WO2013116387A2 - Système d'emballage pour œufs ou ensembles d'objets multiples - Google Patents

Système d'emballage pour œufs ou ensembles d'objets multiples Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013116387A2
WO2013116387A2 PCT/US2013/023923 US2013023923W WO2013116387A2 WO 2013116387 A2 WO2013116387 A2 WO 2013116387A2 US 2013023923 W US2013023923 W US 2013023923W WO 2013116387 A2 WO2013116387 A2 WO 2013116387A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tray
egg carton
carton
eggs
lid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/023923
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2013116387A3 (fr
Inventor
Geoffrey VON DER AHE
Original Assignee
Von Der Ahe Geoffrey
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 Von Der Ahe Geoffrey filed Critical Von Der Ahe Geoffrey
Publication of WO2013116387A2 publication Critical patent/WO2013116387A2/fr
Publication of WO2013116387A3 publication Critical patent/WO2013116387A3/fr

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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
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
    • 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
    • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
    • B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
    • 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
    • B65D2565/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D2565/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D2565/381—Details of packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D2565/385—Details of packaging materials of special type or form especially suited for or with means facilitating recycling

Definitions

  • the disclosure generally relates to the field of packaging, and more particularly, relates to palletized packaging of perishable or frangible goods in the food industry (for example, eggs).
  • An aspect of the invention involves the recognition that a need exists for an improved egg packaging that would allow the egg producer to maintain the same filling process and allow the retailer to merchandise the eggs the same way, while reducing the amount of material used and improving inventory management of dry goods storage. At the same time, an improvement is also needed in conventional packaging by making the package tamper resistant, allowing it to contain spillage and making it easier for the consumer to view and access the eggs. The ability to access conventional cartons and switch eggs is a distinct disadvantage to conventional packaging that needs to be solved. [12] The various embodiments of the packaging system described herein provide some or all the following benefits:
  • the packaging includes an opaque, transparent or translucent plastic tray with top edges and a plurality of cells defined therein.
  • the eggs are fully seated or positioned in the cells and inside the carton with no portion of any egg extending above the top edges of the tray.
  • a transparent or translucent plastic lid is disposed on the tray and fully seals the eggs within the tray.
  • the top lid is arranged and configured to receive custom printed matter thereon so that the egg carton is universal with respect to all suppliers of eggs.
  • a plurality of supports for the lid is disposed in the tray to separate the eggs therein and to provide vertical support for the lid when the sealed and loaded egg cartons are shipped or palletized.
  • the cartontray has a low coefficient of friction and a tray shape to inhibit sticking when the carton trays are placed in a nested configuration (for example, as loaded into the automatic egg-filling line).
  • the low coefficient of friction and the tray shape reduce mechanical or frictional engagement of one tray with the other and allow for de-nesting of a stacked plurality of carton traysin the assembly line process.
  • the transparent or translucent lid is a film adhered to the tray.
  • the lid is re-sealable to the cartontray.
  • the film and tray are transparent, translucent or opaque.
  • the tray has side walls and includes a plurality of transparent, flat windows defined in the side walls of the carton tray.
  • the egg carton includes a plurality of breathing air holes or slots defined in the tray or lid.
  • the air slots permit air flow therethrough when the lid is disposed on and seals the tray.
  • the lid is tamper proof by being secured to the tray and affixed thereto such that separation of the lid from the tray permanently destroys affixation thereto, leaving unambiguous evidence of opening of the lid.
  • the trayand/or lid is composed of environmentally compatible material consisting of the group of polylactide (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or low- density polyethylene (LDPE).
  • PLA polylactide
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • LDPE low- density polyethylene
  • the scope of the invention includes the option of providing a tray and/or lid composed of molded pulp fiber or polystyrene foam.
  • the carton further includes ribbing longitudinally defined into the surface of the cells of the plastic tray to provide rigidity and strength to the carton, where the supports are chamfered dividing walls between the cells, the supports including smooth chamfered relief surfaces drafted inwardly to define a vertical chamfered upper surface of each support to facilitate de-nesting.
  • each support has a faceted upper end with a flat, horizontal apex.
  • the illustrated embodiments also include a method of providing packaging for eggs in an automated fill line comprising the steps of providing a universal carton tray with a top edge rim into which a plurality of cells are defined therein and in which cells the eggs are fully seated or positioned inside the carton tray with no portion of any egg extending above the top edge rim of the tray; filling the carton tray with eggs in the automated line; andadhering a customized lid attached to the rim of the tray and sealing the eggs within the tray.
  • the top lid is arranged and configured to receive custom printed matter thereon so that the egg carton is universal with respect to all suppliers of eggs.
  • the method further includes the step of stacking the filled cartons vertically on each other to be shipped or palletized.
  • a plurality of supports for the lid is disposed in the tray to separate the eggs therein and to provide vertical support for the lid when sealed.
  • the method further includes the step of robotically de-nesting a stacked plurality of carton trays from each other prior to filing the universal carton tray.
  • the carton tray is made from a low coefficient of friction material and has a shape to prevent sticking when the carton trays are placed in a nested configuration.
  • the low coefficient of friction and the cartontray shape eliminate mechanical or frictional engagement and allow for de-nesting of a stacked plurality of carton trays in the assembly line process.
  • the method further includes the step of adhering a corresponding distinguishable customized lid to the rim of each carton processed in a plurality of parallel automated assembly lines.
  • the parallel lines allow for t a plurality of distinguishable customized filled and sealed egg cartons to be produced simultaneously.
  • the egg carton includes a plastic tray with top edges characterized by an peripheral horizontal bonding flange, and a plurality of cells defined therein into which cells the eggs are fully seated inside the tray; a film affixed to the bonding flange sealing the eggs within the tray; and a plurality of vertical supports for the lid defined in the tray to provide vertical support for the film, where the supports have an open release shape.
  • thefilm is tamper proof by being adhered to the bonding flange such that separation of the lid from the tray permanently destroys affixation thereto, leaving unambiguous evidence of opening of the film.
  • the supports are chamfered dividing walls between the cells.
  • the supports including smooth chamfered relief surfaces drafted inwardly to define a vertical chamfered upper surface of each support to facilitate de-nesting.
  • Each support has a faceted upper end with a flat, horizontal apex.
  • FIGs. 1 a— 1 h are various perspective views and side plan views of the trayof the carton according to an embodiment of the packaging system disclosed herein, which are shown in enlarged scale in Figs. 5a - 5f.
  • Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tray of the carton, taken alongline 2-2 of Fig. 1 b.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing a transparent lid being peeled away from the upper rim of the carton of Figs. 1 a - 1 h.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing a transparent lid in an exploded view over the upper rim of the carton of Fig. 3.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing an opaque lid being peeled away from the upper rim of the carton of Figs. 1 a- 1 h.
  • FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a carton tray of an additional embodiment of the packaging system with eighteen (18) cells, without its top film seal.
  • Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the carton tray of Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 8a is a front side view of the carton tray of Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 8b is a top plan view of the carton tray of Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 8c is a bottom plan view of the carton tray of Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 8d is a left side view of the carton tray of Fig. 6 (and the right side view is identical to the left side view).
  • FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a carton tray of an additional embodiment of the packaging system with twelve (12) cells, without its top film seal.
  • Fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the carton tray of Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 1 1 a is a front side view of the carton tray of Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 1 1 b is a top plan view of the carton tray of Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 1 1 c is a bottom plan view of the carton tray of Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 1 1 d is a left side view of the carton tray of Fig. 9 (and the right side view is identical to the left side view).
  • Figs. 1 a— 1 h illustrate an egg carton 10 according to some preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the egg carton 10 can include a carton tray 12 and a lid 14.
  • the carton tray 12 can be integrally formed to include an upper portion 17 supporting a peripheral upper rim 16, as best depicted in Fig. 1 d, and a plurality of egg cells 18, as best depicted in Fig. 1 e.
  • the carton tray 12 can include 18 egg cells arranged in three rows of six cells.
  • the carton tray 12 can include 12 egg cells arranged in two rows of six cells. It should be appreciated that the various embodiments shown are for illustration purposes and the carton tray 12 can include a different number and configuration of egg cells and the sizing of the egg cells can be varied in modified embodiments.
  • the carton tray 12 can be made out of conventional foam or paper carton materials or any other rigid or soft synthetic or natural materials or other similar lightweight packaging materials as is known to those skilled in the art.
  • the carton tray 12 can be made of molded plastic.
  • the carton tray 12 can be preferably thermally formed. In other arrangements, however, the carton tray 12 can be formed from any
  • packaging materials including rotational molding, injection molding, thermoforming, casting, extrusion, pressing, rolling, machining, and the like.
  • the upper portion 17 and egg cells 18 can be sized such that each egg is fully seated or disposed within the enclosure of the carton tray 12. In such an embodiment, no portion of the eggs resides above the top edge of the upper portion 17 of the carton tray 12.
  • a clear, translucent or opaque lid 14 can be disposed over the carton tray 12 and can be adhered to the upper rim 16, as best shown in Fig. 5. In one
  • the combined depth of the upper portion 17 and the egg cells 18 are selected such that the depth approximates the vertical length of the eggs disposed in the carton 10.
  • vertical movement of the eggs in the carton 10 can be prevented and/or substantially limited to prevent and/or reduce damage to the eggs if the carton 10 is inverted.
  • each egg can extend above the egg cells 18 and is supported by adjacent separating supports 20, best illustrated in Fig. 1 d.
  • the supports 20 and egg cells 18 can form an enclosing structure for each egg such that contact between eggs is prevented and each egg is restricted from large movements even when the carton 10 is subjected to jarring motions.
  • the supports 20 do not contact the eggs.
  • the supports 20 can provide vertical load support to aid in stacking a plurality of cartons 10. In such an embodiment, all of the load can be carried by the supports 20 and upper rim 16 of the carton tray 12 such that no vertical forces or loads are applied to the eggs when the cartons 10 are vertically stacked.
  • a plurality of air holes 22 can be formed through the upper portion 17 of the carton tray 12, as best illustrated in Fig. 1 b, to provide a breathable containment for the eggs, as discussed below.
  • the egg cells 18 form a receiving surface for the lower portion of each egg.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the carton tray 12 through section line 2-2 of Fig. 1 b, according to one embodiment, depicting the profile of the bottom portion of the egg cells 18.
  • a predefined relief 24 can be circumferentially provided in the bottom portion of the egg cells 18.
  • the bottom portion of the egg cells 18 can also include a centering button 26 to provide for retention of the end of the egg in the center of the egg cells 18.
  • the predefined relief 24 and the centering button 26 can function in combination to seat and support the eggs (not illustrated).
  • relief 24 can be contoured to allow for ready release or de-nesting of each carton from the stack.
  • the carton trays 12 can be composed of a plastic with a low coefficients of friction, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or any other material as is known in the art to prevent sticking when the materials are placed in a nested configuration.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the tray or lid is composed of environmentally compatible material consisting of the group of polylactide (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene
  • PET terephthalate
  • LDPE low-density polyethylene
  • Such an embodiment can be used on fill lines in an automated assembly line to reliably de-nest stacked carton trays 12 and prevent jamming, line stoppages, and assembly line bottlenecking.
  • the stacked carton trays 12 can have a coefficient of friction as low as 0.04.
  • the lid 14 can be quickly and reliably sealed to the carton in automated assembly processing to prevent disruption of the packaging process. .
  • Figs. 3 and 4 illustratethe lid 14 disposed on the carton tray 12 according to one preferred embodiment.
  • the lid 14 can be opaque, translucent, or transparent for viewing the contents inside of the carton.
  • the lid 14 can be sized to match the profile of the rim 16 and can be sealed to the carton tray 12.
  • the lid 14 can be a transparent film or any other packaging material as in known in the art that is transparent and can form a sealing surface.
  • the lid 14 can be adhesively or thermally sealed to the rim 16 around the entire perimeter for a complete seal.
  • the lid 14 can be adhesively sealed to rim 16 by a single use bond, or alternatively may be a resealable adhesive.
  • the lid 14 can be a resealable inference fit plastic lid, such as those used in conjunction with disposable and/or reusable plastic drinking cups and food containers.
  • the lid 14 can be a plain transparent top, or more preferably printed with the information, branding and packaging graphic designs for the egg supplier and/or retailer for whom the cartons 10 are being provided.
  • the carton tray 12 can be designed to be universal such that different suppliers can use the same carton tray 12 and utilize different branding on the lid 14 to uniquely identify their products.
  • Such an embodiment can allow for faster batch processing in automated assembly lines as only the lid 14 requires changing from one supplier to the next.
  • Such an embodiment can also reduce material storage and handling costs by reducing the need for warehouses stored with different inventories of cartons for multiple egg suppliers.
  • the assembly of the lid to the tray in an assembly line process can be accomplished as follows. Prior to assembly of the filled and sealed egg cartons, the material for the lid can be placed on large converter rollers. Following a step where the trays are filled with eggs, the material for the lid can be rolled onto the filled trays using industrial automation equipment as is known to those in the art. As discussed in more detail below, the top of the tray 12 can include a rim 16 with an outer flange 15 or flat bonding surface which is sufficiently wide to facilitate sealing of the lid 14 over the top side of the tray 12.
  • the outer flange of the rim 16 can be used as an edge to seal the lid 14 over the top side of the tray 12 and to prepare the carton for shipment to distributers or retailers.
  • the lid material on the rollers can include pre-printed information specific to a particular egg supplier, distributer and/or retailer including branding, logos, trademark, nutritional information and other information.
  • the trays can be a generic universal component that may be used in the egg cartons sent to many different retailers, suppliers or distributors. As such, the eggs for different retailers, suppliers or distributors can be processed in an automated assembly line using the universal tray described herein.
  • the lid material can be a generic universal roll of material.
  • Pre-printed identifying information for each egg supplier, distributer or retailer can be applied to the carton as a label (e.g. an adhesive backed label) either before, during, or after the generic universal lid material is sealed to the universal trays.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the lid 14 disposed on the carton tray 12 according to one preferred embodiment.
  • the lid 14 can be opaque and fully covered by a printed pattern or graphics as previously described.
  • the supports 20, as depicted in Figs. 4 and 5 serve not only to separate the eggs in the carton tray 12, but also provide vertical support for the lid 14 for any loads place thereon.
  • Figs. 6 - 1 1 d illustrate additional embodiments of a carton packaging system.
  • the illustrated carton trays can include eighteen cells for eggs or other packaged items.
  • the cartontrays can be sized and configured to accommodate any number of cells.
  • the carton trays can be sized to accommodate twelve cellsas illustrated in Figs. 9— 1 1 d.
  • the following description of the carton illustrated in Figs. 6 - 8d should apply equally to the carton illustrated inFigs. 9— 1 1d.
  • the carton tray 12 can include ribbing 28 incorporated at least on the exterior surface of the carton.
  • the ribbing 28 can extend generally along the height of the cell 18 with a convex profile extending outward from the cell 18.
  • the ribbing 28 can result in elongated concave grooves onthe interior surface of each cell 18.
  • the ribbing can also be incorporated into the internal dividers 20.
  • the exterior of the carton tray 12 can also includes windows 30, which are generally flat panels that extend between adjacent cells18.
  • the windows 30 and the cellsl 8 can be drafted slightly (e.g., skewed inwardlyor away from the vertical line of each cell 18) to ease separation or de-nesting of the trays or cartons 12 when stacked.
  • the window 30 can permit visual inspection of the contents of the carton 12 as well as can strengthen the carton to resist bending and/or twisting.
  • the carton tray 12 can include a bridge 38a, 38b at the bottom of each window 30.
  • the bridges 38a, 38b each provide a flat surface reinforcing the bottom portion of window 30and bridge the space between adjacent cells and the corresponding window 30
  • the bridges 38a and 38b are distinguishable in shape, however, in the illustrated configuration.
  • bridge 38b extends further toward its corresponding adjacent support 20 than does bridge 38a before being reduced in height above the bottom of the cartontray 12, as shown by stepped down surface 40 of bridge 38a.
  • bridge 38b is disposed at the middle window 30 of the three windows 30 along the side of the carton tray12 with bridges 38a being disposed on the end windows 30 along the long side of the carton tray 12.
  • bridge 38a is disposed to the middle window 30 of the three windows 30 along the side of the carton 12 with bridges 38b being disposed on the end windows 30 on the long side of the carton tray 12.
  • bridge 38a is disposed at the base of one of the two end windows 30 with bridge 38b being disposed at the base of the other of the two end windows 30.
  • the top of the carton tray12 can include a rim
  • the rim 16 is sufficiently wide to facilitate sealing or adhering the lid 14 (e.g., a plastic or film layer, possibly transparent) over the open top side of the cartontrayl 2.
  • the outer flange 15of the rim 16 extends around the outer circumference of the rim 16.
  • Thecarton tray12 can also include a plurality (e.g., two to four) air pockets or slots 32 at a plurality of locations spaced around the rim 16.
  • the air slots 32 enhance air flow though the packaging system.
  • the plastic or film layer 14 can also include perforations (e.g., perforations formed by laser) toenhance air flow through the packaging system.
  • the overall width of the carton tray 12 preferably is greater than 6 inches and lessthan 6.5 inches, and more preferably equal to around 6.25 inches ⁇ 0.05 inch.
  • the eggs are intended to be loaded with their longitudinal axis approximately parallel with the vertical axis of symmetry of each cell 18.
  • the carton tray 12 can include a plurality of upwardly extending internal dividers 21 with supports 20, which define in part the separate cupsor cells 18.
  • the supports 20 can be disposed at the intersection of the internal dividers 21 and can be formed by at least two sets 21 a, 23a of upwardly extending surfaces, of the internal dividers 21 and the cell walls 23.
  • the cell walls 23 define in part the cells 18 adjacent the supports 20.
  • the degree of vertical orientation of the corresponding surfaces 21 a, 23a of the internal dividers 21 and the cell walls 23 can differ from each other.
  • the surfaces 23a of cell walls 23 can have a steeper vertical profile than that of the surfaces 21 a of the internal dividers 21 .
  • the draft angle of the surfaces 21 a of the dividers 21 is shallower (i.e., more horizontal )than the draft angle of the surfaces 23a of the cell walls near the top of the supports 20.
  • the draft angle of the divider surfaces 21 a can be approximately 75°, relative to horizontal, whereas the draft angle of the cell wall surfaces 23a can be approximately 87°, relative to horizontal.
  • the shallower draft angle of the dividers 23 aid in the release of the carton tray 12 from a stack of carton trays 12 during the assembly process.
  • each internal divider 21 extends upwardly to a height above a bottom surface 33 of each cell that is higher than the equatorial diameters of the eggs, when the eggs are fully seated in the cells.
  • a portion of each internal divider 21 can extend upwardly to a height that is substantially coplanar with the rim 16.
  • each internal divider 21 can vary in thickness such that each divider 21 is thicker near an intersection with other dividers 21 than at a location closest to a center of an adjacent cell.
  • At least one of the cells 18 includes a cell wall 23 having a portion that extends from the bottom surface 33 of the cell 18 to the rim 16.
  • each cell 18 that is disposed along the length includes a cell wall 23 of which a portion extends to the rim 16. Additionally, each cell along the length has ribbing 28 that extends from the bottom surface 33 to the rim 16.
  • eachsupport 20 can include a generally flat surface 34 that is generally coplanar with the rim 16.
  • the support 20 can include a multi-sided chamfer (e.g., an 8-sided chamfer) that forms a transition between intersecting dividers and the support top end 34.
  • This support configuration aids in stacking the filled cartons 12 (once sealed with the film layer), enhances the overall rigidity and strength of the carton 12, andhelps keep the eggs in their respective cells 18.
  • Each cell 18 hasa seatingsurfacethat forms a lower portion of the cell 18.
  • the cell 18 of Figs. 6 - 1 1 d can have a wider draft angle than that of the cell 18 shown in Fig.
  • each cell 18 extends upwardly from a bottle surface 33 at a first draft angle ⁇ 1 and then transitions through steeper draft angles to assume a more vertical orientation. That is, the draft angle is shallower at the lower section of each cell 18 and becomes steeper as the cell wall 23
  • the draft angle ⁇ 2 is substantially steeper than the draft angel ⁇ 1 near the bottom surface 33.
  • the draft angle ⁇ 1 can be approximately 50°, relative to horizontal, while the draft angle ⁇ 2 can be approximately 87°, relative to horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, this transition is smoothed so as to provide an generally
  • the variation of draft angle is symmetrical on all sides of the cell 18.
  • the varying draft angle allows the carton tray 12 to receive extra-large eggs while maintaining an overall width sufficiently narrow to fit within existing automated egg processing lines (for example, having a width not exceeding 6 1 ⁇ 2 inches (16.5 cm)).
  • the shallower draft angle i.e., a more horizontaldraft angle
  • each cell as defined in part by its corresponding supports 20 and dividers 23can return to a more vertical orientation in the upper portion of each cell 18 to reduce overall carton width notwithstanding the wider dimension in the lower portion of cell 18.
  • the cellsl 8 can be separated by a slightly larger dimension or width of supports 20and dividers 21 to provide a greater spacing between the cells 18 to accommodate the larger eggs and to provide better strength and plastic manufacturability of supports 20.
  • the draft angle can be carried up into the dividers21 to a point which generally corresponds with the mid-section of the egg when placed in the cell 18. From this pointupwards, each dividers21 can have side surfaces with substantially steeper draft angles (e.g., approaching90 degrees or vertical).
  • each divider 21 can have a varying width from their lower section to their upper section, as noted above.
  • the lower section of each divider 21 can bewider than the upper section.
  • the dividers 21 can be wider than the embodiments of Figs. 1 a - 5. This can be best seen by comparing Fig.8b to Fig. 1 a, where supports 20 are shown in relative scale as thinner vertical supports than the wider chamfered supports 20 of Figs. 6— 1 1 d.
  • a similar comparison of the width of supports 20 can be seen in the interior views of Fig. 3 compared to that of Fig. 6.
  • the cartontray 12 is shown in the illustrated embodiments as a preformed containment for the eggs. It is to be understood, however, that the carton tray 12 can also be constructed of a pliable, non-stick, molded material that is selectively formed around an array of the eggs. Thus, the material of the carton tray12 can be molded in place around the eggs, e.g. molded around the lower portion of the eggs with the upper portion of carton 10 molded to a predetermined form as illustrated above.
  • the objects in the carton are not necessarily limited to eggs, but may include any fragile food element or other type of object, fragile or not.
  • combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a

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  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un carton pour une pluralité d'œufs ou d'objets qui comprend un plateau muni d'un bord supérieur et d'une pluralité de cellules. Les cellules forment une surface de siège pour les œufs de telle sorte que les œufs sont entièrement placés au-dessous du bord supérieur sans aucune partie des œufs s'étendant au-dessus du bord supérieur du carton. Le carton comprend un couvercle disposé sur le plateau et fermant de façon étanche le plateau. Le couvercle est agencé et configuré pour recevoir une matière imprimée personnalisée sur celui-ci. Le couvercle peut être transparent, translucide ou opaque. Une pluralité de supports est disposée dans le plateau pour séparer les objets à l'intérieur et pour fournir un support vertical pour le couvercle. Le couvercle est détachable du plateau, couplé de façon adhésive au plateau, fermé de façon étanche par adhésif sur le carton ou peut être sous la forme d'un couvercle détachable. Une pluralité de trous ou de poches d'air de respiration est définie dans le plateau ou le couvercle. Après la fermeture étanche du couvercle sur le plateau, le couvercle forme une fermeture inviolable. Le plateau ou le couvercle est composé d'un matériau écologiquement compatible.
PCT/US2013/023923 2012-01-30 2013-01-30 Système d'emballage pour œufs ou ensembles d'objets multiples WO2013116387A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261592564P 2012-01-30 2012-01-30
US61/592,564 2012-01-30
US201361749903P 2013-01-07 2013-01-07
US61/749,903 2013-01-07

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WO2013116387A2 true WO2013116387A2 (fr) 2013-08-08
WO2013116387A3 WO2013116387A3 (fr) 2015-06-18

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PCT/US2013/023923 WO2013116387A2 (fr) 2012-01-30 2013-01-30 Système d'emballage pour œufs ou ensembles d'objets multiples

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10266304B2 (en) 2016-06-23 2019-04-23 Chad Smith Stackable packaging units and methods for manufacturing the same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2110649B (en) * 1981-01-06 1985-02-06 Brown William R Egg boxes
US5013213A (en) * 1990-04-20 1991-05-07 Kar Enterprises, Inc. Automatic denesting machine
US7258234B2 (en) * 2004-02-12 2007-08-21 Marvin Aardema Transparent egg carton with closure flap

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10266304B2 (en) 2016-06-23 2019-04-23 Chad Smith Stackable packaging units and methods for manufacturing the same

Also Published As

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WO2013116387A3 (fr) 2015-06-18

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