A multiple compartment pack

Abstract

A pack 35 comprises at least two containing compartments 36, 37; each containing compartment comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurality of side fac

Description

A multiple compartment pack Field of Bs The invention relates to improvements to packs particularly in the field of food produce packs. Background to the Invention The applicant's own prior art pack has been in the market for a number of years. The invention seeks to improve this prior art pack. In the automated filling process of the packs, food produce often finds its way onto conveyor belts where on occasion the packs may adhere to the surface. The original pack design presents a smooth flat surface as a base an which a tray-like pack sits. Adhesion of the pack to the conveyor belt is not a desirable occurrence since maintenance may be required to prise the packs away from the conveyor belts. Furthermore, filled packs may be relatively heavy and when it is required to displace the packs rapidly from one station to the next in the manufacturing process, considerable friction may arise between the base surface and the packs particularly bearing in mind the relative aspect ratio of these packs that are considerably wider and longer than they are high. In particular, embodiments of these packs have had a length of more than 3 times their height and a width of more than twice their height. Due to this tray-like configuration and the densely packed contents high friction may arise. This may lead to occasional areas of stress and strain. Furthermore, the configuration of the prior art packs whilst allowing advantageous stacking, adhesion may also arise between the base and the lids when secured to the packs. Furthermore, if a pack is Inserted into another pack these may be relatively difficult to prise apart. In addition, the packs must also be improved in terms of handling in order to optimise a customer's ability to handle the pack to remove its contents whilst optimising the full removal of the contents of the pack. The new pack also seeks to provide a pack which a user can intuitively identify the peel back area of a lid. Furthermore, the new pack will also seek to improve the mechanical strength and toughness of the pack. Any improvement in this regard would allow the potential for greater number of packs to be stacked for transportation to various retail outlets. Summary. of the Invention In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a pack comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurality of side faces; a flange extending around an upper portion of said side faces to which a lid may be secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the pack in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between the tapered portion and the base; wherein the pack further comprises an elongate protrusion protruding from the base and located inwardly off set relative to the edge. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base to be more readily separated from any contact surface. It also reinforces potentially fragile surface engaging portions of the pack. The elongate protrusion also allows the walls of the pack to be protected. The packs may more readily slide against surfaces. In a subsidiary aspect, the elongate protrusion is bowed in cross-section. This configuration minimises the presence of any sharp edges whilst also improving the packs ability to slide against surfaces. In a further subsidiary aspect, the side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions or ribs extending from a region proximal to the flange to a regional proximal to the tapered portion; the rounded convex protrusions or ribs comprising a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it readily locates the elongate convex protrusions or ribs relative to other elongate convex protrusions or ribs. This may be particularly advantageous when several packs are stacked. This may also allow a more precise demarcation between ribs which improves the handling properties of the pack. In a further subsidiary aspect, a plurality of the elongate convex protrusions are provided between two upwardly extending lines. This configuration is also particularly advantageous in terms of providing clearer lines of demarcation between protrusions which improve the handling properties of the pack whether these are handled by an operator, a customer or a machine. In a further subsidiary aspect, the pack is of plastics material with a relatively rough outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface. These contrasting surface properties allow food contents to be readily separated from the pack whilst an operator handling the pack may do so with a lower likelihood of the pack slipping out of his / her hands, In a further subsidiary aspect, the corner regions are provided between neighbouring side faces; four corner regions being provided, one of which is rounded whilst three others incorporate a facet. This configuration improves the handling properties whilst also improving the distribution of weight in the various corners in order to allow the packs to retain to a greater extent their structural integrity. In a further subsidiary aspect, a first side face incorporates N elongate convex protrusions, a second side face incorporates M elongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates Y elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and Y being different integers. This configuration also allows both human and machine handlers being able to appropriately orient the packs for filling or for removing any content. In & further subsidiary aspect, N=4, M=9, X=5 and Y=10. This configuration advantageously blends structural strength and integrity of the pack with an ability to appropriately orient the pack for filling and removing its contents. In a further subsidiary aspect, a taper is provided between the flange and the side faces. This further reinforces the pack by in same embodiments reducing the stress and strain concentrations around the interface between the flange and the side faces. In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a pack comprising at least two containing compartments; each containing compartment comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurality of side faces; a flange extending around an upper portion of the side faces to which a lid may be secured; the tapered portion resulting in an increase of width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between the tapered portion and the base; wherein the side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions or ribs extending from a region proximal to the flange to a region proximal to the tapered portion; the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces. This configuration is particularly advantageous in terms of providing a particularly robust pack with two containing compartments which may be adjacent to one another. It also allows neighbouring packs to be advantageously oriented for handling purposes. In a subsidiary aspect, a first side face incorporates an elongate convex protrusion, a second side face incorporates an elongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates Y elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and Y being different integers. This configuration further improves the handling properties of the pack whilst providing improved structural integrity. In a further subsidiary aspect, N=1, M=4, X=2, Y=5. This configuration provides a reduction of the number of ribs compared to an embodiment with only one containing compartment whilst maintaining and even potentially improving the structural strength of the pack. In a further subsidiary aspect, neighbouring flanges of adjacent compartments are hinged. This allows neighbouring compartments to be rotated relative to one another as appropriate. In & further subsidiary aspect, one or more perforations are provided between neighbouring flanges in a hinge region. This may allow an operator to tear and therefore separate the two containing compartments from one another. In a subsidiary aspect, the compartments further comprise an elongate protrusion protruding from the base and located inwardly off set relative to the edge. This configuration allows the pack to slide relative to surfaces in an improved manner. it also reinforces the base whilst at the same time assisting in minimising the risk of adhesion between a pack of this kind with a conveyor or other potentially adhesive surface. In a further subsidiary aspect, the elongate convex protrusions comprise a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip. This configuration improves the handling of the pack. It also allows the pack to be readily oriented by machinery whilst providing better definition of particular sections of the side faces. In a further subsidiary aspect, each one of a plurality of the elongate convex protrusions or ribs are provided between two upwardly extending lines. This configuration also allows an improved definition of the geometry of the ribs which allows improved handling and identification of locations on the face of the pack. In a further subsidiary aspect, the pack is of plastics material with a relatively rough outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface. This configuration facilitates improved handling whilst achieving improved separation of produce from the pack. In a further subsidiary aspect, the corner regions are provided between neighbouring side faces; four comer regions being provided for each compartment, one of which is rounded whilst the others incorporate a facet. This configuration improves the strength of the corner regions of the pack whilst maintaining its ability to be readily handled and appropriately oriented. In a further subsidiary aspect, a lid is provided for each compartment and a portion of the lid is not secured to a flange in order to form a peel back tab; said peel back tab being provided in one of the outer most corners of each compartment. This configuration facilitates improved opening of the pack. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the pack. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a pack with the lid removed. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the pack of figure 2 from a plan view. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a pack with two compartments. Figure 5 shows a plan view of a pack with two containing compartments. Detailed Description of the Figures Figure 1 shows a pack generally referenced 1 with an integral tray-like or shallow container body 2 secured to a lid 3. The pack has a base surface 4 from which a tapered portion 5 extends in the upward direction. Further tapered portions such as tapered portion 6 are provided for each ore of the primary sides of the body of the pack. Between tapered portion 5 and tapered portion 6 there is provided a facet 7 located below a rounded corner 8 of the pack. Rounded portions 9, 10 and 11 are respectively provided between tapered portion 5 and facet 7, rounded corner portion 8 and facet 7, and tapered portion 6 and facet 7. Furthermore, a rounded edge is provided between tapered portion 5 and side face 12 which itself comprises a plurality of rounded convex protrusions or ribs such as rib 13. Rib 13 extends from a region proximal to a flange 15 to a region proximal to tapered portion 5. The rounded convex protrusions or ribs such as rib 13 comprise a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip 14. Facet 7 forms an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plane of the base 4. A taper 16 is provided between flange 15 and the side faces such as side face 12. Whilst figure 1 shows that the external configuration of the pack where elongate convex protrusions 13 may be seen, on the inside of the pack these elongate convex protrusions are elongate concave recesses of corresponding dimensions. Figure 2 shows a pack 1 without a lid in order to describe in greater detail the configuration of the pack on its inside. The elongate convex protrusion 13 is now an elongate concave recess 13 with two vertical lines 17 and 18 on either side of the recess. At its lower extremity, the concave recess converges towards a point 14. A rounded corner 19 is located above a facet 20. A number of rounded edges are shown such as edges 21, 22,23 and 24. An upper taper 25 allows food contents to readily and smoothly separate from the pack if required. A number of lower tapered portions such as tapered portion 26 are provided between base 4 and side faces such as side face 27. A rounded edge 28 provides a junction between tapered portion 26 and base 4. As an integral part of base 4, 3 trough 29 is located inwards from the outer periphery of the base. This trough 29 forms on the outer surface of the base an elongate protrusion protruding from the base and located inwardly off set relative to the rounded edge 28 of the pack. A lid would be secured to flange 15 in the hatched region 30 by appropriate sealing means. The lid may be peeled back by pulling against the lid. Comer 37 has a portion 32 deprived of any ceiling in order to allow an operator to seize an outer edge of the lid in order to readily peel it back. The plastics material may be selected to offer a relatively shiny inner surface which is also relatively smooth to advantageously allow the food contents to separate from the pack. The outer surface of the pack may be relatively matt with sufficient relief to have a higher co-efficient friction than the inside of the pack. Figure 3 shows the base 4 with the elongate protrusion 29 which may advantageously be bowed in cross-section or rounded to minimise the presence of any sharp edges in that region of a pack. As can be seen in figure 3, the elongate protrusion 29 is located about the perimeter of the base and is relatively off-set compared to the rounded edge 28. The pack incorporates three facets 7, 20 and 33. In addition to these three facets a wholly rounded corner 34 is provided in the diagonally opposite corner region to facet 7. On either side of rounded corner region 34 there are provided nine ribs and four ribs in the respective side faces. The other two remaining side faces have respectively ten and five protruding ribs. The embodiments of figures 4 and 5 have a number of similarities with the embodiments of figures 1 to 3. The detailed description of the preceding figures applies generally to the individual compartments of these packs. Figure 4 shows a pack generally referenced 35 with two adjacent compartments 36 and 37. Each compartment comprises a flange 38, side faces 39 with a rib 40. The flange 38 accommodates an outer surface located underneath the flange which may advantageously be relatively rough whilst the upper surface may advantageously be relatively smooth. This allows beneficial adhesion of the lid to the pack whilst promoting improved handling ability or grip of the outside surface. Preferably, the external surface of the walls of the pack are relatively rough whilst the inside surfaces of the compartments are relatively smooth. Preferably, the internal surface of the compartment have a shine or gloss whilst the external surface is relatively matt in appearance. The comers of both compartments comprise flat tapered surfaces such as facets 49, 50 and 51, and at least one rounded corner region as for example rounded surface 52. The two rounded corner regions of the respective packs are located diagonally opposite one another and correspond to the location of the peel back region of the lid. Each one of the ribs such as rib 40 may advantageously terminate in a tip or point 41. In the side faces, the number of ribs varies between the four primary side faces. In particular, the two short side faces incorporate respectively one and two ribs whilst the two long faces incorporate respectively four and five ribs. The ribs are preferably concave well viewed from the inside of the pack and convex on the outside of the pack. Neighbouring compartments are joined together through a hinge 42. The hinge 42 may be a so called living hinge, or a junction of plastics material which is sufficiently flexible to allow one compartment to be rotate about the axis of the hinge relative to the other compartment which may be held in position. The plastics junctions are designed to break after the exertion of appropriate tension or by sufficiently plastically deforming when a compartment is rotated relative to the other. A number of perforations such as perforation 43 may be provided through the hinge to facilitate the separation of one compartment relatively to another. A peel back portion 44 is provided in one of the corners of the pack. The peel back portion of a first pack is located diagonally opposite to the peel back portion of a second pack. Each one of the compartments of the pack incorporates an elongate protrusion or slider protruding from the respective bases of the compartments. When viewed from the inside of the pack, the slider may take the form of a trough whilst protruding outwardly in the base of the packs. Elongate protrusions 45 and 46 as best seen in figure 5 are provided about the perimeter of each one of the bases 47 and 48 of the pack. The protrusions may preferably be bowed in cross-section to form a convex low friction engagement on a surface against which the base would engage. The elongate protrusions may preferably be off-set radially inwardly relative to the lower peripheral edge of the base surface.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A pack comprising at least two containing compartments; each containing compartment comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurality of side faces; a flange extending around an upper portion of said side faces to which a lid may be secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between said tapered portion and said base; wherein said side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions or ribs extending from a region proximal to said flange to a region proximal to said tapered portion; the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces.

2. A pack according to claim 11, wherein a first side face incorporates N elongate convex protrusions, a second side face incorporates M elongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates Y elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and Y being different integers.

3. A pack according to claim 12, wherein N equals one, M equals four, X equals two, Y equals five. 4, A pack according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein neighbouring flanges of adjacent compartments are hinged.

5. A pack according to claim 14, wherein one or more perforations are provided between neighbouring flanges in a hinge region.

6. A pack according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein said compartments further comprise an elongate protrusion protruding from said base and located inwardly offset relative to said edge.

7. A pack according to claim 16, wherein said elongate protrusion is bowed in cross- section, B. A pack according to any of claims 11 to 17, wherein said elongate convex protrusions comprise a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip.

8. A pack according to any of claims 11 to 18, wherein each one of a plurality of said elongate convex protrusions or ribs are provided between two upwardly extending lines.

10. A pack according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein said pack is of plastics material with a relatively rough outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface.

11. A pack according to any of claims 11 to 20, wherein corner regions are provided between neighbouring side faces; four comer regions being provided for each compartment, one of which is rounded whilst three others incorporate a facet.

12. A pack according to any of claims 11 to 21, wherein a lid is provided for each compartment, and a portion of said lid is not secured to a flange in order to form a peel back tab; said peel back tab being provided in one of the outermost corners of each compartment.

13. A pack substantially as hereinbefore described and / or illustrated with reference to at least one of figures 4 and 5 in combination with any accompanying text. Amended claims have been filed as follows:- CLAIMS i 1. A pack comprising at least two containing compartments; each containing compartment comprising a base from which a tapered portion extends to define a lower portion of a plurality of side faces; a flange extending around an upper portion of said side faces to which, in use, a lid is secured; said tapered portion resulting in an increase in width of the compartment in the upwards direction; an edge being provided between said tapered portion and said base; wherein said side faces incorporate a plurality of elongate convex protrusions extending from a region proximal to said flange to a region proximal to said tapered portion; the number of elongate protrusions being different for each one of the side faces; and wherein said compartments further comprise an elongate protrusion protruding from said base and located inwardly offset relative to said edge.

2. A pack according to claim 1, wherein each containing compartment comprises a first side face incorporates N elongate convex protrusions, a second side face incorporates M elongate convex protrusions, a third side face incorporates X elongate convex protrusions, and a fourth side face incorporates Y elongate convex protrusions; N, M, X and Y being different integers.

3. A pack according to claim 2, wherein N equals one, M equals four, X equals two, Y equals five.

4. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein neighbouring flanges of adjacent compartments are hinged.

5. A pack according to claim 4, wherein one or more perforations are provided between neighbouring flanges in a hinge region.

6. A pack according to claim 1, wherein said elongate protrusions which protrude from said base are bowed in cross-section.

7. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said elongate convex protrusions comprise a lower distal portion which converges towards a tip.

8. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each one of a plurality of said elongate convex protrusions are provided between two upwardly extending lines.

9. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said pack is of plastics material with a relatively rough outer surface and a relatively smooth inner surface.

10. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein corner regions are provided between neighbouring side faces; four corner regions being provided for each compartment, one of which is rounded whilst three others incorporate a facet.

11. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein a lid is provided for each compartment, and a portion of said lid is not secured to a flange in order to form a peel back tab; said peel back tab being provided in one of the outermost corners of each compartment.

12. A pack substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to at least one of figures 4 and 5.

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