AU2017101556A4 - A container and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to nestable containers for produce and methods of use thereof. In particular, the present invention concerns a nestable container for produce having at least one denesting member to facilitate separating the container from further like containers when nested. The nestable container includes a container body and/or a lid each having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim and the at least one denesting member in each of the container body and the lid, if present. The at least one denesting member is in the form of a shaped groove configured to abut with or against the rim of a like container to enable the container to be readily separable from further like containers when nested. c-c 4 --

Description

A CONTAINER AND METHOD OF USE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to containers, and more particularly to produce containers provided in a nested arrangement.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruit including strawberries and blueberries, is often packed into individual containers for sale in a retail marketplace. For example, strawberries may be packed into 250g, 500g or even 1kg punnets for sale.

[0003] Typically such containers are formed of plastic and are provided, prior to being packed with produce, in a nested arrangement in which like containers are nested within one another for efficient storage and to minimise freight costs.

[0004] A problem with the above practice is that it can be difficult to separate the nested containers. The problem is particularly pronounced when the nested containers are fed into an automatic handling system for separation and packing. Such handling systems generally utilise a finger arrangement to separate nested containers and any variation in the spacing between nested containers can adversely affect the handling system and thus overall packing efficiency.

[0005] Another problem with the above practice is that containers near or at the bottom of a nested arrangement are prone to structural damage, such as, e.g., warping, crushing and splitting. Such damage typically occurs around outer edge portions of containers and can affect the ability of the containers to close thus rendering the containers unusable.

[0006] The inventor has previously developed a container and method of use as disclosed in Australian Innovation Patent No. 2014101507 B4, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0007] However, the inventor has found that their previous container was not ideally suited for use with automatic handling systems due to variations in spacing between nested containers. Such variations adversely affect the use of the previous containers with handling systems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved container and method of use, which may minimise or overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for containing produce including: a container body having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said container body configured to be nestable within a like container body of a further like container; and at least one denesting member defined in the rim of the container body, said denesting member being the in the form of a shaped groove configured to abut with or against the rim of the like container body to enable the container to be readily separable from the like container when nested.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for containing produce including: a container body having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said container body being nestable within a like container body of a further like container; a lid having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said lid being nestable within a like lid of a further like container; and at least one denesting member defined in the rim of at least one of the container body and the lid, said at least one denesting member being in the form of a shaped groove configured to abut with or against the rim of the like container body or the like lid to enable the container to be readily separable from the like container when nested.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nested container arrangement including two or more containers of the first aspect or the second aspect nested within one another.

[0012] In another form of the third aspect, there is provided a nest container arrangement including the container of the first aspect or the second aspect nested within at least one further like container, preferably also of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0013] Advantageously, the at least one denesting member of the container of the present invention enables the container to be readily separated from further like containers when in a nested arrangement. Moreover, the denesting member, being in the form of a shaped groove, provides a more consistent spacing between nested containers thus making the container ideally suited for use with automatic handling systems for which consistent spacing is essential for efficient separating and produce packing.

[0014] As indicated above, the container of the present invention is for containing produce, particularly fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. A person skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the container may ultimately be used to contain any article or articles, such as, e.g., fairy lights, baked goods or takeaway food.

[0015] The container may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as, e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic or metal material or materials. Typically, the container will be formed from a mould by a thermoforming process, such as, e.g., vacuum forming, preferably with a thermoplastic material such as polystyrene or high impact polystyrene.

[0016] The container preferably includes a lid. The lid may be a separate container piece or may be connected to the container body, preferably hingedly connected to the container body.

[0017] As indicated above, the container body includes a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The rim may extend from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall and may extend along an edge of the at least one sidewall.

[0018] The base may be of any suitable shape.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base may be circular or oval-shaped.

[0020] In other embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon, for example.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, the container body may include a square or rectangularshaped base with four sidewalls extending from the base to the rim.

[0022] Like the container body, the lid also includes a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The rim may extend from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall along an edge of the at least one sidewall.

[0023] Again, the base of the lid may be of any suitable shape but will typically be of matching shape as the base of the container body.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, the lid may include a square or rectangular-shaped base with four sidewalls extending from the base to the rim.

[0025] The container body and the lid may be hingedly connected by at least one hinge, preferably along a common sidewall or rim or part thereof of the container body and the lid.

The at least one hinge may be of any suitable size, shape and form and formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0026] For example, the hinge may be integrally formed with the container body and/or the lid, preferably both.

[0027] For example, the hinge may be a barrel hinge, a pivot hinge, a flag hinge or a living hinge. Preferably, the hinge is a living hinge.

[0028] The container body and/or the lid may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls. Likewise, the container body and/or the lid may include rounded edges between the base and the adjacent sidewalls.

[0029] The container body and/or the lid may include strengthening ribs or formations for imparting greater structural rigidity to the container.

[0030] For example, in some embodiments, the container body and/or the lid may include one or more corrugations or fluting members/formations along each sidewall. The corrugations or fluting members may at least partially extend between the base and the rim of the container body and/or the lid to strengthen the container body and/or the lid.

[0031] The corrugations or fluting members may be shaped, located and sized in any suitable way. Generally, the corrugations or fluting members may be in the form of indentations extending substantially the height of the sidewall.

[0032] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many factors that can be customised to provide a desired balance of strength, weight and performance for a desired application. These include, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, the depth of the indentations, the thickness of the sidewall at those locations, the sharpness of the angle of indentations with respect to adjacent sidewall areas, the angularity of indentations or smoothness in cross-section, the frequency and regularity of the pattern of the indentations, the spacing between the indentations and other factors.

[0033] The base of the container and/or the lid may include a recessed or stepped central portion for providing the base of the container body and/or the lid with greater rigidity.

[0034] The container body and/or the lid may include one or more ventilation holes. The ventilation holes may be shaped, located and sized in any suitable way to facilitate in the passage of fresh air within the container. The passage of fresh air within the container is important in preventing deterioration of the produce contained within the container due to heat and a stagnant environment, particularly fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruit or vegetables.

[0035] The ventilation holes may be preferably be circular and located at or near each corner of the base or an outer perimeter of the base, if circular or oval in shape.

[0036] The rim of the container body and/or the lid may include one or more recessed rim portions that may define ventilation openings for the passage of fresh air when the lid is attached to the container body and the container is closed. The one or more recessed rim portions may additionally serve as a handle grip to facilitate in opening the container when closed.

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the container body and the lid may each include a recessed rim portion extending along at least three of four sidewalls. Preferably, the recessed rim portions on the container body and the lid may substantially align when the lid is attached and the container is closed.

[0038] The container may further include a lip extending outwardly from the rim and/or the sidewalls of the container body and/or the lid, preferably both. The lip may extend laterally outwardly from the container body and/or the lid in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sidewall. In use, the lip may serve as a handle grip to facilitate in gripping and/or handling of the container body or the lid.

[0039] In some embodiments, the container may include an outwardly-rolled rim extending at least partway around the rim of the container body and/or the lid. The outwardly-rolled rim may include a rolled portion that extends outwardly to the lip. The rolled portion may be defined by a constant or uniformly changing radius or some other suitable curve.

[0040] The lid and the container body may be attachable in any suitable way to form a closed container, preferably detachably. Typically, the lid may be attachable to the container body in a rim to rim manner.

[0041] For example, the rim of the lid may lock/hook over or frictionally fit around the rim of the container body. Conversely, the rim of the container body may lock/hook over or frictionally fit around the rim of the lid.

[0042] Preferably, the rim of the lid frictionally fits around and over the rim of the container body to close the container.

[0043] The lid and the container may further include a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism to secure the lid in place when closed. For example, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the rim of the container body may mate or engage with a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the rim of the lid.

[0044] The connecting mechanism may include an interference (snap fit) connection, for example. The connecting mechanism may include a male formation engaging with a female formation. For example, the connecting mechanism may include the lid having a male formation that engages with a female formation of the container body. Conversely, the connecting mechanism may include the lid having a female formation that engages with a male formation of the container body.

[0045] In some embodiments, an outer surface of the rim of the container body may include one or more indentations extending at least partway around an exterior of the container body and the inner surface of the rim of the lid may include one or more corresponding resilient projections extending at least partway around an interior of the lid and configured to engage with and be at least partially received in the one or more indentations when the lid is attached and the container closed.

[0046] In other embodiments, the interior surface of the rim of the lid may include the one or more resilient projections extending at least partway around the interior of the lid and the outer surface of the rim of the container body may include one or more corresponding indentations extending at least partway around an exterior of the container body, wherein the projections are configured to engage with and be at least partially received within the corresponding indentations when the lid is attached and the container closed.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the container may be closed by aligning the rim of the lid with the rim of the container body and pressing the lid and the container body together until the rim of the lid frictionally fits around and over the rim of the container body. When the rim of the lid frictionally fits around and over the rim of the container body, the one or more resilient projections located on the inner surface of the rim of the lid may engage with and be at least partially received within the corresponding one or more indentations provided along the outer surface of the rim of the container body.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the container may be opened by separating the lid and the container body from one another to disengage or free the rim of the container body from the rim of the lid and contemporaneously disengage or free the one or more resilient projections provided on the rim of the lid from the corresponding one or more indentations provided on the rim of the container body. The one or more recessed rim portions and/or the lips of the container body and the lid may generally assist in separating the lid and the container body from one another.

[0049] In some embodiments, the lid may further include an inner ridge extending at least partway around an inner periphery or circumference of the lid. The inner ridge may generally be located adjacent the rim and may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the rim. The inner ridge may include a substantially horizontal seat configured to rest atop an upper surface of the rim of the container body when the container is closed. Advantageously, the ridge may prevent over-closure of the container and further bolster the structural integrity of the lid and the container when closed with the lid.

[0050] As indicated above, the container includes at least one denesting member defined in the rim of at least one of the container body and the lid, if present. The at least one denesting member, in the form of a shaped groove, is configured to abut with or against the rim of a like container body or like lid to enable the container to be readily separated from a further like container when nested. Preferably, the at least one denesting member is configured to abut with or against an upper surface of the rim of the like container body and/or the like lid of the further like container.

[0051] Generally, the at least one denesting member may be configured to provide sufficient and consistent spacing, pitch or nesting height between the container and the like container for use with automatic handling systems for the separation and packing of containers.

[0052] For example, the at least one denesting member may be configured to provide a spacing, pitch or nesting height of about 1mm, about 2mm, about 3mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm or even about 10mm between the base of a container body or lid and the base of a like container body or like lid, respectively. Typically, the at least one denesting member may be configured to provide a spacing, pitch or nesting height of from about 3mm to about 6mm between the base of a container body or lid and the base of a like container body or like lid, respectively.

[0053] The shaped groove may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration and may be located in any suitable location along the rim of the container body and/or the lid. Typically, however, the shaped groove may be located at a discrete location along the rim of the container body and/or the lid, preferably at or near a corner of the container body and/or the lid.

[0054] The shaped groove may have any suitable profile shape configured to abut with or against the rim of the like container body or the like lid. For example, the shaped groove may be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0055] The shaped groove may include a recessed base and a pair of opposed sidewalls that extend between the recessed base and the rim. The recessed base may typically extend substantially parallel to the rim and the sidewalls may extend therebetween in a linear or curved manner, ora combination thereof.

[0056] The shaped groove may further include a pair of opposed shoulders each defined at a junction between the rim and the pair of opposed sidewalls. The shoulders may preferably be rounded and extend continuously between the rim and the sidewalls.

[0057] The pair of opposed shoulders may define a groove opening.

[0058] The shaped groove may preferably include corners extending between the recessed base and the opposed sidewalls. The corners may preferably be rounded and extend continuously between the sidewalls and the recessed base.

[0059] The recessed base and the distance between the corners may define the groove base.

[0060] The shaped groove may have an inner side facing an interior of the container body and/or the lid and an opposed outer side.

[0061] As indicated above, the groove may be of any suitable size and shape.

[0062] For example, the shaped groove may have a depth, extending between the rim and the recessed base, of about 1mm, about 2mm, about 3mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm or even about 10mm. Generally, the shaped groove may have a depth that corresponds to the desired spacing between containers when nested.

[0063] In some embodiments, the shaped groove may be characterised by having a groove opening that tapers in width towards the groove base.

[0064] For example, the groove opening may have a width, defined between the pair of opposed shoulders, of about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm or even at least about 10mm, and the groove base may have a width, defined between the pair of corners, of about 0.5mm, about 1 mm, about 2mm, about 3mm or even about 4mm.

[0065] In other embodiments, the shaped groove may increase or widen in width from the groove opening to the groove base.

[0066] For example, the groove opening may have a width of about 1mm, about 2mm, about 3mm, about 4mm or even about 5mm, and the groove base may have a width of about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm or even at least about 10mm.

[0067] In yet other embodiments, the shaped groove may be asymmetrical. For example, the shaped groove may have a shoulder that at least partially overhangs or extends outwardly at least partially over the recessed base.

[0068] In some such embodiments, the shaped groove may have a first opposed sidewall that extends at an obtuse angle relative to the recessed base and a second opposed sidewall that extends at an acute angle relative to the recessed base. For example, the first opposed sidewall may extend at an angle of from about 95° to about 120° relative to the recessed base. The second opposed sidewall may extend at an angle of from about 60° to about 85° relative to the recessed base.

[0069] In some embodiments, the shaped groove may include more than one shape. For example, the shaped groove may include different shaped sides. The inner side of the shaped groove may have a first shape and the outer side of the shaped groove may have a second shape.

[0070] In such embodiments, the different shaped sides of the shaped groove may be at least partially separated from one another by a web that at least partially extends longitudinally between the different shaped sides.

[0071] In preferred such embodiments, the shaped groove may include an inner side having at least a protruding shoulder that at least partially overhangs the recessed base as described above and an outer side having a shape that tapers in width from the groove opening to the groove base. The protruding shoulder may be formed by a sidewall on the inner side of the shaped groove extending at an acute angle relative to the recessed base.

[0072] Advantageously, embodiments of the shaped groove that increase in width at the groove base or include an overhanging shoulder additionally facilitate in separating a like container body or like lid nested within the container body or lid, respectively. Specifically, in such embodiments, the narrower groove opening or the overhanging shoulder is configured to abut with or against an underside of the rim of a like container body or a like lid to enable the like container to be readily separable from the container when nested within the container.

[0073] Typically, the container may include more than one denesting member, preferably in both the container body and the lid. For example, two denesting members may be provided at opposite sides or corners of the container body and/or the lid. In preferred embodiments, a denesting member may be located at each corner of the container body and lid.

[0074] The at least one denesting member may or may not be located in the same location in like container bodies and/or like lids of further like containers. For example, in some embodiments, the denesting members may be located in one of at least two locations in further like container bodies and/or further like lids of further like containers, preferably all at or near a rounded corner of the container body and/or the lid.

[0075] In some embodiments, the container may further include a denesting shoulder in the form of a tab extending outwardly from a sidewall of the container body and/or the lid at a location at or near a rounded corner of the container body and/or the lid. In preferred embodiments, the lid may include at least one denesting shoulder preferably located beneath the rim, more preferably beneath the ridge. In use, the denesting shoulder may rest against the seat of a ridge of a like lid of a further like container when the lid is nested within the further like lid.

[0076] As with the denesting members, the container may typically include more than one denesting shoulder. For example, two denesting shoulders may be provided at opposite sides or corners of the lid. Preferably, a denesting shoulder may be located at or near each corner of the lid.

[0077] Again, as with the denesting members, the denesting shoulders may or may not be located in the same location in like lids of further like containers. For example, each denesting shoulder may be located in one of at least two locations in further like lids of further like containers, preferably all at or near a rounded corner of the lid.

[0078] Locating the at least one denesting member and/or shoulder in different locations in further like containers is advantageous when the containers are provided in a nested arrangement. Specifically, offset denesting members and/or shoulders may at least partially prevent a denesting member and/or shoulder from an upper container in the nested arrangement being at least partially received in an indentation formed by a corresponding denesting member and/or shoulder of a lower container in the nested arrangement.

[0079] In addition to being nestable, the container of the present invention when closed may be stackable atop further like closed containers.

[0080] The base of the container body of the container when closed may at least partially complement the base of the lid of a like container enabling stacking of the container atop the like container.

[0081] A recess may be provided on a region of the base of the container body to accommodate a projection provided on a complementary region of the base of the lid of the like container.

[0082] Preferably, the base of the container body may have a recessed central portion to enable stacking of the container atop a complementarily-shaped stepped central portion on the base of the lid of a like container. Preferably, the base of the lid of the container also includes the complementarily-shaped stepped central portion to enable the stacking of a further like container atop the container.

[0083] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of nesting containers for use for produce such that the containers can be readily separated from one another, said method including: nesting a first container as defined in the first aspect or the second aspect within at least one further like container as defined in the first aspect or the second aspect such that the at least one denesting member of the first container facilitates in separating the first container from the at least one further like container.

[0084] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the container, the container body, the lid and/or the nested container arrangement as hereinbefore described.

[0085] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separating nested containers for packing produce, said method including: providing the nested container arrangement of the third aspect; and separating a first container from at least one further like container, said separating facilitated by the at least one denesting member of the first container.

[0086] Again, the method may include one or more features or characteristics of the container, the container body, the lid, and/or the nested container arrangement as hereinbefore described.

[0087] Preferably, the at least one denesting member facilitates in separating the first container from the at least one further like container by defining a spacing, pitch or nesting height between adjacent perimeter edges of the nested containers so as to enable the containers to be readily separated.

[0088] In some embodiments, said separating may be carried out by hand.

[0089] In preferred embodiments, however, said separating may be carried out by a finger arrangement, camming fingers or another separating device of an automatic handling system.

[0090] Preferably, the at least one denesting member may facilitate in said separating by providing the adjacent perimeter edges of the nested containers in widely separated planes with a sufficient and consistent distance between the planes to accommodate the finger arrangement, camming fingers or the another separating device or part thereof of the automatic handling system.

[0091] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0092] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0093] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0094] Figure 1 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of a container, including a container body and a lid, in an open arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0095] Figure 2 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of the container shown in Figure 1 in a closed arrangement; [0096] Figure 3 is a photograph showing an end view of the container shown in Figures 1 and 2 in an open and nested arrangement with other like containers; [0097] Figures 4A and 4B are photographs that respectively show an upper perspective view of part of the container body shown in Figures 1 to 3 in an open arrangement and nested within a further like container body from external and internal viewpoints; [0098] Figures 5A and 5B are photographs that respectively show an upper perspective view of part of the lid shown in Figures 1 to 3 in an open arrangement and nested within a further like lid from external and internal viewpoints; [0099] Figure 6 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of the container shown in Figures 1 to 3 in a closed arrangement and stacked atop a further like container also in a closed arrangement; and [00100] Figure 7 is a photograph showing a bottom perspective view of the container shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6 in a closed arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00101] Figure 1 shows a container (100) having a container body (110) and a lid (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The container (100) is shown in an open arrangement.

[00102] The container body (110) includes a base (112), a rim (114), a lip (116) and four sidewalls (118) and rounded corners (119) extending from the base (112) to the rim (114).

[00103] The lid (120), which is of similar construction to the container body (110), includes a base (122), a rim (124), a lip (126) and four sidewalls (128) and rounded corners (129) extending from the base (122) to the rim (124).

[00104] The lid (120) is hingedly connected to the container body (110) by a hinge (130) extending partly along a common sidewall (118, 128) and/or rim (114, 124). The lid (120) is pivotable between an open position as shown and a closed position (shown in Figure 2). The hinge (130) is a living hinge.

[00105] The lips (116, 126) of the container body (110) and the lid (120) each extend laterally outward from the rim (114, 124) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls (118, 128). In use, one or both lips (116, 126) can be used as a handle grip when handling the container body (110) or the lid (120), and/or when opening the container (100) and removing the lid (120) from the container body (110).

[00106] The container (100) includes ventilation holes (140) to facilitate in the passage of fresh air within the container (100) when closed to at least partially prevent or slow the deterioration of produce within the container (100). The ventilation holes (140) are each defined adjacent a corner of the base (122) of the lid (120).

[00107] To strengthen the container (100), corrugation and/or fluting formations (150) extend vertically along the sidewalls (118, 128) of the container body (110) and the lid (120). Additionally, the base (112) of the container body (110) includes a recessed central portion (132) and the base (122) of the lid (120) includes a stepped central portion (134) to impart structural rigidity to the container (100).

[00108] The rims (114, 124) of the container body (110) and the lid (120) both include recessed rim portions (160). The recessed rim portions (160) extend partway along three sidewalls (118) of the container body (110) and partway along all four sidewalls (128) of the lid (120).

[00109] Referring to Figure 2, the recessed rim portions (160) on the container body (110) and the lid (120) substantially align when the container (100) is closed to provide further ventilation openings (140) for the passage of fresh air. Additionally, the recessed rim portions (160) can be used as further handle grips to assist in opening the container (100) and removing the lid (120) from the container body (110).

[00110] The lid (120) connects or engages with the container body (110) in a rim (114, 124) to rim (114, 124) manner to form a closed container (100). Specifically, the rim (124) of the lid (120) frictionally fits over and around the rim (114) of the container body (110).

[00111] A connecting mechanism further secures the lid (120) to the container body (110) when the container (100) is closed. The lid (120) has a male formation of the connecting mechanism, which mates or engages with a female formation of the connecting mechanism on the container body (110).

[00112] Referring back to Figure 1, the male formation of the connecting mechanism is in the form of one or more resilient projections (125) located on an inner surface of the rim (124) of the lid (120) configured to be at least partially received in the female formation in the form of one or more corresponding indentations (115) located on an outer surface of the rim (114) of the container body (110).

[00113] To close the container (100), the lid (120) is aligned with the container body (110) in a rim (114, 124) to rim (114, 124) manner and pressed together until the rim (124) of the lid (120) frictionally fits around and over the rim (114) of the container body (110) and the one or more resilient projections (125) mate with the one or more corresponding indentations (115).

[00114] Conversely, to open the container (100), the rim (114) of the container body (110) is disengaged or freed from the rim (124) of the lid (120) and the one or more resilient projections (125) are contemporaneously disengaged and freed from the one or more indentations (115) by pulling the lid (120) and the container body (110) away from one another.

[00115] The lid (120) of the container (100) further includes a ridge (170) located adjacent the rim (124) of the lid (120). The ridge (170) extends around an inner periphery of the sidewalls (128) of the lid (120) in a direction substantially parallel with the rim (124). The ridge (170) includes a horizontal seat (175) configured, in use, to rest atop the rim (114) of the container body (110) when the container (100) is closed.

[00116] Figure 3 shows the container (100) nested within further like containers (100a). As shown, the container body (110) is nested within further like container bodies (110a) and the lid (120) is nested within further like lids (120a).

[00117] Denesting members (310) are provided in both the container body (110) and the lid (120) to facilitate in separation of the container (100) from the further like containers (100a) when nested. Each denesting member (310) is in the form of a shaped groove (311) defined in the rim (114, 124) of the container body (110) and the lid (120) at or near each corner (119, 129).

[00118] The denesting members (310) are configured to abut with or against an upper surface of the rim (114a, 124a) of a further like container body (110a) and a further like lid (120a).

[00119] The denesting members (310) are also configured to provide a consistent spacing, pitch or nesting height between the container (100) and the further like containers (100a) to facilitate separation and packing by automatic handling systems.

[00120] In particular, the denesting members (310) are configured to provide a spacing, pitch or nesting height of about 4mm between the bases of the container body (110) and the lid [120] of the container (100) and the like bases of the like container bodies (110a) and the like lids (120a) of the further like containers (100a).

[00121] The denesting members (310) will now be described in details with reference to Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B.

[00122] Figures 4A and 4B show an outer and inner side of a shaped groove (311) forming one of four denesting members (310) each provided in corners (119) of the container body (110).

[00123] The shaped groove (311) includes a recessed base (312), a pair of opposed sidewalls (314) that extend between the recessed base (312) and the rim (114) of the container body (110), a pair of opposed shoulders (316) each defined at the junction between the rim (114) and the sidewalls (314) and corners (318) each extending between the recessed base (312) and the opposed sidewalls (314).

[00124] The recessed base (312) extends substantially parallel to the rim (114) and the sidewalls (314) extend therebetween.

[00125] The shoulders (316) and corners (318) are rounded and extend continuously between the rim (114) and the sidewalls (314) and the sidewalls (314) and the recessed base (312), respectively.

[00126] The shaped groove (311) includes different shaped sides.

[00127] Referring to Figure 4A, the outer side of the shaped groove (311) has a shape that tapers in width from a groove opening, defined by the shoulders (316), to a groove base, defined along the recessed base (312) between the corners (318). The groove opening has a width of about 7mm and the groove base has a width of about 3-4mm.

[00128] Referring to Figure 4B, the inner side of the shaped groove (311) has a shape that includes a protruding shoulder (316A) that at least partially overhangs the recessed base (312). The protruding shoulder (316A) is defined by a sidewall (314A) that extends at an acute angle relative to the recessed base (312).

[00129] Best shown in Figure 4A, the inner and outer sides of the shaped groove (311) are separated from one another by a web (319) that at least partially extends longitudinally between the sides (314) of the shaped groove (311).

[00130] Figures 5A and 5B respectively show an outer and inner side of a shaped groove (311) forming one of four denesting members (310) each provided in corners (129) of the lid (120).

[00131] As with the shaped groove (311) shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the shaped groove (311) includes a recessed base (312), a pair of opposed sidewalls (314) that extend between the recessed base (312) and the rim (124) of the lid (120), a pair of opposed shoulders (316) each defined at the junction between the rim (124) and the sidewalls (314) and corners (318) each extending between the recessed base (312) and the opposed sidewalls (314).

[00132] The shaped groove (311) includes an inner side and an opposed outer side but unlike the shaped groove (311) shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the inner and outer sides have the same shape.

[00133] A web (319) separates the sides of the shaped groove (311) and extends longitudinally at least partially between the sides (314) of the shaped groove.

[00134] As shown, the denesting members (310) may be located at different positions within a corner (129) of the lid (120). The denesting members may also be located at different positions within a corner of the container body.

[00135] Advantageously, having the denesting members (310, 310a) in different locations in adjacent lids (120, 120a) provided in a nested arrangement at least partially prevents a denesting member (310) from an upper lid (120) being received in an indentation formed by a denesting member (310a) of a lower lid (120a). This is important for providing consistent pitch, spacing or nesting height between adjacent containers (100, 100a).

[00136] As best shown in Figure 5B, the underside of the shaped groove sits atop the rim (124a) of the adjacent lid (120a).

[00137] Also as best shown in Figure 5B, each corner (129) of the lid (120) includes a denesting shoulder (510) in the form of a tab extending outwardly from a sidewall (128) of the lid (120). The denesting shoulder (510) is located beneath the ridge (170) and is configured to rest against the seat (175a) of a ridge (170a) of a like lid (120a) when in a nested arrangement.

[00138] As with the denesting members (310, 310a), the denesting shoulders (510, 510a) are located in different locations in adjacent lids (120, 120a) provided in a nested arrangement to at least partially prevent a denesting shoulder (510) from an upper lid (120) being received in in an indentation formed by a denesting shoulder (510a) of a lower lid (120a). Again, this is important for providing consistent pitch, spacing or nesting height between adjacent containers (100,100a).

[00139] Referring to Figure 6, the container (100) when in a closed arrangement is stackable atop other like containers (100a).

[00140] Best shown in Figure 7, the recessed central portion (132) of the base (112) of the container body (110) is configured to complement a stepped central portion (not shown) on the lid (not shown) of a like container (not shown) to enable stacking of the container (100) atop the like container (not shown).

[00141] Referring back to Figure 6, the stepped central portion (134) of the lid (120) of the container (100) also enables the stacking of a further like container atop the container (100).

[00142] A method of separating a nested arrangement of the containers (100) is now described in detail.

[00143] The nested arrangement of containers (100) can be fed into an automatic handling system or can be separated by hand.

[00144] If fed into an automatic handling system, the nested arrangement of containers (100) can be individually separated from one another by a finger arrangement or camming fingers of the automatic handling system.

[00145] The denesting members (310) provided in the container bodies (110) and lids (120) of the containers (100) facilitate in the separation of the containers (100) by providing the nested containers (100) in widely separated planes with sufficient distance between the planes to accommodate the finger arrangement or the camming fingers so as to enable the containers (100) to be readily separated.

[00146] If separated by hand, the nested arrangement of containers (100) can be individually separated from one another by way of the lips (116, 126) extending laterally from both the container body (110) and the lid (120) of each container (100). Again, the denesting members (310) provided in the container bodies (110) and the lids (120) of the containers (100) facilitate in separation by providing the nested containers (100) in separated planes with sufficient distance between the planes to accommodate the insertion of an operator’s finger or fingers to grip one or both lips (116, 126) of a container (100) to be separated.

[00147] Once separated, the containers (100) can be loaded with produce either by hand or by way of the automatic handling system.

[00148] Once filled with produce, each container (100) can be individually closed either by hand or by the automatic handling system by aligning and pressing the lid (120) of each container (100) towards the container body (110) until the rim (124) of the lid (120) frictionally fits around and over the rim (114) of the container body (110) and the one or more resilient projections (125) mate with the one or more corresponding indentations (115).

[00149] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00150] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00151] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A container for containing produce including: a container body having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said container body configured to be nestable within a like container body of a further like container; and at least one denesting member defined in the rim of the container body, said denesting member being the in the form of a shaped groove configured to abut with or against the rim of the like container body to enable the container to be readily separable from the like container when nested.

2. A container for containing produce including: a container body having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said container body being nestable within a like container body of a further like container; a lid having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said lid being nestable within a like lid of a further like container; and at least one denesting member defined in the rim of at least one of the container body and the lid, said at least one denesting member being in the form of a shaped groove configured to abut with or against the rim of the like container body or the like lid to enable the container to be readily separable from the like container when nested.

3. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shaped groove includes a recessed base, a pair of opposed sidewalls extending between the rim and the recessed base and a pair of opposed shoulders each defined at a junction between the rim and the pair of opposed sidewalls, and wherein one of the opposed shoulders at least partially overhangs the recessed base.

4. The container of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lid further includes at least one denesting shoulder in the form of a tab extending outwardly from a sidewall of the lid at a location beneath the rim and wherein the at least one denesting shoulder is configured to rest against a seat of a like ridge of a like lid of a further like container when the lid is nested within the like lid.

5. A nested container arrangement including the container of any one of claims 1 to 4 nested within at least one further like container. Date: 2 November 2017