ES2638302T3 - Packaging unit with closure and method for packing products - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging unit (2, 34, 40, 202, 248) made of molded paste for products such as eggs, comprising: - a bottom (4) provided with compartments (28) for individual products; - a cover part (14) comprising upper, front (18) and rear surfaces, wherein the front surface comprises one or more openings (58); - a first closing element that extends upwards from the bottom and which defines a cam (48) which, when the packaging unit is in a closed position, partially extends through one or more openings, the cam having a closing surface (56) oriented at least partially downwards, the surface having a length (D2) and a width, such that the length of the cam partially extends through the opening in the front surface of the cover part in a closed position of the packing unit; and - a second closure element configured as a lip or edge (66) having a length (D1) and a width, which extends at least partially inwards from the front surface of the cover part over the length in such a way that the first and second closing elements define a lock (30) for the packaging unit, the second closing element being able to engage with the first closing element, with its length, in a closing state of the packaging unit , characterized in that the ratio between the length of the cam and the length of the second closing element is in the range of 1.25-3.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Packaging unit with closure and method for packing products

The present invention relates to a packaging unit made of molded pasta for products such as eggs and similar products, such as kiwis and tomatoes, for example.

The boxes, containers or carton boxes for eggs, known in practice, are generally made of molded pulp from paper material. Such units comprise a lower part, provided with compartments for individual products, and a cover part that is frequently connected as a hinge to the lower part. Products such as eggs are transported in these units and displayed in supermarket gondolas, for example.

Document DE 20 2013 011 737 U1, which describes a packing unit according to the preamble of claim 1, and document NL 7810282 describe packing units for eggs having a bottom provided with compartments, and a cover part .

During the transport of the packaging units and the stacked presentation of packaging units, the closure provided to secure the cover part to the bottom in the closed position of the packaging unit must be sufficiently stable. In practice, due to the forces acting on the packaging units, wear and production tolerances, etc., the closure is not always sufficiently stable, such that the cover part is not sufficiently locked to the part bottom in the closed position of the packing unit. This can cause damage to the product and even a loss of product during transport and / or storage.

The present invention is intended to obviate or at least reduce the aforementioned problems in known packaging units such as egg boxes or egg cartons.

For this purpose, the present invention provides a packaging unit according to claim 1.

The fact of having a packing unit with a lower part and a cover part allows to transport and display products without damaging them. This is especially relevant in the case of vulnerable products such as eggs. In a preferred embodiment, the cover part is hingedly connected to the lower part on the rear side of the cover. On the front side there is provided a closure comprising a first closure element at the bottom and a second closure element at the cover part.

The first closure element extends upwardly from the bottom, thereby defining a cam structure with a closure plane oriented at least partially downwardly having a length and width. It is preferable that the first closure element is hingedly connected to the bottom and that it is capable of some rotational movement. In the event that the cam is provided with a closed outer contour / surface without openings, the plane corresponds to the closing surface, oriented at least partially downwards of the cam.

When the packing unit is in a closed position, the cam partially extends through an opening provided on the front surface of the cover part. This provides a closure capable of effectively closing the packaging unit according to the invention to prevent unintentional opening of the packaging unit.

To further improve the closure function and increase the stability of the closure during transport and / or storage and / or display, the second closure element, which has a length and width, extends inwardly from the front surface of the cover part in a certain length. This further improves the closing function and more specifically improves the stability of the closure under a set of conditions that involve forces acting on the packaging unit, wear and production tolerances.

The second closure element preferably has the shape of a lip or edge that is preferably provided at or near the lower edge of the opening on the front surface of the cover part. The first and second closure elements are configured in such a way that the closure elements are able to fit between each other in the length of the closure element, more specifically the second closure element is configured in such a way that it is capable of engaging, with its length, to the first closing element in a closing state of the packaging unit. This allows an increase in the effective area of the closure, that is, the surface of the first and second closure elements that can come into contact with each other, thereby improving the safety of the closure. It is preferable that the second closing element comes into contact with the closing plane oriented, at least partially, downward from the first closing element when an upward force is applied to the cover part, without the intention of opening the unit packing This improves the function of the closure and the stability of the packaging unit.

The supply of the second closure element over a certain length improves the stability of the closure. The relationship between the length of the cam and the length of the second closure element is in the range of 1.25-3 mm, preferably in the range of 1.5-2.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 1 , 6-2.2 mm, and especially the

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ratio is about 1.8 mm. By providing the second closure element with a length that extends at least partially in a direction similar to that of the plane, oriented substantially downwards, of the cam at a substantial distance, a better stability for the closure is achieved. This prevents the product from being damaged during transport, storage and display, due to the accidental opening of the packaging unit and that the products located inside are damaged, for example.

It is preferable that the second closure element has a lip or edge shape, a length of about 3.5-8 mm, more preferably, the length is about 5 mm. It is shown that the supply of a significant length, preferably 5 mm, for the second closure element, helps to ensure a sufficient closure function when the packaging unit according to the present invention is used in practice with unfavorable effects. This further improves the stability of the closure of the packaging unit, thereby reducing the risk of damaging products located therein.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the plane of the first closure element is provided with an angle with respect to the horizontal in the range of 3 ° -20 °, preferably in the range of 5 ° -15 °, and it is more preferable that the angle is about 10 °.

By providing the plane or surface, oriented at least partially downwards, of the first closure element in the closed position of the packaging unit at an angle with respect to the horizontal, a self-locking effect is achieved. In this embodiment, the second closing element faces a closing force having a component in a direction towards the inside of the packing unit. This further stabilizes the closure of the packaging unit.

It is preferable that the second closure element is arranged at an angle to the front surface of the cover part in the range of 20 ° to 60 °, preferably in the range of 30 ° to 50 °, being even more preferable that the angle is approximately 40 °. This angle is referred to the front surface of the cover part. In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the first and second closure elements are arranged such that an increasing contact surface between the closure elements is obtained when an ascending force acts on the cover part in case of a unintentional opening of the packaging unit. As a result of such force, the second closure element bends with respect to the front surface of the cover part. The increase in the contact surface increases the resistance of the closing function, thereby improving the stability of the closure.

In a presently preferred embodiment, both the first and second closure elements are provided at their respective angles, and the combination of these two features further improves the stability of the closure beyond the sum of the individual effects.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the front surface of the cover part comprises two parts that are substantially provided one above the other in a vertical direction with an angle between them, where a first bottom part and a second part part above the first part comprising one or more openings in the front surface.

By providing parts of the front surface of the cover part at an angle to each other, a visual effect is achieved, such that a consumer has a good view on the packaging units, or on the stack of packaging units, independently of the position of the consumer with respect to the packaging unit. Furthermore, by having a first lower part of the front surface that extends in a substantially vertical direction and by providing a second part above the first part, wherein the second part comprises the opening that has been provided on the front surface, The blocking capacity is improved against the handling forces acting at various angles on the packaging unit. It is preferable to provide a second part inclined slightly into the front surface so that the contribution of the front surface of the cover part is improved to the correct functioning of the closure. This effect is further enhanced by combining it by providing an angle to the second closing element, as mentioned above, in such a way that the self-locking effect and / or the stability of the closing function is especially reinforced.

In another presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the first closure element is provided with a front surface comprising an embossment.

By providing a relief on the front surface of the first closure element which, in a closed position of the packaging unit extends at least partially through the opening in the front surface of the cover part, the consumer can receive visual information on the egg This visual information may be related to the contents of the packaging unit and / or the indication of a location to open the packaging unit.

In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the packaging unit comprises a label that is provided on the cover part, and the label comprises a cut to allow the first closure element to partially extend through the opening in the front surface of the cover part.

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By providing a cut, incision or groove to the label, the first closure element is capable of extending through the opening in the front surface. The cut may be configured as an opening such that the first closure element extends through the opening on the front surface of the cover part and the label provided thereon. Alternatively, a cut, incision or groove is provided in the form of a groove that allows the first closure element to slightly deform the label. As an optional advantageous effect, information is provided to the consumer that the closure has been correctly implemented. In addition, this provides the consumer with a visual indication of where and how to open the packaging unit.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the cut comprises a curved cut that is configured to allow the cam to partially extend through the opening of the cover part. More specifically, the curved cut is preferably positioned with respect to the cam such that, in a closed position of the packaging unit, the cam defines a panded or deflected part on the label and keeps the cam substantially behind the label as It can be seen in a front view of the packaging unit in a closed position of it. This further strengthens the display area and provides an additional three-dimensional effect on the label. It is preferable that this three-dimensional effect is further enhanced by providing the cam with an egg shape. This is particularly useful in the case of packing egg products for a visual indication for consumers of the products located inside the packaging unit. In addition, the egg-shaped cam redistributes the forces acting on the label in relevant directions such that the risk of the label cracking or breaking when the packaging unit is closed is significantly reduced. In one of the presently preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the curved cut comprises a circular shape with a radius of curvature. Providing a single radius of curvature provides a cut that is well defined and that is capable of redistributing the forces acting on the tag in relevant directions to prevent cracking or tearing of the tag. In an alternative preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the curved cut comprises more than one radius of curvature. Providing more than one bend radius allows providing a cut with any desired length. This provides additional flexibility for the dimensions of the packaging unit.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the first closure element is formed by molding and / or pressing and is provided with a closed surface or with closed outer contour.

By designing the first closure element as a cam that is preferably provided with a nose shape, the first closure element can be formed during the manufacturing process that involves molding and / or pressing. This also allows the first cam-shaped closure element to be provided with a closed surface or with a closed outer contour, that is, substantially without openings in the contact surfaces of the closure. This improves the contact between the plane / surface facing down of the first closing element and the second closing element.

The present invention also relates to a method for packing products similar to eggs, comprising the steps of providing a packaging unit described above, and placing one or more of the products therein.

Said method provides the same effect and the same advantages as those described with respect to the packaging unit. In fact, the method can be used with a large number of different embodiments of the packaging units according to the invention.

Other advantages, features and details of the invention are explained based on preferred embodiments thereof, referring to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the packaging unit in an open position; Figure 2 shows a front view of the packaging unit of Figure 1;

Figures 3A and 3B show a combination of two different embodiments in the double packing unit;

Figure 3C shows a front view of the packaging unit of Figure 1 in an alternative embodiment with two different embodiments in the double packaging configuration;

Figure 3D shows another alternative embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention with two different embodiments in the double packaging configuration;

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the packaging unit of Figures 1-2; and Figure 5 shows a detail of the closure of Figure 4.

A packing unit 2 (Figures 1-2) comprises a first unit 2a and a second unit 2b. Each unit comprises a lower part 4 with a front surface 6, two lateral surfaces 8, a rear side 10 and a lower side 12. In the illustrated embodiment, a cover part 14 is hingedly connected by hinge 16 to the part bottom 4 so as to allow the cover part 14 to move relative to the bottom part 4 between an open position and a closed position. The cover part 14 further comprises a

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front surface 18, two side surfaces 20, a rear side surface 22 and an upper surface 24.

Inside the lower part 4, compartments 26 have been provided to house the products, which have contours that coincide, at least partially, with the outer contours of the products, such as eggs, kiwis and tomatoes, for example. Support cones 28 are provided to add stability and strength to the packing unit 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, connection 32 connects the twin packages 2A, 2B. It will be understood that all the features shown for the double packing configuration 2 can also be used in other configurations, including more conventional packaging units that include a unit comprising 6, 10, 12 or any other number of compartments for housing products such as eggs .

Several alternative embodiments of a packaging unit (Figures 3A and 3B) may be conceived, including a packaging unit 34 which is provided with a label 36, wherein the label 36 comprises a cut 38. The closure 30 may extend through the Cut 38 and / or push part of the tag 36 slightly forward when the packing unit 34 is in a closed position. It will be understood that various forms of cut 38 can be applied, including a groove-shaped cut in a substantially horizontal direction as illustrated in Figure 3A, as well as "U" shaped cuts that allow part of the tag 36 to be slightly pushed up by the closure 30 when the packing unit 34 is in a closed position.

Another alternative embodiment is provided for the packaging unit 40 comprising a label 42, in which there is an opening 44 (Figure 3A). For illustrative purposes, alternative units 34, 40 are shown in a double package. In the alternative unit 40, the front surface of the closure 30 is provided with an embossing 46. The shape of the embossing 46 may be related to the product provided within the packing unit 40, such as an egg shape, or may provide information additional to the consumer, such as where the packaging unit 40 must be opened. Alternative embodiments 134, 140 (Figure 3B) with the closure 130 comprise labels 136, 142 with a cut "138" in the form of "^" and a cut in the form of "+" 138, respectively. It will be understood that other shapes that include U, V, A, and 0 shaped cuts are also possible. In the illustrated embodiments, the cut 138 is made as an incision. Alternatively, the cut 138 can be provided as a cutout, in which some of the label material has been removed.

Alternative packaging unit 202 (Figure 3C) is illustrated in a double packaging configuration. The alternative units 234, 240, given as an illustration, are shown in a double package 202. The unit 234 is provided with the label 236, in which the label 236 comprises the cut 238. The cam 231 of the closure 230 can be extended through of the cut 238 and / or push part of the label 236 slightly forward in the zone 240 when the packing unit 234 is in a closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the area 40 will typically have an egg shape that corresponds to the shape of the cam 231. In the illustrated embodiment, the cut 238 comprises a single radius R1, which extends in height over the distance y1 and in the width direction along the distance d1. It will be understood that various forms of cutting 238 can be applied. Unit 242 is provided with tag 244 comprising alternative cutting 246 with at least two different radii, R2a and R2b, which extend over distances y2 and d2 that define the area 247

Another alternative embodiment for the packing unit 248 comprises the label 250, in which a cut 252 (Figure 3D) has been provided which extends across the distances y3 and d3. The cut 252 is provided at its two ends with cross cuts 254. The cross cuts 254 enlarge the area 256 by increasing the distance and 3 which allows a greater buckling or deviation of the label 250 caused by the cam 231. The unit 258 comprises a tag 260 with a cut 262 having at least two radii, R4a and R4b, and cross cuts 264. Distances y4 and d4 define area 266. For illustrative purposes, alternative units 248, 258 are shown in a package double.

The closure 30 (Figures 4-5) comprises a nose-shaped cam 48 that acts as the first closure element. The cam 48 is arranged on the flap 50 which is hingedly connected by connection 52 to the bottom 4 of the packing unit 2. In the illustrated embodiment, connection 52 is capable of a slight rotational movement A. In the Illustrated embodiment, cam 48 defines a closed outer surface or an outer contour defining a chamber 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the substantially downward oriented surface 56 of cam 48 is a substantially closed surface without openings. In the closed position of the packing unit 2, the cam 48 partially extends through the opening 58 which is arranged on the front surface 18 of the cover part 14. The upper edge 60 of the opening 58 is provided in a small angle and is slightly pushed inwards.

The front surface 18 of the cover part 18 is provided with a lower part 62 which in the closed position of the packing unit 2 extends in a substantially vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment, a second part 64 is provided directly above the first part 62 at an angled inward angle p relative to the vertical 70. The upper edge of the second part 64 defines the lower edge 66 of the opening 58 and acts as the second closing element. The edge or lip 66 of this second closure element extends over a distance D1 and is provided at an angle to the second part 64 of the front surface 18. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface 56 of the cam 48 is arranged at an angle and with respect to the horizontal 68. The

surface 56 extends substantially inwardly in a length D2. In the illustrated embodiment, the length D2 is about twice the length D1 of the lip 66. In the illustrated embodiment a is about 30 °, p is about 5 ° and and is about 12 °. The distance D1 is approximately 5 mm and the distance D2 is approximately 9 to 10 mm. It will be understood that other configurations and 5 dimensions will also be possible in accordance with the present invention.

It will be understood that in a presently preferred embodiment, the lip 66 is provided at a somewhat greater angle with respect to the horizontal 68 compared to the surface 56. When the cover part 14 is raised unintentionally, the lip 66 will contact the surface 56 and the contact surface between the two closing elements 48, 66 will increase with increasing force directed upwards. This improves the stability of the closure 30.

10 When products such as eggs are packed, the products are placed in the compartments 28. In the illustrated embodiment, when the cover part 14 is closed, the closure 30 with the closure elements 48, 66 blocks the packaging unit 2a, 2b . In the illustrated embodiment, in said closed position, the cam 48 partially extends and protrudes through the opening 58 of the front surface 18 of the cover part 14. When the packing unit 2a, 2b, the cam 48 is opened it is slightly pushed in, so that the lip 66 can move upwards. The length D1 of the lip 66 with respect to the length D2 of the surface 56 provides a stable closure 30 in the case of forces that apply an upward direction on the cover 18 when there is no intention of opening the packing unit 2a, 2b.

When the packaging unit 2a, 2b is manufactured, in the illustrated embodiment, a chamber 54 is provided by molding and / or pressing such that the plane 56 preferably provides a closed surface. It will be understood that other alternative configurations according to the invention are also possible.

The present invention is not limited in any way by the preferred embodiments described above. The claimed rights are defined by the following claims within whose scope many modifications can be contemplated.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five 1. Packaging unit (2, 34, 40, 202, 248) made of molded paste for products such as eggs, comprising: - a lower part (4) provided with compartments (28) for individual products; - a cover part (14) comprising upper, front (18) and rear surfaces, wherein the front surface comprises one or more openings (58); - a first closing element that extends upwards from the bottom and which defines a cam (48) which, when the packaging unit is in a closed position, partially extends through one or more openings, the cam having a closing surface (56) oriented at least partially downwards, the surface having a length (D2) and a width, such that the length of the cam partially extends through the opening in the front surface of the cover part in a closed position of the packing unit; Y - a second closure element configured as a lip or edge (66) having a length (D1) and a width, which extends at least partially inwards from the front surface of the cover part over the length such that the first and second closing elements define a lock (30) for the packaging unit, the second closing element being able to engage with the first closing element, with its length, in a closing state of the packaging unit, characterized in that the relationship between the length of the cam and the length of the second closing element is in the range of 1.25-3. 2. Packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the ratio is in the range of 1.5-2.5, preferably in the range of 1.6-2.2, and especially about 1.8 . 3. Packaging unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second closure element has a length of approximately 3.5-8 mm, preferably approximately 5 mm. 4. Packaging unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the plane oriented substantially downwards of the first closure element is arranged at an angle (and) with respect to the horizontal (68) in the range of 3 ° - 20 °, preferably in the range of 5 ° -15 °, and especially is about 10 °. 5. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second closure element is arranged at an angle (a) relative to the front surface (18) of the cover part in the range of 20 ° -60 °, preferably in the range of 30 ° -50 °, and especially is about 40 °. 6. Packaging unit according to claim 5, wherein the first and second closure elements are arranged such that a contact surface between the first and second closure elements increases when an increasing force directed upwardly is applied on the part of cover without opening the packing unit. 7. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface (18) of the cover part comprises two parts (62, 64) that are substantially provided one above the other in the vertical direction at an angle between sf, and a first lower part (62) and a second part (64) disposed above the first part comprise one or more openings in the front surface. 8. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first closure element has a front surface comprising an embossment (46). 9. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a label (36, 42, 136, 142, 236, 244, 250, 260) that is provided on the cover part, wherein the label comprises a cut (38, 138, 238, 246, 252, 262) to allow the first closure element to partially extend through the opening. 10. Packaging unit according to claim 9, wherein the cut comprises a curved cut (238, 246, 252, 262) that is configured to allow the cam to partially extend through the opening in the cover part. 11. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first closure element is formed by molding and / or pressing and is provided with a closed outer surface. 12. Method for packing products such as eggs, comprising the step of providing a packaging unit (2, 34, 40, 202, 248) according to one or more of claims 1-11, and placing one or more of them in the products.