AU2022201746A1

AU2022201746A1 - A lid and receptacle packaging assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2022201746A1
Application number: AU2022201746A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Martien VAN KUIJK
Original assignee: Oji Fibre Solutions NZ Ltd
Current assignee: Oji Fibre Solutions NZ Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2022-03-14
Publication date: 2022-10-06

Abstract

A lid and tray assembly for produce comprising a tray for receiving produce, the tray comprising an open top body defining upwardly facing receptacles; and a base. The 5 assembly further comprises a removable lid forming a lid enclosure for enclosing at least the open top body of the tray, the lid comprising a top surface, a partially open bottom, two pairs of opposing sidewalls downwardly depending from the top surface, and at least one of the opposing sidewalls having an inwardly depending supporting flange. The inwardly depending supporting flanges of the removable lid fold inwardly and under 10 the tray to support the tray from an underside.

Description

A LID AND TRAY PACKAGING ASSEMBLY FIELD OFTHEINVENTION

The present invention relates to a lid and tray packaging assembly for produce. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a lid and tray packaging assembly for eggs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many different types of packaging for produce such as eggs, fruits, vegetables, cakes and the like. Generally, packaging is provided to protect the produce and/or improve ease of transportation of the produce. These considerations may be balanced with the simplicity and cost of the packaging. For example, eggs are typically packed in fibre molded trays stacked on top of each other. Some of the trays include plastic wrap. However, this traditional method of packaging offers limited protection to the produce and no or little ability for different suppliers to distinguish their produce from others. It may therefore be desirable to provide improved packaging for eggs and other like produce. In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lid and tray packaging assembly which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect the invention broadly comprises a lid and tray assembly for produce comprising: a tray for receiving produce, the tray comprising: an open top body defining upwardly facing receptacles; and a base; and a removable lid forming a lid enclosure for enclosing at least the open top body of the tray, the lid comprising: a top surface; a partially open bottom; two pairs of opposing sidewalls downwardly depending from the top surface; and at least one pair of the opposing sidewalls having an inwardly depending supporting flange; and wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges of the removable lid fold inwardly and under the tray to support the tray from an underside. According to another aspect the base of the tray rests on top of the inwardly depending supporting flanges. According to another aspect the inwardly depending supporting flanges covers only a portion of the open bottom of the removable lid to form the lid enclosure. According to another aspect the inwardly depending supporting flanges leave the bottom of the lid partially open and do not cover the entire area of the bottom. According to another aspect each of the inwardly depending supporting flanges are approximately 30 to 100mm wide. According to another aspect each of the inwardly depending supporting flanges are approximately 40 to 70mm wide. According to another aspect the inwardly depending supporting flanges covers 20% to 50% of the bottom of the lid to leave the lid partially open. According to another aspect the inwardly depending supporting flanges and the sidewall from which it depends from are movable in an opening direction to provide access to the tray. According to another aspect access to the tray is provided via a side of the lid. According to another aspect the inwardly depending supporting flanges comprises: an open position such that the lid can be positioned over or removed from the tray; and a secured position for supporting the tray in the lid enclosure. According to another aspect the lid comprises a reversible securing feature for reversibly securing the inwardly depending supporting flanges in the secured position. According to another aspect the inwardly depending supporting flange comprises a sub-flap to secure the lid in the secured position. According to another aspect the sub-flap secures the lid at a top region.

According to another aspect the reversible securing feature is a slot and tab. According to another aspect the sub-flap comprises a securing tab or a slot and the sidewall comprises the other one of a securing tab or slot. According to another aspect one or more of the top surface, sidewalls and supporting flange comprises markings including for advertising, tracking, produce information, other information. According to another aspect the top surface provides the biggest flat surface area for the markings. According to another aspect the removable lid comprises handle cut-outs on two or more of the sidewalls. According to another aspect the removable lid is formed from a cardboard blank. According to another aspect the produce is eggs. According to another aspect the invention further comprises the use of the packaging assembly as described in any of the previous clauses. According to another aspect the invention further comprises a method of packing produce utilising the packaging assembly as described in any of the previous clauses. Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a lid and tray packaging assembly. Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the packaging assembly. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the packaging assembly. Figure 4 shows a blank of a lid of the packaging assembly.

Figure 5 shows the lid with one set of opposing side walls folded downwardly. Figure 6 shows the lid with two sets of opposing side walls folded downwardly. Figure 7 shows the lid with supporting flanges folded inwardly. Figure 8 shows the lid with specific reference to securing features. Figure 9 shows an end perspective view of the packaging assembling opened providing access via a side of the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOFPREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to various aspects of the present invention as illustrated in figures 1 to 9, there is provided a lid and tray packaging assembly for produce which will now be described. It will be appreciated that these figures illustrate the general principles of the structure and construction, and that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations illustrated.

With reference to figures 1 and 3 a lid and tray packaging assembly is shown comprising a removable lid 1 and a tray 2 for receiving produce. Preferably, the lid 1 is a separate component provided to surround the tray 2 to protect the produce 5. In the preferred configurations, the packaging is to improve the packing, storage and/or transportation of eggs. It is anticipated, the packaging can be used for packing other produce such as fruit, vegetables, cakes and other similar products. The tray 2 comprises a base 3 and an open top body 4 defining upwardly facing receptacles 6 for receiving items of produce 5. Most preferably, the tray 2 is a conventional tray for eggs typically made from pulp paper. It is anticipated, other open-top trays for receiving produce known to a person skilled in the art may be used. For example, the tray 2 may be a carton (e.g. folded from a sheet), the tray or carton may be made from pulp paper, cardboard, plastics etc. The lid 1 forms a lid enclosure 11 for enclosing at least the open top 4 of the tray 2. The lid enclosure 11 is the void within the lid 1 for receiving the tray and the produce 5. With particular reference to figures 2 and 3, the lid 1 comprises a top surface 12, a partially open bottom 13 and two pairs of opposing sidewalls 14 downwardly depending from the top surface. In the most preferred configurations, the removable lid 1 is formed from a cardboard blank as shown in figure 5. The cardboard blanks can be erected to form the lid 1 for assembly over the tray 2 as required.

To form the lid enclosure 11, preferably the depending sidewalls 14 are folded downwards from the top surface 12, along sidewall fold lines 15.

In the preferred configurations, at least one pair of the opposing sidewalls 14 each comprises an inwardly depending supporting flange 16. The depending supporting flanges 15 may be folded inwards from the sidewall from which it depends, along flange fold lines 17 (as shown in figure 5 and 6). Preferably, the inwardly supporting flanges 16 fold inwardly and under the tray 2 to support the tray from an underside. By folding the cardboard blank, the sidewalls 14 and inwardly supporting flanges 16 wrap around to cover and support the tray 2. The inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 of the removable lid 1 (once folded in a secured position) form a bottom surface for supporting the tray 2 from an underside of the tray. As shown in figure 1, preferably, the base 3 of the tray 2 rests on top of the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16. The supporting flanges 16 supports the tray 2 from an underside such that the tray can be lifted and transported as required. Optionally, the removable lid 1 comprises handle cut-outs 18 on two or more of the sidewalls 14. As the lid and tray assembly is lifted by the handle cut-outs on the lid 1, the tray 2 is supported and lifted together with the assembly from an underside of the tray.

In the preferred configurations, as shown in figures 1 and 3, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 covers only a portion of the open bottom 13 of the removable lid 1 to form the lid enclosure. Preferably, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 each forms a strip of supporting surface for the tray 2 to rest on. The inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 providing support along the periphery of the open bottom 13 of the lid. Preferably, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 leave the bottom of the lid partially open and do not cover the entire area of the bottom 15 (of the removable lid 1). The supporting flanges 16 narrows/ reduces the area of the exposed open bottom 13 in the assembled state. A partially open bottom 13 allows the base 3 of the tray to be exposed for improved handling, inspection, and/or aesthetics. Further, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 only covering a portion of the open bottom 13 reduces the lid material used and therefore waste from the packaging (i.e. in these configurations, the lid 1 component of the packaging does not form a complete box structure enclosing the tray 2 entirely).

In the preferred configurations, each of the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 are approximately 30 to 100mm wide (the flange width 19 as referenced in figure 1). In the most preferred configurations, each of the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 are approximately 40 to 70mm wide. In the preferred configurations, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 covers 20% to 50% of the bottom of the lid to leave the lid partially open. Preferably, the width 19 of the supporting flanges 16 is sufficient to support the tray 2, while also reducing the material used for packaging.

With reference to figure 1, the lid 1 is shown in an assembled state, forming the lid enclosure 11 as described above. In order to retain the lid 1 in the assembled state preferably the lid 1 comprises a securing feature 20 (referenced in figure 8).

In the preferred configurations, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 can move between an open position such that the lid can be positioned over or removed from the tray 2 and a secured position (figure 1) for enclosing and supporting the tray in 2 the lid enclosure 11. Preferably, the inwardly depending supporting flanges 16 and the sidewall 14 from which it depends form are movable in an opening direction to provide access to the tray 2. Preferably, access to the tray 2 can provided via a side of the lid 1. It is anticipated access to the tray 2 can also be provided through the open bottom 13 of the lid 1. As shown in figure 9, one side of the lid 1 may be opened to allow the removal of the tray 2. Alternatively, as shown in figure 8, two sides of the lid 1 may be opened to allow the removal of the tray 2 (figures 5 and 6).

With reference to figure 8 in some configurations, the lid comprises a sub-flap 21 depending from each of the supporting flanges 16 to secure the lid in the secured position. Preferably, the sub-flap 21 is upwardly depending from the supporting flange 16 such that the sub-flap overlaps with a sidewall 14 of the lid. Preferably, the sub-flap 21 secures the lid at a top region (of the lid).

In the preferred configurations, the securing feature of the lid 1 is a reversible securing feature for reversibly securing the inwardly depending supporting flanges in the secured position. In these configurations, the consumer can easily remove the tray from the lid 1 component of the packaging. Optionally, the lid 1 can be reused and/or easily recycled. In some configurations, the reversible securing feature 20 is a slot and tab as shown in figure 6. Preferably, the sub-flap 21 comprises a securing tab or a slot and the sidewall comprises the other one of a securing tab or slot. Most preferably, the securing tab 22 (indirectly or directly) depending from the supporting flange 16 can be inserted into a slot of the lid to secure the lid in the secured position. It is anticipated, other similar reversible securing features know to a person skilled in the art may be used.

In other configurations, the securing feature provides permanent or semi permanent joining of the lid 1 so that it stays in the assembled state (e.g. adhesive is applied). In these configurations, the packaging may be intended to be used once.

As described above, the lid 1 comprises a top surface 12, as best shown in figure 2. Preferably, the top surface 12 is a continuous, flat surface which covers the entire open top 4 of the tray to protect the produce. Preferably, the top surface 12 is formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material (such as cardboard.)

In addition to protecting the produce, the top surface 12 of the lid preferably provides a large surface area for providing marking/ indicia onto the packaging. It should be appreciated some or all the surfaces of the lid 1 may have markings e.g. the top surface 12, sidewalls 14 and supporting flange 16. In the preferred configuration, the top surface 12 provides the biggest flat surface area for the markings. This medium for marking is clearly visible to the consumer (as it is on the top of the packaging) and provides a large, flat area for adding the marking to the packaging. The markings may include one or more of the following: advertising, tracking, produce information, aesthetic designs, or other information. Preferably, the top surface 12 of the lid provides a medium for customer central information such as advertising and marketing information. The sidewall, flaps and flanges provide a medium for less customer central information such as tracking (e.g. barcode) etc. In these preferred configurations, the lid-and-tray packaging offers a premium box-like solution for packing and supporting produce such as egg trays with additional advantages including reduced waste while providing a large, clearly visible medium for marking the product.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Claims

1. A lid and tray assembly for produce comprising: a tray for receiving produce, the tray comprising: an open top body defining upwardly facing receptacles; and a base; and a removable lid forming a lid enclosure for enclosing at least the open top body of the tray, the lid comprising: a top surface; a partially open bottom; two pairs of opposing sidewalls downwardly depending from the top surface; and at least one pair of the opposing sidewalls having an inwardly depending supporting flange; and wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges of the removable lid fold inwardly and under the tray to support the tray from an underside.

2. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the base of the tray rests on top of the inwardly depending supporting flanges.

3. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges covers only a portion of the open bottom of the removable lid to form the lid enclosure.

4. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges leave the bottom of the lid partially open and do not cover the entire area of the bottom.

5. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein each of the inwardly depending supporting flanges are approximately 30 to 100mm wide.

6. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein each of the inwardly depending supporting flanges are approximately 40 to 70mm wide.

7. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges covers 20% to 50% of the bottom of the lid to leave the lid partially open.

8. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges and the sidewall from which it depends from are movable in an opening direction to provide access to the tray.

9. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein access to the tray is provided via a side of the lid.

10. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the inwardly depending supporting flanges comprises: an open position such that the lid can be positioned over or removed from the tray; and a secured position for supporting the tray in the lid enclosure.

11. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the lid comprises a reversible securing feature for reversibly securing the inwardly depending supporting flanges in the secured position.

12. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the inwardly depending supporting flange comprises a sub-flap to secure the lid in the secured position.

13. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the sub-flap secures the lid at a top region.

14. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the reversible securing feature is a slot and tab.

15. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the sub-flap comprises a securing tab or a slot and the sidewall comprises the other one of a securing tab or slot.

16. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein one or more of the top surface, sidewalls and supporting flange comprises markings including for advertising, tracking, produce information, other information.

17. The packaging assembly as claimed in the previous claim wherein the top surface provides the biggest flat surface area for the markings.

18. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the removable lid comprises handle cut-outs on two or more of the sidewalls.

19. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the removable lid is formed from a cardboard blank.

20. The packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the produce is eggs.

21. The use of the packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims.

22. A method of packing produce utilising the packaging assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims.