AU2023278111B2 - An Improved Produce Container - Google Patents
An Improved Produce ContainerInfo
- Publication number
- AU2023278111B2 AU2023278111B2 AU2023278111A AU2023278111A AU2023278111B2 AU 2023278111 B2 AU2023278111 B2 AU 2023278111B2 AU 2023278111 A AU2023278111 A AU 2023278111A AU 2023278111 A AU2023278111 A AU 2023278111A AU 2023278111 B2 AU2023278111 B2 AU 2023278111B2
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- lid
- produce container
- hinge
- section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/04—Open-ended containers shaped to be nested when empty and to be superposed when full
- B65D21/048—Identical stackable containers specially adapted for retaining the same orientation when nested, e.g. the upper container being fixed or slightly rotatable during the nesting operation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/06—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together with movable parts adapted to be placed in alternative positions for nesting the containers when empty and for stacking them when full
- B65D21/064—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together with movable parts adapted to be placed in alternative positions for nesting the containers when empty and for stacking them when full the movable parts being an attached or integral cover made of one or two pieces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00027—Stackable lids or covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
- B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
- B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
Abstract
#$%^&*AU2023278111B220250904.pdf#####
P41247AU 11
Abstract
The present invention relates to a produce container includes a receptacle, a lid and a
hinge adapted to attach the lid to the receptacle. The receptacle defines a mouth
circumscribed by a rim having a first flange. The lid is associated with the receptable to
close off the mouth. The lid has a skirt portion adapted to interact with the rim of the 5
receptable to retain the lid on the receptacle and a second flange projecting from the
skirt portion of the lid. The hinge has top and bottom edges joined to the second and
first flanges respectively and having a linear section which runs along the rear of the
receptacle. The hinge includes a first end section which deviates away from the linear
section towards the front of the receptacle. 10
P41247AU 11
Abstract
The present invention relates to a produce container includes a receptacle, a lid and a
hinge adapted to attach the lid to the receptacle. The receptacle defines a mouth
circumscribed by a rim having a first flange. The lid is associated with the receptable to
5 close off the mouth. The lid has a skirt portion adapted to interact with the rim of the
receptable to retain the lid on the receptacle and a second flange projecting from the
skirt portion of the lid. The hinge has top and bottom edges joined to the second and
first flanges respectively and having a linear section which runs along the rear of the
receptacle. The hinge includes a first end section which deviates away from the linear
10 section towards the front of the receptacle.20
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Description
1/8
36 40 32 C 16 42 30 A 28 D 34 12 38 22 18 44 20 0 26 10 B 14 24
Figure 1
P41247AU P41247AU 1 1
An Improved An ImprovedProduce ProduceContainer Container
Technical Field Technical Field
The present The presentinvention inventionrelates relatesgenerally generally to to an an improved improvedproduce produce container. container. TheThe present present 2023278111
5 5 invention relates more specifically but not exclusively to the hinge of a produce invention relates more specifically but not exclusively to the hinge of a produce
container. container.
Background Background ofof theInvention the Invention
Produce containerstypically Produce containers typically have haveaa hinge hingewhich whichconnects connectsa a lidand lid andaareceptacle. receptacle.The The hinge is hinge is an an important part of important part of aa produce containeras produce container as it it isisthe thecomponent whichholds component which holdsand and supportsthe 10 supports thelid, lid, particularly particularly when theproduce when the producecontainer container isisin in an anopen openstate statewith withthe thelid lid suspendingfrom suspending fromthe thereceptacle. receptacle.AsAsthe thehinge hingehas hastotocarry carrythe theweight weightofofthe thelid lid particularly when the lid is left wide open, it is susceptible to fatigue damage which particularly when the lid is left wide open, it is susceptible to fatigue damage which
initiates due to a stress concentration in the load-bearing plastic or polystyrene web. initiates due to a stress concentration in the load-bearing plastic or polystyrene web.
The stress concentration often gives rise to fractures and a loss of stiffness over time, The stress concentration often gives rise to fractures and a loss of stiffness over time,
15 15 leading to ultimate failure. leading to ultimate failure.
Also, produce Also, containersare produce containers areoften oftennested nestedininone oneanother another being being stacked stacked up up in in a pilefor a pile for transportation purposes. transportation purposes.During Duringunpacking, unpacking, produce produce containers containers havehave to separated to be be separated fromone from oneanother anotherininananassembly assembly linesosoasastotobebeready line readyfor forfruit fruit and/or vegetablestotobe and/or vegetables be packaged 20 packaged therein. therein. It Itisis commonplace commonplace to have to have a robotic a robotic arm arm withwith a separator a separator which which
engages thehinge engages the hingeofofthe thelowermost lowermost produce produce container container located located at the at the bottom bottom of a of a pile pile of of
nested produce containers to force it apart in an assembly line. The plastic or nested produce containers to force it apart in an assembly line. The plastic or
polystyreneweb polystyrene webofofeach eachofofthe thehinges hingesisis prone pronetototear tear and andwear wearororeven evendamage damage being being
subjectedto subjected to the the force force generated generatedbybythe theseparator separatorwhich whichisistypically typically in in the the form a wedge form a wedge
25 25 with aa chisel with chisel end end that that is isdriven driveninto intothe gap the gapbetween between two adjacent(upper two adjacent (upperand andlower) lower) hinges to hinges to force force adjacent producecontainers adjacent produce containersapart. apart.Hence Hence there there isisa aneed needfor forhinges hingestoto be robust and be robust andsturdy sturdyenough enoughtoto sustainthe sustain theforce forcegenerated generatedby by thethe separator separator without without
fracturing or failing during the separation process. fracturing or failing during the separation process.
P41247AU 2
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a produce container which may overcome or at least ameliorate the above shortcoming or which may meet the above need or which may at least provide a useful choice.
Summary of the Invention
5 According to the present invention, there is provided a produce container including: 2023278111
a receptacle which defines a mouth circumscribed by a rim having a first flange; a lid associated with the receptacle to close off the mouth; the lid having a skirt portion adapted to interact with the rim of the receptacle to retain the lid on the receptacle and a second flange projecting from the skirt portion of the lid; and 10 a hinge adapted to attach the lid to the receptacle, the hinge having top and bottom edges joined to the second and first flanges respectively and having a linear section which runs along the rear of the receptacle; wherein the hinge includes a first end section which deviates away from the linear section towards the front of the receptacle.
15 Preferably, at least one of the second and top flanges converges towards the other before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively. More preferably, both of the second and first flanges converge towards one another before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively. Even more preferably, one or both of the second and first flanges converge curvedly and gradually towards the rear of the 20 produce container. Most preferably, each or both of the second and first flanges flaringly diverge before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively.
In a preferred embodiment, the first end section is located at or near a first rear corner of the receptacle. Preferably, the first end section is joined to one end of the linear section.
25 Preferably, the hinge includes a second end section which deviates away from the linear section towards the front of the receptacle.
Preferably, the second end section is located at or near a second rear corner of the receptacle, the second rear corner being opposite the first rear corner.
P41247AU P41247AU 3 3
Preferably, the linear section is flanked by and continuously joined to the first and Preferably, the linear section is flanked by and continuously joined to the first and
secondend second endsections. sections.
Preferably, the linear section includes a vertical flat or curved surface that runs Preferably, the linear section includes a vertical flat or curved surface that runs
horizontally along the rear of the receptacle, the vertical flat or curved surface being horizontally along the rear of the receptacle, the vertical flat or curved surface being
5 substantially perpendicular to the base of the receptacle when the lid is in a closed state. 5 substantially perpendicular to the base of the receptacle when the lid is in a closed state. 2023278111
Preferably, at least one of the first and second end sections is inclined towards the front Preferably, at least one of the first and second end sections is inclined towards the front
of the receptacle at an angle. Most preferably, the angle of inclination, being the angle of the receptacle at an angle. Most preferably, the angle of inclination, being the angle
between the the plane to which the vertical flat surface lies and the surface of the first between the the plane to which the vertical flat surface lies and the surface of the first
or second or endsection, second end section,is is between between 1 1to to9090degrees. degrees.InInaa preferred preferredembodiment, embodiment,the the
10 10 angle of inclination is 7 degrees. angle of inclination is 7 degrees.
In In a a preferred embodiment, preferred embodiment, at one at least least of one of theandfirst the first andend second second endissections sections linear. is linear.
More preferably, More preferably, bothboth of first of the the first and second and second end sections end sections are linear. are linear.
In In an an alternative alternative embodiment, embodiment, atatleast least one oneofofthe thefirst first and and second endsection second end sectionis is bent bent
awayfrom away fromthe thelinear linearsection sectionfollowing followingthe thecurve curveof of one oneofofthe the corresponding correspondingfirst first and and second 15 second corners. corners.
Optionally, one Optionally, or both one or of the both of the first firstand andsecond second sections sections has has tapering tapering upper andlower upper and lower edges. edges.
Brief Description Brief Description of of the the Drawings Drawings
Preferred embodiments Preferred embodiments of of a produce a produce container container of the of the present present invention invention willwill nownow be be
20 20 described by described byway wayofofexample example only only with with reference reference to to thethe accompanying accompanying drawings drawings in in which: which:
Figure 11 is Figure isaaperspective perspective view view of of aafirst embodiment first of aa produce embodiment of containerofofthe produce container the present invention present invention withwith the being the lid lid being closed; closed;
Figures 22 & Figures & 33 are are magnified perspectiveviews magnified perspective viewsofofthe therear rearcorners, corners, which whichare are 25 25 indicated as C & D in Figure 1, of the produce container of Figure 1; indicated as C & D in Figure 1, of the produce container of Figure 1;
P41247AU 4
Figures 2A & 3A are magnified perspective views of the rear corner of the produce container of Figure 1, illustrating another embodiment of the end sections with tapering edges and an alternative embodiment of the flanges which converge and diverge before joining the hinge.
5 Figure 3B is a magnified partial side view of the rear of the produce container 2023278111
showing the converging and diverging end portions of the alternative embodiment of the flanges shown in Figure 3A.
Figure 4 is top plan view of the produce container of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a magnified view of one of the rear corners indicated as E in Figure 4, 10 showing the angle of inclination of the end section;
Figure 6 is a side view showing a pile of produce containers nested in one another;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the pile of produce containers of Figure 6 being supported by a mechanical arm and getting in position to be separated by a separator; 15 and
Figure 8 is a side view of the pile of produce containers of Figure 7 illustrating placement of the wedge in the gap between adjacent hinges for separation of the nested produce containers.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
20 Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a produce container 10 is shown having a receptacle 12, a lid 14 and a hinge 16 joining the receptacle 12 and the lid 14. The receptacle 12 defines a mouth 18 circumscribed by a rim 20 having a first flange 22. The lid 14 is associated with the receptacle 12 to close off the mouth 18. The lid 14 has a skirt portion 24 which is configured to interact with the rim 20 of the receptacle 12 to retain the lid 14 on the 25 receptacle 12 and a second flange 26 projecting from the skirt portion 24 of the lid 14. The hinge 16 is configured to attach the lid 14 to the receptacle 12. The hinge 16 has top and bottom edges 28 & 30 joined to the second and first flanges 26 & 22 respectively.
P41247AU P41247AU 5 5 08 Dec 2023
Thehinge The hinge16 16has hasaalinear linear section section 32 32 which runsalong which runs alongthe therear rear AAof of the the receptacle receptacle 12. 12. Thehinge The hinge16 16has hasfirst first and and second endsections second end sections3434&&36, 36,each eachofofwhich whichdeviates deviatesaway away fromthe from thelinear linear section section 32 32 towards thefront towards the front BB of of the the receptacle 12. receptacle 12.
As best shown in Figures 1 and 4, the first end section 34 is located at or near a first rear As best shown in Figures 1 and 4, the first end section 34 is located at or near a first rear
5 5 corner 38 of the receptacle 12. The first end section 34 is joined to one end of the linear corner 38 of the receptacle 12. The first end section 34 is joined to one end of the linear
section 32. section 32. The secondend The second endsection section3434isis located locatedat at or or near a second near a rear corner second rear corner40 40of of 2023278111
the receptacle the receptacle 12, 12, the the second secondrear rearcorner corner4040being beingopposite oppositethe thefirst first rear rear corner 38. As corner 38. As
such, the linear section 32 is flanked by and continuously joined to the first and second such, the linear section 32 is flanked by and continuously joined to the first and second
endsections end sections 34 34 &&36. 36.
10 10 As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the linear section 32 includes a vertical flat surface 42 As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the linear section 32 includes a vertical flat surface 42
that runs horizontally along the rear A of the receptacle 12. When the lid is in a closed that runs horizontally along the rear A of the receptacle 12. When the lid is in a closed
state, the vertical flat surface 42 is substantially perpendicular to the base 44 of the state, the vertical flat surface 42 is substantially perpendicular to the base 44 of the
receptacle 12. receptacle 12.
As best shown in Figures 1 to 4, each of the first and second end sections 34 & 36 is As best shown in Figures 1 to 4, each of the first and second end sections 34 & 36 is
15 inclined towards the front B of the receptacle 12 at an angle Ɵ (see Figure 5). In the 15 inclined towards the front B of the receptacle 12 at an angle e (see Figure 5). In the
present embodiment, present embodiment, thethe angle angle of of inclinatione,Ɵ,which inclination whichis isessentially essentially the the angle angle between between the plane to which the vertical flat surface lies and the flat and linear surface of the first the plane to which the vertical flat surface lies and the flat and linear surface of the first
or second end section 34, 36 is 7 degrees. It should be noted that the angle of inclination or second end section 34, 36 is 7 degrees. It should be noted that the angle of inclination
maybebeanything may anythingbetween between 1 to 1 to 90 90 degrees. degrees.
20 20 In an In an alternative alternative embodiment, embodiment, atatleast leastone oneofofthe thefirst first and and second endsection second end section34 34&&3636isis bent away bent awayfrom fromthe thelinear linearsection section3232following followingthe thecurve curveofofone oneofofthe thecorresponding corresponding first and first and second second corners. corners.
Turningto Turning to Figures Figures 2A 2A and and3A, 3A,in in aa further further embodiment, the embodiment, the produce produce container container of the of the
present invention present inventionmay mayhave have firstand first andsecond secondsections sections34A 34A & 36A & 36A with with tapering tapering upper upper
25 25 and lower and loweredges edges28A 28A& & 30A. 30A.
Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the second and first flanges 26 & 22 run in Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the second and first flanges 26 & 22 run in
parallel. Turning parallel. Turning now to Figures now to Figures 3A, 3A, in in an an alternative alternativeembodiment, bothofofthe embodiment, both thesecond second and first and first flanges flanges26B 26B & & 22B convergetowards 22B converge towards one one another another before before joining joining thethe toptop andand
P41247AU P41247AU 6 6 08 Dec 2023
bottomedges bottom edges28A 28A & 30A & 30A of the of the hinge hinge 16 16 respectively. respectively. Specifically,the Specifically, theflanges flanges26B 26B&&22B 22B convergecurvedly converge curvedlyand andgradually graduallytowards towardsthethe rear rear of of theproduce the produce container container 10.10. Also, Also,
both of the second and first flanges 26B & 22B flaringly diverge before joining the top both of the second and first flanges 26B & 22B flaringly diverge before joining the top
and bottom and bottomedges edges 26B26B & 22B & 22B of the of the hinge hinge respectively, respectively, as as shown shown in the in the circle circle labelledC labelled C 5 5 in Figure 3A. in Figure 3A.
In In an an assembly line, multiple assembly line, multiple produce containers, all produce containers, all of ofwhich which being being identical identicalto toproduce produce 2023278111
container 10 container 10 and andstacked stackedupupininaapile pile 48, 48, are are supported byaa mechanical supported by mechanicalarm arm5252 to to bebe
separatedone separated onebybyone oneininpreparation preparation forfresh for freshproduce produceto to bebe packaged packaged therein. therein. Referring Referring
to Figures to Figures 6 6 to to 8, 8,a arobotic roboticarm armwith with aaseparator separator which which is isin inthe theform formof ofa awedge wedge 46 46 with with
10 a chisel a chisel end end is isprovided provided to to drive driveinto intoa a gap gap50 50between hinges of between hinges of the the two lowermost two lowermost
nestedproduct nested productcontainers containersininorder ordertotoforce forcethem themapart. apart.
Now thatpreferred Now that preferredembodiments embodimentshave have been been described, described, it will it will be appreciated be appreciated that that at at
least one least one of of the the described described embodiments embodiments of of thethe present present invention invention maymay offer offer at least at least an an
advantageofofenhancing advantage enhancing the the robustness robustness andand hence hence endurability endurability of the of the hinge. hinge. Specifically, Specifically,
15 15 the deviation of the end sections of the hinge offers a significant benefit of enabling the the deviation of the end sections of the hinge offers a significant benefit of enabling the
producecontainers produce containerstotobebeseparated separatedininthe thepackaging packaging process process without without thethe hinges hinges being being
proneto prone to breaking breakingorortearing tearing or or any any other other form formofofdamages. damages. Also,the Also, thecombination combinationof of thethe
deviated end sections and the converging flanges offer the synergistic beneficial effect deviated end sections and the converging flanges offer the synergistic beneficial effect
of enabling of enabling the the lid lid14 14 when in an when in an open state to open state to not dangle but not dangle but hold holdup upsubstantially substantially 20 20 horizontally and horizontally robustly without and robustly leaning downwards. without leaning downwards.
Variations and/or Variations modificationsmay and/or modifications maybebe made made to the to the preferred preferred embodiments embodiments described described
abovewithout above withoutdeparting departingfrom from thethe spiritororambit spirit ambitofofthe theinvention. invention.For Forexample, example,the the surface 42 surface 42 of of the the linear linear section section32 32 may be or may be or become slightly curved, become slightly curved,particularly particularly when when
the lid is closed. In such a case, the tangent of the curve lies on a plane which is the lid is closed. In such a case, the tangent of the curve lies on a plane which is
25 25 substantially perpendicular to the base 44 of the receptacle 12. Also, the size and substantially perpendicular to the base 44 of the receptacle 12. Also, the size and
configuration of configuration of the the end sections may end sections mayvary varydepending dependingon on thethe material material outout of of which which thethe
produce containerisis made. produce container made.Furthermore, Furthermore,thethe angle angle of of inclinationmay inclination may vary. vary. Moreover, Moreover,
only one only or both one or bothof of the the flanges flanges 26B 26B &&22B 22Bmay may converge converge andand diverge diverge as they as they approach approach
and join and join the the hinge. hinge. The The present embodiments present embodiments are, are, therefore, therefore, to to be be considered considered in all in all
P41247AU P41247AU 7 7 08 Dec 2023
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosed herein does respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosed herein does
not mean not meanthat thatall all embodiments embodiments must must include include the the feature. feature.
Prior art, if Prior art, if any, any, described herein described herein is is notnot to to be be taken taken as anas an admission admission that thethat the prior artprior art
formspart forms part of of the the common general common general knowledge knowledge in any in any jurisdiction. jurisdiction.
5 5 In In the the claims claims which follow and which follow in the and in the preceding description of preceding description of the the invention, invention, except except 2023278111
wherethe where thecontext contextrequires requiresotherwise otherwise due due to to express express language language or necessary or necessary implication, implication,
the word “include” or variations such as “includes" or “including" is used in an inclusive the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including" is used in an inclusive
sense, that is to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the sense, that is to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the
presenceororaddition presence additionof of further further features features in in various various embodiments embodiments of of theinvention. the invention.
10
Claims (18)
1. A produce container including: a receptacle which defines a mouth circumscribed by a rim having a first flange; a lid associated with the receptacle to close off the mouth; the lid having a skirt portion 5 adapted to interact with the rim of the receptacle to retain the lid on the receptacle and 2023278111
a second flange projecting from the skirt portion of the lid; a hinge attaching the lid to the receptacle, the hinge having top and bottom edges joined to the second and first flanges respectively and having a linear section which runs along a rear of the receptacle; 10 wherein the hinge includes a first end section which deviates away from the linear section towards a front of the receptacle, the front being located opposite to the rear of the receptacle; and wherein the first end section is located at or near a first rear corner of the receptacle.
2. The produce container of claim 1, wherein the first end section is joined to one 15 end of the linear section.
3. The produce container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge includes a second end section which deviates away from the linear section towards the front of the receptacle.
4. The produce container of claim 3, wherein the second end section is located at or 20 near a second rear corner of the receptacle, the second rear corner being opposite the first rear corner.
5. The produce container of either claim 3 or 4, wherein the linear section is flanked by and continuously joined to the first and second end sections.
6. The produce container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear 25 section includes a vertical flat or curved surface that runs horizontally along the rear of the receptacle, the vertical flat or curved surface being substantially perpendicular to the base of the receptacle when the lid is in a closed state.
P41247AU 9
7. The produce container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second end sections is inclined towards the front of the receptacle at an angle.
8. The produce container of claim 7, wherein the angle of inclination, being the 5 angle between the plane to which the vertical flat surface lies and the surface of the first 2023278111
or second end section, is between 1 to 90 degrees.
9. The produce container of claim 8, wherein the angle of inclination is 7 degrees.
10. The produce container of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein at least one of the first and second end sections is linear.
10 11. The produce container of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein both of the first and second end sections are linear.
12. The produce container of any one of claims 3 to 11, at least one of the first and second end section is bent away from the linear section following the curve of one of the corresponding first and second corners.
15 13. The produce container of any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein one or both of the first and second sections has tapering upper and lower edges.
14. The produce container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second and top flanges converges towards the other before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively.
20 15. The produce container of any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein both of the second and first flanges converge towards one another before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively.
16. The produce container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the second and first flanges converge curvedly and gradually towards the rear of the 25 receptacle of the produce container.
P41247AU 10
17. The produce container of claim 14 to 16, wherein each or both of the second and first flanges flaringly diverge before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively.
18. A produce container including: 5 a receptacle which defines a mouth circumscribed by a rim having a first flange; 2023278111
a lid associated with the receptacle to close off the mouth; the lid having a skirt portion adapted to interact with the rim of the receptacle to retain the lid on the receptacle and a second flange projecting from the skirt portion of the lid; a hinge attaching the lid to the receptacle, the hinge having top and bottom edges 10 joined to the second and first flanges respectively and having a linear section which runs along a rear of the receptacle; wherein the hinge includes a first end section which deviates away from the linear section towards a front of the receptacle, the front being located opposite to the rear of the receptacle, and wherein the first end section is located at or near a first rear corner 15 of the receptacle; and wherein at least one of the second and first flanges converge towards one another and then flaringly diverge before joining the top and bottom edges of the hinge respectively.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2023903725 | 2023-07-28 | ||
| AU2023903725 | 2023-07-28 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2023278111A1 AU2023278111A1 (en) | 2025-02-13 |
| AU2023278111B2 true AU2023278111B2 (en) | 2025-09-04 |
Family
ID=94483478
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2023278111A Active AU2023278111B2 (en) | 2023-07-28 | 2023-12-08 | An Improved Produce Container |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN119460433A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2023278111B2 (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2010100641A4 (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2010-07-22 | Multisteps Pty Ltd | A produce container |
| AU2016100753A4 (en) * | 2014-05-20 | 2016-06-23 | Multisteps Pty Ltd | A Produce Container |
| WO2017024106A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-09 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Bowtie hinges |
| US20170175428A1 (en) * | 2014-02-05 | 2017-06-22 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Bowtie Hinges |
| US20210180377A1 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2021-06-17 | Kyoraku Co., Ltd. | Method for producing structure |
-
2023
- 2023-12-08 AU AU2023278111A patent/AU2023278111B2/en active Active
-
2024
- 2024-07-29 CN CN202411024958.4A patent/CN119460433A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2010100641A4 (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2010-07-22 | Multisteps Pty Ltd | A produce container |
| US20170175428A1 (en) * | 2014-02-05 | 2017-06-22 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Bowtie Hinges |
| AU2016100753A4 (en) * | 2014-05-20 | 2016-06-23 | Multisteps Pty Ltd | A Produce Container |
| WO2017024106A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-09 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Bowtie hinges |
| US20210180377A1 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2021-06-17 | Kyoraku Co., Ltd. | Method for producing structure |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2023278111A1 (en) | 2025-02-13 |
| CN119460433A (en) | 2025-02-18 |
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