GB2511560A - Improved Packaging and Method of Opening - Google Patents

Abstract

A confectionery packaging comprises a first preformed part 20 and a second part 30 which are sealed together around the confectionary 12 at flanges 26, 36 which extend away from main surfaces (22 figure 1) of each part, the main surfaces conforming to the shape of the confectionery; a portion of at least one of the flanges is arranged to contact a linear plane when a portion of the main surface of one of the parts also contacts the linear plane. A confectionery packaging comprises a first preformed part 20 and a second part 30 which are sealed together around the confectionary 12 at flanges 26, 36 which extend away from main surfaces (22 figure 1) of each part, the main surfaces conforming to the shape of the confectionary; the flanges on each part are brought together at a plane which extends at an angle to the major/minor axis of the confectionary. The flanges may be arranged to provide a gripping portion 40 so a user can apply a separating force to the flanges. The flanges may be joined in a plane which is substantially planar, arcuate or wavy in at least one, or both axes.

Description

Improved Packaginçj and Method of Opening The present invention relates to food packacing for confectionery or the like and in particular. although not exclusively. to packaging that conforms to the shape of the packaged product such as packaging for confectionary eggs.

Confectionery eggs are often vwapped in a fo wrapper that conforms to the shape of the packaged confectionery egg. Here a rectangular fo sheet with graphics and the like printed on the outer side is wrapped around a confectionery egg to provide a protective harder and maintain the confectIonery egg ri a hygienic condition ready for consumption, The foil is easHy malLeable so forms a ciose contour around the confeotionary egg so that the packaged confectionery egg substantially maintains its outer proffie. Because the foil is wrapped around the confectionery egg, it is not possible to provide a continuous graphic on the packaged product. Furthermore, the appearance of the packaged product h not always repeated. That fti, the graphics on the outer surface of the fou can form differently from one production line to the naxt and even between packaged confectionery eggs on the same production line.

in use, the foil wrapped confectionery eggs can be sold individually from containers in which loose tilled confectionery eggs are stored. Typically, the confectionery eggs will be stacked randomly on top of each other given the nonstacking shape. Once purchased, a consumer unwraps the packaged confectionery egg from the foil wrapper to consume the confectionery egg. The foil wrapper is able to he unwrapped because the packaging process does riot soS the edges of the foil. The consumer therefore simply peels back an edge of the foil wrapper to begin opening. This openfttg procedure does not provide for a tamper evident ackaging. That is, because the foil wrapper can ha redosed to substantiafly its original position, it is not possible for a consumer to know if the packaging has been tampered with, foflowing dispatch from the confectionery plant.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. ft is a. further aim to provide a packaging and packaging method that may aliow a packaging to conform to the shape of the packaged product whilst still providing a tamper evident closure and additionally or alternatively an improved graphical consistency on the outer surface of the packeged product. It is a further aim to provide an improved method of opening a packaging that conforms to the shape of the packaged product, with a particular aim being to allow a user to consume the nroduct with reduced direct handling of the product.

Other aims include providing a packaging for a nonstahle shaped product having improved ease of display and handling as well as providing an element of fun and playfulness to the packaging and opening method.

According to the present invention mere is provided a conFectionery packaging, a method of packaging a confectionery product, and a method of opening said ciectiorery packaging as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention wH be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

S

According to the exemplary embodiments, a confectionery packaging is provided that is ideafly suited to packaging shaped products and in particular, shaped products such as eggs or ovoid or cylinders or complex shapes including the same whose shape does not offer a natural stability. That is, shapes that are prone to rolling or tipping or the like, The exemplary embodiments could even he applied to more stable. geometric shapes like bars where 1 is desirable to stand the product on a thin or narrow edge. Consequently. alihouph hers-in, the exemplary embodiments will be described with relerence to packaging an egg-shaped product, other shapes are envisaged and the reader will understand that the packaging can be resdfly adopted to suit other shapes by changing the shape of the packaging. n each embodiment, man surfaces of the packaginq are shaped so that the formed Internal apace conforms to the shape and size of the packaged product, Here, the internal volume may he less than 115% or less then 110% or less than 105% of the volume of the product to he packaged. Suitably, any internal dimensions are less than 105% or the corresponding dimension of the packaged product.

in each exemplary embodiment, the confectionery packing prov ides a sealed enclosure for a packaged product by sealing together IWO parts. Each pert covers at least 30% of the surface of the product to be packaged. Moreover, the parts are sealed together at a flange seal, wherein flanges on either part are sealed together inì a face-to-face relationship. Here, the flanges extend around an open mouth of each shell part. Suitably, the flanges extend away from main surfaces of each part, Suitably, the packaging substantially conforms to the shape of the packaging except for the flanges, Typically, the flanges are orthogonal to the direction of closure of the two parts. However, other arrangements are envisaged and some exemplary embodiments include the flanges extending away from the main surfaces at other angles as well as the flanges extending in arcuate or otherwise nonplanar fashion. The two parts can be joined in any known manner including, hut not excusively limited to; induction sCc.ng, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, and cold sealing.

In each exemnpary embodiment, at least one of the parts of the confectionery packaging is formed from a substantially rigid material. That is, the part is preformed into a desired shape, and the part maintrns tb-at shape. Advantageously, the preformed part acts as a holder for the packaged product when opened and during the packaging process.

Substantially rigid includes the preformed part being easily deformahie when put under pressure between a users rilgits, Pre4ormed parts typically have a constant thickness and can be formed from any known process such as casting. riulding, inaction rnoukling, ressing, or any other suitahe technique. though thermoforming is particularly suitabie. R will be spredated that the constant tNcknesz may include variations in rnantfacturirig tolerances as weil as deliberately designed areas of increased or decreased thickness icr parOcular features.

The other of the two parts may he sirnUady formed to the first, That is to say, the other of the two parts may be preformed. Alternatively, the other of the two parts may be formed froni a foil or other flexible material, Parts Formed from flexible thms include aluminium Films and the like. In this case, the flange of the aluminium Film is the pedmeter of the film that overlays the flange of the pre4orrned part. l-ftre, suitably a shrink film chnology is adopted to cause the film to shape against the packaged product.

By forming the exemplary embodiments from nr&lrmed parts and films, grephics and the like can he printed or applied to the outside of the parts This enables repeatable and clear graphics to he used. For instance, words and logos ceo be correctly formed even when the outside of the packaging is contoured. in contrast, when wrapping a packaged confectionery in foil, often words and logos are not easily distinguishable. In addition, because the packaging is completely sealed and cannot be opened without breaking, a tamper evident wrapping a provided.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a confectionery packing is provided with an exeogerated flange that extends continuously about a periphery of the packaging, The packaging is opened to reveal an enclosed product by separating the packaging along the exagoerated flange to separate the packaging into two pieces. Here. the term exaggerated flange means a flange that extends away from main surfaces of the packaging a distance typically greater than 20% or 30% of a centre fine across an opening Formed in one of the separated parts. Advantageously, the exaggerated flange provides a stop to prevent the packaging from roing. Furthermore, a secondary pack' ging is suitably provided wherein multiple packages can he stowed. For instance, here the secondary packaging includes apertures [or receiving part of each package. For Point of Sale purposes, or for transport, or for multipie sale purposes, a package having the exaggerated flange may be placed in each aperture. The exaggerated flange abuts a surface of the secondary pack' ging having the aperture. Typically, each package would he suspended by the abutment between the secondary packaging and exaggerated flanqe Moreover the exaggerated fiance may he shaped to provide a fun aesthetic.

in one exemplary embodiment, a confectionery packaging is provided wherein multiple packages are joined by their flanges. That is. at east one of the parts includes a plurality of rio!krws each for receiving a:roduct to be packaged. Here, the confectionery packaging can tie separated into individual eckages by separating inrougn weakened lines or perforations.

The exemplary e.mbcdtnwnts may suitably include an aperture for Mnping the S packaging when displaying at point of sale. Here, the aperture is suitably formed through the flanges.

In some particularly exemplary embodiments, the flanges in each part are not arranged to register directly with each other. Rather, at least in part, one of the l1arE!e [a anange.d to be lamer than the other. This raises an area of the sealed flanges to form a grasping part, which only includes part ot a flange from one piece of the packaging. Consequently there is provided an easy opening function whereby the user may use the pad of the sealed flanges with only one piece to grip the packaging and initiate the separation of the pieces along the aan. seal, it will be appreciated that typically this will comprise a peeling action Accordingly there is 16 provided an exemplary confectionery packaging compdsed of vo parts each having a flange extending continuously about a perimeter of an opening to each part, wherein the packaging is termed by sealing the two flanges together and wherein the f'anges are arranged not to register perfectly with each other. Yet further? there is provided an exemplary method of opening a confectionery packaging where-in the user grips a part of a sealed flange that extends about a continuous periphery of the packaging and includes a flange of one part of the packaging being seated to a flange of another part of the packaging, said part of the flange that the user grasps comprising only a portion of one of the flanges arid not the other, the method comprising using said grasping portion to peel one pert away from the other so that the pack-aging separates Son the sealed flange, In one exemplary embodiment, flanges on both parts are arranged to include an oversized region. That is, a plurality of grasping portions are provided, wherein at least one grasping portion includes only a pad of the flange of one part and at c-eat one of the other grasping porfions includes only a part of the flange of the other part. Moreover, the oversized regions in each part are ideally arranged adjacent one another so that they allow the user to pull the two parts away from each other. This further enhances the opening characteristics of the packaging.

in other exempiarv embodiments, the flange of one of the parts is formed with a weakened line or fracture zone through which the flange is arranged to break when a shear force a applied, The weakened line extends across the flange so that when the shear force is applied, a part of the flange breaks away from the main part of the flange. Here, the flanges are sealed together in registration. When a shear force is appfled to the weakened line, the flange in one of the parts fractures. The user is then grasping only one of the flanges and the two parts can be separated by peeling apart as herein deschbed. Consequently there is provided en exempiary confectIonery packaging comprised of two parts each having a liange extending continuously shout a perimeter of an operJnc1 to each past, wherein the packaging is formed by sealing the two ianges together and wherein one of the flanges includes a S weakened ir.e through which the flange is arranged to fracture, Here, the packaging is opened as with the previous exemplary embodiment except that the grasping portion becomes the part of the sealed flange inokiding the part of the flange that is arranged to separate from the main flange when fractured. As with the previous exemplary embodiment, the other of the parts may include a fracture zone in another position so that two grasping portions are provided, The grasping rnrUons are ideally arranged adjacent each other, In the exemplary embcdlments the sealed flanges can torn a contmuous perimeter around the packaging taking any number of routes. Here continuous perimeter includes arrangements wherein the flange is substantiaUy continuous but at one or moore portions reduces or is not formed.. In some of the exemplary embodiments, the flanges are suhatantiaUy planar. There is therefore provided an exemplary confectionery packaging comprised of:o parts each having a flange extending continuously about a perimeter of an opening t.o each part, wherein the nackaging is formed by sealing the two flanges together and wherein the flanges extend in a planar direction. However, in afternative embodiments, the flanges are nonplanar and have a curved or wavy proffle non or two axes. Consequently, there is aiso provided an <enipbry confectionery packagina comprised of two parts each having a flange extending continuously about a perimeter of an opening to each part, wherein the aokaging is formed by sealing the two flanges together and wherein the flanges extend in a nonplanar direction.

Furthermore, in Some exemplary embodiments, the flanges are formed substantially about the x*axis or waist axis, In this case there is provided an exemplary confechonery packaging comprised of two parts each having a flange extending continuously about a perimeter of an opening to each part, wherein the packaging is formed by sealing the two flanges together and wherein the flanges extend substantially in a plane parallel to the waist of the product Alternalivety, the flanges are formed substantially in the yaxis or tip4o4ip axis of the ecqshape. Here, there is provided an exemplary confectionery cackaging comprised of two parts eacn hawng a lIar:ge exterhdEng cont!nuously anon! a per!rneter of an opemng to each part, wherein the packaging is formed by sealing the two flanges together and wherein the flanges extend ins plane parsllel to the tip.1o-tip direction of the product. In particularly exemplary embodiments however, the sealed flanges are formed substantiaUy along a plane angled to the x-axis or y.*axis. According to this exemplary embodiment, there is provided an exemplary confectionery packaging comprised of tw-o parts each having a flange extending continuously about a perbneter of en opening to each part, wherein the packaging is formed by a seahng the two flanges together and wherein the flanges extend in a plane angied to waist or the tip-tottp direction of the product Suftably the flanges ot the exempiary embodiments are aH formed about a mouth that S provides the widest point of each part. That is to say that esth part does not trap the nackaped product so that the packaged product can be removed from both parts. In some embodiments however, it a desirable for one part of the packaging to provide a holder whst the product is consumed, tIara it is preferable for the packaged product to be easy accessible when one part is removed.

The exemolary embodiments provide varying selling points. For instance, the waist flange allows the packaging to sit upright in a secondary packaging as herein described.

Alternatively when the flanges are formed in the tip*to-flp axis, each part, or at least the major part of the packsgtng Is converentiy held between the thumb arid forefinger, In the particular exemplary embodiments wherein the flanges are formed substenbaifly along a plane angled to one of the major axis of the shape, the part having a larger pert ci the waist of the egg shape provides a convenient holder for the packaged pmduct. To aid the hand ability of the packaging, the flanges cen be arranged to curl as they extend away from the main surfaces, For instance, the flanges could curl up or down depending on the part being held.

in sorie exemplary embodiments, the confectbnery packaging is adapted Ic provide a stable onentEthon when placed on a level surface. Here, at least a part of one or both flanges is arranged to extend a sufficient distance from the main surfaces such that the flanges came in to contact with the level surface when the packaged product is placed thereon.. As well as the contact with the flange, when stood on the level surface, at east one portion ci the main surfaces of the packaging is arranged to also contact the level surface. Importantly, the shape ot the packaging is such that the cere ol gravity of the packaging acts through or between the points of contact, Preferably, the centre of gravity acts downwards between and spaced from each contact. Furthermore, at least one of the contacts, that is either the contact between the level surface and flange or the contact between the level surface and main surface of the packaging contacts the surface Sham side of the centre of gravity when viewed from a view orthogonal to the first. Again, although the centre of gravty can act through one of the points or contact in the orthogonal direction, it is preferable if the centre of gravity acts downwards between and spaced from each contact.

Suitably in an exemplary embodiment, the part of the main surface of the packaging arranged to contact the level surface is adapted to include a stand feature such as a rib to provide increased stabflity. The rib could be hollow or scUd. Furthermore, the a nges may be curled or bent at the dEsIst ends to form a larger surface are or foot to act as the contact point with the level surface.

It will he appreciated that the exemplary embodiments can be arranged and shaped so that the product stands in any orientation. For instance. it Ls thought that for point of sale purposes a suftable orientation may be for the product to be stood up right so that the flp--tc*tip direction is aUgned upward!y. However, other orierflafions are envisaged including the flp--to-tip axis being arranged at a slanted angle.

11) h-i the exemplary embodiments described herein tne exemplary emhodimertt.s of the confectionery packaging have been formed ci two parts jorned at a flange seal. In one exemplary embodiment, the Po parts are not entirely separate. Rather, the two parts remain joined at a hinge, The hinge is typicafly formed by a weakened fine across the pert. Here. the packaging is formed by foldina the packaging about the hinge to bring the flanges of each part in to contact for seahng. This enables the two parts to stay connected to each other when the user separate-s the parts Song the seal to consume the product. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments the flanges may he seale.d with Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) to afiow recloseabifity of the. packaging. Here, the two parts being joined by a hinge improves the recloseabUity function, En one exemplary embodiment the confectionery packaging includes a weight. The weight provales cne portion of the ackaging with a localised increase in mass as compared to the other parts of the packaging, The pcement of the weight can he used to provkle the packaging with a wobble feature wherein, the packaging can be tipped so that the centre of gravity acts to one side of the contact point between the packaging and surface it is placed on.

If the centre of gravity acts to the opposite side to that which the packaging has been tipped, the packaging is caused to move or rock back on its self, Inertia causes the part to overshoot the centre of gravity and a rocking motion generated. Consequently there is provided an exemplary embodiment wherein a packaging having a non-*stable shape includes a weight giving a norhon of the packaging a localised increased mass. The embodiment is ideally suited to substan Jy eggshaped packaging as herein described. Moreover, although the packaging may be formed in a number of ways, the two part method described herein is again ideally suited. Herts flue weight s suitably arranged ri the preformed part.

Various embodiments wifi he described herein and it wifi be appreciated that the features of the exemplary embodiments described above and the embodftnents described herein can be combined in isolation or with other features of the same or other embodiments, except where those features are mutuafly exclusive. a

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how ibcdirnents of the same may be canied into effect, relrence wiH now be made, by way o example, to the eccompanyu-g diagrammatic drawings in which S Figure 1 shows isometric views of a first exemplary emhodWnent of a confectionery oackaginq Figure 2 shows isometric views of a second exemplary embodiment of a confectionery packaging.; Figure 3 shows somenc views of a third exemplary embodiment of a confacuonery packaging; Figure 4 shows sri perspective view of a fourth exempiary embodiment of a confectionery packaging; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the fourth exempry embodiment hSd n a secondary packaging; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fifth exempftry embodiment of a confectionery packaging in a part open arrangement; Figure 7 shows front and rear perspective views of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a confectionery packaging: Figure 8 shows perspective views of an opening process of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a confectionery packaginq Figure 0 shows a perspective view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a confectionery packaging; Figures 10 to 16 show persective views respectivSy ot ninth to fifteenth embodiments of a confectionery packaging; Figure 17 shows perspective views of an opening process of a sixteenth exemplary embodiment of a confectionery packaging; and Figures 18 and 19 show plan views of seventeenth and eighteenth exemplary embodiments of a confectionery packaging respectlvey The exemplary embodiments share many like features and these are indicated using the same reference numerals but for brevity, not necessarHy repeated descriptions.

S Referring to Agures 1 and 2 an exemplary embodiment oVa confectionery pankaging 10 is shown. The packaging 10 comprises a first part 20. The first part forms a preformed she and is substantially rigid so that the part 20 maintains it shape. The first part 20 holds the product to be packaged, which in the Figures is sitwn as a confectionery egg 12. Main surfaces 22 c4 the first part 20 are shaped so as to substantiaHy conform to the shape of the confectionery egg. In Figure 1. the main surfaces 22 are show as substantially en1osing the egg 12, but this is not necessarily the case. Coneequeny an open mouth 24 to the part 20 is provided. The egg 12 is accessible through the open mouth 24. A flange 2ti is formed about the perimeter of the open mouth 24. The flange extends away from the main surfaces 22 and is shown in Figure 1 as beinci bent through an obtuse angle to the main surface surrounding the mouth 24.

Referring to Figure lB in particular, t can been seen that the flange extends conhnuously about the perimeter of the mouth and extends a substantial distance therefrom in order to provide a surface against whtch a second part (not shown in Figure 1) can be seated.

in Figure *1, the flange Is shown as having a seating surface that is at east 20% of the minimum distance across the mouth.

The confectionery packaging 10 forms a sealed enclosure about the egg 12 by sesng a second part to the flange 26. The second part is not. how in Figure 1, and can he a second prefon'ned shell or a flexible film. Here, flexible means the film dces not hold its shape. The film is sealed to the ilange using any known technique. To open the packaging, the film is separated from the first part $0, for instance by peeling hack the film, it will be appreciated that the fUm may therefore, at least in part, overlap the flange to provide a grasping point to nitiate the peeling process. Furthermore, shrink wrap technology can he employed to cause the film to conform to the shape of the part 20 and! or egg 12.

There is therefore provided a packaging which provides an improved protection to the egg 12. For instance, tamper proof technology can be apphed to the seal.so that it becomes evident whether the seal has bee-n broken. Moreover, it is easier to apply graphics to the preformed part and the graphics can he more reliably reproduced. The preformed part also provides a convenient holder for the egg to allow the user to consume the egg without having to touch the egg itself. Here, the flange provides a convenient stop for the use to rest their fingers against.

It will he appreciated from this last point that the shape of the preformed part 20 c-an be designed to allow the egg 12 to ue easily held and concurred in order to improve the -ability to consume the egg without having t.o touch the actual egg. For instance, in Figure 1 the profile of the mouth s arranged to include a concave portion. The concave portion is best seen in Figure 10 and sHows a uaers mouth to easily access the egg whilst the packaging is gripped.

in Figure 1, the concave portion is arranged along the length of the egg, whereas in Figure 2, the concave portion is arranged across the width of the egg. Whilst the remaining embodiments wifl be described in relation to two preformed parts, it wilt be appreciated that one of the preformed pa could be replaced with a foil.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a. confectionery packing 10. The confectionery packaging 10 is formed from a first part 20. The first part 20 is preformed and includes a flange 26. The confectionen packaging is formed by seailng a second part 30 about an egg net. seen in Figure 3). The second part 30 a shown in Figure 3 as also being a preformed shell having a flange 3l. indeed, in Figure 3, the first and second parts are substantisily identicaL That is, they may include different graphics, hut the shapes are the same. The flanges 26, 36 are seaed together.. The sealed flange extends shout the packaginc in a plane afigned to a tip'-totip -axis of the egg. The sesled flanges extend away from and orthogonal to the rnsin surfaces 22: 32 adacent the mouths of each part.

Figure 4 shows a fourth emhodfment, whch shows a confectionery ackaging 0 substantiahy similar to the third embodiment. That is first end second preformed sheils 20, 30 are sealed together at flanges 26, .36 to enclose an egg (not seen). However, in Figure 4, the sealed flanges extend about the packaging in a plane p-arail to the waist of the egg. In Figure 3, the two parts are identicaL That is to say, the flange is formed along the centre of the egg. In Figure 4, and because the egg does not have symmetry, the two p-arts are different. Each encloses aft east 30% of the surface area of the egg and the mouths (not seen) formed in ead part are formed at the widest art of the egg so that the egg can be removed from each part without deforming or breaking the egg. Figure 4 also introduces the idea that the flanges can have an aesthetic quafity and is not limited to extending a consistent distance from the main surfaces.

As weli as oroviding enhanced hoLding characteristics, th exaggerated flanges also enable the confectionery packages 10 to be held conveniently in a secondary packaging 110.

For instance, as shown in FigureS, a secondary packaging 110 comprising a surface 120 with a plurality of apertures for receiving each package 10 is provided. Each aperture is sized so as to fit the main surfaces 22 of the packing. The packaging 20 is prevented from falling through the surface 120 by abutment between the flanges and the surface 120. The packaghig 10 is therefore suspended within the secondary packaging 110. Consequently a convenient and protective secondary packaging is provided to supply rrulbple confectionery packages 10.

In flue exerphuy embodiments described herein, the confectionery packaging 10 is opened by separating the first part from the second part along the flange seaL Figure 6 shows an embodiment having an improved opening. Here, the opening of the packaging 10 is improved by providing a gripping portion 40 that a consumer can use to grip the packaging and peel back one of the parts, in Figure 6, the gripping portion is provided by arranging the flanges to id in register with each other. For instance, at least a part of one of the flanges is larger than the corresponding pan of the other flange so that said flange overties the other flange, A conUnuous seal can still he formed between the flanges, but a gripping portion is formed that comprises a part of lust one of the flanges. In Figure 6, the flange 36 of the second pert is adapted to be oversized relative to flange 26 ci the first part in its entirety or at regular intarvals around the periphery of the flange. The gripp1ng portions allow the consumer to grip said part and pull back the one pert relative to the other, l3ecause the gripping part 40 only includes a portion of one of the. flanges, the searation of the two parts is easily inflicted as the user is applying a separating force to one part only.

Figure 7 sho an alternative embodiment wherein the gripping portion 40 is provided in a discrete position of the packaging 10 by overlaying only a portion of one of the flanges Figure 8 shows a seventh exemplary e.rnhodime.rit of a confectionery packaging 10 formed of two parts 20, 30 that are joined by a flange seal. Here, a gripping portion is provided to improve the opening characteristics in a similar manner to the previous embodiment.

However, in this case, as can be seen from Figure 8, the gripping portion 40 includes a portion of both flanges, Here. the flanges are arranged in register with each other. The gripping portion achieves the opening objectives of allowing a consumer to apply a separation force easily to just one of the parts by providing a weakened line through one of the flanges. The weakened ins is arranged to fracture when a stress is applied. For instance, in Figure 8, when the gripping part 40 is bent sharply, upwards at the weakened line, the weakened tine fractures so that a portion of the first flange 25a is separated from the main portion of the flange 26, Here the grippmg potion 40 includes the part of the Range zeal including the fractured minor part of flange 26a. As can be seen, edge 42 is formed in the flange 26 when packaging is opened wherein edge 42 cormaponds to the weakened line.

Figure 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a confectionery packaging 10, Here a plurality of gdpping portions 40 is provided. For instance a first gripping portion 4Cc and a second gripping portion 40b. One of the gripping portions is designed to allow a consumer to apply an opening force only to one part and the other of the gripping portions is designed to cHow a consumer to apply en opening force only to the other of the parts. It wifi be appreciated that the gripping portions 4Q can be formed either by cversizing the respective part or by providrng a weakened line. in figure 9, the psckagng is shown as halng a first gripping part 42a where the ft"uge of the lower pert overfies the flange of the upper an and a second gripping part 42b where the flange of the upper part overlies the flange o the lower part.

Figure 10 shows a ninth embodiment of a confectionery packaging 10. As previously described. the packacing 10 rrovides a sealed enclosure for en egg 12 by sealing first 20 and second 30 preformed parts. Each part includes a flange that extends about a periphesy of a mouth to each part. The flanges extend away from rneor surfaces of each part that are designed to substantially conform to the shape of the packaging. The sealed flanges are arranged to circumnavigate the packaging so that access to the egg 12 is gained by separating the two parts along the flange seal. In Figure 10 the flanges are arranged to extend substantially along a plane that is inclined to one of the natural axis of the egg. That is one of the parts encloses all of one end or side of the egg and the other part encloses ail of the other end or side of the egg. This enables the whole of one end or side of the egg to he uncovered and improves the ability to eat the egg whilst holding the egg through the remaining packaging.

In some previous embodiments, the plane in which the flanges are arranged have been substantially planar, Whilst the. flanges arranged on a slanted plane can also he substantially planar, in Figu'e 10, the flanges are shown as being arranged to tc slanted across the egg on an arcuata plane. In addition, the plane that the flanges are arranged 1.n Figure 10 is shown as being arcuate in two dimensions. Again however, the plane could be substantially linear in one or both dimensions.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment that is similar to Figure 10, wherein the slanted plane is arcuate in an alternative direction. The design chocce in terms of shape of the plane in which the flanges meet is dependent on the preferred eating characteristics and selected to optimise the eggs ability to be consumed whilst holding the egg through the remaining packaging part. Furthermore, the design of the plane can be adapted to suit different situations readily whiist maintaining the principles of a confectionery nacksgrng formed of two parts that are oinsd along a flange seal and features of each embodiment can he readily combined wit.h other features independently or in combination, For instance, Figure 12 shows an example of a wavy plane arranged substantially in the tiptotip direction. The plane is wavy because it includes at least one peak and at least one trough when viewed from any particular side Figure 13 shows an example of a wavy plane in a slanted direction and Figure shows an example wherein the plane Is wavy In both dimensions, Figure 14 shows a particularly exemplary embodiment wherein the sealed flanges are arranged to contact a level surface when a part of the main surSee of one of the parts is also in contact with the evel surface. In Figure 14, the plane of the flange is shown as being slanted which enables the egg shape to also meet the level surface, However, other flange arrangements wil also provide the requirements p cularly if they are sheped or enlarged.

When viewed from the side, figure 14a, the flange contact (he level surface at point 50 and the main part of the packaging at pont 52. Although in Figure 14, when the points 50, 52 rest on the lovd surface, the egg is shown as standing substandaUy uprIght, it wi] be appreciated hat other orientation can be achieved by different design of' the flange. lie advantage of arranging the flange to contact the level surface at the same time as a part of the main surfaces is that the packaging can be stood in a stable orientation and is therefore Less susceptible to rolling and enabies the aesthetics of the packaging to be more repeatable when at the point of sale. The stable arrangement is achieved by arranging points 50 and 52 to be either side of the centre of gravity (depicted by arrow A) of the packaging. Whst the centre of gravity may be arranged to act through one of the points, a more, stable arrangement is achieved by arranging the centre of gravity to act through a location spaced from both poimns.

Furthermore, one of the points 50, 52 is shown in the exemplary embodiment as being spaced either side of the centre of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the first view. For nstana, in Figure 14b, the flanges are shown as extending down in two locations SCa end Sob, both of which are arranged to touch the level surface when the packaging is stood therecn. Again the locations SOs, Sob are arranged either side of the centre of gravity. In Figure 14b the flanges are shown as extending at two discrete locations. However, the points 50a, 5Gb may also be parts of a continuous edge.

The stability of the packaging when stood on the surface may be enhanced by including a stand feature 52 such as a rib at the point of contact between the mn surface and floor, Here, the stand feature 52 is arranged to provide a wider base [or the contact and may additionally provide extra contact points spaced either side of the centre of gravity in addition to or as an alternative to the spaced locations of the flange 50a, SOb.

Referring to figure 16, an exemplary embodiment is shown wherein the stability has been further improved by bending the flange seal at the distal end so that a foot is provided to come into contact with the surface when the packaging is stood up. Again, the foot enhance the stability by providing a larger area or contact and the bend enables tolerances in assembly and / or manufacture to be accommodated.

Snce the stabifity of the pack depends on the centre of gravfty, an opton feature s to appy a eight to the packaging to provde a ocalised increase in mass in order to shift the centre of gravily. The weight may sac pmvide a fun wobbe factor to the packsaing.

Figure 17 shows sri opening sequence of a particularly exemplary embodiment. Here, the confectionery psckaqfrig 10 is formed of two preformed shells 20, 30 that are sealed together at a flange ad. The flanges are exaggerated and given an aesthetic appeaL Moreover, a poruon of the flanges Sf) and a stand 52 are provided and arranged to contact a surface to aliow the packaging to he stably stood so that the promoliona message of the packaging can he reproduced. The packaging is opened using a grasping portion 40 and peeling back one part lom the other along the fh n,ge seaL The flanges 26, 36 are arranged along a sianted plane so that when one of the parts is removed, the bottom of the egg is cupped by the remaining part and the top of the egg is cor.venienliy provided to the consumer so that they can consume the egg whilst baking it through the packaging. is

Figures 18 and ifi show further exemplary embod iients wherein multiple eggs have been provided in a single packagicg 10. Here. perforations or fracture lines 14 are provided to enable a consumer to separate the packaging into single packages. Here, the single packages are substantially as herein described, wherein the large packages are formed by joining multipte packages through the flanges. Furthermore, FIgure 18 shows an optional feature whereby an aperture ISO a formed through the flange seal or one of the flanges so as to enable the packaging to he hung from a display. It will be appreciated that an aperture can be provided in any of the embodiments herein described.

Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and descdbed, ft w be appreciated by those skilied in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defmed in the otairns. Caims

Claims (10)

1 A cofectionery packaging for a confectionery, the packaging comprising a first prefoined part and a second part, wherein the first and second parts are aeaied together S about the confectionery at flanges that extend away from main surface.s of each part, said main surface substantially conforming to the shape of the confectionery; a portion of at least one of the flanges Lielna arranged to contact a inear plane that extends in first and second orthogona directions when a portion of the main surface of one of the pans alsc contacts the linear plane.

2. The confectionery packaging of claim I wherein the packaging is arranc:e.d such that the centre of gravity of the packaging acts between the contact between the plane and flange and the contact between the plane arid main surface: in one direction.

3. The confectionery packaging of claim 2, wherein the packaging is armnged such that flange or main surface is adapted to provide two spaced contacts either side of the centre of gravity in the second direction.

4. The confectionery packagino of any of claims I to 3, wherein the portion of the main surface that contacts the finear plane a adapted to provide a loot.

5. The confectionery packaging of claim 4, wherein the foot provides a substaritiafly fiat surface of contact in one direction,

6. The confectionery packaging of clm 5, wherein the foot provides a substanti'afly fiat surface contact in two direction&

7. The confectionery packaging of any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the flanges are oir.ed at a nane and the plane is aubstantiaHy planar.

8. The confectionery packaging of any of Claims I to 6 wherein the flanges are joined at a plane and the plane is arcuate in at east one axis.

9. The confectionery packaging of any of Claims I to 6 wherein the flanges are joined at a plane and the plane is wavy in at east one axis.

10. The confectionery packaging of claims S or 9, wherein the planes are arcuate or wavy in both axes, 11, The confectionery packaging c4 any of ClaIms 1 to 10 wherein the ilanges are joined at a plane and the plane extends parallel to a major axis of The coectionery 12, The confectionery packaging of any of ClaIms 1 to 10 wherein the flanges are joined at a plane and the plane extends parallel to a minor a.xLs of the confectionery 13. The confectionery packaging of any of Clms 1 to 10 wherein the flanges are joined at a plane and The plane extends at en angle to a major or minor axis of the confectionery 14. The confectionery packaging of any of claims I to 13, wherein the flanges are arranged to ProvEdeagrEopng portion that allows a consumer to grip the packaging in order to appiy a separatino force to separate one part from the other through the seal between the flanges.The ccnfectkwery packaging of CIsIrn 14 wherein a first gripping porbon is provided to allow a user to apply a separating force to one part and a second gripping portion is provided to allow a user to apply a separating force to the other part.16. The confectionery packaging of Claim 15, wherein the first and second grbping portions are araneed adjacent each other.17, The confectionery packaging of any &airna 14 to 16, wherein the or each gripping portion is provided by at least a portion of one flange overlying at least a portion of the other flange, and the portion of the flange that overes the other l1anr.e forms the gripping ortion, 18 The confectionery packaging of Claim 17, wherein a pluraflty of portions of said one flange overlay a corresponding plur'allty of portions of said other flange to provide multiple gdpping portions.19. The confectionery packaging of any of Claims 14 to 16, wherein one of the Ilanges includes a first fracture zone that is arranged to fracture said flange into a main part and a distal end part when a force is applied to the fracture zone, the or each gripping portion being formed by a portion of one flange end the distal end part of said other flange.20. The confectionery packaging of Cairn 19, wherein a plurality of fracture zones are provided in said flange in order to form multiple gripping portions.21, The confectionery packaging of any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the gripping portion is formed by the portion of the flange that contacts the linear piane 22. The conIectionery packaging of any ol claims 14 to 21 wherein the flange is adapted to provide the two spaced contacts in the second direction, and one at the spaced contacts forms a gripping portion to apply a separating force to one of the parts and the other of the spaced contacts farina a gripping portion to apply a ueparating force to the other of the parts.23 A method of forming a confecfionery packaging of any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of: preforming a first part wth main surfaces that substantially conform to part of the shape of a confectionery to be packaged and a flange that extends about a mouth of the preformed cat placing the confectionery product in the OraL part: and seaflng a second part to the flange of the first part such that a portion of at east one of the flanges Es arranged to contact a linear piane that extends in flrst and second orthogonal directions when a porfion of the main surface of one of the parts also contacts the linear plane.24. The method of claim 23 wherein the method comprises formmg a gripping portion.Aconfectionery packaging for a confectionery, the packaging comprising a first preformed part and a second part, wherein the first and second parts are sealed together about the confectionery at flanges that extend away from main surfaces of each part, sad main surfaces substantially conforming to the shape of the confectionery: saW flanges of the first and second pans being brought together at a plane that extends at an ange 1c a major or m nor axis of the confectionery, 26. The confectionery packaging of claim 25, wherein the plane is substantially planar 27. The confectionery packaging of claim 25, wherein the plane is arcuate in at east one axis 28, The confectionery packaging of claim 25, wherein the plane is wavy in at least one axis 29. The confectionery packaging of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the plane is substantially planar or wavy in both axes.30. The confectionery packaging of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the flanges are adapted to Lnclude a gripping portion.31. The confeofionery packaging of any of claims 25 to 30, wherein the packaging is substantially as daimed in any of claims I to 22