WO2013144635A2

WO2013144635A2 - A container and method of packaging goods

Info

Publication number: WO2013144635A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Phillips
Original assignee: Andrew Phillips
Priority date: 2012-03-29
Filing date: 2013-03-28
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Also published as: GB201305664D0; GB2500822A; WO2013144635A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a snack food container having a chamber that receives a stack of snack food items such as crisps therein. The chamber has side walls that extend from a base to form a mouth of the container and a lifting arrangement that lifts the stack between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container. The lifting arrangement comprises a flexible platform having first and second ends located outside the walls of the chamber such that when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform lifts the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user. A container comprising a chamber for receiving goods items therein is also provided, where the chamber has a lifting arrangement comprising at least a resilient lifting mechanism actuable between a stored configuration in which potential energy is stored therein and an active configuration in which the potential energy in the resilient lifting mechanism is at least partially released. A container for storing and transporting a bulky item is also provided, where the container has a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the bulky item between a lowered configuration in which the bulky item is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the bulky item is toward the mouth of the container.

Description

A Container and Method of Packaging Goods

The present invention relates to a container, particularly, but not exclusively, containers used to package snack foods for storing stackable, substantially planar or aesthetically contoured snack food items such as crisps or biscuits.

The present invention also relates to a container for storing and transporting heavy or bulky goods such as large electrical appliances.

Snack foods are provided to consumers in a wide variety of packaging. One form of packaging which is popular for planar, stackable snacks such as crisps and biscuits is a composite canister or cardboard tube having a permanent base seal at one end and a removable foil "freshness" seal at the other end. An additional plastic lid is also often provided to allow the consumer to temporarily re-seal the tube after the freshness seal has been removed. Such forms of packaging are well established and are aesthetically pleasing to the customer. Furthermore, such packaging ensures that the, often fragile, contents are well protected and

hermetically sealed to retain freshness.

A problem with such forms of packaging is that once the first few snack food items in the stack have been consumed, it is difficult for the consumer to access the depleted stack for continued consumption. This is a particular problem if, as is often the case, the tube is narrower than the consumer's hand. Indeed, it will often become impossible to reach the depleted stack if the tube is narrow and long and the stack is significantly depleted. As a result, rather than continuing to struggle trying to reach into the tube, consumers typically invert the tube to slide the snack food items into their hand or into a dish or other receptacle. This is a messy and ungainly process which has a tendency to damage the delicate snack food product, particularly after several inversions of the tube.

European Patent publication number EP 2025609 in the name of MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems describes a carton which holds several bottles and which has a lifting strip that lifts the bottles for ease of access. However, this would not be suitable for storing and dispensing planar, stackable snack food items.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a snack food container comprising a chamber for receiving a stack of snack food items therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the stack between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having first and second ends located outside the walls of the chamber, the flexible platform passing under the stack such that when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform lifts the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of packaging snack foods in a snack food container, the method comprising providing a chamber for receiving a stack of snack food items therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, providing a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the stack between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having first and second ends located outside the walls of the chamber such that when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform lifts the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user, and stacking the snack food items onto the flexible platform prior to sealing of the snack food container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible platform for a snack food container, the flexible platform comprising a lifting arrangement adapted to lift a stack of snack foods in a container between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having first and second ends adapted to be located outside the walls of the chamber and such that when positioned in the container, and when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform will lift the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising a chamber for receiving goods items therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the goods between a lowered configuration in which the goods are toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the goods are toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising at least a resilient lifting mechanism actuable between a stored configuration in which potential energy is stored therein and an active configuration in which the potential energy in the resilient lifting mechanism is at least partially released thereby selectively lifting the goods in order to selectively present the goods to a user, and where the resilient lifting means comprises resilient means attached to a floating base member provided beneath the goods.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of packaging goods in a container, the method comprising providing a chamber for receiving goods therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container; providing a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the goods between a lowered configuration in which the goods are toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the goods are toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising at least a resilient lifting mechanism actuable between a stored configuration in which potential energy is stored therein and an active configuration in which the potential energy in the resilient lifting mechanism is at least partially released thereby selectively lifting the goods in order to selectively present the goods to a user, placing the goods items onto the lifting arrangement and pushing the lifting arrangement toward the base of the container prior to closing the container and where the resilient lifting means comprises resilient means attached to a floating base member provided beneath the goods.

Heavy and / or bulky items are often stored and then shipped to end consumers or retailers in a protective outer shell, typically a cardboard box having two or four fold over flaps used to seal the box, and often polystyrene or compressed fibre protective members within the box to protect the goods. In view of the fragility, weight and / or size of such items, the material used in the cardboard box must be relatively thick and strong. This makes cutting or tearing-away of the box very difficult when the end consumer wishes to remove the item from the box. In turn, this often results in users resorting to the use of sharp knives or other tools in order to tear the box; this can be dangerous and risks damage to the item. Furthermore, damaging the box is often undesirable since the box and packing must often be preserved intact in order to allow the product to be shipped back to the retailer or manufacturer in the event of the goods being faulty or needing repair. This is increasingly important in view of the increasing demand for e-commerce.

For these reasons, users often try to reach into the box or upend the box in order to remove the item therefrom. Reaching into such boxes is often difficult because there is typically very little room for the users' hand to pass between the inside of the box and outside of the item. Furthermore, with such bulky items it is difficult to gain a satisfactory grip on the outside of the item, particularly if the sides of the item are, as is often the case, smooth and flat. Indeed, even if a sufficient purchase can be gained on the inner packaging this will typically break under the weight of the heavy item.

Another difficulty faced by users when attempting this manoeuvre is that, even if they are able to grip and lift the item sufficiently, the box will tend to lift with the item meaning that another person is often required to hold the box down as the item is lifted. In addition, there is a greater likelihood of the user dropping the item during such manoeuvres. Since many such items have sensitive electrical components, such accidental drops can cause severe irreparable damage to the item meaning that, at the very last point in the supply chain, the item must be returned or replaced.

Another problem with existing cardboard containers is that they must typically be handled many times during the distribution and supply chain and are therefore normally provided with handles in the wall of the box to allow the box to be lifted and manoeuvred easily. However, such handles are rudimentary in that they typically comprise simple slots cut-out from the wall of the box. Such handles are only as strong as the cardboard itself and therefore tend to tear away; this is a particular problem with heavy items since the cardboard is rarely strong enough to hold the weight of the item.

Furthermore, once such boxes have been packed and sealed, they are invariably stacked a specified unit height in racking or on pallets awaiting selection for shipping to the customer; at this point the warehouse operative normally punches through die cut handles in the side of the box and pulls it horizontally, towards the body. If the base of the box is sealed with staples, there is a good chance that the base will catch on the top of the box below. The result being a torn out handle slot. This not only makes the product difficult to handle again, but it can also cause damage to a falling box or, even worse, injury to the warehouse operative falling backwards.

German Patent Publication No. DE 460610 describes a container having a flexible platform that allows products to be raised in a container; however, this requires two users; one to hold the strips down (and hence the product up), and another user to remove the product.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing and transporting a bulky item, the container comprising side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the bulky item between a lowered configuration in which the bulky item is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the bulky item is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having a first end adapted to be pulled downwards from outside the walls of the container and a second end passing under the bulky item such that when the first end is pulled toward the base of the container the flexible platform is pulled over a bearing surface provided toward the mouth of the container and thereby lifts the bulky item in order to raise and selectively present the bulky item to a user, and frictional holding means adapted to retain the item in an elevated position.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of packaging bulky items in a container, the method comprising providing a container for receiving a bulky item therein, the container having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, providing a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the bulky item between a lowered configuration in which the bulky item is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the bulky item is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having a first end adapted to be pulled downwards from outside the walls of the container and a second end passing under the bulky item such that when the first end is pulled toward the base of the container the flexible platform is pulled over a bearing surface provided toward the mouth of the container and thereby lifts the bulky item in order to raise and selectively present the bulky item to a user, and placing the bulky item onto the flexible platform and into the container prior to closing of the container for transportation, and selectively retaining the item in an elevated position by way of frictional holding means.

Further features and advantages of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description.

Embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams, in which:- Fig. 1 A is a schematic illustration of a snack food container according to a first, second and third aspect of the present invention, where a stack of snack food items are shown in a lowered configuration;

Fig. 1 B is a schematic illustration of the snack food container of Fig. 1 A, in a partially raised configuration prior to presentation of the snack to the consumer;

Fig. 1 C is a schematic illustration of the snack food container of Fig. 1 B in a further raised configuration where a partially depleted stack of snack food items projects from the mouth of the container for easy access by the consumer;

Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a snack food container according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention in a lowered configuration, where a stack of snack food items are placed in an open ended sleeve within the container which is then sealed with a freshness seal foil and enclosed by a plastic cap. This illustrates a filled and sealed configuration where the container is awaiting opening for the first time;

Fig. 2B is a schematic illustration of the snack food container and bag of Fig. 2A, in a partially raised configuration where the snack is presented to the consumer; and

Fig. 2C is a schematic illustration of the snack food container and bag of Fig. 2B in a further raised configuration where the partially depleted stack of snack food items projects from the mouth of the container for easy access by the consumer;

Fig. 3A is a schematic illustration of a snack food container according to a fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention, where a stack of snack food items are in a lowered configuration and where upper and lower resilient lifting arrangements are provided;

Fig. 3B is a schematic illustration of the snack food container of Fig. 3A, in a partially raised configuration; and Fig. 3C is a schematic illustration of the snack food container of Fig. 3B in a further raised configuration where a partially depleted stack of snack food items is presented to the consumer for easy access at the mouth of the container;

Fig. 4A is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of the snack food container according to the fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention, where a stack of snack food items are in a lowered configuration and where upper and lower resilient lifting arrangements are provided;

Fig. 4B is a schematic illustration of the snack food container of Fig. 4A, in a partially raised configuration; and

Fig. 4C is a schematic illustration of the snack food container of Fig. 4B in a further raised configuration where a partially depleted stack of snack food items is presented to the consumer for easy access at the mouth of the container;

Fig. 5A is a schematic illustration of a container according to a sixth and seventh aspect of the present invention, where a bulky item is being placed into the container;

Fig. 5B is a schematic illustration of the bulky item of Fig. 5A settled into the container;

Fig. 5C is a schematic illustration of the bulky item in position within the container with a pair of handles folded onto the top of the bulky item ready for closing of the container;

Fig. 5D is a schematic illustration of the bulky item in position within the container, and with the flaps closed on the container for transportation of the item to an end user;

Fig. 6A is a schematic illustration of the container being opened after transportation of the item to the end user, in preparation for removal of the item from the container;

Fig. 6B is a schematic illustration of actuating handles in position as they are pushed by the end user in order to remove the item from the container; Fig. 6C is a schematic illustration of the bulky item in a partially raised configuration; Fig. 6D is a schematic illustration of the goods item projecting from the container for easy removal therefrom; and

Fig. 7 is a more detailed view of an actuating strip showing rubberised nodules in a holding configuration.

With reference to Fig. 1A, a snack food container 10 according to a first, second and third aspect of the present invention has a first side wall 12 and a second side wall 14 projecting from a base 16 which, in the presently described embodiment, forms a circular cross-sectioned tube having an open mouth opposite the base 16. A plurality of snack food items are arranged in a stack 18 within the container 10. A foil seal (not shown) may be provided to close off the open container mouth during transit and to maintain freshness of the snack food items stored therein.

An actuating collar 20 is provided toward the top of the container 10. A flexible actuating strip 22 has a first end 24 connected to the actuating collar 20 at one side of the container and a second end 26 connected to the actuating collar 20 at the other side of the container. The flexible actuating strip 22 passes down the gap between the stack 18 and inner container wall 12 and then under the stack 18, before passing back up the gap between the stack 18 and inner container wall 14 on the other side of the container.

The first and second ends of the actuating strip 22 are attached to the inner surface of the collar 20, or may be integral with the collar 20. When stored, the plastic cap is located over the portion of the actuating strips 22 resting on the lip of the container and may be removed by the user when consumption of the product is desired.

In the present embodiment, the actuating strip 22 comprises food-grade

transparent acetate or other similar material which is able to pass through tight radii without kinking or creasing. The surface and dimensions of the actuating strip 22 and collar 20 are configured to provide a friction-fit able to hold the weight of the stack 18 without sliding back down the container. This may be achieved by ensuring the collar 20 fits tightly around the outside of the container 10 (although not so tight that the consumer is prevented from moving the collar 20, as discussed subsequently).

During manufacture, the strip 22 is placed within the container and the snacks are stacked into the container such that the strip 22 passes down the side of the stack 18 and under the bottom of the stack 18. A foil freshness seal may then be placed over the top of the container to seal the stack 18 in the container 10.

In the present embodiment, the actuating collar 20 also comprises transparent acetate. This can be the same transparent acetate as the strips 22 or may be a more durable plastics or other material, as desired. The use of such clear plastics material means that when merchandised for retail sale and during use, any decorative branding, logos, trademarks etc. on the outside of the container are not obscured. This helps to maintain the overall appearance of the container regardless of where on the outside of the container the collar 20 is positioned.

In use, when the consumer wishes to consume the product the consumer removes the plastic cap and foil seal from the top of the container and can begin consuming the snack food items from the top of the stack 18. Once the stack has been depleted to the point that it becomes awkward for the consumer to reach the top of the stack, the consumer grasps the collar 20 and slides it down the outside of the container 10 in the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 1 B. This causes the actuating strip 22 to be pulled over the lips at the mouth of the container thereby tending to shorten the length of actuating strip 22 extending under the stack 18. The strip 22 will therefore begin to lift within the container thereby pushing the stack 18 upwards in the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 1 B. The consumer continues this movement until the top of the stack 18 is at a more accessible height, which may be level with or projecting from the top of the container as shown in Fig. 1 C. With the top of the depleted stack 18 toward the top of the container, the consumer can now easily access the stack 18 for continued consumption of the individual snack food items. Furthermore, the position of the collar 20 along the height of the container is infinitely variable such that the corresponding height of the top of the stack 1 18 is also infinitely variable. This allows the user to easily access all snack food items in the stack 18 regardless of how depleted the stack 18 is and without having to tip the container up at any point.

When desired, the consumer can slide the collar 20 back up the container 10 in the opposite direction to lower the remaining stack 18 back into the container for further storage. Alternatively, if the stack 18 has been fully depleted, the consumer can simply discard the container in the refuse or recycling facilities as normal.

With reference to Fig. 2A, a second embodiment will now be described according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention. In order to minimise repetition, similar features of the apparatus described subsequently are numbered with a common two-digit reference numeral and are differentiated by a third digit placed before the two common digits. Such features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have similar functions as previously described unless otherwise indicated.

A snack food container 1 10 has a first side wall 1 12 and a second side wall 1 14 projecting from a base 1 16 which, in the presently described embodiment, forms a circular cross-sectioned tube having an open mouth opposite the base 1 16. A plurality of snack food items are arranged in a stack 1 18 within the container 1 10. A plastic cap and foil freshness seal 1 19 is provided to close off the open container mouth during transit and to maintain freshness of the snack food items stored therein.

The stack 1 18 is inserted into a loose fitting plastic (such as polythene or poly-wrap style) film sleeve or bag 1 1 1 during manufacture as will be discussed

subsequently. The bag 1 1 1 has a gap 1 13 at its bottom end and may or may not have a heat sealed pleat along its longitudinal edge and top end. The walls and bottom of the bag 1 1 1 form an actuation strip and floating base as will be described subsequently. The bag 1 1 1 acts as a barrier against the migration of liquid or semi-solid state substance or ingredient into the fibre of the container 1 10, thereby preventing damage to the container 1 10 and, particularly to any external graphics, logos, livery, etc.

During manufacture, the stack 1 18 is placed within the bag 1 1 1 in a known continuous packaging process. This may involve applying a tubular sleeve around the stack and pleating either or both of its ends. In the embodiment shown, a contrasting coloured floating base 1 15 is inserted at the bottom of the stack. The base 1 15 comprises food grade material such as card or plastic and is profiled to mimic the irregular shape of each snack food item in the stack 1 18. This acts as protection for the product at the base of the container as well as providing a level, sturdy base for the product to nest on. The contrasting colour of the base 1 15 also alerts the consumer that this is not an edible product.

The resulting sleeved stack 1 18 is then loaded into the container 1 10, normally via the base of the container. The base 1 16 of the container 1 10 is then inserted and seam rolled. A foil freshness seal and plastic cap 1 17 may then be provided over the top of the container to seal the stack 1 18 in the container 1 10; these can be applied either prior to or after placing the stack 1 18 in container. The package is now ready for transportation, and merchandising.

The upper end of the bag 1 1 1 is provided with excess material which can be folded over the edge of the container. An actuating collar 120 is attached by way of adhesive to the excess ends of the bag 1 1 1 and resides on either side of the container outer edge.

In use, when the consumer wishes to consume the product the consumer first removes the foil seal 1 19 and plastic lid 1 17 from the top of the container 1 10. As shown in Fig. 2B, once the stack 1 18 has been depleted to the point that it becomes awkward for the consumer to reach the top of the stack, the consumer grasps the collar 120 and slides it down the outside of the container 1 10 in the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 2B. This causes the walls of the bag 1 1 1 to be pulled over the lips at the mouth of the container thereby tending to lift the bag 1 1 1 under the stack 1 18. The bag 1 1 1 will therefore begin to lift within the container thereby pushing the stack 1 18 upwards in the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 2B. The consumer continues this movement until the top of the stack 1 18 is at a more accessible height, which may be level with or projecting from the top of the container as shown in Fig. 2C. In this way, the bag 1 1 1 also becomes the flexible platform that raises the product within the container.

With the top of the depleted stack 1 18 toward the top of the container, the consumer can now easily access the stack 1 18 for continued consumption of the individual snack food items. Furthermore, the position of the bag 1 1 1 along the outside of the container is infinitely variable such that the corresponding height of the top of the stack 1 18 is also infinitely variable. This allows the user to easily access all snack food items in the stack 1 18 regardless of how depleted the stack 1 18 is and without having to tip the container up at any point.

When desired, the consumer can slide the flaps collar 120 and hence the rest of the bag 1 1 1 back up the container 1 10 in the opposite direction to lower the remaining stack 1 18 back into the container for further storage. Alternatively, the user can replace the plastic lid 1 17 at any point in order to trap the bag 1 1 1 so keeping the product at the corresponding raised configuration ready for further consumption as required.

With reference to Fig. 3A, a fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention will now be described.

As shown in Fig. 3A, a snack food container 210 has a first side wall 212 and a second side wall 214 projecting from a base 216 which, in the presently described embodiment, forms a circular cross-sectioned tube having an open mouth opposite the base 216. A plurality of snack food items are arranged in a stack 218 within the container 210. A plastic cap and foil seal (not shown) may be provided to close off the open container mouth during transit and to maintain freshness of the snack food items stored therein.

A resilient spring 220 is compressed between the bottom of the stack 218 and the base 216. As best illustrated in Figs. 3B and 3C, the spring 220 connects to a floating platform 222 attached to the top thereof. In the present embodiment, the floating platform 222 comprises a food-grade cardboard or plastic disc or other similar material.

When stored, a plastic cap and / or foil seal is attached over the mouth of the container and may be peeled away by the user when consumption of the product is desired.

During packaging, the stack of food items 218 is placed onto the floating platform 222. The stack 218 and spring 220 and are then pushed down into the container 210 in order to compress the spring 220 toward the bottom of the container 210 as shown in Fig. 3A. The energy exerted in compressing the spring 220 into the container 210 is stored as potential energy while the container 210 is stored for eventual consumption of the food items contained therein. The spring force from spring 220 does not need to be particularly large; instead, the spring force only needs to be strong enough to gently raise the stack 218 during use. Furthermore, when in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 3A, the weight of the stack 218 of food items will be sufficient to maintain the spring 220 in the compressed configuration. A foil freshness seal may then be placed over the top of the container to seal the stack 218 in the container 210.

In use, when the consumer wishes to consume the product the consumer removes the foil seal and plastic cap from the top of the container 210 and can begin consuming the snack food items from the top of the stack 218. With reference to Fig. 3B, as the stack 218 begins to become depleted, the overall weight of the stack will reduce. The weight imparted upon the spring 220 will therefore reduce accordingly. With the reduced weight now resting on the floating platform 222, the potential energy stored within the spring 220 will begin to cause the spring 220 to extend thereby lifting the partially depleted stack 218 within the container 210 in the direction indicated by arrow A. This maintains the top of the stack 18 near the mouth of the container thereby ensuring that the stack 218 is always easily accessible by the consumer for continued consumption of the individual snack food items. This allows the user to easily access all snack food items in the stack 218 regardless of how depleted the stack 218 is and without having to tip the container up at any point. As shown in Fig. 3C, continued consumption will continue to cause the spring 220 to extend as the weight of the remaining stack 218

decreases.

If at any point the consumer wishes to temporarily seal the container 210, he can do so by placing a plastic cap or other closure over the container 210. In this regard, the weight of the stack 218 will always remain generally balanced with the spring force provided by the spring 220 such that the top of the stack 218 always remains toward the top of the container 210 for continued consumption when desired. Alternatively, if the stack 218 has been fully depleted, the consumer can simply discard the container in the refuse or recycling facilities as normal.

A second embodiment of the fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 4A to 4C.

With reference to Fig. 4A, a snack food container 310 according to a first embodiment has a first side wall 312 and a second side wall 314 projecting from a base 316 which, in the presently described embodiment, forms a circular cross- sectioned tube having an open mouth opposite the base 316. A plurality of snack food items are arranged in a stack 318 within the container 310. A lower resilient arrangement comprises a series of resilient strips 320 which together combine to form a spring arrangement. The strips 320 are rolled over at each upper end 321 when compressed between the bottom of the stack 318 and the base 316. Each resilient strip 320 abuts against the underside of a floating platform 322. In an alternative embodiment, the resilient strips 320 may be replaced by a coiled spring arrangement similar to the spring 20 described in the first embodiment.

An upper resilient arrangement comprises a resilient member 324 which extends between the upper lip of the wall 314 and the floating platform 322. The member 324 is attached to a rim of the container and spirals around the inner circumference of the container 310.

During packaging, the stack of food items 318 is placed onto the floating platform 322. The stack 318 is then pushed down into the container 310 against the resilience of the upper resilient member 324 and the lower resilient strips 320. As shown in Fig. 4A, this causes the upper resilient member 324 to be tensioned and the lower resilient strips 320 to be compressed between the bottom of the floating platform 322 and the base 316 of the container.

As with the first embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the energy exerted in rolling the ends of strips 320 into compression and tensioning the upper resilient member 324 is stored as potential energy while the container is stored for eventual consumption of the food items contained therein. This therefore provides a dual compression system which allows heaver items of food to be stored within the container.

In use, in the present embodiment, as the stack 318 begins to become depleted, the overall weight of the stack will reduce. The weight imparted upon the lower strips 320 and upper resilient member 324 will therefore reduce accordingly. With the reduced weight now resting on the floating platform 322, the potential energy stored within the strips 320 will begin to cause those strips to extend. At the same time, the tension in the resilient member 324 will cause the resilient member 324 to contract. The combined effect of the upper resilient member 324 and lower resilient strips 320 is to lift the partially depleted stack 318 within the container 310 in the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 4B. Again, this maintains the top of the stack 318 near the mouth of the container 310 thereby ensuring that the stack 318 is always easily accessible by the consumer for continued consumption of the individual snack food items.

As shown in Fig. 4C, continued consumption will continue to cause the member 324 to contract and the strips 320 to extend accordingly. Once fully extended, the ends of the strips 320 are fully unrolled.

With reference to Fig. 5A, sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention will now be described.

As shown in Figs. 5A - 5D, a heavy goods container 410 has a first side wall 412 and a second side wall 414 projecting from a base 416 which, in the presently described embodiment, forms a square cross-sectioned box having an open mouth opposite the base 416. A heavy goods item 418 (such as for example, a microwave oven, computer monitor, PC tower, printer, TV unit, etc.) is provided for transportation to an end user. The container 410 is provided with a first closure flap 420 and a second closure flap 422 which can fold to close the top of the container 410.

A flexible actuating strip 424 is also provided in the container 410. The actuating strip 424 has a first end 426 provided with a handle 428 toward one side of the container and a second end 430 provided with a handle 432 toward the other side of the container. The actuating strip 424 material is doubled back on itself at either end thereof in order to provide loops thereon; a dowel of plastic, wood or similar material is inserted into these loops to form the handles 428, 432. As shown in Fig. 7, each end of the actuating strip 424 is also provided with a row of rubberised nodules 427 having a semi-circular profile on the underside of the strip 424 and an array of resilient rubberised feathers 429 on the upper side of the strip 424. The purpose of the nodules 427 and feathers 429 will be described subsequently.

A floating base 425 is provided on the actuating strip 424 to provide a platform supporting the bottom of the bulky item 418. The floating base 425 has similar dimensions to the base 416 of the container and may comprise similar material such as e.g. plastic or cardboard.

In the present embodiment, the actuating strip 424 comprises a strong flexible material such as acetate, webbed material or other similar non-stretch material being strong enough to hold the weight of the bulky item 418 whilst remaining able to pass through tight radii without kinking or creasing.

Although not shown, in an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the container 410 may be provided with a securing point such as a clip or recess to receive the handles 428, 432 thereby allowing the weight of the bulky item 418 to be locked in an elevated position without sliding back down into the container.

With reference to Figs. 5A to 5D, loading of a bulky item 418 into the container 410 will now be described.

With the container 410 assembled (typically with bottom flaps sealed and / or stapled prior the goods being loaded into the container), the actuating strip 424 and attached floating base 425 is placed over the mouth of the container 410 as shown in Fig. 5A, with the handles 428 and 432 resting on the flaps 420 and 422 on either side of the container. The bulky item 418 is then lowered onto the floating base 425 and into the container 410. The weight of the bulky item 418 on the floating base 425 draws the actuating strip 424 over the edges of the container (as shown in Fig. 6B) until the actuating strip 424 rests down the side of the bulky item 418 and the bulky item rests upon the floating base 425 at the bottom of the container. Therefore, as the bulky item 418 is lowered it 'nests' into the container 410, forcing and holding the actuating strip 424 and floating base 425 underneath it until the bulky item 418 settles into the container 410. The user may need to periodically lift the ends of the actuating strip 424 while doing this to prevent the rubberised nodules 427 engaging with the lips 434, 436 of the container.

As shown in Fig. 5B the handles 28 and 32 are then folded up in the direction indicated by arrow A and then placed on top of the bulky item 418 (Fig. 5C). The flaps 420 and 422 of the container are then folded up in the direction indicated by arrow B such that they rest on top of the handles 428, 432. As shown in Fig. 5D, this therefore closes the container 410 ready for transportation. Alternatively, the handles 428, 432 may be placed adjacent the item between the side of the item and the interior wall of the container 410.

The handles 428 and 432 may also be positioned within the container 410 to provide structural reinforcement. For instance, in a cardboard box provided with partially cut-out lifting handles in either side of the box, a small flap of material from the cut-out slot normally projects into the box thereby forming a small "shelf-like" feature at either side of the box. The handles 428 and 432 can be deliberately positioned on these shelves during transportation; the length of each handle 428, 432 can then act as a reinforcing bar across the rear of the cut-out lifting handle, thus spreading any loads across its length and thereby preventing the cardboard from tearing. This provides a stronger lifting handle for the box without having to increase the cardboard strength / thickness.

With reference to Figs. 6A to 6D, the process of unloading a bulky item 418 from the container 410 will now be described.

Once the container of goods has been delivered to the end user, the user first places the unopened container adjacent the final desired position of the bulky goods 418. The user then opens the flaps 420 and 422 at the top of the container in the normal way and folds them out of the way as shown in Fig.6A. In doing so, the folds at which the flaps 420 and 422 are attached to the side walls 412 and 414 of the container 410, create first and second bearing surfaces in the form of lips 434 and 436 at the upper edges of the container 410.

Using the handle 428 and 432, the user then folds the first and second ends 426 and 430 of the actuating strip 424 in the direction indicated by arrows C. As shown in Fig. 7B, the first and second ends 426 and 430 of the actuating strip now hang over the sides of the container 410 and rest on the open flaps 420, 422. When it is desired to raise the bulky item 418, the user grasps the handles 428 and 432 and pushes them down the outside of the container 410 in the direction indicated by arrows D. This causes the actuating strip 424 to be pulled over the lips 434 and 436 at the mouth of the container 410 thereby lifting the floating base 425 under the bulky item 418. This begins to push the bulky item 418 upwards in the direction indicated by arrows E in Figs. 6C and 6D. The user may use their body weight to facilitate this movement. For very heavy items, one user can slide one handle, and another user can slide the other handle. The user continues this movement until the top of the bulky item 418 is at a more accessible height and projects from the top of the container 410 as shown in Fig. 6D.

At or around this point in the unloading sequence, the rubberised nodules 427 of the actuating strip 424 will engage with lips 434, 436 on either side of the container thereby acting to prevent slippage of the actuating strip 424 and hence the item 418 back down into the container. As the actuating strip 424 is pushed downwards by the user, in order to raise the item from the container 410, the rubberised nodules 427 will at various points straddle the lip 434 between the flap 420 and the box wall 412. This will hold the weight of the item within the container and prevent it from slipping back into the container.

Furthermore, on the upper face of the actuating strip 424, the resilient feathers 429 will fan out to grip the item 418 during lifting as they are rolled over the lip 434. Therefore once in the raised position indicated in Fig. 6D, the item will be maintained on the floating base 425 in the raised configuration. This holding effect may be increased by any protective packaging (such as expanded polystyrene foam) provided around the bulky item 418. Indeed, even if the bulky item 418 tends to move back down into the container 410, it will do so very slowly due to this friction, thereby providing the user with enough time to change hand positions and grab the bulky item 418. Alternatively, or additionally, the user may clip the handles 428, 432 into a recess or other securing arrangement to hold the weight of the bulky item 418 in said elevated position.

With the top and sides of the bulky item 418 now projecting from the top of the container 410, the user can now easily grab the sides of the bulky item 418 and lift it into its final desired position away from the container 410. As the user presses down on the handles 428, 432, the motion and weight will prevent any movement of the container 410 which would otherwise interfere with the unpacking process. Furthermore, since only a small part of the bottom of the bulky item 418 is in contact with the inner walls of the container 410 in the raised configuration, there is a greatly reduced tendency for the container 410 to remain with the bulky item 418 when the user lifts the bulky item into position.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims.

It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Examples of these include the following:-

With reference to the first aspect, first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 1 A to 1 C, as an alternative to the single actuating strip 22, a "floating base" may be provided at the bottom of the stack with actuating strips connected thereto. The floating base and actuating strips may be formed from a single piece of material, such as acetate or thick gauge foil similar to that typically used in the freshness seal. Alternatively, the floating base may be a separate component comprising e.g. a food grade cardboard disc.

With reference to the first aspect, first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 1 A to 1 C, although the container in the embodiment described is a tubular having a round cross-section, the present invention is equally well suited to packaging having any other shaped cross-section; for example, square, or multi-sided such as a hexagon etc.

With reference to the sixth and seventh aspect of the present invention, shown in Figs. 5A to 7, since the downward force from the user and the weight of the bulky item will be supported by the side walls of the container 410 during actuation, it may be desirable to reinforce components of the container with an additional cardboard, plastic or other internal support frame. Furthermore, as an alternative to the floating base member 425 a single continuous actuating strip 424 may be passed under the bottom of the bulky item 418 to provide a similar effect. In addition, depending upon the size and weight of bulky item, it may be desirable to provide two, three or more actuating strips laid parallel or crossing each other. Furthermore, the width, length, thickness and distance between the straps, as well as the handle may be adjusted to suit both the container size and to take the weight of the bulky item intended to be stored within the container.

Claims

1 . A snack food container comprising

a chamber for receiving a stack of snack food items therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container;

a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the stack between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having first and second ends located outside the walls of the chamber, the flexible platform passing under the stack such that when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform lifts the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user.

2. A snack food container according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible platform comprises a protective film also used to protect the stack of snack food items in the container.

3. A snack food container according to claim 2, wherein the protective film comprises a sealed film bag liner provided around the stack of snack foods and which further provides the flexible platform when the container is opened.

4. A snack food container according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible platform comprises a single flexible strip.

5. A snack food container according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible platform comprises at least a pair of flexible strips connected by a floating base member.

6. A snack food container according to any preceding claim, wherein an actuating collar is provided around the outside of the chamber and wherein the first and second ends of the flexible platform are connected to the actuating collar and the flexible platform passes over a lip toward one side of the container mouth, down one side of the chamber, under the stack, up the other side of the chamber and over a lip toward the other side of the container such that movement of the actuating collar down the outside of the chamber pulls the flexible platform over the lips of the mouth thereby raising the stack within the chamber.

7. A snack food container according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each flexible strip comprises a thin strip of plastics material.

8. A snack food container according to any preceding claim, wherein the stack of snack food comprises crisps, biscuits or other substantially planar snack foods.

9. A method of packaging snack foods in a snack food container, the method comprising providing a chamber for receiving a stack of snack food items therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container; providing a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the stack between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having first and second ends located outside the walls of the chamber such that when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform lifts the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user, and stacking the snack food items onto the flexible platform prior to sealing of the snack food container.

10. A flexible platform for a snack food container, the flexible platform comprising a lifting arrangement adapted to lift a stack of snack foods in a container between a lowered configuration in which the stack is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the stack is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having first and second ends adapted to be located outside the walls of the chamber and such that when positioned in the container, and when the first and second ends are pulled toward the base of the chamber the flexible platform will lift the stack in order to selectively present the stack to a user.

1 1 . A container comprising a chamber for receiving goods items therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container; a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the goods between a lowered configuration in which the goods are toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the goods are toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising at least a resilient lifting mechanism actuable between a stored configuration in which potential energy is stored therein and an active configuration in which the potential energy in the resilient lifting mechanism is at least partially released thereby selectively lifting the goods in order to selectively present the goods to a user, and where the resilient lifting means comprises resilient means attached to a floating base member provided beneath the goods.

12. A goods container according to claim 1 1 , wherein the resilient means comprises a lower spring member located between the underside of the floating base member and the base of the container, such that when the goods are placed on the floating base member the lower spring member is compressed between the floating base member and the base of the container.

13. A goods container according to claim 12, wherein the lower spring member comprises a coiled spring.

14. A goods container according to claim 12, wherein the lower spring member comprises at least a partially rolled strip of material.

15. A goods container according to any of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the resilient means comprises an upper spring member extending between the floating base member and an upper portion of the container, such that when the goods are placed on the floating base member the upper spring member extends between the floating base member and the upper portion of the container.

16. A goods container according to claim 15, wherein the upper spring member comprises a coiled spring.

17. A method of packaging goods in a container, the method comprising providing a chamber for receiving goods therein, the chamber having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container; providing a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the goods between a lowered configuration in which the goods are toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the goods are toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising at least a resilient lifting mechanism actuable between a stored configuration in which potential energy is stored therein and an active configuration in which the potential energy in the resilient lifting mechanism is at least partially released thereby selectively lifting the goods in order to selectively present the goods to a user, placing the goods items onto the lifting arrangement and pushing the lifting arrangement toward the base of the container prior to closing the container and where the resilient lifting means comprises resilient means attached to a floating base member provided beneath the goods.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the step of placing the goods items into the container comprises stacking a plurality of snack food items into the container.

19. A container for storing and transporting a bulky item, the container comprising side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the bulky item between a lowered configuration in which the bulky item is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the bulky item is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having a first end adapted to be pulled downwards from outside the walls of the container and a second end passing under the bulky item such that when the first end is pulled toward the base of the container the flexible platform is pulled over a bearing surface provided toward the mouth of the container and thereby lifts the bulky item in order to raise and selectively present the bulky item to a user, and frictional holding means adapted to retain the item in an elevated position.

20. A container according to claim 19, wherein the flexible platform comprises a single flexible strip.

21 . A container according to claim 19, wherein the flexible platform comprises at least a pair of flexible strips connected by a floating base member.

22. A container according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the second end of the flexible platform is attached to an anchoring location within the container.

23. A container according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the first and second ends of the flexible platform are provided with handles to facilitate actuation of the or each actuating strip.

24. A container according to claim 23, wherein the handles comprise a rigid grip member inserted through loops provided toward the ends of the or each actuating strip.

25. A container according to either of claims 23 or 24, wherein the first end of the flexible platform is connected to a first handle and the second end of the flexible platform is adapted to pass over a lip toward one side of the container mouth, down one side of the container, under the bulky item, up the other side of the container, over a lip toward the other side of the container and being connected to a second handle toward the other side of the container such that downward movement of the first and second handles on the outside of the container pulls the flexible platform over the lips of the mouth thereby raising the bulky item within the container.

26. A container according to any of claims 19 to 25, wherein the or each flexible strip comprises a thin strip of plastics or webbed material.

27. A container according to any of claims 21 to 26, wherein the bearing surfaces comprise a fold provided between a closure flap and the side wall of the container.

28. A container according to any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the frictional holding means comprises a plurality of rubberised members provided on at least a portion of the underside of the flexible platform.

29. A method of packaging bulky items in a container, the method comprising providing a container for receiving a bulky item therein, the container having side walls extending from a base to form a mouth of the container, providing a lifting arrangement adapted to lift the bulky item between a lowered configuration in which the bulky item is toward the base of the container, and a raised configuration in which the bulky item is toward the mouth of the container, the lifting arrangement comprising a flexible platform having a first end adapted to be pulled downwards from outside the walls of the container and a second end passing under the bulky item such that when the first end is pulled toward the base of the container the flexible platform is pulled over a bearing surface provided toward the mouth of the container and thereby lifts the bulky item in order to raise and selectively present the bulky item to a user, and placing the bulky item onto the flexible platform and into the container prior to closing of the container for transportation, and selectively retaining the item in an elevated position by way of frictional holding means.

30. A method according to claim 29, further comprising providing the flexible platform with at least a pair of flexible strips connected by a floating base member.

31 . A method according to either of claims 29 or 30, further comprising providing handles to facilitate actuation of the or each actuating strip and locating said handles adjacent an internal wall of the container to provide structural

reinforcement thereto during transportation.

32. A method according to claim 31 , wherein the step of locating the handles comprises locating the handles adjacent cut-out lift handles provided through the walls of the container in order to provide structural reinforcement thereto.

4153-4994-4576, v. 1