AU2017203135A1 - Packaging for a cold supply chain - Google Patents

Abstract

A base blank for use in packaging for a cold supply chain, including: (a) a generally rectangular central panel; (b) a pair of side panels coupled to respective long sides of the central panel; (c) a pair of end panels coupled to respective short sides of the central panel; (d) gussets bridging neighbouring ends of the side and end panels; and 10 (e) locking panels coupled to distal ends of respective end panels, wherein the gussets are adapted to fold inwardly over respective end panels as the end panels and the side panels are arranged normally to the central panel, and wherein the locking panels are adapted to fold inwardly over respective end panels so as to secure respective gussets thereto. Figure lb 20 26b 24 22b 22a 26a 36a 36b 24a Figure 2b 22a 26a 30a 32b 26b 32d 32a 22b 30b 32c 20 Fiqure 2c

Description

PACKAGING FOR A COLD SUPPLY CHAIN

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a packaging for a cold supply chain.

Background of the Invention A cold supply chain is temperature-controlled chain that is used to maintain the quality and the shelf life of perishable goods such as fresh agricultural produce, seafood, frozen food photographic film, chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs. The packaging used in cold supply chains is adapted to keep the goods stored therein cool during transportation from a wholesaler to a retailer, for example.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging has previously been used to package goods for cold supply chains. The EPS packaging typically has good thermal properties for effective insulation to survive long term domestic and international shipments. Further, EPS packaging can be manufactured for a relatively low cost which has made it a preferred choice for use in cold supply chains.

As above-mentioned, EPS packaging has some desirable qualities. Flowever, it is typically made from non-renewable raw materials. Further, EPS packaging is not environmentally friendly (i.e. they pollute the environment through the manufacturing process and they slowly break down). Also, EPS packaging is not readily recyclable using commonly available recycling infrastructure. EPS containers are manufactured in an erected form. As such, there are inefficiencies associated with storing and shipping these bulky containers by the manufacturers. These inefficiencies are passed on to the end user who must store the containers in this shape until such a time that they are needed. In short, valuable space in warehouses, transportation vehicles and packing environments is occupied by the bulky EPS packages. This can also create problems with logistic lead time issues for supply of new packaging.

Disposal of EPS packaging is generally inefficient because it is not readily collapsible to after use. As such, disposal of the packaging after use can be costly, inefficient and generally inconvenient.

The EPS packages have previously been produced in a generic colour (usually white) with minimal branding/marketing opportunities. For example, EPS packaging typically includes basic hand applied labels. It is generally desirable to have packaging for cold supply chains with labelling and other indicia printed thereon.

Some forms of EPS packaging are water permeable. In the past, this has lead to issues with seepage for ice packed products, for example. Such seepage can create problems with storage and transportation of goods. EPS packaging is fragile and susceptible to mechanical damage. This can be problematic where the packaging cracks and exposes the products contained therein to the outside environment. Further, beads of damaged EPS packaging can come into contact with and contaminate the goods.

Previously, EPS packaging has had a noticeable odour. In some cases, this odour has been transferred to the goods. This can be particularly problematic where the goods are food products.

Some of the above described problems with EPS packaging have been addressed by use of: (a) reusable foil lined bags; (b) reusable fabric bags with polyurethane foam insulation; (c) gel packs, dry ice, temp shield envelopes; (d) plastic corrugated packaging with FIDPE panels; and (e) polyurethane moulded containers, mineral wool, cellulose (cotton).

These additional components may improve the performance of standard EPS packaging. Flowever, they add to the overall cost of the packaging and, more importantly, they do not address the more pressing issues of storage, transportation and disposal of bulky EPS packaging. Further, the addition of these components does not address the environmental issues associated with the production and disposal of EPS packaging.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a base blank for use in packaging for a cold supply chain, including: (a) a generally rectangular central panel; (b) a pair of side panels coupled to respective long sides of the central panel; (c) a pair of end panels coupled to respective short sides of the central panel; (d) gussets bridging neighbouring ends of the side and end panels; and (e) locking panels coupled to distal ends of respective end panels, wherein the gussets are adapted to fold inwardly over respective end panels as the end panels and the side panels are arranged normally to the central panel, and wherein the locking panels are adapted to fold inwardly over respective end panels so as to secure respective gussets thereto.

Preferably, each gusset includes: (a) an end triangle coupled to the end panel; and (b) a side triangle coupled to the side panel; wherein the end triangle and side triangle of each gusset share a common side and have apexes that meet at a common corner of the central panel, and wherein, as the panels are arranged normally, the common side of each end triangle and side triangle folds inwardly so that the side triangle overlies a respective end panel.

Preferably, the locking panel is locked in place to secure the gussets to the end panel by frictional engagement. The locking panels are coupled to respective end panels by pairs of locking hinges. The side triangle of each gusset includes a notch which, when the gusset is folded inwards, is aligned for engagement with a respective one of said locking hinges. The locking hinges each include double hinges that allow movement of the locking panels laterally away from and around respective end panels.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a container formed from the above described base blank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure la is a perspective view of two piece packaging;

Figure lb is an exploded view of the two piece packaging shown in Figure la;

Figure lc is a front view of the two piece packaging shown in Figure la;

Figure Id is a side view of the two piece packaging shown in Figure la;

Figure le is a top view of the two piece packaging shown in Figure la;

Figure 2a is a plan view of a base blank of the two piece packaging shown in Figure la;

Figure 2b is a perspective view of the base blank shown in Figure 2a;

Figure 2c is a perspective view of the base blank shown in Figure 2a during a stage of assembly;

Figure 2d is a perspective view of the base blank shown in Figure 2a during another stage of assembly;

Figure 2e is a perspective view of a base formed from the base blank shown in Figure 2a;

Figure 3a is a plan view of a lid blank of the two piece packaging shown in Figure la;

Figure 3b is a perspective view of the lid blank shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 3c is a perspective view of the lid blank shown in Figure 3a during a stage of assembly;

Figure 3d is a perspective view of the lid blank shown in Figure 3a during another stage of assembly;

Figure 3e is a perspective view of a lid formed from the lid blank shown in Figure 3a; Figure 4a is a perspective view of three piece packaging;

Figure 4b is an exploded view of three piece packaging shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a base blank of the three piece packaging shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a lid blank of the three piece packaging shown in Figure 4a; Figure 7a is a plan view of an insert blank of the three piece packaging shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 7b is a perspective view of the insert blank shown in Figure 7a during a stage of assembly;

Figure 7c is a perspective view of the insert blank shown in Figure 7a during another stage of assembly;

Figure 7d is a perspective view of an insert formed from the insert blank shown in Figure 7a;

Figure 8a is a perspective view of a four piece box packaging;

Figure 8b is an exploded view of the four piece box packaging shown in Figure 8a; Figure 8c is a bottom view of the four piece box packaging shown in Figure 8a;

Figure 8d is a front view of the four piece box packaging shown in Figure 8a;

Figure 8e is a side view of the four piece box packaging shown in Figure 8a;

Figure 8f is a top view of a the four piece box packaging shown in Figure 8a;

Figure 8g is a plan view of a base insert blank;

Figure 8h is a plan view of a lid insert blank;

Figure 9a and 9b are tables showing performance data Figure 10a is a perspective view of packaging;

Figure 10b is an exploded view of the packaging shown in Figure 10a;

Figure 11a is a plan view of a blank of a container of the packaging shown in Figure 10a;

Figure lib is a perspective view of the blank shown in Figure 11a;

Figure 11c & lid are perspective views of the blank shown in Figure 11a arranged in different conditions of use;

Figure lie is a perspective view of the base of the packaging shown in Figure 10a; and

Figure 12 is an exploded view of another packaging.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention 1. Two Piece Packaging 10

The two piece packaging 10 shown in Figures la to le includes a base 12 and a lid 14 that are respectively formed from the base blank 16 and lid blank 18 shown in Figures 2a and 3a. The packaging 10 provides a corrugated solution that is tailored for cold supply chain markets ranging from 0 to 10 degrees at 6 up to 72 hour cycles, for example. In additional to thermal insulation, the packaging 10 is readily collapsible which minimises storage space before and after use. The packaging 10 is also lightweight and recyclable.

With reference to the base blank 16 shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the base 12 includes: (a) a four sided base panel 20; (b) a pair of outer and inner four sided front panels 22a, 22b coupled together by a bridging section 24, the inner one of said front panels 22a, 22b being coupled to a first side 20a of the base panel 20; (c) a pair of outer and inner four sided back panels 26a, 26b coupled together by a bridging section 24, the inner one of said back panels 26a, 26b being coupled to a third side 20c of the base panel 20; (d) first and second four sided side wall panels 30a, 30b respectively coupled to opposed second and fourth sides 20b, 20d of the base panel 20; (e) first and second flaps 32a, 32b coupled to opposed ends of the first side wall panel 30a; (f) third and fourth flaps 32c, 32d coupled to opposed ends of the second side wall panel 30b; and (g) locking tongues 34a, 34b for interacting with respective tongue receiving points 36a, 36b for securing respective front and back panels 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b in fixed positions with respect to the base panel 20.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking tongues 34a, 34b and receiving points 36a, 36b are replaced with another fastener. For example, respective front and back panels 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b are secured in fixed positions with respect to the base panel 20 by way of an adhesive.

As particularly shown in Figure 2b, each bridging section 24 includes an elongate shoulder piece 24a hinged on opposed sides to respective outer and inner panels 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b. The shoulder 24a enables the outer and inner panels 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b to extend up and over the flaps 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d of the wall panels 30a, 30b.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and third flaps 32a, 32c are gussets coupled between neighbouring sides of the inner front panel 22b and respective first and second side wall panels 30a, 30b. Further, the second and fourth flaps 32b, 32d are also gussets coupled between neighbouring sides of the inner back panel 26b and respective first and second side wall panels 30a, 30b. In this embodiment, the inside face of the box includes a plastic or water proof coating which acts to retain any fluid or liquid therein.

As shown in Figures 2b to 2e, the base 16 is formed from the blank 16 by: (a) folding the inner front and back panels 22b, 26b so that they are both generally at right angles to the base panel 20, as shown in Figure 2c; (b) folding the side wall panels 30a, 30b so that they are generally at right angles to the base panel 20; (c) folding the flaps 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d so that they overlie respective inner front and back panels 22b, 26b, as shown in Figure 2d; (d) folding the outer panels 22a, 26a down over respective inner panels 22b, 26b so that they are generally parallel, as shown in Figure 2e; and (e) inserting the locking tongues 34a, 34b into respective slots 36a, 36b.

With reference to the lid blank 18 shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the lid 14 includes: (a) a four sided lid panel 50; (b) a pair of outer and inner four sided left wall panels 52a, 52b coupled together by a bridging section 54, the inner one of said panels 52a, 52b being coupled to a first side 50a of the lid panel 50; (c) a pair of outer and inner four sided right wall panels 56a, 56b coupled together by a bridging section 54, the inner one of said panels 56a, 56b being coupled to a third side 50c of the lid panel 50; (d) front and back four sided panels 60a, 60b respectively coupled to opposed second and fourth sides 50b, 50d of the lid panel 50; (e) first and second flaps 62a, 62b coupled to opposed ends of the front panels 60a; (f) third and fourth flaps 62c, 62d coupled to opposed ends of the back panel 60b; and (g) locking tongues 64a, 64b for interacting with respective tongue receiving points 66a, 66b for securing respective left and right wall panels 52a, 52b, 56a, 56b in fixed positions with respect to the base panel 50.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking tongues 64a, 64b and receiving points 66a, 66b are replaced with another fastener. For example, respective left and right wall panels 52a, 52b, 56a, 56b are secured in fixed positions with respect to the base panel 50 by way of an adhesive.

As particularly shown in Figure 3b, each bridging section 54 includes an elongate shoulder piece 54a hinged on opposed sides to respective outer and inner panels 52a, 52b, 56a, 56b. The shoulder 54a enables the outer and inner panels 52a, 52b, 56a, 56b to extend up and over the flaps 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d of the wall panels 60a, 60b.

As shown in Figures 3b to 3e, the lid 14 is formed from the blank 18 by: (a) folding the inner left and right wall panels 52b, 56b so that they are generally at right angles to the lid panel 50, as shown in Figure 3c; (b) folding the front and back panels 60a, 60b so that they are generally at right angles to the lid panel 50; (c) folding the flaps 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d so that they overlie respective inner left and right side wall panels 52b, 56b, as shown in Figure 3d; (d) folding the outer panels 52a, 56b down over respective inner panels 52b, 56b so that they are generally parallel; and (e) inserting the locking tongues 64a, 64b into respective slots 66a, 66b.

The above described packaging 10 has a two piece base 12 and lid 14 with fold over design that generates multiple layers. The layers of packaging 10 trap air therebetween so as to deliver the desired level of insulation.

The packaging material preferably includes corrugated cardboard which is recyclable using commonly available recycling infrastructure. The cardboard material and structural design set provides structural integrity to perform correctly in the relevant cold supply chains. In particular, the cardboard should have sufficient properties for facilitating: (a) palletisation and transportation; and (b) stacking.

For example, the cardboard use with the packaging could be any one of the following: • Kraft or recycled grade paper in either white or brown colours. • Paper that is lined with plastic such as PE or PET. • C flute which has a calliper of 4mm • RB flute which has a calliper of 5mm • BC flute which has a calliper of 7mm • AC flute which has a calliper of 10mm

The cardboard material folds into a multiple layered construction by folding creases set in specific areas on the box. As a result of folding the base 12 and the lid 14 from their respective blanks 16, 18 in the above described manner, they both include multiple layers of folded cardboard. Air is trapped between these layers which in turn provides effective thermal insulation

In this specification the term "cardboard" is a generic term for a heavy-duty paper of various strengths, ranging from a simple arrangement of a single thick sheet of paper to complex configurations featuring multiple corrugated and uncorrugated layers.

The packaging 10 can be provided flat packed into the customer's warehouse for efficient storage utilisation and then later assembled into a useable product packaging 10 for cold supply chain markets. Further, after the packaging has been used, it can be easily flattened for easy disposal.

The cardboard packaging 10 facilitates various full print opportunities on outside of packaging to drive informative and/or marketing material.

Advantageously, the packaging 10 is simple to assemble by hand and/or machine. This is achieved by precise diecutting during the manufacturing process where specific creasing features are applied.

The packaging 10 provides sufficient storage conditions and maintains the required cold supply chain requirements to prevent any spoilage of items being transported. The packaging works within suppliers operations relating to storage, assembly, packing, warehousing and despatching for delivery.

The performance of the packaging 10 can be altered to suit the needs of the job at hand by including: (a) including an additional 2 inserts in the base 12 and lid 14, to form a total of 4 components; (b) twin cushion insert in base, to form a total of 3 components; and (c) a leak proof insert for base 12, to form a total of 3 components.

The packaging solution comprises of multiple cardboard components, a lid, base and insert/s. The insert/s side panels are folded 90 degrees and placed into the base and lid components. The use of inserts can be tailored for specific cold supply chain requirements. The base and lids are assembled by folding specific panels 90 degrees, followed by folding around specific panels which cause a friction fit to lockup the packaging constructions. Alternative base designs may include features that automatically erect the base component which would provide easier assembly to the invention. 2. Three Piece Packaging 100

The three piece packaging 100 shown in Figures 4a and 4b includes: (a) a base 112; (b) a lid 114; and (c) an insert 115 encased therebetween.

The base 112, the lid 114 and the insert 115 are respectively formed from the base blank 116, the lid blank 118 and the insert blank 119 shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7a.

The packaging 100 provides a corrugated solution that is tailored for cold supply chain markets ranging from 0 to 10 degrees at 6 up to 72 hour cycles. In additional to thermal insulation, the packaging 100 provides convenience for minimising space whilst being stored through the designs collapsible structure. The packaging 100 is also lightweight and recyclable.

With reference to the base blank 116 shown in Figure 5, the base 112 includes four wall panels 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d coupled together in series, the wall panels forming a generally rectangular shape when neighbouring panels are arranged at right angles to each other, as shown in Figure 4b. The base 112 also includes a coupling member 122 coupled to and extending from the fourth wall panel 120d in the series. When the wall panels are arranged in the above described generally rectangular shape, the first panel 120a in the series can be arranged to overlie the coupling member 122. An adhesive, or other form of fastener, can then be used to secure the wall panels in the generally rectangular shape.

The base 112 also includes four bottom flaps 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d extending from bottom sides of respective wall panels 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d. The bottom flaps 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d fold over one another so as to form a solid bottom section for the base 112.

The crashlock base 112 is pre-glued to click and lock into place in seconds once the body of the carton's four side walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d are parallel from each other. It does not require any tape so it's easier and quicker to assemble.

As shown in Figure 6, the lid blank 118 includes similar features to that of the lid blank 18. Like parts are referenced with like reference numerals. The lid blank 118 is folded in a similar manner to that of the lid blank 18 to form the lid 114.

With reference to the insert blank 119 shown in Figure 7a, the insert 115 includes: (a) four generally rectangular panels 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d coupled together in series along neighbouring long sides; (b) a pair of inner flaps 132a, 132b coupled to end extending from short sides of the second panel 130b in the series; and (c) a pair of outer flaps 134a, 134b coupled to end extending from short sides of the third panel 130c in the series.

The insert blank 119 shown in Figure 7a is folded into the insert 115 by performing the following steps: (a) folding the outer flaps 134a, 134b so that they are substantially normal to the third panel 130c, as shown in Figure 7b; (b) folding the inner flaps 132a, 132b so that they are substantially normal to the second panel 130b, as shown in Figure 7c; and (c) folding the series of panels 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d so that each panel is normal to its neighbouring panels, as shown in Figure 7d.

The above described packaging 100 has a three piece base 112, lid 114 and insert 115 with fold over design that generates multiple layers. The layers of packaging 100 trap air therebetween so as to deliver the desired level of insulation.

The packaging material preferably includes corrugated cardboard which is recyclable using existing infrastructure. The cardboard material and structural design set provides structural integrity to perform correctly in the relevant cold supply chains. In particular, the cardboard should have sufficient properties for facilitating: (a) palletisation and transportation; and (b) stacking.

For example, the cardboard use with the packaging could be any one of the following: • Kraft or recycled grade paper in either white or brown colours. • Paper that is lined with plastic such as PE or PET. • C flute which has a calliper of 4mm • RB flute which has a calliper of 5mm • BC flute which has a calliper of 7mm • AC flute which has a calliper of 10mm

The cardboard material folds into a multiple layered construction by folding creases set in specific areas on the box. As a result of folding the base 112, the lid 114 and the insert 115 from their respective blanks 116, 118, 119 in the above described manner, they both include multiple layers of folded cardboard. Air is trapped between these layers which in turn provides effective thermal insulation

The packaging 100 can be provided flat packed into the customer's warehouse for efficient storage utilisation and then later assembled into a useable product packaging 100 for cold supply chain markets. Further, after the packaging has been used, it can be easily flattened for easy disposal.

The cardboard packaging 100 facilitates various full print opportunities on outside of packaging to drive informative and/or marketing material.

Advantageously, the packaging 100 is simple to assemble by hand and/or machine. This is achieved by precise diecutting during the manufacturing process where specific creasing features are applied.

The packaging 100 provides sufficient storage conditions and maintains the required cold supply chain requirements to prevent any spoilage of items being transported. The packaging works within suppliers operations relating to storage, assembly, packing, warehousing and despatching for delivery. 3. Four Piece Box Packaging 200

The four piece box packaging 200 shown in Figures 8a to 8f includes: (a) a base 212; (b) a lid 214; and (c) first and second insert 215a, 215 encased therebetween.

The base 212 includes similar features to that of the base 12 and is folded from a blank (not shown) into the base 212 in a similar manner to that of the base 12. Like parts are referenced with like reference numerals.

The lid 214 includes similar features to that of the lid 14 and is folded from a blank (not shown) into the lid 214 in a similar manner to that of the lid 14. Like parts are referenced with like reference numerals.

The inserts 215a, 215b are respectively formed from blanks 218a, 218b shown in Figures 8g and 8h.

The packaging 200 provides a corrugated solution that is tailored for cold supply chain markets ranging from 0 to 10 degrees at 6 up to 72 hour cycles. In additional to thermal insulation, the packaging 200 provides convenience for minimising space whilst being stored through the designs collapsible structure. The packaging 200 is also lightweight and recyclable.

The above described packaging 200 has a four piece base 212, lid 214 and inserts 215a, 215b with fold over design that generates multiple layers. The layers of packaging 100 trap air therebetween so as to deliver the desired level of insulation.

The packaging material preferably includes corrugated cardboard which is recyclable using existing infrastructure. The cardboard material and structural design set provides structural integrity to perform correctly in the relevant cold supply chains. In particular, the cardboard should have sufficient properties for facilitating: (a) palletisation and transportation; and (b) stacking.

For example, the cardboard use with the packaging could be any one of the following: • Kraft or recycled grade paper in either white or brown colours. • Paper that is lined with plastic such as PE or PET. • C flute which has a calliper of 4mm • RB flute which has a calliper of 5mm • BC flute which has a calliper of 7mm • AC flute which has a calliper of 10mm

The cardboard material folds into a multiple layered construction by folding creases set in specific areas on the box. As a result of folding the base 212, the lid 214 and the inserts 215a, 215b from their respective blanks, they both include multiple layers of folded cardboard. Air is trapped between these layers which in turn provides effective thermal insulation

The packaging 200 can be provided flat packed into the customer's warehouse for efficient storage utilisation and then later assembled into a useable product packaging 100 for cold supply chain markets. Further, after the packaging has been used, it can be easily flattened for easy disposal.

The cardboard packaging 200 facilitates various full print opportunities on outside of packaging to drive informative and/or marketing material.

Advantageously, the packaging 200 is simple to assemble by hand and/or machine. This is achieved by precise diecutting during the manufacturing process where specific creasing features are applied.

The packaging 200 provides sufficient storage conditions and maintains the required cold supply chain requirements to prevent any spoilage of items being transported. The packaging works within suppliers operations relating to storage, assembly, packing, warehousing and despatching for delivery.

Performance of the Packaging 10, 100, 200

The relative performance of the packaging 10, 100, 200 is set out in the table shown in Figures 9a and 9b. From this table, it can be seen that The standard EPS box with size of 276 x 152 x 176mm takes 1.53 hours to reach 5°C & in an ambient environment (23°C) reaches 12.6°C after 7 hours

The apparatus 10, called the two piece box with size of 270mmxl60mmxl60mm takes 1.33 hours to reach 5°C & reaches 13.7°C after 7 hours in an ambient environment (23°C)

The apparatus 100, called the three piece box with size of 270mmxl60mmxl60mm takes 1.39 hours to reach 5°C & reaches 13.3°C after 7 hours in an ambient environment (23°C).

The apparatus 200, called the four piece box with size of 270mmxl60mmxl60mm takes 2.17 hours to reach 5°C & reaches 9.4°C after 7 hours in an ambient environment (23°C) compared to an EPS box in the same size taking 2.37 hours to reach 5°C & reaches 9°C after 7 hours in an ambient environment (23°C).

Given the above considerations, the apparatus 10, 100, 200 may not out perform the EPS Packaging. However, the apparatus 10, 100, 200 clearly provides a useful alternative.

The box packaging 500 shown in Figures 10a and 10b includes: (a) a lid 502; (b) a base 504; and (c) inserts 506 encased therebetween.

The lid 502 includes similar features to that of the above described lids.

The base 504 is folded from a blank 508 shown in Figures 11a and lib in the manner shown in Figures 11c to lie.

The base 504 includes: (a) a generally rectangular central panel 510; (b) a pair of side panels 512a, 512b coupled to respective long sides of the central panel 510; (c) a pair of end panels 514a, 514b coupled to respective short sides of the central panel 510; (d) gussets 516 bridging neighbouring ends of the side and end panels; (e) locking panels 518 coupled to distal ends of respective end panels 514a, 514b.

The gussets 516 include notches 520 for engagement with respective locking panels 518.

The packaging 500 provides a corrugated solution that is tailored for cold supply chain markets ranging from 0 to 10 degrees at 6 up to 72 hour cycles. In additional to thermal insulation, the packaging 500 provides convenience for minimising space whilst being stored through the designs collapsible structure. The packaging 500 is also lightweight and recyclable.

The above described packaging 500 has a six piece base 504, lid 502 and inserts 506 with fold over design that generates multiple layers. The layers of packaging 500 trap air therebetween so as to deliver the desired level of insulation.

Thermal insulation via design structure designed in a way which entraps the cold air generated by frozen/cooled gel packs inside the carton. The material is cardboard which a recyclable in existing infrastructure. The corrugated design can be provided flat packed into the customer's warehouse for efficient storage utilisation and then later assembled into a useable product for cold supply chain markets.

The key feature of the packaging 500 is the ability for a cardboard structure to be delivered flat and then assembled into packaging that generates multiple layers of corrugated board and trapped air layers which in turn provides effective thermal insulation. The design features also need to have the ability for disassembly after use to assist with recycling of the used packaging.

The cardboard material 508 folds into a multiple layered construction by folding creases set in specific areas on the box 504. These creases provide the ability for the box 504 to be sent flat and assembled by hand and/or machine. The flat feature of the design provides the ability for efficient storage during transit and in warehouse environments.

The inserts 506 are folded 90 degrees and placed into the base and lid components. The use of inserts 506 can be tailored for specific cold supply chain requirements. The base 504 and lids 502 are assembled by folding specific panels 90 degrees, followed by folding around specific panels which cause a friction fit to lockup the packaging constructions. Alternative base designs may include features that automatically erect the base component which would provide easier assembly to the invention.

The alternative packaging 1000 shown in Figure 12 includes the same features as packaging 500 with a different lid 1002.

Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention

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

In this specification and the claims that follow, unless stated otherwise, the word "comprise" and its variations, such as "comprises" and "comprising", imply the inclusion of a stated integer, step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

References in this specification to any prior publication, information derived from any said prior publication, or any known matter are not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement, admission or suggestion that said prior publication, or any information derived from this prior publication or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which the specification relates.

Claims (11)

1. Claims Defining the Invention

   1. A base blank for use in packaging for a cold supply chain, including: (a) a generally rectangular central panel; (b) a pair of side panels coupled to respective long sides of the central panel; (c) a pair of end panels coupled to respective short sides of the central panel; (d) gussets bridging neighbouring ends of the side and end panels; and (e) locking panels coupled to distal ends of respective end panels, wherein the gussets are adapted to fold inwardly over respective end panels as the end panels and the side panels are arranged normally to the central panel, and wherein the locking panels are adapted to fold inwardly over respective end panels so as to secure respective gussets thereto.
2. 2. The base blank claimed in claim 1, wherein each gusset includes: (a) an end triangle coupled to the end panel; and (b) a side triangle coupled to the side panel; wherein the end triangle and side triangle of each gusset share a common side and have apexes that meet at a common corner of the central panel, and wherein, as the panels are arranged normally, the common side of each end triangle and side triangle folds inwardly so that the side triangle overlies a respective end panel.
3. 3. The base blank claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking panel is locked in place to secure the gussets to the end panel by frictional engagement.
4. 4. The base blank claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking panels are coupled to respective end panels by pairs of locking hinges.
5. 5. The base blank claimed in claim 4, wherein the side triangle of each gusset includes a notch which, when the gusset is folded inwards, is aligned for engagement with a respective one of said locking hinges.
6. 6. The base blank claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking hinges each include double hinges that allow movement of the locking panels laterally away from and around respective end panels.
7. 7. The base blank claimed in claim 6, wherein a central portion between the double hinges of each locking hinge is adapted to be pressed into a notch of a corresponding side triangle.
8. 8. The base blank claimed in claim 7, wherein the central portion of each locking hinge is secured by frictional engagement in each notch.
9. 9. The base blank claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gussets inhibit leakage of fluid or liquid from the base.
10. 10. The base blank claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base blank is made from corrugated cardboard including any suitable combination of the following: • Kraft or recycled grade paper in either white or brown colours. • Paper that is lined with plastic such as PE or PET • C flute which has a calliper of 4mm • RB flute which has a calliper of 5mm • BC flute which has a calliper of 7mm • AC flute which has a calliper of 10mm
11. 11. A container formed from the base blank claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.