NL1023965C1 - Packaging and distribution method for e.g. chilled soft drinks, uses consumer packaging which can be converted into cooler box - Google Patents

Abstract

The goods are packed into consumer packaging (1) in a production or distribution center and transported to a sales point for purchase by the consumer. The packaging can be opened at the sales point or at any time following purchase by the customer, in order to place a cooling device (5) on top of or in between the goods inside the packaging, so that the latter acts as a cooler box. An independent claim is also included for the following: (a) Use of a consumer packaging as transport and sales packaging completely enclosing the goods during a first stage, followed by the use of the same packaging as a cooler box during a second stage, when the packaging has been opened and a cooling device placed inside; and (b) Packaging for carrying out this method, comprising a cardboard box assembled from a blank, which has a base, side walls and lid (4), the base and adjoining side wall region being watertight and water-repellent, whilst the lid can be opened, removed or unfolded in order to open the box.

Description

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Title: Method, packaging and use thereof for the distribution of consumer goods that are consumed chilled.

The invention relates to a method for packaging and distributing consumer goods that are consumed cold, or at least chilled, such as, for example, cans or bottles of drink, in particular carbonated drink, ice creams, dairy products or the like.

These consumer goods are usually packaged by a producer, packer or distributor in a consumer packaging such as, for example, a wrap, shrink-wrap, crate, tray or combination thereof and thus distributed to a point of sale. After purchase by the consumer, the consumer packaging is removed and the goods are stored at a location that is cooled or not until further use. The goods are cold-set some time before the intended moment of consumption in order to bring them to the desired consumption temperature. The goods thus cooled must then be consumed within a relatively short time after they have been taken out of the cooling, at least before they have the opportunity to heat up again. Often, however, it is desired to consume such consumer goods outdoors, for example on the road in the car, during a walk, a picnic, a day out, on the beach, etc. In that case, special measures are needed to keep the goods refrigerated for a long time.

20 The use of cool boxes is known. With this the goods can indeed be kept cool for a relatively long time, but these boxes are often bulky and therefore inconvenient to use, certainly when the dimensions of the consumer goods to be kept cool are small. Moreover, such cool boxes take up a lot of space when not in use. A further disadvantage occurs when the goods require cooling not only prior to consumption but continuously, such as, for example, ice creams or other frozen products. In that case the 1023965

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I 2 I

I consumer after purchase under pressure these goods as soon as possible in an I

I "to accommodate refrigerated space in order to melt prematurely and thereby I

Prevent spoilage. A solution has already been proposed for this. So I

I know freezer bags made of highly insulating material, I

In which the products can be kept at the right temperature. The I

However, the insulation capacity of such bags is low. In addition, I

I hereby delayed the heating process bad. Active cooling is not I

I possible. The bags also serve at a point of sale separately by the I

I consumer to be purchased, which requires an additional investment. I

I 10 Often the bag is forgotten with a subsequent purchase, resulting in a new I

I purchase must be made. Costly for the consumer and waste I

I of material. I

The object of the invention is to provide a method of the I

I described above, wherein at least part of the disadvantages of the I

The known method is avoided while maintaining its advantages. More in I

In particular, the method contemplates a method of packaging and distribution

I, whichever the consumer after purchasing the consumer I

I packaging enables the consumer goods included therein under I

I transport desired, cooled conditions. To that end, an I

Method according to the invention characterized by the measures according to I

I conclusion 1. I

In a method according to the invention, the I

I packaged consumer goods in such a way that the package after purchase on I

I can easily be transformed into a 'cool box'. With this I

The consumer goods contained in the package can at least I

I be temporarily cooled and the consumer has more time to deliver the goods

I to bring to a consumption location or a (next) cooling location. The I

I consumer goods are packaged and distributed for this purpose in an I

Packaging that is substantially closed during a first transport phase and I

I 30 can be opened at any time thereafter such that in addition to I

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I * 3 the existing consumer goods refrigerants can be applied. The whole can then be transported further with the cooling means. In concrete terms, this means that the package preferably comprises at least one water-tight, at least water-repellent bottom part, a fill-in or reclosable filling opening and sufficient free space for receiving the cooling means. This space can already be present during the first transport phase, for example in the form of a free space between, around and / or above the products.

In a further advantageous elaboration, however, it is also possible to shape the package in such a way that during the first transport phase it lies substantially tightly against the consumer goods and is only enlarged after opening, for example by folding out or extendable parts. This offers the advantage that the transport volume during distribution is minimal and, moreover, the content can contribute to the bearing strength of the package, insofar as the nature of the consumer goods naturally permits this. As a result, the packaging itself can be made less rigid, so that material can be saved. After opening, the package can easily be enlarged, so that sufficient space is obtained for receiving coolants.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the package is preferably manufactured from sheet-like material, in particular a cardboard blank, of which at least a part is provided with a substantially watertight or repellent layer. Such a package can easily be manufactured at relatively low costs. Moreover, cardboard has good insulating properties and is recyclable. In view of this, the water-repellent layer is preferably applied such that it can be easily separated from the cardboard after use for separate waste processing.

It is noted that a method according to the invention offers advantages for packaging both consumer goods that are only short 1023965

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cooled before consumption, such as, for example, soft drinks, if I

consumer goods to be supplied throughout the entire distribution process I

are cooled, such as for example ice creams, frozen or dairy products. In I

in the first case, the package can serve as an instant cooler, for example, I

5 bringing or keeping the temperature of consumer goods at locations I

without cooling device, for example when traveling. In the second case, the I

packaging preferably opened immediately at the time of purchase and at the point of sale I

filled with coolants, such as shaved ice. This allows the I

consumer goods during their further transport outside the refrigerated

10 around the points of sale can still be sufficiently cooled. I

The invention further relates to a package, suitable I

for use in a method according to the invention, characterized by the I

measures according to claim 14. I

This package has a watertight, or at least water-repellent I

Bottom part, for collecting melt water and / or condensed water originating from I

of consumer goods included in use in the package and I

coolants. The package is furthermore preferably provided with an I

resealable opening. As a result, consumer goods can also after I

must be adequately protected when opening the package. In addition, I

20 thereby preventing consumer goods and / or refrigerants from I

fall out of the package during transport. I

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the I

packaging one or more separate compartments for the refrigerants I

are provided. This allows direct contact between the cooling means and the I

25 consumer goods are avoided and, moreover, it is possible to use the I

to fill compartments with coolants, without it being filled with I

consumer goods-filled compartment needs to be opened. I

This means that consumer goods can be even better up to the moment of I

consumption. I

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The package can further be provided with carrying means, such as a handle or similar handle, in order to facilitate engagement of the package, during transport by the consumer and / or distribution to the point of sale.

Further advantageous embodiments of a method, packaging and use thereof according to the invention are described in the further claims. For clarification, an exemplary embodiment of a package according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: Figure 1 shows in perspective view a package suitable for use in a method according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the package according to Figure 1, in the opened state;

Figure 3 shows the package according to Figure 1 in a partially set-up and partially opened state; and

Figure 4 shows a blank for the package according to figures 1-3.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. The term consumer goods in this description refers to edible and / or drinkable products, which may be packaged in individual consumption portions, and which are preferably consumed chilled, such as, for example, cans or bottles of carbonated drink, ice creams or other dairy products. In this description, a consumer package should at least be understood to mean a collective package for a series of consumer goods, in which these consumer goods are transported to points of sale and offered to the consumer. If desired, the collecting packages can be bundled during this transport into larger transport units, for example in an outer package of cardboard or shrink film. Cooling means in this description are understood to mean both wet cooling means, such as shaved ice or 1023965

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Ice cubes, as dry coolants, such as, for example, granules or pallets

Frozen CO2 (called dry ice) or filled with a coolant I

Elements that can be used in a cooling device prior to use

I are cooled and outside of this cooling device for a relatively long time I

Keep a relatively cold temperature. I

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views and I, respectively

I top view shows a consumer package 1, suitable for I

I use in a method according to the invention for packaging and I

Transporting consumer goods 2, for example cans of beverage such as I

10 shown in figure 2. The package 1 substantially comprises an I

Water-repellent box-shaped part 3 which is closed at the top by I

I a lid 4. The lid 4 is provided with release means 6, for I

I unlocking the lid 4, at least a part thereof. This part 35 can I

I should preferably be closed again after opening. The package further comprises I

I preferably have a support means, such as a support band 30 as shown in the shown

I case. Other supporting means can of course be provided, I

For example a folded-up or glued-on edge part in which an I

I handle is provided or a number of finger openings in the lid 4, outside I

I the part 35. I

Such a package 1 can be supplied by a producer, packer or I

I distributor are filled with consumer goods 2 and then in I

I closed state to outlets, for example I

I a supermarket or gas station. There the package 1 can be placed on any I

I can be opened and filled with coolants 5, such as I

For example, scraped ice as shown in Figure 2. With this, the I

I consumer goods 2 are brought to a desired cool temperature I

I and / or held. The cooling means 5 can be supplied by I

I a seller can be added but can also be added later by the I

I consumer can be added, for example some time before the intended I

Consumption of the goods 2, in order to put these consumer goods 2 on an I

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7 desired temperature. The package 1 can thus be transformed from transport * and sales package to cooling package. In the latter function, the watertight, at least water-repellent, bottom part 3 ensures that any melt water and / or condensation water formed during cooling 5 cannot leak away. Thanks to the resealable filling opening, the package contents can be well protected against external influences even after opening and thanks to the supporting means 30, the package 1 can easily be taken along or otherwise manipulated.

The package 1 shown in figure 1 can for instance be set up from a blank 10 as shown in figure 2. The blank 10 comprises a substantially rectangular bottom panel 11 which is pivotally connected to four via four first and second folding lines 21, 22 respectively pairwise side panels 12 and a front and rear panel 13,14. The side panels 12 and front and rear panels 13, 14 are mutually connected by substantially rectangular corner panels 15. These corner panels 15 are each pivotally connected with a side panel 12 and a front or rear panel 14 with two sides extending substantially perpendicular to each other. 13, respectively, a third and fourth folding line 23, 24, which extend respectively in line with the second and first folding line 22, 21. Each corner panel 15 further comprises a diagonal fifth folding line 25 extending from a corner point adjacent to the bottom panel 12 up to a diagonal opposite corner point of the corner panel 15. The blank 10 further comprises an inner and outer top panel 16, 18, which are connected along respective sixth and seventh folding lines 26, 27 to the front and rear panels 16, 18 respectively, on a side of said front and rear panel opposite the second folding line 22. The outer top panel 18 is furthermore provided with a first mounting flap 20, which is pivotally connected to a side of the top panel 18 opposite the seventh fold line, via an eighth 1023985 "

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fold line 28, and two second fastening flaps 20, which are on either side I

of the top panel 18 are pivotally connected along two located in I

extending substantially perpendicular to the seventh and eighth fold lines

ninth fold lines 29. The outer top panel 18 further comprises two I

5 at some mutual distance, substantially parallel to the seventh I

folding line 27, first perforation lines 31, to form an I

carrier tape 30, and two second perforation lines 32, which are mutually I

divergently extending from either side of the first mounting flap 19 I

up to the carrying strap 30. Thus, said second I

10 perforation lines 32, the carrier tape 30 and the eighth fold line 28 an I

trapezoidal valve member 35 enclosed. At the boundary between the carrying strap 30 I

and the valve member 35 is provided with a semi-circular opening 40, sufficient I

great for transmitting a fingertip. In the inner top panel 16 is I

with the aid of third perforation lines 33 a similar trapezoidal I

Valve part 36 is formed, the overall width B of which, however, is somewhat I

is smaller, and the depth D is slightly larger than that of the first I

valve part 35. At the boundary between the second valve part 36 and the front panel 13 I

a slot-shaped opening 41 is provided which extends over the full width of I

the valve member 36 extends. In the first mounting flap 19 is a tear-off strip I

Formed by means of two substantially parallel to the I

eighth fold line 28 extending fourth perforation lines 34. I

The blank 10 can for example be made of corrugated cardboard or solid cardboard

manufactured, with at least that part of the blank 10 that in I

position forms the bottom part of the package 1, namely the bottom, side, I

25 corner, front and rear panels, is provided with a water-repellent I

cover layer. Preferably, however, the entire blank 10 is at least one-sided I

provided with such a covering layer, preferably on both sides. If desired I

parts of the package 1 can be made transparent, so that the

content is visible. To this end, for example, the blank of with I

30 transparent foil covered openings are provided.

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The blank 10 can be set up to the package 1 shown in Figure 1 by arranging the consumer goods 2 to be packaged in one or more rows on the bottom panel 11 and folding the blank 10 around it as a wrapper and securing it against itself by attaching the outer top panel 18 with the exception of the carrying strap 30 to the inner top panel 16 and securing the first mounting flap 19 with a longitudinal edge 19B to the front panel 13, for example by gluing. Subsequently, the open sides of the wrapper are closed by pressing the corner panels 15 inwards one by one, so that they are folded double around their fifth folding line 25 and this fifth folding line 25 extends diagonally between a lower corner and an upper corner of the side wall to be formed. The corner panels 15 adjacent to a side panel 12 are herein folded into each other as indicated by arrows A in figure 3. Subsequently, the second fixing flaps 20 can be folded down to 15 against the side panels 12 and fixed thereon, for example with glue. A closed package 1 is thus obtained, which after breaking of the first perforation lines 31 can be lifted on carrier belt 30 and which is very sturdy, thanks to the multi-layered construction of the side and upper walls.

The obtained package 1 can be opened by pulling off the tear strip 37 in the first fixing panel 19. As a result, an edge part 19A of the first fastening flap 19 situated above this tear strip 37 comes loose from the front panel 13. This edge part 19A can be grasped and pulled upwards in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the second and third perforation lines 32, 33 are respectively outer and inner top panel 18,16 are broken and the trapezoidal valve parts 35, 36 mounted on each other can be pivoted upwards about the connecting line 42 of the inner valve part 36 with the inner top panel 16. This provides access to the packaging contents so that consumer goods 2 can be removed therefrom and / or cooling means 5 can be introduced. The valve parts can then be 1023965

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35, 36 can be pivoted back, wherein the edge part 19A can be slotted into slot 41

I can be inserted and thus the valve 35,36 can be put in a closed position

I held. I

The blank 10 is preferably dimensioned such that the I

Side wall forming panels 12,15 and the front and rear panels 13,14 in I

I deliberately positioned against the consumer goods to be packaged 2, I

I so that these position-tight are enclosed in the package 1. The top panel 16 I

I preferably extends some distance above an upper side of the I

I goods 2 out, so that after opening there is sufficient space above the goods I

Is present for coolants to be introduced. With sufficient space between the I

I consumer goods 2, however, the top panels 13, 14 can also be against the I

I rest the tops of these goods 2, in which case after opening the I

I packaging the spaces between the goods can be filled with I

I coolants. Alternatively, the package 1 can be of a folded or I

Retracted part are provided which can be folded out after opening, I

I extended or pulled out in order to change the contents of the package

I increase and thus create space for coolants to be added 5. A I

Such a construction offers the advantage that the consumer goods 2 I

I have been packaged compactly during distribution and therefore volume-efficient, I

I can be transported cost-effectively, while after opening I

Adequate space can be obtained for receiving refrigerants 5. I

Moreover, with such a packaging method, the content may be a part of I

I bear the load acting on the package 1, so that not all I

I stacking strength has to come from the package 1 itself. This means that with an I

Less robust packaging 1 and generally less packaging material I

I will suffice. I

The package 1 can furthermore be made from one or more partitions I

I are provided (not shown), to form a compartment layout, in which the I

I refrigerants and consumer goods can be separated from each other I

Be included. This offers the advantage that direct contact between I

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11 the cooling means and consumer goods can be prevented, which may be desirable for practical or hygienic reasons, for example. For example, the consumer goods may be of such a structure that contact with water would lead to undesired mixing or to the products becoming soggy or softening. The compartments are preferably spread over the package in such a way that the consumer goods are thereby cooled uniformly. This can be achieved, for example, with one centrally located compartment and / or one or more compartments extending at least partially around the consumer goods.

Furthermore, each compartment is preferably provided with separate unlocking means, so that the cooling means can be arranged in their respective compartment without the compartment containing the consumer goods having to be unlocked for this purpose. As a result, the consumer goods can be stored in a sealed part of the package until use, so that in that part, for example, certain shelf life-enhancing atmospheric conditions can be maintained. Thus, the consumer goods can be optimally protected until use. The partitions for the compartments can be formed from the same blank as the package itself or can be realized with the aid of one or more separate inserts.

This description is based on packaging for cans of beverage. It will be clear, however, that other types of consumer goods, such as for instance ice creams, dairy products, medicines or vegetable or fruit products can advantageously be included in a comparable package. The design of the packaging can easily be adapted to the product in question.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawing. Combinations of (parts of) exemplary embodiments shown are also considered under 102398 5 *

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inventive idea. Moreover, many variations are possible within I

the framework of the invention outlined by the claims. I

The packaging can thus be made from many other materials. I

manufactured, such as, for example, plastic, (polystyrene) foam, glass, fabric, metal, I

5 corrugated cardboard or combinations thereof. These materials can be used in relatively rigid I

or flexible form. A number of these materials I

(including wood, polystyrene foam) also have their own I

already have good insulating properties. The insulating effect can still be I

are raised by the bottom and / or walls of the package I

10 can be made double-walled with an intermediate layer of air. I

Furthermore, a package similar to a warming package I

be applied by placing the spaces provided for this purpose in the package I

filling with heating means. Thus, the contents in the package I

consumer goods picked up at a higher level desired for consumption I

Temperature can be brought and / or kept. The I

packaging in that case be made of heat-resistant material or I

at least be provided with a heat-resistant layer. I

Moreover, the package can contain many others, whether or not on the contents I

have coordinated shapes and are printed with a variety of I

20 product information, such as an image of the product, ingredients, I

origin, instructions for use, expiration date and / or a barcode. I

It is even possible to package the package of a temperature-sensitive element

such as, for example, temperature-sensitive ink, which at an I

certain temperature changes color and thus the consumer can I

25 inform about the temperature prevailing in the package. I

These and many variations are considered within the scope of the I

invention as set forth in the following claims. I

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Claims (10)

1. Method for packaging and distributing consumer goods that are usually consumed cold and therefore at least cooled before use, wherein the consumer goods are packaged in consumer packages at a production or distribution center, transported in this consumer package to a point of sale and transported there to offered to consumers, where the consumer packaging can be opened at the point of sale or at any other time after purchase by a consumer in such a way that coolants can be added to or between the consumer goods already present in the packaging, all such that the coolant filled packaging can act as a cool box in which the consumer goods can be transported, or stored at least temporarily, cooled to use. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the consumer package 15 is substantially closed up to the moment of opening, i.e. surrounds the consumer goods almost completely, and after opening and topping up with cooling means is reclosable so that again a substantially closed package is obtained. 3. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein by opening the consumer package the space between and / or around the consumer goods is increased, for filling with cooling means. 4. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the consumer package is arranged around the consumer goods in such a way that the amount of empty space between these consumer goods and the package prior to opening the package is less than 25 vol%, in particular smaller then 20 vol% and 1023985 14 I is preferably less than 15 vol% and after opening the package I can be increased to preferably at least 25 vol%. I 5. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the consumer package comprises means which at least after opening the package can form a carrying handle on which the package can be lifted, preferably with one hand, without the contents in particular consumer goods and any coolants are included. I A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumer package is made of sheet material. I A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumer package is made from cardboard, in particular an I cardboard blank. I 8. Method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cardboard blank is at least partially provided with a watertight or water-repellent layer and is folded around the consumer goods in such a way that at least one water-tight, at least water-repellent box-shaped part is formed. I The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the consumer package is set up from a single blank. I 10. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein after a first transport phase, distribution phase or sale, the outer packaging is opened, filled with cooling means, resealed and further transported, distributed and / or offered for sale. I 11. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the consumer goods, for instance cans of carbonated beverage, are distributed uncooled until at least the moment of opening of the consumer package. I 12. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the consumer goods, for example ice creams, frozen products, dairy products or other perishable goods, are transported refrigerated during substantially the entire distribution process. I 1023965 I «· 13. Use of a consumer package for consumer goods that are consumed chilled, the package acting as a transport and sales package in a first use phase and substantially completely enveloping the consumer goods, and in a second use phase, which starts with opening the package, can act as a cooling package, whereby cooling means can be provided in the package. 14. Packaging for use in a method according to any of claims 1-12 or for use according to claim 13, comprising a holder mounted from a cardboard blank, provided with a bottom panel, upright wall panels surrounding this bottom panel and a closing lid panel, wherein at least the bottom panel and a part of the wall panels adjoining it are watertight, at least water-repellent and at least a part of the cover panel can be opened, at least removable or foldable, so that goods can be brought in and out of the package via this opening. 15. Packaging as claimed in claim 14, wherein the packaging is set up from a single blank, provided with at least one water-repellent bottom panel and wall panels surrounding this bottom panel, wherein the wall panels are mutually connected by corner panels, all such that said bottom, wall and corner panels together form a continuous blank, free of incisions, which blank, when set up, forms a box-shaped bottom portion of the package that is free of water-permeable cracks or seams. A package according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a part of the package, after opening, is foldable or removable, to increase the content of the package. A package according to any of claims 14-16, wherein the package is resealable. 1023965 16 I 18. Packaging as claimed in any of the claims 14-17, wherein one or more compartments are provided in the packaging, for separate storage of the cooling means and the consumer goods. 19. Packaging as claimed in claim 18, wherein the or each compartment for the cooling means is accessible separately from the or each compartment intended for consumer goods, for introducing cooling means. I 20. Packaging as claimed in any of the claims 14-19, wherein by incision of the cover panel a bearing part, in particular a handle I, is formed, on which the packaging can be lifted during use. I 10 I 1023965 I