Egg container with egg prehension-ease features

Abstract

There is provided package for fragile goods, such as eggs. The package includes a cover and an egg carton with enhanced egg removal or prehension-ease features. The prehension-ease features can include one or more prehension-ease pillars dispersed between egg-receiving cups or prehension-ease openings. The prehension-ease pillars have a height that is at or below an apex of an egg, such that the user can use the prehension-ease pillar to leverage or boost the egg out of the egg-receiving cup. The prehension-ease pillars can include a central depression configured to receive a finger or thumb to provide more leverage or boost when removing the egg from the egg-receiving cup. The prehension-ease openings can extend over at least 50% of the height of the egg carton, thus allowing the user to insert their finger into the carton to remove the eggs adjacent to the openings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to packaging of fragile goods, such as eggs. In particular, the technical field relates to egg containers with egg removal or prehension-ease features.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional packages for fragile goods, such as eggs, are subjected to environmental conditions during loading, storage, transport, handling, etc. and thus, the packages must be able to withstand these conditions while simultaneously protecting the fragile goods. Some conventional packages achieve this by providing a lid that covers the top of the fragile goods. However, such packages often do not allow the user to see the fragile goods inside the package.

[0003] Other conventional packages protect the fragile goods by extending the length of the package to extend the length of the fragile goods. However, removing or de-nesting the goods from the package can be difficult when the goods are completely surrounded by the package.

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for a cost effective solution that would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed concerns.SUMMARY

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above-mentioned issues.

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided a package configured to receive a plurality of eggs, the package comprising: an egg carton comprising: a body forming a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows; at least one prehension-ease pillar dispersed between the at least two rows, the at least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface with a central depression defined therein, wherein the central depression is configured to allow a user's digit to enter the central depression to remove an egg from the egg-receiving cup; and a cover configured to wrap around a top side, a bottom side, and lengthwise sides of the body of the egg carton.

[0007] In some embodiments, the top surface is lower than or at an apex of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0008] In some embodiments, the top surface is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0009] In some embodiments, the prehension-ease pillar comprises a frusto-conical shape or a frusto-tetrahedron shape.

[0010] In some embodiments, the central depression comprises an opening and a bottom end and wherein a width of the opening is larger than a width of the bottom end.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one widthwise side of the body comprises at least one prehension-ease opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one prehension-ease opening extends at least 50% of a height of the body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lengthwise sides of the body comprise side walls that extend the height of the body.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of egg-receiving cups are adjacent to at least one of the at least one prehension-ease pillar and the at least one prehension-ease opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the package further comprises at least one support pillar dispersed between the at least two rows.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one support pillar comprises an engagement surface configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the cover.

[0017] In some embodiments, the engagement surface is a groove or a depression and the corresponding engagement surface on the cover is a protrusion configured to engage with the groove or the depression.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of egg-receiving cups in the at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows; wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is three prehension-ease pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position; and wherein the at least one support pillar is two support pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of egg-receiving cups in the at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows; wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is two prehension-ease pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position; and wherein the at least one support pillar is three support pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the body comprises a flange that extends outwardly from the body.

[0021] In some embodiments, the flange is configured to engage with the cover.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flange comprises an engagement surface configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the cover.

[0023] In some embodiments, the engagement surface is a groove or a depression and the corresponding engagement surface on the cover is a protrusion configured to engage with the groove or the depression.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cover comprises a top, side walls, and a bottom that are configured to fold around the top side, the lengthwise sides, and the bottom side of the egg carton when in an assembled configuration.

[0025] In some embodiments, the bottom comprises a first flap and a second flap configured to overlap and fasten to each other when in the assembled configuration.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover comprises at least one grip opening in the top and / or side walls that is configured to expose a portion of the egg carton when in the assembled configuration.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cover comprises at least one notch in a widthwise edge of at least one of the side walls that is configured to expose the body of an outermost one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups when in the assembled configuration.

[0028] In some embodiments, the top and / or the side walls of the cover comprise a surface for printing information.

[0029] In some embodiments, the top of the cover comprises cover openings that extend through the top to show the plurality of eggs.

[0030] According to another aspect, there is provided an egg carton comprising: a body forming a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows; at least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface with a central depression defined therein, wherein the central depression is configured to allow a user's digit to enter the central depression to remove an egg from the egg-receiving cup.

[0031] In some embodiments, the top surface is lower than or at an apex of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0032] In some embodiments, the top surface is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0033] In some embodiments, the body comprises a flange configured to engage with a cover.

[0034] In some embodiments, the flange comprises an engagement surface configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the cover.

[0035] In some embodiments, the engagement surface is a groove or a depression and the corresponding engagement surface on the cover is a protrusion configured to engage with the groove or the depression.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one widthwise side of the body comprises at least one prehension-ease opening.

[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one prehension-ease opening extends at least 50% of a height of the body.

[0038] In some embodiments, lengthwise sides of the body comprise side walls that extend the height of the body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the egg carton further comprises at least one support pillar dispersed between the at least two rows.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows; wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is three prehension-ease pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position; and wherein the at least one support pillar is two support pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows; wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is two prehension-ease pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position; and wherein the at least one support pillar is three support pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position.

[0042] According to another aspect, there is provided an egg carton comprising: a body forming a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows; and at least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface that is lower than or at an apex of an egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups; wherein each of the plurality of egg-receiving cups are adjacent to a respective one of the at least one prehension-ease pillar and the at least one prehension-ease pillar is configured to facilitate removing of the egg.

[0043] In some embodiments, the at least one prehension-ease pillar comprises a central depression on the top surface that is configured to receive a digit of a user to facilitate removing of the egg.

[0044] In some embodiments, the top surface is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0045] According to another aspect, there is provided a package configured to receive and store a plurality of eggs, the package comprising: an egg carton comprising: a body defining a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows, the body having widthwise sides and lengthwise sides, each one of the widthwise sides having at least one prehension-ease opening defined therein and extending at least 50% of a height of the body; and a cover configured to wrap around a top side, a bottom side, and the lengthwise sides of the egg carton.

[0046] In some embodiments, the package further comprises a row of pillars dispersed between the at least two rows of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0047] In some embodiments, the row of pillars comprises at least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface that is lower than or at an apex of an egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0048] In some embodiments, the top surface is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in the adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0049] In some embodiments, the top surface comprises a central depression that is configured to allow a user's digit to enter the central depression to remove the egg from the egg-receiving cup.

[0050] In some embodiments, the row of pillars comprises at least one support pillar having a support surface that is lower than or equal to the height of the body.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cover comprises a top, side walls, and a bottom that are configured to fold around the top side, the lengthwise sides, and the bottom side of the egg carton when in an assembled configuration.

[0052] In some embodiments, the bottom comprises a first flap and a second flap configured to overlap and fasten to each other when in the assembled configuration.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cover comprises at least one grip opening in the top and / or side walls that is configured to expose a portion of the egg carton when in the assembled configuration.

[0054] In some embodiments, the body comprises a flange that extends outwardly from the body and wherein the at least one grip opening is configured to expose the flange.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cover comprises grip openings in a widthwise edge of at least one of the side walls that is configured to expose the body of an outermost one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups when in the assembled configuration.

[0056] In some embodiments, a height of the lengthwise sides of the egg carton is substantially equal to the height of the body.

[0057] According to another aspect, there is provided an egg carton comprising: a body forming a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows, the body having widthwise sides and lengthwise sides, wherein at least one of the widthwise sides comprises at least one prehension-ease opening defined therein and extending at least 50% of a height of the body.

[0058] In some embodiments, the egg carton further comprises a row of pillars dispersed between the at least two rows of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0059] In some embodiments, the row of pillars further comprises at least one support pillar having a support surface.

[0060] In some embodiments, the row of pillars comprises at least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface.

[0061] In some embodiments, the top surface of the at least one prehension-ease pillar is lower than or at an apex of an egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0062] In some embodiments, the top surface of the at least one prehension-ease pillar is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

[0063] In some embodiments, the top surface of the at least one prehension-ease pillar comprises a central depression configured to allow a user's digit to enter the central depression to remove an egg from the egg-receiving cup.

[0064] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of egg-receiving cups are adjacent to at least one of: a respective one of the at least one prehension-ease pillar and a respective one of the at least one prehension-ease opening.

[0065] In some embodiments, the row of pillars comprises at least one support pillar having a support surface.

[0066] In some embodiments, the support surface of the at least one support pillar is lower than or equal to the height of the body.

[0067] In some embodiments, the support surface of the at least one support pillar is configured to engage with or support a cover.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows; wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is three prehension-ease pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position; and wherein the at least one support pillar is two support pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position.

[0069] In some embodiments, the plurality of egg-receiving cups in the at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows; wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is two prehension-ease pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position; and wherein the at least one support pillar is three support pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an egg carton according to one embodiment;

[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a package according to one embodiment, including the egg carton shown in FIG. 1 and a cover according to one embodiment in an open configuration around the egg carton;

[0073] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 1;

[0074] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 1;

[0075] FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 4 taken at line A-A to show a prehension-ease pillar;

[0076] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 4 taken at line B-B to show a support pillar;

[0077] FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 4 taken at line C-C to show the prehension-ease pillars and support pillars;

[0078] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 1;

[0079] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 1;

[0080] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration;

[0081] FIG. 9 is an inside perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 2 in an open configuration;

[0082] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 2, with the cover in an assembled configuration around the egg carton;

[0083] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the package shown in FIG. 10 taken at line A-A to show the relationship between the support pillars and the cover;

[0084] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an egg carton according to another embodiment;

[0085] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 12;

[0086] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 12;

[0087] FIG. 15A is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 14 taken at line A-A to show prehension-ease pillars and support pillars;

[0088] FIG. 15B is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 14 taken at line B-B to show a prehension-ease pillar;

[0089] FIG. 15C is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 14 taken at line C-C to show a support pillar;

[0090] FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 12;

[0091] FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 12;

[0092] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of an egg carton according to a further embodiment, wherein the egg carton includes three support pillars and two prehension-ease pillars;

[0093] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 18; and

[0094] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the egg carton shown in FIG. 18 along a longitudinal axis thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] As used herein, “substantially”, “approximately, and / or “about” means an acceptable variation according to conventional standards, otherwise at most within a 5% to 10% variation from an indicated effect or value.

[0096] As used herein, “widthwise” means a direction parallel with the object's width or shorter side and “widthwise sides” means the two sides that have a shorter length than the lengthwise sides. “Lengthwise” means a direction parallel with the object's length or longer side and “lengthwise sides” means the two sides that have a longer length than the widthwise sides.

[0097] There is provided an egg package that includes a cover and an egg carton with enhanced egg removal or prehension-ease features. The egg removal or prehension-ease features include short pillars, which can also be referred to as prehension-ease pillars, dispersed between the rows of egg-receiving cups on an egg carton that have a height that is at or below an apex of an egg contained in an adjacent egg-receiving cup, such that the user can use the prehension-ease pillar to leverage or boost the egg out of the egg-receiving cup. In some implementations, a top surface of the prehension-ease pillars include a central depression that allows a user to insert their finger or thumb into the depression to provide more leverage or boost when removing the egg from the egg-receiving cup.

[0098] Another egg removal or prehension-ease feature described herein is openings on the widthwise sides of the egg-carton that extend over at least 50% of the overall height of the egg carton. These openings, which can also be referred to as long openings or prehension-ease openings, allow the user to insert their finger into the carton to remove the eggs adjacent to the openings. In some implementations, every egg-receiving cup in the egg carton is adjacent to at least one of a prehension-ease pillar and a prehension-ease opening.

[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of a package 10 for the storage of fragile goods, such as eggs 12, according to one embodiment is shown. The package 10 includes a cover 20 and an egg carton 30, the cover 20 being configured to surround the egg carton 30. As is readily understood by the skilled artisan, the cover 20 can be configured to surround any of the egg carton embodiment disclosed or discussed herein, including the egg carton 130 shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 and the egg carton 230 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.

[0100] With specific reference to FIG. 1, the egg carton 30 includes a body 32 that forms a plurality of egg-receiving cups 40 (twelve in the non-limitative embodiment shown) separated by a row of pillars 50 extending lengthwise. The body 32 can include a lip or flange 34 that extends outwardly from the egg-receiving cups 40 and surround, at least partially, the assembly of egg-receiving cups 40. In the exemplified embodiment, the lip or flange 34 includes a plurality of groove segments 35 that form a discontinuous groove along the longitudinal length of the egg carton 30 to rigidify the flange 34 during the moulding process. In some implementations, the lip 34 can be configured to engage with the cover 20 when the package 10 is in an assembled configuration. For example, the lip 34 can be configured to extend through a hole or slit in the cover 20. In other implementations, the lip or flange 34 can include an engagement surface that is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the cover 20. For example, the flange 34 can include a groove that extends the lengthwise and / or widthwise sides of the egg carton 30 that engages with a corresponding engagement surface on the cover 20.

[0101] In the exemplary implementation, an outer side of the body 32 substantially matches the shape of the egg-receiving cups 40; however, in other implementations, the outer side of the body 32 can have any shape or configuration.

[0102] Each one of the egg-receiving cups 40 is generally semi-ovoid in shape and is configured to receive an egg 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the egg-receiving cups 40 have a bottom outer surface 42 (corresponding to the bottom outer surface of the body 32) that can have any shape that allows the egg carton 30 to rest stably on a surface, such as semi-ovoid or planar. In this implementation, the bottom outer surface 42 has a semi-ovoid shape with a planar cruciform surface 44 for contacting the surface the egg carton 30 is resting on, such as a counter or table. In some implementations, an outer surface of the body 32 is configured to nest within each other, such that empty egg cartons can be stacked for easy transport. It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the bottom outer surface 42 can vary from the embodiment shown.

[0103] In this implementation, the plurality of egg-receiving cups 40 are arranged in two rows of six egg-receiving cups 40. However, other number of rows and egg-receiving cups 40 per row are also contemplated, such as three rows of four egg-receiving cups 40, three rows of six egg-receiving cups 40, six rows of six egg-receiving cups 40, etc. The row of pillars 50 is dispersed between the two adjacent rows of egg-receiving cups 40. In implementations that have three or more rows of egg-receiving cups 40, the egg carton 30 can include two or more rows of pillars 50, such that each egg-receiving cup 40 is adjacent to at least one pillar.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, there is shown that the row of pillars 50 can include prehension-ease pillars 60 and / or support pillars 70. In this implementation, the row of pillars 50 includes a total of five pillars dispersed between the six pairs of adjacent egg-receiving cups 40. The row of pillars 50 includes the prehension-ease pillars 60 in the outermost positions P1, P5 of the row 50 and in a center position P3 of the row 50, and support pillars 70 in the penultimate positions P2, P4. However, as described below, other configurations are possible, such as prehension-ease pillars 60 in all positions P1-5, prehension-ease pillars 60 in the penultimate positions P2, P4 and support pillars 70 in the outermost positions P1, P5 and in a center position P3 (as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20), only prehension-ease pillars 60 in the penultimate positions P2, P4, prehension-ease pillars 60 in the penultimate positions P2, P4 and a single support pillar 70 in any of the outermost positions P1, P5 or the center position P3, etc.

[0105] Each prehension-ease pillar 60 comprises a top surface 62 and side walls 64. In the exemplary embodiment, the side walls 64 at least partially define the egg-receiving cups 40. As shown in FIG. 5A, the side walls 64 of the prehension-ease pillars 60 form a substantially frusto-tetrahedron shape with planar surfaces that come into contact with the egg 12. In some implementations, the side walls 64 of the prehension-ease pillars 60 have a concave shape to form the semi-ovoid shape of the egg-receiving cup 40. Alternatively, the side walls 64 can have a convex shape and / or be deformable to receive and retain the egg 12 in the egg-receiving cup 40.

[0106] In some implementations and referring to FIGS. 1, 5A, and 5C, the top surface 62 can include a central depression 66. The central depression 66 can be configured to receive a digit of the user, such as a finger or a thumb, to allow the user to remove the egg 12 from the egg-receiving cup 40. The central depression 66 can have an opening size defined by a width W1 as shown in FIG. 5A and a length L1 as shown in FIG. 5C that allows the user's finger or thumb to enter the central depression and leverage or boost the egg 12 out of the egg-receiving cup 40 to remove the egg 12. In some implementations, the width W1 and length L1 of the central depression 66 can be substantially similar.

[0107] The central depression 66 has a depth D1 as shown in FIG. 5C that allows the user to insert their finger or thumb to obtain leverage. In some implementations, the depth D1 can range from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, or about 5 mm to about 8 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the depth D1 is 6.4 mm.

[0108] In some implementations, the central depression 66 can be tapered at a bottom end thereof, such that a cross-sectional of the central depression 66 has an opening or top end with a width W1 that is larger than a width W2 of the bottom end, as shown in FIG. 5A. For example, the central depression 66 can have any shape, such as an inverted semi-sphere, an inverted frusto-conical shape, etc. Tapering the central depression 66 at the bottom end can allow the user's finger or thumb to come into contact with the inner walls and / or the bottom end of the central protrusion 66 when the user inserts their finger or thumb and / or can assist with leveraging the egg 12 out of the egg-receiving cup 40. In other implementations, the central depression 66 can have a shape that does not taper at a bottom end of the central depression 66, such that the width W1 at the opening is substantially the same or narrower than a width W2 at the bottom end. In the implementation shown in FIG. 5A, the central depression 66 has a frusto-tetrahedron shape, such that the user's digit can be inserted into the central depression 66.

[0109] In some implementations, the top surface 62 of the prehension-ease pillars 60 has a height Hi that is lower than or at the apex A of an egg 12 in an adjacent egg-receiving cup 40. In this context, the apex A of the egg 12 can be defined as the vertex of the egg 12. In some implementations, eggs can have an apex A at a height that ranges between about 55 mm to about 70 mm. In other implementations, the top surface 62 of the prehension-ease pillars 60 can be lower than or at a widest portion WP of the egg 12. When removing the egg 12, the user can insert their digit into the central depression 66 to provide a small amount of force at or below the apex A or at or below the widest point WP of the egg 12 to boost or leverage the egg 12 from the egg-receiving cup 40, thus removing the egg 12. In the exemplified embodiment, the bottom end of the central depression 66 is located at or below the widest point WP of an average sized chicken egg.

[0110] The side walls 64 of the prehension-ease pillar 60 and / or the walls of the central depression 66 can be comprised of a flexible material, such that when the user inserts their finger or thumb into the central depression 66, the user can use their finger or thumb to deform the shape of the side wall 64 and exert a small amount of force on the egg in the egg-receiving cup 40 to facilitate the removing of the egg. In other implementations, the side walls 64 can be formed of a non-deformable material, such that the central depression 66 is only available to provide leverage to the user when removing the egg. In some implementations, the egg carton 30 can be formed of moulded pulp or plastic, whereas the cover 20 can be formed from cardboard, paperboard, or plastic.

[0111] Each support pillar 70 comprises a support surface 72 and side walls 74. In the exemplary embodiment, the side walls 74 at least partially define the adjacent egg-receiving cups 40. As shown in FIG. 5B, the side walls 74 of the support pillars 70 form a substantially frusto-tetrahedron shape with planar surfaces that come into contact with the egg 12. In some implementations, the side walls 74 of the support pillars 70 have a concave shape to form the semi-ovoid shape of the egg-receiving cup 40. Alternatively, the side walls 74 can have a convex shape and / or be deformable to receive and retain an egg 12 in the egg-receiving cup 40.

[0112] In some implementations, the support surface 72 comprises a planar surface that is configured to provide support to the cover 20. The support pillar 70 can have a height that is substantially equal to a height H2 of the egg carton 30, such that the support surface 72 is substantially in the same plane as the lip 34 of the body 32. The height H2 of the egg carton 30 and the height of the support pillar 70 is substantially equal or greater than the eggs 12 contained in the egg-receiving cup 40. Accordingly, when the package 10 is in an assembled configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the support surface 72 of the support pillar 70 can provide support to an underside of the cover 20.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 7, in some implementations, the body 32 of the egg carton 30 can include at least one opening 36 on a widthwise side of the egg carton 30. In some implementations, a height H3 of the opening 36 can extend at least 50% of a height H2 of the egg carton 30. The opening 36 can allow the user to visually inspect the eggs 12 in the egg carton 30 when the cover 20 is wrapped around the egg carton 30 (i.e., when in an assembled configuration). Longer openings 36 that extend over 50% of the height H2 of the egg carton 30 can also allow a user to insert their finger or thumb through the opening to remove the egg 12. Accordingly, in some implementations, the height H3 of the opening 36 can be configured such that a base 36a (or a nadir) of the opening 36 is at or lower than the widest point WP on the egg 12 contained in the egg-receiving cup 40, to allow the user to apply a small amount of force at or near the widest point WP to remove the egg 12.

[0114] In this implementation, the lengthwise sides of the body 32 do not include openings, such that the flange 34 extends the entire length of the egg carton 30 to engage with the cover 20. In other words, the side wall of the body 32 on the lengthwise sides extends the height H2 of the egg carton 30. However, in other implementations, the lengthwise sides of the body 32 can include openings.

[0115] In some implementations, the openings 36 can be used to assist the user in removing the eggs 12, such that the eggs 12 in the egg-receiving cups 40 adjacent to an opening 36 (i.e., when two openings 36 are located on each widthwise side, the egg-receiving cups 40 adjacent to an opening 36 are the four outermost egg-receiving cups 40 adjacent to the widthwise sides of the body 32) could be removed without the use of the central depression 66. In such implementations, the number of prehension-ease pillars 60 in the egg carton 30 could be reduced (such as in the implementation shown in FIGS. 18 to 20).

[0116] In some implementations, each of the egg-receiving cups 40 are adjacent to at least one of a prehension-ease pillar 60 and a prehension-ease opening 36. For example, in an implementation that has two rows of six egg-receiving cups 40 and a single row of pillars 50, the egg carton 30 can include an opening 36 in both widthwise sides of the body 32 and in both rows of six egg-receiving cups 40 (i.e., four total prehension-ease openings 36), such that the eggs 12 in the outermost egg-receiving cups 40 adjacent to the widthwise sides of the body 32 are adjacent to an opening 36. In such an implementation, the row of pillars 50 can include support pillars 70 at the outermost positions P1, P5 and in the center position P3 and prehension-ease pillars 60 in the penultimate positions P2, P4, such that every egg 12 in the egg carton 30 are adjacent to a prehension-ease pillar 60 or a prehension-ease opening 36. In other implementations, such as an implementation that has two rows of three egg-receiving cups 40 and a single row of pillars 50, the egg carton can include two prehension-ease pillars 60 and no support pillars 70 or openings 36. Alternatively, such an implementation could include a single prehension-ease pillar 60, a single support pillar 70, and two prehension-ease openings 36 on the widthwise side of the body 32 that is closest to the support pillar 70, such that four of the egg-receiving cups 40 are adjacent to a prehension-ease pillar 60 and two of the egg-receiving cups 40 are adjacent to a prehension-ease opening 36. The skilled artisan will understand that many implementations are possible that provide an egg carton where every egg-receiving cup is adjacent to at least one of a prehension-ease pillar 60 or an opening 36.

[0117] Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 11, the cover 20 according to one embodiment is shown. The cover 20 includes a top 22, side walls 24a, 24b, and a bottom that are configured to cover the top, lengthwise sides, and bottom, respectively, of the egg carton 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom includes a first flap 26a and a second flap 26b that are configured to partially overlap in the assembled configuration, as can be seen in FIG. 8. When in the assembled configuration, the cover 20 can be wrapped or folded around the egg carton 30 and the first flap 26a and the second flap 26b can be fastened together with known fastening means, such as glue or tape, to create a sleeve around the egg carton 30. The skilled artisan would understand that multiple configurations of the cover 20 are possible, such as the bottom being a single flap that overlaps and fastens to one of the side walls 24a, 24b or one of the side walls 24a, 24b overlapping with and fastening to the top 22.

[0118] When the lip or flange 34 of the egg carton 30 includes one or more engagement surface, such as one or more grooves or depressions, the inner side of the cover 20 can include a corresponding engagement surface, such as a protrusion, tongue, or rail that engages with the engagement surface on the egg carton 30 when in the assembled configuration. In other implementations, a groove, depression, or opening can be included on the cover 20 that is configured to engage with a protrusion, tongue, or rail on the lip or flange 34. In some implementations, the support surface 72 of the support pillars 70 can include an engagement surface to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the cover 20. For example, the support surface 72 can include a protrusions that engages with a corresponding hole or depression in the cover 20.

[0119] In some implementations, the top 22 and / or side walls 24a, 24b can include a surface for printing information, such as advertisements or product details. In other embodiments, the top 22 can include cover openings 23 that extend through the top 22 to show the contents of the egg carton 30 the cover 20 is wrapped around. In some embodiments, the cover openings 23 can be decorative.

[0120] In some implementation, the cover openings 23 can be positioned on the top to be misaligned (or not aligned) with the support surface 72 of the support pillars 70 in a manner such that the cover 20 can abut against the support surface 72 of the support pillars 70.

[0121] In some implementations, the cover 20 can include grip openings 25 that are configured to expose a portion of the egg carton 30 for the user to grip. In some implementations, the grip openings 25 can extend through the top 22 and one or both of the side walls 24a, 24b, such that when in the assembled configuration, a portion of the lip 34 of the egg carton 30 is exposed. In some implementations, the cover 20 includes an indent or notch 27 that extends from one or both widthwise edges of one or both side walls 24a, 24b, to expose the outer surface of the outermost egg-receiving cups 40.

[0122] Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 17, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the egg carton 30 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. The egg carton 130 includes a body 132 that forms a plurality of egg-receiving cups 140 separated by a row of pillars 150. The body 132 can include a lip or flange 134 that extends outwardly from the body 132 and prehension-ease openings 136 on the widthwise side of the egg carton 130. In some embodiments, the body 132 can include ridges 138 that extend inwardly from the lengthwise side and / or widthwise side towards a center of the egg carton 130.

[0123] The plurality of egg-receiving cups 140 are sized and shaped to receive an egg. In the exemplified implementation, the plurality of egg-receiving cups 140 are delineated, at least in part, by two adjacent ones of the pillars in the row of pillars 150 and by the ridges 138 in the body 132.

[0124] The row of pillars 150 include prehension-ease pillars 160 and support pillars 170. The prehension-ease pillars 160 include a top surface 162, which can include a central depression 166, and side walls 164. Similarly, the support pillars 170 include a support surface 172 and side walls 174. In the exemplary embodiment, the side walls 164, 174 of the prehension-ease pillars 160 and support pillars 170, respectively, along with the ridges 138 in the body 132 at least partially define the egg-receiving cups 140.

[0125] In some implementations, the body 132 can include pits 139 along the ridges 138, the side walls 164 of the prehension-ease pillars 160 and / or the side walls 174 of the support pillars 170. The pits 139 can, in part, form the shape and configuration of the egg-receiving cups 140 as defined by the shape of the side walls 164, 174 of the pillars and the ridges 138. In some implementations, the pits 139 can extend through the body 132 of the egg carton 130 as holes. In other implementations, the pits 139 can be dimples in the body 132 that provide a non-planar surface, such as a stepped or curved surface, to the surfaces that define the egg-receiving cups 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A to 15C, the side walls 164 of the prehension-ease pillars 160 and the side walls 174 of the support pillars 170 form a stepped surface that come into contact with the egg.

[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 18 to 20, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the egg cartons 30, 130 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 200 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiments. The egg carton 230 includes a body 232 that forms a plurality of egg-receiving cups 240 separated by a row of pillars 250. The body 232 can include a lip or flange 234 that extends outwardly from the body 232 and prehension-ease openings 236 on the widthwise side of the egg carton 230. In some embodiments, the body 232 can include ridges 238 that extend inwardly from the lengthwise side and / or widthwise side towards a center of the egg carton 230.

[0127] The plurality of egg-receiving cups 240 are sized and shaped to receive an egg. In the exemplified implementation, the plurality of egg-receiving cups 240 are delineated, at least in part, by two adjacent ones of the pillars in the row of pillars 250 and by the ridges 238 in the body 232 or by the prehension-ease openings 236, a pillar in the row of pillars 250, and the ridges 238 in the body 232.

[0128] In the exemplary implementation, the row of pillars 250 includes two prehension-ease pillars 260, one in each of the penultimate positions P2, P4, and three support pillars 270, one in each of the outermost positions P1, P5 and the center position P3. The prehension-ease pillars 260 include a top surface 262 with a central depression 266, and side walls 264. The support pillars 270 include a support surface 272 and side walls 274. In the exemplary embodiment, the side walls 264, 274 of the prehension-ease pillars 260 and support pillars 270, respectively, along with the openings 236 and ridges 238 in the body 232, at least partially define the egg-receiving cups 240.

[0129] In the exemplary implementation, to provide each of the egg-receiving cups 240 with a prehension-ease feature (i.e., a prehension-ease pillar 260 and / or a prehension-ease opening 236), both widthwise ends of the egg carton 230 have prehension-ease openings 236 in each row of egg-receiving cups 240. However, it is also contemplated that the egg carton 230 could have widthwise ends that extend, partially or fully, the height of the egg carton 230, and thus not include prehension-ease openings 236.

[0130] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. -39 (canceled)40. A package configured to receive and store a plurality of eggs, the package comprising:an egg carton comprising:a body defining a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows, the body having widthwise sides and lengthwise sides, each one of the widthwise sides having at least one prehension-ease opening defined therein and extending at least 50% of a height of the body; anda cover configured to wrap around a top side, a bottom side, and the lengthwise sides of the egg carton.

41. The package of claim 40, further comprising a row of pillars dispersed between the at least two rows of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

42. The package of claim 41,wherein the row of pillars comprises at least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface that is lower than or at an apex of an egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups, andwherein the top surface is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in the adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

43. (canceled)44. The package of claim 42, wherein the top surface comprises a central depression that is configured to allow a user's digit to enter the central depression to remove the egg from the egg-receiving cup.

45. The package of claim 41, wherein the row of pillars comprises at least one support pillar having a support surface that is lower than or equal to the height of the body.

46. The package of claim 40,wherein the cover comprises a top, side walls, and a bottom that are configured to fold around the top side, the lengthwise sides, and the bottom side of the egg carton when in an assembled configuration, andwherein the bottom comprises a first flap and a second flap configured to overlap and fasten to each other when in the assembled configuration.

47. (canceled)48. The package of claim 46, wherein the cover comprises at least one grip opening in at least one of the top or the side walls that is configured to expose a portion of the egg carton when in the assembled configuration.

49. The package of claim 48, wherein the body comprises a flange that extends outwardly from the body and wherein the at least one grip opening is configured to expose the flange.

50. The package of claim 46, wherein the cover comprises grip openings in a widthwise edge of at least one of the side walls that is configured to expose the body of an outermost one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups when in the assembled configuration.

51. The package of claim 40, wherein a height of the lengthwise sides of the egg carton is substantially equal to the height of the body.

52. An egg carton comprising:a body forming a plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows, the body having widthwise sides and lengthwise sides, wherein at least one of the widthwise sides comprises at least one prehension-ease opening defined therein and extending at least 50% of a height of the body.

53. The egg carton of claim 52, further comprising a row of pillars dispersed between at least two rows of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

54. The egg carton of claim 53, wherein the row of pillars further comprises at least one support pillar having a support surface; andat least one prehension-ease pillar having a top surface.

55. (canceled)56. The egg carton of claim 54, wherein the top surface of the at least one prehension-ease pillar is lower than or at an apex of an egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

57. The egg carton of claim 54, wherein the top surface of the at least one prehension-ease pillar is lower than or at a widest point of the egg in an adjacent one of the plurality of egg-receiving cups.

58. The egg carton of claim 54, wherein the top surface of the at least one prehension-ease pillar comprises a central depression configured to allow a user's digit to enter the central depression to remove an egg from the egg-receiving cup.

59. The egg carton of claim 54, wherein each of the plurality of egg-receiving cups are adjacent to at least one of: a respective one of the at least one prehension-ease pillar or a respective one of the at least one prehension-ease opening.

60. The egg carton of claim 54,wherein the row of pillars further comprises at least one support pillar having a support surface,wherein the support surface of the at least one support pillar is lower than or equal to the height of the body, andwherein the support surface of the at least one support pillar is configured to engage with or support a cover.61.-62. (canceled)63. The egg carton of claim 60,wherein the plurality of egg-receiving cups in at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows,wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is three prehension-ease pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position, andwherein the at least one support pillar is two support pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position.

64. The egg carton of claim 60,wherein the plurality of egg-receiving cups in the at least two rows is twelve egg-receiving cups in two rows,wherein the at least one prehension-ease pillar is two prehension-ease pillars in a first penultimate position and a second penultimate position, andwherein the at least one support pillar is three support pillars in a first outermost position, a second outermost position, and a central position.

Images