GB2573138A

GB2573138A - Containers for sandwiches and blanks for containers

Info

Publication number: GB2573138A
Application number: GB1806781.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Page Roland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-25
Filing date: 2018-04-25
Publication date: 2019-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-25
Also published as: GB2573138B; GB201806781D0

Abstract

A blank 1 for a triangular prism-shaped container (figure 4) for a food product, such as a sandwich, comprising a lid 7 with an aperture 26, frame members 27, 28, a flange 8 and a see-through sheet providing a window. The see-through sheet, which may be compostable, extends at least partially, but preferably fully, across an inner surface of the two frame members and the flange. The aperture could extend across the entire width of the lid and may be rectangular. The flange may comprise cut out portions 29, 30 that conform to the shape of the second side wall (5, figure 4) making the flange of isosceles trapezoid shape. The flange may comprise tongues 9, 10 that may be narrower in width than the lid frame members 27, 28. Each side wall 4, 5, may comprise smaller triangular portions 20-25. Adhesive may be applied on the inner surface of triangular surfaces 21, 24 and /or 20, 23 or to the flange. The walls may be formed of carton board and a blister coating. The container is also claimed and it may have an adhesive tag.

Description

Containers for Sandwiches and Blanks for Containers for Sandwiches

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to containers for a food product such as a sandwich, blanks for containers and partially assembled containers. The invention relates particularly to containers and blanks for containers incorporating windows.

Background to the Invention

The closest prior art known to the Applicant are their own existing triangular prism-shaped containers for a food product such as a sandwich.

Some containers have attempted to address known problems such as improving the size of windows in container and the undesirable but necessary use of adhesives to maintain the structure of the containers, and simplifying the assembly of containers.

However, these technical problems remain and there is a general need to continue improvement in this field. In particular, windows in existing containers are limited by the need for a perimeter to facilitate closure of the container by heat sealing or the like. A reduction in the amount of adhesive used should simplify the manufacture of containers for food products and should, in turn, minimise the risk of contamination of the contents of a container. There is also a need to further simplify the assembly of containers without undermining their structural integrity when storing contents and when open, in use.

The present invention seeks to address at least these drawbacks.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a blank for a container for a food product, such as a sandwich, the blank comprising a first substantially rectangular wall with two long sides and two short sides; a second substantially rectangular wall with two long sides and two short sides; a hinged fold being provided at one of the short sides of each said rectangular wall between said rectangular walls; said two long sides of each one of said rectangular walls being joined by a hinged fold to at least part of a first side wall and to at least part of a second side wall respectively; the blank being able to form an assembled container which is substantially triangular prism-shaped; wherein each of said first and second side walls comprises a succession of substantially triangular portions which span between the two rectangular walls; and wherein the blank further comprises a lid joined to said first side wall; wherein the lid comprises an aperture and at least two frame members which bound two opposing sides of the aperture; the blank further comprising a flange which bounds a third side of the aperture, opposite to the side adjacent the first side wall; and wherein the blank further comprises a see-through sheet providing a window; wherein said see-through sheet extends across said aperture and at least partially across an inner surface of the two frame members and the flange.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the frame size of the window can be maximised without undermining the structural integrity of the formed container and without creating a complex blank for manufacture. In particular, the flange of the blank is utilised for closure of the blank when it is assembled into its substantially triangular prismshaped form. Therefore, the lid does not require a perimeter region which bounds the entire window, and which would dictate a small window size. The see-through sheet which provides the window extends across the aperture and at least partially across the inner surface of the two frame members and the flange, so that the sheet is securely joined to the rest of the blank without the need for a perimeter region.

In a subsidiary aspect, the aperture extends across the entire width of the lid. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the view of the contents of the formed container is improved. Consumers are therefore better informed of the contents.

In a subsidiary aspect, the see-through sheet extends across substantially the entire inner surface of the entire lid and flange. This configuration is particularly advantageous because formation of the blank is simplified. Moreover, connection between the sheet and the frame members and flange is more secure.

In a subsidiary aspect, the flange is located adjacent an outer surface of the second side wall when the blank is assembled into its triangular prism-shaped form. Locating the flange adjacent an outer surface of the second side wall when the blank is assembled provides a straightforward means for securing the container in its closed position. For example, a sticky label or tag may be placed over at least part of the flange and second side wall to secure the two components together and keep the container closed.

In a subsidiary aspect, the flange incorporates a number of cut-out portions which conform to the shape of the second side wall, whereby the flange does not project beyond the edges of the second side wall when the blank is assembled. The cut-out portions of the flange retain the substantially triangular prism-shaped form of the container when assembled and therefore do not catch on other objects which might cause ripping or undesired opening of the container.

In a subsidiary aspect, the flange is substantially trapezoidal. A substantially trapezoidal shape provides a suitable complimentary shape to that of the second side wall so that, when the blank is assembled into a container, the flange does not extend beyond the boundary of the second side wall.

In a subsidiary aspect, the flange is an isosceles trapezoid. An isosceles trapezoidal flange further improves the shape of the container when assembled.

In a subsidiary aspect, the aperture of the lid is substantially rectangular, having two short sides and two long sides; wherein the two frame members bound each of the short sides of the aperture; and the first side wall bounds a long side of the aperture and the two frame members; and wherein the flange bounds the long side of the aperture opposite to the first side wall. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the window formed by the aperture is maximised in width across the entire width of the lid.

In a subsidiary aspect, the blank further comprises a number of tongues; at least one of said tongues extending from a free short side of a rectangular wall; and wherein the or each tongue is disposed inwardly when the blank is assembled into its substantially triangular prism-shaped form. The or each tongue serves to provide a barrier between the lid and the contents of the container. The tongues provide additional structural integrity to the formed container.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the or each tongue has a width narrower than the width of the frame members of the lid. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it improves the ease with which the or each tongue is disposed inwardly when the blank is assembled into a container.

In a subsidiary aspect, each side wall comprises a first triangular portion which spans, when said blank is assembled into its triangular prism-shaped form, from the hinged fold of one of the rectangular walls to a position adjacent to the other rectangular wall; each side wall comprising two further triangular portions being located between said first triangular portion of the same side wall and said other rectangular wall; wherein the two further triangular portions of each side wall may be collapsed onto each other. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a blank which is more straightforwardly machined into a partially or fully assembled container. In particular, the further triangular portions may be grabbed by a sandwich packing machine and collapsed onto one another to form a ‘sandwich receiving' region which may be filled and then closed to form a container.

In a further subsidiary aspect, wherein an adhesive is provided on an inner surface of the further triangular portion adjacent to said first triangular portion of each side wall and/or on an inner surface of the first triangular portion of each side wall; whereby the first triangular portion and adjacent further triangular portion of each side wall are adhered to one another when the blank is assembled. This configuration is particularly advantageous because any adhesive used to form a container from the blank is separated from the contents of the container. This configuration also improves the ease with which the blank can be machined into a partially formed or fully formed container.

In a subsidiary aspect, an adhesive is provided on an inner surface of the flange and/or on an outer surface of the second side wall; whereby the flange and second side wall are adhered to one another when the blank is assembled. This configuration is particularly advantageous because adhesive is separated from the contents of the container.

In a subsidiary aspect, said window is formed solely of compostable material. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a window which is recyclable.

In a subsidiary aspect, each one of said rectangular walls is formed as a continuous single wall portion. A continuous single wall portion minimises the risk of contamination and improves the structural integrity of the container. It is also less likely that any of the foodstuff will prematurely exit the container, for example, onto a shelf in a shop where hygiene maintenance is essential.

In a subsidiary aspect, said first and second substantially rectangular walls, said side walls and said lid are formed as a continuous sheet. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the structural integrity of the container is further improved and the risk of contamination into or out of the container is minimised.

In a subsidiary aspect, the two further triangular portions of each side wall are joined to one another by a hinged fold and are together substantially the same size as the first triangular portion of each side wall. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the two further triangular portions can be straightforwardly collapsed onto one another when the blank is assembled into the triangular prism-shaped form. It is also advantageous because the doubled over triangular portions provide additional structural strength to the container and form an extra thick barrier to prevent the ingress of contaminants. It is preferable that the two further triangular portions are of a similar size to each other so that they are inherently disposed to collapse onto one another as the blank is assembled into the container.

In a subsidiary aspect, the hinged joins between each component of the blank are scored such that the thickness of each joint is less than the thickness of the remainder of the blank. Scoring of the joints makes folding of the blank into an assembled container more straightforward. The risk of ripping the blank as it is folded is minimised.

In a subsidiary aspect, the walls are formed solely of carton board and blister coating. This configuration avoids the use of a laminate.

In a further broad aspect, the invention provides a container formed from a blank in accordance with any of the preceding claims. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the frame size of the window of the container can be maximised without undermining the structural integrity of the container. In particular, the flange of the container is utilised for closure of the container when it is assembled into its substantially triangular prism-shaped form. Therefore, the lid does not require a perimeter region which bounds the entire window, and which would dictate a small window size. The see-through sheet which provides the window extends across the aperture and at least partially across the inner surface of the two frame members and the flange, so that the sheet is securely joined to the rest of the blank without the need for a perimeter region.

In a subsidiary aspect, the container further comprises an adhesive tag which spans at least partially across an outer surface of the flange and an outer surface of the second side wall. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the use of adhesive may be avoided altogether and an adhesive tag is applied to the outer surfaces of the flange and second side wall to secure the container when its closed.

In a further broad aspect, the invention provides a partially assembled container formed from a blank in accordance with any of the preceding claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a blank in accordance with a first embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a blank in accordance with a further embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled container formed from the blank of the first embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an assembled container formed from the blank of the first embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Figures 1 shows a blank referenced generally as 1 with first and second substantially rectangular walls 2, 3, first and second side walls 4, 5 and a lid 7 which, when assembled, forms the a substantially triangular prism-shaped container shown in Figure 4. The blank further comprises a flange 8 which extends from the lid 7. When the blank 1 is assembled into its substantially triangular prism-shaped form, an inner surface of the flange 8 is contiguous with an outer surface of the second side wall 5. The flange facilitates closing of the formed container, as shown best in Figure 4, and allows the width of a window 26 to be maximised.

The first substantially rectangular wall 2 has two long sides 11,12 and two short sides 13, 14. The second substantially rectangular wall 3 also has two long sides 15,16 and two short sides 17, 18. Walls 2 and 3 are joined together by a hinged fold 19 located at their adjacent short sides. At their opposite short sides 13,18 tongues 9 and 10 are provided as an extension from the substantially rectangular walls.

Side walls 4, 5 are provided either side of the rectangular walls 2, 3 and are hingedly joined to the rectangular walls. In a preferred embodiment, the rectangular walls and side walls are formed as a continuous sheet. Preferably, the rectangular walls and side walls include no lamination whatsoever and may advantageously be formed solely of a blister coating on the inside with a carton board on the outside.

The first side wall 4 comprises a succession of a first triangular portion 20 and two further triangular portions 21 and 22. The second side wall 5 similarly comprises a first triangular portion 23 and two further triangular portions 24 and 25. The two further triangular portions of each side wall are preferably together substantially the same size as the first triangular portions of each side wall 20, 23. Even more preferably, the two further triangular portions of each side wall are substantially the same size as each other. The two further triangular portions of each side wall are configured to collapse onto one another when the container is assembled. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the triangular portions may be replaced by a triangular spacing.

In use, when the blank 1 is assembled into a container which is substantially triangular prism-shaped, the first triangular portion 20 of the first side wall 4 spans from the hinged fold of long side 12 of the first rectangular wall 2 to a position adjacent to the first long side 15 of the second triangular wall 5. The first triangular portion 23 of the second side wall 5 spans from the hinged fold of long side 16 of the second rectangular wall 3 to a position adjacent to the long side 11 of the first triangular wall 4. Therefore, when assembled, there are no fold lines present on the outer surface of the side walls of the container.

In an alternative embodiment, each of the side walls 4, 5 comprises a succession of a first triangular portion, a triangular spacing and at least one further triangular portion such that the first triangular portion and the or each further triangular portion overlap when the blank 1 is assembled into a container.

The blank 1 further comprises a lid 7, which in the embodiment of Figure 1 is substantially rectangular, which extends from the first triangular portion 20 of the first side wall 4. The blank 1 further incorporates a flange 8 which extends from a long side of the lid 7 opposite to the long side which is joined to the first side wall 4. In use, when the blank 1 is assembled into the substantially triangular prism-shaped container, the flange 8 overlaps with the second side wall 5 and may be secured thereto to keep the container closed. In an alternative embodiment, the flange 8 may be located within the cavity defined by the assembled container.

The blank 1 further comprises an aperture defining a window 26, which in Figure 1 is also substantially rectangular. The window may be formed of transparent or translucent, i.e. ‘see-through’, material and may be confined to the lid. The window 26 is flanked by two frame members 27, 28 which bound the short sides of the substantially rectangular window 26. The flange 8 flanks the long side of the window 26 opposite to the side attached to the first side wall 4. The sheet of see-through material forming the window 26 is attached, as shown by the dashed lines of Figure 1, at least partially to the flange 8 and each of the frame members 27, 28 so that the sheet is securely held on the blank 1. This configuration allows the window 26 to extend across the entire width of the lid 7 without the need for a perimeter region to bound the entire circumference of the window 26. In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 2 by dashed lines, the sheet of see-through material extends across the entire inner surface of the flange 8 and frame members 27, 28, and may further extend onto the first side wall 4.

The window 26 may be formed of a compostable material, such as cellulose or a cellulose-based material, so that the recyclability of the blank 1 is improved. Preferably, the window 26 is biodegradable within 12 to 18 weeks. The sheet of the window 26 may comprise a liquid-impermeable membrane. Where the rest of the blank 1 is also formed of a biodegradable material, the whole blank 1 or the container it forms may be disposed of in a more environmentally friendly way after use.

In a preferred embodiment, the window 26 is secured to the blank 1 by heat sealing.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the window 26 spans from one long side of the lid to the other, i.e. from the join between the lid 7 and flange 8 to the join between the lid 7 and side wall 4.

In an alternative embodiment, the window 26 occupies substantially the entire surface of the lid 7. A perimeter (not shown) may be provided around the boundary of the window 26 to assist in securing the window 26 to the blank 1. In a further alternative embodiment, the window 26 may extend beyond the surface of the lid. For example, the window 26 may span across at least part of side wall 4.

The blank of Figure 1 further comprises tongues 9 and 10 which extend from the free short sides of the rectangular walls 2, 3 and which fold in towards the cavity defined by the assembled container. When the lid 7 is folded to close the container, the tongues 9, 10 are disposed inwardly and are located within the cavity of the closed container. The flange 8 of may also be disposed inwardly to be located within the container when assembled and may further to contact the tongues 9, 10 of the rectangular walls and interlock with the tongues to secure the container closed. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the tongues 9, 10 are disposed inwardly whilst the flange 8 occupies a position outside of the container and adjacent to the second side wall 5 when assembled. The tongues 9, 10 preferably have a width narrower than the width of the frame members 27, 28 to improve the simplicity of manufacture of the blank 1.

In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the short sides of the lid 7, but preferably both short sides, may comprise a flange (not shown) which, when the container is assembled, are located outside the container and adjacent the rectangular walls 2, 3. A further development of this alternative embodiment comprises one or more tongues which extend from the second side wall 5 and which are disposed inwardly in the same manner as the tongues 9, 10 of the preferred embodiment, to provide a barrier between the lid and the contents of the container.

Providing the flange minimises the need for adhesive to keep the container closed. Typically, prior containers may have comprised lips or flanges that assist in the adhesion of a lid to the walls of a container, but these are disposed outwardly, not inwardly, when the container is assembled, and they play not part in mechanically securing the container, i.e. without the use of adhesive. Also, a perimeter region around the window would be required for the lips to engage.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the flange 8 comprises two cut-out portions 29, 30 which, when the container is assembled, ensure the flange 8 conforms to the shape of the second side wall 5, as shown best in Figure 4. It is preferred that the flange 8 is a substantially trapezoidal shape and it is most preferred that the flange 8 is a isosceles trapezoid.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the rectangular walls is formed as a continuous single wall portion, i.e. a continuous sheet. More preferably, the rectangular walls, the side walls and the lid are formed as a continuous sheet. Even more preferably, the rectangular walls, side walls, the lid, the flange 8 and tongues 9, 10 are formed as a continuous sheet.

Adhesive may be used to provide the container with additional structural strength once assembled. It is preferred that, if adhesive is employed, that it is located on inner or outer surfaces of the first triangular portions 20, 23 and adjacent further triangular portions 21, 24 of the side walls 4, 5 so that the adhesive is separated from the contents of the container by the side walls. This configuration also allows for improved processing of the blanks to form partially or fully formed containers. More specifically, this configuration allows a packing machine to grab, glue and fold the blank 1 is a more swift and efficient manner. Folding of the succession of triangular portions of each side wall results in a partially formed container having a ‘sandwich receiving' region. The ‘sandwich receiving' region has a substantially open wedge shape and may receive a prepared sandwich. The partially formed container may then be filled and closed straightforwardly.

Adhesive may also be provided on an inner surface of the flange 8 so that, when the container is assembled and the flange 8 is contiguous with an outer surface of the second side wall 5, the flange is adhered to the second side wall 5 to close the container. Again, this configuration ensures that any adhesive is kept separate from the contents of the container. This minimises the risk of contamination.

The hinged fold line 19 between the two rectangular walls may be perforated, although it is preferred that none of the joints are perforated. The hinged fold lines between the rectangular walls and the side walls, and the portions of each of the side walls may also be perforated.

In one embodiment, the hinged joins between each wall and between side wall 4 and lid 7 are scored. Scoring the hinged joins reduces the thickness of the joins and reduces the risk of incorrect folding of the blank 1 when assembled. It is preferable to score the joins such that the thickness of the blank 1 at the scored joins is approximately half the thickness of the unscored portions of the blank 1. The joins between the flanges and the side wall or lid to which they are each attached may also be scored for the same reasons.

In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive tape or label may be applied to the outer surface of the container once it has been assembled and closed. Usefully, such a label can also contain information about the contents, such as nutritional or allergy-related information.

Figure 3 shows a partially assembled container formed from the blank 1 of Figure 1. The flange 8 and tongues 9, 10 of the rectangular walls 2, 3 are shown more clearly. As the container is assembled, the tongues 9, 10 are disposed inwardly such that they are located within the cavity of the assembled container once closed. The flange 8 is folded such that it contacts the outer surface of side wall 5 and can be adhered thereto by an adhesive placed between the flange 8 and the side wall 5 or by a adhesive tape, label, tag or strip placed at least partially over the flange 8 and side wall 5.

Figure 4 shows an assembled container formed from the blank 1 of Figure 1. The flange 8 is adjacent an outer surface of side wall 5 and cut out portions 29, 30 ensure that the flange 8 does not extend beyond the periphery of the side wall 5. The window 26 advantageously extends across the entire width of the lid 7. The frame members 27, 28 may also be increased or decreased in size to accommodate a smaller or larger window 26. In one embodiment, the window 26 may extend across substantially the entire surface of the lid 7.

Claims

1. A blank for a container for a food product, such as a sandwich, the blank comprising a first substantially rectangular wall with two long sides and two short sides; a second substantially rectangular wall with two long sides and two short sides; a hinged fold being provided at one of the short sides of each said rectangular wall between said rectangular walls; said two long sides of each one of said rectangular walls being joined by a hinged fold to at least part of a first side wall and to at least part of a second side wall respectively; the blank being able to form an assembled container which is substantially triangular prism-shaped; wherein each of said first and second side walls comprises a succession of substantially triangular portions which span between the two rectangular walls; and wherein the blank further comprises a lid joined to said first side wall; wherein the lid comprises an aperture and at least two frame members which bound two opposing sides of the aperture; the blank further comprising a flange which bounds a third side of the aperture, opposite to the side adjacent the first side wall; and wherein the blank further comprises a see-through sheet providing a window; wherein said see-through sheet extends across said aperture and at least partially across an inner surface of the two frame members and the flange.

2. A blank according to claim 1, wherein the aperture extends across the entire width of the lid.

3. A blank according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the see-through sheet extends across substantially the entire inner surface of the entire lid and flange.

4. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange is located adjacent an outer surface of the second side wall when the blank is assembled into its triangular prism-shaped form.

5. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange incorporates a number of cut-out portions which conform to the shape of the second side wall, whereby the flange does not project beyond the edges of the second side wall when the blank is assembled.

6. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange is substantially trapezoidal.

7. A blank according to claim 5, wherein the flange is an isosceles trapezoid.

8. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture of the lid is substantially rectangular, having two short sides and two long sides; wherein the two frame members bound each of the short sides of the aperture; and the first side wall bounds a long side of the aperture and the two frame members; and wherein the flange bounds the long side of the aperture opposite to the first side wall.

9. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the blank further comprises a number of tongues; at least one of said tongues extending from a free short side of a rectangular wall; and wherein the or each tongue is disposed inwardly when the blank is assembled into its substantially triangular prism-shaped form.

10. A blank according to claim 8, wherein the or each tongue has a width narrower than the width of the frame members of the lid.

11. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein each side wall comprises a first triangular portion which spans, when said blank is assembled into its triangular prism-shaped form, from the hinged fold of one of the rectangular walls to a position adjacent to the other rectangular wall; each side wall comprising two further triangular portions being located between said first triangular portion of the same side wall and said other rectangular wall; wherein the two further triangular portions of each side wall may be collapsed onto each other.

12. A blank according to claim 10, wherein an adhesive is provided on an inner surface of the further triangular portion adjacent to said first triangular portion of each side wall and/or on an inner surface of the first triangular portion of each side wall; whereby the first triangular portion and adjacent further triangular portion of each side wall are adhered to one another when the blank is assembled.

13. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein an adhesive is provided on an inner surface of the flange and/or on an outer surface of the second side wall; whereby the flange and second side wall are adhered to one another when the blank is assembled.

14. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein said window is formed solely of compostable material.

15. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein each one of said rectangular walls is formed as a continuous single wall portion.

16. A blank according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second substantially rectangular walls, said side walls and said lid are formed as a continuous sheet.

17. A blank according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the two further triangular portions of each side wall are joined to one another by a hinged fold and are together substantially the same size as the first triangular portion of each side wall.

18. A blank according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinged joins between each component of the blank are scored such that the thickness of each joint is less than the thickness of the remainder of the blank.

19. A blank according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the walls are formed solely of carton board and blister coating.

20. A container formed from a blank in accordance with any of the preceding claims.

21. A container according to claim 20, further comprising an adhesive tag which spans at least partially across an outer surface of the flange and an outer surface of the second side wall.

22. A partially assembled container formed from a blank in accordance with any of the preceding claims.