Container base and lid with planar area for flat application of adhesive membrane

Abstract

The invention provides a container ( 40 ) of the type to hold fresh food or produce. Container ( 40 ) has a base ( 42 ) and a lid ( 44 ) moveable with respect to the base ( 42 ) between an open position and a closed position. The lid ( 44 ) has a first planar area ( 54 ). The base has a second planar area ( 56 ). In the closed position, the first planar area ( 54 ) and the second planar area ( 56 ) include a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane, such as a self-adhesive label. The substantially flat area includes an edge ( 55 ) of the first planar area ( 54 ) and at least part of the second planar area ( 56 ).

1 . A container having an internal volume, a base and a lid moveable with respect to the base between an open position and a closed position, the base having a rim, the lid having a first planar area and the base having a second planar area located on an extension of the rim, wherein, in the closed position, the first and second planar areas include a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane, the substantially flat area including an edge of the first planar area and at least part of the second planar area and wherein at least part of the first planar area of the lid is within a footprint of the internal volume. 
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the base includes a floor and upwardly extending side walls, at least one of which has the rim. 
   
   
       3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1  which is square or rectangular in cross section. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the lid is hinged to the base. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the lid is separate from the base. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the lid is in two or more parts, each of which is hinged to the base. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 7  wherein the or each hinge is located on one edge of the lid or of each lid and the substantially flat area does not include that edge. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the lid and/or the base includes means for mechanical locking. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 1  which includes one or more ventilation holes, ribs, depressions or recesses. 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive membrane is a self-adhesive label. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 1  which has a plurality of first planar areas and a plurality of second planar areas. 
   
   
       14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A container having a base and a lid moveable with respect to the base between an open position and a closed position, the lid having a first planar area and the base having a second planar area, wherein in the closed position, the first and second planar areas include a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane, the substantially flat area including an edge of the first planar area and at least part of the second planar area, and wherein the first planar area is disposed at an oblique angle to some or all of the lid and wherein the base includes a floor and upwardly extending side walls at least one of which has a rim, and the second planar area is inclined at an angle to the rim. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the lid is hinged to the base. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the lid is separate from the base. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 15  wherein the lid and/or the base includes means for mechanical locking. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 15  which includes one or more ventilation holes, ribs, depressions or recesses. 
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 15  which has a plurality of first planar areas and a plurality of second planar areas.