WO2023047295A1 - A cellulose fiber structure for carrying multiple items - Google Patents

A cellulose fiber structure for carrying multiple items Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023047295A1
WO2023047295A1 PCT/IB2022/058913 IB2022058913W WO2023047295A1 WO 2023047295 A1 WO2023047295 A1 WO 2023047295A1 IB 2022058913 W IB2022058913 W IB 2022058913W WO 2023047295 A1 WO2023047295 A1 WO 2023047295A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fiber
dimensional structure
tray
structure according
receiving
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/058913
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mari SUMURANTA
Mikael SJÖGREN
Andreas MALMQUIST
Anna STENSTRÖM
Original Assignee
Stora Enso Oyj
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 Stora Enso Oyj filed Critical Stora Enso Oyj
Publication of WO2023047295A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023047295A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/04—Flower-pot saucers
    • A01G9/045—Trays for receiving multiple pots
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029—Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0295—Units comprising two or more connected receptacles
    • 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
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
    • B65D1/36—Trays or like shallow containers with moulded compartments or partitions
    • 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
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/40—Details of walls
    • B65D1/42—Reinforcing or strengthening parts or members
    • B65D1/46—Local reinforcements, e.g. adjacent closures
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/441—Reinforcements
    • B65D5/443—Integral reinforcements, e.g. folds, flaps
    • 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
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/70—Trays provided with projections or recesses in order to assemble multiple articles, e.g. intermediate elements for stacking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
    • Y02W90/10—Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fiber-based three-dimensional structure for carrying a plurality of items
  • Natural fibers include cellulose fibers of any natural origin, such as derived from wood pulp and/or plants.
  • Trays for plants is an example of single-use packaging product where there is a strong interest of providing alternatives to plastic material.
  • trays based on recyclable material have shown to be inadequate when it comes to mechanical strength requirements.
  • a tray for pot plants made from moulded pulp is disclosed in EP3581021A1.
  • a carrying part is provided with a number of pot plant receiving compartments, each compartment also comprising clamping elements for retaining said pot.
  • packaging products arranged to carry multiple items e.g. trays for carrying plant pots
  • recyclable material which fulfill relevant mechanical strength requirements.
  • the object of the invention is obtained by means of a fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to the appended claims.
  • a fiber-based three-dimensional structure for carrying a plurality of items, said structure comprising a longitudinal side and a transversal side; a plurality of receiving compartments for receiving and carrying said items; a peripheral flange arranged along said longitudinal- and transversal sides, said flange being formed as a substantially downwardly extending wall portion, wherein the portion of the flange which extends along the transversal side of the structure comprises a downwardly extending flap member, wherein a folding crease is arranged between the wall portion and the flap member.
  • the flap member is arranged to be folded inwardly towards the structure along said folding crease, until it abuts the innermost surface of the wall portion, whereby a double-wall configuration is formed leading to reinforced stiffness of the structure as well as enhanced mechanical strength.
  • a recyclable carrying/transporting structure e.g. a tray
  • a design resulting in maximized mechanical stiffness and a robust and sturdy construction e.g. a recyclable carrying/transporting structure with minimal material usage, with a design resulting in maximized mechanical stiffness and a robust and sturdy construction.
  • a environmentally friendly lightweight tray may be provided which is strong enough to carry/transport a plurality of items, such as plant pots, without breaking.
  • the fiber-based three- dimensional structure is a tray arranged to carry a plurality of plant pots or plant nursery containers/pots, said tray comprising an essentially rectangular shape and having a plurality of receiving compartments evenly distributed across said tray, such as between 6-8 receiving compartments each arranged to receive and withhold a plant pot.
  • said fiber-based three-dimensional structure is unitarily moulded in cellulose based material.
  • said moulding is performed under heat and pressure in a so-called thermoforming procedure.
  • a circumferential rim extends along the outer peripheral edge of the structure, said rim comprising a substantially vertically protruding ridge arranged to enhance the mechanical stiffness of the fiber-based three- dimensional structure.
  • each of said receiving compartments comprises an uppermost receiving opening, a side wall, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface forms a contact surface and the side wall forms at least one support for an item to be received therein.
  • said receiving compartments comprise a frustoconical shape.
  • the circumferential rim transitions into a portion of the uppermost receiving openings of the respective receiving compartments. This means that there is essentially no distance between the outer edge of the rim and the uppermost receiving opening of the receiving compartment, i.e. the rim constitutes both the edge of the tray as well as the top orifice of the open top end of the respective receiving compartment. This ensures an optimized balance between maximizing the number of receiving compartments and minimizing the required volume of material used for producing each tray.
  • a portion of the side wall of said receiving compartment transitions into a substantially upright center portion, formed in a substantially upward/vertical direction, extending along a longitudinal direction at the center of the structure.
  • Said center portion is located between a plurality of receiving compartments, and comprises an upper surface positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as the top portion of said protruding ridge.
  • the vertically protruding center portion contributes to mechanical strength and stability of the carrying structure.
  • said upper surface of the center portion comprises a groove, and a drainage opening is positioned in said groove.
  • the groove leads to that the center portion obtains a profiled upper surface, with stiffening raised portions contributing to the overall mechanical strength and carrying capacity of the structure/tray.
  • water intended for the plants splashes onto said center portion and flows into said grooves.
  • drainage openings are provided in the groove/s ensuring that such water may exit the structure.
  • said structure comprises at least 4, preferable at least 6 or 8 receiving compartments.
  • the receiving compartments are aligned in two parallel, longitudinal rows, with each parallel line of compartments arranged to be offset in relation to the other, in order to allow optimum packing efficiency and to promote carrying strength of the structure/tray.
  • a drainage recess is arranged along each longitudinal alignment of receiving compartments such that an open passage is created between at least two longitudinally adjacent receiving compartments.
  • said drainage recess comprises at least one drainage opening for removal of excess water.
  • the lowermost bottom portion of said drainage recess is at the same horizontal level as the bottom surfaces of said receiving compartments.
  • said receiving compartments comprises one or more feet located at the bottom surface and arranged to elevate said bottom surface above a surface on which the structure is positioned during use thereof.
  • the structure is a tray which comprises a wall thickness between 0.5- 1.2, preferably between 0.7-0.9 mm, and a total weight between 100-150g, pref 110-130g.
  • the tray comprises a carrying capacity between 5-7 kg, preferably between 6-7 kg.
  • the tray has an essentially rectangular shape, with dimensions of 555 times 255 mm, and a height between 70-80 mm.
  • the invention also relates to an assembly comprising a tray according to the invention and at least one plant pot wherein in a stored position in a receiving compartment, where the plant pot has a lower plant pot region which is standing on the bottom surface and wherein the bottom contour of the receiving compartment of the tray is congruent with the base contour of the plant pot.
  • Figs, la-b show perspective views of a structure according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2a shows a side view of the structure of Figs, la-b;
  • Fig. 2b shows a top view of the structure of Figs, la-b
  • Fig. 3a shows a cross sectional view according to line Illa in Fig. la;
  • Fig. 3b shows a cross sectional view according to line Illb in Fig. la;
  • Figs. 4a-d illustrate consecutive steps of moving the flap member according to the invention into a folded configuration
  • Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of a structure according to a second embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 5b shows a cross sectional view according to line Vb in Fig. 5a;
  • Fig. 5c shows a detailed view according to dashed square Vc in Fig. 5a.
  • the fiber-based three-dimensional structure 1 for carrying a plurality of items is a tray arranged to carry and transport plant pots or plant nursery containers. It is however to be understood that the tray according to the invention may be used for carrying also other items, such as cups, mugs and/or food containers. According to the invention, the tray 1 is unitarily moulded in fiber-based material such as cellulose based material. Fibres used can be, for example, lignocellulose fibres derived from wood or agriculture sources. It can also be recycled fibre such as deinked pulp.
  • pulps included are kraft pulp, dissolving pulp, CTMP, TMP, NSSC, reinforcement pulps, cellulose fines, sulphite pulps, pulps obtained from e.g. organosolv processes.
  • the pulp can further be unbleached or bleached or even coloured.
  • the pulp used for moulding the tray according to the invention may further contain process and performance chemicals.
  • process chemicals are e.g. drainage chemicals, slip or lubricants, wet strength chemicals, and fillers.
  • performance chemicals are such that affects the final end product properties such as hydrophobicity (AKD, ASA, Rosin sizes, SMA, waxes preferably ⁇ 15 kg/tn), wet strength (various resins e.g. PAE), strength (polysaccharides such as starches or cellulose derivatives), rub resistance, oil and grease resistance (barrier chemicals esp. PVOH of derivatives thereof, cellulose derivatives), electrostaticity (metal salts), printability (Metal salts, cationic polymers, pigments), etc.
  • Some of the additives can improve both process and performance.
  • the tray according to the invention may further comprise a barrier layer to protect against e.g. water and moisture.
  • a barrier layer to protect against e.g. water and moisture.
  • the desired barrier property can be achieved by adding barrier chemicals into the pulp suspension before moulding. In such case, the amounts of chemicals needed to achieve desired effect is high because of bulk charge.
  • Another option is to apply surface treatment with barrier materials on a ready formed product.
  • longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes will be referred to, in a non-limiting way, as shown by the "L,V,T" trihedron in Fig. 1.
  • the plane defined between the transverse T and longitudinal L axis is a horizontal plane.
  • Figs. 1-3 show different schematic views of the inventive tray 1, comprising a transversal side X and a longitudinal side Y; a plurality of receiving compartments 2 for receiving and carrying said items; and a peripheral flange 5 arranged along the outer transversal X and longitudinal sides Y of the tray 1, said flange 5 being formed as a substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50.
  • the skilled person understands that the "longitudinal side” may be referred to as the "long side” and that the "transversal side” may be referred to as the "short side” of the tray 1.
  • the portion of the flange 5 which extends along the respective transversal sides of the structure 1 comprises downwardly extending flap members 52.
  • a folding crease 51 is arranged between the wall portion 50 of the flange 5 and said flap member 52. The function of the flap members 52 and advantages associated therewith will be more thoroughly explained in connection with Figs. 4a-d.
  • a circumferential, rim 3 extends along the outer peripheral edge of the tray 1, said rim 3 comprising a substantially vertically protruding stiffening ridge 30.
  • the rim 3 transitions at its peripheral end into said flange 5 and the substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50.
  • said substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50 does not need to extend in a vertical plane, and may slope to some extent, i.e. it may for instance be angled between 1 degrees and 8 degrees, for instance to ease release of the thermoformed container from a mould or mould part.
  • the tray 1 illustrated in the figures comprises eight receiving compartments 2, distributed evenly in two parallel rows on the rectangular-shaped tray. Each parallel row of compartments 2 is arranged to be offset in relation to the other.
  • Each compartment comprises an uppermost receiving opening 20, a side wall 21, and a bottom surface 22.
  • the bottom surface 22 forms a contact surface and the side wall 21 forms a support for an item to be received and carried therein.
  • the circumferential rim 3 transitions into the uppermost receiving openings 20 of the respective receiving compartments 2 and conjugates with the side wall 21.
  • the bottom surfaces 22 of the compartments comprise protruding feet 23 arranged to elevate said bottom surface above a surface on which the structure 1 can be positioned during use thereof.
  • the tray 1 is arranged with a middlemost, longitudinally extending center portion 4 for enhancing rigidity and strength of the structure.
  • the centermost portions of the respective compartment 2 side walls 21 transition into said substantially upright center portion 4, formed in a substantially upward/vertical direction.
  • Said center portion 4 is located between two parallel rows of receiving compartments 2, and comprises at least an upper surface 40 positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as the top part of said protruding ridge 30.
  • Said upper surface 40 comprises a groove 41 surrounded by raised portions which provide stiffening of the upper surface.
  • the groove 41 may comprise one or more openings 42 or through holes, for instance drainage holes for allowing surplus water to exit the respective cavity.
  • openings 42 or through holes for instance drainage holes for allowing surplus water to exit the respective cavity.
  • the center portion comprises a plurality of valleys 43 disposed between adjacent upper surfaces 40.
  • Fig. 3a shows a cross section of a tray along a longitudinal midline (see Illa in Fig. la) and
  • Fig. 3b shows a cross section of a tray along a transversal midline (see Illb in Fig. la).
  • Said valleys 43 are arranged essentially along a transversal direction, crossing the longitudinal midline of the tray 1.
  • the valleys 43 may be non-aligned, i.e. arranged in a non-parallel fashion with respect to each other, as seen in Fig. 2b.
  • Each longitudinal row of receiving compartments 2 comprises a drainage recess 6 arranged longitudinally along the structure 1 such that said an open passage is created between at least two of said plurality of receiving compartments 2.
  • Said drainage recess 6 comprises at least one drainage opening 60 for removal of excess water.
  • the lowermost bottom portion 61 of said drainage recess 6 is at the same horizontal level as the bottom surfaces 22 of said receiving compartments 2.
  • Figs. 4a-d representing detailed views of the transversal short side of a tray according to the invention, the function of the flap members 52 will now be explained.
  • said flange 5 is arranged around the outer peripheral edge of the tray 1, comprising a substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50.
  • the flange 5 also comprises downwardly extending flap members 52, protruding from the wall portion 50.
  • Said folding crease 51 is arranged between the wall portion 50 and the respective flap member 52.
  • the lowermost edge of the flap member 52 transitions into a projecting locking element 53 arranged in an angle with respect to the plane defined by the body of the flap member 52.
  • Figs. 4b-c illustrates in a schematic way the folding of the flap member 52 along said crease 51.
  • the flap member 52 is folded inwardly towards the structure 1 along said folding crease 51, until it abuts the inwardly facing surface 50' (see Fig. lb) of the wall portion 50.
  • the projecting locking element 53 will butt against the underside 10 of the tray 1 locking the flap member 52 in place.
  • Fig. 4d shows the tray 1 where the flap member 52 has been folded inwardly (i.e. towards the tray) substantially 180° compared to Fig. 4a.
  • a double-wall configuration is formed at the respective transversal short side of the tray 1 leading to reinforced stiffness of the structure and enhanced mechanical strength.
  • Figs. 5a-c schematically illustrate a tray 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • at least one of said valleys 43 disposed between adjacent upper surfaces 40 comprises a longitudinally arranged bridge structure 44 adjoining said adjacent upper surfaces 40 (see e.g. Fig. 5c). This outline contributes to increased strength and rigidity of the overall structure 1.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Yarns And Mechanical Finishing Of Yarns Or Ropes (AREA)
  • Multicomponent Fibers (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a fiber-based three-dimensional structure for carrying a plurality of items, said structure comprising: -a longitudinal side and a transversal side; -a plurality of receiving compartments for receiving and carrying said items; -a peripheral flange arranged along said longitudinal- and transversal sides, said flange being formed as a substantially downwardly extending wall portion, wherein the portion of the flange which extends along the transversal side of the structure comprise a downwardly extending flap member, wherein a folding crease is arranged between the wall portion and the flap member.

Description

A CELLULOSE FIBER STRUCTURE FOR CARRYING MULTIPLE ITEMS
Technical field
The present invention relates to a fiber-based three-dimensional structure for carrying a plurality of items
Background
There is a growing interest for producing cellulose based products, e.g. for use as packaging applications for plants and foodstuff, tableware, trays, technical products, electronic equipment and/or consumer goods. Several advantages are associated with the use of natural fibers for manufacturing packages. Being a renewable resource, natural fibers provide a sustainable alternative to other packaging materials such as aluminum and plastics, and furthermore natural fibers are both recyclable and biodegradable allowing for composting. Natural fibers include cellulose fibers of any natural origin, such as derived from wood pulp and/or plants.
Trays for plants is an example of single-use packaging product where there is a strong interest of providing alternatives to plastic material. However, trays based on recyclable material have shown to be inadequate when it comes to mechanical strength requirements.
An example of a tray for pot plants made from moulded pulp is disclosed in EP3581021A1. Herein, a carrying part is provided with a number of pot plant receiving compartments, each compartment also comprising clamping elements for retaining said pot. There is a need for packaging products arranged to carry multiple items (e.g. trays for carrying plant pots) made from recyclable material which fulfill relevant mechanical strength requirements.
Object of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging product arranged to carry multiple items (such as a tray for carrying pot plants, cups or mugs) which is recyclable and has adequate mechanical strength.
Summary of the invention
The object of the invention is obtained by means of a fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to the appended claims.
Thus, according to the invention, there is provided a fiber-based three-dimensional structure for carrying a plurality of items, said structure comprising a longitudinal side and a transversal side; a plurality of receiving compartments for receiving and carrying said items; a peripheral flange arranged along said longitudinal- and transversal sides, said flange being formed as a substantially downwardly extending wall portion, wherein the portion of the flange which extends along the transversal side of the structure comprises a downwardly extending flap member, wherein a folding crease is arranged between the wall portion and the flap member.
According to the invention, the flap member is arranged to be folded inwardly towards the structure along said folding crease, until it abuts the innermost surface of the wall portion, whereby a double-wall configuration is formed leading to reinforced stiffness of the structure as well as enhanced mechanical strength. Thanks to the invention, there is provided a recyclable carrying/transporting structure (e.g. a tray) with minimal material usage, with a design resulting in maximized mechanical stiffness and a robust and sturdy construction. Hereby, a environmentally friendly lightweight tray may be provided which is strong enough to carry/transport a plurality of items, such as plant pots, without breaking.
According to one aspect of the invention, the fiber-based three- dimensional structure is a tray arranged to carry a plurality of plant pots or plant nursery containers/pots, said tray comprising an essentially rectangular shape and having a plurality of receiving compartments evenly distributed across said tray, such as between 6-8 receiving compartments each arranged to receive and withhold a plant pot.
In a preferred outline, said fiber-based three-dimensional structure is unitarily moulded in cellulose based material. Preferably, said moulding is performed under heat and pressure in a so-called thermoforming procedure.
According to one aspect of the invention, a circumferential rim extends along the outer peripheral edge of the structure, said rim comprising a substantially vertically protruding ridge arranged to enhance the mechanical stiffness of the fiber-based three- dimensional structure.
According to another aspect of the present invention, each of said receiving compartments comprises an uppermost receiving opening, a side wall, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface forms a contact surface and the side wall forms at least one support for an item to be received therein. Preferably, said receiving compartments comprise a frustoconical shape.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the circumferential rim transitions into a portion of the uppermost receiving openings of the respective receiving compartments. This means that there is essentially no distance between the outer edge of the rim and the uppermost receiving opening of the receiving compartment, i.e. the rim constitutes both the edge of the tray as well as the top orifice of the open top end of the respective receiving compartment. This ensures an optimized balance between maximizing the number of receiving compartments and minimizing the required volume of material used for producing each tray.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a portion of the side wall of said receiving compartment transitions into a substantially upright center portion, formed in a substantially upward/vertical direction, extending along a longitudinal direction at the center of the structure. Said center portion is located between a plurality of receiving compartments, and comprises an upper surface positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as the top portion of said protruding ridge. The vertically protruding center portion contributes to mechanical strength and stability of the carrying structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, said upper surface of the center portion comprises a groove, and a drainage opening is positioned in said groove. The groove leads to that the center portion obtains a profiled upper surface, with stiffening raised portions contributing to the overall mechanical strength and carrying capacity of the structure/tray. However, in case of a plant pot carrying tray, there is a risk that water intended for the plants splashes onto said center portion and flows into said grooves. For that reason, drainage openings are provided in the groove/s ensuring that such water may exit the structure.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, said structure comprises at least 4, preferable at least 6 or 8 receiving compartments. In a particular embodiment, the receiving compartments are aligned in two parallel, longitudinal rows, with each parallel line of compartments arranged to be offset in relation to the other, in order to allow optimum packing efficiency and to promote carrying strength of the structure/tray.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a drainage recess is arranged along each longitudinal alignment of receiving compartments such that an open passage is created between at least two longitudinally adjacent receiving compartments. Preferably, said drainage recess comprises at least one drainage opening for removal of excess water. Preferably, the lowermost bottom portion of said drainage recess is at the same horizontal level as the bottom surfaces of said receiving compartments. This is an advantage in the particular embodiment of a plant pot tray, because it allows for watering multiple plants by adding water into only one compartment: i.e. the open passage will admit water to access all of the compartments along the same longitudinal alignment.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, said receiving compartments comprises one or more feet located at the bottom surface and arranged to elevate said bottom surface above a surface on which the structure is positioned during use thereof. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the structure is a tray which comprises a wall thickness between 0.5- 1.2, preferably between 0.7-0.9 mm, and a total weight between 100-150g, pref 110-130g. Preferably, the tray comprises a carrying capacity between 5-7 kg, preferably between 6-7 kg. Preferably, the tray has an essentially rectangular shape, with dimensions of 555 times 255 mm, and a height between 70-80 mm.
The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a tray according to the invention and at least one plant pot wherein in a stored position in a receiving compartment, where the plant pot has a lower plant pot region which is standing on the bottom surface and wherein the bottom contour of the receiving compartment of the tray is congruent with the base contour of the plant pot.
Advantageous embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure are described in the appended claims.
Brief description of the figures
By way of non-limiting examples only, embodiments of aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Figs, la-b show perspective views of a structure according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2a shows a side view of the structure of Figs, la-b;
Fig. 2b shows a top view of the structure of Figs, la-b; Fig. 3a shows a cross sectional view according to line Illa in Fig. la;
Fig. 3b shows a cross sectional view according to line Illb in Fig. la;
Figs. 4a-d illustrate consecutive steps of moving the flap member according to the invention into a folded configuration;
Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of a structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5b shows a cross sectional view according to line Vb in Fig. 5a; and
Fig. 5c shows a detailed view according to dashed square Vc in Fig. 5a.
Detailed description
The fiber-based three-dimensional structure 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to the appended figures.
According to the invention, the fiber-based three-dimensional structure 1 for carrying a plurality of items is a tray arranged to carry and transport plant pots or plant nursery containers. It is however to be understood that the tray according to the invention may be used for carrying also other items, such as cups, mugs and/or food containers. According to the invention, the tray 1 is unitarily moulded in fiber-based material such as cellulose based material. Fibres used can be, for example, lignocellulose fibres derived from wood or agriculture sources. It can also be recycled fibre such as deinked pulp. Other examples of pulps included are kraft pulp, dissolving pulp, CTMP, TMP, NSSC, reinforcement pulps, cellulose fines, sulphite pulps, pulps obtained from e.g. organosolv processes. The pulp can further be unbleached or bleached or even coloured.
The pulp used for moulding the tray according to the invention may further contain process and performance chemicals. Example of process chemicals are e.g. drainage chemicals, slip or lubricants, wet strength chemicals, and fillers. Example, of performance chemicals are such that affects the final end product properties such as hydrophobicity (AKD, ASA, Rosin sizes, SMA, waxes preferably <15 kg/tn), wet strength (various resins e.g. PAE), strength (polysaccharides such as starches or cellulose derivatives), rub resistance, oil and grease resistance (barrier chemicals esp. PVOH of derivatives thereof, cellulose derivatives), electrostaticity (metal salts), printability (Metal salts, cationic polymers, pigments), etc. Some of the additives can improve both process and performance.
The tray according to the invention may further comprise a barrier layer to protect against e.g. water and moisture. The desired barrier property can be achieved by adding barrier chemicals into the pulp suspension before moulding. In such case, the amounts of chemicals needed to achieve desired effect is high because of bulk charge. Another option is to apply surface treatment with barrier materials on a ready formed product.
In the following, the term "tray" is used to denote the fiber-based three-dimensional structure 1.
In the remaining part of the description, longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes will be referred to, in a non-limiting way, as shown by the "L,V,T" trihedron in Fig. 1. As commonly understood, the plane defined between the transverse T and longitudinal L axis is a horizontal plane.
Figs. 1-3 show different schematic views of the inventive tray 1, comprising a transversal side X and a longitudinal side Y; a plurality of receiving compartments 2 for receiving and carrying said items; and a peripheral flange 5 arranged along the outer transversal X and longitudinal sides Y of the tray 1, said flange 5 being formed as a substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50. The skilled person understands that the "longitudinal side" may be referred to as the "long side" and that the "transversal side" may be referred to as the "short side" of the tray 1. The portion of the flange 5 which extends along the respective transversal sides of the structure 1 comprises downwardly extending flap members 52. A folding crease 51 is arranged between the wall portion 50 of the flange 5 and said flap member 52. The function of the flap members 52 and advantages associated therewith will be more thoroughly explained in connection with Figs. 4a-d.
A circumferential, rim 3 extends along the outer peripheral edge of the tray 1, said rim 3 comprising a substantially vertically protruding stiffening ridge 30. The rim 3 transitions at its peripheral end into said flange 5 and the substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50. It will be appreciated that said substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50 does not need to extend in a vertical plane, and may slope to some extent, i.e. it may for instance be angled between 1 degrees and 8 degrees, for instance to ease release of the thermoformed container from a mould or mould part. The tray 1 illustrated in the figures comprises eight receiving compartments 2, distributed evenly in two parallel rows on the rectangular-shaped tray. Each parallel row of compartments 2 is arranged to be offset in relation to the other. This allows for optimum packing efficiency and promotes carrying strength of the structure/tray. The compartments 2 may have different shapes, however in the appended figures they are frustoconical. Each compartment comprises an uppermost receiving opening 20, a side wall 21, and a bottom surface 22. The bottom surface 22 forms a contact surface and the side wall 21 forms a support for an item to be received and carried therein.
As seen e.g. in Fig. la, the circumferential rim 3 transitions into the uppermost receiving openings 20 of the respective receiving compartments 2 and conjugates with the side wall 21.
As can be further seen in Fig. lb, the bottom surfaces 22 of the compartments comprise protruding feet 23 arranged to elevate said bottom surface above a surface on which the structure 1 can be positioned during use thereof.
The tray 1 is arranged with a middlemost, longitudinally extending center portion 4 for enhancing rigidity and strength of the structure. As seen e.g. in Fig. la, the centermost portions of the respective compartment 2 side walls 21 transition into said substantially upright center portion 4, formed in a substantially upward/vertical direction. Said center portion 4 is located between two parallel rows of receiving compartments 2, and comprises at least an upper surface 40 positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as the top part of said protruding ridge 30. Said upper surface 40 comprises a groove 41 surrounded by raised portions which provide stiffening of the upper surface. The groove 41 may comprise one or more openings 42 or through holes, for instance drainage holes for allowing surplus water to exit the respective cavity. As seen e.g. in Figs. 3a-b, the center portion comprises a plurality of valleys 43 disposed between adjacent upper surfaces 40. Fig. 3a shows a cross section of a tray along a longitudinal midline (see Illa in Fig. la) and Fig. 3b shows a cross section of a tray along a transversal midline (see Illb in Fig. la). Said valleys 43 are arranged essentially along a transversal direction, crossing the longitudinal midline of the tray 1. The valleys 43 may be non-aligned, i.e. arranged in a non-parallel fashion with respect to each other, as seen in Fig. 2b.
Each longitudinal row of receiving compartments 2 comprises a drainage recess 6 arranged longitudinally along the structure 1 such that said an open passage is created between at least two of said plurality of receiving compartments 2. Said drainage recess 6 comprises at least one drainage opening 60 for removal of excess water. As seen e.g. in Fig. 3b, the lowermost bottom portion 61 of said drainage recess 6 is at the same horizontal level as the bottom surfaces 22 of said receiving compartments 2. Thus, water which is added into one compartment 2 may flow into the adjacent ones via said drainage recess 6 thereby reaching all plant pots placed in the same longitudinal row.
Turning to Figs. 4a-d, representing detailed views of the transversal short side of a tray according to the invention, the function of the flap members 52 will now be explained. In Fig. 4a, it can be seen that said flange 5 is arranged around the outer peripheral edge of the tray 1, comprising a substantially downwardly extending wall portion 50. At each of the respective transversal sides (short sides) of the tray, the flange 5 also comprises downwardly extending flap members 52, protruding from the wall portion 50. Said folding crease 51 is arranged between the wall portion 50 and the respective flap member 52. The lowermost edge of the flap member 52 transitions into a projecting locking element 53 arranged in an angle with respect to the plane defined by the body of the flap member 52.
Figs. 4b-c illustrates in a schematic way the folding of the flap member 52 along said crease 51. As seen therein, the flap member 52 is folded inwardly towards the structure 1 along said folding crease 51, until it abuts the inwardly facing surface 50' (see Fig. lb) of the wall portion 50. Upon pressing the flap member 52 to abut said inwardly facing wall surface 50', the projecting locking element 53 will butt against the underside 10 of the tray 1 locking the flap member 52 in place. Fig. 4d shows the tray 1 where the flap member 52 has been folded inwardly (i.e. towards the tray) substantially 180° compared to Fig. 4a. Hereby, a double-wall configuration is formed at the respective transversal short side of the tray 1 leading to reinforced stiffness of the structure and enhanced mechanical strength.
Figs. 5a-c schematically illustrate a tray 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. As seen herein, at least one of said valleys 43 disposed between adjacent upper surfaces 40 comprises a longitudinally arranged bridge structure 44 adjoining said adjacent upper surfaces 40 (see e.g. Fig. 5c). This outline contributes to increased strength and rigidity of the overall structure 1.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art.
The embodiments have been chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and hence make it possible for specialists to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims

1. A fiber-based three-dimensional structure for carrying a plurality of items, said structure (1) comprising: -transversal side (X) a and a longitudinal side (Y);
-a plurality of receiving compartments (2) for receiving and carrying said items;
-a peripheral flange (5) arranged along said longitudinal- and transversal sides, said flange being formed as a substantially downwardly extending wall portion (50), characterized in that the portion of the flange which extends along the transversal side of the structure (1) comprise a downwardly extending flap member (52), wherein a folding crease (51) is arranged between the wall portion (50) and the flap member (52).
2. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to claim 1, wherein a circumferential rim (3) extends along the outer peripheral edge of the structure, said rim (3) comprising a substantially vertically protruding ridge (30) arranged to enhance the mechanical stiffness of the fiberbased three-dimensional structure.
3. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each of said receiving compartments (2) comprises an uppermost receiving opening (20), a side wall (21), and a bottom surface (22), wherein the bottom surface forms a contact surface and the side wall forms a support for an item to be received therein.
4. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said receiving compartments (2) comprise a frustoconical shape.
5. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the circumferential rim (3) transitions into the uppermost receiving openings (20) of the respective receiving compartments (2).
6. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a portion of the side wall (21) of said receiving compartment (2) transitions into a substantially upright center portion (4), formed in a substantially upward/vertical direction, extending along a longitudinal direction at the center of the structure (1).
7. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according claim 6, wherein said center portion (4) is located between a plurality of receiving compartments (2), and wherein said center portion (4) comprises an upper surface (40) positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as said protruding ridge (30).
8. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to claim 7, wherein said upper surface (40) comprise a groove (41), and wherein a drainage opening (42) is positioned in said groove (41).
9. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the center portion (4) comprises a plurality of valleys (43) disposed between adjacent upper surfaces (40). 16
10. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein at least one of said valleys (43) comprises a longitudinally arranged bridge structure (44) adjoining said adjacent upper surfaces (40).
11. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a drainage recess (6) is arranged longitudinally along the structure (1) such that said drainage recess creates an open passage between at least two of said plurality of receiving compartments (2).
12. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to claim 11, wherein said drainage recess (6) comprises at least one drainage opening (60) for removal of excess water.
13. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein the lowermost bottom portion (61) of said drainage recess (6) is at the same horizontal level as the bottom surfaces (22) of said receiving compartments (2).
14. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to anyone of the claims 3 - 13, wherein said receiving compartments comprises one or more feet (23) located at the bottom surface (22) and arranged to elevate said bottom surface above a surface on which the structure (1) is positioned during use thereof.
15. The fiber-based three-dimensional structure according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the structure is a tray (1) arranged to carry a plurality of plant pots. 17 The tray according to claim 15, comprising a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, and a total weight between 100 - 150 grams, preferably 110 - 130 grams. The tray according to claim 16, comprising a carrying capacity between 5 to 7 kg, preferably between 6-7 kg. The tray according to any one of claims 16-17, having an essentially rectangular shape, preferably with dimensions of 555 times 255 mm, and a height between 70-80 mm The tray according to anyone of claims 16 - 18, wherein the tray is unitarily moulded in fiber-based material such as cellulose based material. Assembly comprising a plant tray according to any of claims 16 -19 and at least one plant pot wherein in a stored position in a compartment, the plant pot has a lower plant pot region which is standing on the lower base region and wherein the base contour of the plant tray is congruent with the base contour of the plant pot.
PCT/IB2022/058913 2021-09-24 2022-09-21 A cellulose fiber structure for carrying multiple items WO2023047295A1 (en)

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US20190300227A1 (en) * 2016-08-12 2019-10-03 Zoltan Slavik Biodegradable Partitioned Tray For Storing And Transport Of Packaged Food Products
EP3581021A1 (en) * 2018-06-13 2019-12-18 Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Technology B.V. Tray for pot plants and method for manufacturing such tray
EP3708329A1 (en) * 2019-03-14 2020-09-16 Plantopia Ltd Multi-compartment tray

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US4344530A (en) * 1980-09-17 1982-08-17 International Container Systems, Inc. Case for beverage bottles
US4344530B1 (en) * 1980-09-17 1988-03-29
US20060213962A1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-28 Novacart S.P.A. Tray for foodstuffs
EP1847462A1 (en) * 2006-04-20 2007-10-24 Ipack S.r.l. Method for making a display container for foodstuffs and a dispaly container made using this method
US20140166517A1 (en) * 2012-12-16 2014-06-19 Karl Ronald Chapel Tray for transporting horticultural containers
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US20190300227A1 (en) * 2016-08-12 2019-10-03 Zoltan Slavik Biodegradable Partitioned Tray For Storing And Transport Of Packaged Food Products
EP3479679A1 (en) * 2017-11-06 2019-05-08 Houdstermaatschappij Modiform B.V. Plant tray, and method for forming a plant tray
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EP3708329A1 (en) * 2019-03-14 2020-09-16 Plantopia Ltd Multi-compartment tray

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