WO2024047343A1

WO2024047343A1 - Punnet

Info

Publication number: WO2024047343A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/052238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Harrison; Erica Skyrme; Joseph PRETTEJOHN
Original assignee: Par-Pak Europe Limited
Priority date: 2022-08-30
Filing date: 2023-08-30
Publication date: 2024-03-07
Also published as: GB202212565D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a punnet (100) for packaging food, the punnet comprising: a base (102) having one or more side walls (104, 106, 108, 110) extending therefrom, the base and the one or more side walls together defining a receptacle for holding food, wherein the base comprises: a peripheral region (138, 238) arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane; and an inner region (150, 550, 250) bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle, wherein the inner region provides at least one of: one or more connecting portions (144, 544, 644a, 644b) together separating two or more areas of the inner region, the connecting portions extending towards the ground contact plane relative to the respective areas separated thereby; and at least one protrusion (252, 254, 256, 258, 268, 262, 264, 266) extending from the inner region by at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane. PUNNET (Figure 1)

Description

PUNNET

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a punnet for packaging food, in particular to a punnet for packaging soft produce, such as fruit, in particular berries, as well as to a mould insert for use in forming the punnet.

Background to the invention

Commonly, delicate foods, such as fruit, in particular berries, are packaged in punnets formed from a plastics material, with a top covering provided by a plastics film. Often, a bubble mat is provided on a base of the punnet to cushion delicate berries from impact between the base of the punnet and a hard surface, thereby reducing or even avoiding damage to the delicate berries. A bubble mat is sometimes referred to as bubble wrap, and is typically formed from two sheets of plastics material, joined in a lattice arrangement to define a plurality of air pockets therein. The bubble mat provides a protectionary cushioning function in packaging.

Unfortunately, the bubble mat is typically glued onto the base of the punnet with an adhesive, and may also be formed from a plastics material which is different from the material used to form the punnet. Accordingly, it may be difficult or impermissible to recycle the punnets having bubble mats. It is also known to provide a plastics punnet having a domed region in a rectangular base, the domed region having a plurality of parallel depressions running parallel to a long axis of the punnet.

It is in this context that the present disclosure has been devised.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punnet for packaging food. The punnet comprises a base having one or more side walls extending therefrom. The base and the one or more side walls together define a receptacle for holding food. The base comprises a peripheral region arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane. The base comprises an inner region bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle. The inner region provides at least one of: one or more connecting portions together separating two or more areas of the inner region, the connecting portions extending towards the ground contact plane relative to the respective areas separated thereby; and at least one protrusion extending from the inner region by at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane.

Advantageously, the provision of the one or more connecting portions strengthens the inner region, providing added resistance to deformation of the inner region, even when relatively flexible (for example, thin gauge) material is used in manufacture of the base. Furthermore, this ensures that even with depression of the inner region, the regions of the punnet at each end of the one or more connecting portions (such as the side walls in some examples) are not deformed too much themselves, which would negatively affect the strength and stability of the punnet. In particular, by reducing flex in the side walls at the base of the punnet, the likelihood that the two area of the inner region will invert and not revert back to their original shape is significantly reduced.

A further advantage is that, in a punnet for packaging food, having a base comprising an inner region extending inwardly into the receptable (otherwise referred to as a domed base), providing one or more protrusions extending from the inner region towards the ground contact plane by a distance which is at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane prevents the inner region from depressing so far down towards the ground contact plane that the inner region will partially invert and stay inverted. Instead, the protrusions ensure that any depression of the inner region is only to an extent where the inner region can revert back to its normal shape, maintaining protection for the food packaged in the punnet. Protrusions which are shorter than this do not typically prevent the partial inversion of the inner region, and therefore are not as robust at protecting the food packaged in the punnet.

It may be that a boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region defines a non-circular shape.

Advantageously, non-circular shapes are more resistant to stable inversion than circular shapes.

It may be that the boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region defines a shape having no straight lines. It may be that the boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region defines a shape having no sharp corners.

It may be that the boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region comprises one or more inflection points. It may be that the boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region is a non-circular non-polygon. It may be that a boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region defines a circular shape.

It will be understood that the boundary typically demarks the edge of an area of the inner region which extends into the receptacle from the base. Typically, a concave corner (when considered from the receptacle) exists when moving from the region of the base outside the area, into the area, in a direction perpendicular to the boundary.

It may be that the non-circular shape comprises one or more non-convex regions.

Advantageously, non-convex regions have an edge which strengthens the shape and improves the resistance of the shape to permanent inversion following depression of that shape.

It may be that, relative to the inside of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region, at least one or more of the corners are curved away from the centre of the respective area. It may be that the one or more non-convex regions comprise one or more concave regions.

Advantageously, edges defining concave regions are particularly resistant to permanent inversion following depression of that shape.

It may be that the non-circular shape comprises one or more convex regions.

Advantageously, edges defining convex regions are particularly resistant to permanent inversion following depression of that shape.

It may be that, relative to the inside of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region, at least one or more of the corners are curved towards the centre of the respective area.

It may be that the non-circular shape comprises at least three concave regions and at least three convex regions.

Advantageously, shapes having at least three concave regions and at least three convex regions are particularly effective at resisting permanent inversion when the shape is depressed and are therefore better at reducing damage to food packaged in the punnet.

It may be that the non-circular shape comprises at least four concave regions and at least four convex regions. It may be that the non-circular shape comprises exactly four concave regions and exactly four convex regions. It may be that the non-circular shape comprises at least five concave regions and at least five convex regions. It may be that the non-circular shape comprises exactly five concave regions and exactly five convex regions. It may be that the non-circular shape comprises at least six concave regions and at least four six regions. It may be that the non-circular shape comprises exactly six concave regions and exactly six convex regions.

It may be that at least one portion of the inner region, away from the peripheral region, extends to the ground contact plane. Advantageously, as the inner region is inclined to extend to the ground contact plane, the food packaged inside the punnet is protected from impacts on the base of the receptacle because the base is raised in some places. This means that the lowest point on the base, which is the part of the based defining the ground contact plane, is the most likely part of the base to be impacted. By providing a base having portions extending away from the ground contact plane, the food resting on these portions of the base are not damaged by impact of the ground contact plane.

It may be that the at least one portion of the inner region, away from the peripheral region, extends to the ground contact plane at an angle of no more than 45°, no more than 30°, no more than 20°, no more than 15°, or no more than 10° degrees to the horizontal.

It may be that at least one of the two or more areas has a longitudinal axis. It may be that at least one of the two or more areas has, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the ground contact plane, a first local maximum width and a second local maximum width. It may be that the second local maximum width is greater than the first local maximum width. It may be that a distance between the first local maximum width and a closest one of the one or more side walls to the first local maximum width along the longitudinal axis is less than a distance between the second local maximum width and a closest one of the one or more side walls to the second local maximum width along the longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, areas having this shape are more resistant to permanent inversion because the forces on the material cause the area to revert back to its original form following deformation.

Typically, the area may comprise an outermost portion and an innermost portion, where the outermost portion is further from the centre of the base than the innermost portion. Typically, the first local maximum width is closer to the innermost portion of the area than the second local maximum width is to the innermost portion of the area. Typically, the second local maximum width is the widest width of the area in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the area. Typically, the area comprises a local minimum width which is the narrowest width of the area in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the area. Typically, the second local maximum width is greater than the local minimum width and less than the first local maximum width. At least one of the two or more areas of the inner region may have a surface area of at least five square centimetres. The surface area may be at least ten square centimetres. The surface area may be at least fifteen square centimetres. The surface area may be less than 100 square centimetres. The surface area may be less than 50 square centimetres. The surface area may be less than 40 square centimetres. It may be that a plurality of the two or more areas of the inner region may have a surface area within the bounds described hereinbefore. It may be that each of the two or more areas of the inner region may have a surface area within the bounds described hereinbefore. Thus, the base provides an effective cushioning effect to soft produce, which reduces the potential for damage to soft produce during transit.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punnet for packaging food. The punnet comprises: a base having one or more side walls extending therefrom. The base and the one or more side walls together define a receptacle for holding food. The base comprises a peripheral region arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use. The peripheral region defines a ground contact plane. The base further comprises an inner region bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle. The inner region provides at least one protrusion extending from the inner region by at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane.

Typically, the or each of the at least one protrusion does not extend all the way to the ground contact plane, allowing the inner region to flex to provide a cushioning effect to the food packaged in the punnet. Alternatively, the or each of the least one protrusion may comprise an undulating surface which extends towards and away from the ground contact plane.

It may be that, when the punnet comprises more than one protrusion, at least one of the protrusions is of a different shape to the other protrusions. That is, the protrusions may comprise protrusions of at least two different shapes. The protrusions may be arranged in the inner region such that the base comprises a central protrusion at least partially surrounded by outer protrusions. The protrusions may be arranged in the inner region such that the base comprises a central protrusion at least partially surrounded by outer protrusions and the one or more connecting portions. The outer protrusions may be positioned further away from the centre of the base than the central protrusion is positioned. The or each of the at least one protrusion may extend in a direction normal to the ground contact plane.

Each at least one protrusion may be provided by a depression in the inner region of the base. In other words, the internal surface of the inner region has a depression therein which defines and corresponds to the protrusion in the outer surface of the inner region at the same location. Thus, the at least one protrusion is easily formed in normal thermoforming manufacture processes. It is understood that the at least one protrusion may be of any suitable shape as to provide cushioning of the inner region and stabilization against permanent deformation.

Each at least one protrusion may be resiliency deformable. In other words, if the protrusion itself is deformed, the protrusion is arranged to reform to its original shape. This ensures that the protrusion itself provides a further flexible cushioning effect, enhancing the protection provided to food in the punnet.

The plurality of protrusions may be of a plurality of differing sizes including in width across the inner region of the base or in depth toward the ground contact plane or both in order to enhance protection of the particular food stored in the punnet.

At least a region of the base may be resiliency deformable. In other words, if the region of the base itself is deformed, the punnet is arranged to ensure that the region of the base reforms to its original shape. The inner region of the base may be resiliency deformable.

Each at least one protrusion may be arranged to define a substantially spherical cap protruding from the inner region towards the ground contact plane. It will be understood that the spherical cap is particularly well suited to providing a required cushioning functionality in the inner region of the base, enhancing protection of the food in the punnet.

The at least one protrusion may be a plurality of protrusions. For example, the plurality of protrusions may be at least four protrusions, such as exactly four protrusions or exactly eight protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may be distributed across the inner region. Typically, the one or more connecting portions is a brace extending towards the ground contact plane relative to a peak height of the areas of the inner region. The brace may extend towards the ground contact plane beyond a plane defined parallel to the ground contact plane and a quarter of the way between the peak height of the areas of the inner region and the ground contact plane. Thus, the brace provides the bracing functionality by virtue of not extending as far into the receptacle as the areas of the inner region other than the brace.

The brace may extend between a first portion of the peripheral region adjacent to a first side wall, and a second portion of the peripheral region adjacent to a second side wall, opposite the first side wall. Thus, the brace is used to restrict expansion of the side walls of the punnet during deformation of the inner region of the base.

The first side wall and the second side wall may be long sides of the punnet.

In some examples, it may be that the inner region may provide a plurality of braces separating more than two areas of the inner region.

The one or more connecting portions may extend away from the ground contact plane. In other words, the brace may define a bowed profile. It has been realised that a bowed profile of the brace further enhances the rigidity of the base, even with relatively flexible plastics material, for example of a relatively thin gauge. The brace may extend away from the ground contact plane in at least a central portion of the brace. The brace may act as a strengthening rib across the inner region.

A maximum height of the one or more connecting portions away from the ground contact plane into the receptacle may be less than a maximum height of the two or more areas of the inner region away from the ground contact plane into the receptacle.

The one or more connection portions may be a single connection portion provided centrally between exactly two areas of the inner region. Each of the two areas may be equal in size.

A projection of each line defining a border between the one or more connecting portions and each respective one of the two or more areas of the inner region onto the ground contact plane each include one or more bends. In other words, the border may be non- straight. It has been found that this further enhances the rigidity of the base, even with relatively flexible plastics material, for example of a relatively thin gauge.

In some examples, the inner region may provide both the brace and the at least one protrusion described hereinbefore.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punnet for packaging food. The punnet comprises: a base having one or more side walls extending therefrom. The base and the one or more side walls together define a receptacle for holding food. The base comprises a peripheral region arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use. The peripheral region defines a ground contact plane. The base further comprises an inner region bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle. The inner region provides a brace separating two areas of the inner region, extending towards the ground contact plane.

The base and the one or more side walls of the punnet may be arranged such that, for a generally spherical item (e.g. a sphere) having a diameter of 3 centimetres in the receptable, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base, an angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

Thus, it has been realised that foods having sizes approximately equal to or greater than a diameter of 3 centimetres will be at least partially protected from significant damage or bruising during transport and storage in punnets having the base and the one or more side walls arranged as described. Typically, a damaging pinch of such foods can be avoided, because the foods are simply moved slightly towards the centre of the punnet where the inner region is deformed or depressed.

This in itself is believed to be novel and so, in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punnet for packaging food. The punnet comprises: a base having one or more side walls extending therefrom, the base and the one or more side walls together defining a receptacle for holding food. The base comprises: a peripheral region arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane; and an inner region bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle. The base and the one or more side walls of the punnet are arranged such that, for a generally spherical item (e.g. a sphere) having a diameter of 3 centimetres in the receptable, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base, an angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

The sphere may have a diameter of 2 centimetres. Thus, the base and the one or more side walls may be arranged to function appropriately for smaller foods. The angle may be no less than 60 degrees. Thus, the amount of lateral movement of the foods in response to deformation of the inner region is reduced.

When the sphere is in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base at a corner of the base of the punnet, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region may be no less than 45 degrees. Thus, appropriate protection of the foods is provided in at least one corner of the base of the punnet. The angle may be no less than 60 degrees.

For any position of the sphere in the punnet, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base at each respective corner of the base of the punnet, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region may be no less than 45 degrees.

For any position of the sphere in the punnet, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region may be no less than 45 degrees. Thus, appropriate protection of the foods is provided substantially anywhere in contact with the base of the punnet and a side wall of the punnet. The angle may be no less than 60 degrees.

A projection of at least one line defining a border between the inner region and the peripheral region adjacent to a respective at least one side wall onto the ground contact plane may each include one or more bends. In other words, each portion of the border adjacent to a respective side wall may be non-straight. It has been found that this further enhances the rigidity of the base, even with relatively flexible plastics material, for example of a relatively thin gauge.

At least a portion of the inner region may extend inwardly at least five millimetres in a direction normal to the ground contact plane, from the ground contact plane. Thus, the inner region is sufficiently high so as to provide enough deformation potential to adequately protect the food in the punnet. The inner region may define one or more domed profiles.

It may be that none of the inner region extends inwardly by more than nine millimetres in the direction normal to the ground contact plane, from the ground contact plane. Thus, the inner region does not remove too great of a volume from volume of the punnet which would otherwise be available for storing food therein.

A footprint of the inner region may extend closer to the one or more side walls of the punnet at each corner of the base than at a portion of the footprint away from the corners of the base.

It may be that at least one, or even each portion of the footprint of the inner regions adjacent to a respective side wall may define a concave shape with respect to the respective side wall.

The base may comprise one or more vent regions. The vent regions may be cut out to allow liquids to drain out of the punnet, as well as to allow air to pass into and out of the punnet.

The base may comprise chamfered regions extending from the one or more sidewalls to the base. Chamfered corners provide strength for the punnet at the corners and may ensure that, for the sphere positioned in the corners of the punnet, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region may be no less than 45 degrees.

The inner region may be substantially convex. An uppermost portion of the inner region may be substantially parallel to the ground contact plane. Where a plurality of depressions are provided, the uppermost portion may extend between the plurality of depressions, or may have depressions defined therein.

The food may be soft produce. The food may be fruit. The fruit may be berries, such as strawberries.

The punnet may be formed from a plastics material. The plastics material may be constructed from a recycled plastics material or contain a non-zero percentage of recycled plastics material. The plastics material may be a recyclable plastic. The plastics material may be polyethylene terephthalate. The plastics material may be transparent.

Alternatively, the punnet may be formed from a paper material, such as paper, paperboard, cardboard, moulded pulp fiber, or similar material.

The punnet may comprise the food.

The punnet may comprise a covering to close an opening defined by an upper end of the side walls. The covering may be formed from a plastics film.

The present invention extends to a mould arranged to form plastics material into the punnet as described hereinbefore. The mould may be a male mould. The mould may be a female mould. The mould may be a thermoforming mould. The mould may have a plurality of air passages defined in a mould surface thereof. Thus, positive pressure or reduced pressure can be applied to the mould surface as part of the thermoforming process.

The punnet (excluding any covering) may be formed from plastics material having a thickness of greater than 300 microns prior to thermoforming. The thickness may be less than 1000 microns. The thickness may be less than 700 microns. The thickness may be greater than 400 microns. It may be that a thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet is greater than 100 microns in at least 80% of the side walls and base. The thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet may be greater than 130 microns in at least 80% of the side walls and the base. The thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet may be greater than 100 microns throughout the side walls and the base. The thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet may be greater than 130 microns throughout the side walls and the base. It may be that a thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet is less than 500 microns in at least 80% of the side walls and base. The thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet may be less than 350 microns in at least 80% of the side walls and the base. The thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet may be less than 500 microns throughout the side walls and the base. The thickness of the side walls and base of the punnet may be less than 350 microns throughout the side walls and the base.

Description of the Drawings

An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

Figures 1 to 4 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical cross-section through a long side, and a vertical cross-section through a short side of a punnet in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figures 5 to 8 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical cross-section through a long side, and a vertical cross-section through a short side of a punnet in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;

Figures 9 and 10 show force-deflection curves for, respectively the punnet shown in Figures 1 to 4, and for an alternative punnet;

Figures 11 to 14 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical cross-section through the centre, and a vertical cross-section through a length offset from the centre of a punnet in accordance with another an aspect of the present invention; and

Figures 15 to 20 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical cross-section through a long side at the centre, vertical cross-section through a long side offset from the centre, vertical cross-section through a short side at the centre and a vertical cross-section through a short side offset from the centre of a punnet in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

Figure 1 shows a top view of a punnet in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The punnet 100 comprises a base 102, and four side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 extending generally upwardly from the base 102 to define a receptacle for holding food. The side walls include a first long side wall 104 extending from a first long side of the base 102, a first short side wall 106 extending from a first short side of the base 102, a second long side wall 108 extending from a second long side of the base 102 and a second short side wall 110 extending from a second short side of the base 102. The side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 extend to a rim 112 defining a mouth of the receptacle.

Corner regions 114, 116, 118, 120 of the side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 are defined between respective pairs of adjacent side walls 104, 106, 108, 110. The punnet 100 includes a plurality of vent regions 122, 124, 126, 128, which can be completely or partially cut out (e.g. by punching) to provide vents to allow exchange of fluids (e.g. air) between the receptacle and the external environment if necessary. The vent regions are provided around the base 102, at the interface with the side walls 104, 106, 108, 110.

The punnet 100 further includes chamfer regions 130, 132, 134, 136 at the corner regions 114, 116, 118, 120, as will be illustrated more fully with reference to Figures 2 to 4 hereinafter.

The specific shape of the base 102 is technically significant and will be described more fully with reference to Figures 2 to 4 hereinafter.

Line A-A in Figure 1 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 3 is taken. Line B-B in Figure 1 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 4 is taken.

Figure 2 shows the punnet of Figure 1 from a perspective underside view. In Figure 2, the features of the base 102 are more easily discernible. Specifically, the base 102 comprises a peripheral region 138, and an inner region 150, formed from domed regions 140, 142 and the bracing region 144. The bracing region 144 separates the two domed regions 140, 142. As illustrated also in Figures 3 and 4, the peripheral region 138 is arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is to be supported, in use. In other words, the peripheral region 138 is the portion of the base 102 arranged to rest on the supporting surface supporting the punnet 100, such as a ground. In this way, the peripheral region 138 can be considered to define a ground contact plane. The inner region 150 is bounded, at least partially, by the peripheral region 138. In other words, the inner region is surrounded by the peripheral region 138. Each of the domed regions 140, 142 extends inwardly (specifically upwardly) into the receptacle and away from the ground contact plane. A maximum extension of a peak of each domed region 140, 142 away from the ground contact plane is 10 millimetres. The bracing portion 144 is also bowed away from the ground contact plane, but has a maximum peak away from the ground contact plane of 5 millimetres. The edge of each domed region 140, 142 with the peripheral region 138, and with the bracing region 144 is formed from a plurality of curved portions, and is therefore substantially non-straight throughout, which has been found to improve a resistance of the base 102 to deformation. The bracing region 144 extends between an area of the peripheral region 138 adjacent the first long side wall 104 and an area of the peripheral region 138 adjacent the second long side wall 108. In other words, the bracing region extends parallel to the shortest side of the punnet 100. Each domed region 140, 142 is of equal size. The curvature of the domed regions 140, 142 and the bracing region 144 is arranged such that, in combination with the chamfer regions 130, 132, 134, 136, typically-sized berries (e.g. strawberries) will not be pinched, crushed or otherwise damaged by reformation of the domed regions 140, 142 into their original shape following deformation. Instead, when the domed regions 140, 142 reform into their original shapes after a resilient deformation occurs, any berries in contact with the base 102 and the side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 will be lifted back up off the ground surface. The base 102 of the punnet 100 is resiliency deformable when supported on a flat ground surface. In other words, the domed regions 140, 142 will not stay in a deformed shape in the absence of any deforming force.

Put another way, the base 102, including the domed regions 140, 142, and the one or more side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 of the punnet are arranged such that, for a sphere having a diameter of 3 centimetres at any position in the receptable, when in contact with the one or more side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and either of the domed regions 140, 142 of the base 102, an angle between a side wall 104, 106, 108, 110 tangent to a contact point between the sphere and any of the one or more side walls 104, 106, 108, 110, and a base 102 tangent to a contact point between the sphere and either of the domed regions 140, 142 is no less than 45 degrees.

Figures 5 to 8 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical crosssection through a long side, and a vertical cross-section through a short side of a punnet in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The punnet 200 shown in Figures 5 to 8 is similar to the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, but with the hereinafter described differences. Like reference numerals are used in Figures 5 to 8 to illustrate features of the punnet 200 which are equivalent to the features of the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, but with the first numeral changed from 1 to 2. For example the base 102 becomes the base 202. In this way, it will be understood that the punnet 200 comprises a base 202 and a plurality of side walls 204, 206, 208, 210, together defining a receptacle. The side walls 204, 206, 208, 210 extend to a rim 212 defining a mouth of the receptacle.

Corner regions 214, 216, 218, 220 of the side walls 204, 206, 208, 210 are defined between respective pairs of adjacent side walls 204, 206, 208, 210. The punnet 200 includes a plurality of vent regions 222a, 222b, 224, 226a, 226b, 228, which can be completely or partially cut out (e.g. by punching) to provide vents to allow exchange of fluids between the receptacle and the external environment if necessary. The vent regions are provided around the base 202, at the interface with the side walls 204, 206, 208, 210.

As with the punnet 100 shown in Figure 1 to 4, the base 202 of the punnet 200 of Figures 5 to 8 comprises a peripheral region 238 surrounding an inner region 250. The inner region 250 is substantially domed in shape and extends inwardly (specifically upwardly) into the receptacle to provide cushioning to foods in the punnet 200. A boundary between the inner region 250 and the peripheral region 238 is formed from a plurality of bends on each side. In other words, the boundary is non-straight on all sides. The inner region has defined therein a plurality of protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266. In this example, the plurality of protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266 are formed from a first group of protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258 and a second group of protrusions 260, 262, 264, 266. The first group of protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258 are positioned closer to a peak of the inner region 250 than the second group of protrusions 260, 262, 264, 266. Accordingly, the first group of protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258 are larger than the second group of protrusions 260, 262, 264, 266. As illustrated most clearly in Figures 6 to 8, each of the protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266 are in the form of a spherical-capped depression in the inner region 250, extending partway from the inner region 250 to the ground contact plane. In this way, the protrusions 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266 function as a support to prevent excessive deformation and collapse of the inner region 250 of the base 202.

As with the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the base 202, including the inner region 250, and the one or more side walls 204, 206, 208, 210 of the punnet 200 are arranged such that, for a sphere having a diameter of 3 centimetres at any position in the receptable, when in contact with the one or more side walls 204, 206, 208, 210 and the inner region 250 of the base 202, an angle between a side wall 204, 206, 208, 210 tangent to a contact point between the sphere and any of the one or more side walls 204, 206, 208, 210, and a base 202 tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region 250 is no less than 45 degrees.

To form either of the punnets 100, 200 described hereinbefore or the punnets 500, 600 described below, a thermoforming process can be used, as will be familiar to those working in this field. In particular, plastic which can be heated to a thermoforming temperature (such as polyethylene terephthalate, PET) is heated to said thermoforming temperature and expanded around a mould. In some examples, a female mould is used, having air channels defined therein and negative air pressure is used to cause the plastics material to conform to the shape of the female mould by suction. The plastics material is then cooled to solidify into the required shape. In other examples, a male mould is used, also having air channels defined therein and negative pressure is used to cause the plastics material to conform to the shape of the male mould by suction. The plastics material is then cooled to solidify into the required shape. It will be understood that a female mould is one having a mould cavity where an internal surface of the mould cavity defines an external surface of the article to be moulded therein. A male mould is one having a mould protrusion where an external surface of the mould protrusion defined an internal surface of an article to be moulded thereon.

Figure 9 shows a force-deflection curve for examples of the punnet design shown in Figures 1 to 4. The graph 300 shows a substantially consistent force-deflection curve for eight different samples of the punnet 100, each shown with a different line. For the testing, a crushing force was applied to the base of the container and a deflection of the base of the container was measured as the crushing force was increased. As can be seen, as the force is increased to around 90 newtons (equivalent to just over 9 kilograms of weight) in a first region 302 of the graph, the base of the punnet deflects relatively little and in a consistent and substantially linearfashion, up to around 3.25mm of deflection at 90 newtons of crushing force. As the crushing force is increased further, the base deflects more significantly to alleviate the increase in force, as shown in the second region 304 of the graph, up to a maximum deflection of the base of just under 10 millimetres. As the force is removed, depicted in the third region 306 of the graph, it can be seen that the deflection is reversed until no deflection occurs when all of the force has been removed. The graph 300 demonstrates that the punnet 100 shows particularly good resistance to excessive deformation of the base up to around 90 newtons of crushing force, with different samples of the punnet performing similarly.

Figure 10 shows force-deflection curves for an alternative punnet, different to the punnets shown in Figures 1 to 4, or Figures 5 to 8. As with Figure 9, the graph 400 shows force-deflection curves for eight different samples of the same alternative punnet design. The graph 400 shows more variation in the force-deflection behaviour for the alternative punnet, compared with the force-deflection behaviour of the punnet 100 as illustrated in Figure 9. Specifically, the graph 400 shows a first region 402 in which the crushing force is increased to between 70 to 120 newtons, with the base deflecting between 6.5 to 8 millimetres as the force is increased. As the crushing force is increased further, the base deflects even more significantly to alleviate the increase in force, as shown in the second region 404 of the graph 400, up to a maximum deflection of the base of around 10 millimetres. As the force is removed, depicted in the third region 406 of the graph 400, it can be seen that the deflection is reversed. However, it can be seen that deflection of the base of between 2 to 4 millimetres remains even when all of the crushing force has been removed. The graph 400 demonstrates that the alternative punnet exhibits poor resistance both to excessive deformation of the base when a crushing force is applied, and also that the base can become stably deformed, even after the crushing force has been removed. Accordingly, it is clear that the design of the punnet 100 provide a particularly effective and consistent resistance to deformation as crushing force is applied, which can be completely reversed as the crushing force is removed. The alternative punnet is another punnet having a domed base, but without including the features claimed in the present application.

Figures 11 to 14 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical cross-section through the centre, and a vertical cross-section through a length offset from the centre of a punnet in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a top view of a punnet in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The punnet 500 shown in Figures 11 to 14 is similar to the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5, but with the hereinafter described differences. Like reference numerals are used in Figures 11 to 14 to illustrate features of the punnet 500 which are equivalent to the features of the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, but with the first numeral changed from 1 to 5. For example the base 102 becomes the base 502. In this way, it will be understood that the punnet 500 comprises a base 502 and a plurality of side walls 504, 506, 508, 510, together defining a receptacle. The side walls 504, 506, 508, 510 extend to a rim 512 defining a mouth of the receptacle. Corner regions 514, 516, 518, 520 of the side walls 504, 506, 508, 510 are defined between respective pairs of adjacent side walls 504, 506, 508, 510. Unlike punnet 100, the side walls 504, 506, 508, 510 are the same length such that the punnet 500 is a square, rather than a rectangle.

The punnet 500 further includes chamfer regions 530, 532, 534, 536 at the corner regions 514, 516, 518, 520. The chamfer regions 530, 532, 534, 536 provide the same function as chamfer region 130, 132, 134, 136 to protect berries inside the punnet 500 from damage.

Line A-A in Figure 11 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 13 is taken. Line C-C in Figure 11 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 14 is taken.

Figure 12 shows the punnet of Figure 11 from a perspective underside view. As shown in Figure 11 , the base 502 comprises a peripheral region 538, and an inner region 550. The inner region 550 of punnet 500 is formed of four corner domed regions 540a, 540b, 542a, 542b, compared to the two domed regions 140, 142 of punnet 100 shown in Figure 1. The inner region 550 is also formed of a central domed region 541. The central domed region 541 is located substantially in the centre of the base 502. The corner domed region 540a, 540b, 540c, 540d are located substantially in the corners of the base 502 and surround the central domed portion 541. In addition, the punnet 500 of Figure 12 has four bracing regions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d compared to the singular bracing region of the punnet 100. The first bracing region 544a separates the corner domed regions 540a, 540b and the central domed region 541 from one another. The second bracing region 544b separates the corner domed regions 540b, 542b and the central domed region 541 from one another. The third bracing region 544c separates the domed regions 542b, 542a and the central domed region 541 from one another. The fourth bracing region 544d separates the domed regions 542a, 540a and the central domed region 541 from one another.

As illustrated also in Figures 13 and 14, the peripheral region 538 defines the ground contact plane in the same way as the peripheral region 138 of the punnet 100 and surrounds the inner region 550. Each of the domed regions 540a, 540b, 542a, 542b extend inwardly (specifically upwardly) into the receptacle and away from the ground contact plane. The bracing portions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d extend from the peripheral region 538 to the central domed portion 541. The bracing portions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d are angled such that the bracing portions are inclined upwards away from the ground contact plane. The side of the bracing portions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d closest to the peripheral region is nearer the ground contact plane than the side of the bracing portions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d closest to the central domed region 541.

The edge of each corner domed region 540a, 540b, 542a, 542b with the peripheral region 538, and with the bracing regions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d is formed from a plurality of convex and concave portions, and is therefore substantially non-straight throughout, which has been found to improve a resistance of the base 502 to deformation. The edge of the central domed region 541 contacts the brace regions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d and is circular.

As shown best in Figure 13, the central domed region 541 is formed of three sections, namely an outer section 541a, a flat section 541 b and an inner section 541c. The outer section 541a is inclines downwards, towards the ground contact plane, from the edge of the central domed region 541 with the bracing regions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d. The flat section 541 b is co-planar with the ground contact plane defined by the peripheral region 538. The inner section 541c is a circular arched section which arches upwards (i.e. into the receptacle), away from the ground contact plane.

As with the punnet 100 of Figure 1 , the curvature of the domed regions 540a, 540b, 541 , 542a, 542b and the bracing regions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d is arranged such that, in combination with the chamfer regions 530, 532, 534, 536, typically-sized berries (e.g. strawberries) will not be pinched, crushed or otherwise damaged by reformation of the domed regions 540a, 540b, 541 , 542, 542b into their original shape following deformation. Instead, when the domed regions 540a, 540b, 541 , 542, 542b reform into their original shapes after a resilient deformation occurs, any berries in contact with the base 502 and the side walls 504, 506, 508, 510 will be lifted back up off the ground surface. In other words, the domed regions 540a, 540b, 541 , 542, 542b will not stay in a deformed shape in the absence of any deforming force.

Figures 15 to 20 show respectively a top view, perspective underside view, vertical cross-section through a long side at the centre, vertical cross-section through a long side offset from the centre, vertical cross-section through a short side at the centre and a vertical cross-section through a short side offset from the centre of a punnet in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 15 shows a top view of a punnet in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The punnet 600 shown in Figures 15 to 20 is similar to the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 6, but with the hereinafter described differences. Like reference numerals are used in Figures 15 to 20 to illustrate features of the punnet 600 which are equivalent to the features of the punnet 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, but with the first numeral changed from 1 to 6. For example the base 102 becomes the base 602. In this way, it will be understood that the punnet 600 comprises a base 602 and a plurality of side walls 604, 606, 608, 610, together defining a receptacle. The side walls 604, 606, 608, 610 extend to a rim 612 defining a mouth of the receptacle.

Corner regions 614, 616, 618, 620 of the side walls 604, 606, 608, 610 are defined between respective pairs of adjacent side walls 604, 606, 608, 610. The punnet 600 includes a plurality of vent regions 622a, 622b, 624, 626a, 626b, 628, which can be completely or partially cut out (e.g. by punching) to provide vents to allow exchange of fluids (e.g. air) between the receptacle and the external environment if necessary. The vent regions are provided around the base 602, at the interface with the side walls 604, 606, 608, 610.

The punnet 600 further includes chamfer regions 630, 632, 634, 636 at the corner regions 614, 616, 618, 620. The chamfer regions 630, 632, 634, 636 provide the same function as chamfer region 130, 132, 134, 136 to protect berries inside the punnet 600 from damage.

Line A-A in Figure 15 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 17 is taken. Line C-C in Figure 15 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 17 is taken. Line B-B in Figure 15 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 19 is taken. Line D-D in Figure 15 indicates the plane along which the cross-section shown in Figure 20 is taken.

Figure 16 shows the punnet of Figure 15 from a perspective underside view. As shown in Figure 16, the base 602 comprises a peripheral region 638, and an inner region 650. The inner region 650 of punnet 600 is formed of four corner domed regions 640a, 640b, 642a, 642b and a central domed region 641 , compared to the two domed regions 140, 142 of punnet 100 shown in Figure 1. The central domed region 641 is located substantially in the centre of the base 602 and extends from a portion of the peripheral region 638 adjacent to the long side wall 604 to a portion of the peripheral region 638 adjacent to the opposite long side wall 608. The corner domed region 540a, 540b, 540c, 540d are located substantially in the corners of the base 502. In addition, the punnet 600 of Figure 16 has two bracing regions, first and second bracing regions 644a, 644b, compared to the singular bracing region of the punnet 100. The first bracing region 644a separates the two corner domed regions 640a, 640b from the central domed region 641. The second bracing region 644b separates the two corner domed regions 642a, 642b from the central domed region 641.

As illustrated also in Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20, the peripheral region 638 defines the ground contact plane in the same way as the peripheral region 138 of the punnet 100 and surrounds the inner region 650. Each of the corner domed regions 640a, 640b, 642a, 642b and the central domed region 641 extend inwardly (specifically upwardly) into the receptacle and away from the ground contact plane.

The first bracing portion 644a comprises a flat portion 668a and bowed portions 670a, 672a. The flat portion 668a extends along the ground contact plane. In other words, the flat portion 668a of the first bracing portion 644a is co-planar with the peripheral region 638. The bowed portions 670a, 672a are bowed away from the ground contact plane.

The edge of each corner domed region 640a, 640b, 642a, 642b with the peripheral region 638, and with the bracing regions 644a, 644b is formed from a plurality of convex and concave portions, and is therefore substantially non-straight throughout, which has been found to improve a resistance of the base 602 to deformation. The edge of the central domed region 641 with the peripheral region 632 and with the bracing regions 644a, 644b is also formed from a plurality of convex and concave portions. However, the curvature of the convex and concave portions of the central domed region 641 is less than the curvature of the convex and concave portions of the corner domed regions 640a, 640b, 642a, 642b. The central domed portion 641 of the punnet 600 is different to the central domed portion 541 of the punnet 500 in that the central domed portion 641 is non-circular and contacts the peripheral region 638 whereas the central domed portion 541 is circular and does not contact the peripheral region 538 and instead contacts only the bracing regions 544a, 544b, 544c, 544d. Similar to the punnet 100 of Figure 1 , the first and second bracing regions 644a, 644b extend between the peripheral region 638 adjacent the first long side wall 604 and the peripheral region 638 adjacent the second long side wall 608 (i.e. the first and second bracing regions 644a, 644b extend parallel to the shortest side of the punnet 600). The corner domed region 640a, 640b, 642a, 642b are of equal size. The central domed region 641 is a different size to the corner domed regions 640a, 640b, 642a, 642b.

As with the punnet 100 of Figure 1 , the curvature of the domed regions 640a, 640b, 641 , 642a, 642b and the bracing regions 644a, 644b is arranged such that, in combination with the chamfer regions 630, 632, 634, 636, typically-sized berries (e.g. strawberries) will not be pinched, crushed or otherwise damaged by reformation of the domed regions 640a, 640b, 641 , 642, 642b into their original shape following deformation. Instead, when the domed regions 640a, 640b, 641 , 642, 642b reform into their original shapes after a resilient deformation occurs, any berries in contact with the base 602 and the side walls 604, 606, 608, 610 will be lifted back up off the ground surface. In other words, the domed regions 640a, 640b, 641 , 642, 642b will not stay in a deformed shape in the absence of any deforming force.

In summary, the present disclosure provides a punnet (100, 200) for packaging food. The punnet comprises a base (102, 202) having one or more side walls (104, 106, 108, 110, 204, 206, 208, 210) extending therefrom, the base and the one or more side walls together defining a receptacle for holding food. The base comprises: a peripheral region (138, 238) arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane; and an inner region (140, 142, 144, 250) bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly (e.g. upwardly) from the peripheral region into the receptacle. The inner region provides at least one of: at least one protrusion (252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266) extending from the inner region by at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane; and a brace (144) separating two areas (140, 142) of the inner region, extending towards the ground contact plane.

In summary, the present disclosure provides a punnet (100, 200, 500, 600) for packaging food. The punnet comprises a base (102, 202, 502, 602) having one or more side walls (104, 106, 108, 110, 204, 206, 208, 210, 504, 506, 508, 510, 604, 606, 608, 610) extending therefrom, the base and the one or more side walls together defining a receptacle for holding food. The base comprises: a peripheral region (138, 238, 538, 638) arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane; and an inner region (140, 142, 144, 250, 540a, 540b, 541 , 542, 542b, 544, 640a, 640b, 641 , 642, 642b, 644a, 644b) bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle. The inner region provides at least one of: one or more connecting portions (144, 544, 644a, 644b) together separating two or more areas (140, 142, 540a, 540b, 541 , 542a, 542b, 640a, 640b, 641 , 642a, 642b) of the inner region, the connecting portions extending towards the ground contact plane relative to the respective areas separated thereby; and at least one protrusion (252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266) extending from the inner region by at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 . A punnet for packaging food, the punnet comprising: a base having one or more side walls extending therefrom, the base and the one or more side walls together defining a receptacle for holding food, wherein the base comprises: a peripheral region arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane; and an inner region bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle, wherein the inner region provides at least one of: one or more connecting portions together separating two or more areas of the inner region, the connecting portions extending towards the ground contact plane relative to the respective areas separated thereby; and at least one protrusion extending from the inner region by at least a third of the distance from a peak height of the inner region off the ground contact plane to the ground contact plane.

2. The punnet of claim 1 , wherein a boundary of at least one of the two or more areas of the inner region defines a non-circular shape.

3. The punnet of claim 2, wherein the non-circular shape comprises one or more non-convex regions.

4. The punnet of claim 3, wherein the one or more non-convex regions comprise one or more concave regions.

5. The punnet of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the non-circular shape comprises one or more convex regions.

6. The punnet of claim 5, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the non-circular shape comprises at least three concave regions and at least three convex regions.

7. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein at least one portion of the inner region, away from the peripheral region, extends to the ground contact plane.

8. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two or more areas has a longitudinal axis and, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the ground contact plane, a first local maximum width and a second local maximum width, wherein the second local maximum width is greater than the first local maximum width, and wherein a distance between the first local maximum width and a closest one of the one or more side walls to the first local maximum width along the longitudinal axis is less than a distance between the second local maximum width and a closest one of the one or more side walls to the second local maximum width along the longitudinal axis.

9. The punnet of claim any preceding claim, wherein each at least one protrusion is provided by a depression in the inner region of the base.

10. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the inner region is resiliency deformable

11. The punnet of claim 10, wherein each at least one protrusion is resiliency deformable.

12. The punnet of claim 11 , wherein each at least one protrusion is arranged to define a substantially spherical cap protruding from the inner region towards the ground contact plane.

13. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one protrusion is a plurality of protrusions.

14. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connecting portions is a brace extending between a first portion of the peripheral region adjacent to a first side wall, and a second portion of the peripheral region adjacent to a second side wall, opposite the first side wall.

15. The punnet of claim 14, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are long sides of the punnet.

16. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connecting portions extend away from the ground contact plane.

17. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein a maximum height of the one or more connecting portions away from the ground contact plane into the receptacle is less than a maximum height of the two or more areas of the inner region away from the ground contact plane into the receptacle.

18. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connecting portions is a single connecting portion provided centrally between exactly two areas of the inner region, each of the two areas being equal in size.

19. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein a projection of each line defining a border between the one or more connecting portions and each respective one of the two or more areas of the inner region onto the ground contact plane each include one or more bends.

20. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein, the base and the one or more side walls of the punnet are arranged such that, for a sphere having a diameter of 3 centimetres in the receptable, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base, an angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

21 . A punnet for packaging food, the punnet comprising: a base having one or more side walls extending therefrom, the base and the one or more side walls together defining a receptacle for holding food, wherein the base comprises: a peripheral region arranged to contact a surface on which the punnet is supported, in use, and defining a ground contact plane; and an inner region bounded by and integrally formed with the peripheral region and extending inwardly from the peripheral region into the receptacle, wherein, the base and the one or more side walls of the punnet are arranged such that, for a sphere having a diameter of 3 centimetres in the receptable, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base, an angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

22. The punnet of claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein when the sphere is in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base at a corner of the base of the punnet, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

23. The punnet of claim 22, wherein for any position of the sphere in the punnet, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base at each respective corner of the base of the punnet, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

24. The punnet of claim 23, wherein for any position of the sphere in the punnet, when in contact with the one or more side walls and the inner region of the base, the angle between a side wall tangent to a contact point between the sphere and a one of the one or more side walls, and a base tangent to a contact point between the sphere and the inner region is no less than 45 degrees.

25. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein a projection of at least one line defining a border between the inner region and the peripheral region adjacent to a respective at least one side wall onto the ground contact plane each include one or more bends.

26. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the inner region extends inwardly at least five millimetres in a direction normal to the ground contact plane, from the ground contact plane.

27. The punnet of claim 26, wherein none of the inner region extends inwardly by more than nine millimetres in the direction normal to the ground contact plane, from the ground contact plane.

28. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein a footprint of the inner region extends closer to the one or more side walls of the punnet at each corner of the base than at a portion of the footprint away from the corners of the base.

29. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein the inner region is substantially convex.

30. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein an uppermost portion of the inner region is substantially parallel to the ground contact plane.

31. The punnet of any preceding claim, wherein the food is soft produce, for example fruit, such as strawberries.

32. The punnet of any preceding claim, formed from a recyclable plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate.

33. The punnet of any preceding claim, comprising the food.

34. A mould arranged to form plastics material into the punnet of any of claims 1 to 32.