Base structure, kit of parts and a method

Abstract

A base structure for a container, the base structure including a base volume; and a flange defining an opening of the base volume, the flange extending from the base volume about the perimeter of the base volume; the flange including at least one projection, wherein the at least one projection extends away from the base volume, and further wherein the at least one projection extends around a majority of the perimeter of the base volume.

1 . A base structure for a container, said base structure comprising a base volume; and
 a flange defining an opening of the base volume, said flange extending from the base volume about the perimeter of the base volume;   said flange comprising at least one projection,   wherein said at least one projection extends away from said base volume, and further wherein said at least one projection extends around a majority of said perimeter of said base volume.   
     
     
         2 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one projection extends around at least 90% of said perimeter of said base volume. 
     
     
         3 . The base structure of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one projection extends continuously around said perimeter of said base volume. 
     
     
         4 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein said flange comprises at least two projections separated by a channel. 
     
     
         5 . The base structure of  claim 4 , wherein said flange comprises a central projection, a first outer projection located between said central projection and said base volume, and a second outer projection located between said central projection and an outer perimeter of said flange. 
     
     
         6 . The base structure of  claim 5 , wherein said central projection is separated from said first outer projection by a first channel, and further wherein said central projection is separated from said second outer projection by a second channel. 
     
     
         7 . The base structure of  claim 6 , wherein said first channel and said second channel are of substantially equal width. 
     
     
         8 . The base structure of  claim 5 , wherein said first outer projection and said second outer projection are angled towards one another. 
     
     
         9 . The base structure of  claim 5 , wherein the first outer projection comprises a first face and a second face, the first face located closer to the base volume than the second face, wherein the angle between the normal to the flange and the first face is greater than the angle between the normal to the flange and the second face. 
     
     
         10 . The base structure of  claim 5 , wherein the second outer projection comprises a first face and a second face, the first face located closer to the outer perimeter of the flange than the second face, wherein the angle between the normal to the flange and the first face is greater than the angle between the normal to the flange and the second face. 
     
     
         11 . The base structure of  claim 4 , wherein said two or more projections are of substantially the same height. 
     
     
         12 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one projection tapers in height. 
     
     
         13 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein said flange extends in substantially the same plane as the opening of said base volume. 
     
     
         14 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein said flange is arranged to extend at an acute angle to a wall defining the base volume. 
     
     
         15 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one projection is located centrally on said flange. 
     
     
         16 . A kit of parts comprising a film lid and the base structure of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         17 . A method, the method comprising
 providing the base structure of  claim 1 ;   placing at least one product in the base volume of said base structure; and   sealing said base volume with a film lid by affixing said film lid to said at least one projection.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the method further comprises the step of introducing a modified atmosphere into said base volume prior to sealing said base volume with said film lid.