GB2194220A

GB2194220A - Packaging system

Info

Publication number: GB2194220A
Application number: GB08719719A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Hugh Bruce
Original assignee: PLASBOARD PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: PLASBOARD PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1986-08-21
Filing date: 1987-08-20
Publication date: 1988-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2007-08-20
Also published as: GB8719719D0; GB8620306D0; GB2194220B

Abstract

A system e.g. for transporting fish packed with ice comprises a watertight outer box 1 into which a polystyrene inner box 3 having a raised water permeable floor 6 is fitted. Below this floor 6 a number of perforated plastics material bags 8 are positioned. The bags 8 contain a liquid absorbing material which absorbs water which drains from the product. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Packaging system This invention relates to a packaging system.

The invention has especial, but not exclusive, use in transportation of food products.

There are stringent regulations in force relating to air freighting of fresh food products such as fish, when ice is used to preserve the product during transit. These regulations seek to ensure that no water leakage. occurs from the containers used in transporting the product. Previously proposed containers have not been entirely effective in preventing water leakage.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the disadvantages of hitherto proposed containers.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging system for use in transporting products packed with ice, comprising a container, and means within the container for supporting a product spaced above a base of the container, wherein a liquid absorbing material is provided in the container below the product support means for absorbing liquid which drains from the product.

Preferably, the liquid absorbing material is contained within a liquid permeable bag.

Most preferably, the liquid permeable bag is a perforated plastics material bag.

Preferably also, the liquid absorbing material is a polyacrylamide material.

Preferably also, the container is a liquid tight polypropylene material fold-flat box.

Preferably also, the product support means is a polystyrene material member for fitment in the container and having a raised liquid permeable floor below which the liquid absorbing material is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging system for transporting products at low temperature comprising a container for a product, and liquid absorbing means for insertion in the container, wherein the liquid absorbing means is freezable before insertion in the container to provide means for decreasing the temperature in the container.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a packaging system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a product support means of the packaging system of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated one embodiment of a packaging system for use in transporting products which require to be packed with ice as a preservative, in particular food products such as fresh fish.

The packaging system illustrated comprises a container in the form of an outer box 1 which is of a polypropylene material fold flat construction stapled together to form a watertight casing. A similarly constructed lid 2, which is also watertight, is provided for the outer box 1.

Fig. 2 illustrates a product support means formed of an inner box 3 having a close fitting lid 4. The box 3 and lid 4 are both of an expanded polystyrene material and are a close fit within the outer box 1. The inner box 3 has downwardly extended sides 5 which provide the box 3 with a raised floor 6. Thus when the inner box 3 is inserted in the outer box 1 a compartment 7 is formed beneath the floor 6 of the box 3. A number of drain holes 9 are also provided in the box 3.

A number of polythene bags 8 each containing a quantity of polyacrylamide material are placed in the compartment 7. The bags 8 are each provided with perforations which are large enough to allow water to enter the bags 8 but not so large as to allow the polyacrylamide material to come out.

The packaging system may be used in, for example, air frieght transporation of fresh salmon and other sea foods. A quantity of fresh salmon 10 is placed on the floor 6 of the inner box 3 and a volume of ice 11 is laid on top of the salmon 10. The amount of ice 11 used determines the number of bags 8 of polyacrylamide material required and these are placed in the base of the outer box 1.

The inner box 3 containing the salmon 10 and ice 11 is then placed in the outer box 1 and the inner box 3 is closed with the lid 4.

The lid 2 is then positioned to close the outer box 1 and either tied or taped in position.

During transportation, the ice 11 gradually melts and the resultant water produced drains through the drain holes 9 into the compartment 7 to be absorbed by the polyacrylamide material in the bags 8. There is thus no accumulation of water in the outer box 1 which ensures that there is a minimum risk of any leakage.

The inner box 3 may be provided with or without the extended sides 5 and drain holes 9. Instead of using ice 11 a number of the bags 8 containing the polyacrylamide material can be filled with water and then frozen to form an ice pack which can then be used instead of loose ice in a box 3 which has no raised floor 6 or drain holes 9.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example the size or shape of the boxes can be varied as necessary to make the system suitable for use in other applications for transporting any product with which problems arise due to water accumulation during transit.

Claims

1. A packaging system for use in transporting products packed with ice comprising a container, and means within the container for supporting a product spaced above a base of the container, wherein a liquid absorbing material is provided in the container below the product support means for absorbing liquid which drains from the product.

2. A packaging system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the liquid absorbing material is contained within a liquid permeable bag.

3. A packaging system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the liquid permeable bag is a perforated plastics material bag.

4. A packaging system as claimed in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the liquid absorbing material is a polyacrylamide material.

5. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the container is a liquidtight polypropylene material fold flat box.

6. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the means for supporting a product is a polystyrene material member for fitment in the container and having a raised liquid permeable floor.

7. A packaging system as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the polystyrene material member is in the form of a box, having a closeable lid, for fitment within the container.

8. A packaging system for transporting products at low temperature comprising a container for a product, and liquid absorbing means for insertion in the container, wherein the liquid absorbing means is freezable before insertion in the container to provide means for decreasing the temperature in the container.

9. A packaging system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.