WO2010000024A2

WO2010000024A2 - A container

Info

Publication number: WO2010000024A2
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000848
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurice Joseph Paul Tabone
Original assignee: Tabone, Maurice
Priority date: 2008-07-02
Filing date: 2009-07-02
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: WO2010000024A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a container (10a) including sidewalls (12a) generally upstanding from the base floor. A rim (14a) at least partially defines an opening through which product is to be inserted in the container (10a). At least a portion of the base floor is made up of at least one contoured base floor section (28a) which adjoins a sidewall (12a) at an upwardly arched portion (18a) and a perimetric portion of the contoured base floor section. A portion of a rim is contoured (36) to arrive in close proximity to an adapted rim extension (38) when the lid (16a) is in a closed position.

Description

A Container

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to containers. In particular, this invention relates to containers intended to hold fresh food or produce, although the scope of the invention is not limited to this area.

The invention is especially concerned with containers in a form which can be used to package soft fruits or vegetables for retail sale by means of shelf display at fresh produce departments of chain stores for example. The invention also relates to a means whereby, such fresh produce containers, made from relatively light gauge, thermoformed plastic for example, are designed and shaped so as to facilitate any drainage of excess moisture or condensation which may otherwise accumulate in the container through respiration of the contents or, by foreign moisture somehow entering the container, before, during or after packing has occurred. The soft and often ripening fresh produce packed into such containers would also benefit from such a container's design being "fruit friendly" in its' shape/design, particularly the shape of the container's base floor where most damage is often found in more traditional container designs currently in use.

In some instances, the present invention's base floor shape may improve the inherent strength of a given container when compared to traditional containers of a similar material gauge and size for example. The containers of the present invention may also include an improved means for ventilation, to reduce or at least minimise the collection of moisture and condensation within the container when filled with fresh produce for example.

In lidded instances, the containers of the present invention may have a suitably shaped lid portion which mates together with the containers "fruit friendly" base floor shape when column stacked, thereby, adding an amount of stability at store level or in transit for example. In at least some lidded embodiments, the invention teaches a means whereby, any suitable area of the lid to base rim junction of a closed container, may provide an improved ventilation channel, including an extended means to at. least minimise any external, direct line of view to, or any direct line of external access to, the

5 contents of the closed container through any such ventilation channels, compared to a tradition lid to base ventilation channel for example. Further, any such extended portion of any lid to base ventilation channel of the present invention, may have additional uses such as providing a packing/filling guide/aid when the container is initially filled with product or, it may provide a simple means to0 reduce or govern, any excessive accumulation of product packed within the closed container from obstructing the immediate vicinity of any lid to base ventilation channel, the extended portion thereby promoting improved opportunity for circulation of air into and, out of the container through any lid to base ventilations channel. 5 Priority is claimed of Australian Patent Application Number 2008903387, the contents of the specification which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention 0 Thermofoπned containers suitable for holding fresh food or produce are in common use. Traditionally, these have included open-topped and lidded containers with a relatively flat floor area from which extends a number of sϊdewalls, ending at a rim. This rim defines the opening of the container through which the contents would pass into the container and may at least somewhat govern the usables capacity of the container in respect to the container's sidewalϊs, floor and contents held therein. In unlidded instances, the container's rim is sometimes designed so as to receive or support an adhesive membrane such as a flat, heat-sealable, lidding film or similar membrane, as a means to seal the container whilst enclosing the contents of the container.

By way of example, a traditional container often has an unsuitable base floor shape in relation to maintaining the perishable contents in the best possible condition through the rigours associated with the packing, transport, handing and relative shelf life of fresh produce for example. Unwelcome, excessive moisture collecting in these traditional containers may only have available, very basic venting or drainage means available if any, by which to be expelled from the container, by gravity when liquid or, by ventilation when the moisture is in a humid gaseous state or form for example. Any.un-expelled, excessive moisture within the container often accumulates around the perishable contents packed within the container causing premature spoilage for example. Alternatively, any excessive moisture may collect in the form of condensation, upon an otherwise substantially transparent/clear container portion, thereby obstructing external visibility of the contents of the container for , example. Whilst additional ventilation has occasionally been incorporated into some traditional container designs, between the closed base and lid for example, these traditional ventilation means often further expose the container's contents to the environment in which the closed container is placed and, unnecessarily overexposed the contents of the container to external elements and possible tampering.

Accordingly, there is a need for a container design which is suitable for packaging a variety of different, soft, perishable, fruit or vegetable product^'s which is suitably shaped or contoured so as to be more suitable for direct contact with such contents as described above, including an effective and accessible means for improving container drainage or improving container ventilation systems, compared to the traditional containers used for these or similar purposes. It is an object of the present invention, at least in some embodiments, to alleviate some or all of these concerns or, at least provide a useful alternative which is appropriate for containers used for similar applications as those described above.

Disclosure of the Invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides a container having:

- a base floor;

- at least one sidewall generally upstanding from the base floor; and

an opening for receipt of product into the container, the opening being at least partially defined by a rim;

wherein, at least one portion of the perimetric extremity of the base floor and at least an adjacent portion of the base floor is contoured or shaped in a generally upward direction towards the rim of the container and, wherein, any or each said contoured or shaped portion of the perimetric extremity of the base floor adjoins a sidewall, not substantially opposite any other sidewall which also adjoins a common contoured or shaped portion of the base floor and, wherein, at least another non-perimetric portion of the base floor is suitably adapted or, vented, to at least substantially allow excessive, unwanted liquid within said container to funnel, channel, or, drain, at least substantially away from the entire contents of the container by gravity.

Preferably, at least a majority of the entire base floor will be shaped in a manner which is conducive to the packing of soft fruits or vegetables or other perishable foodstuffs without unnecessary or extensive damage affecting these or similar contents of the container. Preferably, the container of the invention is a lidded container of any suitable style, shape, size or cross section however, the container may be unlidded or open-topped as required. The container may be relatively square or rectangular in plan view, for example, in which case there will be four sidewalls. It is within the scope of this 5 invention that the container is round or oval or a similar curved shape in plan view, in which case the sidewalls will take the form of arcs.

It is preferred that the floor has a non-planar shape. It is particularly preferred that at least a portion of the floor is upwardly or downwardly or inwardly or outwardly arched, stepped or contoured, the perimeter of the floor being attached to the or at0 least one of the upwardly extending sidewalls- In other words, any suitable portion of the floor may bulge inwardly or outwardly with respect to the internal capacity of the container. There may be one or more drainage holes in the floor to facilitate the removal of excess moisture from the contents.

The sidewalls are generally upstanding compared to the floor. Each sidewall may5 stand at about 90 degrees to the floor, but it is preferred that the sidewalls are formed so that they taper inwardly towards the lowest horizontal cross-section of the container, at least enough so as to facilitate ejection from manufacturing tools or, de-nesting from sleeves or stacks in packing sheds for example..

The opening is preferably as large as possible given the shape of the container, soo that the rim is at the top of the or each sidewall. The entire formed rim need not be in a single plane. For example, the rim may include cut-outs or other shapes providing vents into the container. In at least one embodiment, the container includes one or more ventilation channels in or near the formed rim.

The container of one preferred embodiment preferably has four sidewalls generally5 upstanding from the base floor, a hinged lid, and, includes a rim portion. The base floor is shaped in three upwardly arching triangular sections, each being of a similar cross-section to a conical segment and tapering generally downward, toward the tip of the conical segmental shape. These three base floor sections are arranged within the footprint area of the relatively rectangular shaped base floor, the largest end of each of these three base floor sections, each adjoins a non- common sidewall, producing an upwardly extending arch shape at the bottom of each respective sidewall, and, in effect, producing a void area beneath each base floor section, each void area exiting through it's respective sidewall to expose the widest end of each conical segmental shape of each base floor section. (Notably, in other embodiments, there may be more than one of the above-described, upwardly arched base floor sections adjoined to a common sidewall, for example). The narrowest end ("tip") of each conical segmental base floor section shape is positioned within the footprint area of the relatively rectangular shaped base floor, each "tip" of each upwardly arched base floor section, together with the outer, bottom edges of each upwardly arched base floor section, are positioned at the edge of a planar channel area within the base floor footprint. This planar channel area is suitably vented, so as to facilitate the removal of unwanted water or liquid which may otherwise accumulate, contaminating the container's contents.

Preferably, in a top/plan view, the general, overall, geometric shape, of any upwardly shaped or contoured base floor sections of a container of the present invention, will have only one axis of symmetry.

Any base floor or lid portion of the containers of the present invention may be suitably contoured to at least substantially mate with or, nestle against or, compliment, any surface shape or profile of any adjacently placed, similar container's corresponding portions.

Any lid portion or related rim portion or, any related, mating, base rim portion of a closed container of the present invention may include mechanical means such as friction fit or plug and socket type latches, by which to lock the lid in a substantially closed position. The container of the invention may be made of any suitable material but preferably is a thermoformed, relatively thin plastic material, as is presently known in the art. Examples of some suitable thermoformable plastic material are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyactide (PLA) and bϊaxϊally orientated 5 polystyrene (BOPS). The container of this invention may be of any desirable shape, however containers of a square or rectangular cross section are likely to be most commonly preferred.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a means to provide additional ventilation means to a container of the present invention. This additional ventilation means is0 preferably positioned between the rim of the base of the container and, an associated Hd or lid rim portion. Alternatively, a container design of the present invention which does not include any suitably hinged, integrally formed or, separate lid portion formed using at least substantially similar materials/means as the container base, may include a base rim area which is suitably designed tos potentially receive an adhesive membrane or flexible lidding film to the container's rim area. This membrane or flexible lidding film will in these cases, act as the container's predominant means of closure.

The container of a preferred, second, lidded embodiment of the present invention preferably has four sidewalls generally upstanding from the base floor, a hingedo lid, and, includes a rim portion. The base floor is shaped in three upwardly arching triangular sections, each being of a similar cross-section to a conical segment and tapering generally downward, toward the tip of the conical segmental shape. These three base floor sections are arranged within the footprint area of the relatively rectangular shaped base floor, the largest end of each of these three base floor5 sections, each adjoins a non-common sidewall, producing an upwardly extending arch shape at the bottom of each respective sidewall, and, in effect, producing a void area beneath each base floor section, each void area exiting through it's respective sidewall to expose the widest end of each conical segmental shape of each base floor section. (Notably, in other embodiments, there may be more than one of the above-described, upwardly arched base floor sections adjoined to a common sidewall, for example). The narrowest end ftip") of each conical segmental base floor section shape is positioned within the footprint area of the relatively rectangular shaped base floor, each "tip" of each upwardly arched base floor section, together with the outer, bottom edges of each upwardly arched base floor section, are positioned at the edge of a planar channel area within the base floor footprint. This planar channel area is suitably vented, so as to facilitate the removal of unwanted water or liquid which may otherwise accumulate, contaminating the container's contents.

Further, any suitable base rini portion or lid portion or lid rim portion of the above, preferred, second embodiment of the present invention is suitably shaped and contoured, so as to promote additional ventilation into and out of the closed container through a suitable channel or opening between the base rim and the lid or, lid rim, and includes, a base or lid rim portion having a suitably adapted shape so as to at least substantially shield the abovementioned ventilation channel, or opening, thereby, governing excessive exposure of the container's contents to external environmental factors and, also, at least substantially obstructing or minimising any predominantly external, direct line of view/vision or access to the containers contents, (i.e. through the abovementioned, ventilation channel or opening). Notably, this "shielding" of the ventilation channel is a very practical improvement upon any container simply having Hd to base orientated ventilation channels, where these channels may provide a generally substantial gape or opening in the closed container, leaving at least some of the contents unprotected or at least partially exposed. Additionally, the ventilation shielding means described above, may be integrally formed within the containers of the present invention, and, may also facilitate the packing of these containers, particularly when the ventilation shield is formed into the base rim of a container which is designed to hold/contain product types which have a particular tendency to protrude above any traditional container's base rim when packed for example. Accordingly, the abovementioned ventilation shield offers potential benefits beyond simply providing a physical barrier or ventilation channel shield.

Additionally, by way of example, in any container design of the present invention which does not include any suitably hinged, integrally formed or separate lid portion, formed using at least substantially similar materials/means as used to manufacture the container base, any abovementioned ventilation channel and related ventilation shield may be adapted suitably, upon the base rim, so as to utilise an edge or a perimetric portion of any adhesive membrane or flexible lidding film for example, which is suitably applied to the container's rim, in place of any abovementioned lid or lid rim portion (i.e. referring to the Hd or lid rim portion of the "lidded", preferred 2^nd embodiment above).

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in relation to non- limiting examples thereof in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a container of a preferred, first embodiment of the present invention, closed and in an "in-use" orientation;

Figure 2 shows an open and inverted view of a container of the preferred, first embodiment of the present invention of Figure 1, including four (4) vertical, cross- sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly E-E, F-F, G-G and H-H;

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the closed, preferred, first embodiment of the present invention of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of an open container of a preferred, second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a vertical, cross-sectional view of a closed container of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a side view and inverted view (referenced at "A-A") of an open container of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figures 4 and 5, including three (3) horizontal, cross-sectional views of this embodiment;, accordingly B-B₅ C-C and D-D;

Figure 7 shows a top view of a closed container of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figures 4, 5 and 6, including three (5) vertical, cross-sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly J-J₅ K-K, L-L, M- M, and N-N;

Figure 8 shows a top view of a closed container of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, including three (4) vertical, partial, cross-sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly P-P, Q-Q, R-R and, S-S.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a container 10 of a preferred, first embodiment of the present invention, in a closed position and in an "in-use" orientation. A sidewall 12 being generally upstanding and finishing at a rim 14 which surrounds the opening of the container's base and receives the rim of the container's lid 16 when at least in a substantially closed position. Upwardly arched/contoured base floor perimetric portion adjoins sidewall portion at 18.

Figure 2 shows an open and inverted view of a container 10 of the preferred, first embodiment of the present invention of Figure 1 and also shows four (4) vertical, cross-sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly E-E, F-F, G-G and H-H.

Parallel cross-sections of the upwardly shaped or contoured base floor sections at I l

20, 22, 24 and 26 show the general profile of these progressively, downwardly tapering base floor section shapes (refer 20 and 22 for example) as they move away form their relative, adjoining sidewall portions, towards the centre, rear area of the container's base floor.

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of a closed container 10 of the preferred, first embodiment of the present invention of Figure 1. Contoured base floor sections 28 of a generally triangular shape, each having a corner/tip 30 near the centre rear area of the base floor, adjacent to planar channels 32, which are positioned to be adjacent to the internal edges of the base floor sections 28 and include drainage holes 34.

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of an open container 10a of a preferred, second embodiment of the present invention. Sidewall 12a being generally upstanding from the container's base and finishing at a rim 14a which surrounds the opening at the top of the container's base and receives the rim of the container's lid 16a when at least in a substantially closed position. Upwardly arched/contoured base floor sections 28a adjoin sidewall portion at 18a at their respective perimetric portions. Lid rim contours 36 provide ventilation channels between base and lid when in a closed position, whilst shielding portions 38 extend from portion of the rim 14a, creating a barrier to protect the ventilation channels from excessive external elements or tampering and keep the contents of the container away from these ventilation channels for improved performance.

Figure 5 shows a vertical, cross-sectional view of a closed container 10a of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figure 4. Shielding portions 38 extend from a rim portion, creating a barrier to protect the ventilation channels from excessive external elements or tampering and keep the contents of the container away from these ventilation channels for improved performance. Airflow 40 through the ventilation channels may be bi-directional. Upwardly arched/contoured base floor sections 28a adjoin sidewall portion at ISa at their respective perimetric portions.

Figure 6 shows a side view and inverted view (referenced at "A-A") of an open container 10a of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figures 4 and 5. Included here are three (3) additional horizontal, cross-sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly B-B, C-C and D-D. Again, contoured lid rim portion 36 is shown in open position as is ventilation shield portion 38, extending from a rim portion. Section A-A shows formed locating means 42 which mate with the base floor portions 44 when a plurality of similar containers are column stacked.

Figure 7 shows a top view of a closed container 10a of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figures 4, 5 and 6, including three (5) vertical, cross-sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly J-J, K-K, L-L, M- M, and N-N. Ventilation shield portions 38 are shown at their highest point in section L-L. Section N-N (notably, away from the ventilation channels areas), shows base rim portions and lid rim portions mating together in a substantially closed position at 46.

Figure 8 shows a top view of a closed container 10a of the preferred, second embodiment of the present invention of Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, including three (4) vertical, partial, cross-sectional views of this embodiment, accordingly P-P, Q-Q, R-R and, S-S. Section Q-Q shows the ventilation shield portion 38 creating a barrier to any external, direct line of view into the closed container and, a barrier to keep contents of the container away from the immediate proximity of the ventilation channel. Section P-P shows an alternative Hd rim contour at 36a, together with an alternative ventilation shield portion 38a, again creating a barrier to any external, direct line of view into the closed container and, a barrier to keep contents of the container away from the immediate proximity of the ventilation channel. Industrial Applicability

The container of the present invention provides a means to facilitate drainage of excessive fluids away from the container's contents (e.g. fresh produce), thereby, minimising associated, premature spoilage of the container's contents- The present invention and related container designs will assist in areas such as container drainage, channelling of excessive or unwanted fluids, rapid-cooling of containers contents in cold-storage areas and, stability in column stacking a plurality of similar containers of the present invention. The present invention also facilitates improved packing of soft fruits (for example) and introduces a "fruit friendly" container shape for fresh produce/soft fruit applications. Another useful feature of the present invention facilitates improved ventilation in and out of a thermoformed, fresh produce container for example and, provides a useful means of support when packing/filling such products as described here into containers.

Claims

1 ^'. A container having:

- a base;

- at least one sidewall generally upstanding from the base; and

- an opening for receipt of product into the container, the opening being at least partially defined by a rim;

wherein, at least one portion of the perimetric extremity of the base and an immediately adjacent portion of the base, are contoured or shaped in an upward direction, generally towards the rim of the container and, wherein, any portion of the perimetric extremity of the base accordingly contoured or shaped, adjoins a sidewall not substantially opposite any other sidewall also adjoined to any continuation of a common, contoured or shaped portion of the perimetric extremity of the base and, wherein, at least a non-perirnetric portion of the base is suitably adapted or, vented or, shaped, to substantially allow any excessive or unwanted liquid or fluid from within said container to, by gravity, funnel or, channel or, drain, to a location at least substantially away from the contents of said container.

2. A Container having:

a base;

- at least one sidewall generally upstanding from the base;

- an opening for receipt of product into the container, the opening being at least partially defined by a rim; and - a lid; including at least a partial rim;

wherein, at least one portion of the perimetric extremity of the base and an imrnediately adjacent portion of the base, are contoured or shaped in an upward direction, generally towards the rim of the container and, wherein, any portion of the perimetric extremity of the base accordingly contoured or shaped, adjoins a sidewall not substantially opposite any other sidewall also adjoined to any continuation of a common, contoured or shaped portion of the perimetric extremity of the base and, wherein, at least a non- perimetric portion of the base is suitably adapted or, vented or, shaped, to substantially allow any excessive or unwanted liquid or fluid from within said container to, by gravity, funnel or, channel or, drain, to a location at least substantially away from the contents of said container and, wherein, said container in the closed position, includes at least one rim portion of the lid or base, suitably adapted to provide an air channel or, two-way vent, said air channel or, two-way vent, being at least substantially shielded or, concealed or, protected or, governed by, a suitably shaped or adapted extension of a rim portion of the container's base or lid.

3. A Container having:

- a base;

- at least one sidewall generally upstanding from the base, and;

- an opening for receipt of product into the container, the opening being at least partially defined by a rim; wherein, at least one portion of the perimetric extremity of the base and an immediately adjacent portion of the base, are contoured or shaped in an upward direction, generally towards the rim of the container and, wherein, any portion of the perimetric extremity of the base accordingly contoured or shaped, adjoins a sidewall not substantially opposite any other sidewall also adjoined to any continuation of a common, contoured or shaped portion of the perimetric extremity of the base and, wherein, at least a non-perimetric portion of the base is suitably adapted or, vented or, shaped, to substantially allow any excessive or unwanted liquid or fluid from within said container to, by gravity, funnel or, channel or, drain, to a location at least substantially away from the contents of said container and, wherein, said container, when at least substantially sealed with a suitable adhesive membrane or flexible film adhered to the container's rim, includes at least one rim portion, suitably adapted to provide an air channel or, two-way vent, said air channel or, two- way vent, being at least substantially shielded or, concealed or, protected or, governed by, a. suitably shaped or adapted extension of a rim portion of the container's base or, a portion of any adhesive membrane or flexible film as used to at least substantially seal the container.

4. The container of any of the preceding claims 1 to 3 having a rim portion positioned on a plane which is at least substantially not parallel to the plane substantially defined by the base floor.

5. The container of any of the preceding claims 1 to 4 having a rim portion positioned on a plane which is at least substantially not parallel to the plane as defined by any substantially planar surface upon which rests the base floor of the container in normal use.

6. The container of any of the preceding claims 1 to 5 having at least one hinged Hd portion and including male to female or plug and socket or tongue and groove or friction fit type locking mechanisms to facilitate at least substantial locking of the lid portion to a rim portion of the container's base in at least a substantially closed position.

7. The container of any of the preceding claims 1 to 6 having at least one separate lid portion and including male to female or plug and socket or tongue and groove or friction fit type locking mechanisms to facilitate at least substantial locking of the lid portion to a rim portion of the container's base in at least a substantially closed position.

8. The container of any of the preceding claims I to 7 having locating means formed upon any lid top surface which mate with corresponding locating means formed upon a similar containers base floor area to facilitate stability when column stacking.

9. The container of any of the preceding claims 1 to 8 having at least one upwardly shaped or contoured base floor section wherein, in a top/plan view, the general, overall, geometric shape, of any upwardly shaped or contoured base floor section 5 has only one axis of symmetry.

10. The container of any of the preceding claims 1 to 9 having ventilation or drainage holes suitably positioned within a base floor area or lid area or adhesive membrane area. 0

11. A container substantially as herein described with reference to any one^' of Figures 1 to 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 of the accompanying drawings.

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