GB2565530A

GB2565530A - A packaging container and process

Info

Publication number: GB2565530A
Application number: GB1711629.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Webber Peter; John Mclaughlin Michael
Original assignee: Lunch Locker Ltd
Current assignee: Lunch Locker Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-19
Filing date: 2017-07-19
Publication date: 2019-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-19
Also published as: GB201711629D0; WO2019016276A1; GB2565530B

Abstract

A package 1 with multiple compartments 3, 5, 7 sealed by a film 4, 6, 8 where one compartment can be folded 9, 11 over the other so that their films abut. The compartments could foldably attach via a shared planar rim or could be separate trays and only linked by the film. There could be two small compartments 5, 7 either side of a big compartment 3 with widths such that they entirely cover the big compartment when folded over it to protect its film. A sleeve 13 could retain the compartments in the folded configuration. One compartment could receive an insert. Ideally the periphery of a compartment is contoured. A user could order a product such as uniquely customised or tailored food by telephone or the internet; the company could seal the product in the container; the company could print information relating to the user on the package or a label or sleeve with a preprinted background; the company could deliver the package to the user; the user could pay the company.

Description

A PACKAGING CONTAINER AND PROCESS

This invention relates to a packaging container, a process for providing a packaging container which may have contents specified by a user or purchaser and a method of delivery of personalized contents in a packaging container. The invention is particularly useful in providing packaging for foodstuffs, especially foodstuffs selected by the user prior to the foodstuffs being packed in the packaging, which is sealed after selection of the foodstuff and readily transportable by the user.

A wide range of packaging is used to package products including food products which are to be transported as an individual package by a consumer or user or in multiple packages, for example in the food supply chain. Food is provided in packaging for transport or for consumption from the packaging including take-away meals and fast food, ready-prepared food, bespoke or gourmet food prepared in a first location and delivered to a second location, food for dispensing on transport such as airline meals and packaged food on trains, packaged food for supply in cases of humanitarian need or disaster zones or where food delivery is required in temporary locations or work premises and in many other scenarios.

Recent decades have seen a huge increase in the provision of food for consumption outside the home together with improvements in food safety in the interests of public health. The type of packaging used for foodstuffs typically depends on the nature of the product but can also be dependent on the way in which the product is to be delivered to the consumer and the market sector. For example, packaging for products that are intended to be delivered as a premium product will tend to be more substantial and aesthetically pleasing than packaging of similar types products intended for everyday consumption.

Plastics, cardboard, cartonboard, metal foil and other materials have been widely employed in food packaging depending on the intended use. Where packaged foods or meals are provided through retail outlets or on aircraft or trains, the meal is typically prepared and placed in sealed packing in the supply chain prior to the product being transported through distribution networks to the retail outlet or point of delivery to the user. To provide the user with choice, different products must be prepared and offered as alternatives at the point of sale or delivery. Where demand for a particular product is high, the user may then find that their product of choice is no longer available.

In the case of take-away foods, the foodstuff, product or meal is typically prepared in part or whole on-site, the consumer places an order and the selected food is then packaged, typically in a closed but unsealed package, for example metal containers with waxed cardboard lids which are retained by deforming the rim of the container around the periphery of the lid. This type of packaging for food selected by the user at the point of order has drawbacks in that the packaged product may not be readily transportable or requires care to avoid leakage or spillage, especially if the orientation of the packaging is altered during transport. Often, multiple containers are also required where the user requires two or more different foods and where the foods may be consumable directly and conveniently from the packaging.

Recent years have seen a huge increase in on-line meal delivery services where a consumer may order a meal on-line or by telephone, the food is prepared and then delivered to the consumer. Robust, convenient, attractive packaging, produced economically is desirable for such services to be effective and attractive to consumers.

In addition, provision of smart technology, loyalty schemes, linking through social media profiles and other ways in which a product or service provide may have access to personal preferences of a user or consumer offer the opportunity to tailor products and services according to consumer requirements and to personalize such services and products. By incorporating preferences or other data which reflects user choice, preference or prospective choice or preference, tailored packaging may be employed to provide a mechanism for delivery of targeted marketing material.

GB-A-1455126 describes a packaging container having a storage compartment which has a lid comprising a pair of lid portions each defining a further compartment and each having its own cover portion to close the further compartments and which lid portions are which are fixed to the storage compartment by means of hinges such that the lid portions are foldable onto the compartment thereby to close it. Whilst providing a convenient configuration of multiple compartments, the container is employed by the user to select the desired contents and the compartments must remain accessible to the user.

There is a need for improved packaging which allows a user or consumer to select contents for the packaging, for the packaging to be sealable to enable transportation without leakage, and for contents to be consumable directly from the packaging whilst providing the opportunity for the packaging and product provided to be tailored to the user or consumer.

We have now devised packaging which provides an economic and convenient way for consumers or users to select a desired product or products, for example food products, at a point of ordering, whether in person or remotely, and to receive the product in a sealed form optionally with personalized or information targeted to the user or consumer and which may be configured by the user or consumer to enable direct consumption of the contents of the packaging. The invention accordingly overcomes, or at least mitigates, some or all of the drawbacks of known packaging arrangements.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging container for a product pre-selected by a user comprising a primary body defining a storage compartment and at least one secondary body defining a secondary storage compartment, the primary and at least one secondary compartments having an access opening which is sealed by a covering and each body containing the product or a part or component of the product determined by the user and wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected such that the packaging container is conformable in a first, closed configuration in which the at least one secondary body overlies the primary body and in a second, open configuration in which:

i) the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected and in a generally planar arrangement; or ii) the primary body and at least one secondary body are detached from each other and connected by a covering.

Preferably, the primary body and at least one secondary body are in the form of separate trays. The separate trays are preferably connected by a covering which acts to seal the primary and at least one secondary bodies. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging container comprises a primary body and two secondary bodies. The two secondary bodies are suitably disposed laterally of the primary body on opposite sides of the primary body.

In the closed configuration the at least one, preferably two, secondary bodies overlie the primary body such that the covering is protected by the primary and at least one secondary bodies and desirably not exposed. This arrangement provides excellent structural integrity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging container for a product pre-selected by a user comprising a primary body defining a storage compartment and at least one secondary body defining a secondary storage compartment, the primary and at least one secondary bodies each having an access opening for receiving the product or a part or component of the product and adapted to be sealed by a covering after receipt of the product and optionally further adapted to receive a printable body comprising information tailored to the user and wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected such that the packaging container is conformable in a first, closed configuration in which the at least one secondary body overlies the primary body and in a second, open configuration in which:

i) the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected and in a generally planar arrangement; or ii) the primary body and at least one secondary body are detached from each other and connectable by the covering.

The packaging container may be used for packing, display or transport of any desired product where maintaining two different elements of the product is desired. The packaging container may be used to store and enable display and or transportation of inanimate objects for example hardware such as hand tools and fixings, painting products, garden products, do-it-yourself products and the like. The packaging container may also be configured for carrying medical products or specimens for example cell or tissue samples, pharmaceutical products, medical dispensing apparatus or devices and the like.

The packaging container of the invention is especially suitable for containing and transporting foodstuffs especially meals, meal components, sandwiches, salad and any other food type or component. Optionally, the packaging container may also include accompaniments for food including one or more of edible accompaniments for example sauces or other condiments, sachets or other sealed containers or receptacles containing food products, cutlery, cleaning products for example wipes, towels and serviettes, dental hygiene products. The meal may comprise different components for example different meal courses, hot and cold courses or components, liquid and solid components and the like in any configuration desired by the provider of the foodstuff or meal or at the request of the consumer requesting a tailored or bespoke combination of meal components or products.

The user or consumer may select the desired product, in person, by telephone, on-line or by other means and the product or service provider then suitably prepares the product according to the request of the user and tailored to the individual needs of the user. This novel method of enabling tailoring of bespoke products in a sealable multi-compartment packaging container at a before the point of use or sale based on a user or consumer request is especially suitable in the supply of meals, or meal components, for example in retail food outlets. For example the user may specify a particular meal component or combination of courses or components of a meal or a particular condiment, eating implements or the like which may then be placed in separate trays in the packaging container. The consumer or user thereby receives a packaged container having contents determined by the user at tor before the point of purchase or receipt of the container. . Upon insertion of the product into the packaging container, the storage compartments of the primary and at least one secondary body are sealed, the packaging container is configured in the first, closed configuration and suitably retained in that configuration by closure means for example by application of a label or sleeve fitting snugly around the primary and secondary bodies.

The sleeve is suitably printable and may contain information which is personal to the individual user, for example, details of the product order, information based on other information of the user such as preferences or other information contained on a loyalty card or otherwise provided to the service provide by the user.

In a third aspect, the invention provides for the use of a packaging container according to the second aspect of the invention to provide an individually tailored package to a user in response to a request for a specific product from a user wherein the packaging container is sealed after the user has made the specific request and the specific product has been placed in the storage compartment(s) of the packaging container.

The term “individually-tailored” includes provision of a product as specifically requested by a user, consumer or customer and also may include the provision of information specific to or targeted to the user and printed on the packaging container, its covering or an accessory, for example a printable sleeve or label, which may be applied to the packaging container.

The primary and at least one secondary bodies are suitably sealed with a liquid tight seal or air tight seal such that the contents of each body remain entirely within the body.

Any one or more of the compartments defined by the primary body and the at least one secondary body may be sub-divided by a wall within any one of the compartments. For example, the primary compartment may be provided with a dividing wall which extends normal to the at least one secondary body. The upper edge of the wall is suitably at the same height as the top of the compartment such that the wall may act to provide additional support to the at least one secondary body when in the closed configuration.

The container may be formed economically by moulding or pressing a thin sheet material such as plastics, cardboard, or paper; the inner surface of the cardboard or paper may be suitably treated for containing the meal. Alternatively, the packaging container may be more sturdily constructed of plastics or other suitable material so as to be durable or to provide a higher quality finish depending on the particular intended use.

The packaging container of the invention may be disposable after use but is preferably constructed of recyclable materials and adapted for recycling or biodegradable materials. The product may be constructed of biorenewable materials for example polysaccharidebased materials such as cellulose, thereby reducing or avoiding materials derived from fossil sources such as oil.

The primary compartment and at last one secondary compartment may be any suitable size and shape according to the desired application. Where the packaging container is intended to store and enable transportation of food, the primary container is suitably of a size to hold a food portion for at least one person and to be readily portable. The at least one secondary compartment may have the same size access opening as the primary compartment but preferably has a smaller access opening and desirably has the same length but a smaller width access opening than the primary compartment.

Suitably, the packaging container comprises a plurality of compartments so multiple products, for example courses or parts of courses of a meal, can conveniently be packed, stored and transported and from which the product may conveniently be used or consumed.

In one preferred embodiment, the packaging container comprises a primary body and two secondary bodies. Suitably, the secondary bodies are connected to the primary body on opposing sides of the primary body such that in the closed configuration, the secondary bodies may be arranged side-by-side to overlie the primary body. Preferably, the primary body and secondary body are dimensioned such that in the closed configuration, the combined width of the two secondary bodies is the same as that of the primary body and the length is the same as that of the primary compartment so as to form a generally cube or cuboidal shaped packaging container in the closed configuration.

For premium or luxury products, the packaging container is suitably constructed of higher quality materials and may have a more elaborate shape or configuration than cube-shaped or cuboidal-shaped.

The primary body and at least one secondary body may be formed as a single part in which the primary body and at least one second body are integral or the primary body and at least one secondary body may be provided as discrete bodies which are then connected by a connecting part or by the covering employed for sealing the bodies.

Where the container is provided by a single part, the container suitably comprises a hinge, score, crease disposed between the primary body and the at least one secondary body whereby the at least one secondary body is pivotable relative to the primary body. Suitably, the hinge(s) or score between the primary body and at least one secondary body comprises a pair of closely spaced parallel indentations or grooves formed in the container.

In another embodiment, the at least one secondary body may be connected to the primary body by a connecting part whereby the secondary body is movable relative to the primary body between the first and second configurations.

The primary body and secondary body may be detachable from each other. The hinge or connecting part may be perforated or manually breakable.

In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises separate compartments which are connected by the covering which acts to seal the containers. The covering connects the separate bodies and is suitably flexible or deformable to allow the primary and at least one secondary bodies to be moved relative to each other between the open and closed configurations.

In one embodiment, the primary body may have an insert associated therewith, the insert being of substantially the same shape as the body, but of smaller dimensions, whereby it may nest in the body with a surrounding air gap. The insert may be supported in its nested position by a marginal flange, which seats around the mouth of the primary body, and by support feet formed in the bottom of the insert. At least some of the feet may seat onto strengthening ribs in the bottom of the compartment. The surrounding air gap, which is preferably at least 5cm may be completely sealed.

In this way, an effective insulation space can be provided around the bottom and walls of the insert, the only heat paths being at the contact points of the support feet. A substantially closed air space may be provided above the insert, with the covering.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the packaging container comprises a primary body, and two secondary bodies wherein each body is a discrete part, and further comprising a single covering for the bodies which comprises a primary body sealing portion disposed over the access opening of the primary body and two secondary body sealing portions disposed over the access openings of the two secondary bodies wherein the primary body sealing portion is linked to the secondary sealing portions by connecting portions.

The primary and at least one secondary compartments are suitably sealed by a plastic covering, preferably transparent, to allow the user or consumer to observe the contents of the compartment. The closed configuration offers protection to the covering.

Suitably the compartments are sealed using conventional methods, for example heat sealing, to provide a liquid-tight seal or an air-tight seal, thereby to enable ready and convenient transport of the packaging with the contents without leakage irrespective of the orientation of the packaging. In an especially preferred embodiment, the compartments are sealed by a gas flush process.

Each compartment may be sealed with a separate discrete covering for each compartment or a single covering may be employed to cover more than one compartment, preferably all the compartments. The covering is suitably adhered to the peripheral edge of the access opening of the one or more compartments to allow removal to gain access to the one or more compartments.

The covering may be adhered to the packaging container using an adhesive and/or sealing techniques known in the art for example heat sealing with utilization of different temperature depending on the permanency of the sealing required. A lower temperature seal suitably provides a releasable seal such that a part of or substantially all of the covering is removable, preferably manually removable, from the container. A part of the covering may be sealed using an adhesive and/or sealing technique known in the art which provides a permanent seal such that upon removing a part of the covering, the part adhered to the container remains adhered to the container. The permanent seal is preferably a weld heat seal.

In one embodiment, the container has a covering which covers at least two compartments and is sealed to the container using a permanent seal between the at least two compartments and a peelable seal around the remaining periphery of each of the compartments. Suitably, the covering comprises a first part for sealing a first compartment and a second part for sealing a second, adjacent compartment and is provided with a score line, perforation or other means of separating the first part of the covering sealing one compartment from a second part of the covering sealing a second adjacent compartment during removal of the first and/or second part of the covering.

In a preferred embodiment, the covering seals at least two adjacent compartments of the container by means of a permanent seal along the shared part of the periphery of the two adjacent compartments and by means of a peelable seal around the remaining periphery of each compartment. In this way, the user may gain access to one compartment while leaving another compartment sealed as may be desired.

In a further preferred embodiment, a single covering sheet is employed to cover and seal all the compartments in a packaging container and is sealed around the periphery of each of the compartments with a permanent seal being employed for any part of the periphery lying between adjacent compartments and a peelable seal for the remaining peripheries.

The periphery of one or more of the primary body and/or at least one secondary body may be contoured so as to allow the user easy access to the peelable covering at a defined point. This arrangement avoids the need to have a flap or projection of the covering beyond the periphery of the container and reduces wastage of the covering material. By avoiding projections, the covering is suitably a regular shape easing application of the covering to the container.

The periphery is suitably contoured by providing a depression or discontinuity to allow a user to readily, manually peel the covering from the body. Any one or more and preferably each of the primary and at least one secondary bodies comprises a contoured portion in its periphery. The contoured portion suitably extends inwardly from the outer edge of the periphery but does not extend across the full width of the periphery as this may render sealing more difficult or may increase the risk of leakage for example during transport.

Where a permanent seal is employed, the covering suitable comprises a score, perforation or other means of separating the cover into a removed or peeled part and a retained or sealed part so as to allow selective opening of compartments.

In another embodiment, the covering is adhered to the container so as to seal each compartment from the other compartment(s) and a peelable seal is employed for all sealing such that upon opening, the entire covering is removed to allow access to all compartments.

The peelable seal and permanent seal as may be employed provide an air tight seal for the compartment being sealed. The peelable seal allows the covering to be removable, preferably manually removable, by peeling to separate the covering from the compartment.

The packaging container may be designed and configured such that a part of the covering remains adhered to the one or more compartments after manual removal of a part of the covering on one or more compartments.

The covering may be printable and may have information, data or messages relevant to the particular consumer printed thereon.

The packaging container may be sealed with a modified atmosphere to remove oxygen from inside the sealed container, for example an inert gas. Removal of oxygen in part or whole assists in reducing degradation of food sealed within the container.

In another embodiment, one or more of the sealed bodies may be pressurized. This assists in structural integrity and may be employed to package objects which are suitably stored under pressure, for example tennis balls.

Where a modified atmosphere is employed, the trays and seal film are suitably specified to accommodate the modified atmosphere gas

The packaging container may comprise closure means for retaining the at least one secondary body in the closed configuration. The closure means may be integral to the packaging container. The closure means are suitably provided for holding the at least one the secondary body in its closed configuration and may comprise a sleeve or adhesive label or mechanical means. In one embodiment, the closure means comprises connectable male and female elements at co-incident positions on the primary body and the at least one secondary body.

It is preferred however, that the closure means is separate, for example a sleeve which fits snugly around the container in the closed configuration so as to hold the at least one secondary body and the primary body in a fixed relationship.

The sleeve is suitably printable and in a preferred embodiment is printed after receipt of an order for a product from the user and printed with information relating to the user or marketing material targeted to the user.

The packaging container according to the invention enables a user or consumer to order a product, have the product packaged and sealed after the order is place, for example on site in a restaurant or take-away food establishment, containing the particular components as requested by the consumer and be suitable for convenient transport.

The consumer or user may thereby obtain a package containing a product which is individually tailored to the specification of the consumer or user.

The invention is especially useful for packaging take-away food products where a consumer may place an order remotely and have the product packaged and delivered by a delivery service. At present, packaging of take-away food products with multiple containers for different components is not typically sealed in a liquid or air-tight manner because the food is only loaded into the container upon receipt of the order from the consumer.

The packaging container according to the invention enables a consumer or user to order food according to their particular requirements and to have it packaged in a single packaging container with multiple bodies or compartments so that different components of a meal may be kept separate and uncontaminated by sealing the container at the point of the food being placed in the container. By providing multiple compartments or bodies within the packaging container and configuring the container such that it may be placed in a closed configuration, ease of transport, thermal insulation, structural integrity and ease of carrying may be secured.

With the advent of delivery services for example Deliveroo, UberMeals, JustEat and the like, the present invention allows a bespoke product, optionally with tailored information to be delivered in a leak-free, multi-compartment packaging container. The closed configuration also provides improved structural integrity as compared to providing a meal in separate containers. Suitably, information for example, the name, delivery address and description of the contents of the packaging container may be printed on the packaging or a sleeve or label.

Suitably, the user or consumer provides an order to a food supplier for a specified food product, for example from a specified menu. The order may be provided in person, remotely or on-line. The user may also provide information, which may comprise personal details for example name, nickname or other identifier or other information given at the time of ordering or may provide information enabling identification of information previously stored in a database or system by the supplier for example using a loyalty scheme or card. The ordered product is placed in the primary compartment and at least one secondary storage compartment of the packaging container, the compartments are then sealed to provide a liquid-tight seal, the container containing the ordered product is arranged into the first closed configuration. Closure means for example an adhesive label or a sleeve is printed with information relating to or targeted to the particular consumer and the closure means is applied to the packaging container to retain the packaging container in the first, closed configuration and the bespoke, packaged product is provided to the consumer.

The primary and at least one secondary body may be made individually and connected together or may formed as a single component. A blank for forming a packaging container or for forming one part of the main body of the inner package is suitable employed.

Suitably, the primary body is constructed of plastics material, for example polypropylene and is preferably microwaveable. The at least one secondary body may be constructed of any suitable material, preferably plastics material for example polyethylene and/or polyethylene terephthalate. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary bodies are translucent or transparent such that, in the closed configuration, the product in the secondary body may be visible to the observer.

Advantageously, whether the packaging container comprises a single part or separate primary and at least one secondary body, the primary body is configured to be stackable and suitably, the secondary body and where present further secondary bodies are also configured to be stackable. This aids transportation and storage.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a process for providing an individually tailored food package comprising receiving an order from a user for a specified product, for example a food product and optionally including non-food components, placing the product in a primary and at least one secondary body of a packaging container according to the second aspect of the invention, sealing the bodies of the packaging container, arranging the packaging container into the first configuration , applying closure means to retain the packaging container in the first, closed configuration and delivering the individually tailored food package to the user.

Suitably, the user provides information for example, the details of the order, the user’s name and/or delivery address to a provider of the food package and the process further comprises the step of printing information relating to the user on a printable body to provide a printed body and applying the printed body to the packaging container.

The printable body preferably comprises a sleeve adapted to snugly fit the packaging container in the closed configuration or a label. The sleeve or label may be pre-printed with imagery or text, for example advertising material relating to the provider of the tailored food package.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the process further comprises a user placing an order with the tailored package provider via the internet or a telephony system, making payment such that the package provider receives payment for the order directly or indirectly from the user, the package provider applies information comprising the name and optionally the address of the user, the order details and a receipt for payment to a sleeve or label which is applied to the sealed packaging container which is then delivered to the user.

Suitably, the order is placed using a mobile telephone, tablet or other internet connectable device, preferably using an “app” from the food package provider or an intermediary.

The invention is illustrated by the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a packaging container according to the invention in a closed configuration;

Figure 2 shows a side elevation of a packaging container according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a packaging container according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a packaging container according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a packaging container having separate, linked compartments according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 6 shows a plan view of a packaging container having perforations in the container between adjacent compartments according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 7 shows a side elevation of a packaging container according to the invention being moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a packaging container having perforations in the covering between adjacent compartments according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 9 shows a side elevation of a primary compartment mounted in a holding container according to the present invention;

Figures 10A and 10B show a perspective and side elevation respectively of a packaging container having a sleeve according to the invention;

Figure 11A shows a partial plan view of a container according to the invention and Figure 11B shows a partial side view of the container shown in Figure 11A when viewed from the direction of arrow C.

Figure 12 shows an ordering flow chart setting out a method according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a packaging container (1) according to the invention in an open configuration in which the primary body and two secondary bodies are compartments suitable for receiving foodstuffs or meals or components thereof or which may be used for other non-food items, for example medical products or samples, hardware or other inanimate objects. The container includes a primary compartment (3) having a sealed accessible opening (4) and two secondary compartments (5, 7) each having a sealed accessible opening (6, 8) respectively. The primary compartment (3) and the two secondary compartments (5, 7) are joined by hinges (9, 11) respectively which, in one embodiment are provided by the covering material which acts to close accessible openings (4, 6, 8). The secondary compartments are dimensioned such that the width of the compartments (5, 7) is approximately the same as the width of the primary compartment (3) between the two hinges (9, 11). Although not shown, the length of the secondary compartments (5, 7) is the same as that of the primary compartment (3) such that, in the closed configuration, as shown in Figure 2, the accessible openings of the secondary compartments (6, 8) lie across the accessible opening of the primary compartment (4).

The compartments are suitably dimensioned such that the packaging container presents a generally planar base and a generally planar upper surface in which the accessible openings (4, 6, 8) are generally planar. The secondary compartments and primary compartment may be separate as shown or may have shared adjacent walls where the packaging container is formed as a single part.

Figure 2 shows the packaging container in a closed configuration. This arrangement advantageously provides a neat package suitable for easy handling or application of closure means, for example an adhesive label across the two secondary compartments or a sleeve (35)to hold them in the closed configuration. This arrangement may also provide structural improved integrity aiding portability whilst reducing the risk of or avoiding damage to the container.

Where the packaging container is to be employed for heated foodstuffs or a meal or meal components, this arrangement also beneficially provides thermal insulation by avoiding exposing the sealed coverings.

Figure 3, shows a container according to the invention in which the primary compartment (3) has a width “z” and the two secondary compartments have widths “x” and “y” which may be the same or different. Suitably x+y=z such that in the closed configuration, the container is as shown in Figure 1 with the two secondary compartments overlying the primary compartment.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the primary compartment is suitably shaped to have a tapered profile from the top to the bottom such that removal of the contents from the compartment, particularly food or a meal or meal component is facilitated or the primary compartment may have a squarer profile. The secondary compartments (5, 7) may have a squarer cross-section or be tapered as desired.

Figure 5 shows a container in which the primary compartment (3) and the secondary compartments (5, 7) have their own independent peripheries (12, 14, 16) respectively which each may be sealed using a separate covering or may be sealed together with a covering two or more of the compartments (3, 5, 7). The primary compartment (3) and secondary compartments (5, 7) are connected by linking parts (18, 20). The linking parts are flexible, foldable or otherwise enable relative movement of the primary and secondary compartments whereby the container may be placed in an open or closed configuration as desired. The linking parts (18, 20) may be severable, for example by tearing manually to allow one or more of the secondary compartments (5, 7) to be separated from the primary compartment (3).

Figure 6 shows a packaging container according to the invention having a primary compartment (3) and two secondary compartments (5, 7) with shared peripheries (22, 24) between the primary compartment (3) and each secondary compartment (5, 7) with each shared periphery having perforations (26, 28) along their length allowing one or both the secondary compartments (5, 7) to be separated from the primary compartment (3). Where separate primary and secondary compartments (3, 5, 7) are employed, the covering for the compartments may be perforated or otherwise formed so as to allow ready separation of any one compartment from the others,

Figure 7 shows a container with arrows A and B indicating the direction in which secondary compartments (5, 7) move towards the closed configuration.

Figure 8 shows a covering (30) sealing the primary and secondary compartments (3, 5, 7) container. Primary compartment (3) has a periphery defined by peripheral edges (3a, 3b) and shared peripheral edges (22, 24). Secondary compartments (5, 7) have peripheries defined by peripheral edges (5a, 5b, 5c) and shared peripheral edge (22) and defined by peripheral edges (7a, 7b, 7c) and shared peripheral edge (24) respectively. The covering 30 is suitably sealed to the container with a permanent seal along shared peripheries (22, 24) and peelable seals along peripheries (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b, 5c, 7a,7b, 7c). The primary and secondary compartments may be separable if perforations or the like are included between the containers along the shared peripheries (22, 24) or the container may be a single part.

Figure 9 shows a primary compartment sitting in a nested manner in a separate holding container (32). This arrangement provides an air gap between the primary compartment and the holding container, providing thermal insulation and added structural integrity.

Figures 10A, 10B and 10C show a packaging container having a sleeve (35) which wraps around the compartments (3, 5, 7) in the closed configuration and which may be printed with general information or data, product or contents-specific data or data, information or messages tailored to the particular consumer who has specified the contents for the packaging container.

Figures 11A and 11B show a part of a packaging container which is sealed with covering 30 and which has in its periphery 3a of primary body 3 and periphery 5a of secondary body 5, contours (42, 40) respectively. The contours are suitably depressions or discontinuities formed in the outer side of the periphery of the body but do not extend across the full width of the periphery as this may render sealing more difficult or costly.

Figure 12 shows a flow for a process for providing an individually tailored food package. The user provides an order to a food supplier for a specified food product, for example from a specified menu. The user also provides information, which may comprise personal details for example name, nickname or other identifier or other information given at the time of ordering or may provide information enabling identification of information previously stored in a database or system by the supplier for example using a loyalty scheme or card. The ordered product is placed in the primary compartment and at least one secondary storage compartment of the packaging container, the compartments are then sealed to provide a 5 liquid-tight seal, the container containing the ordered product is arranged into the first closed configuration. Closure means for example an adhesive label or a sleeve is printed with information relating to or targeted to the particular consumer and the closure means is applied to the packaging container to retain the packaging container in the first, closed configuration and the bespoke, packaged product is provided to the consumer.

Claims

1. A packaging container for a product pre-selected by a user comprising a primary body defining a storage compartment and at least one secondary body defining a secondary storage compartment, the primary and at least one secondary compartments having an access opening which is sealed by a covering and each body containing the product or a part or component of the product determined by the user and wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected such that the packaging container is conformable in a first, closed configuration in which the at least one secondary body overlies the primary body and in a second, open configuration in which:

i. the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected and in a generally planar arrangement; or ii. the primary body and at least one secondary body are detached from each other and connected by a covering.

2. A packaging container wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body are in the form of separate trays.

3. A packaging container according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the covering acts to seal the primary and at least one secondary bodies.

4. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging container comprises a primary body and two secondary bodies.

5. A packaging container according to claim 4 wherein the two secondary bodies are suitably disposed laterally of the primary body on opposite sides of the primary body.

6. A packaging container according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein, in the closed configuration, the secondary bodies overlie the primary body such that the covering is protected by the primary and at least one secondary bodies.

7. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims which further comprises an insert tray for insertion in the primary body.

8. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims which further comprises closure means for retaining the packaging container in a closed configuration.

9. A packaging container for a product pre-selected by a user comprising a primary body defining a storage compartment and at least one secondary body defining a secondary storage compartment, the primary and at least one secondary bodies each having an access opening for receiving the product or a part or component of the product and adapted to be sealed by a covering after receipt of the product and optionally further adapted to receive a printable body comprising information tailored to the user and wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected such that the packaging container is conformable in a first, closed configuration in which the at least one secondary body overlies the primary body and in a second, open configuration in which:

10. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or the primary container and at least one secondary body comprises a periphery and the periphery of at least one of the said bodies comprises a contoured portion.

11. Use of a packaging container according to claim 9 to provide an individually tailored package to a user in response to a request for a specific product from a user wherein the packaging container is sealed after the user has made the specific request and the specific product has been placed in the storage compartment(s) of the packaging container.

12. A process for providing an individually tailored food package comprising receiving an order from a user for a specified product, placing the product in a primary and at least one secondary body of a packaging container according to claim 9, sealing the bodies of the packaging container, arranging the packaging container into the first configuration, applying closure means to retain the packaging container in the first, closed configuration and delivering the individually tailored food package to the user.

13. A process according to claim 12 wherein the user provides information to a provider of the food package comprising the step of printing information relating to the user on a printable body to provide a printed body and applying the printed body to the packaging container.

14. A process according to claim 13 wherein the printable body comprises a sleeve adapted to snugly fit the packaging container in the closed configuration or a label.

15. A process according to any one of claims 12 to 14 comprising the provider of the food package receiving the order from the user via the internet or a telephony system, receiving payment for the order directly or indirectly from the user, applying information 5 comprising the name of the user, the order details and a receipt for payment to a sleeve or label optionally containing pre-printed background information or images.

Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:29 10 18

1. A packaging container for a product pre-selected by a user comprising a primary body defining a storage compartment and at least one secondary body defining a secondary

5 storage compartment, the primary and at least one secondary compartments having an access opening which is sealed by a covering and each body containing the product or a part or component of the product determined by the user and wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected such that the packaging container is conformable in a first, closed configuration in which the at least one secondary body overlies 10 the primary body and in a second, open configuration in which the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected and in a generally planar arrangement; or

2. A packaging container wherein the primary body and at least one secondary body 15 are in the form of separate trays and connected by the covering.

20 4. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging container comprises a primary body and two secondary bodies.

30 7. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims which further comprises an insert tray for insertion in the primary body.

35 9. A packaging container for a product pre-selected by a user comprising a primary body defining a storage compartment and at least one secondary body defining a secondary storage compartment, the primary and at least one secondary bodies each having an access

29 10 18 opening for receiving the product or a part or component of the product and adapted to be sealed by a covering after receipt of the product and wherein the packaging container is, in use, conformable in a first, closed configuration in which the at least one secondary body overlies the primary body and in a second, open configuration in which the primary body and at least one secondary body are connected and in a generally planar arrangement.

11. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims containing the product or a part or component of the product and which comprises a printable body comprising information tailored to the user.

12. Use of a packaging container according to claim 10 to provide an individually tailored package to a user in response to a request for a specific product from a user wherein the packaging container is sealed after the user has made the specific request and the specific product has been placed in the storage compartment(s) of the packaging container.

13. A process for providing an individually tailored food package comprising receiving an order from a user for a specified product, placing the product in a primary and at least one secondary body of a packaging container according to claim 10, sealing the bodies of the packaging container, arranging the packaging container into the first configuration, applying closure means to retain the packaging container in the first, closed configuration and delivering the individually tailored food package to the user.

14. A process according to claim 13 wherein the user provides information to a provider of the food package comprising the step of printing information relating to the user on a printable body to provide a printed body and applying the printed body to the packaging container.

15. A process according to claim 14 wherein the printable body comprises a sleeve adapted to snugly fit the packaging container in the closed configuration or a label.

16. A process according to any one of claims 13 to 15 comprising the provider of the food package receiving the order from the user via the internet or a telephony system, receiving payment for the order directly or indirectly from the user, applying information comprising the name of the user, the order details and a receipt for payment to a sleeve or label optionally containing pre-printed background information or images.

29 10 18