System and Method for Packaging

Abstract

A system for packaging forming a container can provide an improved form of food packaging. The container includes a base element and at least two lateral side elements, and forms a tray element. The tray element defines an open cavity for containing contents, and has a back and front edge. At least one of the lateral side elements has at least one moveable element integrated with, and forming an extension of, the lateral side element at a first fixed end of the moveable element(s). The moveable element(s) is / are capable of being folded into the cavity and around the contents, and is of a length such that the second, free end of the moveable element(s) extend(s) around the contents to the front edge of the tray element. The second free end is capable of being pulled to cause the contents to move towards the front edge of the tray element.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application is a continuation of and claims priority from all priority dates of co-pending Patent Cooperation Treaty application PCT / GB2012 / 000079, entitled “System and Method for Packaging,” filed Jan. 27, 2012, and naming Philip Wesby, John Luisi, and Richard Luisi as inventors, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference. PCT / GB2012 / 000079 claims priority to UK application number GB 1200349.7, filed Jan. 10, 2012, UK application number GB 1109789.6, filed Jun. 13, 2011, and UK application number 1101594.8 filed Jan. 31, 2011. The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates to a system and method for packaging. More particularly, it relates to a system and method for packaging, which can provide a versatile dispensing solution for fresh food packaging. In particular, the food packaging solution is directed towards an improved form of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved system and method for packaging fast food takeaway clamshell packaging such as hamburgers and pizzas. The system is made of lightweight disposable material such as cardboard, or paper, or polystyrene, or similar materials suitable for food packaging. The invention allows for efficient insertion and extraction of food, and provides a versatile storage and dispensing solution for fast food takeaway.

Problems solved by technology

Few designs have addressed the need for ease of extraction of the food considering that many foods may contain sauces and loose food elements.

This solution offers no improved means for extracting the food while reducing the chances of food being spilled.

The main challenges with pizza delivery are keeping the pizza warm.

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.

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.

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.

This design does not provide any means to assist the consumer to extract the food in a convenient way.

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.

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.

The design is not applicable to open tray and / or clamshell fast food packaging designs, which are used for dispensing hotdogs, hamburgers and pizzas and the like.

In particular, the packaging designs incorporate separate moveable elements, which are difficult and time consuming to insert and or which waste substantial material during production.

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.

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.

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