WO2008023172A1

WO2008023172A1 - Lid and packaging tray

Info

Publication number: WO2008023172A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Ludkin
Original assignee: Sharp Interpack Limited
Priority date: 2006-08-22
Filing date: 2007-08-22
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: GB0616680D0

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with improved lids for packaging trays, and packaging tray and lid combinations comprising same, wherein a lid (30, 130, 230) is dimensioned to mate with and engage a rim (23) of a packaging tray (20) having a base (21) and at least one wall (22) extending from the base, said rim extending around the periphery of the wall, the lid comprising a cover portion from which depends: (i) at least one flange (32); (ii) at least one discontinuous securing means (33, 38) adapted to secure said rim such that in-use said lid is secured mated with said rim; and (iii) a plurality of buttresses (36) located inwards of said at least one flange (32), each buttress adapted, in use, to present to a face of said rim a face of said buttress.

Description

LID AND PACKAGING TRAY

The present invention is concerned with improved lids for packaging trays, and packaging tray and lid combinations comprising same.

Packaging trays are widely used in the retail industry as containers for products. They generally come in one of two forms: a first one, in which a packaging tray is provided containing within it a product (such as a meat product) and being sealed with a film lid so as to prevent fluid flow into or out of the tray; and a second one, in which a tray is provided with a lid but is not sealed to the Hd. Thus, in the second form, the lid can be readily attached to or removed from the tray. This is particularly useful for products such as soft fruit where there is a need to provide them in a closed container yet access is typically going to be required by a user to the contents of the container on multiple occasions.

The design parameters for the container and lid arrangement are not dictated solely by the needs of the consumer, but also by the producer and packager of the goods held in the container, and also by the needs of the transporters and retailers of such goods. It is found that it is important to provide a tray and lid arrangement which is resistant to separation of the lid from the tray when sideways pressure is exelled upon the sidewalls of the tray - if the lid and tray become separated then the protection offered to the product contained within the tray is severely diminished, and this can result in spillage of products and damage of products, not just in the tray which is separated from its lid, but also in neighbouring trays where, for example, spilled goods can cause cosmetic damage and spoiled goods can cause leakage from one tray to other adjacent trays.

In addition, it is also important to provide trays which are resistant to deformation during the packaging process. For example, a production line may well operate with a device having a pair of nylon fingers pushing a row of filled trays (weighing 40Og each) in order to move the trays onto a conveyor belt. The nylon fingers contact against the sidewall of one of the trays and as a result all of the trays are pushed forwards. Clearly, a large amount of force is exerted on the tray sidewall which can cause it to deform and bow inwards, in turn resulting in damage to the e.g. fruit in the tray. It is therefore desirable to provide a tray whose sidewalls are able to resist bowing when force is exerted upon them.

In one popular form of packaging tray and lid arrangement (Figure 3) used for the storage and sale of soft fruits such as raspberries, a tray is provided having a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base, and a rim extending around the in-use upper perimeter of the sidewalls. A lid is provided having an in-use generally horizontal cover portion defining a periphery from which depends a first plurality of in-use generally vertical sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls of the tray, and teπninating in a shoulder portion extending outwards from said periphery generally perpendicular to said sidewalls and generally parallel to said cover portion, in turn terminating in a second plurality of in-use generally vertical sidewalls, said shoulder portion in-use sitting on said rim, and said second plurality of sidewalls making a continuous interference fit with the outside of said rim so as to secure said lid with said packaging tray. However, the sidewalls of this kind of tray can be readily distorted and bowed by the exertion of pressure.

In another form of packaging tray and lid arrangement (Figure 4), a toy is provided again having a base, sidewalls and a rim. The lid comprises an in-use generally horizontal cover portion, a plurality of in-use generally vertical sidewalls, and an engagement portion shaped to engage the rim portion of the tray on both its outside and inside portions with a continuous interference fit. Although the lid and tray are strongly engaged, this can prove troublesome since a large amount of force can be required to separate the lid from the tray, and this can on occasion lead to spillage and spoilage when the two snap apart.

The present invention seeks to overcome the prior art disadvantages and provide improved lids and improved lid and tray combinations. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lid dimensioned to mate with and engage a rim of a packaging tray having a base and at least one wall extending from said base, said rim extending around the periphery of said at least one wall, said lid comprising a cover portion from which depends: (i) an at least one flange; (ii) at least one discontinuous securing means adapted to secure said rim such that in-use said lid is secured mated with said rim; and (iii) a plurality of buttresses located inwards of said at least one flange, each buttress adapted, in use, to present to a face of said rim a face of said buttress.

As will be seen further from the embodiments detailed herein, this provides a highly convenient and useful lid arrangement.

By "rim" is meant a terminal portion (e.g. the top) of the tray which is open to engagement. The rim can simply be a cut-off at the uppermost part of the at least one wall, or it can be a specifically shaped and/or dimensioned part of the at least one wall. With a tray that has an in-use generally horizontal base and generally upwardly extending (e.g. generally vertical) walls, the rim preferably comprises an outwards lateral protrusion from the uppermost part of the walls which is can be engaged by the securing means.

The periphery of the at least one wall of the tray is its outer boundary. In certain embodiments, the rim is continuous about the periphery. In other embodiments, the rim is discontinuous about the periphery.

Preferably, the cover portion defines a periphery from which the at least one wall of the lid depends.

Preferably, the at least one wall extends about the cover portion, more preferably about the periphery of the cover portion. Preferably, the at least one wall is continuous about the cover portion, more preferably about the periphery. Preferably, the at least one securing means is discontinuous about the cover portion, more preferably about the periphery.

Thus, for example, the at least one wall can extend about most or all of the cover portion, for example along most or all of the periphery, whilst the at least one securing means may extend about a region corresponding to a smaller portion of the cover portion or periphery. In the case of a generally rectangular lid, the at least one wall preferably extends along all of the cover portion or periphery, with the securing means comprising a securing means positioned in each corner of the cover portion.

The at least one securing means acts to secure the lid mated with the rim. Preferably, in the case of trays having corners, the at least one securing means is located in the corners. Mating is typically achieved by means of an interference fit, and the securing means itself and the corresponding section of the lid at least one wall is suitably dimensioned to ensure that when the lid is mated with the rim of the tray, it resists separation of the lid from the tray.

Preferably, the securing means comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 securing means.

Preferably the at least one wall of the lid comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 walls.

In certain embodiments of the lids of present invention having at least two walls, securing means may be provided each position at which the walls intersect one another, e.g. in the corners.

In embodiments of the lid comprising a plurality of securing means, the plurality of buttresses are preferably provided between the plurality of securing means. Thus, for example, with a generally rectangular lid having a continuous wall extending about the cover potion, there may be a securing means located in each comer, and between the securing means in neighbouring comers there may be provided at least one, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 buttresses. As is mentioned above, the securing means are not co-extensive with the at least one wall, meaning that each securing means can be discretely separated from the rim of the tray. This means that separation can be conveniently achieved by a user and without requiring the use of excessive force, which could otherwise be inconvenient and difficult, and which could result in spillage of the contents of a tray when the lid "snaps" apart from the tray.

Preferably, the face of the buttresses presented to the rim is generally parallel to the face of the rim. Preferably, the buttresses present a generally flat face to the rim. However, other shapes and configurations of buttress may be appropriate and can be employed. As is detailed below, the aim of the buttresses is to in-use abut the rim, either at all times or upon its inwards movement, so as to hinder substantial or excessive movement of the rim which could result in disengagement of the lid from the tray. This hindering of movement of the rim also acts to mechanically strengthen the sidewalls and make them more resistant to sideways pressure, thus resisting distortion such as bowing, and thus helping prevent bruising or other damage to goods such as soft fruits contained in the tray.

The plurality of buttresses is particularly advantageous, acting to resist movement of the rim of the tray when force is exerted on the wall(s), e.g. sidewalls, of the tray. Since the buttress presents a face generally parallel with the rim, then further movement of the rim is resisted by the lid, and thus separation of the lid from the tray is resisted. The at least one securing means further acts to resist separation of the lid from the tray.

Preferably, the lid is provided with at least two buttresses corresponding to each wall of the tray.

The buttresses need not cause an interference fit with the rim and so in certain embodiments, when a user wishes to remove the lid from the tray by for example lifting a portion of the lid away from the tray then they do not hinder or limit such an action. Instead, the buttresses act to resist sideways pressure exerted upon the wall(s) of the tray. As a result, the present invention overcomes prior art disadvantages and in certain embodiments can allow trays to be fabricated with narrower rims and thus using fewer materials then is achieved with prior art devices, whilst enhancing convenience and usability for consumers and manufacturers.

The enhanced resistance to sideways pressure is extremely important for manufacturers, transporters and retailers since the occurrence of damage to contents of trays due to sideways pressure and also of lid separation in densely packed trays in pallets is reduced. In addition, reduced rim dimensions can allow more tray and lid combinations to be fitted in to a given volume and reduces the mass of packaging relative to the mass of goods contained within the tray and thus reduces unit costs.

Also provided according to a second aspect of the present invention is a tray and lid combination comprising:

(a) a packaging tray having a base, at least one wall extending from said base, and a rim extending around the periphery of said at least one wall; and

(b) a lid dimensioned to mate with and engage said rim of said packaging tray, said lid comprising a cover portion from which depends:

(i) an at least one flange;

(ii) at least one discontinuous securing means adapted to secure said rim such that in-use said lid is secured mated with said rim; and (iii) a plurality of buttresses located inwards of said at least one flange, each buttress adapted, in use, to present to a face of said rim a face of said buttress.

The tray and lid can be provided in any chosen or appropriate shape. A particularly preferable shape of tray (also referred to herein as a "container") is one having a rectangular base.

Preferably, the tray is provided with air or drainage slots. Similarly, in the various aspects of the present invention, the lid can be provided with slots which allow fluid flow, for example for the passage of air or other gases. Since the tray and Hd combinations are typically designed to be stackable, the tray and lid may be shaped and configured such that upon stacking slots in the tray and/or lid are not blocked and fluid flow is not hindered by adjacent lids/trays. In addition, slots in trays and lids may be positioned such that e.g. liquid flowing from the base of a tray will tend not to flow into the slots of an adjacent lid.

In certain embodiments, lids are provided with recessed portions, and this can be dome such that in-use, stacked recesses and slots are in register with one another. Thus, slots in the base of a tray can be located such that in use any liquid flow from a base stacked on top of the lid will tend to flow into the recesses.

The tray can be provided with strengthening ribs as considered appropriate, particularly in its base or at least one wall. Preferably, each at least one wall of the tray is provided with at least one strengthening rib, for example two or three strengthening ribs. This can further act to reduce bowing of the wall as sideways pressure is exerted upon it. Preferably, the at least one strengthening rib extends from the rim towards the base, more preferably from the rim to the base or adjacent the base.

The tray can for example also be provided with a plurality of recesses in its base to collect fluid. Particularly convenient recesses are capillary-style recesses which are shaped and dimensioned so as to retain fluid within them by means of surface tension.

The tray and lid can also be shaped so as to enable convenient stacking of the tray and lid combinations. For example, the lid may have a plurality of male appendages and the base of the tray may be dimensioned to present a plurality of female regions such that the male lid and female tray base regions mate with one another when placed together. The lids can be shaped such that they conveniently pack together to maximise the number of lids in a unit volume. Similarly, the trays can be shaped such that they conveniently pack together to maximise the number of trays in a unit volume.

For example, the lid can be provided with two, three or four male appendages (protrusions) which wil l mate with the base region of a tray which is placed upon it. Such protrusions can be located in the comers of the lid. In certain embodiments, protrusions are configured and positioned such that space is left for printing or provision or markings or labels. For example, a generally rectangular lid can be provided with three protrusions, one in each of three corners. The fourth corner of the lid can be left without any protrusion such that advertising materials can be printed onto it or labels attached.

A wide range of materials can be used to fabricate the lids and trays of the present invention.

Also provided is a method of storing goods, comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the goods in a packaging tray having a base, at least one wall extending from said base, and a rim extending around the periphery of said at least one wall; and

(b) closing the packaging tray by engaging with it a lid dimensioned to mate with and engage said rim of said packaging tray, said lid comprising a cover portion from which depends:

(i) an at least one flange;

The invention will be further apparent from the following description which shows, by way of example only, forms of lid and tray arrangements of the present invention. Of the figures:

Figure IA shows a top view of a first tray and lid, the lid not having buttresses, the sidewalls of the tray bending inwards (dashed lines);

Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of the tray and lid of Figure IA; Figure 1C shows a cut-away section of the tray and lid of Figure IA taken along the line B-B; Figure ID shows a magnified view of the circled region C of Figure 1C, the tray wall being inwardly bent; Figure 2A shows a top view of a second tray and lid, the lid having buttresses, the sidewalls of the tray not bending inwards; Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the tray and lid of Figure 2 A; Figure 2C shows a cut-away section of the tray and lid of Figure 2A taken along the line B-B; Figure 2D shows a magnified view of the circled region C of Figure 2C₅ the tray wall not being inwardly bent; Figure 3 shows a prior art tray and lid arrangement;

Figure 4 shows a prior art tray and lid arrangement;

Figure 5 A shows a top view of a lid of a further embodiment; Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the lid of Figure 5 A; Figure 5C shows a side view of the lid of Figure 5 A; Figure 6 A shows a top view of a tray of a further embodiment; Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the tray of Figure 6A; Figure 6C shows a side view of the tray of Figure 6A; Figure 7A shows a lid and tray arrangement with sections B'-B' and D-D marked;

Figure 7B shows a side view of Figure 7 A with highlighted section C; Figure 8 A shows a close-up of section C; and Figure 8B shows a close-up of the section D-D.

As can be seen from Figure IB, tray and lid combination 10 comprises tray 20 and lid 30. Tray 20 comprises a base 21 having sidewalls 22 extending from it, and having rim 23. Sidewalls 22 also have strengthening ribs 24 extending upwards from adjacent base 21 to rim 23. Lid 30 comprises a cover portion 31 having walls 32 extending from its periphery. Located inwards of walls 32 are securing means 33, one in each comer of cover portion 31. Securing means 33 are not co-extensive with walls 32, instead being located only in the comers. Securing means 33 engage rim 23 between securing means 33 and walls 32. Cover portion 31 additionally comprises protrusions 34, one in each comer, and base 21 has a ribbed underside shaped to mate with protrusions 34 such that stacking of tray and lid combinations 10 can be conveniently achieved.

Cover portion 31 additionally comprises slots 35 which enable convenient handling of lids 30 and which also allow for fluid flow into and out of a closed tray and lid combination 10, for example for the flow of air or nitrogen gas. Thus, fresh food such as soft fruits can be conveniently stored in the tray and lid combinations 10 and a suitable environment provided e.g. to slow the ripening process.

In use (Figures 1A-1D), the tray and lid combinations 10 are frequently put under pressure. Where sideways pressure is exerted upon the walls 22, this causes them to distort and to bend/bow inwards, as is shown by the dashed lines in Figure IA, particularly at point A. Ribs 24 provide some additional strength and help resist deformation, but with movement of rim 23 the sidewalls 22 become distorted. Any goods held in tray 20 can thus be squeezed and impacted, which can result in e.g. soft fruits becoming bruised. This bending/bowing causes the rim portion 23 of walls 22 to bend/bow inwards and become separated from walls 32 of lid 30, in turn allowing for further movement of tray 20 and lid 30 relative to one another, which can result in their separation and in spillage of the contents of tray 20.

Figure 2 A shows a tray and lid combination 110 according to the present invention. Where reference signs used are the same as those for the tray and lid combination 10 of Figures IA- ID, they indicate common features.

The tray and lid combination 110 comprises tray 20 and lid 130. Tray 20 comprises a base 21 having sidewalls 22 extending from it, and having rim 23. Sidewalls 22 also have strengthening ribs 24 extending upwards from adjacent base 21 to rim 23. Lid 130 comprises a cover portion 31 having walls 32 extending from its periphery. Located inwards of walls 32 are securing means 33, one in each comer of cover portion 31. Securing means 33 are not co-extensive with walls 32, instead being located only in the comers. Securing means 33 engage rim 23 between securing means 33 and walls 32. Securing means 33 additionally comprises inwardly-protruding teeth 38 which in use extend underneath the terminus 38A of run 23 so as to retain rim 23 and tray 20 in a mated position. The two are separated by exertion of force upon securing means 33 such that it and/or rim 23 flex sufficient to allow teeth 38 to move.

Cover portion 31 additionally comprises protrusions 34, one in each corner, and base 21 has a ribbed underside shaped to mate with protrusions 34 such that stacking of tray and lid combinations 110 can be conveniently achieved.

A recess 39 is found in each corner of lid 110, and in-use recesses 39 are in register with slots 39A at the base of strengthening ribs 24 of sidewalls 22, such that in-use fluid from a first tray 20 can drain into recesses 39 of a lid 110 upon which it is stacked. Note that centre ribs 24 which do not register with a recess 39 do not have a slot 39A at their base.

Cover portion 31 additionally comprises slots 35 which enable convenient handling of lids 30 and which also allow for fluid flow into and out of a closed tray and lid combination 110, for example for the flow of air or nitrogen gas. Thus, fresh food such as soft fruits can be conveniently stored in the tray and lid combinations 110 and a suitable environment provided e.g. to slow the ripening process.

Cover portion 31 additionally comprises a plurality of generally rigid buttresses 36 located inwards of walls 32, each buttress 36 adapted to in-use present to a face of rim 23 a generally parallel face 37. In this embodiment there are a total of 8 buttresses 36. In use, they either abut or are immediately adjacent rim 23. However, they do not engage rim 23.

In use, the tray and lid combinations 110 are also put under pressure. Where sideways pressure is exerted upon the walls 22, strengthening ribs 24 provide mechanical support to resist the deformation. This is further enhanced by the fact that inwards movement of rim 23 is accompanied by its abutting face 37 of buttresses 36, hindering its further movement. This hindering of further movement of rim 23 also helps hinder movement of ribs 24. With its inwards movement being hindered, the overall distortion to rim 23 and walls 22 is substantially reduced, in turn reducing the chances of lid 130 and tray 20 disengaging and being separated, and of any goods contained within tray 20 being damaged. Thus, the chances of damage to or spillage of the contents of tray 20 are reduced.

When a tray 20 is stacked upon the lid 110 of another tray 20, ventilation of the other tray 20 occurs via slots 35. In order to further enhance this ventilation, tray 20 is chamfered 35 A where walls 22 meet base 21 such that ventilation can freely occur through slots 35 past the tray 20.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the lids of the present invention are not provided with protrusions 34, and instead tray 20 is provided with a foot depending from each corner, such that in use secure stacking of a tray 20 upon a Hd 110 is achieved by each foot mating with a recess 39. In this embodiment, ribs 24 do not extend across the base of tray 20.

Figures 5-8 shows a tray and lid combination 210 according to the present invention. Where reference signs used are the same as those for the tray and lid combination 10 of Figures IA- ID, they indicate common features.

In a further embodiment, tray and lid combination 210 comprises tray 220 and lid 230. Tray 220 comprises a base 21 having sidewalls 22 extending from it, and having rim 23. Sidewalls 22 also have strengthening ribs 24 extending upwards from adjacent base 21 to rim 23. Lid 230 comprises a cover portion 31 having walls 32 extending from its periphery. Located inwards of walls 32 are securing means 33, one in each corner of cover portion 31. Securing means 33 are not co-extensive with walls 32, instead being located only in the comers. Securing means 33 engage rim 23 between securing means 33 and walls 32.

Securing means 33 additionally comprises inwardly-protruding teeth 38 which in use extend underneath the terminus 38A of rim 23 so as to retain rim 23 and tray 20 in a mated position. The two are separated by exertion of force upon securing means 33 such that it and/or rim 23 flex sufficient to allow teeth 38 to move. A recess 39 is found in each comer of lid 230, and in-use recesses 39 are in register with slots 39A at the base of strengthening ribs 24 of sidewalls 22, such that in-use fluid from a first tray 220 can drain into recesses 39 of a lid 210 upon which it is stacked. Note that centre ribs 24 which do not register with a recess 39 do not have a slot 39A at their base.

Cover portion 31 additionally comprises slots 35 which enable convenient handling of lids 230 and which also allow for fluid flow into and out of a closed tray and lid combination 210, for example for the flow of air or nitrogen gas. Thus, fresh food such as soft fruits can be conveniently stored in the tray and lid combinations 210 and a suitable environment provided e.g. to slow the ripening process.

Cover portion 31 additionally comprises a plurality of generally rigid buttresses 36 located inwards of walls 32, each buttress 36 adapted to in-use present to a face of rim 23 a generally parallel face 37. In this embodiment, there are a total of 8 buttresses 36. In use, they either abut or are immediately adjacent rim 23. However, they do not engage rim 23.

In use, the tray and lid combinations 210 are put under pressure. Where sideways pressure is exerted upon the walls 22, strengthening ribs 24 provide mechanical support to resist deformation. This is further enhanced by the fact that inwards movement of rim 23 is accompanied by its abutting face 37 of buttresses 36, hindering its further movement. This hindering of further movement of rim 23 also helps hinder movement of ribs 24. With its inwards movement being hindered, the overall distortion to rim 23 and walls 22 is substantially reduced, in turn reducing the chances of lid 230 and tray 220 disengaging and being separated, and of any goods contained within tray 220 being damaged. Thus, the chances of damage to or spillage of the contents of tray 220 are reduced.

When a tray 220 is stacked upon the lid 210 of another tray 220, ventilation of the other tray 220 occurs via slots 35. hi order to further enhance this ventilation, tray 220 is chamfered where walls 22 meet base 21 such that ventilation can freely occur through slots 35 past the tray 220.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the above embodiment only, other forms of lid and lid and tray arrangements being readily apparent to a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A lid dimensioned to mate with and engage a rim of a packaging tray having a base and at least one wall extending from said base, said rim extending around the periphery of said at least one wall, said lid comprising a cover portion from which depends:

(i) an at least one flange;

2. A lid according to claim 1, said cover portion defining a periphery from which said at least one flange of said lid depends.

3. A lid according to claim 1 or 2, said at least one flange extending about the cover portion.

4. A lid according to claim 3, said at least one flange being continuous about said cover portion.

5. A lid according to any of the preceding claims, said at least one securing means comprising at least one tooth.

6. A lid according to claim 5, said at least one tooth projecting from said at least one flange.

7. A Hd according to any of the preceding claims, said securing means comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 seeming means.

8. A lid according to any of the preceding claims, said at least one flange of said lid comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 flanges.

9. A lid according to any of the preceding claims, said face of said buttresses presented to said rim being generally parallel to said face of said rim.

10. A lid according to anyof the preceding claims, said lid being provided with at •least two buttresses corresponding to each wall of said tray.

11. A tray and lid combination comprising:

(i) an at least one flange;

(ii) at least one discontinuous securing means adapted to secure said rim such that in-use said lid is secured mated with said rim; and (iiϊ) a plurality of buttresses located inwards of said at least one flange, each buttress adapted, in use, to present to a face of said rim a face of said buttress.

12. A tray and Hd combination according to claim 11, said lid being a lid according to any of claims 1-10.

13. A tray and Hd combination according to claim 11 or 12, said tray at least one wall additionally comprising at least one strengthening rib extending from said rim towards said base.

14. A method of storing goods, comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the goods in a packaging tray having a base, at least one wall extending from said base, and a rim extending around the periphery of said at least one wall; and (b) closing the packaging tray by engaging with it a lid dimensioned to mate with and engage said rim of said packaging tray, said lid comprising a cover portion from which depends: (i) an at least one flange; (ii) at least one discontinuous securing means adapted to secure said rim such that in-use said lid is secured mated with said rim; and (iii) a plurality of buttresses located inwards of said at least one flange, each buttress adapted, in use, to present to a face of said rim a face of said buttress.

15. A method according to claim 14, said lid being a lid according to any of claims 1-10.