NL2017413B1 - Packaging unit with cone top extension, and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging unit from a moulded pulp material and a method for manufacturing such packaging. The packaging unit according to the invention comprises: - a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, with each cone comprising a cone top extension that extends upwards from the cone; and - a cover part comprising a top surface, two side surfaces, a back surface and a front surface, wherein the front surface of the cover part comprises a cone top extension receiving compartment.

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

© 2017413 (21) Application number: 2017413 © Application submitted: 05/09/2016

BI PATENT @ Int. CL:

B65D 85/32 (2016.01)

(30) Priority: (73) Patent holder (s): 25/07/2016 NL 2017229 Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Technology B.V. in Franeker. (Tl) Application registered: 31/01/2018 (72) Inventor (s): Wijbe Dijkstra in Dronrijp. (43) Application published: Hendrik Freerk Kloosterman in Sumar. Patent granted: (74) Agent: 31/01/2018 ir. P.J. Hylarides et al. In The Hague. (45) Patent issued: 13/02/2018

© Packaging unit with cone top extension, and method therefor © The present invention relates to a packaging unit from a molded pulp material and a method for manufacturing such packaging. The packaging unit according to the invention comprises:

- a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, with each cone including a cone top extension that extends upwards from the cone; and

- a cover part comprising a top surface, two side surfaces, a back surface and a front surface, featuring the front surface of the cover part comprising a cone top extension receiving compartment.

NL BI 2017413

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

Packaging unit with cone top extension, and method therefor

The present invention relates to a packaging unit made of molded pulp for products like eggs.

Egg cases, containers or cartons are known in practice and are generally fabricated from carton made from molded pulp originating from paper material. Such packaging units include a bottom part that is provided with compartments for individual products, and a cover part that is often hingedly connected to the bottom part. Eggs are transported and displayed in these packaging units.

WO 2015/160248 All discloses a packaging unit including such a bottom and cover part, and provided with a hinge connecting both parts and a lock that is configured for locking the cover part and the bottom part in a closed position of the packaging unit.

During transport, storage and display the packaging units are confronted with loads that may damage the packaging units and / or the products inside these packaging units. To withstand these loads, conventional packaging units have to be provided with sufficient strength, requiring a certain amount of packaging material. This results in high packaging costs.

Such problems are equally increased when the packaging units are confronted with variable climate conditions involving relatively high temperature changes and high humidity. In such climate conditions the packaging units are subject to condensation. This may weave the packaging units and eventually lead to product loss. It is noted that packaging units may be confronted with temperature variations in the range of 10 - 45 ° C within a day and a high humidity, for example 95% RH. Especially the combination of relatively large temperature variations and high humidity may lead to condensation on the products like eggs and / or the packaging unit. This may reduce product quality and / or stability packaging unit.

The present invention has for its object to obviate or at least reduce the above stated problems in conventional packaging units, such as egg cases or egg cartons, and to provide a packaging unit that is also suitable to be used in variable climate conditions.

The present invention provides for its purpose a packaging unit from a molded pulp material, the packaging unit according to the present invention including:

a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, with each cone including a cone top extension that extends upwards from the cone; and a cover part comprising a top surface, two side surfaces, a back surface and a front surface, featuring the front surface of the cover part comprising a cone top extension receiving compartment.

The packaging unit according to the invention provides a bottom part and a cover part that are made of molded pulp. This allows transport, storage and display of products, specifically vulnerable products like eggs and similar products like kiwis and tomatoes, for example. The packaging unit is provided with compartments capable of receiving a product. Cones are provided between the compartments to provide additional support. Preferably, the cones are provided at intersections or the product receiving compartments. The bottom part and cover part of the packaging unit comprises a front, a back, two sides and a bottom and / or top surface. Optionally, a label is attached to the packaging unit to provide a consumer with relevant information about the product including the origin, quality class etc.

Preferably, packaging units for eggs include twelve compartments that are divided into two rows or six compartments with five cones provided at an intersection or four adjacent compartments. The cones provide additional support to the packaging unit. These cone supports are especially relevant in case the packaging units are stacked, for example during transport, storage and display. It will be understood that other configurations for the packaging units with another number of product receiving compartments can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention.

The packaging unit further comprises a cone top extension that extends upwardly from the cone. Furthermore, the top surface of the cover part comprises a cone top receiving compartment that is configured to receive the cone top extension in a closed position of the packaging unit. The location of the cone top receiving compartments is adjusted to the current locations of the cones in the bottom part. The cone itself provides support and stability for loads that are placed on top of the packaging unit. By providing a cone top extension that is received in the cone top receiving compartment, dealing with lateral pressures and lateral forces is significantly improved. For example, this covers the cover part to move in a lateral direction relative to the bottom part in the presence of such forces or pressures. Such forces and pressures may occur during transport, for example.

A cone top receiving compartment can be achieved without requiring a significant increase in material for the packaging unit. Therefore, using approximately a similar amount of material, the strength and stability of the packaging unit can be improved. By significantly improving the strength and stability, especially against lateral forces and loads, the overall stability and strength of the packaging unit is improved. This reduces product loss and damage to the packaging unit. This effect is especially relevant in case of varying climate conditions involving rapid temperature variations and / or high humidity. Also, with similar strength and stability as compared to conventional packaging unit the amount of material required for an embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention can be reduced. This provides cost savings.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention the top surface of the cover part comprises a number or opening having arch-shaped edges.

By providing the cover part with arch-shaped edges defining an opening allow an exchange or air between the inside and outside of the packaging unit when the packaging unit is in a closed position. The arch-shaped edges or such opening improve the load distribution when loads are put on top of the packaging unit. This typically occurs during storage, transport and display.

In addition, the arch-shaped edges provide a collapsible section or energy adsorption zone. This further improves the stability of the packaging unit, especially in case of high impact situations.

To improve the load distributing effect the arch-shaped edges are preferably provided with a larger thickness compared to the average thickness of the overall cover part. This further improves the overall stability and strength of the packaging unit.

In one of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum distance between two arch-shaped edges defining an opening in the cover part is in a range of 10-20 mm, more preferably in a range of 15-19 mm, and is most preferably about 17 mm.

By providing the opening in the cover part with the mentioned maximum distance between the two arch-shaped edges that define an opening, the climate inside the packaging unit can be sufficiently controlled.

Furthermore, by providing a relatively small maximum distance between two adjacent arch-shaped edges as compared to conventional packaging units, the edges are provided at a relatively small angle to a vertical plane. This further improves the load distribution, especially in relation to loads on top of the packaging unit in a closed position. In addition, by providing the arch-shaped edges to a large extent in a substantial vertical direction, in a case of a load that is put on top of the packaging unit, the lateral forces are minimized. This further reduces the risk or damaging the packaging unit. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the relatively small opening are applied to the cover part of the packaging unit in combination with the more than average thickness of the arch-shaped edges.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the front surface of the cover part is provided at an angle to a vertical plane in a range of 5-13 °, more preferably in the range of 8-12 °, and in this angle most preferably is about 10 °.

By providing the front surface or the cover part at a small angle relative to a vertical plane, the strength and stability of the packaging unit is further improved. Especially the capability of a packaging unit to withstand loads and forces put on top of the packaging unit is improved in such preferred embodiment. This further reduces product loss and the risk of damaging the packaging unit. A further effect of providing the front surface at a relatively small angle to the vertical is the improved visibility or the front surface in a display position.

A similar effect can be achieved by providing the front surface or the cover part with a thickness in the range of 0.8 - 1.2 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.9 - 1.1 mm. This thickness is thicker as compared to the average thickness of the cover part or conventional packaging units. Such average thickness is often about 0.7 mm. This further improves the stability and strength of the packaging unit. This specifically contributes to the prevention of so-called ridging of the packaging unit. In one of the presently preferred expires, the angle of the cover and the thickness of the cover are jointly applied to the packaging unit to further enhance the overall effect.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the side surfaces or the cover part include one or more denesting elements.

By providing specific denesting elements on the side surfaces of the cover part the denesting or the packaging unit is further improved. Especially in case of temperature variations and high humidity, the improvement in denesting that can be achieved by providing the specific denesting elements is significant.

In presently preferred embodiment of the invention the packaging unit further comprises a hinge for hingedly connecting the bottom part and the cover part and / or a lock configured for locking the bottom part and the cover part in a closed position of the packaging unit. Such a hinge is preferably provided at the back of the packaging unit connecting the back surface or the cover part to the back surface or the bottom part. Such lock preferably comprises a first locking part provided at the cover part, for example an opening or a cam, and a second locking element provided at the bottom part, preferably shaped as a lip or edge. Such locks and hinges are disclosed in the aforementioned patent document WO 2015/160248 A1.

In a further preferred embodiment of the packaging unit, the moldable material comprises an amount or alkyl succinic anhydride (ASA), alkyl chain dimer (AKD), rosin and / or a similar component for so-called sizing purposes.

The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging unit from a molded pulp material, the method including the steps of:

preparing a molded pulp material; and providing a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, with each cone including a cone top extension that extends upwards from the cone, and providing a cover part including a top surface, two side surfaces, a back surface and a front surface, with the top surface of the cover part comprising a cone top extension receiving compartment.

Such method provides the same effects and advantages as described with respect to the packaging unit. Preferably, the method further comprises the additional step of after-pressing at least a surface part of the cover part, more preferably the front surface of the cover part, with a thickness in the range of 0.8 - 1.2 mm, more preferably in the range or 0.9 - 1.1 mm. This reduces the risk of ridging.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis or preferred otherwise, where reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows an embodiment or a packaging unit according to the invention;

- Figures 2A-E show views of the packaging unit or figure 1 in a closed position; and

- Figures 3A-E show different views of the packaging unit or figure 1 in an open position.

Packaging unit 2 (figure 1) comprises cover part 4 and bottom part 6. Bottom part 6 is provided with back surface 8, sides 10 and front surface 12, and bottom surface 14. Cover part 4 is provided with back surface 16, side surfaces 18, front surface 20 and top surface 22. In the illustrated embodiment transition 24 is provided between top surface 22 and back and front surfaces 16, 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, top surface 22 or cover part 4 is provided with groove 26 including a number of aperture 28. Apertures 28 are defined by two adjacent arch-shaped edges 30, 32 having a larger thickness as compared to the average thickness of cover part 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum distance D (figures 2A-E) between two arch-shaped edges 30, 32 is about 17 mm.

Side surfaces 18 or cover part 4 are provided with denest nocks or denest elements 34. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom part 6 is provided with similar elements 36 mirroring denest elements 34. Hinge 38 connects back surface 16 or cover part 4 with back surface 8 or bottom part

6. Lock 40 comprises nose-shaped lock element 42 that is connected to flap 44 (figures 3A-E) or bottom part 6. Cover part 4 is provided with opening 46 that capture lock elements 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, bottom part 6 is provided with a number of product receiving compartments 48, cones 50 and separating walls 52. Cone 50 extends from the bottom of bottom part 6 in an upward direction and comprises cone extension 54. Cover part 4 comprises cone support 56 and cone top receiving compartments 58.

In the illustrated embodiment, packaging unit 2 comprises twelve product receiving compartments 48 that are provided in two rows or six compartments 48. Individual compartments 48 are separated from each other by walls 52 and cones 50. It will be understood that other configurations can also be envisage in accordance with the invention.

Front surface 20 or cover part 4 is provided at an angle to a vertical. The angle a is in the illustrated embodiment about 10 ° (figure 2E). Back and front surfaces 8, 12 or bottom part 6 are provided with respective angles β _μ β ₂ (figure 3E) to the vertical that are both or about 10 °.

In the illustrated embodiment cone extension receiving compartment 58 is slightly larger as cone top extension 54 (figure 2C). This renders opening and closing packaging unit 2 easier. In the illustrated embodiment, the row of centers or cone top extensions 54 is provided parallel to the row of centers or cone top receiving compartments 58 at a small distance. Side edges or side walls 60 or compartment 58 are provided at an angle to achieve a centering effect for cone top extension 54. In the illustrated version, thickness di or front surface 20 or cover part 4 is larger than the average thickness d ₂ or cover part 4 (figure 3C).

When manufacturing packaging unit 2 the molded material is provided, preferably including an amount of AKD, ASA and / or other sizing components and / or additives. In the illustrated embodiment, packaging unit 2 is molded in a molding operation. Preferably, an after-pressing step is performed such that front surface 20 or cover part 4 is provided with a relatively larger thickness.

Experiments have been performed with packaging unit 2 according to the illustrated edition. Packaging units 2 have been stacked and transported over a distance of about 2700 km and subjected to temperature variations in the range of 10 - 45 ° C, a high humidity of about 95% RH, and a load of about 60 kg for an individual packaging unit 2. Evaluation of the transport in relation to the damage of the packaging units and / or the damage of the products (eggs) shows a significant reduction. This shows the overall efficiency improvement of the transport operation when using packaging unit 2.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred expend. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, lock 42 can be provided with differently shaped locking elements. Furthermore, a label can be attached to packaging unit 2. The illustrated packaging unit 2 comprises 12 product receiving compartments 48. It will be understood that another number of product receiving compartments 48 can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention. Although packaging unit 2 is shown for eggs, it may also be used for other products such as kiwis and tomatoes, for example.

Claims (5)

Clauses 1/6 IG. 1 A packaging unit made from a molded pulp, the packaging unit comprising: a bottom part with compartments for individual products and a number of support parts are provided between the compartments, each support part comprising a support part extension extending upwards from the support part; and a cover part comprising a top surface, two side surfaces, a rear surface and a front surface, wherein the top surface of the top part comprising a support part extension receiving compartment. 1. Packaging unit from a molded pulp material, including the packaging unit: a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, with each cone including a cone top extension that extends upwards from the cone; and a cover part comprising a top surface, two side surfaces, a back surface and a front surface, featuring the front surface of the cover part comprising a cone top extension receiving compartment. 2/6 CM CM Ό m CM LTS A packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the upper part comprises a number of openings with arcuate edges. 2. Packaging unit according to clause 1, the top surface of the cover part comprising a number or opening having arch-shaped edges. 3. Packaging unit according to claim 2, wherein the arcuate edges are provided with a thickness that is greater than the average thickness of the upper part. 3. Packaging unit according to clause 2, where the arch-shaped edges have a thickness that is larger than compared to the average thickness of the cover part. A packaging unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the opening between the arcuate edges is in the range of 10-20 mm, preferably in the range of 19 mm, and most preferably is approximately 17 mm. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface of the upper part is provided at an angle with respect to the vertical in the range of 5 - 13 °, preferably in the range of 8 - 12 °, and wherein the most preferred angle is about 10 °. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface of the upper part is provided with a thickness in the range of 0.8-1.2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.9-1.1 mm . Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the side surfaces of the upper part comprise one or more denesting elements. 8. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a hinge for hinged connection of the bottom part and the top part. Packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, further 5 comprising a closure configured to close the bottom part and the top part. 10. Method for manufacturing a packaging unit from molded pulp material, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a shaped pulp material; and - providing a bottom part with compartments for individual products and a number of support parts are provided between the compartments, each support part comprising a support part extension extending upwards from the support part, and providing an upper part comprising an upper surface, two side surfaces, a rear surface and a front surface, wherein the top surface of the upper part comprises a 15 support member extension receiving compartment. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of post-pressing at least a portion of the face of the cover portion with a thickness in the range of 0.8-1.2 mm, preferably in the range of 0 , 9 -1.1 mm. 4. Packaging unit according to clause 1, 2 or 3, the opening between the arch-shaped edges is in the range of 10-20 mm, preferably in the range of 15-19 mm, and is most preferably about 17 mm. 5. Packaging unit according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the front surface of the cover part is provided at an angle to the vertical in the range of 5-13 °, preferably in the range of 8-12 °, and about the angle most preferably is about 10 °. 6. Packaging unit according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the front surface of the cover part is provided with a thickness in the range of 0.8-1.2 mm, preferably in the range or 0.9-1.1 mm. 7. Packaging unit according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, the side surfaces of the cover part or one of more denesting elements. 8. Packaging unit according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further including a hinge for hingedly connecting the bottom part and the cover part. 9. Packaging unit according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further including a lock configured for locking the bottom part and the cover part. 10. Method for manufacturing a packaging unit from a molded pulp material, the method 5 including the steps of: preparing a molded pulp material; and providing a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, with each cone including a cone top extension that extends upwards from the cone, and providing a cover part including a 10 top surface, two side surfaces, a back surface and a front surface, the top surface of the cover part comprises a cone top extension receiving compartment. 11. Method according to clause 10, further including the step of after-pressing at least a surface part of the cover part with thickness in the range of 0.8-1.2 mm, preferably in the range or 0.9-1.1 mm. Conclusions 5/6 CM -zr CM CM