid snap-on lid 10, 100. This improves the attachment of the lid to the receptacle, which is an advantage of this embodiment. Additionally, the combination of a membrane and a lid has other advantages. A membrane which is glued or heat sealed to a receptacle create thight seal, and can be used to seal liquid or semi-liquid foods and protect them from the environment. A membrane can however be punctured or torn durign the transport and handling of the packages, for example when the packages are stacked in the shop, or when transported by the end-user from the shop to the home. A fibre based snap-on lid offers a mechanical protection for the membrane.

[0040] According to an embodiment of said third aspect, said membrane 40 has an openable portion 50, which when open provides access to the inside of said receptacle without removal the entire membrane 40. This can be formed as a tab 60, where a portion of the membrane is delimited by indented lines, perforations or similar. Thus the membrane can be removed totally or in part, the contents accessed and the receptacle closed again, using the fibre based snap-on lid 10, 100.

[0041] According to another embodiment of said third aspect, said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid is made of a fibre based material, and wherein a distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20, 120 for engaging with said membrane 40, preferably also for engaging with the edge of said skirt 41 which is formed when the lid is placed in position on said receptacle.

[0042] According to yet another embodiment of said third aspect, said lid 10, 100 has a top portion and a side wall 12, 112 extending from said top portion, wherein said lid is made of a fibre based material, and wherein a distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip 20, 120 for engaging with said membrane 40, and wherein said side wall also has a circumferential recess 130 for engaging with said rim 3, 300 and optionally with said membrane 40. When engaging with said membrane, the lip 20, 120 and/or recess 130 preferably also engage with the edge of a skirt 41 formed by the membrane 40 when the lid is placed in position on said receptacle.

[0043] The description also discloses a snap-on lid according to any one of the above aspects and embodiments, made substantially of a paper laminate comprising a first stretchable paper layer and a second stretchable paper layer, wherein the first and the second stretchable paper layer preferably have a stretchability (ISO 1924/3) of at least 5 % in both the machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD)

[0044] In an embodiment, the laminate also comprises an intermediate paper layer arranged between the first and the second stretchable paper layer, wherein the stretchability (ISO 1924/3) of the intermediate paper layer is less than 3 % in the MD and/or the CD.

[0045] Preferably the stretchability of the first and the second stretchable paper layer is at least 6 or 7 % in both the MD and the CD, more preferably at least 10 %.

[0046] Preferably the stretchability of the first and the second stretchable paper layer is at least 10 % in both the MD and the CD, more preferably at least about 15 % the MD and at least about 10 % in the CD.

[0047] Preferably the density (ISO 534) of the intermediate paper layer is less than 0.8 g/cm³.

[0048] Preferably the grammage (ISO 536) of the intermediate paper layer is between 75 and 500 g/m², such as between 100 and 400 g/m², such as between 150 and 350 g/m².

[0049] Different fibre based materials can be used for manufacturing the lid 10, 100 disclosed herein. One example of a fibre based material suitable for the manufacture of fibre based snap-on lids as disclosed in the present description is FibreForm® (the trademark is property of BillerudKorsnäs, Sweden). An account of the manufacture and the proprties of FibreForm® is given in WO 2015/189130 the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] Different qualities can be used, for example different grammage (ISO 536) such as 80, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 g/m² and combinations thereof.

[0051] According to an embodiment, freely combinable with the above aspects and embodiments, the intermediate layer is at least partly formed from pulp comprising mechanical pulp, thermomechanical pulp (TMP) or chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP).

[0052] According to another embodiment, also freely combinable with the above aspects and embodiments, the internal bond strength (TAPPI 569) the first and the second stretchable paper layer is at least 400 J/m², such as at least 500 J/m², such as at least 600 J/m².

[0053] Prerferably the geometric bending resistance (ISO 2493, bending angle = 15°, test span length = 50 mm) of the intermediate layer is at least 40 mN, such as at least 50 mN.

[0054] According to an embodiment, freely combinable with the above aspects and embodiments, the paper laminate has a thickness (ISO 534) of about 200 to about 800 µm, preferably 220 - 520 µm and/or a grammage (ISO 536) of about 50 to about 700 g/m², preferably 80 - 400 g/m².

[0055] Preferably the paper laminate has a thickness (ISO 534) of 380 µm and/or a grammage (ISO 536) of about 300 g/m².

[0056] The description also makes available a packaging comprising a lid according to any one of the aspects and embodiments.

[0057] Further, description also makes available a packaging comprising a receptacle having a membrane and a lid according to any one of the above aspects and embodiments.

[0058] The description also concerns a method for closing a receptacle having an opening surrounded by a rim (3) using a lid according to any one of the aspects and embodiments above.

[0059] The lid and receptacle as such, and the combined use thereof, have many advantages. A fibre based snap-on lid can replace plastic lids in numerous applications, providing an environmentally more friendly packaging solution, as the fibre based snap-on lid can be made from entirely renewable resources. A fibre based lid can also be recycled and the fibres used in the production of new products, in different blends of both recycled and fresh fibers.

[0060] Surprisingly, the flexibility of the fibre based material allows the lid to be removed and replaced without loss of function. When used in combination with a membrane, the lid functions as an overcap, protecting the membrane during transport and storage. The fibre based lid can be printed and embossed, providing tactile information, and making it esthetically appealing and interesting to the customer. The lid is preferably embossed creating a raised shape or pattern 70, for example a purely decorative pattern, or a pattern conwaying information about content, use, or storage of the content of the packaging for which the lid is intended. A lid indended for food packaging could be provided with an embossed symbol associated with the type of food the packaging will contain, for example an organge for a packaging containg organge marmelade, or a snowflake for a packaging containing icecream.

[0061] When the membrane is partially or totally removed, for example to access and consume part of the content of the receptacle, the fibre based snap-on lid can be replaced, closing the receptacle. Thus, the consumer does not have to use the entire content at once, but can instead close the receptacle after removing one or more servings, and store the remaining content.

[0062] The fibre based snap-on lid offers a light-weight yet strong and stable protection for the contents of the receptacle, or when a membrane is used, protection also for the membrane.

[0063] The inner and/or outer surface of the laminate forming the snap-on lid can be treated to increase the water resistance, to make it impermeable or selectively permeable to gases, to improve printabilty etc. The laminate can for example be waxed in order to improve water resistance in an environmentally friendly fashion. It is of course also possible to add thin polymer or metal laminates to the material forming the lid.

[0064] Additionally, the shape and flexible properties of the lid make it possible to stack the lids durign manufacture, storage and transport.

Examples

Example 1

[0065] A round fibre based snap-on lid for a round paper-based receptacle, e.g. a regular single wall paper cup, was manufactured from a round blank of a paper laminate (FibreForm® from BillerudKorsnäs, Sweden). In this example, the laminate comprised two layers of paper (FF150), each having a grammage (ISO 536) of 150 g/m² and a stretchability of 10 % in both MD and CD. The laminate had a thickness of about of 380 µm, and/or a grammage (ISO 536) of 300g/m².

[0066] The outermost edge of the blank is folded inwards, towards the center of the blank. The blank is then press formed to form a lid in the shape of a low cylinder, wherein the inner diameter of the cylinder is about 89 mm, which is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the paper based receptacle, with a top portion and a side wall, wherein the side wall has an inward lip. As the rim of the receptacle is about 2 mm high, the height of the side wall is at least 2 mm in addition to the height of the inward lip, so that the upper edge of the inward lip will be positioned below the lower edge of the rim, when the lid is in place on the receptacle.

[0067] The prototype lids exhibited a good locking function, and could be removed and replaced on the cups a few times without the loss of function thanks to the flexibility of the fibre based lid.

Example 2

[0068] In another example, also using a round blank of a paper laminate (two layers of FF150, i.e. FibreForm® from BillerudKorsnäs, Sweden), the outermost edge of the blank is folded inwards, towards the center of the blank, whereupon a circumferential recess is embossed into the blank. The blank is then pressed to form a lid in the shape of a low cylinder, having an embossed bulge on the outside of the sidewall of the lid, and corresponding recess on the inside of the sidewall. The dimension of this recess is such, that it can receive and hold the rim.

[0069] The edge of the inward fold is now positioned in the middle or the lower part of the recess, as shown for example in Figs. 4 and 8, where 130 is the circumferential recess, and 120 is the inward folded part of the laminate.

[0070] The lid snaps in place on a receptacle having a rolled rim, as well as on a receptacle having a straight, non-rolled rim. Depending on the tolerances, the recess and the edge formed by the inward folded portion of the side wall, interact to grip and hold the rim. Further, the flexibility of the fibre based lid allows the lid to conform to different shapes and sizes of rims, achieving a releasable locking function.

Example 3

[0071] The lid from Example 2 is placed on a round receptacle closed with a plastic membrane. The membrane is slightly larger than the opening of the receptacle, forming an overhang of about 1 - 3 mm. When placing the lid on the receptacle, the lid is pressed down, and in turn folds the overhang of the membrane, forming a skirt wedged or pinched between the rim and the side wall of the lid. The edge of the skirt at least partially engages with the inward folded edge of the lid. The lid is firmly attached to the receptacle, but still easily removable. The firm grip indicates that the recess and the edge formed by the inward folded portion of the side wall, interact and engage both the rim and the membrane.

[0072] To test the function of the attachment, the lid is removed, and the membrane peeled off. The lid is then replaced on the receptacle, and lightly pressed to fit over the rim. Even without the membrane, the lid is securely attached to the receptacle, yet easily removable. A snap-on function is achieved both with and without the membrane.

[0073] Without further elaboration, it is believed that a person skilled in the art can, using the present description, including the examples, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Also, although the invention has been described herein with regard to its preferred embodiments, which constitute the best mode presently known to the inventors, it should be understood that various changes and modifications as would be obvious to one having the ordinary skill in this art may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is set forth in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A snap-on lid (10, 100) for a receptacle (2, 200) having an opening surrounded by a rim (3, 300) wherein said lid (10, 100) has a top portion and a side wall (12, 112) extending from said top portion, characterized in that said lid (10, 100) is made of a fibre based material and has a distal portion of said side wall which is folded inwards, forming an inward lip (20, 120) for engaging with said rim (3, 300) removably holding the lid (10, 100) in place on said receptacle (2, 200) when in use.

2. The lid according to claim 1, wherein said side wall (12, 112) has a circumferential recess (130) for engaging with said rim (3, 300).

3. The lid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side wall (12, 112) has an upper circumference proximal to the top portion of the lid (10, 100), and a lower circumference distal to the top portion of the lid (10, 100), wherein the lower circumference is larger than the upper circumference.

4. A snap-on lid (10, 100) for a receptacle (2, 200) having an opening surrounded by a rim (3, 300), and a membrane (40) affixed to said opening, wherein the area of said membrane (40) is larger than that of said opening, said membrane (40) extending outward over the rim (3, 300) of said opening, wherein said lid (10, 100) has a top portion and a side wall (12, 112) extending from said top portion, characterized in that said lid (10, 100) is made of a fibre based material, and in that a distal edge of said side wall is folded inwards, forming an inward lip (20, 120) for engaging at least one of said rim (3, 300) and said membrane (40) to removably hold the lid in place on said receptacle (2, 200) when in use.

5. The lid according to claim 4, wherein said inward lip (20, 120) engages said membrane (40) to removably hold the lid (10, 100) in place.

6. The lid according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said inward lip (20, 120) engages both said rim (3, 300) and said membrane (40) to removably hold the lid (10, 100) in place.

7. The lid according to any one of claims 4 - 6, wherein the side wall has an upper circumference proximal to the top portion of the lid (10, 100), and a lower circumference distal to the top portion of the lid (10, 100), wherein the lower circumference is larger than the upper circumference.

8. A receptacle (2, 200) having an opening surrounded by a rim (3, 300) and a membrane (40) affixed to said opening, wherein the area of said membrane (40) is larger than that of said opening and said membrane (40) projects outward over the rim (3, 300) of said opening, characterized in that said membrane (40) extends at least partially over the rim (3, 300) capable of forming a skirt (41) having a substantially circumferential edge positioned at or below said rim (3, 300).

9. The receptacle according to claim 8, wherein said membrane (40) has an openable portion (50), which when open provides access to the inside of said receptacle (2, 200) without removal of the membrane (40).

10. A snap-on lid (10, 100) for a receptacle according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said lid (10, 100) has a top portion and a side wall (12, 112) extending from said top portion, characterized in that said lid is made of a fibre based material, and in that a distal edge of said side wall (12, 112) is folded inwards, forming an inward lip (20, 120) for engaging with said membrane (40).

11. A snap-on lid (10, 100) for a receptacle according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said lid (10, 100) has a top portion and a side wall (12, 112) extending from said top portion, characterized in that said lid is made of a fibre based material, and in that a distal edge of said side wall (12, 112) is folded inwards, forming an inward lip (20, 120) for engaging with said membrane (40), and in that said side wall has a circumferential recess (130) for engaging with said rim (3, 300) and optionally with said membrane (40).

12. A snap-on lid according to any one of claims 1 - 7 or 10 - 11, made substantially of a paper laminate comprising a first stretchable paper layer and a second stretchable paper layer, having a stretchability (ISO 1924/3) of the first and the second stretchable paper layer of at least 5 % in both the machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD)

13. The snap-on lid according to claim 12, additionally comprising an intermediate paper layer arranged between said first and the second stretchable paper layer wherein the stretchability (ISO 1924/3) of the intermediate paper layer is less than 3 % in the MD and/or the CD.

14. The snap-on lid according to claim 12, additionally comprising an embossed shape or pattern (70) in the top portion of said lid.

15. A packaging comprising a lid according to any one of the claims 1 - 7 and 10 - 14.

Drawing