GB2540217A

GB2540217A - Improvements in or relating to packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2540217A
Application number: GB1512142.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lowe Zarak; O'hara Padraic; Knight Adams Jack
Original assignee: Euro Packaging UK Ltd
Current assignee: Euro Packaging UK Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-10
Filing date: 2015-07-10
Publication date: 2017-01-11
Also published as: GB201512142D0

Abstract

A packing support, for suspending an item in a container, comprising clamps to space an item 165 away from the edges of a container 170 in order to enhance protection during transit. Preferably, the support comprises upper and lower portions 110B, 110A, which may be hinged together; or formed separately, where one of the portions may be formed by the packing container (Figure 6, 320B). Preferably, the support is the same height as the container. Preferably, an item is provided in a package that is the same width as the container. An item package comprises a receptacle 165, 167 for receiving an item and edges 161, 163 shaped to be clamped by the support. Preferably, the receptacle is bubble shaped; is central; and has tapered edges, so their height is less than the receptacle.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO PACKAGING

[001] The present invention relates to a support for an item for use in transit. The support for an item provides a means of suspending the item within a container for enhanced protection in transit / delivery.

[002] Online and 'click and collect' order and delivery systems are a growing trend and continue to rise in popularity. In a 'click and collect' order and delivery system, a customer places their order for an item over the internet but collects the ordered item in a shop. An online order is also placed over the internet but the item is delivered directly to the customer's home or office. In the UK alone, over 15% of purchases are now completed online, and 'click and collect' is expected to rise to 76% of on-line purchases by 2017.

[003] As environmental pressures continue to drive packaging and its associated legislation, and consumers become more aware of sustainability, recycling and effective material use (in packaging), delivery and collection packaging is typically challenged by such attitudes and pressures. In particular, the sheer volume and variety of packaging components in a number of delivery packaging solutions assessed can be disproportionate to the item which has been packed. A key driver for this frequent overuse of packaging is to ensure product protection.

[004] Product breakages cost retailers thousands of pounds each year, so any compromise in the delivery packaging further enhances this loss. As these products are typically packed by hand, packaging uniformity is a key factor to both control material usage and packing time and efficiencies. An issue with many of the packaging methods used for delivery packaging (particularly for breakable items) is that the material usage is high and therefore the pack time inefficient.

[005] A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.

[006] According to the invention there is provided a packaging support for suspending an item in a packaging container wherein the packaging support clamps the item in place such that it is spaced from the internal surfaces of the packaging container.

[007] Advantages of the invention include that it provides a means of suspending item(s) within a container or an arrangement of containers for enhanced protection during transit and/or delivery. Further advantages of the invention include: • Reduced number of components needed to pack an item(s) securely; • Controlled use of packing materials - consistent use every time, eliminating material volume/usage choice for the packer; • Enhanced packing efficiencies versus current materials and methods used - a much faster packing process; • Reduction in material volume versus typical usage of current methods enhancing customer experience; • Potential for a single material source for all components; aiding disposal and recyclability; and • Enhanced product protection to minimise breakage.

[008] According to the invention, there is also provided an item package for use with the packaging support according to the invention which item package comprises a receptacle for receiving an item and edges which are shaped to be clamped in place by the packaging support.

[009] In some embodiments, the receptacle of the item package is bubble-shaped. In some embodiments, the receptacle of the item package is a central receptacle. In some embodiments, the edges of the item package are tapered such that their height is less than the height of the receptacle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the packaging support comprises at least one support clamp. In some embodiments, the support clamp may be a hinged support clamp or separate support clamp. In some embodiments, the support clamp may have upper and lower clamp surfaces to clamp an item in place. In some embodiments, the support clamp may have lower and upper portions which provide upper and lower clamp surfaces. In some embodiments, a hinged support clamp may comprise a lower support portion and an upper support portion which are joined by a hinge. In some embodiments, a separate support clamp may comprise separate lower and upper support portions. In some embodiments, a separate lower or upper support portion may be formed by the packaging container.

[0011] The packaging support generally has a height which is approximately the same as the height of the walls of the packaging container such that closing the lid of the packing container ensures that the item package remains clamped by the packaging support.

[0012] When assembled, the packaging container might typically be a 6 sided rigid cubic or cuboid construction, with 4 vertical side walls and an integral horizontal base. When assembled and erect, the packaging container may have at least one opening to access an internal cavity for product loading. Once closed, the packaging container may, in some embodiments, form an external casing of the delivery packaging. In some embodiments, the packaging container may be manufactured from a corrugated cardboard construction. Alternatively the packaging container may be formed from folding box board or Corex (Trade mark). Alternatively, the container might be of a moulded construction, manufactured from a thermoplastic or even a paper mulch, whereby no assembly is required.

[0013] In some embodiments, the item package may be non-rigid, optionally manufactured from a paper or plastic, or any material which is malleable and flexible enough to respond to the form of the item(s) that is being packed into it. In some embodiments, the item package may have a minimum of two faces, with at least one opening at one end to load the item(s) into. In some embodiments, the opening may comprise an integral lip and self seal strip to close the item package and secure the packed item(s).

[0014] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the item package and packaging container are such that when the item package is filled with the required item(s), the width of the item package is approximately the same as the corresponding internal dimensions of the packaging container. The advantages of this arrangement include that the item package is secured by the package support according to the invention.

[0015] The invention relates to a means of suspending an item package within a packaging container, whereby the upper and lower external surfaces of the item package cannot come into contact with the internal base and lid of the packaging container. This arrangement creates an effective air pocket between the item package and the packaging container, providing optimum protection to the packed item(s) during transit and/or delivery.

[0016] In some embodiments, the edges of the item package (around the packed item(s)) is effectively used by the packaging support to retain and secure the item package within the packaging container.

[0017] In some embodiments, the packaging support comprises two support clamps in the form of hinged insert clamps. In some embodiments, the support clamps are arranged against opposite walls of the packaging container in use. The packaging support may be manufactured from the same material as the packaging container. The packaging support may be formed from a tube having a rectangular cross-section.

[0018] In some embodiments, each hinged support clamp is hinged horizontally along its longest face which lies in use against a corresponding internal face of a wall of the packaging container. In some embodiments, the hinge may be formed by a fold line which is located equidistant from the top and bottom edges of the hinged support clamp, creating a live hinge which runs along the length of each.

[0019] As the upper section of each clamp is rotated along its pre-determined live hinge fold line, a jaw like opening is created. This opening is designed to locate an edge of the item package. As the opposite edges are located in the corresponding open jaws of the package supports, the package supports are closed such that the item package is in a suspended state and ready to be loaded into a packaging container.

[0020] The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a packaging support according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging support according to the first embodiment of the invention with an item package according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a packaging support according to the first embodiment of the invention with a packaged item and a packing container;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging support according to the first embodiment of the invention with a packaged item in a packing container;

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging support according to a second embodiment of the invention with a packaged item in a packing container;

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging support according to a third embodiment of the invention with a packaged item in a packing container.

[0021] A first embodiment of the packaging support according to the invention is indicated generally at 100 of Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. Packaging support 100 comprises two hinged support clamps which are indicated generally at 110A,110B. Each support clamp 110A,110B comprises a lower portion 120A,120B and an upper portion 130A,130B which are joined by a hinge 140A,140B which forms hinge jaws 150A,150B. Flinge jaws 150A,150B comprise a lower clamp surface 152A,152B formed by the top of lower portion 120A,120B and an upper clamp surface 154A,154B formed by the base of upper portion 130A,130B. Lower portions 120A,120B and upper portions 130A,130B have approximately the same height such that the packaging support is arranged in a packaging container 170, an item placed in hinge jaws 150A,150B is equidistant from the base 172 and lid 176 of the packaging container 170. Lower portions 120A,120B and upper portions 130A,130B are formed from a hollow cardboard tube having a rectangular cross-section. Hinges 140A,140B are formed along elongate edges of the lower portions 120A,120B and upper portions 130A,130B.

[0022] An item package according to the invention is indicated generally at 160 on Figures 2 to 6 of the accompanying drawings. Item package 160 comprises a central bubble formed by upper curved wall 165 and lower curved wall 167, a sealed opening 169 and tapered edges 161 and 163 which are shaped to be clamped in place by the packaging support 100.

[0023] Use of the packaging support 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. The hinges 140A,140B of each support clamp 110A,110B are opened such that the hinge jaws 150A,150B can receive tapered edges 161,163 of the item package 160. The hinges 140A,140B of each support clamp 110A,110B are then closed such that the item package 160 is clamped by the packaging support 100. The combination of the item package 160 and packaging support 100 is then placed into a packing container 170 which has sides which are a base 172, walls 174 and a lid 176 which form internal surfaces of the packaging container 170. The height of each support clamp 110A,110B is at least as much as the height of the walls 174 of the packing container 170 such that closing the lid 176 of the packing container 170 ensures that the item package 160 remains clamped in place by the clamp formed by the upper and lower clamp surfaces 152A,152B,154A,154B of packaging support 100. In an alternative embodiment, the height of each support clamp 110A,110B is a few millimetres greater than the height of the walls 174 of the packing container 170 such that when the lid 176 of the packaging container 170 is closed, the packaging support 100 is forced shut by the packaging container 170 as shown in Figure 4.

[0024] A second embodiment of a packaging support according to the invention is indicated generally at 200 of Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings. Like features to the first embodiment of the invention are indicated by like reference numbers. Packaging support 200 comprises two separate support clamps which are indicated generally at 210A,210B. Each separate support clamp 210A,210B comprises a lower portion 220A,220B and an upper portion 230A,230B. Lower portions 220A,220B and upper portions 230A,230B have approximately the same height such that when the packaging support 200 is arranged in a packaging container 270, an item placed between lower portions 220A,220B and upper portions 230A,230B is equidistant from the base 272 and lid 276 of the packaging container 270. Lower portions 220A,220B and upper portions 230A,230B are each formed from a hollow cardboard tube having a rectangular cross-section. The top of lower portion 120A,120B forms a lower clamp surface (not shown) and the base of upper portion 130A,130B forms an upper clamp surface (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the lower portions 220A,220B may be fixed to the base 272 of the packaging container 270.

[0025] Use of the packaging support 200 according to the second embodiment of the invention is as follows. The lower portions 220A,220B of separate support clamp 210A,210B is placed on the floor 272 of a packaging container 270 which has sides which are a base 272, walls 274 and a lid 276 which form internal surfaces of the packaging container 270. Then the tapered edges 261,263 of the item package 260 are placed on the lower clamp surfaces (not shown) of the lower portions 220A,220B and the upper portions 220A,220B of the support clamps 210A,210B are placed on top of the tapered edges 261,263 such that the upper clamp surface (not shown) is on top of the tapered edges 261,263. The lid 276 of the packaging container 270 is then closed such that the item package 260 is clamped in place by the clamp formed by the upper and lower clamp surfaces (not shown) of packaging support 200. The height of each support clamp 210A,210B is at least as much as the height of the walls 274 of the packing container 270 such that closing the lid 276 of the packing container 270 ensures that the item package 260 remains clamped by the packaging support 200. In an alternative embodiment, the height of each support clamp 210A,210B is a few millimetres greater than the height of the walls 274 of the packing container 270 such that when the lid of the packaging container 270 is closed, the packaging support 200 is forced shut by the packaging container 270.

[0026] A third embodiment of a packaging support according to the invention is indicated generally at 300 of Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings. Like features to the first and second embodiments of the invention are indicated by like reference numbers. Packaging support 300 comprises two support clamps which are indicated generally at 310A,310B. Each support clamp 310A,310B comprises a lower portion 320A,320B and an upper portion 330A,330B. Lower portions 320A,320B and upper portions 330A,330B have approximately the same height such that when the packaging support 300 is arranged in a packaging container 370, an item placed between the upper portions 330A,330B and lower portions 320A,320B is equidistant from the base 372 and lid 376 of the packaging container 370. Lower portions 320A,320B are formed by ledges in walls 374 of a packaging container 370. Upper portions 330A,330B are formed from hollow cardboard tube having a rectangular cross-section. The top of lower portion 120A,120B forms a lower clamp surface (not shown) and the base of upper portion 130A,130B forms an upper clamp surface (not shown).

[0027] Use of the packaging support 300 according to the third embodiment of the invention is as follows. Then the tapered edges 361,363 of the item package 360 are placed on the lower clamp surfaces (not shown) of the lower portions 320A,320B which have been formed from the sides 374 of the packaging container 370 and the upper portions 320A,320B of the support clamps 310A,310B are placed on top of the tapered edges 361,363 such that the upper clamp surface (not shown) is on top of the tapered edges 261,263. The lid 376 of the packaging container 370 is then closed such that the item package 360 is clamped in place by the packaging support 300. The height of each support clamp 310A,310B is at least as much as the height of the walls 374 of the packing container 370 such that closing the lid 376 of the packing container 370 ensures that the item package 360 remains clamped by the clamp formed by the upper and lower clamp surfaces (not shown) of packaging support 300. In an alternative embodiment, the height of each support clamp 310A,310B is a few millimetres greater than the height of the walls 374 of the packing container 370 such that when the lid of the packaging container 370 is closed, the packaging support 300 is forced shut by the packaging container 370.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, a packaging support 100,200,300 may comprise more than two support clamps 110A,110B,210A,210B,310A,310B, for example three or four support clamps. In a further alternative embodiment, a packaging support 100,200,300 may comprise support clamps 110A,110B,210A,210B,310A,310B from different embodiments of the invention. For example a packaging support 100,200,300 may comprise at least one support clamp 110A,110B according to the first embodiment with at least one support clamp 220A,220B,320A,320B according to the second or third embodiments. Alternatively, the packaging support 100,200,300 may comprise at least one support clamp 220A,220B according to the second embodiment with at least one support clamp 320A,320B according to the third embodiment.

[0029] In a further alternative embodiment, a packaging support 100,200,300 may comprise one support clamp 110A,110B,210A,210B,310A,310B where the lower portions 120A,220A,120B,220B and/or upper portions 130A,230A,330A,130B,230B,330B are linked by a bracing member (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the support clamp 110A,110B,210A,210B,310A,310B is L-shaped such that it can fit into a corner of the packaging container 170,270,370.

Claims

1. A packaging support for suspending an item in a packaging container wherein the packaging support clamps the item in place such that it is spaced from internal surfaces of the packaging container.

2. A support as defined in claim 1 wherein the packaging support comprises at least one support clamp.

3. A support as defined in claim 2 wherein the support clamp comprises upper and lower clamp surfaces to clamp the item in place.

4. A support as defined in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the support clamp has lower and upper portions which provide upper and lower clamp surfaces.

5. A support as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging support comprises a hinged support clamp and/or a separate support clamp.

6. A support as defined in claim 5 wherein the hinged support clamp may comprise a lower support portion and an upper support portion which are joined by a hinge.

7. A support as defined in claim 5 wherein the separate support clamp comprises separate lower and upper support portions.

8. A support as defined in claim 7 wherein the separate lower or upper support portion is formed by the packaging container.

9. A support as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging support has a height which is at least the same as the height of a wall of the packaging container.

10. A support as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the item is provided in an item package.

11. A support as defined in claim 8 wherein the width of the item package is approximately the same as the width of the packaging container.

12. A packaging support substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.

13. An item package for use with the packaging support as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 which item package comprises a receptacle for receiving an item and edges which are shaped to be clamped in place by the packaging support.

14. A package as defined in claim 13 wherein the receptacle is bubble-shaped.

15. A package as defined in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the receptacle is a central receptacle.

16. A package as defined in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the edges of the item package are tapered such that their height is less than the height of the receptacle.

17. An item package substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated with reference to Figures 2 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.