U.S. patent application number 10/521200 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for inline multimodal pack system and containers thereof.
Invention is credited to Craig Ronald Bonner, Steffen Kelly Kara, Alan Bruce McClennan.
Application Number | 20060113364 10/521200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29546545 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060113364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonner; Craig Ronald ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Inline multimodal pack system and containers thereof
Abstract
A container capable of being erected from multiple blanks in a
machine and lidded post filling in that machine line. By a simple
adaptation two different forms of filled container are envisaged
each preferably adapted for transporting frozen meat or like frozen
products.
Inventors: |
Bonner; Craig Ronald;
(Auckland, NZ) ; McClennan; Alan Bruce; (Ohaupo,
NZ) ; Kara; Steffen Kelly; (Haumoana, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACOBSON HOLMAN PLLC
400 SEVENTH STREET N.W.
SUITE 600
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Family ID: |
29546545 |
Appl. No.: |
10/521200 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
July 2, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ03/00138 |
371 Date: |
October 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/122.24 ;
229/122.26; 229/123.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/323 20130101;
B65D 75/5833 20130101; B65D 5/68 20130101; B65D 5/324 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/122.24 ;
229/122.26; 229/123.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/32 20060101
B65D005/32; B65D 5/12 20060101 B65D005/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2002 |
NZ |
520202 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A container erected or erectable from blank components to
define a container said container being erected or erectable from a
first blank to define a side wall type bliss container wrap
component to define a rectangular base panel and end wall panels
dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall panel having
laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the base)
extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall type
bliss container wrap component, a second blank to define a full
height side wall panel and a partial yet full height end wall
attachment and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall
panel, a third blank similar to the second blank, and a fourth
blank to define a lidding panel with attachment flaps to extend and
adhesively be affixed to the top of the end wall panels and to the
top of the side wall panels, said fourth blank having extending
from a sidewall flap of the fourth blank at least into the lidding
panel a zone perforately and/or frangibly defined to allow at least
a partial tear opening thereof, if desired, from said sidewall
flap.
27. The container of claim 26 adapted for or at least suitable for
transporting chilled meat or like unfrozen products.
28. The container of claim 26 wherein the blank components are all
of, at least in part, a paperboard or like laminate.
29. The container of claim 26 wherein at least one of the blank
components is of a single or multiple cushion corrugated board.
30. The container of claim 26 wherein the first, second and third
blanks are erected and/or former held for filling prior to fixing
of the fourth blank thereto.
31. The container of claim 26 wherein the second and third blanks
are of a corrugated board material adapted to bear vertically (in a
flute run direction of the corrugated board material) anticipated
stack loads of the meat or like filled erect containers.
32. The container of claim 26 wherein the first blank, second
blank, third blank, and/or fourth blank is substantially as herein
described with reference to any one of FIGS. 1A to 1DDD.
33. The container of claim 26 herein the container erects to a form
substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 1A
through 3.
34. A machine line that has been used (A) for erecting (at least in
part) two types of container, the machine line having been used in
one mode to define a container, said container being erected or
erectable from at least a first blank to define a side wall type
bliss container wrap component to define a rectangular base panel
and end wall panels dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall
panel having laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis
of the base) extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a
side wall bliss container wrap component, a second blank to define
a full height side wall panel and a partial yet full height end
wall attachment and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side
wall panel, a third blank similar to the second blank, and the
machine having been used in a second mode to define a container,
said container being erected or erectable from at least a first
blank to define a side wall type bliss container wrap component to
define a rectangular base panel and end wall panels dependent
therefrom, the base and each end wall panel having laterally
(lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the base) extending
flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall bliss container
wrap component, a second blank to define a full height side wall
panel and a partial yet full height end wall attachment and/or
reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall panel, and a third
blank similar to the second blank, (B) that has been used to allow
filling of the containers, and, (C) that has been used in each of
the modes, to effect filled container closure by a fourth blank to
define a lidding panel with attachment flaps to extend and
adhesively be affixed to the top of the end wall panels and the
side wall panels, and wherein, in the first mode, the construction
of the second and third blanks has been more substantial than in
the second mode with respect to 1) the extent of the end wall
attachment and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall
panel of the first blank, 2) the material from which the second and
third blanks are formed, or 3) both (1) and (2).
35. A machine of claim 34 wherein the container of the first mode
of erection was for chilled meat and the container of the second
mode of erection was for frozen meat or meat to be frozen.
36. A machine line of claim 34 wherein in each mode the first blank
is identical.
37. A machine line of claim 34 which in the modes of erection
involves the use of hot melt adhesive.
38. A machine line of claim 37 in which the fourth blank has been
affixed by use of hot melt adhesive.
39. A machine line of claim 34 which, in said first mode, has
defined a container as a container erected or erectable from blank
components to define a container said container being erected or
erectable from a first blank to define a side wall type bliss
container wrap component to define a rectangular base panel and end
wall panels dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall panel
having laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the
base) extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall
type bliss container wrap component, a second blank to define a
full height side wall panel and a partial yet full height end wall
attachment and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall
panel, a third blank similar to the second blank, and a fourth
blank to define a lidding panel with attachment flaps to extend and
adhesively be affixed to the top of the end wall panels and to the
top of the side wall panels, said fourth blank having extending
from a sidewall flap of the fourth blank at least into the lidding
panel a zone perforately and/or frangibly defined to allow at least
a partial tear opening thereof, if desired, from said sidewall
flap.
40. The machine line of claim 34 which, in the second mode, has
defined a closed container when the fourth blank is fitted thereto:
(A) without the lidding panel having at least in part perforate
and/or frangible zones to encourage tear opening thereof; and (B)
without the end wall panels extending inwardly as far as in the
first mode.
41. The machine line of claim 34 wherein the end wall panels have
at least substantially met at the central axis of the container in
a first mode container whereas, in the second mode container, they
are merely relatively small intrusions towards the centre.
42. The machine line of claim 34 in which the container of the
second mode is substantially of a form as hereinafter described
with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D.
43. In combination, the blanks of both a mode 1 and a mode 2
container as claimed in claim 26.
44. In combination, both a mode 1 and a mode 2 type of container
set of blanks as defined in claim 26 and also a machine capable of
erecting at least the carcase of each of the modes.
45. The fill line which has included in the fill line a machine
line adapted first to erect a carcase to be filled of a mode 1
and/or mode 2 type container of any one of claim 34 and, post
filling, to allow the fitting of the lidding feature thereto.
46. A pack produced from blanks in accordance with claim 26 having
used a machine line that has been used (A) for erecting (at least
in part) two types of container, the machine line having been used
in one mode to define a container, said container being erected or
erectable from at least a first blank to define a side wall type
bliss container wrap component to define a rectangular base panel
and end wall panels dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall
panel having laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis
of the base) extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a
side wall bliss container wrap component, a second blank to define
a full height side wall panel and a partial yet full height end
wall attachment and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side
wall panel, a third blank similar to the second blank, and the
machine having been used in a second mode to define a container,
said container being erected or erectable from at least a first
blank to define a side wall type bliss container wrap component to
define a rectangular base panel and end wall panels dependent
therefrom, the base and each end wall panel having laterally
(lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the base) extending
flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall bliss container
wrap component, a second blank to define a full height side wall
panel and a partial yet full height end wall attachment and/or
reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall panel, and a third
blank similar to the second blank, (B) that has been used to allow
filling of the containers, and, (C) that has been used in each of
the modes, to effect filled container closure by a fourth blank to
define a lidding panel with attachment flaps to extend and
adhesively be affixed to the top of the end wall panels and the
side wall panels, and wherein, in the first mode, the construction
of the second and third blanks has been more substantial than in
the second mode with respect to 1) the extent of the end wall
attachment and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall
panel of the first blank, 2) the material from which the second and
third blanks are formed, or 3) both (1) and (2).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a machine line adapted for
erecting at least in part two types of container for lidding
subsequently or in the line itself and to containers thus made, and
to related components, methods and assemblies.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the transportation of produce such as meat, fish and the
like, higher quality produce is frequently packed without any
pre-freezing and with the intention that it reach a consumer
without ever having been frozen. This is particularly the case
where higher grades of animal meats can be packed and transported
in a controlled atmosphere.
[0003] With frozen materials however, usually of a lower grade meat
or for a less demanding end consumer (e.g. hamburger meats), some
advantage can be derived from the integrity that a mass of frozen
product within a container can provide to the overall pack insofar
as strength is concerned. Indeed some forms of packaging containers
that simply adhere to the frozen content have found favour.
[0004] The present invention however recognises that significant
cost savings are available to an end user (i.e. the packing house)
where a machine line can be provided adapted to receive similar
componentry and to be operated in at least two modes, one mode for
preparing a container to be filled with meat or the like produce
that is to be chilled only and, in another mode, for preparing a
container to be loaded with produce to be frozen.
[0005] In the second instance one or more of the components can be
provided of a cheaper material or of a cheaper form or both.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a machine line and products erectable by such a machine
line which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.
It is also or instead the intention of the present invention to
offer a container suitable for chilled meat or like produce where a
perforate or like lidding feature is provided preferably such that
a lid of similar form as that which might be used for a frozen
produce can be utilised save for that feature.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first aspect the present invention is a container
erected or erectable from blank components preferably to define a
container adapted for transporting chilled meat or like unfrozen
products, said container being erected or erectable from
[0008] a first blank to define a side wall type bliss container
body component to define a rectangular base panel and end wall
panels dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall panel having
laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the base)
extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall type
bliss container body component,
[0009] a second blank to define a full height side wall panel and a
partial yet full height end wall attachment and/or reinforcement
panel at each end of the side wall panel,
[0010] a third blank similar to the second blank, and
[0011] a fourth blank to define a lidding panel with attachment
flaps to extend and adhesively be affixed to the top of the end
wall panels and the side wall panels, said fourth blank having the
lidding panel at least in part with perforate and/or frangible
zones to encourage tear opening thereof.
[0012] Preferably the blank components are all of, at least in
part, a paperboard or like laminate e.g. single or multiple cushion
corrugated board.
[0013] Preferably the first, second and third blanks are erected
and/or former held for filling prior to fixing of the fourth blank
thereto.
[0014] Preferably the second and third blanks are adapted to bear
vertically (in a flute run direction) anticipated stack loads of
the meat or like filled erect containers.
[0015] Preferably the first blank, second blank, third blank,
and/or fourth blank is substantially as hereinafter described with
reference to any one of FIGS. 1A to 1DDD.
[0016] Preferably the container erects to a form substantially as
hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 1A through 3.
[0017] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a
machine line for erecting (at least in part) two types of
container, the machine line being adapted in one mode preferably to
define a container adapted for transporting chilled meat or like
unfrozen products, said container being erected or erectable from
at least
[0018] a first blank to define a side wall type bliss container
body component to define a rectangular base panel and end wall
panels dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall panel having
laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the base)
extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall bliss
container body component,
[0019] a second blank to define a full height side wall panel and a
partial yet full height end wall attachment and/or reinforcement
panel at each end of the side wall panel,
[0020] a third blank similar to the second blank, and
[0021] the machine being adapted in a second mode preferably to
define a container adapted for transporting frozen meat or like
frozen products, said container being erected or erectable from at
least
[0022] a first blank to define a side wall type bliss container
body component to define a rectangular base panel and end wall
panels dependent therefrom, the base and each end wall panel having
laterally (lateral with respect to the elongate axis of the base)
extending flaps to allow the first blank's use as a side wall bliss
container body component,
[0023] a second blank to define a full height side wall panel and a
partial yet full height end wall attachment and/or reinforcement
panel at each end of the side wall panel, and
[0024] a third blank similar to the second blank,
[0025] and wherein, in each of the modes, the container is adapted
to be closed (once filled) by a fourth blank to define a lidding
panel with attachment flaps to extend and adhesively be affixed to
the top of the end wall panels and the side wall panels,
[0026] and wherein, in the first mode, the construction of the
second and third blanks is more substantial than in the second mode
with respect to [0027] 1) the extent of the end wall attachment
and/or reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall panel,
[0028] 2) the material from which the second and third blanks are
formed, or [0029] 3) both (1) and (2).
[0030] Preferably the machine line is in or includes a fill line,
i.e. the line first erects (at least in part) a carcase (e.g. of
first, second or third blanks), fills the carcase, and closes it
with a fourth blank.
[0031] Preferably in each mode the first blank is identical.
[0032] Preferably the modes of erection involves the use of hot
melt adhesive.
[0033] Preferably each container is adapted to be filled with its
intended content before the machine line or some separate apparatus
attaches any part of the fourth blank thereto.
[0034] Preferably the fourth blank is affixed by use of not melt
adhesive.
[0035] Preferably in said first mode said container is a container
as previously defined when the fourth blank has been fixed
thereto.
[0036] Preferably the container erectable in the second mode is a
similar container to that previously described when the fourth
blank is fitted thereto although
[0037] (A) preferably without the lidding panel having at least in
part perforate and/or frangible zones to encourage tear opening
thereof; and
[0038] (B) preferably without both the structural strength of the
material from which the second and third blanks of the first mode
are formed and without the end wall attachment and/or reinforcement
panels extending inwardly as far as in the first mode.
[0039] Preferably such panels substantially or more or less meet at
the central axis of the container in a first mode container
whereas, in the second mode container, they are merely relatively
small intrusions towards the centre (i.e. they do not confer any
substantial reinforcement near that provided in the first
mode).
[0040] In still a further aspect the present invention consists in
a use of a machine [such as that used by this company for erection
of its "PLB" trays (available under license from us from Rob
Jennings Developments Limited, Tauranga, New Zealand)] in a machine
line as previously set forth.
[0041] Preferably the container of the second mode is substantially
of a form as hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 2A to
2D.
[0042] In another aspect the present invention consists in, in
combination, the blanks of a mode 1 and/or a mode 2 container as
herein defined.
[0043] In still a further aspect the present invention consists in,
in combination, a mode 1 and/or a mode 2 type of container set of
blanks and a machine capable of erecting at least the carcase of
one or both modes.
[0044] Preferably said machine is of a kind as previously referred
to.
[0045] In still a further aspect the present invention consists in
a fill line which includes in the fill line a machine adapted first
to erect a carcase to be filled of a mode 1 and/or mode 2 type
container and, post filling, to allow the fitting of the lidding
feature thereto. The fitting of the lid can be manually or with the
assistance of machinery.
[0046] In still a further aspect the present invention consists in,
in any machine line, the capability of erecting to the extent
required for filling with produce any container or container
sub-assembly of the two types herein described with reference to
any one or more of the accompanying drawings and thereafter lidding
each such container or container sub-assembly when so filled.
[0047] Reference herein to "filling" preferably includes partial
filling but preferably for best conferring of strength, at least in
the frozen meat or the like produce packs, there is a substantial
filling.
[0048] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both as the circumstance allows.
[0049] As used herein the term "(s)" means the plural and/or
singular forms of that noun.
[0050] In still another aspect the present invention consists in a
pack produced from blanks in accordance with the present invention,
in line using a machine line of the present invention, using a
machine as previously referred to or using, in any machine line,
the capability referred hitherto as the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] A preferred form of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
[0052] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a first blank to define a side
wall type bliss container body component to define a rectangular
base panel and end wall panels dependent therefrom, the base and
each end wall panel having laterally extending flaps to allow its
use as such a side wall bliss container body component,
[0053] FIG. 1B is a second blank to define a full height side wall
panel and a partial yet full height end wall attachment and/or
reinforcement panel at each end of the side wall panel,
[0054] FIG. 1C is a similar component to that of FIG. 1B but to
define the other side wall of the erected container,
[0055] FIG. 1D is one optional form of a fourth component of a
container in accordance with the present invention having one mode
of perforate removal zone extending from an attachment flange into
its lidding panel,
[0056] FIG. 1DD is an alternative arrangement of a fourth component
as in FIG. 1D,
[0057] FIG. 1DDD is still a further embodiment of a perforate zone,
in each instance in FIGS. 1D through 1DDD the perforate zone having
a commencement region on a non glued or loosely glue attached
region of a lid flap or flange attached to the top of a side wall
(although it could be to an end wall),
[0058] FIG. 2A shows a component identical in form to that of FIG.
1A for use in a container formed in the second mode of
construction,
[0059] FIG. 2B is a second blank of the second component having
partial yet full height end wall reinforcement panels at each end,
in fact these, in this form, preferably assuming a low inward
intrusion flap form which confers little in the way of stacking
strength (despite preferably a vertical flute run direction) in an
erected container,
[0060] FIG. 2C is a third blank being identical to that of FIG.
2B,
[0061] FIG. 2D is a lid blank component (fourth blank) preferably
without the perforate features of FIGS. 1D through 1DDD suitable
for closing a container to hold frozen contents,
[0062] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an erected container of
either of the two modes (save for a non showing of the perforate
region preferred for a container of the first mode),
[0063] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a partially erected lidded
container formed from components 1A through 1C,
[0064] FIG. 5 is a similar view to that of FIG. 4 but reliant upon
components of FIGS. 2A through 2C,
[0065] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of usage of components of the
present invention, and
[0066] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing machine functions relative
to component supply, erection, and usage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0067] In the preferred form of the present invention the intention
is to reduce the cost by both a common machine usage and the
reduction in cost of the second mode variant container by reliance
upon, for at least the component shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a
material of lesser strength and cost and having a lesser paper or
other material requirement. In some forms of the present invention
lesser materials can be utilised for each of the components of
FIGS. 2A and 2D or at least one of them.
[0068] Whilst the form of the components of FIGS. 1A and 2A are
identical they preferably use the same material but need not
necessarily do so.
[0069] In the preferred form of the present invention as depicted
in FIG. 1 the first blank defines a rectangular base 1 (of course
once erected and lidded it does not matter which way up a container
is), end wall panels 2 and flaps 3 and 4 for each of the panels 1
and 2 respectively.
[0070] A suitable material for a construction as shown in FIG. 1A
is a corrugated paperboard such as "E" flute (e.g. 414E).
[0071] FIGS. 1B and 1C shows the second and third blank components
respectively with side wall panels 5 and end wall attachment and/or
reinforcement flaps 6.
[0072] Preferably these flaps 6 are hot melt tacked or otherwise
affixed to the inner face of a panel 2 but this is not mandatory if
there is sufficient overall strength in the attachment of the
components reliant upon other flanges. Normally however for
strength, particularly with chilled meat, there is attachment of
panels 6 to an end panel 2.
[0073] The lid as depicted includes a lid defining region 7 that
generally conforms in shape to the base 1 but which has hinged
therefrom flaps or flanges 8 each to attach to the outside surface
of a panel 2 or 5 respectively.
[0074] A feature of the lidding forms of 1D through 1DDD, is in
each instance, lines of perforation 9 to provide a tear out region.
Preferably such tearing can proceed from a perforate or cut out
zone 10 that extends down into one of the flanges 8 or right
through a flange 8 as in the case shown by the region 11 in FIG.
1DDD.
[0075] In the preferred form of the present invention the material
of the first blank is preferably an "E" flute corrugated board such
as 414E. Preferably the second and third blank components are of
"powerply", i.e. 711717SWC. In the case of the lids of drawings
FIGS. 1D through 1DD preferably the material is a low cost
corrugated board such as 212WB.
[0076] As can be seen from FIGS. 2A through 2D similar components
are utilised but these can be of lower overall form and thus cost
or be of a different material. The component of FIGS. 2B and 2C
preferably has end wall attachment flanges 6B which equate to
panels 6 of Figures B and C respectively. These flanges however do
require hot gluing or other adhesive fixing to the inside of a
panel 2B with the overall strength of an erected container reliant
upon strong hot glue or other adhesive fixing of flanges 3B, 4B and
8B as shown in the ensuing drawings.
[0077] The second mode container of FIGS. 2A through 2D, FIG. 3 and
FIG. 5 preferably has component 2A to a similar form (even the same
material) as for the first mode container but it could be of a
reduced material quality if costs do need to be further pared. The
components of FIGS. 2B and 2C however are of a reduced quality over
those used for components 1B and 1C. In this case a material such
as a single cushion corrugated board (e.g. 414SC) can be utilised.
As far as the lid form of FIG. 2D is concerned preferably a
material similar to that of components 1D to 1DDD are utilised
(e.g. 212WB).
[0078] Whilst it is preferable that a paperboard base product is
used as the material to be die cut for making the blanks, persons
skilled in the art will appreciate how, if desired, any such
materials can be lined with materials that confer some additional
property. For example, a vacuum metallised polymeric film or other
foil or film can be utilised to confer greater heat insulation and
waterproofing. Indeed certain lining coatings interiorly and/or
exteriorly can be utilised if desired for greater water
resistance.
[0079] A feature of the side wall bliss forms of each of the two
modes of the present invention is the largely leaving clear for
printing purposes of the end wall panels. Indeed, in the form
particularly of FIGS. 1A to 1DDD, the end flaps can, if desired, be
inserted internally of the end wall attachment and/or reinforcement
flaps although this is less desired as it means some compromise in
the assembly of the carcase of the overall lidded container.
[0080] FIG. 6 shows as a flow diagram case erecting, case packing,
case lidding and access to product with the option of re-closure
using a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the
packing is chilled meat.
[0081] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram which operates to produce the
side bliss form base, fill it, and lid it as the erected side bliss
base moves in the arrowed direction from the erector.
[0082] Shown by appropriate schematic forms is supply apparatus 12
to supply the first blank and supply apparatus 13 and 13A to supply
the second and third blanks respectively such that the three blanks
can be erected in the side bliss erector 14 which can be any
suitable adaption of a bliss former.
[0083] Thereafter the erected base is case packed at 15 prior to
presentation to a case lidding machine 16 which having received a
fourth blank from the supply apparatus 17 lids the filled base to
provide the resultant lidded case 18.
[0084] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate how by taking
costs out of a frozen pack, whilst relying on a common line to that
suitable for a non frozen produce fill line, can make significant
end user savings possible.
[0085] Whilst it is envisaged that the total blank to container
erection occurs in or adjacent a fill line, persons skilled in the
art will appreciate how other variants can be employed that lead to
partial erection off site although this is far from desirable and
detracts from some of the benefits of the present invention
confers.
* * * * *