AU2013101192A4 - Live animal packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

H:\\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 - 13 An apparatus for packaging at least one live animal, the apparatus including a resealable container including at least one ventilation aperture, and an absorbent substrate positioned in the container. Fig. 1 Fig. 1 210g2 230 Fig. 2

Description

H:\tw\Intr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 LIVE ANIMAL PACKAGING Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging at least one live animal, and particularly an apparatus suitable for packaging live animals such as insects, worms, or the like. Description of the Prior Art [0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. [0003] It is known to store, transport and market for sale live animals, such as insects, worms, and the like, for use as live food for pets or other animals. Typically such live animals are packaged in containers, some of which contain a layer of a granular substance, such as vermiculite, placed in the base of the container to absorb moisture expelled by the animals. However, this type of arrangement suffers from a number of drawbacks, such as being difficult to replace without spilling the granular substance and/or the granular substance falling out of the container, for example, through ventilation holes during transport. Thus it is desirable to provide an improved arrangement for packaging live animals. Summary of the Present Invention [0004] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art. [0005] In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for packaging at least one live animal, the apparatus including: a) a resealable container including at least one ventilation aperture; and, b) an absorbent substrate positioned in the container.

H:\t\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -2 [0006] Typically, the container includes ventilation apertures in at least a lid and a side wall of the container. [0007] Typically, the absorbent substrate is a contiguous body. [0008] Typically, the absorbent substrate is provided in the form of a sheet. [0009] Typically, the absorbent substrate is configured to substantially line a base of the container. [0010] Typically, the apparatus includes at least one habitation member positioned in the container for providing an increased surface area for habitation of the at least one live animal. [0011] Typically, the habitation member includes surface area increasing features selected from at least one of: a) ridges; b) corrugations; c) indentations; and, d) dimples. [0012] Typically, the container includes a resealable lid. [0013] Typically, the resealable lid includes a resealable flap. [0014] Typically, the absorbent substrate includes a layer of absorbent material. [0015] Typically, the absorbent material includes at least one of: a) wood fibre pulp; b) cotton; c) paper; and, d) silica gel. [0016] Typically, the absorbent substrate includes one or more backing layers.

H:\t\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -3 [0017] Typically, at least one of the backing layers includes a plurality of apertures for allowing fluid communication between an interior of the resealable container and the layer of absorbent material. [0018] Typically, the apparatus includes visual indicia defined on a surface of the container. [0019] Typically, the at least one live animal includes at least one of: a) crickets; b) mealworms; c) earthworms; d) worms; and, e) cockroaches. Brief Description of the Drawings [0020] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first example of an apparatus for packaging one or more live animals; [0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second example of an apparatus for packaging one or more live animals; [0023] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a plan view of an example of an absorbent substrate; [0024] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the substrate of Figure 3A along the line A-A'; [0025] Figure 4A is a photograph of a third example of an apparatus for packaging one or more live animals; [0026] Figure 4B is a photograph of an example of a corrugated member for use in packaging one or more live animals; H:\\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -4 [0027] Figure 4C is a photograph of an example of a container for use in packaging one or more live animals; and, [0028] Figure 4D is a photograph of an example of an absorbent substrate for use in packaging one or more live animals. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0029] An example of an apparatus for packaging at least one live animal will now be described with reference to Figure 1. [0030] In this example, the apparatus 100 includes a resealable container 110 including at least one ventilation aperture 130 and an absorbent substrate 120 positioned in the container 110. [0031] In particular, the apparatus 100 may be used to package live animals, such as those typically used for pet food, including any one or more of crickets, mealworms, earthworms, other worms, cockroaches, and the like. [0032] This arrangement offers a number of benefits. For example, the use of an absorbent substrate 120 can absorb moisture that may be present inside the container 110, such as from animal droppings, urine, respiration, atmospheric moisture and the like, ensuring a hygienic environment for the animal with enhanced presentation for storage, sale, or the like. Furthermore, the absorbent substrate 120 may be removed and replaced quickly and easily, without the need to decant a granular substance, thus minimising any mess. [0033] In one embodiment, the absorbent substrate 120 is a contiguous body, and this allows for ease of placement into the container, as well as removal and replacement of the substrate 120. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent substrate is provided in the form of a sheet. [0034] The absorbent substrate 120 will preferably be provided in the form of a moisture absorbent substrate. In this regard, the moisture may include moisture expelled by the live animal, atmospheric moisture, or the like. However, the absorbent substrate 120 may be configured to absorb any media which may be present inside the container 110 and for which absorption may be desirable.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -5 [0035] A number of further features will now be described. [0036] In one example, the container 110 includes at least one ventilation aperture 130 in at least a lid and a side wall of the container 110. However, this is not essential and the size, shape, positioning and number of ventilation apertures 130 required to provide suitable ventilation for the live animals will depend upon the type of live animals. In this example, the ventilation apertures 130 include elongate rectangular slots on at least one wall of the container 110. It will be appreciated that providing slots of this type on opposing walls can allow for cross-flow ventilation of the container 110. However, in other examples the ventilation apertures 130 may be any suitable shape including circular, square, regular or irregular, or the like. Furthermore, the ventilation apertures 130 may be positioned in one or more walls of the container 130, in a base, or in a lid of the container 130, and may be sized in any suitable size. [0037] The container 110 may be formed of any suitable shape, and in this example the container 110 is a rectangular shape. In this regard, the container 110 includes a base, four walls and a lid, and other preferred features of this form of container 110 will be discussed in more detail below. However, a rectangular shape is not essential and in other examples, the container 110 may be substantially cylindrical including a circular lid, or alternatively may be square, polygonal, or irregularly-shaped. [0038] In any event, the container 110 will typically include a base, such that the absorbent substrate 120 may be positioned overlaying at least a portion of the base. Accordingly, the absorbent substrate 120 may be configured to substantially line a base of the container 110. In this respect, the absorbent substrate 120 may capture moisture that is under the influence of gravity, such as falling from an animal, as well as at least some of the atmospheric moisture, or moisture expelled by the live animals during respiration and/or perspiration. It will be appreciated that when the absorbent substrate 120 is provided in the form of a sheet as discussed above, this may be configured to line the base of the container 110 by simply cutting the sheet into a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the base. [0039] The container 110 may be composed of any suitable material, and in one example is composed of substantially transparent plastic, such as environmentally friendly recycled H:\tw\Intr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -6 plastic. However, this is not essential and in other examples the container 110 may be composed of any one or more of opaque plastic, paper, cardboard, wood, steel, or the like. [0040] In one example, the container 110 is manufactured using a mould where a material is die-cast, thermoformed, or the like, using the mould. In a preferred embodiment, the mould includes protrusions which, in use, correspond to the ventilation apertures 130 in the container. In this regard, the ventilation apertures 130 are created during the formation of the container 110 using the mould, which provides a smooth finish along surfaces of the container 110 that include the ventilation apertures 130, such as the wall(s) and/or the lid and/or the base. However, this is not essential and in other examples, the ventilation apertures 130 may be created after the container 110 is formed, for example, using a punch, sharp implement, or the like. [0041] In one example, the container 110 includes a resealable lid, which may be arranged in any suitable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the resealable lid includes a snap fit lid that engages with the container 110, opposite the base. However, in other examples, the resealable lid engages with the container 110 using an interference fit, a resealable adhesive, or attachment members, such as clips, ties, or the like. Typically the resealable lid is composed of similar material to the base and walls of the container 110, however this is not essential. [0042] In some examples, the resealable lid includes a resealable flap. In a preferred embodiment, the resealable flap includes a corner of the resealable lid, such that disengaging the corner of the resealable lid and pulling back the resealable flap allows the user to access the inside of the container 110. This can advantageously allow the user to open the resealable flap without needing to open the entire lid, thus reducing the risk that live animals will escape. This is particularly useful when storing crickets which can move rapidly, and can easily escape in the event the entire lid is removed from the container 110. However, this feature is not essential. [0043] The absorbent substrate 120 is composed of any suitable absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment, the absorbent material includes wood fibre pulp. This absorbent material has the advantage of additionally absorbing ammonia, which can be harmful to live animals if allowed to accumulate. However this is not essential and the absorbent material H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -7 may include and one or more of cotton, paper, a gel, such as silica gel, or any other suitably absorbent material. [0044] Furthermore, the absorbent substrate 120 may include one or more backing layers, such as woven or non-woven layers, which can support the absorbent material and minimise the risk of the absorbent material fragmenting, for example, as moisture is absorbed. The backing layers may include any one or more of paper, cardboard, a synthetic or plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), or the like. In addition, the backing layers may include a plurality of apertures thereby allowing fluid communication between the layer of absorbent material and an interior of the resealable container, for example, to allow moisture to permeate to the absorbent material, and this is discussed further below. Whilst in a preferred embodiment the absorbent substrate 120 is typically flexible, this is not essential. Furthermore, preferably the substrate 120 is selected so as to be non-toxic to the particular live animals intended to be packaged in the container 110. [0045] A second example of an apparatus for packaging one or more live animals is shown in Figure 2. Features similar to those of the example described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0046] In this example, the apparatus 200 includes a container 210, an absorbent substrate 220, and ventilation apertures 230. In addition, the apparatus 200 further includes at least one habitation member 240 positioned in the container 210 for providing an increased surface area inside the container 210 for habitation of live animals inside the container. In this example, the habitation member 240 is provided in the form of a corrugated insert and provides a number of benefits in this respect, providing an additional surface area in one or more peaks and troughs defining the corrugations, when compared to the internal surface area of the container 210, such that the live animal has additional surface area to occupy which can in turn increase the lifespan of the live animals. Furthermore, the additional surface area provided can allow a greater number of live animals to occupy the container without over crowding. [0047] In this example, the corrugated insert providing the habitation member 240 includes two peaks and two troughs, however it will be appreciated that any number of peaks and H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 troughs maybe provided, such as one or more. Whilst a corrugated insert is provided in this example, the habitation member 240 can be provided in many different forms whilst providing the advantageous increase in the surface area available inside the container 210 for the habitation of the live animals. In general, the habitation member 240 will preferably include surface area increasing features, such as ridges, indentations, dimples or corrugations as per the corrugated insert in this example. [0048] The habitation member 240 is typically composed of cardboard, however this is not essential and may be composed of any suitable material such as paper, wood, plastic, or the like. In one example, the habitation member 240 may be formed with a dimpled construction similar to an egg carton, also referred to as an egg box, and in a further example the habitation member 240 may be adapted from at least a portion of an egg carton. [0049] An example of an absorbent substrate for use in any one of the examples of an apparatus for packaging one or more live animals described herein is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Features similar to those of the example described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0050] In this example, the absorbent substrate 320 includes an absorbent material 322, and a backing layer 321. As discussed above, the absorbent material 322 may be composed of any suitable material for absorbing moisture, such as wood fibre pulp in the preferred embodiment. Furthermore, the backing layer 321 may be composed of any material suitable to ensure the absorbent material 322 remains substantially cohesive and does not fragment as moisture is absorbed. For example, in the preferred embodiment the backing layer 321 is composed substantially of a synthetic material. In addition, in this example the backing layer 321 includes a plurality of apertures 323 for allowing moisture to pass through the backing layer to the absorbent material 322. [0051] As discussed above, numerous variations on this arrangement are possible including more than one backing layer 323.

H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 -9 [0052] A third example of an apparatus for packaging one or more live animals is shown in Figures 4A to 4D. Features similar to those of the example described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0053] In this example, the apparatus 400 includes a resealable container 410, including a base 412 and a resealable lid 411. The apparatus 400 further includes an absorbent substrate 420 positioned in the container 410 for absorbing moisture, such as atmospheric moisture or moisture expelled by the live animal. The apparatus further includes ventilation apertures 431, 432 on at least one wall 412 and a lid 411 of the container 410 to provide ventilation. [0054] The lid 411 includes a resealable flap 413 for allowing access to the interior of the container 410, as described above. In particular, the resealable flap 413 can be opened without needing to open the entire lid 411, by folding the resealable flap 413 along a folding line 414. In this case, the folding line 414 is arranged diagonally across the lid 411 to allow the resealable flap 413 to be opened by lifting a single corner of the lid 411. Additionally, the apparatus 400 includes visual indicia 415 defined on a surface of the container 410, which in this example is located on the lid 411 of the container 410 and indicates the type of live animal, a brand logo, and a barcode. It will be appreciated that such visual indicia 415 provided on the container 410 can be particularly beneficial when the apparatus 400 will be used for packaging live animals for purchase by customers, such as in a pet supply store or other retain environment. [0055] For example, the purchase process can be greatly streamlined if a barcode or the like is provided on the container 410, as this will allow the barcode to be readily scanned at a checkout. The barcode may be in the form of a one-dimensional barcode as depicted, a two dimensional barcode such as a QR code, or any other suitable form of barcode or visual means for allowing the container 410 to be scanned to allow convenient computer input of data for identifying the particular product being purchased (for instance, a particular quantity of a certain type of live animals). However, it will be appreciated that other means of identifying the container 410 at the point of sale can be provided to otherwise facilitate the purchase process, such as a name of the packaged live animals, a unique identification number, or the like.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5448683_I.doc-6/09/2013 - 10 [0056] It will be appreciated that any suitable visual indicia 415 may be included, such as relating to marketing, branding, advertising, usage instructions, or the like, and may be positioned at any suitable location on the apparatus 400. In one example, the visual indicia 415 is inlaid in the container 410 during manufacture, for example during thermoforming. This manufacturing approach is particularly beneficial as it ensures that the visual indicia 415 is integral with the container 410 and thus cannot be removed, and minimises the risk of incorrect positioning, damage, degradation, or the like. However, this is not essential and alternatively the visual indicia 415 may be positioned on the apparatus 400 following manufacture of the container 410, such as using an adhesive, or the like. [0057] A habitation member 440 is positioned in the container 410, and in this case the habitation member 440 has surface area increasing features in the form of dimples which defined a plurality of peaks 442 and troughs 441 arranged in a two dimensional array. As discussed above, the habitation member 440 provides additional surface area for habitation of the live animals, which can increase life expectancy and allow for a greater number of live animals to inhabit the container without suffering from adverse effects due to over-crowding. [0058] Thus, it will be appreciated that the abovementioned examples include an apparatus for packaging live animals, which includes advantages such as ease of use, enhanced presentation, and, increased tidiness. [0059] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0060] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described. Thus, for example, it will be appreciated that features from different examples above may be used interchangeably where appropriate.