Lid structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lid structure (200) for a container (100), the lid structure comprising: a first lid member (210), and a second lid member (220), the first lid member connected to the second lid member to form a gas tight cavity (230) between the first lid member and the second lid member, the gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere: wherein the first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure (240) configured to be operable by the user to pierce the second lid member and release the inert atmosphere from the gas tight cavity. The present invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a lid structure and a container and a method (600) of producing a lid structure.

1 . A lid structure for a container, said lid structure comprising:
 a first lid member, and   a second lid member,   said first lid member connected to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between said first lid member and said second lid member,   said gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere;   wherein said first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce said second lid member and release said inert atmosphere from said gas tight cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said second lid member comprises a film. 
     
     
         3 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said piercing structure comprises at least one piercing member. 
     
     
         4 . The lid structure of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one piercing member is positioned substantially centrally within said piercing structure. 
     
     
         5 . The lid structure of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one piercing member comprises a spike. 
     
     
         6 . The lid structure of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one piercing member comprises at least one rib. 
     
     
         7 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said piercing structure is positioned substantially centrally within said first lid member. 
     
     
         8 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said piercing structure comprises a plurality of ribs. 
     
     
         9 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said piercing structure is configured to irreversibly deform after operation by said user. 
     
     
         10 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein the operation of said piercing structure by said user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 30% of its initial volume. 
     
     
         11 . The lid structure of  claim 10 , wherein the operation of said piercing structure by said user reduces the volume of the gas tight cavity to less than 10% of its initial volume. 
     
     
         12 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said second lid member comprises a frangible portion. 
     
     
         13 . The lid structure of  claim 12 , wherein said frangible portion comprises a line of weakness or point of weakness. 
     
     
         14 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein said inert atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas. 
     
     
         15 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein the connection between said first lid member and said second lid member comprises a heat weld. 
     
     
         16 . The lid structure of  claim 1 , wherein the connection between said first lid member and said second lid member comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         17 . A kit of parts, said kit of parts comprising:
 a lid structure comprising:
 a first lid member; and 
 a second lid member; 
 said first lid member connected to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between said first lid member and said second lid member, 
 said gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere, 
 wherein said first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce said second lid member and release said inert atmosphere from said gas tight cavity; and 
   a container, wherein said lid structure is sized to form a substantially gas tight fit with said container.   
     
     
         18 . The kit of parts of  claim 17 , wherein said container comprises a base portion and a sealing member, wherein said base portion and said sealing member are connected to form a second gas tight cavity. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of parts of  claim 18 , wherein said second gas tight cavity is substantially filled with an inert atmosphere. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of parts of  claim 18 , wherein said sealing member is configured to be removed from said base portion by said user. 
     
     
         21 . The kit of parts of  claim 17 , wherein said lid structure is reversibly removable from said container. 
     
     
         22 . A method of producing a lid structure having a first lid member, and a second lid member, said first lid member connected to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity between said first lid member and said second lid member, said gas tight cavity substantially filled with an inert atmosphere, wherein said first lid member comprises at least one piercing structure configured to be operable by the user to pierce said second lid member and release said inert atmosphere from said gas tight cavity, said method comprising:
 providing said first lid member,   providing said second lid member, and   connecting said first lid member to said second lid member to form a gas tight cavity whilst encapsulating an inert atmosphere within said gas tight cavity.