U.S. patent application number 15/224060 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-01 for egg carton insert.
The applicant listed for this patent is GOOGLE INC.. Invention is credited to Michelle D'Arpino, Jonathan Robert Dreyfus, Abhijeet Dudi, Prateek Khanna.
Application Number | 20180029786 15/224060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61011482 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180029786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dudi; Abhijeet ; et
al. |
February 1, 2018 |
EGG CARTON INSERT
Abstract
An egg carton insert includes an N row by M column array of
interconnected domes. Each dome is sized to enclose a top portion
of an egg. Each dome is connected to each neighboring dome in the
array. The array of domes forms an opening between each group of
four adjacent domes. The array is arranged such that each dome
corresponds to a dimple of an egg carton into which the insert can
be placed. The overall dimensions of the egg carton insert are such
that the egg carton can be closed when the insert is placed over
one egg occupying each dimple of the egg carton.
Inventors: |
Dudi; Abhijeet; (San Jose,
CA) ; D'Arpino; Michelle; (San Jose, CA) ;
Khanna; Prateek; (Santa Clara, CA) ; Dreyfus;
Jonathan Robert; (Pleasanton, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GOOGLE INC. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61011482 |
Appl. No.: |
15/224060 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/324 20130101;
B65D 81/133 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/32 20060101
B65D085/32; B65B 61/20 20060101 B65B061/20; B65B 23/02 20060101
B65B023/02 |
Claims
1. An egg carton insert, comprising: an N row by M column array of
interconnected domes: each dome sized to enclose a top portion of
an egg; each dome connected to each neighboring dome in the array;
the array of domes forming an opening between each group of four
adjacent domes; and the array arranged such that each dome
corresponds to a dimple of an egg carton into which the insert can
be placed; wherein the overall dimensions of the egg carton insert
are such that the egg carton can be closed when the insert is
placed over one egg occupying each dimple of the egg carton.
2. The egg carton insert of claim 1, wherein at least one dome
defines therein a cutout along a portion of the at least one dome
at a long side of the array; wherein the cutout corresponds to a
feature a bottom rim of the egg carton.
3. The egg carton insert of claim 1, wherein the insert material is
molded pulp.
4. The egg carton insert of claim 1, wherein: N is at least two and
M is at least two; in each even-numbered column, each odd-numbered
dome position is vacant; and in each odd-numbered column, each
even-numbered dome position is vacant.
5. A method for packing eggs, comprising: providing an N row by M
column egg carton containing a plurality of eggs; providing an egg
carton insert in the form of an N row by M column array of
interconnected domes: each dome sized to enclose a top portion of
an egg, each dome connected to each neighboring dome in the array,
the array of domes forming an opening between each group of four
adjacent domes, and the array arranged such that each dome
corresponds to a dimple of the egg carton, wherein the overall
dimensions of the egg carton insert are such that the egg carton
can be closed when the insert is placed over one egg occupying each
dimple of the egg carton; placing the array over the eggs such that
each dome aligns with a dimple; and closing the egg carton.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein at least one dome defines therein
a cutout along a portion of the at least one dome at a long side of
the array.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the insert material is molded
pulp.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein N is at least two and M is at
least two; in each even-numbered column, each odd-numbered dome
position is vacant; and in each odd-numbered column, each
even-numbered dome position is vacant.
9. An egg carton insert, comprising: a substantially flat elongated
rectangle of material characterized by: length less than the
interior length of an egg carton; width less than the interior
width of the egg carton; and thickness less than one half the
height of an egg to be carried in the egg carton; wherein the
material defines therein an N row by M column array of
through-holes of common diameter, the hole diameter less then the
diameter of an egg, and each hole aligned with a corresponding
dimple of the egg carton; and wherein the material defines therein
an opening between each group of four adjacent holes, each opening
corresponding to a cone of the egg carton.
10. The egg carton insert of claim 9, wherein insert material is
molded pulp.
11. The egg carton of claim 9, wherein N is at least two and M is
at least two; in each even-numbered column each odd-numbered array
position is vacant; and in each odd-numbered column, each
even-numbered array position is vacant.
12-14. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to packaging. Example
embodiments related to an insert for improved packaging of eggs in
cartons.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An egg carton is a package designed for carrying and
transporting whole eggs. Referring to FIG. 1, a typical carton 100
used at retail stores is illustrated. The carton 100 may include a
bottom 110 comprising an array of dimples 112 connected to each
other. The array of dimples 112 may be connected to a bottom rim
114 around the perimeter of the array. Each dimple 112 may be
shaped to support the bottom of a single egg. One or more of the
regions between any group of four dimples may be formed as a cone
116 that may extend above the plane of the bottom rim 114 to a
height not substantially greater than the top of an egg expected to
be carried in the carton 100. The cones 116 may inhibit, but do not
prevent, an egg in the carton from contacting eggs in adjoining
dimples 102.
[0003] The egg carton may include a top 120. The top 120 may be
flexibly connected along a top back edge 128 to a bottom back edge
118 in a manner allowing the top 120 to be closed over the bottom
110. When the carton is closed, a top rim 124 may be substantially
in contact with one or more portions of the bottom rim 114. Each
cone 116 may extend no higher than an inside upper surface of the
top 122.
[0004] The egg carton may include a flap 130 flexibly connected to
a bottom front edge 119 for releasably securing the top 120 in
place when the carton 100 is closed. The flap outer surface 136 may
abut a top inside front surface 126 when the carton 100 is closed.
The flap 130 may include detents 132 sized and shaped to mate with
holes 129 formed in the top 120 to releasably secure the top 120 in
place when the carton 100 is closed.
[0005] This egg carton 100 structure may protect eggs against
stresses exerted during some forms of transportation and storage by
absorbing shock. An egg carton 100 may be manufactured from various
materials, including foamed plastics such as polystyrene foam,
clear plastic, recycled paper, and molded pulp.
[0006] While a typical egg carton 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1,
other variations are known. For example, the flap 130 may comprise
three detents 132 for engaging three holes 120 in the top 120; the
middle cone 116 may be replaced with a divider that extends across
both columns of the array of dimples 112; and some portion of one
or more cones 116 may extend through the top 120. A typical egg
carton 100 can accommodate one dozen eggs--though egg cartons 100
for other amounts, such as four, six, eight, ten, eighteen (for
example, comprising three columns of six eggs), are known.
[0007] Online grocers may allow consumers to order groceries and
other products typically found in grocery stores, online. Either
the grocer, or a third party, then may deliver the ordered goods to
consumers. Often, a variety of mixed good, for example, eggs,
bread, milk, and potato chips, are packaged in the same bag or
box.
SUMMARY
[0008] In certain example embodiments described herein, an egg
carton insert includes an N row by M column array of interconnected
domes. Each dome is sized to enclose a top portion of an egg. Each
dome is connected to each neighboring dome in the array. The array
of domes forms an opening between each group of four adjacent
domes. The array is arranged such that each dome corresponds to a
dimple of an egg carton into which the insert can be placed. The
overall dimensions of the egg carton insert are such that the egg
carton can be closed when the insert is placed over one egg
occupying each dimple of the egg carton.
[0009] In some embodiments, at least one dome defines therein a
cutout along a portion of the at least one dome at a long side of
the array. In some embodiments, the insert material is molded
pulp.
[0010] In some embodiments, N is at least two and M is at least
two. In such embodiments, in each even-numbered column, each
odd-numbered dome position is vacant; and in each odd-numbered
column, each even-numbered dome position is vacant.
[0011] In certain example embodiments described herein, a method
for packing eggs includes providing an N row by M column egg carton
containing a plurality of eggs. An egg carton insert is provided in
the form of an N row by M column array of interconnected domes as
described above. The array is placed over the eggs such that each
dome aligns with a dimple. The egg carton is closed over the eggs
and the egg carton insert.
[0012] In certain example embodiments described herein, an egg
carton insert includes a substantially flat elongated rectangle of
material. The material is characterized by a length less than the
interior length of an egg carton, a width less than the interior
width of the egg carton; and a thickness less than one half the
height of an egg to be carried in the egg carton. The material
defines therein an N row by M column array of through-holes of
common diameter, the hole diameter less than the diameter of an
egg, and each hole aligned with a corresponding dimple of the egg
carton.
[0013] These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages
of the example embodiments will become apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed description of illustrated example embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical egg carton.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an egg carton insert, in accordance with
certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an egg carton insert, in accordance with
certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an egg carton insert, in accordance with
certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block flow diagram depicting a method to pack
eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the
technology disclosed herein.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block flow diagram depicting a method to pack
eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the
technology disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Turning now to the remaining drawings, in which like
numerals indicate like (but not necessarily identical) elements
throughout the figures, example embodiments are described in
detail.
Overview
[0021] Delivering eggs purchased from an online retailer in cartons
can result very high egg breakage rates, especially if the online
retailer uses a common carrier for delivery. Egg breakage rates can
increase if the egg carton is delivered in the same overall
package, for example a cardboard box, along with heavy products or
products packaged in hard-sided containers. A typical egg carton is
not designed to withstand the forces likely to be encountered by
the eggs being handled like books, clothing, and other goods
delivered by common carriers. Even specialty carriers, accustomed
to transporting fragile items, can see unacceptable breakage rates.
Private testing has shown breakage rates as high as 44% for 6-count
and 12-count egg cartons shipped for overnight delivery in outer
boxes with other grocery products.
[0022] Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include
devices, systems, and methods for supplementing a typical egg
carton with an insert that can reduce the rate of egg breakage
during transport. Some embodiments disclosed herein have
demonstrated breakage rates of less than 3%.
Example Architectures
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, and continuing to refer to prior
figures for context, a first embodiment of an egg carton insert 200
is illustrated in perspective view, in accordance with example
embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The illustrated egg
carton insert 200 is a six row 202a-202f by two column 204a-204b
array of domes 210. While 6.times.2 is the most common egg carton
100 configuration, the egg carton insert 200 can be sized to any
commonly-used N row.times.M column egg carton 100, such as
4.times.4, 6.times.3, etc.
[0024] Each dome 210 in FIG. 2 is shaped and sized to enclose a top
portion of an egg. In some embodiments, the dome is shaped and
sized to enclose less that the portion of an egg above its largest
substantially round cross section. Other dome forms, including a
truncated dome with a solid top, a truncated dome with an open top,
and a pyramidal dome, can be used. In the example embodiment of
FIG. 2, each dome 210 includes a substantially cruciform feature
240 that can facilitate orienting each egg top portion in its
corresponding dome 210. Egg carton inserts 200 can be made from
other materials, such as foamed plastics, rubber, clear plastic,
and felt.
[0025] Each dome 210 can be connected to each neighboring dome in
the array. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2 representing a pulp
insert, each dome 210 is connected to each neighboring dome 210 at
the dome edge, including by a small bridge 220. In other
embodiments, each dome 210 can be connected to neighboring domes
210 without the use of a bridge 220.
[0026] The array of domes 210 forms an opening 230 between each
group of four adjacent domes 210. Each opening 230 can receive a
cone 116 of the egg carton 100. Inserting a cone 116 into one or
more of the openings 230 can provide lateral stability to the
combined egg carton 100 and egg carton insert 200. The loose, but
laterally restrained, coupling between the egg carton insert 200
and the egg carton 100 can contribute to the protection of the eggs
contained in the egg carton 100. The egg carton insert 200 is
arranged such that each dome 210 corresponds to a dimple 112 of an
egg carton 100 into which the egg carton insert 200 can be
placed.
[0027] The overall dimensions of the egg carton insert 200 are such
that the egg carton 100 can be closed when the egg carton insert
200 is placed over each egg occupying a dimple 116 of the egg
carton 100.
[0028] In some embodiments, at least one dome 210 defines therein a
cutout 212 along a portion of the at least one dome at a long side
of the array. The cutout 212 is oriented substantially parallel to
the long side of the array. The cutout 212 can be in the shape of
an arch, a rectangle, or other shape for providing clearance for
egg carton 100 features that would otherwise impede closing the egg
carton 100 over the egg carton insert 200 when the egg carton 100
dimples 112 are holding eggs.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, and continuing to refer to prior
figures for context, a second embodiment of an egg carton insert
300 is illustrated in perspective view, in accordance with example
embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The illustrated egg
carton insert 300 is a substantially flat 6.times.2 array of rings
310 defining holes therein. While 6.times.2 is the most common egg
carton 100 configuration, the egg carton insert 300 can be sized to
any commonly used N row.times.M column egg carton 100. The length
of the egg carton insert 300 is less than the interior length of an
egg carton 100. The width of the egg carton insert 300 is less than
the interior width of an egg carton 100. The thickness of the egg
carton insert 300 is less than one half the height of an egg to be
carried in the egg carton 100. The overall dimensions of the egg
carton insert 300 are such that the egg carton 100 can be closed
when the egg carton insert 300 is placed over one egg occupying
each dimple 166 of the egg carton 100.
[0030] Each ring 310 in FIG. 3 defines therein a hole 320 shaped
and sized to fit over a top portion of an egg placed in an egg
carton 100. In some embodiments, each ring 310 defines a hole 320
therein that is shaped and sized to encircle the egg above its
largest substantially round cross section, leaving a portion of the
egg projecting through the ring 310. While the outer portion of the
ring 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 is substantially circular, other
ring forms, including various regular polygons and truncated
polygons, can be used. The hole 320 formed by each ring 310 is
aligned with a corresponding dimple 116 of the egg carton 100.
[0031] Each ring 310 is connected to each neighboring ring 310 in
the array. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3 representing a pulp
insert, each ring 310 is connected to each neighboring ring 310 at
the ring edge. Egg carton inserts 300 can be made from other
materials, such as foamed plastics, rubber, clear plastic, and
felt.
[0032] The array of rings 310 forms an opening 330 between each
group of four adjacent rings 310. Each opening 330 can receive a
cone 116 of the egg carton 100. Inserting a cone 116 into one or
more of the openings 330 can provide lateral stability to the
combined egg carton 100 and egg carton insert 200. The loose, but
laterally restrained, coupling between the egg carton insert 300
and the egg carton 100 can contribute to the protection of the eggs
from damage. The egg carton insert 300 is arranged such that each
ring 310 corresponds to a dimple 112 of an egg carton 100 into
which the egg carton insert 300 can be placed.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, and continuing to refer to prior
figures for context, a third embodiment of an egg carton insert 400
is illustrated in perspective view, in accordance with example
embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. In the egg carton
insert 400 of FIG. 4, each odd-numbered ring position of the egg
carton insert illustrated in FIG. 3 in the second column 420 each
is vacant, and each even-numbered ring position of the egg carton
insert illustrated in FIG. 3 in the first column 410 is vacant.
Example Processes
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, a block flow diagram depicting a method
to pack eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the
technology disclosed herein, is shown. In such methods an N row by
M column egg carton containing a plurality of eggs is
provided--Block 510. For example, a 6.times.2 conventional egg
carton 100 as shown in FIG. 1, with one egg in each carton dimple
116, is provided.
[0035] An N row by M column egg carton insert in the form of an
array of interconnected domes is provided--Block 520. For example,
the egg carton insert 200 in the form of a 6.times.2 array of domes
210 of FIG. 2 is provided. Each dome 210 is sized to enclose a top
portion of an egg. Each dome 210 is connected to each neighboring
dome 210 in the array 200. The array of domes 210 forming an
opening 230 between each group of four adjacent domes 210. The
array is arranged such that each dome 210 corresponds to a dimple
116 of the egg carton 100. The overall dimensions of the egg carton
insert 200 are such that the egg carton 100 can be closed when the
egg carton insert 200 is placed over one egg occupying each dimple
116 of the egg carton.
[0036] The array is placed over the eggs such that each dome 210
aligns with a dimple 116--Block 530. For example, the edges of the
array can be aligned with the bottom rim 112 of the open egg carton
100. Even an imperfect alignment, up to one half an egg diameter
off, between the egg carton insert 200 and the carton 100
containing eggs will create a self alignment. The egg carton,
containing the eggs and the egg carton insert 200, is closed--Block
540. For example, closing the top 120 and locking the top by
aligning detents 132 with holes 139 will further facilitate the
self-alignment.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, a block flow diagram depicting a method
to pack eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the
technology disclosed herein, is shown. In such methods an N row by
M column egg carton containing a plurality of eggs is
provided--Block 610. For example, a 6.times.2 conventional egg
carton 100 as shown in FIG. 1, with one egg in each carton dimple
116, is provided.
[0038] An egg carton insert in the form of a substantially flat
elongated rectangle of material is provided--Block 620. For
example, the egg carton insert 300 having a length less than the
interior length of the egg carton 100, a width less than the
interior width of the egg carton 100, and a thickness less than one
half the height of an egg in the egg carton 100 is provided. The
material defines therein an N row by M column array of
through-holes of common diameter. The hole diameter less then the
diameter of an egg, and each hole aligned with a corresponding
dimple of the egg carton.
[0039] The material is placed over the eggs such that each hole
aligns with a dimple 116--Block 630. The egg carton, containing the
eggs and the egg carton insert 300, is closed--Block 640.
[0040] The example systems, methods, and acts described in the
embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in
alternative embodiments, certain acts can be performed in a
different order, in parallel with one another, omitted entirely,
and/or combined between different example embodiments, and/or
certain additional acts can be performed, without departing from
the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly, such
alternative embodiments are included in the technology described
herein.
[0041] Although specific embodiments have been described above in
detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It
should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above
are not intended as required or essential elements unless
explicitly stated otherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent
components or acts corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the
example embodiments, in addition to those described above, can be
made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit
of the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and
scope of embodiments defined in the following claims, the scope of
which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.
* * * * *