WO2007132172A2

WO2007132172A2 - System and method for packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2007132172A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/001647
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodorus Daniel Potgieter
Original assignee: Theodorus Daniel Potgieter
Priority date: 2006-05-12
Filing date: 2007-05-04
Publication date: 2007-11-22
Also published as: GB0609448D0; WO2007132172A3

Abstract

A system and method for packaging is described which can provide a versatile storage solution for several application areas such as an improved form of packaging for fast foods such as hamburgers, pizzas and French fries, and an improved dispensing packaging for margarine and other spreads. In applications for consumer goods, the system of the current invention provides improved solutions for drawers and trays as well as for storage bins such as for a bread bin.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for packaging. More particularly, it 10 relates to a system and method for packaging which can provide a versatile storage solution for several application areas including food packaging. In particular, the food packaging solution is directed towards an improved form of packaging for fast foods such as hamburgers, pizzas, French fries, and potato chips and an improved dispensing packaging for margarine and other spreads. In ]-1> particular, the invention is directed towards improved techniques for inserting \ and extracting food in a highly efficient way.

Alternative embodiments of the invention made of different materials also provide efficient and effective solutions to improve consumer household products such as food storage containers including bread storage bins, and furniture

20 drawers and trays. In horticulture, the same method may be used to provide an easy and effective way for removing seedlings from growing trays without causing unnecessary waste. In addition, a key aspect of the current invention directly addresses problem areas in a diversely different application area, namely freight transport and in particular, the loading and unloading of freight, which

25 makes use of the key inventive concepts but employing suitably strong materials.

The invention has greatest and most diverse application in the creation of a new range of food packaging and food storage containers which can provide a more effective and suitable means to store hot or cold fast food. The system and 30 method of the current invention can be implemented in diverse ways to suit the nature of the food being packaged such that food can be more easily extracted from the packaging while minimising waste as well as addressing issues of insulation in the instance that the packaging is used for hot foods such as hamburgers and pizzas.

35 Generally, packaging systems for food are known. In the area of fast food, innovations have focused upon creating lightweight packaging materials which are easy to manufacture and to fold out and construct from flat-pack designs. Where this packaging is directed towards warm food, insulating materials comprising the right type of sterile surface have been used for these packaging

40 designs. Essentially, for fast foods the area of innovation has focused upon the areas of ease of re-construction from flat-pack material, insertion and general ease of transport. Few designs have addressed the need for ease of extraction of the food considering that many foods may contain sauces and loose food elements. The evolution of solutions for fast food packaging which fail to address adequately the issues solved by the current invention can be seen in the following documents. United States Patent US 4472896 to Brauner and Watson, published 25^th September 1984 describes a carton for a hamburger comprising the standard clamshell design with flat surfaces for displaying a brand name or the content type. This solution offers no improved means for extracting the food while reducing the chances of food being spilled.

In United Kingdom patent GB 1195136 to Baur and Hawley published 17^th June 1970, is described a tubular container constructed of metal with a plastic and or metal cover suitable for crisp-storage which is impervious to water vapour and oxygen and wherein the tube filled with food may have its airspace filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The metal container provides a strong container which can greatly reduce any damage to the food stored therein. An alternative form of hamburger packaging is shown in United Kingdom patent GB 2307678 to Monk and Davison published 4^th June 1997. This flat-pack design comprises a clamshell having interlocking flaps and slots and a front edge which can divide into three separate tabs and thereby offer a convenient means to close the clamshell. This packaging concept only comprises a very basic design which cannot address the problems solved by the current invention.

Pizzas are a growing and popular fast food market. Consumers frequently order take-away pizzas by phone, which are delivered to their home address, or alternatively, they buy pizzas to take away at the pizza restaurant themselves. The main challenges with pizza delivery are keeping the pizza warm. While the use of cardboard packaging which comprises good insulator properties serves to limit heat loss, the application of the current invention greatly reduces the loss of heat from the pizza, once packaged.

In patent application WO 2005123545 to Kuhn and Pizzitola is shown a cardboard flat-pack pizza box design suitable for home delivery which comprises interlocking sides with extended flaps comprising hand slots. This design does not adequately address the heat loss problems associated with take away pizzas because as soon as the pizza box is opened, a substantial amount of heat is unnecessarily lost from the warm pizza in a very short time.

In Canadian patent CA 2068331 to Prosise and Bunke published 30^th June 1991 is shown a microwave food carton which is formed from a flat-pack carton and which comprises separate food-storage compartments wherein each comprises layers of microwave-susceptor material which serve to provide a heating surface in contact with the food when microwave energy falls upon the said surface. While this arrangement may be suitable for heating pre-cooked foods such as potato strips, this packaging does not address the application area of the current invention.

In Japanese patent abstract JP-A-2002 347756 to Kato Yoshikazu published 4^th December 2002 is shown a hamburger packaging design which comprises a serrated strip positioned around halfway down the packaging such that the package may be conveniently opened by removing the serrated strip and thereby revealing the packaging. While this design serves to reveal a substantial part of the enclosed hamburger and to minimise hands from becoming covered with oil or sauces, no means exist to help a consumer extract food from the packaging. In Japanese patent abstract JP-A-2003 072749 to Ishibashi Masatoshi published 12^th March 2003 is shown a hamburger container which enables a consumer to eat the hamburger from the packaging itself. This design does not provide any means to assist the consumer to extract the food in a convenient way. In Japanese patent abstract JP-A-2003 063565 is shown an alternative hamburger container comprising a removable strip which can be torn off continuously and in a spiral way to reveal more of the packaging contents as the hamburger is eaten. While this does serve to reduce getting the hands covered with oil or sauce while eating, and there is a minor improvement in heat loss, this solution is not as efficient or effective as the current invention.

In Japanese patent abstract JP-A-2004 276959 is shown a hamburger package which comprises a means to assist the extraction of the food while eating. A lower part of the container comprises a compressible part which when pushed, lifts the hamburger upwards. This method, however, is greatly restricted and cannot serve to lift the food in a systematic way. Moreover, the resistance of the packaging material may serve to be difficult to push for those persons who may be physically challenged.

From a commercial perspective, the fast food restaurant is focused upon cooking and packaging ordered food so that clients can be served quickly and efficiently, where product can be packaged and sold and conveniently transported away either in the hand for immediate consumption or perhaps additionally stored in a paper carrier bag. The packaging industry has not been particularly concerned with ease of extraction issues as perceived by the consumer. This is clearly an area which may greatly differentiate points of sale, particularly if one type of packaging enhances the end user experience in a positive way. A food packaging innovation which brings enhanced ease of extraction of the fast food from the packaging while efficiently containing potentially messy sauces which can soil clothing is a clear opportunity for a fast food sales outlet.

In other areas, consumers are often disappointed about clumsy packaging designs which may require the food container to be inverted or shaken for food to be extracted. In particular, where there are physically challenged persons such as those suffering from a hand injury or even senior citizens who might not be able to use both hands, packaging which requires the use of two hands is not suitable. A packaging solution which addresses this aspect opens up the food sales outlet to those physically challenged persons. Clearly, improved packaging designs can translate directly into increased sales.

In other areas of consumer packaging such as for cigarettes, the same cardboard carton and metal foil design has been in use for decades. Taking cigarettes out of the packet requires that a cigarette be gripped and pulled from the box. No means exists to use the opening lid as the means for lifting the cigarettes upwards to ease their extraction.

Wherever a storage device is being pulled open, the means exists to improve the way in which the contents are delivered towards the consumer. Further to the limitations of existing methods used for food packaging and to storage systems in general, and so far as is known, no optimum system and method for a packaging system is presently available which is directed towards the specific needs of this problem area as outlined. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system and method for packaging which can provide a versatile storage solution for several applications areas including food packaging such as for fast foods such as hamburgers, pizzas, French fries, and potato chips and an improved dispensing packaging for margarine and other spreads.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which provides improved techniques for inserting and extracting food in a highly efficient way.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is made of lightweight disposable material such as cardboard, or paper, or polystyrene, or similar materials suitable for food packaging. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is made of lightweight disposable materials such as one or a combination of metal foil(s), and or Mylar foil(s), and or paper, and or cardboard.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is made of lightweight reusable material such as reusable plastic in which case the packaging can be easily washed after use and reused.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is made of lightweight reusable material such as reusable plastic and the packaging device can comprise a sandwich storage container.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for food packaging which is highly suitable for holding and eating food directly from the packaging without needing to touch the food with one's hands and thereby reducing contamination of the food and or getting sauces from the food on one's fingers

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is suited to consumer household products such as food storage containers including bread storage bins and furniture drawers and trays.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging in which disposable packaging can be easily and quickly constructed from pre-printed and pre-cut flat-pack designs which interlock together from a single sheet without needing any adhesive. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging suitable for food in which the constructed package comprises an extended side which when folded comprises a movable element integrated with the package which assists with the extraction of food from the package. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging in which disposable packaging can be easily and quickly constructed from pre-printed and pre-cut flat-pack designs which interlock together and which may comprise two separate elements in which one element is movable wherein the movable element assists with the extraction of the food from the packaging.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is suitable for a new and improved pizza box which opens at the side rather than the top, thereby reducing heat loss, and which comprises a wide paper element similar in width to the width of the box and upon which the pizza is placed when the pizza is inserted, which leaves an extended paper tab available which can be pulled to help remove the pizza from the box.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is suitable for a new and improved pizza box which is opened from the side and not the top and which comprises a flexible element which extends around the pizza such that when the box is opened the pizza can be pulled out of the box, either partly or fully by pulling on both ends of the flexible element if both ends are unattached, or by pulling on one end of the flexible element if the other end is attached to the box.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging to enhance the end user experience by making it easier to extract the food from the packaging while protecting clothes from the food contents while eating. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging separate portions of margarine, or butter, or marmalade or jam and the like such that a movable element within the storage container can be pulled to bring the margarine or jam or the like forward and out upon a surface from which it can easily be spread upon bread or a scone. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for fast food packaging which can be easily and conveniently used by physically challenged persons or senior citizens who might not have full use of both hands.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for fast food packaging which is ideally suited for storing peanuts and raisons or similar foods in which the packaging comprises a tubular body and an inner membrane containing the peanuts of raisons which is attached to a ring-like element which is fixed around the outside of the tubular body such that when the ring element is pulled down, the membrane is drawn upwards to help extract the food. The tubular structure edge is designed to accept a flexible sealing cap such that the contents may be sealed and kept fresh.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which is suitable for cigarettes in which a paper or foil insert is placed beneath the cigarettes and attached to the lid of the cigarette box such that opening the box lid thus causes the cigarettes to be lifted upwards so that the cigarettes within the box can be more easily extracted. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for storage to create a new and improved bread bin which comprises a flexible lid attached to the drawer base which contains the bread and cutting board such that as the drawer base is pulled forward the flexible lid cover moves back and along recesses around the vertical side walls to reveal the bread.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for storage to create a new and improved cultivation chamber for plants which comprises a transparent flexible lid which is attached to a growing tray such that when the tray containing the young plants is pulled forward, the flexible lid slides around recessed grooves in the side walls and opens. This provides an ideal sealed microclimate when closed while giving easy access when the plants need watering.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for extracting seedlings from a growing tray in which a suitable mesh membrane is laid over the growing tray and compost is placed over the membrane and pushed into the plant cavities. In order to extract the plants from the tray, the membrane is pulled which causes the plants to be extracted. It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for extracting seedlings from a growing tray in which strips of suitable mesh membrane or plastic strips are placed into each growing cavity before the compost is pushed in such that when the plants are ready for extraction, the strips may be pulled upwards which brings the seedling from the tray complete with its compost. The strips may be created in many forms and may comprise a base similar in size to the plant cavity or alternatively a strip may run across a whole line of plant cavities such that pulling the strip causes the plants to be expelled from the tray in sequence.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for packaging which has direct application to other industrial areas involving the use of a flexible sheet or membrane to load or unload freight.

It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for storage which has direct application to loading and unloading of boxes and containers into and from a freight vehicle wherein the freight storage compartment comprises a movable element of very strong flexible material such as Kevlar or mesh material, which hangs vertically from the freight container roof and guided along a channel on the floor and a channel in the roof wherein freight can be loaded onto movable palettes which are linked to the Kevlar sheet and can be pulled back by the movement of the Kevlar to load the freight and pushed out by the Kevlar when unloading the freight which thereby removes the need for climbing into and out of the freight vehicle.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description to follow when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain of the foregoing and related objects are readily-attained according to the present invention by the provision of a novel system and method for packaging which has direct application to improvements in fast food packaging particularly for hamburgers, pizzas, French fries and potato chips. The same invention can provide a solution for improving the way margarine or other spreads can be dispensed from single portion sachets.

In particular, the invention is directed towards improved techniques for inserting and extracting food in a highly efficient way.

The invention teaches several packaging designs which incorporate a movable element which is key in assisting the extraction of food from packaging while eating. In this way, food can be eaten conveniently from the packaging without getting the food contaminated as well as avoiding that food sauces mess hands or clothes.

In the preferred embodiment, the food packaging ideally comprises a single flat- pack container design which can be easily reconstructed by clipping interlocking flaps together. Other designs comprise a movable element which is separate from the main package body. This movable element is used to lift or pull the contents from the package.

The packaging designs enable food to be eaten from the packaging without needing full use of both hands and are consequently highly suited for persons who are physically challenged or senior citizens.

The invention can also be realised using non-disposable materials such as flexible plastic which is suitable for dish-washing wherein the packaging can be used for lunch boxes and rewashed after use.

The movable element within the storage container can take many forms. In a pizza box which comprises a side opening, the flexible element may be a sheet of paper upon which the pizza is placed and which can be pulled to draw the pizza out from the box/ Alternatively, the flexible element may be a strip of paper or preferably from corrugated cardboard which stands vertically in the pizza box and extends around the pizza such that when it is pulled it draws the pizza from the box.

Biscuits or potato chips stored in tube containers can be improved with a bag-like membrane which is pulled down around the outside of the tube and which pulls the contents upwards.

Cigarette boxes can also be improved by incorporating a foil or paper insert which causes the cigarettes to be lifted upwards and outwards as the box lid is pulled back, thereby assisting with their extraction from the box. A bread-bin can also be conveniently constructed wherein the bread slides out on a cutting board and tray which is attached to the bread-bin cover which slides around a guide in the walls of the bread-bin. Pushing the tray back, pushes the cover back and closes the bread-bin.

In an alternative application, the same system and method can be used in horticulture to create a growing chamber where the moveable element serves as a flexible and transparent outer wall which slides around guides in the side walls as well as the storage compartment.

In a separate horticulture application, the moveable membrane or separate flexible elements may be used to assist the extraction of seedlings plants from growing trays which may then be used again for growing new plants.

The invention, which comprises the movement of a flexible membrane or sheet, can also extend to industrial applications such as to a system and method for loading or unloading boxes from the rear of a freight vehicle.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, which disclose several key embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and that the particular descriptions of packaging applications according to different embodiments of the invention are given by way of example only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. Ia illustrates a schematic of a packaging design suitable for fast food such as a hamburger. FIG. Ib illustrates the form of the packaging when constructed.

FIG. 2a illustrates an alternative packaging design which incorporates a separate sheet element.

FIG. 2b illustrates a packaging design suitable for a pizza box.

FIG. 3 illustrates a packaging design comprising an opening in its base and separate movable element.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cigarette package incorporating a movable element according to the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a tubular container comprising a flexible membrane.

FIG. 6 illustrates a storage bin using an embodiment of the flexible element as an outer wall suitable for a bread-bin or cultivation chamber.

FIG. 7a illustrates a method for extracting seedling plants from growing trays using a mesh membrane.

FIG. 7b illustrates a method for extracting seedling plants from growing trays using separate extraction strips. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to some specific embodiments of the invention including the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as defined by the appended claims. The following description makes full reference to the detailed features as outlined in the objects of the invention.

Referring now in detail to the drawings and in particular FIG.l thereof, therein illustrated is an example of a packaging design according to a first embodiment of the invention suitable for fast food such as a hamburger.

The package comprises a cardboard, or other suitable material, sheet cut from a single sheet which can interlock together to form a container for the food.

The container (101) comprises two side elements (A, B) which are of length L and which comprise folding side flaps (102, 103, 107, 110) which are of width W. The cardboard material folds at 90 degrees along the dotted lines to create a base of width W. The base comprises tapered locking flaps (104, 111) and each locking flap comprises an end which folds at a distance L from the base. Each of the folding side flaps (102, 103, 107, 110) comprises a slot (105, 106, 109, 108) such that when the side elements (A, B) are folded together, the two pairs of folding side flaps (102 and 103) and (107 and 110) fold down to form the sides of the container and their slots (105 and 106) and (109 and 108) become aligned.

The tapered end of the locking flaps (104, 111) can now be used to lock the container together. The end of flap (104) is inserted through the overlapped and aligned slots (105 and 106) and the end of flap (111) is inserted through the overlapped and aligned slots (109 and 108).

The two extended ends of the tapered locking flaps (104 and 111) can be folded out around the structure to help secure the structure.

Side B comprises an extended element C of length 2L + W + t, where L is the length of one side, W is the width of the container and t is the length of a closing flap (113). The material of which the container is made is chosen such that it is flexible enough for the extended element C to be curved as it is moved.

When fully assembled, the extended element C moves into the box structure formed from closing sides (A and B) and locked with taper flaps (104 and 111). The surface C as shown will become the back surface of the food containing part of the packaging. Due to its length, the extended element C will form a curved movable element within the package which can be pulled outwards by pulling flap (113).

The extended element C is folded along the dotted lines as shown and the end may comprise a flap (114) made from making two cuts of length s such that the flap can be inserted into a slot (115) in the side element B. The slot (115) is at a distance u from the end of side B as shown, where u = t - s and where t is the length of the closing flap (113).

For a hamburger package, the lengths L, W, t and s are chosen accordingly where L might be 15cm, W might be 5 cm, t might be 2 cm and s might be lcm.

Referring now to FIG. Ib, therein is shown a representation of the container constructed according to the design of FIG. Ia. The extended flap (113) is pulled and the curved inner element moves upwards, bringing the food upwards with it.

Referring now to FIG. 2a, therein is shown an alternative packaging design which is suitable for fast food which comprises a separate movable element. The container (201) comprises two side elements (E, F) each of length L, which fold at 90 degrees around a base element which is of width W. The side elements comprise folding side flaps (202, 203, 210, 211). The side flaps (202, 203) of side element E each comprise 3 upper slots (205 and 204). The side flaps also contain a single lower slot (207 and 206) which is positioned at a height less than W.

The side flaps (211, 210) of side element F each comprise a moveable element (213, 212) which is formed from 3 cuts made into the flap.

The side elements close around the base element which itself comprises a rectangular void (214) to allow fingers to be pushed upwards through the void. The base element also comprises base flaps (209 and 208). When side E is folded at 90 degrees towards the base element, the side flaps (202 and 203) are folded inwards at 90 degrees and then the base flaps (209 and 208) can each be folded up at 90 degrees and slotted into the lower slots (207 and 206) respectively. This secures the base and side E at 90 degrees.

Side element F is then folded towards the base and both side flaps (211 and 210) are folded inwards at 90 degrees. Each of the moveable elements (213 and 212) are then slotted into the top slot of the three upper slots (205 and 204). The ends of the moveable elements then pass out through the middle of the three upper slots and then into the lower of the three upper slots. In this way the structure is made secure.

The upper edge of side element E comprises a zone (217) to attach a moveable paper or foil element (218). The paper element may comprise adhesive which is revealed when a strip is removed from the top of the element (218) or glue is used, or a strip of adhesive is attached to the zone (217). This moveable element is best attached before the container is closed.

The moveable element is designed to be of length greater than 2L + W where L is the length of each side and W is the width of the base element.

The end of the moveable element passed through a slot (215) in side element F. Side element F comprises an extended flap G which may comprise two cuts in its closing edge (216) so that the flap can close against the opposite edge of side element E.

This package design is ideal for fast food and for French fries as it enables the consumer to push the moveable element (218) upwards through the base void (214) and or pull the contents out by pulling the moveable element (218) which emerges outwards through the slot (215) in side element F.

This container might be ideal for a hamburger or French fries. The container might be made of cardboard and the flexible element may be made of greaseproof paper. Referring now to FIG. 2b therein is shown a modification to the design of FIG. 2a wherein the base element does not comprise a void. The package design may comprise either the moveable element (218) positioned as shown in FIG. 2a or it may comprise two side slots (220, 221) and a lower moveable interlocking element and only two slots in the opposite side flaps. In this alternative arrangement, a long and flexible element (222) of length approximately 3L and of width V, where V is less than the width W of the container is used to assist with extracting the food from the container. The flexible element passes through the side slots (220, 221) and extends around the food leaving the ends of the element accessible from outside the container through the slots (220, 221). When the container is opened at one end, the ends of the flexible element (222) are pulled and the food is drawn out. This container design is highly suitable for a pizza box, or for French fries.

The dimensions of the box are modified to accommodate the dimensions of the different foods accordingly.

In either case, the pizza will sit upon a paper layer, either in the form of the moveable element 218, or the pizza will be placed upon a pizza-size piece of paper if the flexible element (222) is used so that the pizza does not become stuck to the bottom surface of the box.

Due to the weight of the pizza, it is anticipated that different designs for the flexible element may be used. In one instance the flexible element may comprise corrugated cardboard which is flexible and strong and which can further offer a ratchet type locking as each bump in the corrugated cardboard is pulled through the slots (220, 221). This same technique may be used in other food storage applications such as when eating a hamburger from a package by pulling on the flexible element from one side. In a separate embodiment, the flexible strip may be attached at one end to the side of the box, or it may form an extension of the side wall in which case only one end needs to be pulled to draw the food out of the box.

Whenever using this design for pizza, because the outer box will be stronger cardboard, the slot (215) as shown in FIG. 2a for the moveable element (218) may be omitted such that the end of the paper becomes visible and accessible only when the pizza box is opened.

Referring now to FIG. 3 therein is shown an alternative design which incorporates a movable folded base element (302) which sits inside the closed container formed from the cardboard design (301). The moveable element (302) comprises four side elements (j, k, m, n) which fold at 90 degrees upwards around base element (h) wherein the tab ends (303, 305, 307, 309 fold around and slot into slots (304, 306, 308, 310).

The dimensions of the moveable element (302) are chosen so that it can be moved easily within the closed structure formed (301). This type of box is ideal for French fries and may be of similar dimensions to those described with reference to FIG. Ia. FIG. 4 illustrates the invention as applied to a cigarette box (401). The box comprises a base element (402) and a lid element (403), and cigarettes (404) are shown. The box opens using a flexible cardboard hinge along line XY. A moveable element (405) such as a paper or metal foil sheet is attached at two places (407 and 406).

When the box lid is pulled back, the flexible element (405) is caused to move upwards and outwards at the two places indicated (409 and 408) such that the contents are lifted up and out and are easier to extract. In fact, the foil which is often discarded from every cigarette packet might be used as an alternative material from which to make the flexible element (405) and improve the way in which the cigarettes are presented when the box is opened

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a tubular container for storing nuts and raisons and similar foods which are generally difficult to extract from packaging. Therein is shown a tubular element (501) which contains a flexible membrane (503) such as from Mylar or other suitable food packaging which forms a closed bag within the tubular element. The membrane extends outwards over the edge of the tubular container (504) and is attached to a ring element (502) which surrounds the tubular element. The tubular element may be made of cardboard or other similar rigid material. The ring element (502) may be made of cardboard or plastic or Mylar.

The flexible membrane bag contains the nuts or raisons and in order to assist with extraction, the ring element (502) is moved downwards around the tubular element (501) thereby raising the membrane and lifting the contents. A lid (506) is provided which can close around the top of the tubular element (504) and thereby keep the contents air tight as well as securing the position of the membrane bag within.

This food storage container has particular advantages because it can be used with one hand. With the tube held in one hand, the fingers grip around the ring element (502) and push it downwards with the base of the tubular against a hard surface such as a table top. Food is raised upwards within the container and the tube can be lifted towards the mouth.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a storage bin which can be made according to one embodiment of the invention wherein a flexible element (601) forms an outer surface of the container as well as forming part of the storage surface itself. This application of the invention can be used as the basis of a new type of bread storage bin as well as a plant seedling cultivation chamber.

Through the selection of appropriate materials, wood or opaque plastic in the case of the bread storage bin, and transparent plastic in the case of the plant seedling cultivation chamber, the container addresses the needs of the two applications. Clearly a cultivation chamber needs to be kept light while maintaining a micro-climate of controlled humidity, which is possible when the container is closed. A bread-bin on the other hand needs to be dark and shielded from heat sources.

FIG. 6 shows a flexible plastic surface (601) which comprises the front wall of the container when closed and which is guided by grooves (605) within the end walls (602, 603) around the storage space of the container. The front end of the moveable element comprises a flat tray surface which may contain recesses for plants and side edges to contain the plant seedlings. The front edge (604) may comprise a groove under its lower surface to form a handgrip and thus assist with the drawing out of the front edge.

Plant seedlings are stored in their pots upon the tray area (607).

A suitable curved profile (605) within the end walls (602, 603) is chosen to make the movement of the flexible plastic surface free flowing. Different materials will require different forms of this profile.

The front of the tray surface (609) comprises a groove or raised profile (609) into which the front edge (608) of the flexible surface (601) can close. Different embodiments may make use of different profiles. It is to be understood that the two side walls may be made in any shape to make them more attractive. In addition they will be connected underneath the structure by a rigid supporting surface and or by a rigid back wall.

Different embodiments may only comprise a lower surface so that the plant cultivation application receives the most light when placed upon a window sill. In a separate embodiment for the bread bin, the front edge of the flexible surface may rest against a flat part of the tray surface (607).

The bread-bin application may also comprise an inner plastic container which sits over the bread to keep it fresh. In addition the bread may stand upon a cutting board such that when the front tray is pulled out, the bread is revealed standing on its own cutting board.

FIG. 7a shows a horticulture application of the system and method of the current invention. Seedlings are often grown in plastic seed trays which are often of very soft plastic and which can be pressed from underneath and the seedlings within their compost can be expelled. This is very wasteful since the seed trays may not be reused and the extraction method is not always successful. Often seed trays need to be cut in order to get the seedlings out without damaging them.

In FIG. 7a is shown a seed tray (701) comprising several seedling cavities (702) for retaining compost. Before the compost units (704) are added to the seed tray (701) a layer of flexible membrane mesh is placed over the surface of the seed tray. This mesh may comprise many suitable materials used in plant growing such as string etc. but in a preferred embodiment it comprises plastic netting with rectangular holes of between 5mm and 10mm diameter. The compost is then pushed down upon the mesh netting in each cavity which forces the mesh into the bottom of the seedling cavities. This creates a continuous surface of mesh netting sitting below each compost unit. The compost is then sown with seed and when the seedlings are to be extracted, the gardener only needs to pull the mesh netting to cause the seedlings with their compost to be expelled. The seed tray may then be used again for other seedlings. FIG. 7b shows a variant of this method in which separate plastic or paper insert (706) are used for each seedling cavity. The compost is placed down over each plastic or paper insert and when the seedlings are grown, they are easily extracted by pulling the two ends of the insert upwards.

The same principle of moving contents out of a container using a membrane can be extended to freight transport. Freight containers often comprise non-solid sides to make freight loading and unloading easier, but this creates wind-drag when travelling and increases the fuel consumption. Moving floor systems exist, which comprise wheels embedded into the freight container floor so that freight crates and pallets can slide easily over the surface by rolling over the wheels.

The invention makes possible a way to load and unload pallets or boxes into and out of a freight vehicle with solid walls, where the loading and unloading only takes place from the rear of the vehicle. The invention uses a strong membrane to achieve this.

It is thus possible to envisage a membrane application where the membrane is made of very strong netting or Kevlar material where this membrane hangs vertically inside the container and is attached via a winding capstan on both sides of the container. Freight pallets are thus loaded against the Kevlar sheet or membrane and, depending upon the weight of the pallets, a winding mechanism can also draw the pallets or crates into the container.

Either a strong line is attached to the base pallet and subsequent pallets are attached to each other, or the loading operation pushes the Kevlar sheet or membrane backwards causing it to unwind from the Capstan. This approach also serves to anchor the pallets inside the freight container compartment.

In one embodiment, the Kevlar is fixed at one end and unwinds only on one side where a capstan is present. The membrane and the capstan engine are strong enough to be able to drag the pallets forward over the moving floor which comprises embedded wheels and thus little resistance.

Different embodiments are possible wherein separate sheets of Kevlar material or membrane can be used for each horizontal row of pallets to reduce the tension on the membrane so that each sheet only needs to draw out one horizontal line of pallets or boxes. In fact, in one embodiment, the membrane itself may only extend around the pallets and be attached to the capstan via very strong cables. This approach reduces the amount of membrane material used.

Separate cables will connect separate Ii9nes of pallets to the capstan winding mechanism.

In this way, the invention can be applied to loading and unloading freight.

As described above, the present invention of packaging can be applied across several application areas. It should be understood however, that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and does not include all modifications or improvements obvious to the man skilled in the art which may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (101) characterised in that: said container (101) comprising two side elements (A, B) being of length L and four folding side flaps (102, 103, 107, 110) being of width W, and said suitable material further comprising dotted lines to create a base of width W, wherein said base further comprising tapered locking flaps (104, 111) and wherein each of said locking flap (104, 111) further comprising an end to be folded at a distance L from said base, and wherein each of said folding side flaps (102, 103, 107, 110) comprising a slot (105, 106, 109, 108) in order to allow said side elements (A, B) to be folded together, wherein said two pairs of folding side flaps (102 and 103) and (107 and 110) forming the sides of said container and said slots (105 and 106) and (109 and 108) being respectively aligned.

2. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (101) as disclosed in claim 1 wherein: said side element B further comprising an extended moveable element C of length 2L + W + t, wherein t is the length of a closing flap (113), wherein said suitable material being flexible enough for the extended moveable element C to be curved as it is moved, wherein said extended moveable element C further becoming the curved movable back surface of the containing part of said container (101) wherein said extended moveable element C being pulled outwards by pulling said closing flap (113), and wherein said extended moveable element C further comprising a flap (114) made from making two cuts of length s (s<t) for inserting said flap (114) into a slot (115) in the side element B wherein said slot (115) being at a distance u from the end of side B (u = t - s).

3. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (101) as disclosed in claim 2 wherein: said suitable material being cardboard, and said lengths L being 15 cm, W being 5 cm, t being 2 cm and s being 1 cm, and said system being designed for inserting and extracting food wherein said food being a hamburger or French fries.

4. A method for folding a system for packaging made of a suitable material sheet cut from a single sheet which can interlock together to form a container (101) comprising the steps of: folding two side elements (A, B) of said suitable material sheet at 90 degrees along dotted lines to create a base of width W wherein said two side elements (A, B) being of length L and further comprising four folding side flaps (102, 103, 107, 110) each of said side flaps (102, 103, 107, 110) being of width W, and further comprising a slot (105, 106, 109, 108) and wherein said base further comprising tapered locking flaps (104, 111) and wherein each of said locking flap (104, 111) further comprising an end to be folded at a distance L from said base, and forming the sides of said container (101) and aligning respectively said slots 105 and 106, and slots 109 and 108, and locking said container (101) by inserting said tapered end of flap (104) through said overlapped and aligned slots (105 and 106) and by inserting the end of flap (111) through the overlapped and aligned slots (109 and 108) wherein said extended ends of said tapered locking flaps (104 and 111) being folded out around the structure of said cardboard to secure said structure.

5. A method for folding a system for packaging made of a suitable material sheet cut from a single sheet which can interlock together to form a container (101) as disclosed in claim 4 further comprising the steps of: moving an extended moveable element C into the box structure formed by said closing sides (A and B), wherein said side element B further comprising said extended moveable element C of length 2L + W + t, wherein t is the length of a closing flap (113), wherein said suitable material being flexible enough for the extended moveable element C to be curved as it is moved, and making the curved movable back surface of the containing part of said container (101), pulling outwards said extended moveable element C by pulling said closing flap (113) for further for bringing the content of said extended moveable element C upwards, and wherein said extended moveable element C being folded along dotted lines further comprising a flap (114) made from making two cuts of length s (s<t) for inserting said flap (114) into a slot (115) in the side element B wherein said slot (115) being at a distance u from the end of side B (u = t - s).

6. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) characterised by: a separate flexible movable element (218), and wherein said container (201) comprising two side elements (E, F) each of length L, which fold at 90 degrees around a base element of width W further comprising base flaps (209 and 208), and wherein said side elements further comprising folding side flaps (202, 203, 210, 211), and wherein each of said side flaps (202, 203) of side element E further comprising 3 upper slots (205 and 204), and a single lower slot (207 and 206) wherein said single lower slot (207 and 206) being positioned at a height less than W, and each of said side flaps (211, 210) of side element F further comprising a moveable element (213, 212) wherein said moveable element (213, 212) being formed from 3 cuts made into said flap, and wherein said side elements close around said base element wherein said base element further comprising a rectangular void (214) to allow fingers to be pushed upwards through said void (214), and wherein the upper edge of said side element E comprising a zone (217) to attach said moveable element (218), and said side element F further comprising an extended flap G comprising two cuts in the closing edge (216) of said extended flap G in order to allow said extended flap G to close against the opposite edge of side of said element E.

7. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) as disclosed in claim 6 wherein: said moveable element (218) being of length greater than 2L + W and the end of said moveable element (218) being suitable for passing through a slot (215) in said side element F, and wherein said moveable element (218) further comprising adhesive or glue wherein said adhesive or glue being revealed when a strip is removed from the top of said moveable element (218), or a strip of adhesive is attached to the zone (217), wherein said moveable element (218) being best attached before said container (201) is closed.

8. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) as disclosed in claim 7 wherein: said container (201) being cardboard, and said flexible moveable element (218) being paper or foil element or greaseproof paper, and said system being designed for fast food wherein said fast food being a hamburger or French fries, enabling the consumer to push the moveable element (218) upwards through the base void (214) and/or to pull the contents out by pulling said moveable element (218) emerging outwards through said slot (215) in said side element F.

9. A method for folding a system for packaging made of a suitable material sheet cut from a single sheet which can interlock together to form a container (201) comprising the steps of: folding side E of said container (201) at 90 degrees towards a base element, wherein said container (201) comprising two side elements (E, F) each of length L, which fold at 90 degrees around a base element of width W wherein said base element further comprising base flaps (209 and 208) and a base void (214), and wherein said side elements further comprising folding side flaps (202, 203, 210, 211), and wherein each of said side flaps (202, 203) of side element E further comprising 3 upper slots (205 and 204) and a single lower slot (207 and 206) wherein said single lower slot (207 and 206) being positioned at a height less than W, and each of said side flaps (211, 210) of side element F further comprising two moveable elements (213, 212) wherein each of said moveable element (213, 212) being formed from 3 cuts made into said flap, and said system for packaging further comprising a separate flexible movable element (218), and wherein said base element further comprising a rectangular void (214) to allow fingers to be pushed upwards through said void (214), and folding said side flaps (202 and 203) inwards at 90 degrees and folding up each of said base flaps (209 and 208) at 90 degrees and respectively folding and slotting said base flaps (209 and 208) into said lower slots (207 and 206) for securing said base and said side E at 90 degrees.

10. A method for folding a system for packaging made of a suitable material sheet cut from a single sheet which can interlock together to form a container (201) as disclosed in claim 9 further comprising the steps of: folding said side element F towards the base and folding both side flaps (211 and 210) inwards at 90 degrees, slotting each of the moveable elements (212 and 213) into the top slot of the three upper slots (205 and 204), and further passing out the ends of said moveable elements (212 and 213) through the middle of the three upper slots, and further passing the ends of said moveable elements (212 and 213) into the lowest of the three upper slots for making the structure of said container (201) secure.

11. A method for folding a system for packaging made of a suitable material sheet cut from a single sheet which can Interlock together to form a container (201) as disclosed in claim

10 further comprising the steps of: attaching said moveable element (218) to a zone (217) of the upper edge of said side element E wherein said moveable element (218) being of length greater than 2L + W and the end of said moveable element (218) being suitable for passing through a slot (215) in said side element F, and wherein said moveable element (218) further comprising adhesive or glue wherein said adhesive or glue being revealed when a strip is removed from the top of said moveable element (218), or a strip of adhesive is attached to said zone (217), and said side element F further comprising an extended flap G comprising two cuts in the closing edge (216) of said extended flap G, and closing said extended flap G against the opposite edge of side of said element E.

12. A method for folding a system for packaging made of a suitable material sheet cut from a single sheet which can interlock together to form a container (201) as disclosed in claim

11 further comprising the steps of: opening said flap G of said container (201) filled with food wherein said food being a hamburger or French fries, by a consumer, and enabling said consumer to push the moveable element (218) upwards through said base void (214) and/or to pull said moveable element (218) emerging outwards through said slot (215) in said side element F for pulling the contents out, wherein said container being cardboard, and said flexible moveable element (218) being paper or foil element or greaseproof paper.

13. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) characterised by: a separate flexible movable element (218) or a long and flexible element (222), said container (201) comprising two side elements (E, F) each of length L, which fold at 90 degrees around a base element of width W further comprising base flaps (209 and 208), and wherein said side elements further comprising folding side flaps (202, 203, 210, 211), wherein each of said side flaps (202, 203) of side element E further comprising 3 upper slots (205 and 204), and a single lower slot (207 and 206) wherein said single lower slot (207 and 206) being positioned at a height less than W, and wherein the upper edge of said side element E comprising a zone (217) to attach said moveable element (218), and each of said side flaps (211, 210) of side element F further comprising a side slot (220, 221), wherein said side elements close around said base element, and said side element F further comprising an extended flap G comprising two cuts in the closing edge (216) of said extended flap G in order to allow said extended flap G to close against the opposite edge of side of said element E and/or two side slots (220,221).

14. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) as disclosed in claim 13 wherein: said moveable element (218) being of length greater than 2L + W and the end of said moveable element (218) being suitable for passing through a slot (215) in said side element F, and wherein said moveable element (218) further comprising adhesive or glue wherein said adhesive or glue being revealed when a strip is removed from the top of said moveable element (218), or a strip of adhesive is attached to the zone (217), wherein said moveable element (218) being best attached before said container (201) is closed, or said flexible element (222) being of length 3L and of width V, where V < W for assisting with the extraction of the content of said container (201) being suitable for passing through the side slots (220, 221) and extending around the content leaving the ends of the element accessible from outside the container through said slots (220, 221).

15. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) as disclosed in claim 14 wherein: said container (201) being suitable cardboard or corrugated cardboard or a combination of cardboard or corrugated cardboard, and said flexible moveable element (218) being paper or foil element or greaseproof paper, and said long and flexible element (222) being foil element, and wherein the dimensions of said container (201) adapted to the dimensions of different contents, said system for packaging being designed for fast food wherein said content being a pizza or a pie or French fries, wherein said content sitting upon a paper layer, either in the form of the moveable element (218), or pizza or pie being placed upon a pizza-size or pie-size piece of paper in addition to the flexible element (222), and further enabling a consumer to pull said content out by pulling said moveable element (218) emerging outwards through said slot (215) in said side element F or by pulling out said flexible element (222) ends, wherein just the piece of said content to be consumed being pulled out and protecting the shape of the rest of said content within said container (201).

16. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (201) as disclosed in claim 15 wherein: said flexible strip (222) being stuck by a suitable means at one end to the side of said container, or forming an extension of a side wall of said container (201) allowing only one end to be pulled in order to draw said content out of said container (201).

17. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (401) characterised in that: said container (401) being a cigarette box, further comprising a base element (402), a lid element (403), a flexible cardboard hinge along line XY and a moveable element (405) attached at two places (407 and 406) by a suitable means wherein said moveable element being a paper or metal foil sheet , and said moveable element (405) being used for pulling upwards and outwards said content when said lid element (403) of said container (401) being opened, making said content easier to extract.

18. A system for packaging made of a suitable material forming a container (501) characterised in that: said container (501) being a tubular container (501), said container (501) being for storing nuts and/or raisins and/or appetitive food or chocolates or biscuits, wherein said tubular container (501) being made of cardboard or other suitable rigid material, and said tubular container (501) further comprising a flexible membrane (503) being Mylar or being a material suitable for food, forming a closed bag within said tubular container (501), wherein said membrane extending outwards over the edge (504) of said tubular container (501) and being attached by suitable means to a ring element (502) surrounding said tubular element wherein said ring element (502) being made of cardboard of plastic or Mylar, said flexible membrane bag facilitating the extraction of the content of said tubular container (501) by allowing said flexible membrane (503) to be raised when said ring element (502) is moved downwards around said tubular element (501), said tubular container (501) further comprising a lid (506) for closing around the top of said tubular element (504) and for keeping the content of said tubular container (501) air tight and securing the position of the membrane bag within said tubular container (501).