AU2016100147A4 - Live animal packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 - 17 A container for packaging one or more live animals, the container including: a tub including a base, a rim opposing the base and one or more sidewalls extending between the base and the rim, wherein at least one of the one or more sidewalls includes one or more steps having ventilation apertures for allowing fluid communication though the respective sidewall; and a lid removably attached to the rim of the tub. Fig. 1A Fig. 1A ___________________I 112 ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___110 Fig. 1lB

Description

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 LIVE ANIMAL PACKAGING Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a container for packaging at least one live animal, and particularly a container suitable for packaging live animals such as insects, worms, or the like. Description of the Prior Art [0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. [0003] It is known to store, transport and market for sale live animals, such as insects, worms, and the like, for use as live food for pets or other animals. Typically such live animals are packaged in containers, some of which contain a layer of a granular substance, such as vermiculite, placed in the base of the container to absorb moisture expelled by the animals. However, this type of arrangement suffers from a number of drawbacks, such as being difficult to replace without spilling the granular substance and/or the granular substance falling out of the container, for example, through ventilation holes during transport. Thus it is desirable to provide an improved arrangement for packaging live animals. [0004] Australian Innovation Patent No. 2013101192 describes an apparatus for packaging at least one live animal, the apparatus including a resealable container including at least one ventilation aperture, and an absorbent substrate positioned in the container. Summary of the Present Invention [0005] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -2 [0006] In a broad form the present invention seeks to provide a container for packaging one or more live animals, the container including: a) a tub including: i) a base; ii) a rim opposing the base; and, iii) one or more sidewalls extending between the base and the rim, wherein at least one of the one or more sidewalls includes one or more steps having ventilation apertures for allowing fluid communication though the respective sidewall; and, b) a lid removably attached to the rim of the tub. [0007] Typically each step includes: a) a step surface extending outwardly from the sidewall; and, b) an offset portion of the sidewall extending from the step surface towards the rim. [0008] Typically the ventilation apertures are defined in the step surface. [0009] Typically the ventilation apertures are spaced apart along the step surface. [0010] Typically the ventilation apertures of adjacent step surfaces are staggered relative to one another. [0011] Typically the step surface is substantially parallel to the base. [0012] Typically the tub includes base portions of the sidewalls extending from the base, and wherein for each step, the offset portion of the sidewall is parallel to the base portion of the sidewall. [0013] Typically the lid includes: a) a panel; b) a sealing edge surrounding the panel for attachment to the rim of the tub; and, c) a foldable flap. [0014] Typically the foldable flap includes a part of the panel that is foldable about a seam defined across the panel.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -3 [0015] Typically the sealing edge includes breakable portions aligned with the seam. [0016] Typically the lid includes ventilation slots in the foldable flap. [0017] In another broad form the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for packaging at least one live animal, the apparatus including: a) a container as described above; and, b) an absorbent substrate positioned in the container. [0018] Typically the absorbent substrate is provided in the form of a sheet. [0019] Typically the absorbent substrate is configured to substantially line the base of the container. [0020] Typically the apparatus includes at least one habitation member positioned in the container for providing an increased surface area for habitation of the at least one live animal. [0021] Typically the habitation member includes surface area increasing features selected from at least one of: a) ridges; b) corrugations; c) indentations; and, d) dimples. [0022] Typically the absorbent substrate includes a layer of absorbent material. [0023] Typically the absorbent material includes at least one of: a) wood fibre pulp; b) cotton; c) paper; and, d) silica gel. [0024] Typically the absorbent substrate includes one or more backing layers.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -4 [0025] Typically at least one of the backing layers includes a plurality of apertures for allowing fluid communication between an interior of the resealable container and the layer of absorbent material. Brief Description of the Drawings [0026] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0027] Figure 1 A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a container for packaging one or more live animals; [0028] Figure 1B is a schematic end view of the container of Figure 1A; [0029] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a tub of the container of Figure 1A; [0030] Figure 2B is a schematic end view of the tub of Figure 2A; [0031] Figure 2C is a schematic bottom view of the tub of Figure 2A; [0032] Figure 2D is a schematic detail view of ventilation apertures of the tub as indicated in Figure 2C; [0033] Figure 3A is a schematic bottom view of an example of a lid of the container of Figure 1A; [0034] Figure 3B is a schematic cross section view of the lid of Figure 3A; [0035] Figure 3C is a schematic detail view of an end portion of the lid as indicated in Figure 3B; and, [0036] Figure 4 is a photograph of an example of an apparatus including the container of Figure 1A, for use in packaging one or more live animals.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -5 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0037] An example of a container 100 for packaging one or more live animals will now be described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B, 2A to 2D, and 3A to 3C. [0038] As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the container 100 includes a tub 110 and a lid 120. Further details of the tub 110 are shown in Figures 2A to 2D, whilst further details of the lid 120 are shown in Figures 3A to 3C. With regard to Figures 2A and 2B, the tub 110 includes a base 210, a rim 220 opposing the base 210, and sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 extending between the base 210 and the rim 220. Turning back to Figures 1A and iB, the lid 120 is removably attached to the rim 220 of the tub 110. At least one of the sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 includes one or more steps 111 having ventilation apertures 112 for allowing fluid communication though the respective sidewall 231, 232, 233, 234. [0039] The container 100 is suitable use in packaging live animals, such as those typically used for pet food, including any one or more of crickets, mealworms, earthworms, other worms, cockroaches, and the like. [0040] The steps 111 beneficially increase the internal surface area of the container 100 and provide additional surface features for allowing live animals to cling to the internal surface of the container 100. Thus, live animals are able to spread out within the container 100 to better utilise the internal volume of the container 100. It will be appreciated that this may enable more live animals to be packaged in the container 100 compared to a conventional container having a similar internal volume. This may also prevent over-crowding and reduce the risk of territorial animals fighting or eating one another, hence increasing the longevity of live animals packaged in the container 100. [0041] Providing the ventilation apertures 112 in steps 111 of the sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 also results in number of useful advantages compared to conventional live animal containers, particularly those having ventilation openings formed in flat sidewalls. The location of the ventilation apertures 112 in the steps 111 helps to prevent liquids or particulate materials such as animal droppings or feed from exiting the container 100 via the ventilation apertures 112. For instance, when the container 100 is tipped from its normal resting position on its base onto one of its sidewalls, whether intentionally or accidentally, the H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -6 ventilation apertures 112 will be oriented so that liquids/materials cannot fall out directly through the ventilation apertures 112. Similarly, if legged live animals such as crickets flick material inside the container 100 this is less likely to fly out of the ventilation apertures 112 when these are defined in the steps 111. [0042] In this example, ventilation slots 121 are also provided in the lid 120. The particular arrangement of ventilation slots 121 and ventilation apertures 112 of the container 100 can enable improved ventilation airflow through the container 100. In particular, fresh air will be allowed to flow into the container 100 via the ventilation apertures 112 in the steps 111 and out of the container 100 via the ventilation slots 121 in the lid 120, along a generally upward airflow path. This can help to promote convective air flow through the container 100, and is especially desirable for facilitating improved ventilation airflow through a plurality of stacked containers 100 which may be packaged closely together for transport in boxes or display on shelves. It will be appreciated that improved ventilation airflow will help to increase the survival rate of live animals packaged in the container 100. [0043] Further optional features of the container 100 will now be described. [0044] Preferably, each step 111 will extend around the perimeter of the container 100, such that each sidewall 231, 232, 233, 234 is stepped. The ventilation apertures 112 may be distributed along the steps 112, which can help to regulate airflow around the entire container 100 to provide more even ventilation. Furthermore, multiple steps 111 will preferably be provided. This also helps to maximise the increase in surface area inside the container 100 as discussed above. [0045] With regard to Figures 2A to 2D, each step 111 may include a step surface 211 extending outwardly from the sidewall 231, 232, 233, 234 and an offset portion 212 of the sidewall 231, 232, 233, 234 extending from the step surface 211 towards the rim 220. The ventilation apertures 112 will preferably be defined in the step surface 211. [0046] This arrangement will result in the ventilation apertures 112 being located on the undersides of the steps 111, facilitating the upward airflow path mentioned above. It will also be appreciated that when the container 100 is tipped onto its side, the ventilation apertures H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -7 112 will then have a generally upright fashion which will make it difficult for liquids/materials to fall through them under the influence of gravity. [0047] In this example, a plurality of relatively small ventilation apertures 112 are provided on each step surface 211. An example arrangement of the ventilation apertures 112 is shown in the detail view of Figure 2D. Each ventilation apertures 112 has a height h which is typically similar to the distance by which the step surface 211 extends from the sidewall, and a width w which is typically greater than the height h to result in an elongated aspect ratio. The ventilation apertures 112 may be spaced apart along the step surface 211, by a spacing s. [0048] The use of a plurality of relatively small spaced apart ventilation apertures 112 as opposed to fewer longer slots can help to avoid reduction of the structural integrity of the container 100. Furthermore, the ventilation apertures 112 of adjacent step surfaces may be staggered relative to one another as also shown in Figure 2D, to better avoid reduction of structural integrity. [0049] As can be seen in Figure 2B, the step surface 211 may be substantially parallel to the base 210. The tub 110 may include base portions of the sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 extending from the base 210, and each offset portion 212 of the sidewall may be parallel to the base portion of the sidewall. However, it is not essential for the step surfaces 211 and the offset portions 212 to be parallel to the base 210 and base portions of the sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 in this manner. The base portions of the sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 will typically extend a substantial distance from the base 210 without any steps 111 or ventilation apertures 112. This can better facilitate tipping the container 100 on its side without liquids/materials resting on the base 210 spilling from the ventilation apertures 112. [0050] Whilst the tub 110 of this example has four sidewalls 231, 232, 233, 234 in a rectangular prism configuration, it will be appreciated that the tub 110 can take other forms. For example, the tub 110 may have a cylindrical configuration and thus only have a single circumferential sidewall, or may have three or more sidewalls of any suitable shape. [0051] The lid 120 is preferably resealable and configured to engage with the rim 220 of the tub 110 using a snap fit. However, in other examples, the lid 120 may engage with the rim 220 of the tub 110 using an interference fit, a resealable adhesive, or attachment members, H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 such as clips, ties, or the like. Typically the lid 120 is composed of similar material to the tub 110 of the container 100, however this is not essential. [0052] With regard to Figures 3A to 3C the lid 120 will typically include a panel 310 and a sealing edge 320 surrounding the panel 310 for attachment to the rim 220 of the tub 110. In this example, the lid 120 further includes a foldable flap 331. The foldable flap 331 can be used to open and reseal a portion of the lid 120 without the need for removing the entire lid 120 from the tub 110. This can enable a user to access the internal volume of the container 100 through a smaller opening that would otherwise be provided by removing the entire lid 120, which may be useful for feeding the live animals or removing one or more of the live animals from the container 100 with a reduced risk of the other live animals escaping. [0053] The foldable flap 331 may include a part of the panel 310 that is foldable about a seam 311 defined across the panel 310. Hence the foldable flap 331 may be opened by hingedly rotating the part of the panel 310 extending from the seam 311 around a hinge line defined by the seam 311. In this example, the seam 311 extends diagonally across the panel 310 so that the foldable flap 331 is provided in a corner of the lid 120. As can be seen in Figure 3C, the seam 311 is defined by a region of the panel 310 having reduced thickness. Stiffeners 322 for increasing the rigidity of the lid 120 can be seen between the panel 310 and the sealing edge 320 in Figures 3B and 3C. [0054] A continuous sealing edge 320 may inhibit folding of the foldable flap 331 about the seam 311, and therefore in some examples, the sealing edge 320 may include breakable portions 321 aligned with the seam 311. These breakable portions 321 may be formed by defining openings in the sealing edge 320 so that a reduced amount of material remains, which can be easily broken by a user. In this example, the breakable portions 321 will remain intact until a user attempts to open the foldable flap 331 for the first time, which will cause the breakable portions 321 to flex and break, thus allowing the foldable flap 331 to freely fold about the seam 311. When the foldable flap 331 is closed, the sealing edge 320 can be reattached to the rim 220 of the tub 110. Through suitable design, the breakable portions 321 will not compromise the resealing of the container 100 even after they have been broken.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 -9 [0055] The lid 120 may also include ventilation holes, and in this example, the lid 120 has ventilation slots 121 in the foldable flap 331. Ventilation slots 121 may be used instead of smaller holes to enable additional functionalities, such as allowing feeding of live animals inside the container 100 via the ventilation slots 121. For example, the ventilation slots 121 may enable food in the form of flakes or slivers to be inserted, which would not be possible using conventional round ventilation holes. The ventilation slots 121 will also conveniently allow powdered or granular food to be introduced into the container 100 without the need to remove the lid 120 or open the foldable flap 331. [0056] It is noted that in this example, the lid 120 includes a second seam 312 which defines a second flap 332 in a similar manner as described above for the foldable flap 331. However, in this case the sealing edge 320 does not include any breakable portions 321 aligned with the second seam 312, which may prevent folding of the second flap 332. Nevertheless, a non functional second flap 332 such as this may be provided to allow for a symmetrical appearance, for instance. [0057] The container 100 may be composed of any suitable material, and in one example is composed of substantially transparent plastic, such as environmentally friendly recycled plastic. However, this is not essential and in other examples the container 110 may be composed of any one or more of opaque plastic, paper, cardboard, wood, steel, or the like. [0058] In one example, the tub 110 and the lid 120 of the container 100 are manufactured separately using moulds, where a material is die-cast, thermoformed, or the like, using the moulds. In a preferred embodiment, the mould for each part includes protrusions which, in use, correspond to the ventilation apertures 112 or the ventilation slots 121. In this regard, the ventilation apertures 112 and the ventilation slots 121 are created during the formation of the tub 110 and the lid 120 using the moulds. This provides a smooth finish along surfaces of the container 110 that include the ventilation apertures 112 and the ventilation slots 121. However, this is not essential and in other examples, the ventilation apertures 112 and/or the ventilation slots 121 may be created after the container 110 is formed, for example, using a punch, sharp implement, or the like.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 - 10 [0059] In any event, it will be appreciated that the container 100 provides a particularly advantageous configuration for the packaging of live animals, particularly with regard to its stepped sidewalls 131, 132, 133, 134 and ventilation apertures 112 provided on the steps I1 which provide numerous benefits as discussed above. [0060] An example of an apparatus 400 for use in packaging one or more live animals will now be described with regard to Figures 4A and 4B. [0061] The apparatus 400 includes a further example of a container 410 generally as described above and an absorbent substrate 420 positioned in the container 410. The apparatus 400 may be used to package live animals, such as those typically used for pet food, including any one or more of crickets, mealworms, earthworms, other worms, cockroaches, and the like. [0062] This arrangement offers a number of benefits. For example, the use of an absorbent substrate 420 can absorb moisture that may be present inside the container 410, such as from animal droppings, urine, respiration, atmospheric moisture and the like, ensuring a hygienic environment for the animal with enhanced presentation for storage, sale, or the like. Furthermore, the absorbent substrate 420 may be removed and replaced quickly and easily, without the need to decant a granular substance, thus minimising any mess. [0063] In one embodiment, the absorbent substrate 420 is a contiguous body, and this allows for ease of placement into the container 410, as well as removal and replacement of the substrate 420. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent substrate 420 is provided in the form of a sheet. [0064] The absorbent substrate 420 will preferably be provided in the form of a moisture absorbent substrate. In this regard, the moisture may include moisture expelled by the live animal, atmospheric moisture, or the like. However, the absorbent substrate 420 may be configured to absorb any media which may be present inside the container 410 and for which absorption may be desirable. [0065] The absorbent substrate 420 may be positioned overlaying at least a portion of the base of the container 410. Accordingly, the absorbent substrate 420 may be configured to H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 - 11 substantially line the base of the container 410. In this respect, the absorbent substrate 420 may capture moisture that is under the influence of gravity, such as falling from an animal, as well as at least some of the atmospheric moisture, or moisture expelled by the live animals during respiration and/or perspiration. It will be appreciated that when the absorbent substrate 420 is provided in the form of a sheet as discussed above, this may be configured to line the base of the container 410 by simply cutting the sheet into a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the base. [0066] The absorbent substrate 420 is composed of any suitable absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment, the absorbent material includes wood fibre pulp. This absorbent material has the advantage of additionally absorbing ammonia, which can be harmful to live animals if allowed to accumulate. However this is not essential and the absorbent material may include and one or more of cotton, paper, a gel, such as silica gel, or any other suitably absorbent material. [0067] Furthermore, the absorbent substrate 420 may include one or more backing layers, such as woven or non-woven layers, which can support the absorbent material and minimise the risk of the absorbent material fragmenting, for example, as moisture is absorbed. The backing layers may include any one or more of paper, cardboard, a synthetic or plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), or the like. In addition, the backing layers may include a plurality of apertures thereby allowing fluid communication between the layer of absorbent material and an interior of the container 410, for example, to allow moisture to permeate to the absorbent material, and this is discussed further below. The absorbent substrate 420 is typically flexible, although this is not essential. Furthermore, preferably the substrate 420 is selected so as to be non-toxic to the particular live animals intended to be packaged in the container 410. [0068] In this example, the apparatus 400 further includes at least one habitation member 430 positioned in the container 410 for providing an increased surface area inside the container 410 for habitation of live animals inside the container 410. The habitation member 430 is typically composed of cardboard, however this is not essential and may be composed of any suitable material such as paper, wood, plastic, or the like.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 - 12 [0069] The habitation member 430 may be provided in the form of a corrugated insert which provides additional surface area in one or more peaks and troughs defining the corrugations, when compared to the internal surface area of the container 410, such that the live animal has additional surface area to occupy which can in turn increase the lifespan of the live animals. Furthermore, the additional surface area provided can allow a greater number of live animals to occupy the container 410 without over-crowding. [0070] The habitation member 430 can be provided in many different forms whilst providing the advantageous increase in the surface area available inside the container 410 for the habitation of the live animals. In general, the habitation member 430 will preferably include surface area increasing features, such as ridges, indentations, dimples or corrugations as per the corrugated insert in this example. [0071] The habitation member 430 may be formed with a dimpled construction similar to an egg carton, also referred to as an egg box, and in a further example the habitation member 430 may be adapted from at least a portion of an egg carton. In this case the habitation member 430 has surface area increasing features in the form of dimples which defined a plurality of peaks and troughs arranged in a two dimensional array. As discussed above, the habitation member 430 provides additional surface area for habitation of the live animals, which can increase life expectancy and allow for a greater number of live animals to inhabit the container without suffering from adverse effects due to over-crowding. [0072] In one example, the absorbent substrate 420 may include an absorbent material and a backing layer. As discussed above, the absorbent material may be composed of any suitable material for absorbing moisture, such as wood fibre pulp in the preferred embodiment. Furthermore, the backing layer may be composed of any material suitable to ensure the absorbent material remains substantially cohesive and does not fragment as moisture is absorbed. In one example, the backing layer is composed substantially of a synthetic material. In addition, the backing layer may include a plurality of apertures for allowing moisture to pass through the backing layer to the absorbent material. As discussed above, numerous variations on this arrangement are possible including more than one backing layer.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 - 13 [0073] Additionally, the apparatus 400 may include visual indicia defined on a surface of the container 410, which in this example is in the form of a label 440 located on the lid 120 of the container 410 and indicates the type of live animal, a brand logo, and a barcode. In this case, the label 440 is applied to the lid 120 between the seams 311, 312. It will be appreciated that such visual indicia provided on the container 410 can be particularly beneficial when the apparatus 400 will be used for packaging live animals for purchase by customers, such as in a pet supply store or other retain environment. [0074] For example, the purchase process can be greatly streamlined if a barcode or the like is provided on the container 410, as this will allow the barcode to be readily scanned at a checkout. The barcode may be in the form of a one-dimensional barcode as depicted, a two dimensional barcode such as a QR code, or any other suitable form of barcode or visual means for allowing the container 410 to be scanned to allow convenient computer input of data for identifying the particular product being purchased (for instance, a particular quantity of a certain type of live animals). However, it will be appreciated that other means of identifying the container 410 at the point of sale can be provided to otherwise facilitate the purchase process, such as a name of the packaged live animals, a unique identification number, or the like. [0075] It will be appreciated that any suitable visual indicia may be included, such as relating to marketing, branding, advertising, usage instructions, or the like, and may be positioned at any suitable location on the apparatus 400. In one example, the visual indicia are inlaid in the container 410 during manufacture, for example during thermoforming. This manufacturing approach is particularly beneficial as it ensures that the visual indicia are integral with the container 410 and thus cannot be removed, and minimises the risk of incorrect positioning, damage, degradation, or the like. However, this is not essential and alternatively the visual indicia may be positioned on the apparatus 400 following manufacture of the container 410, such as using an adhesive, or the like. [0076] Thus, it will be appreciated that the abovementioned examples include an apparatus for packaging live animals, which includes advantages such as ease of use, enhanced presentation, and, increased tidiness.

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\9500034_1.docx-11/02/2016 - 14 [0077] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0078] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.