GB2519328A - Food packaging - Google Patents

Food packaging Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2519328A
GB2519328A GB1318357.9A GB201318357A GB2519328A GB 2519328 A GB2519328 A GB 2519328A GB 201318357 A GB201318357 A GB 201318357A GB 2519328 A GB2519328 A GB 2519328A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
recess
support portion
packaging
lid portion
food product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1318357.9A
Other versions
GB201318357D0 (en
Inventor
Emma Davies
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EMMA S COUNTRY CAKES
Original Assignee
EMMA S COUNTRY CAKES
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EMMA S COUNTRY CAKES filed Critical EMMA S COUNTRY CAKES
Priority to GB1318357.9A priority Critical patent/GB2519328A/en
Publication of GB201318357D0 publication Critical patent/GB201318357D0/en
Publication of GB2519328A publication Critical patent/GB2519328A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D85/36—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for bakery products, e.g. biscuits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
    • B65D1/36—Trays or like shallow containers with moulded compartments or partitions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/26—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with means for keeping contents in position, e.g. resilient means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00351—Dome-like

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)

Abstract

Packaging for at least one food product 8, comprising a support portion 2 with at least one recess 4a,b,c providing a base arranged to receive a lower portion 7 of the food product. The packaging further comprises a lid portion 3 with at least one recess for receiving an upper portion 9 of the food product, and is arranged to releasably engage the support portion. The lid portion further provides at least one abutment surface 11 extending inwardly from the mouth 12 of each recess. When the lid portion engages the support portion the abutment surface is arranged to engage the food product so as to retain the food product(s) in contact with the base of the recess of the support portion. The packaging may be made of transparent food-grade plastic and may be best suited to holding cupcakes. The abutments may engage the outer casings 13 of the cupcakes and may reduce smearing of the icing against the lid 16.

Description

FOOD PACKAGING
The present invention relates to packaging for food items in order to provide for the secure storage, handling and/or transport of food items whilst reducing the risk of damagc. In particular, the prcscnt invcntion rclatcs to packaging for food itcms which have a soft body with a delicate exterior surface, such as for example cupcakes.
Background to the invention
A number of food products, such as for example cupcakes, need to be packaged carcfiilly in ordcr to cnsure that the cake and thc icing arc not damaged during storage, handling and/or transport. Conventional packaging for cupcakes typically comprises a lid portion and a support portion which together provide a plurality of cavities for receiving cupcakes. Cupcakes typically have a layer of decorative icing. There is a risk that if the packaging is not transported so as to maintain the cupcakes in an upright position that the icing will become damaged by being brought into contact with the lid portion. Any damage to the icing will make the product appear less aftractive to the consumer. The present invention seeks to
address the problems of the prior art.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides packaging for at least one food product, comprising: a support portion comprising at least one recess providing a base, in which each recess is arranged to receive a lower portion of a food product; and a lid portion arranged to releasably engage the support portion, in which the lid portion provides at least one recess for receiving an upper portion of a food product; in which the lid portion ftirther provides at least one abutment surface located at and extending inwardly from the mouth of each recess, such that when the lid portion engages the support portion the at least one abutment surface is arranged to engage the food product so as to retain the food product(s) in contact with the base of the at least one recess of the support portion.
The lid portion is preferably moveable betwecn an opcn configuration in which at least a portion of the lid portion is disengaged from the support portion, and an engaged configuration in which the lid portion engages the support portion so as to substantially encompass the at least one food product. The lid portion may be connected to the support portion by any suitable means. For example, the lid portion may be hingeably connected to the support portion.
The lid portion preferably comprises at least one engagement feature for releasable engagement with at least one engagement feature of the support portion. Examples of suitable engagement features include protrusions and corresponding recesses.
In the engaged configuration, the at least one recess of the lid portion is preferably aligned with the at least one recess of the support portion so as to provide a cavity substantially surrounding the at least one food product.
The abutment surface at the mouth of each recess of the lid portion may extend substantially continuously around the mouth. The lid portion may provide a plurality of spaced apart abutment surfaces located at the mouth of each recess of the lid portion. Each abutment surface may be arranged to contact a separate region or section of a food product.
The packaging may be used to store, support and/or transport any suitable food product. For example, the packaging may be used to transport a food item having a soft body with a delicate exterior surface, such as for example cake. The at least one food product may be a cupcake.
A cupcake preferably comprises an outer casing. The at least one abutment surface provided by the at least one recess of the lid portion is preferably arranged to abut the outer casing of the cupcake when the lid portion engages the support portion.
Preferably, the at least one abuthient surface is arranged to abut the outer easing located adjacent the mouth of the outer casing when the packaging is in the engaged configuration. The at least one abutment surface is preferably arranged to abut the outer casing of the cupcake without making any contact with the cake.
The at least one abutment surface is preferably arranged such that in the engaged configuration the food product is retained in contact with the base of the rcccss(es) of the support portion.
The plane of the mouth of the at least one recess of the support portion is preferably arranged in usc to be aligned with the plane of the mouth of thc outer casing of the at least one cupcake. The depth of the at least one recess of the IS support portion is preferably substantially equal to the depth of the outer casing of the at least one cupcake. The depth of the support portion is measured in a direction extending from the mouth to the base of the recess. The depth of the outer casing of the cupcake is measured in a direction extending from the mouth of the casing to the base ofthe casing.
The recess(es) may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the at least one recess of the support portion andIor lid portion may be substantially circular in cross-section. The recess(es) of the support portion may taper inwardly from the mouth of the rcccss(es) towards the base of the recess(es). The reccss(es) of the lid portion may taper inwardly from the mouth of the recess(es) towards the top of the reccss(es).
The lid portion and/or the support portion may comprise any suitable number of recesses. The lid portion preferably comprises the same number of recesses as the support portion. The recesses may be provided in an array comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. For example, the lid portion and/or the support portion may comprise an array consisting of two rows of recesses, in which each row comprises three recesses. The support portion may comprise any suitable number of recesses, for example 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 or 12.
The packaging may be composed of any suitable material. The lid portion and the support portion may be made of the same material or from different materials.
Preferably, the packaging is composed of plastic. The packaging is preferably composed of transparent material. Preferably the packaging comprises Food Grade RPET.
According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising packaging as described herein; and a plurality of cupcake outer casings shaped and dimensioned to be received within the at least one recess of the support portion of the packaging such that the plane of the mouth of the at least one recess of the IS support portion is arranged in use to be aligned with the plane of the mouth of the outer casing of the at least one cupcake.
Brief Description of the Drawinas
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illusfrates an illustration of a view from above of the support portion of packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates an illustration of a view from above of the lid portion of packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the packaging of an embodiment of the present invention comprising the lid portion and support portion of Figures 1 and 2 in an engaged position; Figure 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the support portion of figure I when engaged with the lid portion of Figure 2; Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support portion of Figure 1 when engaged with the lid portion of Figure 2.
Detailed Description of the Invention
With reference to the figures, the packaging 1 comprises a support portion 2 and a lid portion 3. As shown in figure 5, the packaging I is being used to store, support and/or transport cupcakes. It is however to be understood that the packaging I can be used for any suitable food product. Preferably, the packaging is used for supporting delicate food products.
The packaging I is arranged to store, support and/or transport six cupcakes. The support portion 2 comprises six spaced apart recesses 4a-f. The recesses 4a-f are substantially circular in cross-section. The support portion 2 comprises two rows A, B of recesses 4a-f, with each row comprises three recesses. Each recess 4a-f in a row is aligned with an adjacent recess 4a-f in a corresponding row. The recesses 4a-f are shaped and dimensioned to receive a cupcake 8. Each recess 4a-f comprises a substantially circular mouth 12 and a base 5a-f. Each recess 4a-f tapers inwardly from the mouth 12 towards the base 5a-f of the recess. Each recess 4a-f is arranged to receive a lower portion 7 of a cupcake 8.
Two central pillars 20 are located between the recesses 4a-f. Each pillar 20 is shaped and dimensioned such that a portion of the lower section of the pillar 20 located adjacent a recess 4a-f slightly overlaps with the recess 4a-f to provide an abuhnent surface for retaining the cupcake in position against the base 5 of the recess 4a-f Although the illustrated embodiment shows the packaging as comprising two central pillars 20 it is to be understood that the packaging may contain any suitable number of pillars in any suitable location for providing abutment surfaces for retaining the cupcakes in position within the recesses 4a-f.
Each central pillar may be arranged to provide an abutment surface for retaining at least one cupcake in position within a recess. The abutment surface provided by the central pillar is preferably arranged to contact and/or abut the mouth of the outer casing of the cupcake located within the adjacent recess.
The lid portion 3 is arrangcd to rclcasably engage thc support portion 2. The lid portion 3 is hingeably connected to the support portion 2. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the lid portion 3 being attached to the support portion 2 by a hinge, it is to be understood that the lid portion 3 may be attached to the support portion 2 by any suitable mechanism. The lid portion 3 may for example be separable from the support portion 2.
The lid portion 3 is moveablc between an open configuration in which the lid portion 3 is disengaged from the support portion 2, and an engaged configuration in which the lid portion 3 engages the support portion 2 so as to substantially encompass the cupcakes 8. The lid portion comprises a plurality of engagement features (not shown) for engaging corresponding engagement features (not shown) on the support portion 2.
The lid portion 3 comprises six spaced apart recesses lOa-f. The recesses lOa-f are substantially circular in cross-section. Each recess lOa-f tapers inwardly from the mouth 15 of the recess lOa-f towards the top 16 of the recess lOs-f. The recesses lOa-f are arranged in two rows A',B'. Each row A',B' comprises three recesses.
Each recess I 0a-f in a row A', B' is aligned with an adjacent recess I Oa-f in a corresponding row A', B'. The recesses 10-f are arranged to receive and/or surround an upper portion 9 of the cupcake 8. The upper portion 9 of the cupcake 8 comprises the layer of decorative icing applied to the top of the cake.
In the engaged configuration, each recess I Oa-f of the lid portion 3 is aligned with a recess 4a-f of the support portion 2 so as to provide a cavity substantially surrounding each cupcake 8.
Each recess lOa-f provided by the lid portion 3 provides an abutment surfitce 11 in the form of a notch. The abutment surface 11 is located at the mouth 12 of a recess lOa-f. The abutment surface 11 extends radially inwardly from the lid portion 3 adjacent the mouth 12 of the recess lOa-f The abutment surface 11 extends in a direction extending parallel to the plane of the mouth 12 of each recess lOa-f Although the illustrated embodiment shows the recess providing one abutment surface in the form of a notch, it is to be understood that the recess I Oa-f may provide any suitable number of abutment surfaces. For example, each recess I Oa-f provided by the lid portion 3 may provide a plurality of spaced apart abutment surfaces I I. The abutment surface 11 is shaped and dimensioned such that when the lid portion 3 engages the support portion 2 in an engaged position the abutment surface 11 is arranged to abut the outer casing 13 of the cupcake 8. The abutment surface 11 is preferably arranged such that in the engaged configuration the abutment surface 11 abuts the outer casing 13 of the cupcake 8 and does not make contact with the cake itself The user selects the appropriate packaging for storing, supporting and/or transporting a particular sized cupcake. In particular, the user selects the packaging such that the depth of the recess 4a-f of the support portion 2 is substantially equal to the depth of the outer casing 13 of the cupcake 8. The depth of the recess 4a-f is measured from the mouth 12 towards the base 5a-f of the recess 4a-f.
The cupcakes 8 are placed in within the packaging such that the lower portion 7 of each cupcake 8 is received within a recess 4a-f of the support portion 2. The plane of the mouth 17 of the outer casing 13 of each cupcake 8 is substantially aligned with the plane of the mouth 12 of the recess 4a-f of the support portion 12.
The lid portion 3 is placed in the engaged configuration with the support portion 2.
The abutment surface 11 provided at the mouth 15 of each recess lOa-f of the lid portion 3 abuts the outer casing 13 of the cupcake 8. The abuhnent surface 11 therefore acts to retain the cupcakes 8 in contact with the base 5a-f of the recesses 4a-f of the support portion 2. If the packaging I is held at an angle to the horizontal, or turned upside down, the abutment surface 11 provided by the lid portion are able to retain the cupcakes 8 in contact with the base 5 of the recesses 4a-f of the support portion 2. The abutment surface I I therefore enables the cupcakes 8 to be transported with reduced risk of the cupcake 8, in particthar the decorative icing, to be damaged during transport.
Although aspects of the invention have been dcscribcd with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort.

Claims (11)

  1. CLAIMS1. Packaging for at least one food product, comprising: a support portion comprising at least one recess providing a base, in which each recess is arrangcd to receive a lower portion of a food product; and a lid portion arranged to releasably cngage the support portion, in which thc lid portion provides at least one reccss for receiving an uppcr portion of a food product; in which the lid portion ftirther provides at least one abutment surface located at and extending inwardly from the mouth of each recess, such that when the lid portion engages thc support portion the at least one abutment surface is arranged to engage the food product so as to retain the food product(s) in contact with the base of the at least one recess of the support portion.
  2. 2. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, in which the lid portion is moveable between an open configuration in which at least a portion of the lid portion is disengaged from the support portion, and an engaged configuration in which the lid portion engages the support portion so as to substantially encompass the at least one food product.
  3. 3. Packaging as claimed in claim 2, in which the lid portion is hingeably connected to the support portion.
  4. 4. Packaging as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which in the engaged position the at least one recess of the lid portion is aligned with the at least one recess of the support portion so as to provide a cavity substantially surrounding the at least one food product.
  5. 5. Packaging as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lid portion provides a plurality of spaced apart abutment surfaces located at the mouth of each recess of the lid portion.
  6. 6. Packaging as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one food product is a cupcake.
  7. 7. Packaging as claimed in claim 6, in which the at least one cupcake comprises an outer casing, and in which the at least one abutment surfhce provided by the at least one recess of the lid portion is arranged to abut the outer casing of the cupcake when the lid portion engages the support portion.
  8. 8. Packaging as claimed in claim 7, in which the depth of the at least one recess is substantially equal to the depth of the outer casing of the at least one cupcake.
  9. 9. Packaging as claimed in claim 8, in which the plane of the mouth of the at least one reccss of the support portion is arranged in use to be aligned with the plane of the mouth of the outer casing of the at least one cupcake.
  10. 10. Packaging as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one recess of the support portion and/or lid portion are substantially circular in cross-section.
  11. 11.Akit comprisingpackaging as claimedin any one of claim ito 10; and a plurality of cupcake outer casings shaped and dimensioned to be received within the at least one recess of the support portion of the packaging such that the plane of the mouth of the at least one recess of the support portion is arranged in use to be aligned with the plane of the mouth of the outer casing of the at least one cupcake.
GB1318357.9A 2013-10-17 2013-10-17 Food packaging Withdrawn GB2519328A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1318357.9A GB2519328A (en) 2013-10-17 2013-10-17 Food packaging

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1318357.9A GB2519328A (en) 2013-10-17 2013-10-17 Food packaging

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201318357D0 GB201318357D0 (en) 2013-12-04
GB2519328A true GB2519328A (en) 2015-04-22

Family

ID=49726917

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1318357.9A Withdrawn GB2519328A (en) 2013-10-17 2013-10-17 Food packaging

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2519328A (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3865953A (en) * 1971-03-04 1975-02-11 Leo Peters Packaging embossed-surfaced butter and margarine
USD361714S (en) * 1994-04-26 1995-08-29 Ultra Pac, Inc. Clamshell package for cored pineapple fruit
US5858428A (en) * 1994-11-18 1999-01-12 Soremartec S.A. Container and filled food product assembly
US6231906B1 (en) * 1998-11-17 2001-05-15 Cake Box Bakeries, Inc. Packaging system for tart shells
US20040251162A1 (en) * 2003-06-13 2004-12-16 Mcginnis Peggy A. Cupcake securement device
EP1538102A1 (en) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-08 hvb Innova AG Secondary package

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3865953A (en) * 1971-03-04 1975-02-11 Leo Peters Packaging embossed-surfaced butter and margarine
USD361714S (en) * 1994-04-26 1995-08-29 Ultra Pac, Inc. Clamshell package for cored pineapple fruit
US5858428A (en) * 1994-11-18 1999-01-12 Soremartec S.A. Container and filled food product assembly
US6231906B1 (en) * 1998-11-17 2001-05-15 Cake Box Bakeries, Inc. Packaging system for tart shells
US20040251162A1 (en) * 2003-06-13 2004-12-16 Mcginnis Peggy A. Cupcake securement device
EP1538102A1 (en) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-08 hvb Innova AG Secondary package

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