REUSABLE CONTAINER FOR FROZEN PRODUCTS
The invention relates to a reusable container (A) for storing or transporting a frozen food composition comprising: a first container (E) for receiving the food composition, the first container comprising an opening and a bottom, a first lid (F) configured to attach to the first container to cover the opening and which has a closed position in which the first lid closes off the opening of the first container, a first jacket (C); and fastening means (B, D, G) which has an engaged position wherein the fastening means engages the first jacket to at least one of (a) the first container with a frozen food composition therein or (b) the first lid on the first container with the first frozen food composition therein; and wherein the engaged position of the fastening means forms an air gap (1) between the first container and the first jacket, and wherein the first container, the first lid and the first jacket are separate parts in a non-engaged position of the fastening means.
1 . A reusable container for storing or transporting a frozen food composition comprising:
a first container for receiving the food composition, the first container comprising an opening and a bottom,
a first lid configured to attach to the first container to cover the opening and which has a closed position in which the first lid closes off the opening of the first container,
a first jacket; and
a fastening member which has an engaged position wherein the fastening means member engages the first jacket to at least one of the first container with a frozen food composition therein or the first lid on the first container with the first frozen food composition therein; and wherein the engaged position of the fastening means member forms an air gap between the first container and the first jacket, and wherein the first container, the first lid and the first jacket are separate parts in a non-engaged position of the fastening member.
2 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the air gap between the first container and the first jacket increases towards the bottom of the first container when the fastening means member is in the engaged position.
3 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first jacket comprises an inner surface having a shape complementary to the outer surface of at least a portion of the first container such that the outer surface of the first container at least partially abuts the inner surface of the first jacket when engaged.
4 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the first container has a circular cross-section in at least one part of the first container selected from the group consisting of (i) an opening of the first container covered by the first lid, a planar bottom of the first container, and one or more horizontal planes substantially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the first container and substantially parallel to at least one of the opening of the first container or the planar bottom of the first container.
5 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first container comprises an outer surface having a frustoconical shape such that a diameter of the circular cross-section within the frustoconical shape continuously decreases as the distance of the circular cross-section from the planar bottom of the first container decreases.
6 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member comprises at least one receiving portion selected from the group consisting of a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the first lid in a complementary portion of the first jacket and a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the jacket in a complementary portion of the first lid.
7 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member comprises a least one receiving portion selected from the group consisting of a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the first container in a complementary portion of the first jacket and a receiving portion for receiving of the jacket in a complementary portion of the first container.
8 . A reusable container according to claim 6 , wherein the receiving portion or portions are selected from the group consisting of screw thread or threads; complementary holes and plugs, click lock or locks; or a combination thereof.
9 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the first container, the lid and the first jacket are made from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastics, ceramic, porcelain or a combination thereof.
10 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the first container, the lid and the first jacket are made from stainless steel.
11 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member is an integrated part of at least one of the first container, the lid and the first jacket, and the fastening member is joined thereto.
12 . A reusable container according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member does not hermetically seal the air gap that is created between the first container and the first jacket.
13 . A reusable packaging comprising a reusable container for storing or transporting a frozen food composition comprising a first container for receiving the food composition, the first container comprising an opening and a bottom, a first lid configured to attach to the first container to cover the opening and which has a closed position in which the first lid closes off the opening of the first container, a first jacket and a fastening member which has an engaged position wherein the fastening member engages the first jacket to at least one of the first container with a frozen food composition therein or the first lid on the first container with the first frozen food composition therein; and wherein the engaged position of the fastening member forms an air gap between the first container and the first jacket, and wherein the first container, the first lid and the first jacket are separate parts in a non-engaged position of the fastening member, wherein the reusable container is packed in a reusable insulating tote.