GB2527933A

GB2527933A - A multiple compartment pack

Info

Publication number: GB2527933A
Application number: GB1511144.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Alan Wilcox Masters
Original assignee: NATUREDIET PET FOODS Ltd
Current assignee: NATUREDIET PET FOODS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-01
Filing date: 2015-06-24
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-24
Also published as: GB2527776A; GB201511144D0; GB201411702D0; GB2527933B; GB2527776B

Abstract

A pack 35 comprises at least two containing compartments 36, 37; each containing compartment comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurality of side faces 39; a flange 38 extending around an upper portion of said side faces to which a lid may be secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between said tapered portion and said base; wherein said side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions or ribs 40 extending from a region proximal to said flange to a region proximal to said tapered portion; the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces. Neighbouring compartments may be joined by a hinge 42, a number of perforations 43 may be provided through the hinge.

Description

EklthQLth,UnnntiQn The invention reLates to improvements to packs particularly in the field of food produce packs. 2Q

The applicant's own prior art. pack has been in the market for a number of years. The nvention sees to irr prove this prior art pack n the automated filling xocess of the packs food produce often finds its way onto conveyor beLts where on occasion the packs may adhere to the surface Th original pack design presents a smooth flat surface as base on which a tray-Like pack sits Adhesion oF the pack to the conveyor belt snot a desirable occurrence since maintenance may be required to prise the packs away from the conveyor belts, Furthermore, filled packs may be relativeiy heavy and when it is required to displace the packs rapidly from one station to the next in the manufacturing process, considerable fricLion may arise between the ase surfa&e and the packs particularly bering in mind the relative aspect ratio of these packs that are considerably wider and Longer than they are high. n paitcuiar, embodiments of these packs have had a Length of more than 3 times their height and a width of more than twice their height. Due to this tray-like configuration anc the densely.,acked contents high Inction may n iw This may Lead to occasional areas of stress and strain. Furthermore, the configuration of the prior art packs whilst allowing advantageous stacking, adhesion may also arise between the base and the Lids when secured to the packs. Furthermore, if a pack is inserted frito another pack these may be relatively difficult to prise apart. In addition, the packs must aLco be improved in s terms of handling in order to optimise a customer's ability to handle the pack to remove its contents whiLsL optirnising the lull removal of the contents of the pack. The new pack also seeks to provide a pack which a user can intuitively identify the peel back area of a Ud.

Furthermore the new pack will also seek to improve the mechanical strength and toughness of the pack. Any improvement in this rega would allow the potential for to greater number of packs to he stacked for transportation to various retail outlets, Sum rn&ntkn In a first broad uidependent aspects the nvenuon providrts a pack compnsng a hase from is which a tapered portion extends to define a Lower portion of a plurality of side faces; a flange extending around an upper portion of said side faces to which a lid may be secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the pack in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between the tapered portion and the base; wherein the pack further comprises an elongate protrusion protruding from the base and Located inwardly off set relative to the edge.

Ths congraUo s particuiar.y advantageous ecause t allows the bae to be more readily separated from any contact surface, ft also reinforces potentialLy fragiLe surface.

engaging portions of the pack. The elongale protrusion also aRows the walls of the pack to be protected. The packs may more readily slide against surfaces.

In a subsdary aspect, the elongate protruson s bowed n cross section Tis configuration minimises the presence of any sharp edges whilst also improving the packs bdily to chde against s..rfares In a further subscary aspect, tie side faces ncorporate a pLirabty of elongre convex prot-usons or nbs e>tenchng from a regicn proximal to the flange to a reg onal proxmal to the tapered portion; the rounded convex protrusions or ribs comprising a tower distal porbon which co ivrges towards a tip Ths configuration is particularly advantageous 3:1 because a eadUy Locates the e ongate convex rotrusionc or nbs re atie to other eLongate convex protrusions or rus This may be patcularly advantageous when several pacs are stacked. This may also allow a more precise demarcation between ribs which improves the handling properties of t"e pack.

In lurther suinidiary spect, a plurality of the eta gate convex protrusions are provided between two Jpwardly extending lines This configuration is also particularly advantageous in terms of providing clearer Lines of demarcation between protrusions which improve the handling properties of the pack whether thece are handed by ar operato, a customer ora machine In a further sub?liciary aspect, the park is of plastics matenat with a relatively roigh outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface. These contrasting surface properties allow food contents to be readily separated fran, the pack whilst an operator handling the pack e may do so with a Lower Likelihood of the pac slipping ou of his/her hands In a further subsiciary aspect, the corner regions are providec be:ween neighbouring side faces; four corner regions being provided? one of which is rounded whilst three others incorporate a facet This configuration improves the handLing properties whilst Lso improving the distribution of weight in the various corners in order to allow the packs to retai ito a greater extent their strccturat integr ty In a turther subsiciary aspect, a first side face incorporates N elongate wnvex protriuris a second side face incorporates M elongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates 1 elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and 1 being different integers.

This configratio-' also allows both human and machine handlers being able to pprnpriate1y orient:he packs for filling or for removing any content na further subsidiary aspect N=4, M=9, X=5 and 1=10. This configuration advantageous y bends structura srengtn and integrrzy of the pack wan a' abil ty to appropriately orient the pack for fitting and removing its contents.

In a further subsidiary aspect a taper is provided between the flange and the side faces This further reinforces the pack by in some embodiments reducing the stress and strain concentrations around the interface beeen the flange and the side faces, In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a pack comprising at least two containing Compartments; each Containing compartment comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a Lower portion of a plurality of side laces; a flange extending around an upper portion of the side faces to which a lid may be secured; the tapered portion resulting in an increase of width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between the tapered porUon and the base; wherein the side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions or ribs extending from a region proximal to the flange to a region proximal to the tapered portion; the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces.

This configuration is particLiar y advantageous n terns of provrthng a nart cularly robust pack with two containing compartments which maybe adjacent to one another. t also alLows neighbouring packs to be advantageously orierted for handling purposes.

In a subsidiary aspect, a first side face incorporates an elongate convex protrusion, a second side face incorporates an elongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates Y elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and V being different integers. This configuration further improves the handling properties of the pack whilst providing improved structuraL integrity.

2ri In a Iurftier subsidiary aspect, N=1. M=4. X=2, VS. This configurauon provides a reduction of the number of ribs compared to an embodiment with only one containing compartment whilst mntaining and even potentially improving the structural strength of the pack.

w In a further subsidiary a;pect ne ghbruring flanges of adjacent compartments are hinged This allows neighbouring compartments to he rotated relative to one another as appropriate

C

In a further subsidiary aspect, ore or more perforations are provided between neighbouring flanges in a hinge region. This may alI.ow an operator to tear and therefore separate the two containing compartments from one another.

In a subsidiary aspect, the compartments further comprise an elongate protrusion protruding from the base and located inwardly off set relative to the edge. This configuntion allows the pack to sLide reki ye to surfaces in an improved manner. It also reinforces the base whilst at the same time assisting in minimising the risk of adhesion between a pack of this kind with a conveyor or other poterilially adhesive surface.

IQ

In a further subsidiary aspect, the elongate convex protrusions comprise a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip This roifigurrtion improvec the handhrg of the pack. It also allows the pack to he readily oriented by machinery whilst providing better definition of particular sections of the side faces. is

In a further subsidiary aspect, each one of a plurality of the elongate convec protrusions or ribs are provided between two upwardly extending lines This contiguration also allows an improved definition of the geometry of the ribs which allows improved handling and idertification of ocations on the face of the pack n a urther subsidiary aspect, the pack is of plastics material witi a relatively rough outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface, This configuration facilitates improved handling whilst achieving improved separation of produce from the pack.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the corner regions are provided between neighbouring side faces, low corner regions being prvrded or eech cornparurent, one of which is rounded whilst the others incorporate a facet This configuration improves the strength of the corner regions of the pack whilst maintaining its ability to be readily handled and appropriately onented In a further subsidiary aspect, a Lid is provided for each compartment and a portion of the lid is not secured to a flange in order to form a peel back tab; said peel hack tab being provided in one of the outer mast corners of each compartment. This configuration facibtaLes improved opening of the pack Figure 1 shows a perspectve view of a first embodiment of the pack.

Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a pack with the lid removed.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the pack of figure 2 from a plan view.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a pack with two compartments.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a pack with two containing compartments.

PticEt1P.ft.h.flgw Fgue 1 shows a pack gene ally referenced 1 wah an ntegal tray-Ike or shallow contaner body 2 secured to a d 3. The pack has a base surface 4 from which a tapered portion 5 extends in the upward direction, Further tapered portions such as tapered portion 6 are provided for each one of the phrnary sides of the body of the pack. Between tapered portion 5 and tapered portion 6 there is provided a facet 7 Located below a rounded corner Sot the pack. Rounded portions 9, 10 and 11 are respectively provided between tapered portion 5 and facet 7, rounded corner portion S and facet 7, and tapered portion 6 and facet 7, Furthermore, a rounded edge is provided between tapered portion S and side lace 12 which itself comprises a pluraLity of rounded convex protrusions or ribs such as rib 13.

Rib 13 extends from a region proximal to a flange 15 to a region proximal to tapered portion 5. The rounded convex protrusions or ribs such as rib 13 comprise a Lower dbtaL portion which converges towards a tip 14. Facet 7 forms an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plane of the base 4. A taper 16 is provided between flange 15 and the side faces such ac de face 2 Whilst figure 1 shows that the externaL configuration of the pack where elongate convex protrusons 13 may be seer, or the nsdc of the pack these elongate convex protrusions are elongate coicave recesses of correspondrig thmensons Figure 2 shows a pack 1 wfthout a Lid in order to describe in greater detail the configuration of the pack on its inside. The elongate convex protrusion 13 is now an elongate concave recess 13 wrth two vertca, hnes 17 and IS or either side of the recess At its Lower extremity, the concave recess converges towards a point 14. A rounded corner o 19 is Located above a facet 20. A number of rounded edges are shown such as edges 21, 22, 23 and 24, An upper taper 25 aHows food contents to readily and snioothly separate from the pack if required. A number of lower tapered portions such as tapered portion 26 are provided between base 4 arid side faces such as sFde face 27, A rounded edge 28 provides a junction between tapered rtion 26 and base 4. As an integral part of base 4, a to trough 29 is Located inwards from the outer periphery of the base. This trough 29 forms on the outer surface of the base an elongate protrusion protruding from the base and located inwardly off set relative to the rounded edge 28 of the pack.

A lid wouLd be secured to flange 15 in the hatched region 30 by appropriate seating means.

The Lid may be peeled back by pulling against the lid. Corner 31 has a portion 32 deprived of ry ceding n order to allow an operator to seze an outer edge of the hd n a der to readily peel t back The plasUcs rnatenal may be seleced to offer a relatwely shny mner surface whch s also relativeLy smooth to advantageously allow the food contents to separate from the pack.

The outer surface of the pack may he relatively man with sufficient relIef to have a higher co-efficient friction than the inside of the pack.

flgure shows the base 4 with the eLongate protrusion 29 whici my advantageously be bowed in crosssection or rounded to minimise the presence of any sharp edges in that regftm of a pack. As can be seen in figure. 3, the elongate protrusion 29 is Located about the perimeter of the base amid is relatively off-set compared to the rounded edge 28. The pack incorporates three facets 7, 20 and 33. In addition to these three facets a wholly rounded corner 34 is provided in the diagonally opposite corner region to facet 7 On ao either side of rounded corner region 34 there are provided nine ribs and four ribs in the respective sioc fares The other two remain ng side faces have respectively ten and five protruding ribs.

The embodiments of figures 4 and S have a number of similarities with the embodiments of hgures 1 to 3 The detmied descnpton of the precedu'g fgures applies generally to the individual compartments of these pacKs.

Figure 4 shows a pack generally referenced 3.5 with two adjacent compartments 35 and 31. Each compartment cornpres a flange 38, side faces 39 with a rib 40, The flange 38 accornrnodate.s an otter surface located underneath the fLange which may advantageously be relatively rough whilst the upper surface may advantageously be relatively smooth. This aLlows beneficial adhesion of the lid to the pack whilst promoting improved handUng ability or ghp of the outside surface. Preferably, the external surface of the walls of the pack are relativMy rough whilst the inside surfaces of the compartments are relatively smooth. Preferably, the internal surface of the compartment have a shine or gloss whilst the external surface is relatively matt in appearance.

ts The corners of both compartments compnse flat tapered surfaces such as facets 49 50 and 51, and at least one rounded corner region as for example rounded surface 52. The two rounded corner regons of the respectve packs are Locatec dagonaUy oppo te one another and correspond to the Location of the peel back region of the lid.

Each one of the ribs such as rib 40 may advantageously terminate in a tip or point 41. In the sde faces, the nLmber of Ds vanes between the tour pemary side faces In particular the two short side faces incorporate respectively one and two rths whilst the two tong faces incorporate respectiveLy four and five ribs. The ribs are preferably concave well viewed from the inside of the pack arid convex on the outside of the pack.

Neighbouring compartments are joined together through a hinge 42. The hinge 42 may be a so called Living hinge, or a junction of plastics material which s suffidentty flexible to aLlow one compartment to be rotate about the axk of the hinge relative to the other compartment which may be held in position. The plastics junctions are designed to break after the exertion of appropriate tension or by sufficiently plastically deforming when a compartment is rotated relative to the other.

A number of perforations such as perforation 43 may be provided through the hinge to facit tate the sea rat on of one compartment relat velv to another A peel oack portion 4L is provided in one of the corners of the pack. The peel back portion of a first pack is located diagonally opposite to the peel back portion of a second pack. Each one of the compartments of the pack incorporates an elongate protrusion or slider protruding from the respective bases of the compartments. When viewed from the inside of the pack, the s sLider may take the form of a trough whilst protruding outwardly in the base of the packs.

Elongate protrusions 45 and 46 as best seen in figure 5 are provided about the perimeter of each one of the bases 47 and 48 of the pack. The protrusions may preferably be bowed in crosssecticn to form a convex law friction engagement on a surface against which the to base would engage. The elongate protrusions may preferably be offset radially inwardly relative to the tower peripheral edge of the base surface.

Claims

C LAi MS 1. A pack comprising at least two containing compartments; each containing compartment cornprking a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a Lower porbon of a plurality of side faces, a flange extending droJnd ai upper portion of said side faces to which a Rd may be secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between said tapered portion and said base; wherein said side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions or ribs extending from a region proximaL to said flange to a region proximaL to said tapered portion; the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces.
2. A pack according to claim 11, wherein a first side face incorporates N elongate convex protrusions, a second side face incorporates M eLongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X eLongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates V elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and V being different integers.
3. A pack according to claim 12, wherein N equals one, M eluak four, X equ&s two,? equals five? 4, A pack according to any of cLaims 11 to 13. wherein neighbouring Ranges of adjacent compartments are hinged.5. A pack according to claim 14, wherein one or more perforations are provided ietveen neighbouring flanges in a hnge region 6 A pac according to an of cLaims 11 to 15 w'erein said compartments further comprise an elongate protrusion protruding from said base and located inwardly offset relative to said edge? 7 A pack according to claim 16, wherein said elongate protrusion is bowed in cross-section, 8. A pack according to any of cLaims 11 to 17, wherein said elongate convex protrusions comprise a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip.9 A pack according to any of cLaims 11 to 18, wherein each one of a plurality at sad elorgate orwex proLwons or nbs are provded between two Lpwardty extenthng lines.10. A pack according to any of daims 11 to 19, wherein said pack is of plastics material wan a relotwety rough outer surface and a relatvely smooth nner surface 11. A pack according to any of cLaims 11 to 20, wherein corner regions are provided between neighbouring side faces; four corner regions being provided for each compartment. one of which is rounded whilst three others incorporate a facet 12 A pac accordrng to any of dawns 11 to 21, wheren a lid s provded for each compartment, and a portion of said lid is not secured to a flange in order to form a peel back tab; said peel back tab being provided in one of the outermost corners of each compartment.1 3 A pac substanflally as herenbefore desenbed and/or diustraled with referrce to at least one of figures 4 and S in combination with any accompanying text.Amended claims have been filed as follows:-CLAiMS 1. A pack comprising at least two containing compartments each containing compartment comprising a base from whk.h a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurauty of side faces; a flange extending around an upper portion of said side faces to which, in use, a lid is secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge Demg provided between said tapered portion and said base, where n said side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions extending from a region proxinal to said flange to a region woximaL to said tapered portion, the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces; and wherein said compartments further comprise an elongate protrusion protruding IC) from said base and located inwardly oliset. relative to said edge.r 2. A pack according to claim 1, wherein each containing compartment comprises a r first side face incorporates N e1⁄2ngate convex protrusions, a second side face If) incorpcrates M etorgate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporatrs X CJ elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates V elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and V being different integers.3. A pack according to claim 2, wherein N equals one, NI equals four, X equals two, V equals five.as
4. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein neighbouring flanges of adjacent compartments are hinged
5. A pack according to daim 4, wherein one or more perforations are provided between neighbouring langes in a hinge region 3° 6 A pack according to claim 1, wheren said elongate protrusions wh di protrLde from said base are bowed ii cross-section.7. A pack according to any of cLaims 1 to 6, wherein said elongate convex protrusions comprise a lower distaL portion which converges towards a tip.B A pack according to ary of claims ito,wherein each one of a plurality of said eLongate convex protrusions are provided between two upwardly extending Ones.9. A pack. according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said pack is of plastics materIal with a relatively rough outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface.iv 10 A pack accordEng to any of deEms to9, wherern corner regEons are provided between neighbouring side faces: four corner regions being provided for each compartment, one of which is rounded whiLst three others incorporate a facet.11. A pack according to any of claims I to 10, wherein a Lid is provided for each is compartment, and a portion of said lid is not secured to a flange in order to fo a ee back tab, sa d peel back tab eing provded rn ore o the outermost corners of r each compartment r 12. A pack substanUatly as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to at least one of figures 4 and S.