Separator and blank therefor

Abstract

A collapsed separator (62) is adapted for assembly from the partially assembled configuration to a fully assembled configuration in which the separator is for separating a food item from its packaging. The collapsed separator (62) is configured from one or more sheets of material which is folded and partially assembled. The collapsed separator (62) includes a plurality of flaps (40, 42, 44, 46) configured such that when the collapsed separator (62) is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the flaps (40, 42, 44, 46) are adapted to interconnect or interlock to define a substantially planar shield (36). The collapsed separator (62) includes a plurality of feet and / or legs (20) such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the feet or legs (20) support the fully assembled separator on the food item. The collapsed separator (62) is of a form such that when assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the fully assembled separator is self-supporting.

Description

[0001] Separator and blank therefor

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a separator. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a separator for use in a pizza box, in order to ensure that the lid of the pizza box does not bear against the pizza. However, the invention may have application to other foodstuffs, such as cakes placed in bags or boxes, to ensure that the inside of the bag or lid does not bear against the foodstuff. While the invention is described in connection with protecting foodstuffs, the invention may also have broader application.

[0004] The invention also relates to a blank for a separator and a partially-assembled separator and methods for separating a food item from its packaging.

[0005] This application is to be associated with Australian provisional application 2024900490, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] Typically, takeaway pizzas are delivered in shallow boxes having a shallow tray-like box with a hinged lid. Typically, the lid is only supported along the hinged edge and the remote edge where it locks into the box. Such lids are typically structurally weak and therefore there is a tendency for the lid to bear against the top of the pizza if any pressure is applied thereto. This has the disadvantage of disfiguring the top of the pizza as well as transferring melted cheese from the pizza to the underside of the lid. The problem is exacerbated with the weight of many loaded pizza boxes stacked on top of one another.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate the above-mentioned disadvantage(s), or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0009] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsed separator in a partially assembled configuration, the collapsed separator being adapted for assembly from the partially assembled configuration to a fully assembled configuration of the separator for separating a food item from its packaging, the collapsed separator being configured from one or more sheets of material which is folded and partially assembled to form the collapsed separator, wherein the collapsed separator includes: a plurality of flaps configured such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the flaps are adapted to interconnect or interlock to define a substantially planar shield; a plurality of feet and / or legs such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the feet or legs support the fully assembled separator on the food item, the collapsed separator being of a form such that when assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the fully assembled separator is self-supporting.

[0012] The separator may be a discrete device which is unattached to the packaging. In this way, the separator may be self-supporting in the fully assembled configuration.

[0013] Preferably, the plurality of flaps are configured to automatically interlock upon assembly. At least one of the plurality of flaps is preferably glued to another flap such that upon assembly from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the shield is auto-assembling whereby the plurality of flaps are interlocked or connected. Adjacent ones of the plurality of flaps may be pre-glued such that the plurality of flaps are configured to automatically interconnect or interlock upon full assembly. For example, the collapsed separator may be configured with side walls which are configured to lie substantially superimposed with each other in the collapsed or flat configuration, and upon separation of said side walls to fully assemble the separator, the plurality of flaps are configured to automatically interlock.

[0014] Typically, the separation of the sidewalls is a manual operation, performed selectively when the fully assembled separator is required i.e. full assembly on demand. Otherwise, the separator remains in the collapsed and partially assembled configuration for transportation and compact storage.

[0015] In this part of the specification, “separator’ is also a reference to the collapsed separator recited above, as the context requires.

[0016] Preferably the separator has a box-like form and the shield flaps form either a snap-lock or alternatively an auto-lock. Such terms will be understood by a person skilled in the art of packaging.

[0017] A snap lock box (otherwise known as a 1 , 2, 3 lock bottom box) is a type of box in which the flaps fold to create a secured lock without requiring adhesive or fasteners to retain the fully assembled configuration. In this specification, the term “snap lock type closure” is used because of its implementation on the shield at the top of the separator, rather than the bottom of the separator. However, a snap lock type closure is intended to have the same construction as the bottom of a snap lock box.

[0018] An auto lock bottom box (otherwise known as a crash lock bottom box) is a type of box in which the flaps are pre-glued to expedite assembly. In this specification, the term “auto lock type closure” is used because this features on the shield at the top of the separator, rather than the bottom of the separator. However, an auto lock type closure is intended to have the same construction as the bottom of a crash lock bottom box.

[0019] For instance, the difference between a snap lock box and an auto bottom box can be seen in this video: https: / / w w, .youtube, cpm / wat^

[0020] The separator may be formed from one or more sheets of cellulose-based material. For instance, the separator may be formed from a paper-based product. The separator may be formed from one or more sheets of paper, paperboard, cardstock, carton board or cardboard. For example, paper may be employed provided that the strength requirements are met. The strength requirements can be met in paper by various means including thick paper sheets or multiple layers of the paper which may be adhered together to form a laminate. Alternatively, the paper may be folded over itself e.g. doubled or tripled, to exhibit sufficient strength. The one or more sheets may be substantially planar material.

[0021] Alternatively, the separator may be formed from one or more sheets of polymer, polymer composite or plastics material.

[0022] In a more preferred form of the invention, the separator is formed from card stock, paperboard or cardboard. Preferably, the card stock, paperboard or cardboard is of sufficient thickness enabling the separator to be self-supporting using a single layer of the card stock, paperboard, carton board or cardboard to define the plurality of feet or legs.

[0023] Preferably, the separator is formed entirely from a single sheet of material. In other words, the separator may be constructed from a unitary blank.

[0024] Preferably the separator is formed entirely from one or more sheets of cellulose-based material or plastics material. Preferably, the separator is formed entirely from a single sheet of cellulose-based material, such as paper, paperboard, card stock or cardboard. Alternatively, the separator may be formed entirely from a single sheet of plastics material.

[0025] The form of the separator may have one or more sidewalls. Preferably, the separator has a plurality of side walls. For example, the separator may have four side walls. This is common in the packaging industry but any number of side walls may be employed in the separator. However, a single sidewall may be possible where the separator is configured in a circular or oblong e.g. oval shape.

[0026] The plurality of side walls may be interconnected. A crease may be formed between adjacent side walls. The sidewalls may be formed from a single blank. For example, a plurality of walls may be formed from a unitary blank but separated by fold lines or creases to form a tubular body being joined by overlapping portions of the side walls e.g. with a joining tab projecting from a side wall arranged at one end of the side walls, the joining tab overlapping with a side wall at the other end of the side walls. The plurality of feet or legs may each have a bearing surface at the opposite end of the separator to the shield. Preferably, the combined surface area of the bearing surfaces is less than the surface area of the fully assembled shield. Preferably, the combined lineal extent of the bearing surfaces may be less than the perimeter of the fully assembled shield.

[0027] Preferably, feet or the legs depend from the shield. The feet or legs may be directly connected to the shield.

[0028] Preferably, each of the bearing surfaces is pointy or tapered. Preferably each of the bearing surfaces terminates at a point. The point may coincide with a corner edge of the separator. In other words, each foot or leg may be defined as a point on a corner edge at the opposite end (i.e. remotely) to the shield.

[0029] Alternatively, the one or more side walls may define the plurality of feet or legs to support the separator. The feet or legs may project or protrude from the one or more side walls. Alternatively, the feet or legs may be an extension of, or incorporated into the one or more side walls.

[0030] Preferably, each foot or leg is defined at the corner of two adjacent side walls. Each foot or leg may be defined by cutouts in the side walls. The cutouts in each side wall may be shaped such that each foot or leg is symmetrical at the corner of two adjacent side walls. The cutouts may be shaped such that each foot or leg is defined as a point. The point may coincide with the corner edge. In other words, each foot or leg may be defined as a point on the corner edge defined by adjacent walls, at the opposite end to the shield.

[0031] Bearing surfaces may be arranged on the feet or legs remotely from the shield. Preferably, the combined lineal extent of the bearing surfaces is less than the combined lineal extent of the side walls adjacent the shield. The one or more sidewalls may include cutouts to define the plurality of bearing surfaces.

[0032] In any case, the bearing surfaces are preferably substantially level bearing surfaces, i.e. substantially equidistant from the shield. In this way, the shield will be held substantially horizontally when the bearing surfaces are arranged upon a level surface. The fully assembled separator preferably conforms to a table-like form. The shield is preferably substantially flat and defines a top of the fully assembled separator. The feet or legs are preferably arranged such that in the fully assembled configuration of the separator, the bearing surfaces are positioned to stably support the separator when resting on the bearing surfaces. For instance, the feet or legs may be substantially evenly spaced.

[0033] Preferably the separator is to be arranged upon a surface with the bearing surfaces in contact therewith. In a preferred embodiment, this surface may be a pizza such that the bearing surfaces rest on the pizza surface, or protrude into the pizza, coming to rest on the crust, or possibly even the pizza box underlying the pizza. Preferably, the shield is arranged remotely from the bearing surfaces and thus away from the underlying food item. In this manner, the shield presents a protective surface to the food item protecting it from the packaging, such as the lid of the pizza box.

[0034] Any of the features described below in connection with other aspects of the invention may have application to this aspect of the invention.

[0035] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separating a food item from its packaging including: placing a separator upon the food item to protect it from coming into contact with packaging, wherein the separator is configured from one or more sheets of material which is folded and assembled to form the separator, wherein the separator includes: a plurality of feet and / or legs for supporting the separator on the food item; and a plurality of flaps which are interconnected or interlocked to thereby define a substantially planar shield.

[0036] For example, the method may comprise placing the separator onto the food item, such as pizza, before closing the pizza box.

[0037] Any of the features described above or below in connection with other aspects of the invention may have application to this aspect of the invention.

[0038] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-supporting separator for separating a food item from its packaging, the separator being configured from one or more sheets of material which is folded and assembled to form the separator, wherein the separator includes: a plurality of feet and / or legs support the separator on the food item; and a plurality of flaps which are interconnected or interlocked to thereby define a substantially planar shield.

[0039] Preferably the shield defines a top surface of the separator.

[0040] Any of the features described above or below in connection with other aspects of the invention may have application to this aspect of the invention.

[0041] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separating a food item from its packaging including: fully assembling the collapsed separator according to the first aspect of the invention and placing the fully assembled separator upon the food item to protect it from coming into contact with packaging.

[0042] The method may additionally involve separating overlapping side walls of the collapsed separator.

[0043] In a method of pre-assembly of the blank, the plurality of flap portions may be pre-glued such that the flap portions are configured to automatically interlock upon assembly.

[0044] Any of the features described above or below in connection with other aspects of the invention may have application to this aspect of the invention.

[0045] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for a separator for separating a food item from its packaging, the blank including: a plurality of flap portions, wherein the plurality of flap portions are configured to define an auto lock type closure or a snap lock type closure, the blank being such that when assembled, the auto lock type closure or the snap lock type closure defines a substantially planar shield; and a plurality of foot portions and / or leg portions such that when the blank is assembled, the plurality of foot portions and / or leg portions support the fully assembled separator on the food item, wherein the blank is configured such that when assembled, the assembled separator is self-supporting with the separator being supported on the foot portions and / or leg portions.

[0046] Any of the features described above in connection with other aspects of the invention may have application to this aspect of the invention.

[0047] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.

[0048] The term “folded” is not limited to a sheet or layer being folded over itself and includes portions of sheets or layers which are bent or non-planar with respect to each other. The term “folded” may include articles containing creases as a way of creating sheets or layers which are non-planar.

[0049] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0050] The term “and / or” means “and” or “or”.

[0051] It will be understood that the invention(s) disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0052] Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Brief description of the drawings

[0054] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, one embodiment will now be described by way of example, with reference to the figure(s) in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank for a separator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 is a plan view of the blank shown in Figure 1 , more clearly showing the fold lines;

[0056] Figure 3 is a view of the blank shown in Figure 1 , with folded flaps being held in the folded configuration;

[0057] Figure 4 is a view of the blank shown in Figure 1 , with some of the folded flaps being glued such that the separator is in a semi-assembled configuration;

[0058] Figure 5 is a view from above of the blank shown in Figure 1 , with more of the folded flaps being glued such that the separator is in a semi-assembled configuration;

[0059] Figure 6 is a view of the semi-assembled separator constructed from the blank of Figure 1 wherein the flaps of the shield are shown converging towards the assembled configuration;

[0060] Figure 7A is a top view of the assembled separator constructed from the blank of Figure 1 ; and

[0061] Figure 7B is a perspective view of an assembled separator constructed from the blank of Figure 1 , except that in this case, the separator has been assembled from the blank of Figure 1 with the folds made to the opposite side of the blank.

[0062] Figure 8 is a view of the separator from Figure 7A, except in the collapsed configuration, i.e. a collapsed separator; and

[0063] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the separator of either Figure 7A or 7B in position on top of a pizza.

[0064] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0065] The assembly of the separator 60 illustrated in Figure 7 will be described in connection with Figures 1 - 6.

[0066] Starting with the blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 , it can be seen that the blank 10 is a single sheet of cellulose-based material such as paper, paperboard, cardstock, carton board or cardboard. It can be seen that the blank as illustrated includes broken or dotted lines. These broken lines are intended to represent score lines, crease lines, fold lines or perforated lines in the blank. These score lines, crease lines, fold lines or perforated lines are intended to assist with folding of the blank 10 into the assembled configuration. Hereon, for ease of reference, these score lines, fold lines or perforated lines are simply referred to as “fold lines”.

[0067] As can be seen in Figure 1 , the blank includes four sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, which are arranged side by side in a linear array. Each side wall is separated from one or more adjacent sidewalls by a fold line.

[0068] Collectively, the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 will define a plurality feet or legs 20 of the assembled separator (four feet or legs 20 in total). The feet or legs 20 are defined by cutouts 22 in the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18. Each of the cutouts 22 in the sidewalls is substantially identical. The cutouts 22 in each side wall is shaped such that each foot or leg 20 is symmetrical at the corner of two adjacent side walls in the assembled separator 60. The cutouts 22 are shaped such that each foot or leg is defined as a point 24 at the bottom of a corner edge of the assembled separator 60.

[0069] The points 24 each define a pointed bearing surface for the assembled separator to bear against a food product in use. As can be seen, the points 24 in the blank shown in Figure 1 are aligned. Therefore, in the assembled separator 60, the pointed bearing surfaces 24 will be level with each other.

[0070] The cutouts 22 are shaped to define a valley, having a radiused bottom edge 28 and two inclined edges 30 defining the sides of the valley 26. However in use, the valleys are inverted as will be appreciated from the following description. Connected to the inclined edges 30 are sloped edges 32. As will be appreciated from Figure 1 , the sloped edges 32 have a reduced angle of inclination compared to the inclined edges 30. The sloped edges 32 meet at the corners to define the pointed bearing surfaces 24.

[0071] Further, it can be seen that each cutout 22 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the associated side wall 12, 14, 16, 18 (the longitudinal axis is intended to be a central upright axis in the in-use configuration of the assembled separator 60).

[0072] At the left-most end of the linearly arranged sidewalls, connected to sidewall 12, is a joining tab 34. In the assembled configuration of the separator, the joining tab 34 is secured to the side wall 18, which creates the tubular body of the assembled separator 60.

[0073] Further, as shown in Figure 1 , dependent from each side wall 12, 14, 16, 18 are flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 which together define the shield 36 (see Figure 7A) in the assembled separator 60. Flaps 40 and 44 include subsidiary flaps 40A, 44B, The function of the shield is to shield the underlying food product (not shown) from packaging (not shown). For example, when the assembled separator 60 is placed onto the food item, such as a pizza within a pizza box, the shield 36 will protect the underlying food product from the lid of the pizza box.

[0074] The flaps and subsidiary flaps 40, 40A, 42, 44, 44B, 46 are configured to autolock as will be understood by those skilled in the field. Flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 are connected to sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 respectively by fold lines 70, 72, 74, 76. Flaps 40 and 44 are approximately square with a cut out in the outer edge which is shark fin shaped. The outer edges of the flaps 40, 44 are aligned and parallel to the fold line between the flap and the adjacent side wall.

[0075] Each of the flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 are separated from each other by cutouts 50, 52, 54. Additionally, once the sidewalls are adjoined, another gap will present between flaps 40 and 46. Flaps 40 and 44 which are identical each include a subsidiary flap portion 40A and 40B respectively. Each flap 40, 44 is connected to its subsidiary flap portion 40A and 40B by an inclined fold line 48.

[0076] The cut out 50 between flaps 40 and 42 and the cutout 54 between flaps 44 and 46 is shaped approximately in a slotted shaped, except progressively increasing in width towards its outer extent.

[0077] The flaps 42 and 46 are approximately shark fin shaped, having outer edges parallel with the fold line 72, 76 between each flap and associated side wall. In the case of flap 42, the incline of the shark-fin shape is arranged towards the flap 44. Flap 46 has an identical shape.

[0078] Figure 2 shows each of the fold lines. In Figure 2, the inside of the separator is shown i.e. the side forming the inside of the assembled separator 60. Flaps A and B are folded inwardly into the page. In Figure 3, the flaps are held in their folded configuration.

[0079] By comparing Figure 3 with Figure 2, it can be seen that each of the flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 has been folded along fold lines 70, 72, 74, 76 over their respective sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 i.e. with the inside surfaces in contact with each other.

[0080] In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the inside surfaces of subsidiary flap portions 40A and 44B are labelled A and B respectively. In Figure 3 the subsidiary portions 40A and 44B have been folded back onto the flaps 40 and 44 revealing the labels A and B. Additionally, the outside surfaces of flaps 42 and 46 are labelled A and B (see reference numerals 42’ and 46’ where (') is used to indicate outside surfaces).

[0081] Adhesive is applied to the surfaces in the locations of A (x2) and B (x2). As shown in Figure 4, the blank is then folded so that the wall portion 12 (referenced as 12’ to indicate the outside) overlies the wall portion 14 and contact is made between the two portions marked A. The adhesive secures these two portions together. As shown in Figure 5, the blank is then folded so that the wall portion 18’ overlies the wall portion 16 and contact is made between the two portions marked B and the adhesive secures these two portions B together.

[0082] Furthermore, adhesive is applied to tab 34 to secure it to the right-hand side of sidewall 18 (from the perspective of Figure 1 ) to form the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 into a tubular form. The partially assembled blank can remain in a flat or collapsed configuration as shown in Figure 6 for shipping to the end-user. See also Figure 8.

[0083] The end-user takes the partially assembled separator / collapsed separator 62 as shown in Figure 8 and by manipulating the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 into an open tubular form and thus converts the partially assembled, collapsed separator into a fully assembled separator 60 ready to be used. The top of the fully assembled separator 60 is shown in Figure 7A.

[0084] Figure 6 illustrates the configuration of the glued flaps such that their interaction can be understood in the fully assembled separator 60. To indicate the outside of the flaps, 40, 40A, 42, 44, 44B and 46 the prime symbol (') has been used to depict the outside surfaces 40’, 40A’, 42’, 44’, 44B’, 46’. This is the other side of the inside surfaces of the flaps depicted in Figure 1 , Likewise, Figure 7A illustrates the outside surfaces on the top of the assembled separator 60. The top surface which is substantially planar is referred to as the shield 36 which protects the underlying food item from the packaging.

[0085] As previously noted, the pointed bearing surfaces 24 are substantially level. In this way, the shield 36 will be held substantially horizontally when the bearing surfaces 24 are arranged upon a surface. The pointed bearing surfaces 24 will rest upon the food item and the shield 36 will present upwardly in a substantially level manner.

[0086] As noted, the bearing surfaces 24 are pointed. The combined lineal extent of the bearing surfaces 24 is less than the combined lineal extent of the side walls adjacent the shield along fold lines 70, 72, 74, 76 (see Figure 1 ). As will also be appreciated, the combined surface area of the bearing surfaces 24 is less than the surface area of the shield 36. Thus, the bearing surfaces 24 have a minimal impact on the food item 64 while the shield 36 presents a much larger surface area to protect the food item 64.

[0087] As will be appreciated, each foot or leg 20 may be defined as a point 24 on the corner disposed at the opposite end to the shield 36.

[0088] Figure 7B depicts an alternative embodiment of the assembled separator 70. In the above description, the blank 10 has been assembled with the side shown in Figure 1 arranged to the inside. If the blank is reversed i.e. so that the inside becomes the outside and vice versa, and so that the folds are made in the opposite direction, the assembled separator 70 will have a differently configured shield 72. The shield 72 is the mirror image of the shield 36 depicted in Figure 7A.

[0089] The foregoing describes only some embodiment of the present invention and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A collapsed separator in a partially assembled configuration, the collapsed separator being adapted for assembly from the partially assembled configuration to a fully assembled configuration of the separator, for separating a food item from its packaging, the collapsed separator being configured from one or more sheets of material which is folded and partially assembled to form the collapsed separator, wherein the collapsed separator includes: a plurality of flaps configured such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the flaps are adapted to interconnect or interlock to define a substantially planar shield; a plurality of feet and / or legs such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the feet or legs support the fully assembled separator on the food item, the collapsed separator being of a form such that when assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the fully assembled separator is self-supporting.

2. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the feet and / or legs have bearing surfaces for bearing on the food item, whereby the bearing surfaces are arranged such that when the separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the bearing surfaces are disposed at the opposite end of the separator to the shield.

3. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 2 wherein the combined lineal extent of the bearing surfaces is less than the perimeter of the fully assembled shield.

4. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the feet or legs have bearing surfaces for bearing on the food item and each of the bearing surfaces is pointy or tapered.

5. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein each of the bearing surfaces terminates at a point.

6. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the bearing surfaces are arranged such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the bearing surfaces are disposed substantially equidistant from the fully assembled shield.

7. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the bearing surfaces are arranged such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the bearing surfaces are positioned to stably support the separator when resting on the bearing surfaces.

8. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, further including one or more side walls, with the feet and / or legs integrated into the one or more side walls, with the bearing surfaces arranged remotely from the plurality of flaps.

9. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 8 wherein each foot or leg is configured such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, each foot or leg is arranged at a corner defined by two adjacent side walls of the fully assembled separator.

10. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein each foot or leg is defined by cutouts in the side walls, the cutouts being shaped such that each foot or leg terminates at a point.11 . The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein adjacent ones of the side walls are glued or interconnected to form a tubular body in the collapsed separator.

12. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the combined lineal extent of the bearing surfaces is less than the perimeter of the side wall or walls.

13. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shield defines a top surface of the fully assembled separator.

14. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of flaps is glued to another of the plurality of flaps, the plurality of flaps being configured and glued such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, the shield is auto-assembling to interlock or interconnect the plurality of flaps to define the substantially planar shield.

15. The collapsed separator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein legs extend from the plurality of flaps to the bearing surfaces.

16. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 15 wherein adjacent ones of the legs are glued or interconnected to form a tubular body in the collapsed separator.

17. The collapsed separator as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein each foot or leg is configured such that when the collapsed separator is assembled from the partially assembled configuration to the fully assembled configuration, each foot or leg is arranged at a corner of the fully assembled separator.18 A method of separating a food item from its packaging including: manually assembling the collapsed separator according to any one of the preceding claims and placing the fully assembled separator upon the food item to protect it from coming into contact with packaging.

19. A self-supporting separator for separating a food item from its packaging, the separator being configured from one or more sheets of material which is folded and assembled to form the separator, wherein the separator includes: a plurality of feet and / or legs for supporting the separator on the food item; and a plurality of flaps which are interconnected or interlocked to thereby define a substantially planar shield.

20. A blank for a separator for separating a food item from its packaging, the blank including: a plurality of flap portions, wherein the plurality of flap portions are configured to define an auto lock type closure or a snap lock type closure, the blank being suchthat when assembled, the auto lock type closure or the snap lock type closure defines a substantially planar shield; and a plurality of foot portions and / or leg portions such that when the blank is assembled, the plurality of foot portions and / or leg portions are adapted to support the fully assembled separator on the food item, wherein the blank is configured such that when assembled, the assembled separator is self-supporting with the separator being supported on the foot portions and / or leg portions.

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