US3493164A - Package for fragile articles - Google Patents

Package for fragile articles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3493164A
US3493164A US704450A US3493164DA US3493164A US 3493164 A US3493164 A US 3493164A US 704450 A US704450 A US 704450A US 3493164D A US3493164D A US 3493164DA US 3493164 A US3493164 A US 3493164A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
section
tray section
compartments
tray
eggs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US704450A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bryant Edwards
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dart Container Corp
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3493164A publication Critical patent/US3493164A/en
Assigned to DART CONTAINER CORPORATION reassignment DART CONTAINER CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D85/32—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for eggs
    • B65D85/324—Containers with compartments made of pressed material

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally directed to a package for fragile articles, and has particular utility as an egg carton or package although many other types of fragile articles or objects may also be packaged in the manner contemplated herein.
  • the present invention will be discussed generally in relation to the packaging of eggs, it being understood, of course, that the invention is not limited to eggs only, but encompasses the packaging of any fragile article or object.
  • Multi-cell packages for fragile articles such as eggs and the like are well known. These packages must meet certain minimum industry accepted standards which have been developed over the years, In the packaging of eggs, for example, the packages must be economical, capable of being nested and freely separated, capable of being handled and filled by high speed packaging equipment, able to withstand impact forces normally encountered in shipping and handling, easy to open and capable of being re-used.
  • molded fiber and paperboard sheet cartons have served the egg packaging industry well for a number of years, certain aspects have either been overlooked or are incapable of solution because of inherent limitations. Cushioning of eggs during shipping and handling can be improved to avoid breakage of eggs which, because of the absorbent character of the molded fiber or paperboard sheet cartons fuses the eggs to the carton and makes the cartons undesirable to use insofar as the ultimate consumer is concerned.
  • the ability to view the eggs in the package is a very desirable aspect, and at the same time, it is preferable that the egg cartons have a tamperproof aspect to prevent consumers from opening the package and leaving it opened. In molded fiber and paperboard sheet cartons, the packages must be opened in order to view the eggs, and this of necessity, destroys any tamperproof aspect which might be incorporated in the egg carton.
  • thermoplastic materials have been developed and are being used in the egg packaging industry.
  • expanded polystyrene material has been used as a substitute for paper fibers employed in the molded fiber cartons; however, this substitution of material does not overcome the limitations noted above.
  • thermoformed or injection molded compartmented plastic trays have been used in combination with cardboard sleeves, shrink film overwraps, and the like, but none of these packages have met the minimum accepted industry standards set forth above and have additionally overcome the inherent limitations in a molded fiber or paperboard sheet carton,
  • the present invention is not only designed to meet the minimum accepted standards in the egg packaging industry, but also provides significant improvements in the construction of the package which overcomes the above mentioned limitations, and as a result, provides a more effective package for the egg processer, grocery store owner, and ultimate consumer.
  • Another object of the present invention is the provision of a package for fragile articles which adequately protects the articles against breakage or damage during shipping or handling while exposing the articles for easy removal thereof.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a package for fragile articles which offers substantial lateral and vertical rigidity, and at the same time can resist bending or twisting thereof.
  • Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a package for fragile articles in which the articles may be viewed Without opening the package, the package also preferably having tamperproof features which make it difiicult or embarrassing to o en the package and leave it open.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a package for fragile articles including a deep drawn nestable section which is at least partially collapsible to reduce the overall dimensions of the package to conform the package to generally the same size as those existing commercial packages, and at the same time, is capable of maintaining a lid element in a taut condi tion to prevent wrinkling thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the egg supporting or elongated compartmented tray section which is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and illustrating the manner in which eggs are positioned in the tray section;
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the enlo-ngated compartmented tray section only which is depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view as viewed along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, which depicts the manner in which eggs or other fragile articles are axially supported thereby;
  • FIGS. 4-6 are enlarged vertical sectional views similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating the manner in which eggs are cushioned at various stages of movement when subjected to drop impact forces and the like;
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIGS. 3-6, but showing a slightly modified form of axial cushioning means
  • FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the eggs and tray section depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the eggs and tray section depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top plan view of the eggs and tray section depicted in FIG. 1, and illustrating in connection with FIGS. 8-9 the manner in which the eggs are cushioned against lateral shock forces and the like;
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged end elevational view, partly in section, of a plurality of similarly configured tray sections telescopically received one within the other in stacked relationship.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded end elevational view of a tray section and a cover section having cooperating fastening means which secure the parts to one another;
  • FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the tray section and cover section shown in FIG. 12 with the parts in assembled relationship;
  • FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of a tray section and cover section which are shown as being heat sealed to one another;
  • FIG. 15 is an end elevational view similar to FIG. 14, and illustrating the manner in which the cover section can be removed from the tray section;
  • FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a cover section and tray section, the cover section having perforated impression which facilitates removal of the inner portions of the cover section from the remainder of the cover section and tray section;
  • FIG. 17 is a fragmentary top plan view of a tray section which is capable of being radially collapsed
  • FIG. 18 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the manner in which the tray section shown in FIG. 17 can be collapsed from the dotted to the full line position shown;
  • FIG. 19 is an end elevational view illustrating the manner in which the tray section can be collapsed from the dotted to the full line position which is depicted;
  • FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a plurality of egg cartons stacked one above the other in a plurality of tiers of three cartons or containers in each tier;
  • FIG. 21 is an enlarged vertical sectional view depicting the manner in which an egg supported in the compartment a lowermost container is cushioned by the combination of the lid associated with such container and the compartment superimposed thereabove in an adjacent stacked carton or container,
  • the present invention is directed to a two-piece package for fragile articles such as eggs and the like which includes an elongated compartmented tray section as shown in FIGS. 1-2, and a generally flat cover section 12 as shown in FIGS. 12-15 which may be bonded, mechanically joined or otherwise attached to the tray section.
  • the tray section 10 and/or the cover section 12 are formed from a transparent, plastic sheet material such as biaxially oriented polystyrene or the like to enable the ultimate consumer to view the eggs within the package without the necessity of opening it.
  • the transparent character of the tray section 10 and/or cover section 12 coupled with the tamperproof fastening aspects of the present invention provides a package wherein the articles contained therein may be readily viewed, but access thereto made difiicult except by the positive act of permanently opening the package.
  • the tray and cover section may be either separably or integrally joined to one another with the further alternative that the cover section may comprise an inverted shell which is generally typical with many of the molded fiber cartons, the inverted shell either serving as a cover or additionally having configurations similar to the tray section such that the package has upper and lower cooperating article receiving compartments. All of the above variations are common in the egg package art, and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
  • the elongated compartmented or cellular tray section is preferably formed from a heated web of thermoplastic material such as biaxially oriented polystyrene or the like through the use of thermo-forming techniques which are known in the art.
  • the elongated compartmented tray section is generally in the form of a rectangular box-like configuration having an open top with there being two rows of six compartments 14 for receiving fragile articles such as the eggs 16 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example.
  • Each of the compartments 14 are interconnected to one another along inner margins thereof by the paratition walls 18 which extend between adjacent compartments.
  • the partition walls 18 between each group of four compartments is generally in the form of a cross-pattee 20 which enables each of the compartments to be generally curvilinear in form along the inner margins thereof while being a closely adjacent positions relative to one another.
  • Each of the fingers of the cross-pattee 20 forming the dividing walls or partitions 18 are generally arranged apart from one another and have inwardly curving margins which conform to the exterior or marginal configuration of each of the curvilinear compartments 14.
  • the article supporting structure 22 Centrally positioned relative to each of the cross-pattees 20 is an article supporting structure 22 which resists bending of the tray section between the compartments 14 without in any way interfering with the easy removal of articles from the compartments 14.
  • the article supporting structure 22 can also be characterized generally in the shape of a cross-pattee, but having an upwardly dished or domed section which resists bending or twisting of the tray section 10 between the compartments 14.
  • the arrangement of the cross-pattee 22 forming the article supporting structure with the partition walls 18, the latter being supported by the wall portions of the compartments 14 and the surrounding wall structure 22 of the tray section counteracts fiexing even though the tray section 10 is grasped near one end thereof.
  • the tray section 10 includes the surrounding wall structure 22 which is peripherally continuous above the partition walls 18, but is also integrally connected to each of the interconnected compartments 14 along the outer margins thereof as will become apparent.
  • the partition walls 18 are generally located along the median plane between the top and bottom of the tray section 10 as is best shown in FIGS. 8-9.
  • Each of the compartments 14 extend below this median plane while the surrounding wall structure 22, except for the integral connections with the compartments 14, projects upwardly above the median plane for a distance at least equal to the height of eggs or other fragile articles when positioned within the compartments 14.
  • the side wall structure which incorporates suitable cushioning elements or shock absorbing means as will be later described, protects the eggs 16 for the full height thereof when the cover section 12 is removed from the tray section while at the same time exposing the eggs 16 for easy removal from the tray section.
  • each article supporting structure in the form of the cross-pattee 22 does not project a significant distance above the partition walls 18, and thus does not interfere with the removal of the eggs 16 from the tray section.
  • the tray section It When the tray section It) fills with eggs 16 has been lifted, for example, at one end thereof, it is important that the weight of the eggs not destroy what is otherwise a stable package.
  • the package must be designed, therefore, to counteract any tendency of the eggs 16 to bend or flex the partition walls 18.
  • the present invention overcomes this tendency by a particular structural arrangement which has been found to be very workable in practice.
  • each group of four compartments arranged in pairs in the two juxtaposed rows thereof an article supporting means 22 which is smaller than, but generally similar in shape to the cross-pattee 20 which forms the partition walls 19 between each group of four closely adjacent compartments 14.
  • the article supporting means 22 thus derives substantial support from the dividing walls or partitions 18 which are themselves supported in a general axial direction by the curvilinear inner margins of the peripherally continuous side portions 32 of each compartment 14, and also in a general radial direction by the inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24 and also the briding wall portions 28 thereof which extend generally intermediate the compartments 14 in the plane of the surrounding wall structure or exterior peripherally continuous wall section 23.
  • the article supporting means or structure 22 includes an upwardly dished or domed top section 22a with four inwardly concave side sections 22b which extend in a general axial direction and form extensions of the peripherally continuous surface 32 of each compartment only in the vicinity of the article supporting means 22.
  • the structural cooperation of the various elements just described resist, to a large degree, bending of the tray section 10 between the compartments 14, and thus provides a rigid and stable package which may be handled in a normal manner by the ultimate consumer.
  • the tray section 10 also preferably incorporates axial and lateral shock absorbing or cushioning features which will now be described.
  • the surrounding wall structure 23 includes a plurality of inwardly and outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped or wedge-shaped surfaces 24, 26 which are alternatively inverted with respect to one another to provide a pair of non-parallel edges 24a, 24b for each inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 24 and a pair of non-parallel edges 26c, 26d for each outwardly offset trapezoidallyshaped surface 26.
  • Each of the non-parallel edges 26c, 26d of an outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 26 is arranged in aligned relationship with the non-parallel edges 24b, 2411 respectively of adjacent inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24 located on opposite sides of each outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 26. Further, the aligned edges 24a, 26a' and 24b, 260 of the inwardly and outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24, 26 are connected to each other by bridging wall portions 28 which extend substantially normal to each of the trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24, 26 and thereby provide a rigid side wall structure for the container or tray section 10.
  • outwardly offset trapezoidallyshaped surfaces 26 extend between the top and bottom of the tray section, as best seen in FIGS. 89, throughout the entire height thereof, and this, together with the bridging wall portions 28, provides the integral connection between the surrounding wall structure 23 and the compartments 14 along the outer margin or periphery thereof as will be apparent.
  • the inwardly offset trapezoidallyshaped surfaces 24, on the other hand, are generally positioned between adjacent compartments and thus intersects the partition walls 18 generally along the median plane of the tray section 10.
  • the partition walls 18 and the side wall structure 23 are thereby integrally and structurally connected to one another to afford substantial side Wall rigidity for the tray section 10.
  • the non-parallel edges 24a, 24b of the inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24 continue downwardly beneath the median plane of the tray section and intersect the compartment 14 in a manner to be presently described to provide the lateral shock absorbing or cushioning feature previously alluded to.
  • Each of the compartments 14 includes, as best illustrated in FIGS. 26, a bottom portion 30, preferably of special configuration as will be discussed, and a peripherally continuous side portion 32 which. extends upwardly and outwardly therefrom terminating generally along the median plane of the tray section for integral connection with the partition walls 18- located in that vicinity. It will be recognized, of course, that part of the peripherally continuous side portion 32 of each compartment 14 along the outer margin thereof, constitutes the outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 26 and the bridging wall portions 28 associated therewith and arranged in the manner illustrated in the drawings.
  • each inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 24 extend, as previously indicated, below the medianplane of the tray section 10 and intersect the peripherally continuous side wall portion surrounding each compartment such that the juncture between the non-parallel edges 24a, 24b of adjacent inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24 or the extensions of the marginal or bridging wall portions 28 of the outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 26 associated with a respective compartment 14 and their juncture with the peripherally continuous side wall portion 32 of such compartment will provide a pair of spaced limited surface areas or inside corner portion 34a, 34b which correspond to the extensions of the non-parallel edges 24a, 24b of adjacent inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 24.
  • each compartment includes as illustrated, a spaced three point contact which insulates or protects articles positioned in the compartments 14 from lateral forces externally of the package.
  • each of the two outer compartments 14 at opposite ends of the tray section 10 includes first and second pairs of cooperating limited surface areas 34a, 34b and rib means 36 generally arranged at right angles to one another to afford protection to the eggs received in such compartments in two directions.
  • the tray section is preferably thermoformed from a biaxially oriented polystyrene material having a thin wall character (on the order of .004.O34 inch in thickmess)
  • the cooperating limited surface areas 34a, 34b and the rib means 36 of each compartment provides a resilient support for the eggs or other fragile articles positioned within the compartments for limited lateral movement.
  • the partition walls 18 will separate the eggs 16 from one another while the cooperating limited surface areas 34a, 34b and the rib means 36 associated with each compartment supports and protects the eggs against breakage from outside forces or lateral movement.
  • the eggs 16 will remain protected by the cooperating limited surface areas 34a, 34b within the compartments 14, and also by the edges 24a, 24b of each inwardly offset trapezoidallyshaped surface 24 which extends above the median plane of the tray section 10 for the maximum height of the eggs 16 when positioned within the compartments 14.
  • each of the compartments 14 there is provided in each of the compartments 14 a specially configured bottom portion which absorbs or cushions axial shock imposed on the tray section which may occur as the result of drop impact forces.
  • This bottom portion 30 and the manner in which it functions to cushion or absorb axial shock forces will be best understood by a reference to FIGS. 3-6 of the drawings.
  • each compartment 14 which receives and supports the eggs includes an annular supporting surface which is integrally connected along its outermost periphery to the lowermost extremity of the peripherally continuous side portion 32 of each compartment.
  • the innermost margin of each annular supporting surface 40 is integrally joined to a stair stepped supporting structure 42 which is configured to yield in discrete stages when an axial impact force is imposed upon the stair stepped structure.
  • the stair stepped supporting structure 42 preferably includes a single supporting step only, although as illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings, a plurality of supporting steps may be provided.
  • Each of the supporting steps includes a lower upwardly and inwardly directed frusto-conical section or rise 44, an upper inwardly and upwardly directed frusto-conical section or rise 46, and a substantially horizontally directed shelf portion 48 of smaller radial width than the axial height of the upper and lower rises 44, 46.
  • the stair stepped supporting structure 42 further includes a centrally positioned well portion 50 having an inwardly sloping wall 52 and a substantially flat bottom wall 54- for receiving the pointed end of an egg 16 as illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings.
  • the inwardly sloping wall 52 of the centrally positioned well portion 50 is integrally joined at its upper end to the upper rise 46.
  • the juncture between the inwardly sloping wall 52 and the upper rise 46 provides a circumferentially extending lip portion 56 which is useful in engaging an egg 16 as will become apparent.
  • FIG. 3 of the drawings illustrates an egg 16 in a static or rest position while FIGS. 4-6 depict various positions of an egg 16 which it encounters in successive stages and which results from the imposition of a drop impact force.
  • the pointed end of each egg 16 is designed to rest against the bottom wall 54 of the centrally positioned well portion 50 with the circumferentially extending lip portion 56, at the juncture of the inwardly sloping wall 52 and the upper rise 46, either positioned in close proximity to or touching the outer curvilinear portion of each egg 16.
  • the eggs 16 will be confined and centered in the compartments 14 by the circumferentially extending lip portions 56 in each compartment.
  • FIGS. 46 of the drawings When the eggs are subjected to a drop impact force, they will move in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 46 of the drawings with the supporting structure 42 absorbing or cushioning the shock that is imposed on the tray section 10 to protect the eggs from breaking.
  • the first movement that is encountered is illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings where the bottom wall 54 deforms curvilinearly to the outer curved shape at the pointed end of each egg 16. If the circumferentially extending lip portion 56 was not in initial engagement with an egg 16, then the deformation of the bottom wall 54 is designed to bring the circumferentially extending lip portion 56 into contacting engagement with the egg.
  • the stair stepped supporting structure 42 is designed to collapse in a manner which will permit the upper rise 46 to be telescoped at least partially within the lower rise 44 to provide axial yielding of the stair stepped supporting structure.
  • FIGS. 56 of the drawings FIG. 5 illustrating the initial telescoping movement of the lower and upper rises 44, 46 of the supporting step
  • FIG. 6 showing the final or ultimate telescoping movement of the lower and upper rises 44, 46 of each supporting step.
  • This telescoping movement is achieved as the result of a deflection or bending of the substantially horizontally directed shelf portion 48 as the upper rise 46 is axially moved within the lower rise 44.
  • the lower rise 44 tapers upwardly and inwardly preferably at an angle of approximately 30 degrees from horizontal while the upper rise 46 tapers upwardly and inwardly preferably at an angle of approximately 10 degrees from horizontal, and this specific arrangement is designed to permit telescoping movement of the upper rise 46 into the lower rise 44 while the lower rise 44 is slightly bent at the lowermost position of the stair stepped supporting structure as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. It is well known that it requires greater force to axially compress a cylindrical section the same distance as a frusto-conical section, all other factors being equal, and the same is true in regard to smaller vs. larger amounts of taper of various frusto-conical sections. Thus, in regard to the lower and upper rises 44, 46, the lower rise 44 having the greater angle will deflect or bend with less load than the upper rise 46, and this is what is intended by the various illustrated movements of the stair stepped supporting structure 42.
  • each egg 16 is cushioned such that the final or ultimate movement of each egg 16, as viewed in FIG. 6 of the drawings, will terminate before the bottom wall 54 of each centrally positioned well portion 50 is brought into engagement with a supporting surface. This is accomplished by relating the configuration and dimension of the stair stepped supporting structure 42 to the tray section material and its wall thickness to provide adequate yielding of the stair stepped supporting structure, without too early of a collapse thereof, when an axial impact force is imposed on the stair stepped supporting structure.
  • the stair stepped supporting structure is configured and dimensioned in the manner illustrated in the drawings to provide absorption of shock or cushioning of each egg 16 to prevent breakage thereof when subject to a drop impact force from a height, for example, of three feet.
  • the stair stepped supporting structure 42 is shown as being useful in conjunction with a plurality of stacked packages.
  • the cover section 12, which may be a flexible member, of a subjacent tpackage is capable of yielding axially upwardly into the area defined by the axially upwardly positioned stair stepped supporting structure 42 formed in the compartment 14 of a superimposed package. Since the annular supporting surface 40 of each superimposed container is capable of resting upon and engaging the cover section 12 of a subjacent container, the air cushion created thereby in conjunction with the flexing of the cover section 12 axially upwardly into the space defined by the stair stepped supporting structure 42 will provide a cushion or shock absorbing structure for the eggs 16.
  • this particular type of axial shock absorbing or cushioning structure is designed to protect only the blunt or upper end of the eggs 16, and only when a plurality of packages are stacked in the manner shown in FIGS. -21.
  • this particular aspect may be useful in practicing certain forms of the present invention.
  • each stacking means includes, from bottom to top, a lower substantially horizontally directed stacking shelf 38a, an upwardly and inwardly inclined intermediate section 38b, and a generally horizontally directed upper stacking shelf 380.
  • the lower stacking shelf 38a of each superimposed container is adapted to rest upon the upper stacking shelf 380 of a subjacent container with the intermediate sections 38b providing more than a material thickness overlap and capable of yielding axially, when the tray section is made from thin wall plastic material, to prevent jamming between adjacent containers.
  • each of the stacking means 38 is illustrated as being incorporated within the generally wedge-shaped or outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 26 associated with each compartment 14, and this has the advantage that adjacent tray sections 10 to be nested together can be guided and centered by the wedge-shaped or outwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surfaces 26 and the bridging walls 28 throughout substan tially the entire height of the tray sections 10.
  • peripherally continuous side portion 32 of each compartment 14 as well as all of the various elements of the surrounding wall structure 23 including the inwardly and outwardly offset trapezoidallyshaped surfaces 24, 26 and the bridging wall portions 28 extend upwardly and outwardly from the bottom to the top of each tray section. Further, to permit alignment and centering of adjacent tray sections 10 as they are nested one within the other, the bridging wall portions 28 also taper upwardly and outwardly from the bottom to the top of each tray section.
  • adjacent nested tray sections 10 can be quickly and easily nested or separated from one another in controlled fashion, and when nested, are stacked apart from one another by the stacking means 38 which prevents complete telescopic association of adjacent nested containers which could cause jamming therebetween and consequent difliculty in separation.
  • FIGS. 1 2-16 illustrates the manner in which the tray section 10 and its associated cover section 12 may be secured to one another.
  • a mechanical fastening technique is employed
  • an adhesive technique such as heat sealing or bonding is employed.
  • the mechanical fastening technique illustrated in FIGS. 12'-13 relates to the provision of a plurality of spaced, integral hollow projections 60 which are formed in the rim portion 62 at the upper end of each tray section.
  • Each of the integral hollow projections 60 preferably project upwardly from a bridging top surface 66 integrally connecting the bridging wall portions 28 on opposite sides of each inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 24 with the rim portion 62 although they may be located anywhere in the rim portion 62 and with any suitable spacing therebetween as may be desired.
  • Each of the projections 60 are adapted to be received by complementary apertures 68 formed in the cover section 12.
  • each of the projections 60 are configured and dimensioned relative to the complementary apertaures 68 such that axial compression thereof will, upon crushing the projections 60) to a position beyond the elastic limit of the material, provide anenlarged permanently deformed head 70 as shown in FIG. 13 at the free end of each projection 60 which has a transverse dimension greater than a corresponding complementary aperture to permit the initial assembly and retention of the tray section 10 and cover section 12 to each other.
  • the cover section 1.2 is preferably a flexible and peelable element, the ultimate consumer may grasp the outer margin of the cover section and manually strip the cover section 12 from the tray section 10 without great difliculty.
  • This mechanical fastening technique in the tray and cover section environment provides a tamperproof package which, together with the transparent aspects of the tray and/or cover section, provides a package wherein the contents thereof are visible, but making it diflicult to gain access to the contents of the package without leaving it in an open condition.
  • FIGS. 14-15 show that it is also possible to join the tray section 10 and cover section 12 by adhesive techniques such as bonding or heat sealing or the like which provides tamperproof features in a transparent package.
  • adhesive techniques such as bonding or heat sealing or the like which provides tamperproof features in a transparent package.
  • bonding or heat sealing techniques are used in view of the preferred choice of utilizing thermoplastic material in the tray section 10' and cover section 12.
  • the cover section 12 along the outer margins thereof may be heat sealed to the tray section rim portion 62 by suitable bonding and heat sealing techniques which are known in the art.
  • outer peripheral marginal portions 72 be left attached or otherwise secured to the rim portion 62 of a corresponding tray section as this will enhance the lateral rigidifying characteristics of the tray section 10 when the cover section 12 is removed therefrom to permit exposure to theleggs 16 contained within the tray section 10. As illustrated in FIG. 16 of the drawings, this is preferably accomplished by providing a perforated impression or. score line 74 in the cover section 12 at a location just slightly radially inwardly of the rim portion 62 of the traysection 10 when the cover section 12 is secured thereto.
  • the perforated impression or score line 74 extends circumferentially around the tray section except at one or more of the corner portions 76 where a complete slit is provided as a convenient location to grasp the portions of the cover section 12 located radially inwardly of the perforated impression or score line 74, for removing these portions from the tray section 10. It will be apparent that other types of tear tabs may be provided in accomplishing what is intended to be achieved by the structural cooperation of the elements just described.
  • each tray section 10 is preferably of the nestable variety, and this necessitates an upward and outward taper for the compartments 14 and the surrounding side wall structure 23 of the tray section.
  • the amount of upward and outward tapering may affect the ability of the package to be packed in suitable cartons or cases for transporting to the ultimate consumer.
  • the collapsing feature has the advantage that it may be utilized with the cover section 12 in maintaining it in a taunt or tensioned condition to prevent any wrinkles or creases therein.
  • the tray section is provided, at each end thereof, with an outwardly opening notch means 78 which is located within and generally complementary to the inwardly offset trapezoidally-shaped surface 24 centrally positioned at each end of the tray section 10.
  • Each of the notch means 78 in the rim portion 62 of a tray section 10 permit radial inward movement or collapse of the sides of the tray section 10 from the dotted to the full line position illustrated in FIGS. 18-19 of the drawings. The inward movement or collapse of the sides of the tray section 10 is sufficient to permit egg packages to be stored in cartons or cases currently being used for transport to the ultimate consumer.
  • the cover section 12 is attached or joined to the rim portion 62 of the tray section 10 after the inward movement or collapse of the tray section 10 and when secured, is maintained in a taut or tensioned condition as the result of the notch means 78 tending to return to its initial or open position. Accordingly, the cover section 12 will be substantially devoid of any wrinkles or creases.
  • the present invention contemplates a novel package for fragile articles incorporating several radical departures from prior art efforts which have resulted in a much improved package for the manufacturer, egg processor, grocery store owner and ultimate consumer.
  • a container for fragile articles comprising an elongated compartmented tray section and a cover section, said tray section including a plurality of interconnected compartments and a surrounding wall structure, the surrounding wall structure including a channel-shaped, inwardly opening pocket for each of said compartments which is defined by a pair of spaced marginal surfaces and a connecting surface therebetween, each pair of said marginal surfaces intersecting a respective compartment and being outwardly directed with respect thereto, the juncture between each marginal surface and the surrounding wall structure adjacent each pocket providing a limited surface area for engaging articles positioned within said compartments, and rib means extending inwardly from the connecting surface of each pocket at a location generally intermediate each pair of marginal surfaces for engaging articles positioned within said compartments, whereby the limited surface area of each pair of marginal surfaces and said rib means intermediate thereof cooperate to provide spaced surface contact of the surrounding wall structure with articles positioned in said compartments.
  • a container as defined in claim 1 wherein the cover section also comprises a compartmented section constructed in the same manner and adapted to engage fragile articles in the same way as said elongated compartmented tray section.
  • each of the compartments at each end of the elongated compartmented tray section includes a pair of channel-shaped, inwardly opening pockets arranged generally at right angles to each other, each pair of limited surface areas and the rib means associated therewith in each pocket providing a spaced surface contact of the surrounding wall structure with articles positioned in said compartments.
  • a plastic container for fragile articles including a compartmented tray section of resilient thin wall plastic material having a plurality of interconnected compartments which are configured complementary to the fragile articles to be received therein, each of said compartments having a bottom portion incorporating cushion means which absorbs axial impact forces, said cushion means comprising a centrally positioned well portion which is axially positioned upwardly from the lowermost extent of the compartment by a stair stepped supporting structure having at least one step including an upper rise, a lower rise, and a substantially horizontally extending shelf extending therebetween which connects the upper extremity of the lower rise with the lower extremity of the upper rise, each step in the stair stepped supporting structure being configured and dimensioned relative to the tray section material and its thickness to cause telescoping movement of its upper rise into its lower rise and consequent yielding of said stair stepped supporting structure when an axial impact force is imposed thereon.
  • the plastic container as defined in claim 5 including a cover section which is constructed in the same manner and is adapted to engage fragile articles in the same way as said tray section.
  • each centrally positioned well portion includes a circumferentially extending lip portion at the uppermost extremity thereof which is configured relative to articles positioned in said compartments to provide line contact engagement therewith.
  • each lip portion of a centrally positioned well portion engages an article positioned within a respective compartment only after the imposition of an axial impact load.
  • the stair stepped supporting structure comprises a single step having the uppermost frusto-conical portion thereof tapering upwardly and inwardly at an angle less than the lowermost frusto-conical portion.
  • a plastic container for fragile articles including a compartmented tray section and a cover section, said tray section including a plurality of interconnected compartments and a surrounding wall structure which terminates at its upper end in a rim portion, said cover section comprising a flexible, substantially flat panel member which is secured to the rim portion of the elongated cellular tray section, each of the compartments having a bottom portion incorporating cushion means which absorbs axial impact forces of fragile articles received therein, said cushion means being axially positioned upwardly from an annular supporting surface of the compartment bottom portion and being adapted to rest upon the flat panel member of a subjacent plastic container whereby the area of the flat panel member confined by the annular supporting surface of a superimposed container is capable of yielding axially upwardly into the area defined by the axially upwardly positioned cushion means formed in the compartments of a superimposed container for absorbing axial impact forces.
  • a plastic egg carton including an elongated compartmented tray section and a cover section therefor, said tray section being sheet formed from a thermoplastic web and having a plurality of compartments which are interconnected to each other by dividing portions located generally along the median plane of the tray section, each of said compartment below the median plane of the tray section having a bottom portion and a peripherally continuous side portion which extends upwardly and outwardly therefrom and is joined to the dividing portions along inner margins between adjacent compartments, each of said compartments above the median plane having an exterior peripherally continuous wall section surrounding all of said erally continuous wall section surrounding all of said compartments and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the median plane by a distance greater than the maximum height of eggs when positioned in said compartments, said peripherally continuous exterior side wall surface terminating in a rim portion to which said cover section is adapted to be secured, each of the compartments and dividing portions within the exterior peripherally continuous wall section extending upwardly no further than the median plane of the tray section to facilitate grasping of eggs positioned in said compartment
  • a plastic egg carton as defined in claim 15 including means for retaining the exterior peripherally continuous wall section of the tray section in a collapsed condition.
  • each of said compartments includes lateral shock absorbing means.
  • each of said compartmtnts also includes axial shock absorbing means.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
US704450A 1968-02-09 1968-02-09 Package for fragile articles Expired - Lifetime US3493164A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US70445068A 1968-02-09 1968-02-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3493164A true US3493164A (en) 1970-02-03

Family

ID=24829539

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US704450A Expired - Lifetime US3493164A (en) 1968-02-09 1968-02-09 Package for fragile articles

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3493164A (pt)
BE (1) BE728007A (pt)
BR (1) BR6800497D0 (pt)
DE (1) DE1905991A1 (pt)
FR (1) FR1574381A (pt)
GB (1) GB1227727A (pt)
NL (1) NL6902014A (pt)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3942671A (en) * 1974-12-03 1976-03-09 Mobil Oil Corporation Carry-out tray
US6213302B1 (en) * 2000-02-15 2001-04-10 Fresh Advantage, Inc. Multi-cavity, controlled atmosphere tray for packaging and preserving sliced tomatoes
WO2006028682A2 (en) * 2004-09-07 2006-03-16 Aardema, Marvin Tamper resistant seals for transparent or other egg cartons
US20080224581A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 James Rand Minerva Cabinet liner
US20080279991A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Dongheum Kwon Egg Package Assembly
US20080283437A1 (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Yves St-Onge Container for frangible articles such as eggs
US20090299484A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2009-12-03 Martin Dietrich Device for assembly of ball heads and adapter sleeves as integrated component part of the package
US8955353B2 (en) 2010-04-26 2015-02-17 Columbia Insurance Company Food server assembly
USD737102S1 (en) 2013-11-14 2015-08-25 Columbia Insurance Company Food server
USD739181S1 (en) 2013-11-14 2015-09-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food server
USD745806S1 (en) 2013-11-14 2015-12-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food server
USD745807S1 (en) 2014-11-04 2015-12-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food serving tray
USD751865S1 (en) 2014-11-04 2016-03-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food serving tray
US20180215499A1 (en) * 2017-02-01 2018-08-02 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Packing box

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0059024A1 (en) * 1981-01-06 1982-09-01 William R. Brown (Packaging) Company Limited Box or carton for packaging eggs or the like
US4448344A (en) * 1982-09-01 1984-05-15 Diamond International Corporation Egg cell construction
NZ205149A (en) * 1983-08-04 1987-07-31 New Zealand Forest Prod Packaging kiwifruit in pockets with axis upright
EP0287739A1 (fr) * 1987-04-22 1988-10-26 ALPHAFORM, société dite: Cartonnette soudée pour boîte à oeufs
FR2596368A1 (fr) * 1986-03-26 1987-10-02 Alphaform Sa Cartonnette collee pour boite a oeufs
FR2596367A1 (fr) * 1986-03-26 1987-10-02 Alphaform Sa Cartonnette soudee pour boite a oeufs
DE102009043364A1 (de) 2009-09-29 2011-04-07 Karaoglu, Cüneyt Eierkarton aus Kunststoff

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1990145A (en) * 1933-02-08 1935-02-05 George W Swift Jr Inc Egg carton
US2047495A (en) * 1935-12-06 1936-07-14 William A Schurmann Egg package
US2160893A (en) * 1936-06-08 1939-06-06 Kitchener K Newsom Container for eggs and the like
US2873057A (en) * 1955-03-29 1959-02-10 Paper Maid Inc Container with cover lock
US2974842A (en) * 1958-05-13 1961-03-14 Diamond National Corp Egg carton
US3000528A (en) * 1958-03-05 1961-09-19 Henry Y Kuhl Egg tray
US3091360A (en) * 1957-11-29 1963-05-28 Illinois Tool Works Nestable cup
US3129866A (en) * 1961-07-19 1964-04-21 Jr Charles E Wade Egg carton
US3131846A (en) * 1959-11-10 1964-05-05 Poly Pak Corp Of America Hermetically sealed, transparent, shock absorbing package for fragile articles
US3162352A (en) * 1962-03-15 1964-12-22 Alton Box Board Co Egg tray and cover therefor
US3217961A (en) * 1962-06-25 1965-11-16 Beloit Corp Molded egg carton
US3262632A (en) * 1964-09-17 1966-07-26 Lester S Clemons Recloseable fastener
US3288323A (en) * 1961-12-21 1966-11-29 Phillips Petroleum Co Heat sealed container cover with tear tape opening
US3334765A (en) * 1965-05-04 1967-08-08 Beloit Corp Egg carrier
US3375966A (en) * 1967-02-10 1968-04-02 Keyes Fibre Co Full depth carton for large eggs

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1990145A (en) * 1933-02-08 1935-02-05 George W Swift Jr Inc Egg carton
US2047495A (en) * 1935-12-06 1936-07-14 William A Schurmann Egg package
US2160893A (en) * 1936-06-08 1939-06-06 Kitchener K Newsom Container for eggs and the like
US2873057A (en) * 1955-03-29 1959-02-10 Paper Maid Inc Container with cover lock
US3091360A (en) * 1957-11-29 1963-05-28 Illinois Tool Works Nestable cup
US3139213A (en) * 1957-11-29 1964-06-30 Illinois Tool Works Nestable cup
US3000528A (en) * 1958-03-05 1961-09-19 Henry Y Kuhl Egg tray
US2974842A (en) * 1958-05-13 1961-03-14 Diamond National Corp Egg carton
US3131846A (en) * 1959-11-10 1964-05-05 Poly Pak Corp Of America Hermetically sealed, transparent, shock absorbing package for fragile articles
US3129866A (en) * 1961-07-19 1964-04-21 Jr Charles E Wade Egg carton
US3288323A (en) * 1961-12-21 1966-11-29 Phillips Petroleum Co Heat sealed container cover with tear tape opening
US3162352A (en) * 1962-03-15 1964-12-22 Alton Box Board Co Egg tray and cover therefor
US3217961A (en) * 1962-06-25 1965-11-16 Beloit Corp Molded egg carton
US3262632A (en) * 1964-09-17 1966-07-26 Lester S Clemons Recloseable fastener
US3334765A (en) * 1965-05-04 1967-08-08 Beloit Corp Egg carrier
US3375966A (en) * 1967-02-10 1968-04-02 Keyes Fibre Co Full depth carton for large eggs

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3942671A (en) * 1974-12-03 1976-03-09 Mobil Oil Corporation Carry-out tray
US6213302B1 (en) * 2000-02-15 2001-04-10 Fresh Advantage, Inc. Multi-cavity, controlled atmosphere tray for packaging and preserving sliced tomatoes
US20060060493A1 (en) * 2004-02-12 2006-03-23 Craig Marshall Tamper resistant seals for transparent or other egg cartons
WO2006028682A2 (en) * 2004-09-07 2006-03-16 Aardema, Marvin Tamper resistant seals for transparent or other egg cartons
WO2006028682A3 (en) * 2004-09-07 2007-02-01 Aardema Marvin Tamper resistant seals for transparent or other egg cartons
US9308092B2 (en) * 2006-05-02 2016-04-12 Ceramtec Gmbh Device for assembly of ball heads and adapter sleeves as integrated component part of the package
US20090299484A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2009-12-03 Martin Dietrich Device for assembly of ball heads and adapter sleeves as integrated component part of the package
US9717596B2 (en) 2006-05-02 2017-08-01 Ceramtec Gmbh Device for assembly of ball heads and adapter sleeves as integrated component part of the package
US20080224581A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 James Rand Minerva Cabinet liner
US20080279991A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Dongheum Kwon Egg Package Assembly
US20080283437A1 (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Yves St-Onge Container for frangible articles such as eggs
US8863955B2 (en) * 2007-05-14 2014-10-21 Pactiv Canada Inc Container for frangible articles such as eggs
US8955353B2 (en) 2010-04-26 2015-02-17 Columbia Insurance Company Food server assembly
USD745806S1 (en) 2013-11-14 2015-12-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food server
USD739181S1 (en) 2013-11-14 2015-09-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food server
USD737102S1 (en) 2013-11-14 2015-08-25 Columbia Insurance Company Food server
USD745807S1 (en) 2014-11-04 2015-12-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food serving tray
USD751865S1 (en) 2014-11-04 2016-03-22 Columbia Insurance Company Food serving tray
US20180215499A1 (en) * 2017-02-01 2018-08-02 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Packing box
US10414537B2 (en) * 2017-02-01 2019-09-17 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Packing box

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1905991A1 (de) 1969-08-21
BE728007A (pt) 1969-07-16
FR1574381A (pt) 1969-07-11
GB1227727A (pt) 1971-04-07
NL6902014A (pt) 1969-08-12
BR6800497D0 (pt) 1973-02-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3493164A (en) Package for fragile articles
US3131846A (en) Hermetically sealed, transparent, shock absorbing package for fragile articles
US3997057A (en) Stacking means for packing tray
US3853221A (en) Pad for cushion packing fragile artilces
US3732976A (en) Package for fragile articles
US3734280A (en) Shipping container for supporting and protecting a plurality of articles
US3515272A (en) Container cluster
JPH0741933B2 (ja) 包装組立体
US3257062A (en) Hermetically sealed transparent shock absorbing package for fragile articles
US3039670A (en) Collapsible container
US3392902A (en) Carton with cushioning insert of foam plastic material
US11111051B2 (en) Bottle packaging system
US3752384A (en) Resilient packaging spacer
US3463378A (en) Stackable container constituted by a cardboard outer container and a plastic inner container
US3184054A (en) Package
US4860894A (en) Package assembly for glass funnel parts
US3917152A (en) Egg carton
US3478867A (en) Stackable trays and package formed therefrom
JPS6024012B2 (ja) 食品用包装容器
US4314638A (en) Shipping container designed to prevent can damage due to chime ride
US3621995A (en) Shipping support for yarn tubes
US3477564A (en) Molded container positioner
US3375966A (en) Full depth carton for large eggs
EP0087306B1 (en) Packaging boxes or cartons
JPS5834064Y2 (ja) 「いちご」等果物の包装容器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DART CONTAINER CORPORATION, 432 HOGSBACK ROAD, MAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004568/0710

Effective date: 19840127