Lid structure for container

Abstract

A lid is disclosed for a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space. The lid structure comprises a lower frame, an upper frame and a lid. The lower frame connects to the upper edge of the tub and defines an access opening giving access to the product containing space. The upper frame is connectable to the lower frame in a snap-fit connection and forms a circumferential first seal therewith. The lid is arranged to close the opening, the lid and the upper frame forming a circumferential second seal. In this manner, an improved sealing connection can be achieved and the upper frame can be manufactured separately from the lower frame and joined thereto at a later stage of the production process.

1 . A lid structure for a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space, the lid structure comprising:
 a lower frame for connection to the upper edge of the container, the lower frame defining an access opening giving access to the product containing space;   an upper frame, connectable to the lower frame in a snap-fit connection and to form a circumferential first seal therewith; and   a lid, arranged to close the opening, the lid and the upper frame engaging to form a circumferential second seal.   
     
     
         2 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the snap-fit connection is located radially inwardly of the first seal. 
     
     
         3 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the snap fit connection comprises a plurality of downwardly extending barbs on the upper frame, which engage through detent openings in the lower frame. 
     
     
         4 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first seal comprises an upstanding first rim on the lower frame, which engages within a downward extending first groove of the upper frame. 
     
     
         5 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the second seal comprises an upstanding second rim on the upper frame, which engages within a downward extending second groove of the lid. 
     
     
         6 . The lid structure according to  claim 4 , wherein the first and/or second grooves are circumferential and are provided with lead-in structures that extend radially on both sides of the respective grooves by a distance at least equal to a width of the respective first and second rims. 
     
     
         7 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame has an external circumferential skirt and the lid has an exterior surface, the exterior surface and skirt being co-planar in the closed position of the lid. 
     
     
         8 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame has an external circumferential skirt and the lower frame has a peripheral surface, the peripheral surface and skirt being co-planar when the upper frame and lower frame are connected together. 
     
     
         9 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the upper frame. 
     
     
         10 . The lid structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the lid is arranged to pivot about a hinge located radially inwardly from an external periphery of the upper frame. 
     
     
         11 . The lid structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the second seal commences engagement when the lid is at an angle of more than 15° to the upper frame. 
     
     
         12 . The lid structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the second seal comprises an upstanding second rim on the upper frame, which engages within a downward extending second groove of the lid having a circumferential inner wall and a circumferential outer wall, wherein the circumferential outer wall extends downwards a distance greater than the circumferential inner wall in a region adjacent to the hinge. 
     
     
         13 . The lid structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second seals are insect-tight seals. 
     
     
         14 . A package comprising:
 a container having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space; and   a lid structure, the lid structure comprising:
 a lower frame connected to the upper edge of the container, the lower frame defining an access opening giving access to the product containing space; 
 an upper frame, connectable to the lower frame in a snap-fit connection; and 
 a lid, arranged to close the opening. 
   
     
     
         15 . The package according to  claim 14 , further comprising a membrane seal for sealing the product containing space prior to use. 
     
     
         16 . The package according to  claim 14 , wherein the container is a thin-walled thermoformed tub having a wall thickness of between 0.1 and 0.6 mm. 
     
     
         17 . The package according to  claim 14 , consisting of a single material class for the purposes of recycling. 
     
     
         18 . The package according to  claim 14 , wherein the container further comprises a carton sleeve enveloping and supporting a thin walled, thermoformed tub. 
     
     
         19 . The package according to  claim 14 , wherein the lower frame is permanently connected to the upper edge of the container. 
     
     
         20 . The package according to  claim 14 , further comprising a quantity of powdered infant milk formula sealed within the product containing space. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled)