NL2024210B1

NL2024210B1 - Packaging unit with ribs and method for packing products

Info

Publication number: NL2024210B1
Application number: NL2024210A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Klaas Veenje Sandor; Freerk Kloosterman Hendrik; Gerhard Jan Van Der Meij Jelmer
Original assignee: Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Tech Bv
Priority date: 2019-11-11
Filing date: 2019-11-11
Publication date: 2021-07-28
Also published as: WO2021096356A1; EP4058379A1; US20220411173A1; EP4058379C0; EP4058379B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging unit with a label for products like eggs, and a method there for. The packaging unit according to the present invention comprises: 5 - a bottom part comprising a number of compartments for individual products, and a number of cones that are positioned between adjacent compartments; - a cover part comprising top, front, side and rear surfaces; - wherein at least some of the cones are provided with openings that are configured to enable a gas stream to pass through the opening.

Description

Packaging unit with ribs and method for packing products The present invention relates to a packaging unit made of moulded pulp for products like eggs and similar products like kiwis and tomatoes, for example. Such packaging unit may also relate to cases, boxes, cups, plates, carriers, sip lids etc.

Egg cases, containers or cartons are known in practice and are generally fabricated from carton made from moulded pulp originating from paper material. Such packaging units comprise 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, or other products, are transported and displayed in these packaging units.

WO 2015/160248 Al discloses a packaging unit comprising such bottom and cover part, and is 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, thereby requiring a certain amount of packaging material. This results in high packaging costs.

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.

The present invention provides for this purpose a packaging unit according to the invention from a moulded pulp material for products like eggs, the packaging unit comprising: - a bottom part comprising a number of compartments for individual products, and a number of cones that are positioned between adjacent compartments; - a cover part comprising top, front, side and rear surfaces; wherein at least some of the cones are provided with openings that are configured to enable a gas stream to pass through the opening.

Having a packaging unit with a bottom part and a cover part made of moulded pulp enables transport and display of products without damaging the products. This is especially relevant in case of vulnerable products like eggs. In a preferred embodiment, the cover part is hingedly connected to the bottom part on the rear side thereof. On at least the front side of the packaging unit a lock is provided comprising a first locking element on the bottom part, such as a cam or edge, and a second locking element in the cover part, such as an opening, that is configured for receiving the first locking element.

The cone shaped element (partly) separates adjacent compartments and preferably supports the product(s). The cone shaped element may comprise a cone and/or equivalent separator between adjacent compartments. Providing an opening in the cone enables a gas flow, preferably an air flow, through the cone. ln the manufacturing process this significantly contributes to the drying process of the packaging unit. Therefore, the drying of the packaging unit is significantly improved. In addition, the drying operation of the packaging unit is more controlled and/or gradually. The improved drying increases the strength of the packaging unit without increasing the required amount of material and/or reduces the amount of material, while maintaining the strength of the packaging unit.

A further effect of providing the cones of the packaging units with one or more openings is the reduced overall weight of the packaging unit. This reduces the material costs, and may reduce drying costs and/or may improve handling of the packaging unit. For example, for a standard egg package the weight reduction may amount to about 1 gram.

As a further effect of providing the cones of the packaging unit with one or more openings is the reduction in product damage during storage, transport and/or display. This is specifically relevant for vulnerable products like eggs. The increased strength of the packaging unit therefore reduces product loss.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the openings have an effective diameter in the range of 0.5-15 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0-10 mm, more preferably in the range of 2.0-8 mm, and most preferably in the range of 3-6 mm.

Experiments showed that providing openings with the effective range in the mentioned range achieves an increased strength due to the improved drying operation. The openings are preferably shaped as a circle having a diameter. This diameter corresponds to the effective diameter. It will be understood that other shapes for an opening are also possible. For example, the opening may be an ellipse. In such case the effective diameter corresponds to the diameter of a circular opening having an equal opening surface.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention at least some of the openings are provided at or close to the top of the cone.

Providing at least some of the openings at or close to the top of the cone achieves an effective drying operation. This further enhances the strength of the packaging unit.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the bottom part further comprises a number of ribs extending between at least some of the compartments, and wherein the ribs are provided with a V-shaped cross-section.

Providing ribs with a V-shaped cross-section increases the strength of the packaging unit. This is also an advantage for a stack of packaging units. For example, a stack may comprise more packaging units without damaging the (lower) packaging units in the stack. This reduces storage, transport and/or handling costs of the packaging units. Farthermore, the V-shape provides a self- seeking or self-aligning effect when stacking packaging units according to the invention. This renders handling, specifically stacking, of the packaging units easier. As a further effect denesting of the packaging units is easier. This further improves handling op the packaging units, specifically the stacking and unstacking thereof. Preferably, the ribs have a height in the range of 5-12 mm, more preferably in the range of 6-10 mm, and most preferably in the range of 7-8 mm. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the ribs are provided with a V-shape in length direction of the ribs.

Providing ribs with a V-shaped in length direction of the ribs increases the strength of the packaging unit. The V-shaped rib as seen in length direction of the ribs are preferably applied in combination with the V-shaped cross-section of the ribs, Experiments showed relevant increase in strongib and easier stacking involving nesting and denestmg of the packaging units.

Preferably, the V-shaped ribs are applied in combination with the cones having one or more openings. This combination of openings and cones having one or more openings improves the strength of the packaging unit, while reducing material and drying costs, It will be vaderstood that the V-shaped ribs can also be applied independently from the other features in packaging units.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the bottom part further comprises 4 groove between adjacent comparbnenis, and wherein the grooves are configured to receive part of the ribs of another packaging unit.

Providing a groove enables improvement of the stacking stability of packaging units in an open position, Packaging units are often stored and/or stacked in open position before being filled with the product(s). Due to the groove being configured for receiving the rib, or at least a part of it, provides an aligning effect and an improved stability. Preferably, the groove is configured sach that a clamping force acts on a rib that protrudes the groove. Experiments showed that even a small clamping force increases the stability of a stack without hindering the handling operation of the packaging units.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the bottom part comprises a nember of ribs in width direction of the packaging unit, the ribs extending substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the bottom, and the ribs having a width of more than 0.9 mm, preferably more than 0.935 rom, and most preferably more than 1.0 ram.

By increasing the width of the ribs, seen in a substantially parallel direction with the front surface, the torsion resistance is significantly improved. This provides additional stability to the packaging unit.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the compartments comprise a bottom with an elevated portion, wherein the bottom of the elevated portion is provided with a convex shape, Providing elevated portions provides the compartments with an additional “bumper” effect that improves the protection of the products. Providing the bottom of the elevated portion with a convex shape prevents undesired moving of the packaging units when being transported over a conveyor belt, or other transporting means. This provides a more stable position of the packaging unis during transport that is typically an advantage when putting the products in the packaging omt, Preferably, the convex bottom shape of the elevated portions resembles a spherical or dome shape.

Preferably, the convex shaped bottom of elevated portions in the compartment is applied in combination with the V-shaped ribs are applied and/or the cones having one or more openings. This combination of openings and cones having one or more openings improves the strength of the packaging unit, while reducing material and drying costs, && will be understood that the convex shaped bottom of elevated portions can also be applied independently from the other features In packaging units, In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the bottom part comprises a munber of denest-elernenis having a height in the range of 2-7 nun, preferably 3-6 nun, Providing dencst-elements improves denesting the packaging units froma stack. fn a preferred embodunent the denest-elements have « height in the aforementioned range. This reduced height reduces the so-called stacking pitch of the packaging units. This has as an advantageous cfiect a shorter bundle length thereby preventing, or at least reducing, the overhang so that the packaging units better {it on a pallet, for example.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the moulded pulp material comprises an amount of natural fibers. Additionally, or alternatively, the rooulded pulp material comprises an amount of a biodegradable material.

The application of natural fibers and/or biodegradable material, such as an aliphatic polyester, is described in WO 2018/067006 A1 of the same applicant. The use of natural fibers and/or biodegradable material results in packaging units that are substantially MOSH and/or MOAB free, and/or are (home) compostable. These materials are preferably applied in combination with one or mae of the aforementioned features, especially the cone having one or more openings, and the V-shaped ribs and/or bottom shape of the elevated portions of the compartinents. Such combination provides additional strength to the packaging umts providing more possibilities to ase alternative materials without reducing the behavior of the packaging Gris.

The present invention further relates to a method for packing products like eggs, comprising the steps of providing a packaging unit as described above, and placing therein one or more of the products.

Such method provides the same effects and advantages as described. with respect of the packaging unit.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on a basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 shows a 3-dimensional view of a packaging unit according to the invention; 5 - Fig. 2A shows a top view of the packaging unit of fig. 1 in an open position; - Figs. 2B-D show a side view and two cross-sections of the packaging unit of fig. 2A, respectively; - Figs. 2E-F show views of the bottom and top parts of the packaging unit of fig. 2A in the open position, respectively; and - Figs. 3A-D show top, front, side and bottom view of the packaging unit of fig. l ina closed position, respectively.

A packaging unit 2 (Figure 1) comprises bottom part 4 with front surface 6, two side surfaces 8, rear side 10, and bottom side 12. In the illustrated embodiment, cover part 14 is hingedly connected with hinge 16 to bottom part 4 to allow cover part 14 to move relatively to bottom part 4 between an open (Figure 2A-F) and a closed (Figure 3A-D) position. Cover part 14 further comprises front surface 18, two side surfaces 20, rear side 22 and top surface 24.

On the inside of bottom part 4 (Figures 1 and 2A-F) product receiving compartments 26 are provided having contours matching at least partially the outer contours of the products, like eggs, kiwis and tomatoes, for example. Support cones 28 are provided to add stability and strength to packaging unit 2.

Cones 28 are provided with opening 30. In the illustrated embodiment opening 30 is provided at the top of cone 28. It will be understood that additional openings and/or alternative positions can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment opening 30 has an (effective) diameter of about 5.6 mm. it will be understood that other sizes and shapes of opening 30 can also be envisaged in alternative embodiments of the invention. Opening 30 provides channel 32 in or through cone 28 to enable a gas flow through cone 28, especially during drying.

Ribs 34 (Figures 1-3) are provided between adjacent compartments 26. Ribs 34 have a V- shaped cross-section and a V-shape when seen in length direction of rib 32 between two adjacent compartments 26. Ribs 34 connect to compartments 26 at a height H above the ground surface as defined by bottom side 12 of bottom part 4. In the illustrated embodiment height H is about 5 mm. Providing height H enables grippers to grip packaging anit 2. This improves handling of packaging unit 2. In the illustrated embodiment ribs 34 have a height of about 7.5 mm. Tests showed an effective increase of the overall strength of packaging unit 2.

Compartments 26 of bottom part 4 have support surfaces 36 comprise elevated bottom 38 having a spherical shape. Denest elements 40a in cover part 14 are provided having a height of about 6-8 mm.

Denest elements 40b in bottom part 4 are providing having a height of about 3-6 mm extending from edge 41. Optionally, a label (not shown) is provided to one or more of the surfaces of packaging unit 2. Lock 42 comprises opening 44 in cover part 14 and nose shaped cam 46 of bottom part 4. Cam 46 is provided on flap 48 that is hingedly connected by connection 50 to bottom part 4 of packaging unit 2. Optionally, cam 46 defines a closed outer surface or outer contour defining a chamber.

In the illustrated embodiment the substantially downward facing surface of cam 46 may contact opening 44 to achieve lock 42. In the closed position of packaging unit 2 (Figure 3A-D), cam 46 partly extends through opening 44 that is provided in the front surface 18 of cover part 14. IO The upper edge of opening 44 is optionally provided at a small angle and is slightly pushed inwards.

It will be understood that according to the invention other locks may also be applied.

When packing products like eggs, the products are placed in compartments 28. In the illustrated embodiment, when cover part 14 is closed lock 42 with locking elements 44, 46 locks packaging unit 2. In the illustrated embodiment, in such closed position cam 46 partly extends and protrudes through opening 44 of front surface 18 of cover part 14. Grooves 48 are provided in bottom part 4. Grooves 48 are configured to receive part of ribs 34. Grooves 48 are optionally provided between all adjacent compartments 26. In the illustrated embodiment packaging unit 2 has a length L in a closed position (Figure 3A-D) of about 247 mm, a width W of about 107 mm, and a height H, of about 68 mm.

It will be understood that other dimensions are also possible and may depend on the number of compartments 26 in packaging unit 2. Packaging unit 2 is made of a moulded pulp material that optionally comprises a biodegradable material such an aliphatic polyester, for example PLA, PBS.

Also optionally, the moulded pulp material may comprise an amount of natural fibers such as grass fibers.

Further examples of biodegradable materials and/or natural fibers are described in WO 2018/067006 Al of the same applicant.

Alternative packaging units according to the invention may hold other products, like kiwi’s, eggs, tomatoes, apples etc. and/or also a hamburger, salad etc.

In the manufacturing process packaging units 2 are formed from moulded pulp.

After forming packaging units 2 are dried.

Opening 30 in cones 28 enable a gas flow through channel 32, thereby improving the drying process.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described, preferred embodiments thereof.

The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications are possible.

Claims

Conclusions

A packaging unit of a molded pulp material for products such as eggs, comprising: - a bottom part comprising a number of compartments for individual products, and a number of cones placed between adjacent compartments; - a cover part comprising top, front, side and rear surfaces; wherein at least some of the cones are provided with openings adapted to allow a gas stream to pass through the opening.

A packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the openings have an effective diameter in the range 0.5-15 mm, preferably in the range 1.0-10 mm, more preferably in the range 2.0-8 mm, and most preferably in the range of 3-6 mm.

A packaging unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the openings are arranged at or near the top of the cone.

A packaging unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the bottom part further comprises a plurality of ribs extending between at least some of the compartments, and wherein the ribs have a V-shaped cross-section,

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs are provided with a V-shape in the longitudinal direction of the ribs.

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part further comprises a groove between adjacent compartments, and wherein the grooves are adapted to receive part of the ribs of another packaging unit.

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part comprises a number of ribs in the width direction of the packaging unit, wherein the ribs extend substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the bottom part and the ribs have a width of more than 0.9 mm, preferably more than 0.95 mm, and most preferably more than 1.0 mm.

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compartments comprise a bottom with a raised portion, the bottom of the raised portion being provided with a convex shape.

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part comprises a number of denest elements with a height in the range of 2-7 mm, preferably 3-6 mm.

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulp material formed comprises an amount of natural fibres.

A packaging unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulp material formed comprises an amount of biodegradable material.

A method for packaging products such as eggs, comprising the step of providing a packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, and placing one or more of the products therein.