AU2007201523B8

AU2007201523B8 - Food and Condiment Package

Info

Publication number: AU2007201523B8
Application number: AU2007201523A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kaye Craddock; Jacqueline Kaye Dihm; Anthony Finch
Original assignee: FITCHIPS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: FITCHIPS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-06
Filing date: 2007-04-05
Publication date: 2014-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-05
Also published as: AU2007201523A8; AU2007201523A1; AU2007201523B2

Description

- 1 Food and Condiment Package Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to a container. The invention also relates to a package comprising the container and a receptacle each forming part of the 5 package. [0002] The package according to the invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, as a food and condiment package. Background Art [0003] Food products such as chips, French fries, potato wedges and other finger 10 food items are often packaged at the point of sale in open-topped containers from which the food products can be eaten by hand. Typically, the containers are constructed from paperboard or cardboard material. [0004] With these food products, some consumers may wish to have an accompanying condiment (such as a sauce) into which the food products can be 15 dipped prior to being consumed. In order to accommodate this need, there is a need to incorporate a condiment receptacle into the packaging. Summary of the Invention [0005] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container comprising a body defining a chamber, the body having at least two flaps attached 20 thereto, at least one of the flaps being selectively detachable from the body, each flap being adapted to receive and support a receptacle. [0006] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a package comprising a container according to the first aspect of the invention and a receptacle.

-2 [0007] Typically, the package comprises a food and condiment package in which a food product can be accommodated within the chamber and a condiment intended as an accompaniment to the food product can be contained in the receptacle. There may be several receptacles containing different types of 5 condiment. For example, the condiments may comprise sauces involving a selection from a group comprising tomato sauce, chilli sauce and sour cream. [0008] Each flap which is selectively removable can be detached if not required. By way of example, if a particular customer requires fewer condiments than there are flaps, the flaps not required to support condiment receptacles can be 10 detached so as not to present an impediment to the customer while eating the food product contained within the package. [0009] Preferably, the body defining the chamber has a side wall and an open top, with the flaps being attached to the side wall. More particularly, the side wall may have a top edge and the flap may be attached to the top edge. 15 [0010] Preferably, the chamber is generally rectangular in which case the side wall is also generally rectangular, comprising four wall sections. In such an arrangement, there may be flaps attached to all, or at least two, of the side wall sections. In a preferred arrangement, there is likely to be flaps attached to three of the four side wall sections; the fourth side wall section would not have a flap in 20 order to offer free access to the container from its corresponding side. [0011] Preferably, a detachable connection is provided between each detachable flap and the respective side wall to which it is attached. [0012] The detachable connection between each flap and its respective side wall may be provided by way of any appropriate means, such as for example a line of 25 weakening or a perforated connection between the flap and the side wall. [0013] Preferably each flap is connected to the body at a fold line, the detachable connection being provided at the fold line.

-3 [0014] Preferably, each receptacle has a side wall, an open top and a peripheral lip on the side wall adjacent the open top. Conveniently, the side wall is cylindrical and frusto-conical; that is, the cylindrical side wall tapers inwardly and downwardly away from the open top. 5 [0015] Preferably, each flap has an aperture to receive the receptacle, the flap being configured to provide a first portion at the periphery of the aperture for engaging the side wall of the receptacle and a second portion at the periphery of the aperture for engaging the perimeter of the top of the receptacle to thereby securely retain the receptacle in the aperture. 10 [0016] Preferably, the first portion engages the peripheral lip of the receptacle on the underside thereof. [0017] Preferably, the first and second portions are created by a slit in the flap extending away from the aperture and terminating inwardly of the outer periphery of the flap, the slit cooperating with the adjacent portion of the flap at the periphery 15 of the aperture on one side thereof to define the second portion and also cooperating with the adjacent portion of the flap at periphery of the aperture on the other side thereof to define the first portion [0018] Preferably, there are two slits, with the second portion being disposed between the slits. Preferably, the two slits are in alignment with each other on 20 opposed sides of the aperture. They are also preferably parallel to the fold line providing the connection between the body and the respective flap. [0019] Preferably, the two aligned slits create a hinge line within the flap, the hinge line dividing the flap into an outer section and an inner section, wherein the first portion is incorporated in the inner section and the second portion is incorporated 25 in the outer section. [0020] Preferably, each aperture comprises two arcs of a circle which co-operated to define the periphery of the aperture, one arc being a major arc and the other a minor arc, the major arc having a radius slightly smaller than the external radius of -4 the receptacle adjacent the open end thereof. In this way, the receptacle can be received in the aperture and supported at its upper end by the periphery of the major arc. [0021] The minor arc preferably has a radius of curvature smaller than that of the 5 major arc. [0022] Preferably, the major arc is incorporated in the inner section of the flap and the minor arc is incorporated in the outer section of the flap. [0023] When each receptacle has contents therein, it preferably locates against the side wall of the body while being supported by the respective flap. In other 10 words, the receptacle is suspended from the flap and rests sidewardly against the body of the container. [0024] Preferably, the container has a collapsed condition and an erected condition, wherein in the collapsed condition the container can assume a substantially flat condition for storage. 15 [0025] Preferably, the container is constructed from a blank, with the flaps, the apertures in the flaps and the slits extending from the apertures being formed in the blank during construction thereof. Brief Description of the Drawings [0026] The invention will be better understood by reference to the following 20 description of one specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food and condiment package according to the embodiment; Figure 2 is a plan view of the package; 25 Figure 3 is a side view of the package; and Figure 4 is a further side view of the package.

-5 Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention [0027] The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to a food and condiment package 10 for finger-food items such as chips, french fries and potato wedges. The package according to the embodiment has provision to 5 accommodate up to three condiments as dips (such as tomato sauce, chilli sauce and sour cream) into which the food products can be dipped prior to being eaten. [0028]The package 10 comprises a container 11 and up to three condiment receptacles 13, only one of which is shown in the drawing. [0029] Each condiment receptacle 13 comprises a side wall 15, a bottom wall 17, 10 and an open top 19. The side wall 15 is generally cylindrical and tapers inwardly and downwardly away from the open top 19. The side wall 13 also incorporates a peripheral lip 21 adjacent the open top 19. [0030] The container 11 is constructed from a blank (not shown) of suitable sheet material such as, for example, paperboard or cardboard. 15 [0031]The assembled container 11 comprises a body 31 having a side wall 33 and a bottom wall 35 defining a chamber 36 for receiving the food products. The body 31 has an open top 37 above the chamber 36. The side wall 33 is rectangular and so has four wall sections 39 arranged in rectangular configuration. Each wall section 39 has a top edge 41 adjacent the open top 37. 20 [0032] The container 11 further comprises three flaps 43, each attached to one of three of the four side wall sections 39, as best seen in Figure 1. Each flap 43 is attached to its respective side wall section 39 at the top edge 41 thereof by way of a hinge 45 defined by a flexible fold line 47 between the side wall section 39 and the flap 43. With this arrangement, the flap 43 is formed integrally with its 25 respective side wall section 39 and is attached thereto at the fold line 47. [0033] Each flap 43 is detachably connected to its respective side wall section 39 at the fold line 47. In this embodiment, the detachable connection 51 comprises -6 perforations 53 provided along the fold line 47. With this arrangement, the flap 43 can be detached from the side wall section 39 by tearing it therefrom along the perforations 53. [0034] Each flap 43 is configured to receive and support one of the receptacles 5 13. In circumstances where a particular flap 43 is not required to support one of the receptacles, it can simply be torn from the container 11 along its respective fold line 47. [0035] Each flap 43 incorporates an aperture 61 into which one of the receptacles 13 can be received and securely retained. Each aperture 61 is configured as a 10 major arc of a circle 63 and a minor arc of a circle 65 which merge together to provide a continuous periphery 66 for the aperture 61, with the minor arc having a smaller radius than the major arc. The major arc 63 has a radius slightly smaller than the external radius of the receptacle 13 adjacent the open top 19. More particularly, the major arc 63 has a radius corresponding to that potion of the side 15 wall 15 of the receptacle immediately below the peripheral lip 21. A slit 67 is provided at each of the two locations at which the major and minor arcs merge, each slit 67 extending away from the aperture and terminating inwardly of the outer periphery 68 of the flap 43. The two slits 67 are in alignment on opposed sides of the aperture and are substantially parallel to the foldline 47. 20 [0036] The two slits 67 have the effect of forming a hinge line within the flap 43 itself, the hinge line being aligned with the longitudinal extent of the two aligned slits. The hinge line divides the flap 43 into an inner flap section 71 and an outer flap section 73. [0037] With this construction, the flap 43 is provided with a first (lower) portion 81 25 and a second (upper) portion 83, as best seen in Figure 3. The second portion 83 extends between the two slits 67 along the extent of the minor arc 65. [0038] When the receptacle 13 is inserted into each aperture 61, the periphery 66 of the aperture locates against the side wall 15 of the receptacle on the underside of the lip 21. The outer section 73 of the flap 43 can then be turned upwardly -7 about the internal hinge line defined by the slits 67 in order to locate the second (upper) portion 83 across the top of the receptacle, as best seen in Figure 1. With this arrangement, the receptacle 13 is supported on the underside of the peripheral lip 21 by the periphery of the aperture 61 corresponding to the major 5 arc 63. Because the second (upper) portion 83 extends across the top of the receptacle 13, it locates the receptacle in the aperture 61 to prevent unintended withdrawal from the aperture and hence spillage of any contents within the receptacle. [0039] In this way, the receptacle 13 is suspended from the respective flap 43. In 10 being suspended from the flap 43, the receptacle 13 can rest sidewardly against the adjacent side wall section 39 of the container 11, so as to be supported laterally. [0040] The container 11 can be assembled from a collapsed condition (in which it can be stored) into an erected condition for use (as shown in the drawings). A 15 vendor of food items using packages according to the embodiment can assemble the containers 11 as required. [0041] When a vendor takes an order from a food product, the vendor can offer up to three condiments with the food product. If a customer chooses three condiments, a receptacle 13 is inserted into each of the three flaps 43 and 20 appropriate condiments put into the receptacles. In circumstances where a customer requires only two required condiments, one of the three flaps 43 can be detached and receptacles 13 for the two condiments introduced into the two remaining flaps. Similarly, where a customer orders one condiment only, two of the three flaps 43 can be detached and a receptacle 13 for the required 25 condiment introduced into the remaining flap. The advantage of detaching unnecessary flaps is that it avoids any inconvenience which might otherwise arise through the presence of unnecessary flaps attached to the container 11 when the customer is consuming the food products. [0042] While the embodiment has been described in relation to a container 11 30 having three flaps, other arrangements are of course possible. For example, the -8 container may be provided with more than three flaps; for example, four flaps may be provided so that four condiments can be offered, if desired. Alternatively, a container may be provided with only two flaps, so offering the option of either one or two condiments. 5 [0043] In the embodiment described, the container is of generally rectangular configuration. Other configurations are, of course, possible. There are, however, advantages in a configuration which presents a substantially flat side wall as it facilitates an arrangement in which the flaps are attached by way of a fold line. This is, however, not essential. It may, for example, be possible to have a 10 container with a circular side wall and flaps projecting outwardly therefrom, each configured to receive one of the condiment receptacles. The flat side walls and associated fold lines for the flaps merely facilitates collapsing of the containers for storage. [0044] Modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope 15 of the invention. [0045] Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 20 25

Claims

1. A container comprising a body defining a chamber, the body having at least two flaps attached thereto, at least one of the flaps being selectively detachable from the body, each flap being adapted to receive and support a receptacle. 5

2. The container according to claim 1 wherein the body defining the chamber has a side wall and an open top, the flaps being attached to the side wall.

3. The container according to claim 2 wherein the side wall has a top edge adjacent the side wall and the flap is attached to the top edge.

4. The container according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each flap is foldably 10 attached to the body.

5. The container according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein the side wall is generally rectangular, comprising four wall sections.

6. The container according to claim 5 wherein respective flaps are attached to two or more of the side wall sections. 15

7. The container according to claim 6 wherein flaps attached to three of the four side wall sections, the fourth side wall section not having a flap.

8. The container according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein a detachable connection is provided between each detachable flap and the respective side wall to which the flap is attached. 20

9. The container according to claim 8 wherein the detachable connection between each flap and its respective side wall comprises a line of weakening or a perforated connection.

10.The container according to claim 8 or 9 wherein each flap is foldably attached to the body at a fold line, the detachable connection being provided at the fold 25 line. -10

11.The container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each flap has an aperture to receive the receptacle, the flap being configured to provide a first portion at the periphery of the aperture for engaging a side wall of the receptacle and a second portion at the periphery of the aperture for engaging a 5 portion of the perimeter of an open top of the receptacle to thereby securely retain the receptacle in the aperture.

12.The container according to claim 11 wherein the first portion engages a peripheral lip on the side wall of the receptacle on the underside thereof.

13.The container according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the first and second 10 portions are created by a slit in the flap extending away from the aperture and terminating inwardly of the outer periphery of the flap, the slit cooperating with the adjacent portion of the flap at the periphery of the aperture on one side thereof to define the first portion and also cooperating with the adjacent portion of the flap at periphery of the aperture on the other side thereof to define the 15 second portion.

14.The container according to claim 13 wherein there are two slits, with the second portion being disposed between the slits.

15.The container according to claim 14 wherein the two slits are in alignment with each other on opposed sides of the aperture. 20

16.The container according to claim 15 wherein the two slits are parallel to the fold line providing the connection between the body and the respective flap.

17.The container according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the two aligned slits create a hinge line within the flap, the hinge line dividing the flap into an outer section and an inner section, wherein the first portion is incorporated in the inner 25 section and the second portion is incorporated in the outer section.

18.The container according to any one of claims 11 to 17 wherein the aperture comprises two arcs of a circle which co-operated to define the periphery of the - 11 aperture, one arc being a major arc and the other a minor arc, the major arc having a radius slightly smaller than an external radius of the receptacle adjacent the open end thereof, and the minor arc having a radius of curvature smaller than that of the major arc. 5

19.The container according to claim 18 wherein the major arc is incorporated in the inner section of the flap and the minor arc is incorporated in the outer section of the flap.

20.The container according to any one of claims 13 to 19 wherein container is constructed from a blank, with the flaps, the apertures in the flaps and the slits 10 extending from the apertures being formed in the blank during construction thereof.

21.A package comprising a container according to any one of claims 1 to 20 and a receptacle.

22.The package according to claim 21 wherein the receptacle has a peripheral lip 15 for retaining the receptacle to the container.