GB2417481A

GB2417481A - Packaging element for supporting a container

Info

Publication number: GB2417481A
Application number: GB0418832A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Arthur Ginns
Original assignee: COMPAKTA
Current assignee: COMPAKTA
Priority date: 2004-08-23
Filing date: 2004-08-23
Publication date: 2006-03-01
Also published as: GB0418832D0

Abstract

An elongate container such as a coffin or casket (1) assembled from sheet material, such as cardboard, has a supporting member (20) folded from a blank of sheet material. An inner part of the container (1) may be formed from a blank of sheet material so as to provide two strengthening elements, which strengthen said container against outward bowing of said container, each strengthening element comprising a substantially triangular element in cross-section. The supporting member (20) may be attached to the container (1) by tabs (50,51) cooperating with slots.

Description

1 2417481

PACKAGING ELEMENT AND CONTAINER WITH SAME

The invention relates to a container, and a base part of a container, particularly to a container such as a coffin or casket assembled from sheet material, such as cardboard.

Conventional coffins and caskets are made of metal, wood or manmade boards such as chipboard or medium density fibreboard. Recent interest in and concern for the environment has prompted development of coffins which are made from more sustainable resources and which have less impact upon the environment when manufactured, and when cremated or buried. Cardboard coffins generally fulfil these criteria in that they are easily and rapidly manufactured from largely recycled board and emit less toxic gases and particulates when cremated than many traditional materials. When buried they decompose rapidly, allowing re-use of the ground more quickly than conventional coffins. They may also be of particular use in disaster situations where rapid manufacture and supply at short notice and ease of transport and storage are required.

However, certain cardboard coffins proposed hitherto have suffered from compatibility issues and have not been widely accepted.

In use cardboard coffins to be cremated are loaded into crematoria. The process of loading is known as "charging". The charging mechanism consists of a series of rollers or a continuous metal conveyor taking the coffin into the cremator. Cardboard coffins proposed hitherto have generally suffered from incompatibility with certain crematoria in particular in situations where the coffin base is wider than the rollers installed at certain crematoria. The incompatibility causing jamming, edge damage to the coffin container and binding of the mechanism.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a packaging element of an elongate container, the element being formed from a blank of sheet material folded to provide the packaging element, the packaging element defining when folded a supporting member which supports said container.

Preferably the strengthening element or member comprises a substantially triangular element in cross-section.

Preferably the packaging element is an element being formed from a blank which has eight fold lines in two sets of four whereby to provide from one lateral edge to the other, nine panels, eight of which provide two strengthening members, which strengthen the packaging element and are adapted to obviate outward bowing.

In particular the packaging element is an under base section of an elongate container or coffin or casket which raises the coffin up to obviate jamming of the coffin in situations where the coffin base is wider than the rollers installed at certain crematoria.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate container comprising a plurality of container parts, each container part assembled from a blank of sheet material, each blank being foldable to provide the individual container part, one container part at least defining when folded a packaging element. In particular the elongate container, or coffin, includes an under base section.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided an inner container part of an elongate container, the part being formed from a blank of sheet material and being foldable to provide the inner container part, said inner container part being so formed as to provide two strengthening elements, which strengthen said container against outward bowing of said container, each strengthening element further comprising a region for accommodating a section of a packaging element.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an inner container part of an elongate container, the part being formed from a blank of sheet material having fold lines about which the blank is folded to provide the inner container part, the inner container part being formed from a blank which has six fold lines in two sets of three whereby to provide one lateral edge to the other seven panels, three of which are superimposed to provide three layers at a base of said elongate container, and four of which provide two strengthening elements, which strengthen said container against outward bowing of said container, each strengthening element comprising a substantially triangular element in cross-section, each strengthening element further comprising a region for accommodating a section of a packaging element.

In particular the elongate container, or coffin, may include an inner container section with accommodation for an under base section.

The container, container part and packaging element (under base section) of the invention are all relatively simple to construct from a blank, and yet are effective. The same simplicity of construction applies to the strengthening or supporting members with substantially triangular features in cross-section. The blanks may be cardboard. Other materials may be used for example plastic.

Suitably, the container may be a coffin or casket. The construction of the present invention is particularly advantageous and leads to easy assembly, there being no cuts or gaps, the whole coffin or casket being assembled by folding the plurality of blanks.

Any suitable container and inner container part may be incorporated with the present invention.

A container or inner container part coffin suitable for use and suitable for adaption for use with the packaging element or under base section of the present invention is described in related patent GB2346137. GB2346137 describes how further blanks may be used and may be folded about their respective fold lines to define for example a lid for the elongate container or a cradle for an item to be contained in the container.

Advantageously the under base section disclosed provides a relatively simple yet sturdy base of the container which raises the container or coffin above the rollers ensuring that smooth charging is possible and avoiding the coffin getting jammed or caught on the roller ends.

The container parts, including the under base or lower base section provide for a modular construction, which is relatively simple in providing elements of the coffin container. The lower base section may be received and slotted in connection with another container part. This provides for simplicity of manufacture and assembly, and increases strength and structure integrity.

The outer walls of the container provide a smooth or "clean" exterior.

The under base section may include a flap portion connected thereto by a hinge line, and said flap portions may be insertable into the elongate coffin container and may be further accommodated in an inner part of the coffin container. This construction allows for positive engagement of the under base section with the elongate coffin container.

The outer walls of the container may comprise carrying means. This permits ease of manipulation, carrying and general handling of the container, particularly when laden.

The carrying means may comprise push-in tabs which define orifice for providing hand grips, or alternatively the carrying means may comprise separate handles. A panel or other material, such as wood may be inserted into the strengthening element for use with or as handles for the container.

The handles may each comprise a back plate and a flexible loop.

The blanks may comprise foldable creasable material such as cardboard blanks, particularly corrugated cardboard or multi-ply cardboard.

The cardboard of the blanks may be impervious to body fluid and may be resistant to passing of body fluids. This prevents leakage until the coffin is cremated or buried.

A container in the form of a coffin and blanks used in the assembly thereof, including the lower base section, are diagrammatically shown by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is an end view from the outside of a prior art coffin loaded onto a crematoria charging mechanism; Figure 2 a plan view from the outside of a blank for assembly to provide a packaging element (lower base section) of a coffin according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a coffin provided with slots for use with an assembled lower base section of Figure 2, Figure 3 also shows, in reduced scale an inner container part (inner support) according to the invention for connection to the assembled lower base constructed from a blank according to Figure 2; Figure 4 is an end view of a coffin assembled with a lower base section according to the invention; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the coffin of the present invention, including an inner container part of the present invention with an accommodation region and the lower base section of Figure 2 (when assembled in use); Figure 6 shows a cross- sectional view from the line X to X shown on Figure 2 the view is taken of the lower base section of Figure 2 when assembled in use.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a packaging element 10 of an elongate container 1, the element being formed from a blank of sheet material folded to provide the packaging element 10, the packaging element defining when folded a supporting member which supports said container 1.

The container and the embodiment of a container or casket 1 shown in the figures comprise a plurality of container parts, one container part at least defining when folded a lower base section with a connecting element which engages the container and raises the container.

The coffin or casket 1 may comprise a plurality of container parts assembled from a blank of sheet material as described in GB2346137.

Figure 2 shows a blank 10 of sheet material with a set of fold or hinge lines impressed into it to create discrete panels so that when the panels are folded in turn as required, a lower base section 100 is provided.

Referring to Figure 4 the lower base section 100 is shown in use. Construction of the lower base section is effected by folding over panels A to E and A' to E', in turn to provide mirror image, similarly longitudinally extending strengthening members 20 of substantially triangular cross section. The substantially triangular, when folded, strengthening members are shown in cross section in Figure 6. In use, panel D is folded upwardly and inwardly in the direction of the base panel E at crease line d. Panel C is folded at crease line c, the folding is downwardly and inwardly in the direction of the base panel E. In cross section panel D forms one side of a triangle with panel C and panel E forming the other sides of the triangle. Panel B is folded at crease line b inwardly from panel C and when folded panel B is arranged to lay on the base panel E. Panel A is folded at crease line a upwardly away from panel E and inwardly in a direction towards, folded panel B. When folded panel A is arranged to lay against panel D. Referring to Figure 6 the cross sectional view shown illustrates folded panels A-E, and also folded panels A'-E' folded at respective crease lines a', b', c', d' and e' in a similar manner to the folding of panels A-E described above. By the folding of panels A'- E' in turn at respective crease lines a', b', c', d' and e' a substantially triangular cross sectional strengthening member is assembled. The substantially triangular strengthening member formed by folding panels A'-E' is a mirror-image (along a mirror line running longitudinally from Y'-Y' in Figure 2) of the strengthening member formed by folding panels A-E.

Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4 and tabs 50- 54. Construction of tabs 50 and 51 of the lower base section is effected by folding panels P. Q and R and P', Q' and R' in turn to provide similar tabs 50 and 51. In use, panel P is folded at crease line p inwardly towards panel E and when folded panel P is arranged to lay on base panel E. Panel P is secured by engagement of a flange portion with a cut hole in panel Q. Panel Q is folded at crease line Q upwardly away from panel E and inwardly in a direction towards centre line Y-Y' In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, 3 and 4 panel Q is part of panel D and is folded at crease line q as part of the construction of the lower base section 100. It will be understood that other embodiment of the invention may not require tabs constructed or formed that way. R can be folded additionally at crease line r.

Panels P', Q' and R' are folded at respective crease lines p', q' and r' in a similar manner to the folding of panels P. Q and R described above. By the folding of panels P', Q' and R' in turn at respective crease lines p', q' and r' a tab 51, upstanding from base panel E, is assembled. The tab formed by folding panels P. Q and R is a mirror-image (along a mirror line running longitudinally from Y'-Y' in Figure 2) of the tab 50 formed by folding panels P', Q' and R'.

In use slots 30 cut into the base of coffin container 1 receive tabs 5054, when in use in combination with assembled lower base section 100.

Panels T and S of tab 50 and panels T' and S' of tab 51 can be folded respectively at crease lines t and s and lines t' and s' as required in order to be received through assembled lower base section 100 and in order to provide for effective engagement with lower base section 100. In use with inner container part 200 panels T and S of tab 50 are accommodated in space 40 in the inner container part 200.

Tabs 53 and 53 (54 not shown) are formed in a similar manner to forming tabs 50 and 51 and the forming of tabs 53 and 54 will not be further described herein.

Considering the under base section: it is comprised of an outer part, which folds around and locks into a strengthening piece (Inner Support). This strengthening piece consists of a comparatively thick board which is folded into two triangular sections along the length of the coffin base and which lock into each other.

This inner support does not need to extend to the full length of the coffin base. If it extends only as far as the outer limits of the handle slots then a significant amount of board cost is saved together with the possibility of a smaller cutting formed size being used, all without an appreciable loss of strength.

By removing this section of board, a space is created between the top of the lower section of the outer base part and the base of the inner tray section (cradle). This space is then available for the insertion of locking flaps or tabs for a new under base section protruding through slots cut into the present outer base section.

These slots are perforated by machine and not cut out completely, thus leaving the possibility of them remaining in place as blanking pieces if the under base section is not required, or being pushed out by hand if it is so required.

The new under base section is to provide lift to the coffin; to clear it from the sides of the conveyor or rollers and would need to be a minimum of 3 cm in height, together with a small margin to allow for clearance. This under base section would also have the advantage of allowing an operative's fingers access under the base section to lift the coffin if handles are not fitted, as is the case in some circumstances.

The under base section comprises a single sheet of board, cut and creased to form two support sections, almost a mirror image of those comprising the inner support. These are set from the lower edge of the base section to hide it from general view. Thus ensuring that it does not require decoration, and to give the necessary strength longitudinally.

Also, having been formed from a single sheet of board, the shape at the case where it contacts the surface it sits on gives strength by holding the two triangular sections in place across the width.

This sheet of board has slots cut to allow tabs formed from this board to egress from the upper edge of this board into the coffin base section, locking it into place and imparting strength to the lower base piece by reducing the amount of lateral movement due to weight in the base. The under base section may also be glued to the base section.

The invention provides for and enables the construction of a specific base shape and size to allow charging of a coffin into certain crematoria. The charging mechanism into a creator includes a series of rollers or a continuous metal conveyor. The coffin base section travels on the series of rollers or conveyor and is transported into the cremator, thus keeping stairwell away from the heat source in the creator.

In situations where the coffin base is wider than the rollers or conveyor provided, jamming, edge damage and binding of the mechanism can occur. The width of the coffin is required to ensure that a normal size body will fit into the coffin. The specific lower base section provided allows charging of such coffins into crematoria with rollers or conveyors that are less wide than the base of the coffin. The lower base is provided with an additional base section used if required so that the coffin is assembled without the lower base section so as to remain suitable for those crematoria whose cremators require a flat under surface for charging.

It is necessary to preserve the present weight bearing capacity of the coffin, provide a base strong enough for its purpose and minimise the further use of board because of costs.

Other designs have a lozenge-shaped base, which accommodates the rollers or conveyors whilst allowing for a larger body width. However, they do not have the facility to allow for either type of cremator charging system, and the lozenge shape compromises the strength of the base. The design of the invention advantageously utilises strengthening elements adapted for supporting the coffin in restricted crematoria conditions.

Claims

1. A packaging element of an elongate container, the element being formed from a blank of sheet material folded to provide the packaging element, the packaging element defining when folded about its respective fold lines a supporting member which supports said container.

2. A packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the supporting member includes a strengthening member adapted to obviate outward bowing of the packaging element.

3. A packaging element according to claim 2, the strengthening member comprising a substantially triangular member in cross section.

4. A packaging element according to claim 3, the supporting member comprising two said triangular members at lateral sides of the supporting member.

5. A packaging element according to any of claims 2 to 4, the element being formed from a blank which has eight fold lines in two sets of four whereby to provide from one lateral edge to the other, nine panels, eight of which provide two said strengthening members.

6. A packaging element according to claim 5, at least one panel of the packaging element including a flap portion connected thereto by a hinge line, said flap portion being insertable into said elongate container.

7. A packaging element according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the strengthening member(s) include(s) support means for the container.

8. A packaging element according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging element is an under base section of said elongate container.

9. An elongate container comprising a plurality of container parts, each container part assembled from a blank of sheet material, each blank being foldable to provide the individual container part, one container part at least defining when folded a packaging element according to any preceding claim.

10. An elongate container according to claim 9, the container and the packaging element having locking means for locking them together.

An elongate container according to claim 10, the locking means comprising flap portions.

12. An elongate container according to claim 10 or 11, the locking means comprising tab means and slots which are interengageable.

13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the tab means and slots are releasably interengageable.

14. An elongate container according to claims 12 or 13, the tab means being on the packaging element and the slots being in the elongate container.

15. An elongate container according to any of claims 9 to 14, the outer walls of the container comprising carrying means.

16. A container according to claim 15, the carrying means comprising pushin tabs which define orifices for providing hand grips.

17. A container according to claim 15, the carrying means comprising separate handles.

18. A container according to claim 17, the handles each comprising a back plate and a flexible loop.

19. A container according to any of claims 9 to 18, the container being a coffin or casket.

20. An inner container part of an elongate container, the part being formed from a blank of sheet material and being foldable to provide the inner container part, so as to provide two strengthening elements, which strengthen said container against outward bowing of said container, each strengthening element comprising a substantially triangular element in cross-section, each strengthening element further comprising a region for accommodating a section of a packaging element.

21. A container part according to claim 20, wherein the accommodating region accommodates one or more packaging elements of any of claims 1 to 8.

22. A container part according to claim 21, adapted to accommodate a flap portion of a said packaging element of any of claims 1 to 8.

23. An elongate container according to claim 9, further comprising an inner container part according to any of claims 20 to 22.

24. An elongate container, container part or blank according to any preceding claim, the material comprising cardboard.

25. An elongate container, container part or blank according to claim 24, the cardboard being corrugated or multi-ply cardboard.

26. An elongate container, container part or blank according to claim 24 or claim 25, the cardboard being impervious to body fluids or being partly plastic or plastic coated.

27. An elongate container, container part, or blank substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. An inner container part of an elongate container, the part being formed from a blank of sheet material having fold lines about which the blank is folded to provide the inner container part, the inner container part being formed from a blank which has six fold lines in two sets of three whereby to provide one lateral edge to the other seven panels, three of which are superimposed to provide three layers at a base of said elongate container, and four of which provide two strengthening elements, which strengthen said container against outward bowing of said container, each strengthening element comprising a substantially triangular element in cross-section, each strengthening element further comprising a region for accommodating a section of a packaging element.