EP2874914B1

EP2874914B1 - Egg-carton with window

Info

Publication number: EP2874914B1
Application number: EP13759845.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erwin Peter VAN DER WAL; Wijbe Dijkstra
Original assignee: Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Technology BV
Current assignee: Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Technology BV
Priority date: 2012-07-17
Filing date: 2013-07-17
Publication date: 2016-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-17
Also published as: AU2013290876B2; ES2601399T3; ZA201409359B; HRP20161144T1; WO2014014349A1; PL2874914T3; EP2874914A1; HUE031023T2; DK2874914T3; AU2013290876A1

Description

Background

The present invention relates to a fibre moulded package for accommodating foodstuffs such as eggs which package comprises;

a base part comprising a plurality of accommodations for receiving an egg,
a cover part coupled with the base part and hingeable relative to the base part between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover part comprises a window section for providing a view to the interior of the package from the outside,
locking members for holding the cover part in its closed position.

Such a package is known from EP1683740A1 which relates generally to packages for fragile products, such as eggs, where the package is made of an opaque material such as moulded pulp and particularly to such packages provided with means allowing visual inspection of the contents of the package. The package is thus provided with a window portion located centrally in the top surface of the cover part, where the window portion comprises a number of apertures through the top surface located and dimensioned to provide for visual inspection of each of the eggs in the package. These apertures extend into the window portion itself but may also extend into a vertical rim portion surrounding the window portion. The window portion can be provided with laterally extending brace members in order to increase the strength and rigidity of the window potion. However, in circumstances, the strength and rigidity of the cover port having a window portion does not suffice because of the window portion which potentially weakens the cover part. This weakened cover part then may also cause closure problems.
The present invention relates in particular to relative big package like the 3x6 egg carton shown in US 4,492,331 or 15-cell packages. For these type of relative big packages, in circumstances, the strength and rigidity of the cover port having a window portion does all the more not suffice because of the window portion.
US 3 362 605 A relates to a packaging container including a cellular tray and a cover cooperating therewith. The cellular tray has a plurality of hollow posts integral with hollow partitions and an outer wall defining compartments or cells surrounding the posts. The cover will cooperate with the tray and includes means whereby the cover may be dis placed to permit ready access to the tray contents.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to provide a fibre moulded package for accommodating foodstuffs such as eggs, wherein the foodstuff is visible but still the package meets severe demands with respect to strength and vibration resistance.
Another object of the invention is to improve a known fibre moulded package for accommodating foodstuffs such as eggs, wherein at least a problem associated with said known package is partly solved.
According to a first aspect of the invention this is realized with a fibre moulded package for accommodating foodstuffs such as eggs which package comprises;

a base part comprising a plurality of accommodations for receiving an egg,
a cover part coupled with the base part and hingeable around an hinge relative to the base part between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover part comprises a window section for providing a view to the interior of the package from the outside,
locking members arranged opposite the hinge for holding the cover part in its closed position,

The cover part wherein the window section comprises a window plane which extends from about the centre of the cover part towards the locking members at a slight angle (α) with respect to the cover part top surface provides resistant strength to the cover part and enables to constitute a strong and rigid cover while still leaving printable area.
In contrast, known packages for accommodating foodstuffs have window planes which extend steep, that is deep, into the interior of the package and/or have two window planes, in case of a symmetric window section, which potentially weakens the cover part and/or leaves too little printable area.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the slight angle (α) is between 10° and 25°.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the slight angle (α) is about 30°, for example 32°.
In contrast, in a known package, the window plane will typically extends a steep angle with respect to the cover part top surface of about between 60° and 80° which decreases the strength of the cover part.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention the window section comprises a single window plane. This even more provides a strong and rigid cover because it enables to arrange all window openings in the window plane.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the window section comprises a window frame member which delimits a window opening which window opening extends in the window plane, the window frame member having a stop surface for engaging the base part when the cover part is in its closed position.
The slight angle at which the window plane extends, enables the window frame member having a stop surface for engaging the base part. In addition, this frame member strengthens the cover part and enables an improved closure since the locking members do have a more secure mutual position.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the window section comprise a number of respective window frame members which delimit a number of respective window openings. The number of frame members all the more strengthens the cover part.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, each of the number of window frame members has a respective stop surface. This all the more enables an improved closure since the locking members do have an even more secure mutual position.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the window frame member comprises a rim adjacent the stop surface for facilitating secure engaging of the stop surface and the base part when the cover part is in its closed position. The rim enables a secure abutment of the cover onto the base part. The posts of the base part engage the stop surface and the rim ensures a proper mutual positioning of the cover part and the base part. These post are usual in egg packages for forming rows of egg accommodations.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention the window frame member comprises two adjacent rims which mutually enclose an angle. The two adjacent rims which mutually enclose an angle all the more enable a secure abutment of the cover onto the base part. The posts of the base part engage the stop surface and the rim ensures a proper mutual positioning of the cover part and the base part.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, all of the number of window openings extend in the window plane. This all the more strengthens the cover part since it enable to extend all frame members in the window plane.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the cover part is provided with a circumferential substantially planar side wall for enabling printing onto the side wall, which side wall extends from the cover part top surface. For a package having a circumferential substantially planar side wall for enabling printing onto the side wall, it is all the more important to provide strength to the cover part.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the window section is arranged with the cover part top surface at a position such that the number of stop surfaces are proximate the locking members. This provides a further advantage in that the effect of the frame members having stop surfaces ensure a proper closure of the package.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention the window section extends along almost the entire length of the cover part. This provides improved vision while maintaining sufficient strength of the cover part.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the window section is arranged with the cover part top surface in such a manner that a row of the plurality of accommodations for receiving an egg is visible from the exterior of the package.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the window section is arranged offset the centre of the package such that all of the number of window openings are oriented towards the centre of the package.
In an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention, the window section is configured such that automated or manual denesting is facilitated of a stack of packages in the open position.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the side wall is provided with a circumferential cover rim at the end of the side wall away from the cover part top surface, which rim provides a rim surface for abutting the base part when the cover part is in its closed position, wherein the side wall is provide with a bulge which extends inward the interior of the package for increasing the rim surface at the bulge. This increased rim at the bulge provides space for a denesting device, usually a worm wheel, and improves the engagement between the package and the denesting device. Therefore, this increased rim surface facilitates easier automated denesting of stacked open packages. when e.g using a screw denester.
The invention further relates to a device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.
The invention further relates to a method comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.
The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantageous advantages.

Description of the drawings

The invention will be further elucidated referring to an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention shown in the drawings wherein shown in:

Fig. 1 in perspective view a package according to the invention in a closed position;
fig. 2 a side view of the package according to fig. 1;
fig. 3 a top view of the package according to fig. 1;
fig. 4 in perspective view the package according to fig. 1 in an open position;
fig. 5 a top view of the package according to fig. 1 in an open position;
fig. 6 a cross section side view along line VI-VI in fig. 5; and
fig. 7 a cross section front view along line VII-VII in fig. 3.

Detailed description of embodiments

In the figures 1-7 an embodiment of the fibre moulded package according to the invention which is now described in more detail referring to figures 1-6.
A fibre moulded package 1 is shown which package 1 is suitable for accommodating foodstuffs such as eggs. The package 1 comprises a base part 2 and a cover part 4. The cover part 4 is coupled with the base part by a hinge 19 which is a resilient hinge formed with the package 1 in a usual manner. The cover part 4 is hingeable around the hinge 19 relative to the base part 2 between a closed position shown in fig. 1 and an open position shown in fig. 4.
The base part 2 comprises a plurality of accommodations 3 for receiving an egg. These accommodations 3 are arranged and formed in a usual manner in rows separated by posts 20 which extend from the base part 2 towards the cover part 4 in closed position. These posts 20 support the cover part 4 such that stacking of packages 1 is allowed.
The cover part 4 comprises a a window section 5 for providing a view to the interior of the package 1 from the outside. The cover part 4 has a cover part top surface 8 which is generally flat for enabling printing onto the cover part top surface 8. The cover part 4 has a circumferential side wall 15 which extend in closed position from the cover part top surface 8 towards the base part 2. The side wall 15 comprises a number of printable sections 21 such that the side wall 15 is substantially planar for enabling printing onto the side wall 15. This desire for printing area on both the cover part top surface 8 and the side wall 15 compromises the strength of the package 1, specifically the cover part 4 thereof. The side wall 15 at the hinge 19 is provided with a number of indentations 23 for strengthening the side wall 15. It will be clear that although not shown in the figures, similar indentations may be provided in other side walls of the cover part 4 as well.
The package 1 comprises locking members 6, 7, 22 arranged in a usual manner opposite the hinge 19 for holding the cover part 4 in its closed position. The locking means have cooperating cams 7 and recesses 6. The cams 7 are provided with a locking flap 22 which is hingeably with the base part 2. The recesses 6 are provided with the cover part 4.
At the corners of the cover part 4, curved sections 28 are provided between the cover part top surface 8 and a bulge 27 which bulge couples two sidewalls at the corner. The curved section 28 bridges the entire corner between two coupled side walls and beneficially provides additional strength to the cover part 4.
The window section 5 is arranged with the cover part 4 for providing view on the packaged eggs. The window section 5 extends along almost the entire length of the cover part 4. The window section 5 is arranged with the cover part top surface 8 in such a manner that essentially an entire row of the plurality of accommodations 3 for receiving an egg is visible from the exterior of the package 1. The window section 5 is arranged with the cover part 4 in an asymmetric manner which is beneficial in view of available printing area and strength of the cover part 4. The window section 5 is arranged offset the centre of the package 1, which means offset the longitudinal axis of the package 1. Therefore, here, all of the number of window openings 12 are oriented towards the centre of the package 1.
The window section 5 is shaped such that it is basically triangular in cross section as shown in fig. 6. The window section 5 has a window plane 9 wherein all of the window openings 12 extend. Therefore, the window plane 9 is regarded a single window plane 9. The window plane 9 extends from about the centre of the cover part 4 towards the locking members 6, 7, 22 at a slight angle α with respect to the cover part top surface 8 for providing resistant strength to the cover part 4. The window plane 9 forms one side of the basically triangular shape of the window section 5.
The window section 5 comprises a circumferential wall 31-34 which contributes in the strength of the window section 5 and the cover part 4. The circumferential wall 31-34 extends from the cover part top surface 8 towards the window plane 9 and joins the window plane 9 such that the basically triangular shape is formed.
The window plane 9 here makes an angle α of about 30° which is an example of a slight angle and therefore the shallow window section5 does not deeply extend into the interior of the package 1.
The window section 5 comprises a number of window frame members 10. These number of window frame members 10 delimit a number of window openings 12. Each window frame member 10 is provided with a stop surface 11 for engaging the base part 2 when the cover part 4 is in its closed position. Each respective window frame member 10 has a relative high and small window frame member portion 25 which is best seen in fig. 1 from the exterior of the package 1. The stop surface 11 is beneficially arranged opposite the relative high and small window frame member portion 25 such that upon forming the portion 25, fibre material accumulates and provides a massive portion for constituting the stop surface 11.
Here, each window frame member 10 comprises two rims 13, 14 adjacent the stop surface 11 for facilitating secure engaging of the stop surface 11 and the base part 2 when the cover part 4 is in its closed position. This secure engagement is caused by the form closed engagement of a post 20a with the stop surface 11. The post 20a is kept in position on the stop surface 11 by the rims 13, 14 which mutually enclose an angle. The post 20a is therefore slightly shortened in length without losing its function in forming the accommodations 3.
The window section 5 is arranged with the cover part top surface 8 at a position such that the number of stop surfaces 11 are proximate the locking members 6, 7, 22. This is beneficial in terms of secure locking of the package 1 in its closed positions because mutual twisting of the cover part 4 and the base part 2 is reduced. Each respective window frame member 10 has a plate portion 26 which extends mainly in the window plane 9 and adds to the strength of the cover part 4.
The window section 5 has a circumferential side wall 31-34 which extends continuously around the entire window section 5 for providing strength to the cover part 5.
Thus the shown window section 5 ensures; sufficient printing area being left, a proper view on the packaged eggs, a cover part 4 with an adequate strength, and an improved closure of the package 1 because of the robust engagement of the posts 20a with the stops surfaces 11 of the stiff window section 5.
The window section 5 is configured such that automated or manual denesting is facilitated of a stack of packages 1 in the open position. This configuration involves the window frame portion 25 having a window stile 29. This window stile 29 has a narrow and high shape as can be seen in fig. 7. The narrow window stile 29 has a triangular shape with a ratio of between base b and height h such that during manufacture of the package the section of the mould forming window stile 29 is sucked full with pulp and thus forms a substantially solid window stile 29 having a core 30 made of pulp. This solid window stile 29 all the more provides strength to the cover part 4. In addition, this solid window stile 29 is beneficial in denesting a stack of fold open packages because adjacent stiles of adjacent packages abut and prevent mutual clamping of in particular the cover part 4 which is important because a generally flat cover part 4 is prone to such clamping. The moulding process for a fibre moulded package is known per se. The moulding dies of the machine are dipped into the pulp and a vacuum is applied to the die and in that way a product is created. The wet product is placed on a conveyor belt and sent through a drying tunnel. Finally, the dried products may be pressed, counted, bundled, printed, labelled, palletised and despatched to the end user. Reference is for example made to US 3.320. 120 and US 3.654. 076 .
The side wall 15 of the cover part 4 is provided with a circumferential cover rim 16 at the end of the side wall 15 away from the cover part top surface 8. This rim 16 provides a rim surface 18 for abutting the base part 2 when the cover part 4 is in its closed position. The side wall 15 is provide with a bulge 17 which extends inward the interior of the package 1 for increasing the rim surface 18 at the bulge 17.
It will also be obvious after the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person which are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and which are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.

Claims

A fibre moulded package (1) for accommodating foodstuffs such as eggs which package comprises;
- a base part (2) comprising a plurality of accommodations (3) for receiving an egg,

- a cover part (4) coupled with the base part and hingeable around an hinge (19) relative to the base part between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover part comprises a a window section (5) for providing a view to the interior of the package from the outside,

- locking members (6, 7, 22) arranged opposite the hinge for holding the cover part in its closed position,
characterized in, that the cover part comprises a cover part top surface (8) which is generally flat for enabling printing onto the cover part top surface, and wherein the window section comprises a window plane (9) which extends from about the centre of the cover part towards the locking members at a slight angle (α) between 10° - 35° with respect to the cover part top surface for providing resistant strength to the cover part.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the slight angle (α) is between 10° and 25°.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the slight angle (α) is about 30°.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein the window section comprises a single window plane (9).
A fibre moulded package (1) according to a preceding claim, where the window section comprises a window frame member (10) which delimits a window opening (12) which window opening extends in the window plane (9), the window frame member having a stop surface (11) for engaging the base part when the cover part is in its closed position.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to claim 5, wherein the window section comprise a number of respective window frame members (10) which delimit a number of respective window openings (12).
A fibre moulded package (1) according to claim 6, wherein each of the number of window frame members (10) has a respective stop surface (11).
A fibre moulded package (1) according to any of claims -5-7, wherein the window frame member comprises a rim (13) adjacent the stop surface for facilitating secure engaging of the stop surface and the base part when the cover part is in its closed position.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to any of claims 5-8, wherein the window frame member comprises two adjacent rims (13, 14) which mutually enclose an angle.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to any of claims 5 - 9, wherein all of the number of window openings extend in the window plane.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein the cover part is provided with a circumferential substantially planar side wall (15) for enabling printing onto the side wall, which side wall extends from the cover part top surface.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein the window section is arranged with the cover part top surface at a position such that the number of stop surfaces are proximate the locking members.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein the window section extends along almost the entire length of the cover part, and wherein in an embodiment the window section is arranged with the cover part top surface in such a manner that a row of the plurality of accommodations (3) for receiving an egg is visible from the exterior of the package, and wherein in an embodiment the window section is arranged offset the centre of the package such that all of the number of window openings are oriented towards the centre of the package.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the side wall is provided with a circumferential cover rim (16) at the end of the side wall away from the cover part top surface (8), which rim provides a rim surface(18) for abutting the base part when the cover part is in its closed position, wherein the side wall is provided with a bulge (17) which extends inward the interior of the package for increasing the rim surface at the bulge.
A fibre moulded package (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein a corner of the cover part 4, preferably all four corners of the cover part 4, comprises a bulge 27 and a curved sections 28, which bulge couples two adjoining sidewalls at the corner, and which curved section 28 is provided between the cover part top surface 8 and the bulge 27, and wherein the curved section 28 bridges the entire corner between the two adjoining side walls.