GB2447128A

GB2447128A - Tamper resistant sandwich container

Info

Publication number: GB2447128A
Application number: GB0803288A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Orsman
Original assignee: St Neots Packaging Ltd
Current assignee: St Neots Packaging Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-28
Filing date: 2008-02-22
Publication date: 2008-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-22
Also published as: GB0803288D0; GB2447128B; GB0703862D0

Abstract

A blank for a container for a food product, such as a sandwich, is formed from card or other foldable material. The blank consists of a generally rectangular back wall 4, the two longer sides 6, 6' of which are joined by a hinged fold to at least part of respective side walls 10, 10'. The blank further consists of a generally rectangular base 12, and is able to form an assembled container which is generally triangular prism-shaped. The blank further possesses integral hinge means in the form of a foldable web 14 located between two adjacent walls of the blank. Frangible means 5 for providing a frangible connection between a part 14a of the foldable web 14 and a wall 10' of the blank are also provided. Preferably the frangiable means 5 consists of a readily rupturable attachment between one section of the foldable web 14 and a side wall of the container. The blank may have a window portion. The construction of the foldable web is said to improve the tamper resistance of the container.

Description

1 2447128 Title: Container for Snack Food

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a blank for a container for snack food, the blank being made from paper, cardboard or a similar foldable material; a container formed from the blank; and to a method of making the blank for snack food.

Background of the Invention

The snack food industry has rapidly expanded over recent years due to the increased consumption of pre-prepared and take-away food. Sandwiches are a convenient pre-prepared food which are widely available from various outlets.

One of the problems associated with the preparation and marketing of sandwiches is the relatively short shelf-life of the product. It is important that the sandwiches are as fresh as possible when purchased by the consumer.

In order to increase the shelf-life of the sandwiches, it is necessary to provide a sealed container for the sandwiches. The packaging for sandwiches is often constructed from clear, substantially impermeable, plastics material. Such plastics packaging may be sealed after placing the sandwiches inside the container. The use of plastics material for food packaging usually allows for substantially gas tight sealing of foodstuffs, which prevents the packaged food from dehydrating and preserves freshness. Sandwiches contained in such packaging may have a shelf-life of several days. However, such packaging is usually not biodegradable or recyclable.

An alternative packaging for sandwiches may be prepared from paper or card material, as disclosed in, for example, GB 2,391,212 and WO 02/346299. Such packaging may be sealed to increase the shelf-life of the food within the container. However, such packaging has the disadvantage that it is typically structurally weak. Further, a problem with such packaging is leakage of the sandwich filling. In particular, oily or fatty sandwich fillings (e.g. mayonnaise, butter or the like) may frequently cause the formation of unappetising grease stains on the paper or card packaging. Moreover, existing card packaging allows for gas flow/exchange through the packaging, leading to dehydration and curling of sandwiches.

In various embodiments the present invention aims to overcome or reduce one or more of the aforementioned problems.

W02007/() 12880 discloses a food container made from a foldable bl?nk of card or the Iike -.

which, inter alia, aims to improve the degree of sealing around the packaged foodstuff and hence extend shelf-life. The document discloses a partially assembled container, formed from a blank, the container having triangular side walls and substantially rectangular walls to enable the formation of a generally triangular prism-shaped container with an opening for receiving the food product, with "hinge meazs comprising a first hinge part hingedly connected to a second hinge part" provided between one of the side walls and one of the end walls. The hinge means comprises a large generally rectangular flap which, in the assembled container, overlies an end wall, and a generally triangular flap bisected by a fold line, which flap forms a foldable web of card which, in the assembled container, lies adjacent to one side wall and helps to reduce gas flow through the container.

Whilst a carton of the sort disclosed in W02007/012880 is, in at least one respect, an improvement, in that it allows the packaged foodstuff to retain freshness for longer, it is by no means perfect. In particular the carton, once assembled and the lid closed around the packaged sandwich, is not tamper proof: it is, for example, quite easy to insert a finger or foreign object between the foldable web and the lid of the carton, allowing tampering with and/or contamination of, the packaged sandwich. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention aims to provide a sandwich carton with increased tamper-resistance.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect the invention provides a blank for a container for a food product, such as a sandwich, the blank comprising card or other foldable material and comprising a generally rectangular back wall, the two longer sides of the back wall each being joined by a hinged fold to at least part of respective side walls; and a generally rectangular base; the blank being able to form an assembled container which is generally triangular prism-shaped; the blank further comprising integral hinge means in the form of a foldable web located between two adjacent walls of the blank; and frangible means for providing a frangible connection between a part of the hinge means and a wall of the blank.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a partially assembled container, which takes the form of a blank in accordance with the first aspect defined above, as least partly folded and glued.

The partially assembled container is still substantially flat (for convenient storage) but portions -of the blank overlie other portions. The blank is preferably such that the partial assembly can be effected by processing the blank through automated folding/gluing apparatus, of the sort typically employed in industry. Once partially assembled, the container can easily be opened out into a ready-to-use conformation, simply by pulling or pushing (e.g. pushing at opposed ends of the partially assembled container).

Desirably, the base is attached to a first side wall. In the assembled container the two side walls are each preferably essentially triangular, more especially right-angled triangles, preferably isosceles triangles. In a preferred embodiment, the foldable web (when unfolded) is of substantially similar dimensions to a side wall of the container. In some embodiments, the foldable web is essentially triangular.

On assembly of the container, the foldable web is generally folded about a central fold line to generate two sections. During partial assembly of the container, one of the sections is typically folded onto the other section and a surface of one section is adjacent to the inner surface of a side wall of the container. Conveniently, part of one section may be adhered to the inner surface of a side wall of the container.

The foldable web reduces the flow of gas both into and out of the container to increase the stability and shelf-life of the contents of the container, reducing dehydration of the sandwiches and preserving freshness. In addition, the foldable web prevents or reduces leakage of any fluid or other matter from the container in use.

Desirably, a foldable flap is provided at one edge of one of the sections of the foldable web. In a preferred embodiment, the foldable flap is attached to one edge of one of the sections of foldable web and is folded over the other section of the foldable web. More preferably, the foldable flap is folded over and adhered to the other section of the foldable web. Advantageously, the foldable flap further reduces the flow of air into and out of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the folded flap forms a sort of secondary lid' or closure over the inside edge of the foldable web which, in addition to reducing the flow of air into and out of the container, also renders the container more tamper-proof than other similar designs, such that a finger or narrow foreign object cannot readily be poked into the container between the folded web and the lid.

The frangible means onveniently comprises a readily rupturable attachment between one section of the foldable web and a side wall of the container and/or between one section of the web and the other section of the web. Advantageously the frangible means can be readily ruptured (e.g. by a consumer pulling on the container), allowing the folded web of the container to be unfolded and opened out. This can both facilitate access to, and removal of, the packaged foodstuff when it is to be consumed, and the unfolded web forms an enlarged surface or tray on which the foodstuff can be rested.

In one embodiment, the frangible means is provided on the surface of the foldable web adjacent to the side wall of the container. In another embodiment, the frangible means is provided on the surface of the section of the foldable web which is folded onto the other section of the foldable web. In a further embodiment, the frangible means is provided on both the surface of the foldable web adjacent to the side wall of the container and the surface of the section of the foldable web which is folded onto the other section of the foldable web.

Preferably, the frangible means is adhered to the side wall of the container and/or other surface of the foldable web by means of, for example, cold-melt adhesive or glue.

The frangible means can include any one or more (in any combination) of the following: weakened portions, regions surrounded by perforations and/or the like. In one embodiment, the frangible means comprises a portion of the blank defined by a perforated boundary. This has the advantage that, in the assembled state, the container is secured and held in position by the adhesive, but that when the assembled container is opened from an open state (in which the container is open, but access to the food is relatively limited) to an extended state (in which access to the food is much easier), only that region surrounded by perforations is adhered to the side wall of the container. Conveniently, the frangible means facilitates the opening of the container to form a tray on which, for example, one half of a sandwich may be placed whilst the other half is consumed by a person eating the sandwich.

In a preferred embodiment, part of the foldable web is glued or otherwise adhered to another part of the container (e.g. a side wall or other part of the foldable web) and the area of adherence is circumscribed by a line of performations or other form of weakening. Desirably, the weakened or perforated portion covers a small area of the container. Typically, the weakened or perforated portion has a substantially oval or circular boundary.

In an embodiment, one of the side walls of the container comprises two triangular sections which may be brought into close juxtaposition in the folded conformation to form a side wall. The triangular sections are typically joined by a hinged fold to the back wall and base of the container, respectively. Preferably, the two triangular sections are essentially half the size of the side wall of the container. Conveniently, a foldable flange is provided at one edge of one of the triangular sections. On assembly of the container, the two triangular sections are brought into close juxtaposition to form a side wall and the foldable flange overlaps with and is adhered to a surface of the other triangular section, thus holding the side wall in position. Advantageously, the provision of a foldable flange which overlaps with one of the triangular sections helps to preserve the freshness of the contents of the container.

In other embodiments, the container may be largely as disclosed in W02007/012880, but will additionally comprise the frangible means feature of the present invention.

Desirably the blank of the invention further comprises a generally rectangular lid portion. This may be joined, typically by a hinged fold, to any suitable portion of the blank. Preferably the lid portion is attached by a hinged fold to the longest edge of one of the triangular side walls.

Advantageously the lid comprises a window portion formed from a transparent or translucent material, such that a snack food inside the container can be viewed by a prospective consumer when the container is assembled. A preferred material for the transparent or translucent portion of the lid is a biodegradable substance, such as a cornstarch film. In one embodiment of the present invention, the window portion may extend over substantially the entire length of the lid, although the window portion may cover a shorter length of the lid.

Preferably, the invention provides a container for snack food having a lid comprising a window portion, which window portion comprises a transparent or translucent film which is substantially free of folds and creases, especially transverse folds or creases. This has the advantage of allowing a prospective consumer to see clearly the food inside the container, especially a sandwich filling. In a preferred embodiment, the window portion extends over at least 35% of the area of the lid, more preferably over at least 40% and most preferably over at least 45% of the area of the lid.

Typically, a foldable flange is provided on the outer edges of one or more (preferably all) of the side walls, back wall an4 the base of the container (i.e.. those edges which are not hinged to another part of the packaging). Conveniently in assembling the container, the flanges are folded outwards (away from the body of the container) and the lid may be adhered to flanges, thus forming a seal and closing the snack food container.

In a preferred embodiment, all or at least part of one side of the card or other foldable material (which side forms the inner surface of the assembled container) is provided with a polyethylene coating. When heated, the coating partially melts. Accordingly, the polyethylene-coated card can be heated to seal the lid to the flanged portions of the side and back walls and the base.

In one embodiment, a tab is provided on the lid, preferably at one corner thereof. Conveniently, pressure may be applied to the tab by the consumer to separate the lid from the body of the container, thus opening the container and allowing food to be removed by the consumer.

The container is typically a single use carton and is disposed of after use.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a fully assembled container formed from a blank of the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, a blank or a container in accordance with the present invention consists substantially or entirely of biodegradable material. The container of the present invention is inexpensive and disposable.

Preferably, the snack food container of the present invention is used to hold one or more diagonally cut sandwich slices. Typically, the snack food container is designed to hold two diagonally cut sandwich slices. Alternatively, the snack food container may be designed to hold three or four diagonally cut sandwich slices. The dimensions of the blank can be adjusted in a manner which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sandwich slices may be placed on the inner surface of one of the side walls and the packaging may be folded and assembled around the sandwich. Alternatively, and more preferably, a partially assembled container is opened out into a fully assembled open condition, and a sandwich inserted into the assembled container. In either event, the lid is sealed as a last step, once the sandwich is placed inside the container. This may be done by hand or using automated machinery. ---. -Preferably, the carton is formed form a single blank Advantageously, the container blank may be stored in a flat conformation prior to use, thus ininimising the space required to store the packaging.

In accordance with one embodiment, the outer surface of the packaging may be coloured and/or printed with labelling. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the packaging may be laminated.

The blank of the present invention advantageously provides a substantially sealed container when in an assembled, closed configuration, thereby making it suitable for the storage of food products therein so as to maintain the freshness of the food for an extended time period when compared to existing cartons.

One advantage of the container of the present invention is that it provides, in prefened embodiments, a configuration which lends itself to processing on an automated production line.

More specifically the container can be readily held in an open, assembled configuration, with the lid open, and then transferred to an insertion configuration (in which, for example, a sandwich may more readily be introduced into the container) without requiring any human manipulation.

Typically the container can be held in open, assembled configuration simply by application of gentle pressure, e.g. by holding the container between two pinch belts or rollers. Preferably this pressure is applied to the respective apices of the side walls at or near (i.e. within 3cm, preferably within 2cm, most preferably within 1cm) the point where they contact the back wall and base. This allows one side wall to be readily opened outwards by the simple expedient of a projecting finger or the like, passage of the container past the finger causing a resistance to the advance of the side wall which is forced outwards, opening the container into an insertion configuration.

Desirably, once opened into this insertion configuration, the container may be deposited into another belt or line, preferably having grooves, apertures, recesses or the like being so shaped and dimensioned as to accept the container and retain it in the insertion configuration. The containers are then advanced past a packing station, at which the contents are inserted into the container. This will normally be done by human operatives, but in principle this step too could also be automated.

The container may then be advanced past another fmger or projection to return it to the open assembled configuration, and past a cam, finger or the like to close the lid. With the lid closed, the container may be advanced to a heating station to seal the lid to the rest of the container. In this way, partial opening of the container (to facilitate insertion of the foodstufl) and its closure can be performed in an entirely automated manner.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a blank for a food container, the method comprising the step of forming a blank in accordance with the first aspect, and folding and gluing the blank to form a partially assembled container in accordance with the second aspect. The method may also involve, as an optional further step, opening out the partially assembled container into a fully assembled condition.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be further described by way of illustrative example, and with reference to the following drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container for snack food in accordance with one embodiment of the invention wherein the container is in an open, extended configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a container for snack food in accordance with the same embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 1, wherein the container is in an assembled, open configuration; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container for snack food in accordance with the same embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the container is in an assembled, closed configuration.

Figure 4 shows a blank from which a container for snack food can be formed, which differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.

With reference to Figure 1, a wedge-shaped container for snack food (2) is shown, is an open, extended condition. The container is predominantly made from cardboard and comprises a generally rectangular back wall (4) having two elongate side edges (6,6') and two short edges (8,8'). The elongate side edges (6,6') and short edges (8,8') are approximately 12cm and 7cm in length, respectively. Generally triangular side walls (10,10') are provided. The container also has a base (12), having a length of about 12cm and a width of about 7cm. A foldable web (14) is provided adjacent one corner of the container, between the base and one of the side walls (10) of the container. The foldable web (14) has essentially the same dimensions as the side walls (10,10') of the container.

The triangular side wall (10') is attached to a lid (13) via a fold line provided along the longest edge (11) of the side wall (10'). The longest edge (11) of the side wall (10') is approximately 17cm in length. Flange portions (20, 20', 20") are provided on the outer edges of the side wall (10), back wall (4) and base (12) respectively. In assembling the container, the flanges (20, 20', 20") are folded outwards (i.e. away from the body of the container) and the lid (13) may be adhered to the flanges (20, 20', 20"), thus fonning a seal and closing the container. The flange portions (20, 20', 20") are approximately 1cm wide. Typically this seal is effected using a heat-seal adhesive (e.g. PE or similar material).

During assembly, the foldable web (14) folds about a central fold line to form two sections that project inside the container. One section (14A) of the inner surface of the foldable web (14) is adjacent to the side wall (10) of the container. The outer surfaces of the two sections of the foldable web are folded so as to be adjacent to one another in the assembled container.

A frangible means is provided which takes the form of a region (15) surrounded by perforations formed on section (14A) of the foldable web (14). The region (15) surrounded by perforations is glued to the side wall (10') in the assembled container.

A foldable flap (16) is provided along the edge of one section (14A) of the foldable web (14).

The foldable flap (16) is approximately 8cm in length. Following assembly, the foldable flap (16) is folded over and adhered to the other section (14B) of the foldable web (14).

One side of the card blank (which forms the inner surface of the assembled container) is V provided with a polyethylene coating. After assembly, the region of the container wherein the lid (13) is in contact with the flanges (20, 20', 20") is heated to partially melt the polyethylene coating such that the lid (13) is adhered to the flanges (20, 20', 20"), therefore closing and sealing the container.

The lid (13) is provided with a window portion (22) formed from a transparent or translucent material, such as a cornstarch film. The transparent film protects the contents of the packaging whilst allowing a prospective consumer to view the interior of the container.

The container is ideally suited to holding a diagonally cut sandwich, wherein two parts of a sandwich are placed next to each other within the packaging. The dimensions of the assembled container (and hence of the unfolded blank) are selected to accommodate the sandwich. The sandwich is placed onto the inner surface of one of the side walls and the packaging is assembled by folding along the relevant fold lines. The packaging is then sealed and the enclosed sandwich is then placed on display for sale.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wedge-shaped container for snack food in an assembled, open configuration. Common reference numerals denote the same components illustrated in Figure 1. The container is formed from a blank and when assembled, the foldable web is folded about a central fold line to form two sections, such that the inner surface of one section is adjacent to the inner surface of one of the side walls of the container, and the outer surface of the two sections of the first foldable flap are adjacent to one another. The foldable web reduces the flow of gas into and out of the container to keep the contents of the container fresh and increase the shelf-life thereof.

The foldable flap is folded over the edge of one section of the first foldable flap and is secured in position to further minimise gas flow within the container.

The region (15) surrounded by perforations provided on the foldable web is adjacent and adhered to the inner surface of one of the side walls of the container when the container is in the assembled configuration. The region surrounded by perforations is oval in shape and small in area, such that when assembled, the first foldable flap is adhered to the side wall, but when the container is opened out to the extended state, only the region surrounded by perforations remains adhered to the side wall, therefore facilitating the opening of the container.

The container is provided with a lid (13). Foldable flanges (20, 20' 20") are provided on the outer edges of the side wall (10), back wall (4) and flap (12). In assembling the container, the flanges (20, 20', 20") are folded outwards.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a snack food container in an assembled, closed configuration.

Like components are denoted by the same reference numerals as the preceding drawings. One side of the card (which forms the inner surface of the container) is provided with a polyethylene coating. Once assembled, the region of the container wherein the lid (13) is in contact with the flanges (20, 20', 20") is heated sufficiently to cause the polyethylene coating to partially melt such that the lid (13) is adhered to the flanges (20, 20', 20"), thus closing and sealing the container.

The container shown in the drawings may conveniently be transferred between an open, assembled configuration and an insertion configuration in an automated maimer. For example, the container may be held in a first conveyance between two pinch belts or rollers which pinch the side walls near their respective apices or near the point where they contact the back wall and base, with the lid (14) open, the aperture of the container preferably facing upwards or towards the direction of travel of the container (or at an intermediate position therebetween). A finger or projection contacting the side wall (10) to open outwards as the container advances, typically causing the side wall (10) and attached flap 12' to rotate through approximately 900, causing the container to adopt an insertion configuration.

Conveniently, the container may at this juncture be transferred to a second belt or other conveyance, typically situated below the pinch belts or rollers and running at an angle thereto (e.g. perpendicular). Advantageously the container is dropped or deposited onto the second belt or other conveyance, which is preferably provided with a plurality of grooves, apertures, recesses or the like which are so shaped and dimensioned so as to accept a container and retain it in the insertion configuration. In this configuration the container is advanced past a packing station at which a sandwich or other snack food is placed into the container. Advancement of the container past further suitably positioned fingers or projections: returns the container to the open, assembled configuration; and closes the lid. The lid is then heat-sealed to the rest of the container at a sealing station.

Figure 4 shows a blank from which a wedge-shaped container for snack food may be formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. One of the side walls comprises two triangular sections (24, 24') which may be brought into close juxtaposition in the folded conformation to form the side wall. The triangular sections (24, 24') are joined by a hinged fold to the base (12) and back wall (4) respectively. A foldable flange (26) is provided at one edge of one of the triangular sections (24). On assembly of the container, the two triangular sections (24, 24') are brought into close juxtaposition and the foldable flange (26) is adhered to a surface of the other triangular section (24'), thus holding the side wall in position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the "handedness" of the blank illustrated in the drawings may be reversed without substantially affecting the invention. Arrangements which allow for automated handling and processing of the blank are preferred. For example, in Figure 4, panel 10' and lid 13 could be transposed with foldable web 14; and/or panels 24 and 24' could be transposed, etc.

Claims

Claims I. A blank for a container for a food product, such as a

sandwich, the blank comprising card or other foldable material and comprising a generally rectangular back wall, the two longer sides of the back wall each being joined by a hinged fold to at least part of respective side walls; and a generally rectangular base; the blank being able to form an assembled container which is generally triangular prism-shaped; the blank further comprising integral hinge means in the form of a foldable web located between two adjacent walls of the blank; and frangible means for providing a frangible connection between a part of the hinge means and a wall of the blank.
2. The blank of claim 1, wherein the base is generally rectangular and is attached to a first side wall.
3. The blank of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the assembled container the two side walls are each substantially triangular.
4. The blank of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the foldable web, when unfolded, is of substantially similar dimensions to a side wall of the container.
5. The blank of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the foldable web is essentially triangular.
6. The blank of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein on assembly of the container, the foldable web is generally folded about a central fold line to generate two sections.
7. The blank of claim 6, wherein during assembly, one of the sections is folded onto the other section and a surface of one section is adjacent to the inner surface of a side wall of the container.
8. The blank of claim 6 or 7, wherein part of one section is adhered to the inner surface of a side wall of the container.
9. The blank of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a foldable flap is provided at one edge of one of the sections of the foldable web, and improves the tamper-resistance of the assembled container.
10. The blank of claim 9, wherein the foldable flap is foldable over the other section of the foldable web.
11. The blank of claim 9 or 10, wherein the foldable flap is folded over and adhered to the other section of the foldable web.
12. The blank of any one of the preceding claims wherein the frangible means comprises a readily mpturable attachment between one section of the foldable web and a side wall of the container and/or between one section of the foldable web and the other section of the foldable web.
13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the frangible means is provided on the surface of the foldable web adjacent to a side wall of the container.
14. The blank of claim 12, wherein the frangible means is provided on the surface of the section of the foldable web which is folded onto the other section of the foldable web.
15. The blank of claim 12, wherein the frangible means is provided on both the surface of the foldable web adjacent to a side wall of the container and on the surface of the section of the foldable web which is folded onto the other section of the foldable web.
16. The blank of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the frangible means is adhered to the side wall of the container and/or other surface of the foldable web by means of cold-melt adhesive or glue.
17. The blank of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the frangible means covers a small area of the container, within the range 0. 5 cm2 -6cm2.
18. The blank of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the frangible means has a substantially circular boundary.
19. The blank of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the side walls of the container comprises two triangular sections which are brought into close juxtaposition in the assembled conformation to form a side wall.
20. The blank of claim 19, wherein a foldable flange is provided at one edge of one of the triangular sections and wherein, on assembly of the container, the two triangular sections are brought into close juxtaposition to form a side wall and the foldable flange overlaps with and is adhered to a surface of the other triangular section, thus holding the side wall in position.
21. The blank of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a generally rectangular lid portion.
22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the lid is joined by a hinged fold, to any suitable portion of the blank.
23. The blank of claim 21 or 22, wherein the lid portion is attached by a hinged fold to the longest edge of one of the triangular side walls.
24. The blank of any one of claims 21, 22 to 23, wherein the lid comprises a window portion formed from a transparent or translucent material.
25. The blank of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a foldable flange is provided on the outer edges of one or more of the side walls, back wall and the base of the container.
26. The blank of claim 25, wherein in assembling the container, the flanges are folded outwards, away from the body of the container, and the lid is adhered to flanges, thus forming a seal and closing the snack food container.
27. The blank of any one of the preceding claims, wherein all or at least part of one side of the card or other foldable material is provided with a polyethylene coating.
28. The blank of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein a pull tab is provided on the lid to facilitate opening of the container.
29. A container formed from a blank in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
30. The container in accordance with claim 29, wherein the container consists substantially or entirely of biodegradable material.
31. The container in accordance with claim 29 or 30, wherein the container provides, in preferred embodiments, a configuration which lends itself to processing on an automated production line where the container can be readily held in an open, assembled configuration, with the lid open, and then transferred to an insertion configuration (in which, for example, a sandwich may more readily be introduced into the container) without requiring any human manipulation.
32. The container in accordance with any one of claims 29-31 in a partially assembled state, being substantially flat, partly folded and glued.
33. A container as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
34. A blank as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.