CA2541375A1 - Package with retainment means - Google Patents
Package with retainment means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2541375A1 CA2541375A1 CA002541375A CA2541375A CA2541375A1 CA 2541375 A1 CA2541375 A1 CA 2541375A1 CA 002541375 A CA002541375 A CA 002541375A CA 2541375 A CA2541375 A CA 2541375A CA 2541375 A1 CA2541375 A1 CA 2541375A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bottom part
- cover part
- package
- upper rim
- rim portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 235000013601 eggs Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011105 molded pulp Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 101001061807 Homo sapiens Rab-like protein 6 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 102100029618 Rab-like protein 6 Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/32—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for eggs
- B65D85/324—Containers with compartments made of pressed material
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to packages (1) of a fibrous material for receiving frangible products such as eggs, the packages being provided with a bottom part (2) and a cover part (3) hingedly connected to the bottom part (2) and specifically to various retainment means for releasably retaining the cover part (3) to the bottom part (2) in a simple, yet reliable manner. According to the invention there is thus provided retainment means on the cover part (3) for engagement with appropriate parts of an upper flange-like rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2), said means according to one embodiment consisting of protrusions (7) provided on the inner surface of the front side of the cover part (3). When the cover part (3) from an open position is swung to a closed position on the bottom part (2), one or more protrusions (7) on the cover part (3) are brought into engagement with the lower surface of said upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2), thereby releasably retaining the cover part (3) to the bottom part (2). The alternative possibility, i.e. the provision of appropriate protrusions on the upper edge region of the bottom part for engagement for instance with suitably shaped openings in the cover part is also described.
Description
PACKAGE WTTH RETAINMENT MEANS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to packages of the kind set forth in -the preamble of claim 1 and mare particularly to retainment means for preventing unintentional opening of a cover part of such packages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Packages of the above kind, i.e. packages farmed by suction moulding of a fibrous material for receiving one or more frangible products to be packed, for instance eggs, are weal-known within the art. Among these a large number of different packages specifically for eggs has been described, Such packages generally comprise a bottom part provided with a pattern of pocket-like compartments far accommodating the eggs and a cover part, which is often hingedly connected to the bottom part so that it can be swung between a closed and an open position.
Mast such packages are furthermore provided with retainment means far releasabiy retaining the cover part in its closed position on the bottom park and a large number of different retainment means for this purpose has been described.
Such retainment means are for instance disclosed in US 4,782,995 and US
5,860,528 and common for these means - and corresponding retainment means known from many other packages of the present kind - is the provision of dedicated retainment members on either cover part, bottom part or an both parts.
A comparatively simple type of retainment means is described in EP 1 098 826 B1, said means comprising openings in the vicinity of the edge region of the front face of the cover part provided for releasable retainrnent with corresponding outwardly extending projecting members located on the bottom part, When the cover part closes on the bottom part, these outwardly projecting members enter into retaining engagement with a part of the periphery of said holes and by afterwards pulling outwards and upwards in said edge region of the cover part it is possible to disengage the projecting members from the holes, whereby it becomes possible to open the paakage~
The above packages suffer from different disadvantages. Thus, generally dedicated retainment means an both the cover part and the bottom part are required and at least in connection with the above-mentioned package disclosed in EP 1 098 826 81 the retainment obtained is not always sufficiently reliable, partly due to the fact that the retainment openings in the cover part are placed in the vicinity of the edge region of the cover part, where the material does not always have the needed i 0 rigidity to ensure a reliable retainment of the cover part to the bottom part.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
i5 On the above background it is an object of the present invention to provide improved retainment of the cover part of a package to the bottom par# hereof, the cover part and the bottom part of the package being hingedly connected to each other along an upper rim portion of the bottom part and a tower edge portion of the cover part.
20 Thus according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a package formed by a suction moulding of a fibrous material for receiving one ar mare frangible products, such as eggs, comprising the following main parts:
a bottom part comprising non-planar side surfaces sa as to match at least partially 25 the outer contours of the products) to be packed and provided with an upper rim portion or upper rim portions running along the upper edge region of the bottom part and extending outwards from the bottom part;
- a cover part comprising at least a top surtace and a front surface which meet at an 3o angle to form an edge;
- the bottom part being connected to the cover part by a hinge so as to allow the cover part to move between an open position and a closed position;
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to packages of the kind set forth in -the preamble of claim 1 and mare particularly to retainment means for preventing unintentional opening of a cover part of such packages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Packages of the above kind, i.e. packages farmed by suction moulding of a fibrous material for receiving one or more frangible products to be packed, for instance eggs, are weal-known within the art. Among these a large number of different packages specifically for eggs has been described, Such packages generally comprise a bottom part provided with a pattern of pocket-like compartments far accommodating the eggs and a cover part, which is often hingedly connected to the bottom part so that it can be swung between a closed and an open position.
Mast such packages are furthermore provided with retainment means far releasabiy retaining the cover part in its closed position on the bottom park and a large number of different retainment means for this purpose has been described.
Such retainment means are for instance disclosed in US 4,782,995 and US
5,860,528 and common for these means - and corresponding retainment means known from many other packages of the present kind - is the provision of dedicated retainment members on either cover part, bottom part or an both parts.
A comparatively simple type of retainment means is described in EP 1 098 826 B1, said means comprising openings in the vicinity of the edge region of the front face of the cover part provided for releasable retainrnent with corresponding outwardly extending projecting members located on the bottom part, When the cover part closes on the bottom part, these outwardly projecting members enter into retaining engagement with a part of the periphery of said holes and by afterwards pulling outwards and upwards in said edge region of the cover part it is possible to disengage the projecting members from the holes, whereby it becomes possible to open the paakage~
The above packages suffer from different disadvantages. Thus, generally dedicated retainment means an both the cover part and the bottom part are required and at least in connection with the above-mentioned package disclosed in EP 1 098 826 81 the retainment obtained is not always sufficiently reliable, partly due to the fact that the retainment openings in the cover part are placed in the vicinity of the edge region of the cover part, where the material does not always have the needed i 0 rigidity to ensure a reliable retainment of the cover part to the bottom part.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
i5 On the above background it is an object of the present invention to provide improved retainment of the cover part of a package to the bottom par# hereof, the cover part and the bottom part of the package being hingedly connected to each other along an upper rim portion of the bottom part and a tower edge portion of the cover part.
20 Thus according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a package formed by a suction moulding of a fibrous material for receiving one ar mare frangible products, such as eggs, comprising the following main parts:
a bottom part comprising non-planar side surfaces sa as to match at least partially 25 the outer contours of the products) to be packed and provided with an upper rim portion or upper rim portions running along the upper edge region of the bottom part and extending outwards from the bottom part;
- a cover part comprising at least a top surtace and a front surface which meet at an 3o angle to form an edge;
- the bottom part being connected to the cover part by a hinge so as to allow the cover part to move between an open position and a closed position;
- the front surface of the cover part extending dawn from the edge and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part opposite the hinge when the Cover part is in its closed position;
- where said cover part is provided with at least one inwardly extending protrusion for locking engagement with the upper rim portion of the bottom part when the package is being closed; and - where the hinge is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion of the 9D bottom part.
The provision of said inwardfy extending protrusions for engagement with the upper rim portion of the bottom part is advantageous in that these protrusions are conseguently placed further away from the free edge portion of the cover part, i.e. at positions of the cover part where the overall rigidity of the cover part is greater than in the vicinity of the free edge portion hereof.
Furthermore, by positioning the hinge portion above the level of the upper rim portion of the bottom part, the lateral cross sectional shape of the cover part 2o becomes modified relative to the corresponding cross sectional shape of a cover part, in which the hinge portion was located at the rim portion, this modification in itself yielding an increased lateral rigidity of the cover part and hence a more secure retainment of the cover part to the bottom part.
Furthermore this positioning of the hinge portion is advantageous in that it allows the retainment protrusions) on the cover part to swing into itsltheir retaining position underneath the upper rim portion running along the upper edge region of the bottom part with only a slight deformation of the material of these corresponding retainment portions during closing and opening of the package.
3~
The package is preferably made of moulded pulp, although other materials of suitable resiliency could also be envisaged The present invention takes advantage of the presence on the bottom part of said upper rim portion or upper rim portions running along the upper edge region of the bottom part and extending outwards from the bottom part. Such flange-like upper rim portions on the bottom part of packages of the kind dealt with in the present context are well known for instance from the above-mentioned documents and form a part of the bridging structure connecting the different pockets in the bottom part of egg trays, etc. According to the present invention this feature, i.e. the flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part, can in an advantageous manner be utilised as one of the complementary retainment means mentioned above, the cover part being provided with suitable complementary protrusions, which during closing of the package are brought into retaining engagement with said upper rim portion. A
1p specific embodiment of this mechanism is described in the detailed description of the invention.
The above-mentioned protrusion or protrusions of the cower part can in principle be positioned on the cover part at such positions that itlthey islare brought into engagement with said upper rim portion of the bottom part anywhere along this edge portion. As the edge portion typically only extends outwardly from the corresponding portion of the bottom part over a very limited distance in those regions of the bottom part, where the edge portion runs along the packets in the bottom part it might, however, be advantageous to plane the protrusions on the cover part such that 2d during closing of the package they are brought into engagement with the upper rim portion of the bottom part in the regions between adjacent pockets. This will become immediately apparent from the (allowing detailed description of the invention.
Although the possibility to use the unmodified flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part as one of the complementary retainment means has been described as an advantageous embodiment of the principles of the invention it is, however, also possible to provide one or more separate flaps or the like an the flange-like upper rim portion. This possibility could for instance be utilised if far some reason it would be desirable to provide said protrusions an the cover part at places corresponding to 3o engagement with the flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part at places, where this portion only extends a short distance outwards from the bottom part, as for instance along the outer surface of the pockets, as described above.
Especially compared to the package disclosed in the above~mentioned document EP 1 t)98 826 B'1 the retainment means according to the present invention offers a simple and yet reliable solution to the problem of an occasionally unreliable retainment of the cover part to the bottom part of the package. Thus by placing the protrusions on the cover part for engagement with the flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part, one of the complementary retainment means, i.e. the protrusions, 5 necessarily becomes located further away from the lowermost edge region of the front surface of the cover part than in the package disclosed in EP 1 098 826 B~, i,e.
in a region of the cover part with less transversal compliance (increased rigidity) than the corresponding retainment means in the cover part of the package according to EP v 098 826 B1.
As a different - and complementary - embodiment of retainment means according to the present invention it is also possible to provide the bottom part of the package with protrusions for locking engagement with ca-operating means provided an the cover part. Thus according to this embodiment of the invention there is provided a i5 package farmed by suction moulding of a fibrous material far receiving one or more frangible products to be packed, such as eggs, comprising:
- a bottom part comprising non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of the products) to be packed and provided with an 2o upper rim portion;
a cover part comprising at least a tap surface and a front surface which meet at an angle to form an edge;
the bottom part (2) being connected to the cover part by a hinge so as to allow the saver part to move between an open position and a closed position;
25 - the front surface extending down from the edge and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part apposite the hinge when the cover part is in its closed position;
where the bottom part adjacent said upper rim portion is provided with at least one 30 outwardly extending protrusion for lacking engagement with co-operating means provided an the cover part and where said hinge (5) is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2).
- where said cover part is provided with at least one inwardly extending protrusion for locking engagement with the upper rim portion of the bottom part when the package is being closed; and - where the hinge is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion of the 9D bottom part.
The provision of said inwardfy extending protrusions for engagement with the upper rim portion of the bottom part is advantageous in that these protrusions are conseguently placed further away from the free edge portion of the cover part, i.e. at positions of the cover part where the overall rigidity of the cover part is greater than in the vicinity of the free edge portion hereof.
Furthermore, by positioning the hinge portion above the level of the upper rim portion of the bottom part, the lateral cross sectional shape of the cover part 2o becomes modified relative to the corresponding cross sectional shape of a cover part, in which the hinge portion was located at the rim portion, this modification in itself yielding an increased lateral rigidity of the cover part and hence a more secure retainment of the cover part to the bottom part.
Furthermore this positioning of the hinge portion is advantageous in that it allows the retainment protrusions) on the cover part to swing into itsltheir retaining position underneath the upper rim portion running along the upper edge region of the bottom part with only a slight deformation of the material of these corresponding retainment portions during closing and opening of the package.
3~
The package is preferably made of moulded pulp, although other materials of suitable resiliency could also be envisaged The present invention takes advantage of the presence on the bottom part of said upper rim portion or upper rim portions running along the upper edge region of the bottom part and extending outwards from the bottom part. Such flange-like upper rim portions on the bottom part of packages of the kind dealt with in the present context are well known for instance from the above-mentioned documents and form a part of the bridging structure connecting the different pockets in the bottom part of egg trays, etc. According to the present invention this feature, i.e. the flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part, can in an advantageous manner be utilised as one of the complementary retainment means mentioned above, the cover part being provided with suitable complementary protrusions, which during closing of the package are brought into retaining engagement with said upper rim portion. A
1p specific embodiment of this mechanism is described in the detailed description of the invention.
The above-mentioned protrusion or protrusions of the cower part can in principle be positioned on the cover part at such positions that itlthey islare brought into engagement with said upper rim portion of the bottom part anywhere along this edge portion. As the edge portion typically only extends outwardly from the corresponding portion of the bottom part over a very limited distance in those regions of the bottom part, where the edge portion runs along the packets in the bottom part it might, however, be advantageous to plane the protrusions on the cover part such that 2d during closing of the package they are brought into engagement with the upper rim portion of the bottom part in the regions between adjacent pockets. This will become immediately apparent from the (allowing detailed description of the invention.
Although the possibility to use the unmodified flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part as one of the complementary retainment means has been described as an advantageous embodiment of the principles of the invention it is, however, also possible to provide one or more separate flaps or the like an the flange-like upper rim portion. This possibility could for instance be utilised if far some reason it would be desirable to provide said protrusions an the cover part at places corresponding to 3o engagement with the flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part at places, where this portion only extends a short distance outwards from the bottom part, as for instance along the outer surface of the pockets, as described above.
Especially compared to the package disclosed in the above~mentioned document EP 1 t)98 826 B'1 the retainment means according to the present invention offers a simple and yet reliable solution to the problem of an occasionally unreliable retainment of the cover part to the bottom part of the package. Thus by placing the protrusions on the cover part for engagement with the flange-like upper rim portion of the bottom part, one of the complementary retainment means, i.e. the protrusions, 5 necessarily becomes located further away from the lowermost edge region of the front surface of the cover part than in the package disclosed in EP 1 098 826 B~, i,e.
in a region of the cover part with less transversal compliance (increased rigidity) than the corresponding retainment means in the cover part of the package according to EP v 098 826 B1.
As a different - and complementary - embodiment of retainment means according to the present invention it is also possible to provide the bottom part of the package with protrusions for locking engagement with ca-operating means provided an the cover part. Thus according to this embodiment of the invention there is provided a i5 package farmed by suction moulding of a fibrous material far receiving one or more frangible products to be packed, such as eggs, comprising:
- a bottom part comprising non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of the products) to be packed and provided with an 2o upper rim portion;
a cover part comprising at least a tap surface and a front surface which meet at an angle to form an edge;
the bottom part (2) being connected to the cover part by a hinge so as to allow the saver part to move between an open position and a closed position;
25 - the front surface extending down from the edge and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part apposite the hinge when the cover part is in its closed position;
where the bottom part adjacent said upper rim portion is provided with at least one 30 outwardly extending protrusion for lacking engagement with co-operating means provided an the cover part and where said hinge (5) is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2).
Specifically the co-operating means on the cover part of this embodiment is one or more openings in the front surface of the cover part, although other equivalent means may also be envisaged be a person skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package shown in its open state and provided with mutually corresponding retainment means according to the present invention far retainment of the cover part to the bottom part of the package when the package is in the closed state;
Figure 2A is a first perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a package provided with retainment means according to the present invention;
Figure 2B is a second perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a package 2o shown in Figure 2A and provided with retainment means according to the present invention;
Figure 2C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package provided with retainment means according to the invention;
2s Figure 3 is a side elevatianal view of a package in the open state and provided with retainment means according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is another and mare preferred package provided with retainment means 30 according to the present invention; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a package provided with additional retainment flaps according to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package shown in its open state and provided with mutually corresponding retainment means according to the present invention far retainment of the cover part to the bottom part of the package when the package is in the closed state;
Figure 2A is a first perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a package provided with retainment means according to the present invention;
Figure 2B is a second perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a package 2o shown in Figure 2A and provided with retainment means according to the present invention;
Figure 2C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package provided with retainment means according to the invention;
2s Figure 3 is a side elevatianal view of a package in the open state and provided with retainment means according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is another and mare preferred package provided with retainment means 30 according to the present invention; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a package provided with additional retainment flaps according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following, a detailed description of a specific embodiment of the retainment means according to the invention is given with reference to exemplifying packages comprising such means for the purpose of providing a reliable locking of the cover part of the package to the bottom part hereof, when the package is in its closed state, Thus with reference to Fig.1 there is shown a package 1 for eggs comprising bottom t0 parts 2 and cover parts 3 hingedly connected to each other by a hinge portion 5.
The cover part 3 comprises a substantially planar top surface 9 6 and a substantially planar frontal side 4 which in the GI05ed state of the package extends downwardly substantially over the entire height of the bottom part 2, i.e. down to the bottom level as indicated by reference numeral 15 in Figures 1 and 3.
The bottom part 2 of the package shown in Figure 1 comprises a total of 12 packets for eggs, generally designated by 12. Along the upper edge of the bottom part there extends an upper flange-like rim portion fi defining the upper level of the bottom part itself. Elevated above this level, a hinge porkion 5 connecting the bottom part 2 and the saver part 3 is situated, The upper flange-like rim portion 6 extends a few millimetres outwardly from the egg pockets 12 and bridges the gaps 13 farmed between adjacent egg pockets, These bridging portions of the upper rim portion 6 are designated 6' in the Figures and the lower surface of one ar mare of these bridging portions 6' can advantageously be used as one of the mutually corresponding retainment means according to the present invention in a manner to be described below.
The inner surface of the frontal side 4 of the cover part 3 is according to this embodiment of the invention provided with inwardly extending protrusions 7, the engagement surtace 8 of which facing the top surface 16 of the cover part being substantially planar although other shapes of this surface - and of the protrusions 7 generally - would also be possible. When the cover part 2 is being closed the innermost parf of the protrusions 7 passes over the corresponding outermost part of the upper flange-like rim portion 6, this being possible due to the resiliency of the frontal side 4, and the protrusions 7 enter the gap 13 under the corresponding bridging portion 6', whereby the engagement surface 8 of the protrusions enters into retaining engagement with the lower surface of the bridging portion 6' and retain the cover part 3 to the bottom part 2, In order to open the package again, the frontal side 4 of the cover part 3 is pulled in an outward direction, whereby the engagement between the protrusions 7 and the corresponding bridging portions 6' can be released_ Referring to Figures 2A and 2B there is shown a preferred embodiment of a 1D package comprising retainment means according to the invention, This package is specifically designed to accommodate two rows of five eggs and comprises a single bottarn part 2 and corresponding cover part 3. The package shown in Figures 2A
arid 2B comprises bath the retaining protrusions 7 on the cover part and additionally the retainer means 10, 11 known from the initially cited European Patent No. 1 826: Furthermore, according to this embodiment of a package, the upper rim portion 6 of the bottom part 2 is provided with retainment flaps 25A and 25B for engagement with the corresponding protrusions 7 and the openings 10, respectively, provided an the cover part 3. These pairs of retainment flaps 25A, 25B
are shown in Figure 2B.
Referring to Figure 2C an embodiment of a package is shown which only comprises the retainment protrusions 7 an the cover part 3 and the corresponding flaps 25A on the upper rim portion of the bottom part, This embodiment of a package is thus not provided with the retainment means known from the initially cited European Patent No. 1 098 826.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a side eievatianal view of the package shown in Figure 1. The transition between the tap surface 16 and the planar frontal side 4 takes in this package place via the rounded edge portion 17 and the protrusion 7 is seen to be located approximately midways between this edge portion 17 and the distal edge portion 21 of the frontal side 4.
A side elevatianal view of an alternative package is shown in Figure 4, in which the rounded edge portion 17 of the package shown in Figure 3 has been replaced by a substantially planar edge region 20 longitudinally bounded by edge portions 18 and 19_ The protrusion is in this case located in the vicinity of the edge portion 19.
Returning to Figure 1, the bottom part 2 and the cover part 3 are furthermore -as an option - provided with those retainment means already known from the initially cited European Patent No. 1 098 826. The prime advan#age of the retainment means according to the present inven#ion becomes apparent by a comparison between the retainment means disclosed in EP 1 098 826 and those of the present invention.
The retainment means according to EP 1 098 826 comprises one or more rectangular hales 1 D in the frontal side 4 and corresponding projections 11 placed on one or more of the pockets 12 of the bo#tom part 2. As apparent from Figures 3 and 4, these projections terming#e downwardly in inclined portions 22 and when the cover part 3 is closed, a retaining engagement is established between these inclined portions 22 and the corresponding edge portion 23 of the hole in the frontal side ~.
The projec#ions, however, only project a few millimetres - typically approximately 3 mm - outwards from the corresponding surface of the pocket 12 and a reliable retainment by these means requires that the frontal side 4 be substantially plane and not exhibiting an outwardly arched shape relative to the bottom part 2. In practice, this requirement is not always fulfilled, and this has turned out to cause problems bath during the packing process and in shops, where packages tend to open. These problems are salved by the retainment means according to the present invention.
Referring finally to Figure 5 there is shown an embodiment of retainmen# means as set forth in the invention according to which the flange-like upper edge 6 of the bottom part 2 is additionally provided with outwardly extending retainment flaps 25.
Such flaps can - as described above - as one possibility be placed at the portions of the upper edge 6 corresponding to the positions of the retainment openings 10 in the cover part 3, in which case they can serve as a supplementary retainment means to the retainment means provided by the openings 10 and the corresponding projections 11 on the bottom part 2, to the effect that when the engagement between the openings 10 and the projections 11 is released, the saver part will still be prevented from completely opening due to a subsequent engagement between the openings 10 and the corresponding flaps 25. It is, however, also possible to place the retainment flaps 25 in the regions of the upper edge 6 of the bottom part 2 between the pockets 12, i.e. in the regions designated f' in the Figures, in which case the flaps may serve as a reinforcement of the engagement between the protrusions 7 an the cover part 3 and this portion ~' of the upper edge 6 of the 5 bottom part 2.
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in the preceding parts of the detailed description, it is understood that a person skilled in the art may conceive other embodiments of the invention without 1o departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. As an example, various combinations of the retainment means described above may be utilised and appropriate numbers of corresponding retainment means and their placement an the cover part and the bottom part may be varied according to specific requirements. AI50 a5 described, retainment flaps can be provided as appropriate on - or in the region about - the upper edge region of the bottom part.
LIST ~1= REFERENCE NUMERALS
1. Package 2. Bottom part of package 3. Cover part of package 4. Front side of cover part 5. Hinge portion 6, Flange-like upper rim portion of bottom part 6' Flange-like upper rim portion of bottom part between egg packets 1Q 7. Protrusions on cover part 8. Engagement surface of protrusion 9. Edge 10, Retainment opening in cover part 11. Retainment projection on bottom part 12. Pocket 13, Region between adjacent pockets 14. Opening 15. Underlying surface 16. Top surface 17. Rounded edge portion 18. Edge portion 19. Edge portion 20. Planar edge region 21. Distal edge portion of front side of cover part 22. Inclined portion on retainment projection 23. Edge portion of retainment opening 24. Side surface of bottom part opposite hinge portion 25. Retainment flaps 3d
In the following, a detailed description of a specific embodiment of the retainment means according to the invention is given with reference to exemplifying packages comprising such means for the purpose of providing a reliable locking of the cover part of the package to the bottom part hereof, when the package is in its closed state, Thus with reference to Fig.1 there is shown a package 1 for eggs comprising bottom t0 parts 2 and cover parts 3 hingedly connected to each other by a hinge portion 5.
The cover part 3 comprises a substantially planar top surface 9 6 and a substantially planar frontal side 4 which in the GI05ed state of the package extends downwardly substantially over the entire height of the bottom part 2, i.e. down to the bottom level as indicated by reference numeral 15 in Figures 1 and 3.
The bottom part 2 of the package shown in Figure 1 comprises a total of 12 packets for eggs, generally designated by 12. Along the upper edge of the bottom part there extends an upper flange-like rim portion fi defining the upper level of the bottom part itself. Elevated above this level, a hinge porkion 5 connecting the bottom part 2 and the saver part 3 is situated, The upper flange-like rim portion 6 extends a few millimetres outwardly from the egg pockets 12 and bridges the gaps 13 farmed between adjacent egg pockets, These bridging portions of the upper rim portion 6 are designated 6' in the Figures and the lower surface of one ar mare of these bridging portions 6' can advantageously be used as one of the mutually corresponding retainment means according to the present invention in a manner to be described below.
The inner surface of the frontal side 4 of the cover part 3 is according to this embodiment of the invention provided with inwardly extending protrusions 7, the engagement surtace 8 of which facing the top surface 16 of the cover part being substantially planar although other shapes of this surface - and of the protrusions 7 generally - would also be possible. When the cover part 2 is being closed the innermost parf of the protrusions 7 passes over the corresponding outermost part of the upper flange-like rim portion 6, this being possible due to the resiliency of the frontal side 4, and the protrusions 7 enter the gap 13 under the corresponding bridging portion 6', whereby the engagement surface 8 of the protrusions enters into retaining engagement with the lower surface of the bridging portion 6' and retain the cover part 3 to the bottom part 2, In order to open the package again, the frontal side 4 of the cover part 3 is pulled in an outward direction, whereby the engagement between the protrusions 7 and the corresponding bridging portions 6' can be released_ Referring to Figures 2A and 2B there is shown a preferred embodiment of a 1D package comprising retainment means according to the invention, This package is specifically designed to accommodate two rows of five eggs and comprises a single bottarn part 2 and corresponding cover part 3. The package shown in Figures 2A
arid 2B comprises bath the retaining protrusions 7 on the cover part and additionally the retainer means 10, 11 known from the initially cited European Patent No. 1 826: Furthermore, according to this embodiment of a package, the upper rim portion 6 of the bottom part 2 is provided with retainment flaps 25A and 25B for engagement with the corresponding protrusions 7 and the openings 10, respectively, provided an the cover part 3. These pairs of retainment flaps 25A, 25B
are shown in Figure 2B.
Referring to Figure 2C an embodiment of a package is shown which only comprises the retainment protrusions 7 an the cover part 3 and the corresponding flaps 25A on the upper rim portion of the bottom part, This embodiment of a package is thus not provided with the retainment means known from the initially cited European Patent No. 1 098 826.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a side eievatianal view of the package shown in Figure 1. The transition between the tap surface 16 and the planar frontal side 4 takes in this package place via the rounded edge portion 17 and the protrusion 7 is seen to be located approximately midways between this edge portion 17 and the distal edge portion 21 of the frontal side 4.
A side elevatianal view of an alternative package is shown in Figure 4, in which the rounded edge portion 17 of the package shown in Figure 3 has been replaced by a substantially planar edge region 20 longitudinally bounded by edge portions 18 and 19_ The protrusion is in this case located in the vicinity of the edge portion 19.
Returning to Figure 1, the bottom part 2 and the cover part 3 are furthermore -as an option - provided with those retainment means already known from the initially cited European Patent No. 1 098 826. The prime advan#age of the retainment means according to the present inven#ion becomes apparent by a comparison between the retainment means disclosed in EP 1 098 826 and those of the present invention.
The retainment means according to EP 1 098 826 comprises one or more rectangular hales 1 D in the frontal side 4 and corresponding projections 11 placed on one or more of the pockets 12 of the bo#tom part 2. As apparent from Figures 3 and 4, these projections terming#e downwardly in inclined portions 22 and when the cover part 3 is closed, a retaining engagement is established between these inclined portions 22 and the corresponding edge portion 23 of the hole in the frontal side ~.
The projec#ions, however, only project a few millimetres - typically approximately 3 mm - outwards from the corresponding surface of the pocket 12 and a reliable retainment by these means requires that the frontal side 4 be substantially plane and not exhibiting an outwardly arched shape relative to the bottom part 2. In practice, this requirement is not always fulfilled, and this has turned out to cause problems bath during the packing process and in shops, where packages tend to open. These problems are salved by the retainment means according to the present invention.
Referring finally to Figure 5 there is shown an embodiment of retainmen# means as set forth in the invention according to which the flange-like upper edge 6 of the bottom part 2 is additionally provided with outwardly extending retainment flaps 25.
Such flaps can - as described above - as one possibility be placed at the portions of the upper edge 6 corresponding to the positions of the retainment openings 10 in the cover part 3, in which case they can serve as a supplementary retainment means to the retainment means provided by the openings 10 and the corresponding projections 11 on the bottom part 2, to the effect that when the engagement between the openings 10 and the projections 11 is released, the saver part will still be prevented from completely opening due to a subsequent engagement between the openings 10 and the corresponding flaps 25. It is, however, also possible to place the retainment flaps 25 in the regions of the upper edge 6 of the bottom part 2 between the pockets 12, i.e. in the regions designated f' in the Figures, in which case the flaps may serve as a reinforcement of the engagement between the protrusions 7 an the cover part 3 and this portion ~' of the upper edge 6 of the 5 bottom part 2.
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in the preceding parts of the detailed description, it is understood that a person skilled in the art may conceive other embodiments of the invention without 1o departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. As an example, various combinations of the retainment means described above may be utilised and appropriate numbers of corresponding retainment means and their placement an the cover part and the bottom part may be varied according to specific requirements. AI50 a5 described, retainment flaps can be provided as appropriate on - or in the region about - the upper edge region of the bottom part.
LIST ~1= REFERENCE NUMERALS
1. Package 2. Bottom part of package 3. Cover part of package 4. Front side of cover part 5. Hinge portion 6, Flange-like upper rim portion of bottom part 6' Flange-like upper rim portion of bottom part between egg packets 1Q 7. Protrusions on cover part 8. Engagement surface of protrusion 9. Edge 10, Retainment opening in cover part 11. Retainment projection on bottom part 12. Pocket 13, Region between adjacent pockets 14. Opening 15. Underlying surface 16. Top surface 17. Rounded edge portion 18. Edge portion 19. Edge portion 20. Planar edge region 21. Distal edge portion of front side of cover part 22. Inclined portion on retainment projection 23. Edge portion of retainment opening 24. Side surface of bottom part opposite hinge portion 25. Retainment flaps 3d
Claims (13)
1. Package (1) formed by suction moulding of a fibrous material far receiving one or more frangible products to be packed, such as eggs, comprising:
- a bottom part (2) comprising non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of the product(s) to be packed, an upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2) extending outwards from the bottom part (2);
- a cover part (3) comprising at least a top surface (16) and a front surface (4) which meet at an angle to farm an edge (17,18);
- the bottom part (2) being connected to the cover part (3) by a hinge (5) so as to allow the cover part (3) to move between an open position and a closed position;
the front surface (4) extending down from the edge (17, 18) and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part (2) opposite the hinge (5) when the cover part (3) is in its closed position;
characterised in that said cover part (3) is provided with at least one inwardly extending protrusion (7) for locking engagement with said upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2) when the package (1) is being closed, and that said hinge (5) is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2).
- a bottom part (2) comprising non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of the product(s) to be packed, an upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2) extending outwards from the bottom part (2);
- a cover part (3) comprising at least a top surface (16) and a front surface (4) which meet at an angle to farm an edge (17,18);
- the bottom part (2) being connected to the cover part (3) by a hinge (5) so as to allow the cover part (3) to move between an open position and a closed position;
the front surface (4) extending down from the edge (17, 18) and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part (2) opposite the hinge (5) when the cover part (3) is in its closed position;
characterised in that said cover part (3) is provided with at least one inwardly extending protrusion (7) for locking engagement with said upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2) when the package (1) is being closed, and that said hinge (5) is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2).
2. Package according to claim 1, characterised in that said agricultural products are eggs and that the bottom part (2) of the package (1) is provided with a pattern of pockets (12) for accommodating the eggs.
3. Package according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the package (1) is a moulded product.
4. Package according to claim 3, characterised in that the package (1) is moulded as one piece,
5. Package according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the package (1) is made of moulded pulp,
6. Package according to claim 1, characterised in that said cover part (3) on the front side (4) hereof is provided with en edge portion (19) and that said one or more protrusions (7) is/are provided substantially adjacent said edge portion (19).
7. Package according to claim 2, characterised in that said locking engagement of the one or more protrusions (7) with said upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2) takes place at the flange-like upper rim portions (6') between adjacent pockets (12).
8. Package according to claim 1, characterised in that the package is furthermore provided with retainment means comprising one or more openings (10) in the front side (4) of the cover part (3) and co-operating retainment projections (11) on the side surface (24) of the bottom part (2) opposite the hinge (5).
9. Package according to claim 1 or 8, characterised in that the flange-like upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2) is furthermore provided with outwardly extending retainment flaps (25).
10. Package according to claim 9, characterised in that said flaps (25) are placed for engagement with the engagement surface (8) of the protrusions (7) on the cover part (3).
11. Package according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 9, characterised in that said flaps (15) are placed for engagement with an edge portion (23) of said openings (10) provided in the cover part (3).
12, Package (1) formed by suction moulding of a fibrous material tar receiving one or more frangible products to be packed, such as eggs, comprising:
- a bottom part (2) comprising non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of the product(s) to be packed and provided with an upper rim portion (6);
- a cover part (3) comprising at least a tap surface (16) and a front surface (4) which meet at an angle to form an edge (17, 18);
- the bottom part (2) being connected to the cover part (3) by a hinge (5) so as to allow the cover part (3) to move between an open position and a closed position;
- the front surface (4) extending down from the edge (17, 18) and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part (2) opposite the hinge (5) when the cover part (8) is in its closed position;
characterised in that said bottom part (2) adjacent said upper rim portion (6) is provided with at least one outwardly extending protrusion for locking engagement with co-operating means provided on the cover part (3) and that said hinge (5) is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2).
- a bottom part (2) comprising non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of the product(s) to be packed and provided with an upper rim portion (6);
- a cover part (3) comprising at least a tap surface (16) and a front surface (4) which meet at an angle to form an edge (17, 18);
- the bottom part (2) being connected to the cover part (3) by a hinge (5) so as to allow the cover part (3) to move between an open position and a closed position;
- the front surface (4) extending down from the edge (17, 18) and overlapping the non-planar side surface of the bottom part (2) opposite the hinge (5) when the cover part (8) is in its closed position;
characterised in that said bottom part (2) adjacent said upper rim portion (6) is provided with at least one outwardly extending protrusion for locking engagement with co-operating means provided on the cover part (3) and that said hinge (5) is positioned above the level of the upper rim portion (6) of the bottom part (2).
13. Package according to claim 12, characterised in that said co-operating means on the cover part (3) is one or more openings in the front surface (4) of the cover part (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DKPA200301483 | 2003-10-08 | ||
| DKPA200301483 | 2003-10-08 | ||
| PCT/IB2004/051701 WO2005035392A1 (en) | 2003-10-08 | 2004-09-07 | Package with retainment means |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2541375A1 true CA2541375A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
Family
ID=34429206
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002541375A Abandoned CA2541375A1 (en) | 2003-10-08 | 2004-09-07 | Package with retainment means |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20070017845A1 (en) |
| EP (2) | EP1995185B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2007508207A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1863717A (en) |
| AT (2) | ATE503705T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2541375A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE602004019878D1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2006115585A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2005035392A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11225365B2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2022-01-18 | Maurice Joseph Paul Tabone | Container base and lid with planar area for flat application of adhesive membrane |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ589585A (en) * | 2008-06-03 | 2012-04-27 | Huhtamaki Nederland Bv | Stackable twin separable egg packaging unit with hinged lid |
| CN101850879B (en) * | 2009-04-01 | 2013-04-24 | 海尔集团公司 | Egg case |
| DE102010049016A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 | 2012-04-26 | Rudolf Linek | egg tray |
| EP2492216B1 (en) | 2011-02-22 | 2013-12-11 | Brødrene Hartmann A/S | Egg package |
| RU2745320C2 (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2021-03-23 | Хюхтамаки Молдед Файбер Текнолоджи Б.В. | Biodegradable and suitable for composting food packaging made of formed fibrous material and method of manufacture of such food packaging |
| US11597572B2 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2023-03-07 | West Liberty Foods, Llc | Food product packaging |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3217963A (en) * | 1963-09-30 | 1965-11-16 | Molded Container Corp | Molded pulp carton with latch post closure |
| AU406096B2 (en) * | 1966-08-22 | 1970-09-18 | Improved egg carton | |
| GB1257792A (en) * | 1968-05-24 | 1971-12-22 | ||
| US3550836A (en) * | 1968-06-18 | 1970-12-29 | Eugene E Macchi | Egg carton |
| US3570747A (en) * | 1969-01-08 | 1971-03-16 | Packaging Ind Inc | Carton and latch construction |
| US3531039A (en) * | 1969-01-09 | 1970-09-29 | Packaging Corp America | Carton construction |
| US3568916A (en) * | 1969-04-04 | 1971-03-09 | Sinclair Koppers Co | Locking mechanisms for egg cartons |
| NL7017943A (en) * | 1969-12-15 | 1971-06-17 | ||
| US3813027A (en) * | 1972-10-26 | 1974-05-28 | Packaging Corp America | Carton construction |
| US4240575A (en) * | 1979-05-07 | 1980-12-23 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Egg carton with crush resistant top |
| DE8101054U1 (en) * | 1981-01-17 | 1981-05-14 | Transpack Verpackungs-Gesellschaft mbH, 2849 Goldenstedt | Egg packaging |
| US4742953A (en) * | 1983-04-01 | 1988-05-10 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Hinged cover carton with inboard locking extensions |
| US4625906A (en) * | 1983-04-01 | 1986-12-02 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Eighteen cell hinged-cover carbon thermoformed from plastic sheet |
| CA1237396A (en) * | 1983-11-07 | 1988-05-31 | John R. Emery | Egg carton |
| US5860528A (en) | 1997-03-14 | 1999-01-19 | Emery; Roy William | Hinged container with separately moulded cover and tray |
| EP0972724A1 (en) * | 1998-07-17 | 2000-01-19 | Brodrene Hartmann A/S | Package |
| US7255231B2 (en) * | 2003-12-31 | 2007-08-14 | Pactiv Corporation | Egg carton |
-
2004
- 2004-09-07 CN CNA2004800294404A patent/CN1863717A/en active Pending
- 2004-09-07 DE DE602004019878T patent/DE602004019878D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-09-07 RU RU2006115585/12A patent/RU2006115585A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-09-07 EP EP08015379A patent/EP1995185B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-09-07 CA CA002541375A patent/CA2541375A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-07 US US10/574,956 patent/US20070017845A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-07 EP EP04769951A patent/EP1558504B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-09-07 DE DE602004032069T patent/DE602004032069D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-09-07 AT AT08015379T patent/ATE503705T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-09-07 AT AT04769951T patent/ATE425109T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-09-07 JP JP2006530897A patent/JP2007508207A/en active Pending
- 2004-09-07 WO PCT/IB2004/051701 patent/WO2005035392A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11225365B2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2022-01-18 | Maurice Joseph Paul Tabone | Container base and lid with planar area for flat application of adhesive membrane |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1558504A1 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| DE602004019878D1 (en) | 2009-04-23 |
| EP1995185A3 (en) | 2008-12-03 |
| RU2006115585A (en) | 2007-11-27 |
| US20070017845A1 (en) | 2007-01-25 |
| EP1558504B1 (en) | 2009-03-11 |
| EP1995185A2 (en) | 2008-11-26 |
| ATE425109T1 (en) | 2009-03-15 |
| JP2007508207A (en) | 2007-04-05 |
| DE602004032069D1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
| EP1995185B1 (en) | 2011-03-30 |
| ATE503705T1 (en) | 2011-04-15 |
| CN1863717A (en) | 2006-11-15 |
| WO2005035392A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |